Mushoku Tensei (WN) Chapter Volume 10

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I will marry Sylphy.

Marriage.

It is sothing I never experienced in my previous life.

It feels a little premature for that matter.

Thus I have a great deal of anxiety.

But, more than that, the expectation as a couple is high and such a thing is allowed.

When I think that the pretty girl is to get my poisonous fang, it would be coveted.

No, of course I don't intend to do anything that Sylphy hates.

However, I was troubled.

When I think about it, I don't know much about the marriage system of this world.

At least, I have never seen such a thing as a wedding ceremony until now.

Paul didn't hold a wedding ceremony with Lilia either.

At best, it's enough to have a celebration by calling people from the village.

Asura nobles throw parties once they get married, but I've never heard of them holding sothing like a wedding ceremony.

However, marriage and relationship, the concept of a partnership.

But I don't understand it.

What is marriage?

What should a married man do?

What do I do?

16 years have passed since I ca to this world and I don't even have such basic common sense.

Now what?

If I don't know, I will learn.

A person can learn it.

If I don't understand, I should ask.

"Are you getting married?"

At first, I decided to ask Zanoba (a 26 years old divorcee[Widower][1]) in ti for dinner.

The place is a dining room in the dormitory.

"Over ti, I gave my partner's family a dostic animal, a soldier, and food as gifts."

In the case of marriage in Shirone, it seems to be common sense that a man sends a gift to the woman's relatives.

"Since you're a prince, isn't it easy to get?"

"Yes? For anyone, even if he is a prince, it is natural that the man sends the gift."

And then Cliff's head coincidentally pops by.

"It's reversed in Milis. The family of the bride gives her a betrothal present."

It has beco regular for Cliff to have dinner with us.

This is because he has few friends, so it's lonely for him.

"Oh, but that's it. Don't you lose the woman's family?"

"Instead, the man helps out when there's sothing going on in the bride's ho."

"I see."

Be it Milis or Shirone, recognition of marriage is a strong connection between houses.

"Oh, a marriage is different for different races."

"How is it with the Elf Race?"

"......The truth is I haven't married Liese yet. We have the promise to solve the curse, so I don't know the customs yet. Since Liese is different from the other elves she doesn't seem to be particular about such things."

We had a long discussion.

But talk of a wedding ceremony never ca up.

Won't there be sothing called a wedding ceremony?

There isn't. Is it good that there isn't?

"Then if you're to marry soone, what do you need?"

"You're right... First is a house?"

"Umu."

Zanoba nodded at Cliff's words.

House.

A house.

"Oh? Why is it suddenly a house?"

"It's obvious. In order to get married, what are you going to do without a house."

Looking at Zanoba's face, of course he's nodding.

In this world, is it necessary to have a house to marry?

That reminds . Did Paul co to live in Buina village upon marrying?

Was he living in the adventurer's inn until then?

When I[2] asked, he said Philip granted him a house and a job.

"Generally girls can't enter the male dormitory, so their only options are to refrain from marriage before graduation or to leave the dorm after the marriage. Since there isn't a place to live in."

Now that you ntion it that certainly seems true.

I haven't heard any stories of a couple living in a dormitory.

There is no dormitory for married people.

There aren't any concepts of long distance or commuting relationships here.

Basically, a couple lives together.

"Anyway, if the daughter is from a good place, and the other side has a house, either way you are ho free. It is resourcefulness that a man prepares."

There's too much male chauvinism in Cliff's words.

But is this the common sense of this world even without our families' assistance?

It'd be reasonable that I prepare for such a thing.

Rather, she might be disillusioned with if I'm not prepared.

"I understand. First is a house."

Cliff made a suspicious expression when he said so.

"Wait Rudeus, are you getting married?"

"Yeah, well."

"With whom?"

A question from Cliff.

Sohow it doesn't seem right to give Sylphy's na.

It will definitely be found out at so point, but should I keep it secret for a little longer?

"It's the person who cured my disease."

"Oh, I see. Na?"

"Well, let's leave that as a secret for now."

"I see...... well, if the partner is from Milis, I'm acquainted with the bishop of this town, and I'm good with informal congratulatory addresses."

"Yes."

So there seems to be a wedding ceremony-like thing in Milis.

In Japan, the wedding ceremony is regarded as particularly awful, but it isn't so here?

However, in this world, it seems to be offensive if you imitate a different sect.

I am not a follower of Milis.

Neither is Sylphy.

"Still, a house... A house will be expensive."

"Shishō, if you do not have enough money shall I lend assistance?"

"Though... I would feel ashad that I have to depend on Zanoba for this kind of thing."

Even I want to maintain my pride as a man.

What is the market price of a house in this neighborhood anyway?

Hopefully my savings will suffice.

"Anyway, I'll check around town tomorrow. If it looks impossible, then I'll ask."

"Naturally. Rest assured, Shisho will be able to purchase the biggest house in town."

Zanoba said so and laughed.

Royalty doesn't feel any different despite being from a small country.

The next day I proceeded to the real estate agent.

Normally the local feudal lord would provide forms for citizens to rent out land and buildings.

However there is no feudal lord in the Magic City Sharia.

The Magic Triumvirate and the Magic Guild collaborate to manage the territory.

The problem that occurs in situations where there is no lord has been solved by installing a [Real Estate Broker].

Though I don't know what kind of problem was actually taking place.

I call it a [Real Estate Broker] for convenience, but the official na is [Land Managent Agency] or sothing like that.

They buy and sell unoccupied houses, and manage vacant land and developnt.

It's like a so-called governnt office.

When I went to one of these real estate agents and said, [I want a house], the receptionist handed a list.

The list of houses on the market was summarized in one page.

Size of the property, the size of the building, number of rooms, the price, the address, etc...

The list ranged from small houses to mansions, each property was very different.

"Um."

Honestly, I don't understand how much it cost to buy a house.

After all, I wonder about a single-room house with a garden would be good... it would be nice to have enough room to keep a dog.

Or wouldn't an apartnt like a tenent house work?

Sylphy is the escort of the princess.

The house should be good, even without considering the fact that she's an escort.

However, because she's an escort, Princess Ariel might visit.

Since that's the case, it would be bad if we had a poor house.

Still, I instinctively clutch my wallet when thinking about buying a high-quality house suited for nobles.[3]

Should I ask Zanoba for support?

No, I am hesitant to use a friend as a wallet.

Especially since I'm not looking to buy a modest house.

"Um."

I might co with Sylphy.

I wonder if I should consult with the bride about such a large expense.

No, in this world a man should purchase the house. I also want to impress the woman I like.

When I talk to Sylphy I don't want to seem like a miserable excuse for a man.

I must show my resourcefulness.

"It needs to be large, have many rooms, and the property must be cheap..."

I start scanning the list for such a property.

No matter what world you're in, buying a house will be expensive for sure.

Though it could have been considered normal for a newly-wed couple to rent a cheap apartnt in my old world.

"Oh?"

And there, I found a good property.

Right at the end of the list.

The property has a single structure.

For its size it could be considered a mansion.

It is located in a corner of the town, but it isn't far from the Magic University.

It is 2-stories, and it also has a basent and a garden.

The only problem is that the house is slightly old.

The price is surprisingly cheap, less than the half price of a comparable property.

If it's this much, I can buy it and still have money left over.

"Why is this listing so cheap?"

The staff mber shows a bitter smile when I asked.

"It's a fact that the mansion is haunted."

"Is it a curse?"

"Yes, around midnight you can hear sharp sounds, but even if you look for the sound you won't find anything. When you think that the house is rumbling or sothing and try to leave it, the next day you'll be found cruelly murdered."

Are you serious?

Well, I didn't hear the story well.

Haunted house.

And I wonder if it's evil spirits.

There are demons in this world, too.

"You didn't exorcise it?"

"A request was given to the Adventurer's Guild, but the adventurers were brutally murdered."

In short, nobody was able to succeed in exorcising it.

By the way, the subjugation rank of the request seems to be E.

I want to raise the rank, but the budget is lacking and there is also friction with the Adventurer's Guild, which seems difficult in various ways.

"Did you ask for help from the Magic Guild?"

"Yes, but they are in a difficult position to interfere with things of this nature, so we can only handle it on our own."

The real estate agent was about to give up on the haunted house.

Co to think of it, there was a similar case that happened when I was on the magical continent.

It's certainly a common thing in this world.

"If I succeed in exorcising the house, I don't suppose... that you could hand it over for free?"

This guy has a look as if he can't believe what I just asked.

Is that so.

It seems that they will sell it even if it's troubleso.

"I'm sorry, then can we proceed with a temporary contract so I can inspect the property at a later date?

"...Then, I'll ask for your na here."

Although I failed in the initial negotiations, I signed the temporary contract without minding it.

Since there was also a place for references I wrote Demon King Badigadi and Princess Ariel.

Submit.

The staff mber's face paled a bit when he looked at the contract, then retreated back into the offices.

His supervisor appeared imdiately.

While rubbing his hands together.

Did this happen because my na is famous?

No, ntioning Badigadi and Ariel might be the reason.

Well, whatever.

I cut in while they spoke a little and the negotiations were concluded.

Furthermore they reduced the price by half.

Well, the property was treated like a plague.

But I'm not going to complain.

A few days later.

I went to visit the haunted house.

The building itself is firm, even though it was built more than a hundred years ago.

In this world, probably because magical power dwells in everything, it may take ti for it to rot.

The supports are made of solid stone and it has hardwood floors.

An intricate building made of stone and wood.

Moss and ivy are stuck to its outer walls.

However it's a beautiful thing.

I imagined it being a more terrible looking house.

"Well, Zanoba-san, Cliff-san, will we give up?"

Zanoba and Cliff stand a ways behind .

Although I am an A-rank adventurer, I am self-conscious enough to not attempt this alone.

Therefore I asked Zanoba to lend his strength, he is a man I can rely upon.

Zanoba can handle it even if a western doll waving a kitchen knife cos out.

Cliff also ca along because he had the eyes of soone who wanted to help out his friends.

That said, he's a genius who can use advanced level Exorcism magic.

If the other party is a demon or evil spirit-based, he will certainly be helpful.

"It's a very good house. It looks a little cramped, but about this size... is this much considered reasonable?"

"Isn't this house too large to live in with only two people? If it was , first I would buy a small house then save money. Then later, if it becos too small, I would move."

The two opinions contrast.

I guess that ans I'll take this as the middle ground.

"The price is low for a reason, now let's go."

"You are wise Shishō, more than anything."

Zanoba starts walking calmly while saying that.

He has a club in one hand.

It is a weapon that I prepared.

During subjugation requests being unard is bad, but this guy with his monstrous[4] strength seems to break all of his weapons.

So I gave him a club which I made with earth magic.

It's a free weapon to break.

Cliff is in the middle.

He's clutching his staff, which seems to be expensive, and looking around restlessly.

Even if the person himself intends to be cautious, I can only see it as being scared.

I act as the rear guard and prepare for an attack from behind.

It is important that the party protects Cliff who can use healing magic.

As for , who's the most experienced, I'm in the back to also keep a close watch on everyone.

I walked over the broken stone pavent to arrive at the entrance.

There is a cracked wooden door.

One hinge is broken.

I better repair this later.

"I don't think that there's a risk of a trap, but please be careful."

"Yes, Shishō."

While watching with my foresight eye,

Zanoba grabbed the doorknob and just broke it.

No hesitation.

"Hey, don't break it so suddenly."

"Excuse . The door was distorted and it wouldn't open. Renovation would have been necessary anyway."

Apparently, the door that looked safe upon first glance was sohow distorted.

"Is that so? But you should say sothing next ti."

"Yes, Shishō."

Just the answer is fine, Zanoba.

Anyway, we entered the house.

We saw the lobby imdiately.

There are stairs going up to the second floor directly in front of us and there are doors on our right and left.

There is a corridor leading to the back, near the side of the stairs.

Although it's viewed as a haunted house from the outside, the inside was bright.

The house's exposure to the sun is good. It is a good place.

Does a real estate agent regularly clean? There isn't much dust piling up.

"Shishō, how should we proceed?"

"First we'll start by investigating the right side of the house, looking through all the rooms. I don't think that there are traps, but please be careful where you step because there is a possibility that the floor and ceiling have beco rotten."

Zanoba nodded, and Cliff looked back.

"You, you look like the real thing, you know."

"...For the ti being, I am also an A-rank adventurer after all."

"Ah, that's right."

Cliff seems to be tense or sothing.

That reminds , it seed like he went off on an adventure with Elinalise and [Stepped Leader] the other day, but I never heard any details.

How did it turn out?

"That reminds , how did the adventure go the other day?"

"...It was harsh."

"Well, they are all S-ranked..."

It probably wasn't that harsh for every mber of [Stepped Leader].

I understand that their partner is a rookie.

They might not have been very considerate of that fact since it was their intention to educate him about this and that.

However, it's another story if Cliff didn't think of it like that.

"What should I do?"

"Please attack with Exorcism magic if you find an enemy."

"I understand... What should I do if that doesn't defeat the spirit?"

"Please withdraw, Zanoba or I will handle it."

When I said that, Cliff made a face that seed offended.

I follow up.

"Because if Cliff-senpai uses magic, the house may be damaged."

Cliff seems to be convinced when I say that.

I had better let the beginner get a hit in.

You use Exorcism magic if you find an enemy.

That's the first wave of attack.

Then I'll join in if that doesn't work.

"Zanoba. There is a possibility that a demon who uses magic is lurking, so please be careful."

"Leave it to ."

Unexpectedly Zanoba has a warrior's temperant and was not scared at all.

Reassuring.

I enter the door to the right of the lobby.

It was a large room.

The room was around the size of 20 tatami mats.[5]

It was well lit, there was a large fireplace against the wall towards the back of the room.

I wonder if this place is the living room or the dining room?

The fireplace becos a concern.

"Cliff-senpai, this fireplace, could it be a magic tool?"

"Here, I will know if I try to examine it."

Cliff was just about to go look around the back of the fireplace...

"Stop. There may be an enemy."

We'll stop there, I'll inspect the fireplace.

"Um."

Winters around here are cold, so heating is important.

If the fireplace is a magic tool, then the whole house will beco warm.

If it isn't[6], then we'll consider remodeling.

No...! In the cold, Sylphy and I hugging each other naked is what will keep us warm... but a good fireplace is still hard to pass up.

"Get ready, when I start forcing air through the fireplace anything like a demon hiding inside should co flying out."

And to draw its attention, with magic I force a strong wind through the fireplace's chimney.

Nothing happens.

I listen carefully, but there isn't any sign that sothing is moving.

So soot fell down from the chimney.

I wonder if I should try maintaining a fire in it at least once while we're here.

If there's a hole or sothing in the chimney and it starts a fire, that would be unpleasant.

Anyway, I decided to go and take a look through from the bottom.

I could see the sky from the depths of the chimney.

For the ti being I light it and try to maintain the fire for a mont.

There is no sign that anything is lurking.

It should be all right.

"Cliff-senpai, thank you for waiting."

"All right."

Cliff investigated the inside of the fireplace and discovered a magic circle imdiately.

As expected, since he has been examining a lot of magic tools and curses recently.

"It is usable?"

"I don't understand how the fire works, but it seems to be no problem with magic."

"Is that so, thank you."

All right.

I nodded and we moved to the next room.

Looking from the entrance, it is the room to the right.

The floor in this room is stone and there seems to be sothing like a stove.

Perhaps this is the kitchen.

A piece of cloth is on the ground near the stove, and when I went to pick it up I noticed it was a piece of tattered apron.

Sylphy might be willing to cook for in a naked apron here.

If I think about that, it is sothing to be excited about.

Innovation, and then remorse.

We're here to get rid of the evil spirits.

It's not the situation to be getting up. [7]

I checked the stove and anywhere else that seems like it might be a hiding place.

"All right, there is nothing unusual, next."

On the way, I look at the rooms in sequence.

I discovered a door to the basent behind the stairs.

I advance to the next room counter-clockwise.

There is nothing unusual.

There were places where the dust has piled up a little, but these rooms are so beautiful you wouldn't think of them as over a hundred years old.

Did the forr residents even do repairs?

"Is this the last room?"

I finished inspecting the rooms on the ground floor.

Although I knew by looking at the floor plan, this mansion is symtrical.

However, there was no stove in the kitchen on the other side.

That room might have been used for another purpose, not for cooking.

Maybe for laundry.

But, let's call it a kitchen for the ti being.

2 kitchens.

2 large rooms.

4 small rooms.

2 toilets.

I get the impression that this house was built by renovating two smaller houses together.

The only staircase is the one near the entrance.

"The basent or the upper floor. Which place is more likely to have a demon?"

"I guess the basent."

"It will be the basent."

Unanimously it was decided that we check the basent first.

The door to the basent is attached to the back of the stairs to the upper floor.

A door which requires a key and looks like a storeroom.

The stairs leading into the basent were dark...

I light the lamps which I prepared and handed them to Zanoba and Cliff.

"I'll use my foresight eye to support from the rear. Don't part with the lamp even if you think that it's dangerous, I can't support you if I can't see."

"Wahaha, I am a Miko. There is nothing I fear."

While spitting out a reliable death flag, Zanoba goes down the stairs.

Be more careful.

There might even be an arrow that will co flying out as soon as you open a door.

We arrived at the basent.

"Hmm, there's nothing."

The basent was deserted.

So wooden shelves were lined up side-by-side.

It feels like an empty warehouse.

I light up the dark room, but there is no sign of sothing lurking.

There is a little stain on the wall, but it doesn't particularly look like blood.

Towards the end of the wall board, there's just a little rot.

This is... We have to accept this for the ti being.

There isn't a demon.

That was anticlimactic.

"Okay, so the upper floor is next."

We go out of the basent and head back to the lobby.

Then we carefully go up the stairs to the upper floor.

The wooden stairs don't make a sound. They're solid.

We make it upstairs and begin to inspect the rooms one by one.

The upper floor was also symtrical.

There are two slightly larger rooms on each end which connect to the inside of their adjoining rooms.

The other rooms are six tatami side-by-side.

There are a total of 8 rooms.

4 small rooms of about six tatami.[8]

2 rooms of about twelve tatami.

The middle room which leads to the bedroom had an area of about six tatami.

In addition, there was the balcony in the middle room, too.

"Hm."

Let's put a big bed in the bedroom.

A bed large enough to fit three people lying down.

Maybe I could combine two normal beds...

No, sleeping huddled in a small bed isn't that bad.

You'll be warm when you wake up from sleeping side by side.

Being sexually active, with Sylphy's chest to massage within arm's reach.

It isn't too bad.

Anyway, the bed is important since I use it every day.

Oops, of course it isn't limited to erotic purposes.

It's also to sleep in every day.

"Cliff-senpai."

"What is it? Did you find what it was?"

"Do you think a bigger bed is better when you use it as a couple?"

"Ah...?"

Cliff falls silent for approximately several seconds.

Thinking.

He inhales suddenly.

And sighed.

"It is. Such a 'thing' is also important, but it's rude to the other party if you are always like that."

"Yeah... Hm, is that so."

His words are persuasive for so reason.

I wonder what Elinalise would do.

As soon as they are alone in a room, Elinalise would attack Cliff with bloodshot eyes.

I can't imagine it easily.[9]

I will take it to heart.

Oh, apart from that, is there a need to make the bed slightly bigger?

"Phew, there isn't."

I said with a sigh after looking around the last rooms.

"So, as planned, let's spend a night here."

"Yes. Thank you."

I didn't expect to see the problem when I was tentatively searching for it today.

Originally, it's a story of a guy that appears in the middle of the night.

Along with a sharp sound.

It's a creepy story.

Perhaps so kind of demon has settled down here.

I don't know of a demon ghost or any another demon.

I didn't think that it was a strong demon when I was in town, but carelessness is bad because the low rank adventurers that failed the request are now dead.

Unexpectedly, you don't know whether a holess thief or sothing else has made this their headquarters either.

There's a kirikiri sound sharply picking at the entrance.

No, the door was broken. Then is it the back door?

A sll doesn't do for it.[10]

Isn't there a line?

Um, I don't know.

Are three people enough? I should have also brought Elinalise... just to make sure.

In her experience, acquired through age, she might have known about sothing like this.

But to be honest, I feel like I can't put up with her in a sexual sense.

A shadow that cos creeping in when you see it in the middle of the night.

The temptation that is whispered in the ear...

[Cliff is sleeping in the other room.]

[No, it is not okay.]

I also understand that.

It's not good.

I made an announcent at the end of the second floor, from just outside the bedroom.

"I will wait here tonight. You may not show up during the day, but for the ti being I'm sleeping here tonight."

"Hmm. Julie will be worried."

"I'm also worried about Liese."

The two people spoke their worries about the woman whom they each left.

Julie's a smart child.

However I understand that she's considered a slave as well.

In the corners of the male dormitory, many of the nobles like to prowl indiscriminately.

But Zanoba doesn't need to worry.

Elinalise is a woman who is lascivious.

I also know that she is popular.

She may have an affair by taking advantage of when Cliff isn't there tonight.

It will be a worry for him.

In contrast, how about my Sylphy?

She will escort the princess today.

It's as usual, nothing to worry about.

No, I said I would go out today, but I didn't say that I was going to stay out.

Possibly, she may plan to co to my room and talk a little bit before going to bed.

However, I am not there.

Sylphy might be left waiting in a cold corridor.

A voice echoes out [Rudi's late...] all alone.

I'm worried about it.

"The night will fall soon."

At Zanoba's words, I look out and see the sunset's reflection in the window.

I can't tell her before tonight.

Sylphy would have already returned to the girl's dormitory.

No, even without saying it directly, if I write sothing in front of the door saying I'm out tonight...

All right, let's do it, let's do it now.

Oh wait.

What will these two do while I'm out.

It is regrettable.

For the ti being, I'm the leader of this party.

Well it's a little thing.

Even Sylphy will understand it, if I explain it properly later.

No, but I heard sowhere a long ti ago.

The accumulation of little things will produce a big crack later on.

Damn, I have a bad feeling about this.

During such a ti I'm wearing a death flag on purpose, I must dispel this bad feeling.

"Zanoba."

"What's the matter?"

"...When this request is over, I'll get married."

"Yes. It is sothing that should be done quickly if you want to celebrate grandly in this mansion."

Zanoba nodded while looking puzzled.

My bad.

I had a bad feeling I wouldn't make it out the front door.

I felt that it would be impossible to succeed if I said sothing like [Please give us your blessing.] while riding the mood here.

That... For the ti being, I'll put so hard thing in my breast pocket.

And, although I thought that, I have no breast pocket.

It is not possible to suddenly stop a flying .357 magnum bullet like this.

Cliff interrupted my line of thought.

"Invite Liese and to the celebration."

"Isn't that natural?"

"It's okay if you take for granted, but I would feel sorry for Liese to be left out."

Because Cliff is a guy who cannot read the mood, I wonder if he's always this glum.

Pitiful guy.

I'll invite him properly.

Of course, Elinalise also.

Ah.

Nevertheless, I am a man.

I want to end this quickly and rub Sylphy's breasts.

No, I will strongly endure for now.

Because I will have many troubles later.

While I considered this, it beca nightti.

On the other hand, Sylphy heard the information that Rudeus had prepared a house for them, so at that ti she was lying around and hugging a pillow while rembering her delusion.

We will take turns keeping watch at night.

Two people sleep while the other is the lookout.

If there is an abnormality, we wake up the two remaining people imdiately.

It's such an arrangent.

That said, I'll wake them up by all ans if there's a particular "Kirikiri" sound.

The room we are sleeping in is the sa one in which the previous resident was cruelly murdered.

It's a room at the end of the hall on the upper floor.

It may be related to the place that a demon appears.

I can't really think of this kind of thing being caused by so sort of holess thief, but if it is then it would ease my mind.

If the opponent is a human, dealing with them is easy.

There might even be a reward for catching them, which will help the wedding fund.

If the opponent is a demon, it's simpler.

Search and destroy.

It is really simple.

"Wake up Rudeus! There's a sound!"

It was Cliff who woke up.

I sprang up imdiately.

Zanoba is still sleeping.

We had rotating guard shifts for about two hours to allow each other to get a shallow sleep.

Since we don't know the exact ti, we used an hourglass.

It is the second shift now.

In the middle of the night.

It's just the right ti for a demon to co out.

"Please wake up Zanoba."

I briefly told Cliff and moved to the door.

And I listen carefully.

Kiri ...... Kiri .......

...... Kata ...... Kata .......

............ Kyi ....... Kyi ......

Hm, this is dangerous.

It sounds real.

It's very clear.

The sound is like a chair creaking.

Scary.

I was able to see with foresight eyes.

"Afu ~a ......"

Zanoba while rubbing his eyes, yawned greatly.

I confirm it and put my hand on the doorknob.

Then, I open the door slowly, so as not to make a noise.

I look at the hallway.

Nothing.

Just in case, I also look at the other side.

Nothing.

The top, the bottom. Nothing.

I listen carefully.

I hear nothing.

The sound has already stopped.

Zanoba got up.

"What's up?"

"There's nothing there."

We can either search inside the house or wait until there is a change in this room.

The forr resident thought that he misheard the sound, left it unattended, and died.

The thing is, if we wait here... and there is so kind of threat...

No, even the previous resident, if he heard a sound that clear he would have gone to investigate.

Do I imitate him?

"I will search for the enemy."

"All right. Is the formation the sa as before?"

"Oh, be careful."

"If Shishō protects the back, it would be a relief."

Zanoba has a stone club.

Cliff filled with tension, followed.

"Cliff-sempai, do you rember what to do?"

"I'll cast Exorcism magic."

"That's right. Thank you"

So it's okay.

Zanoba is the tank while Cliff uses Exorcism magic, and if that doesn't work I'll use a rock bullet.

All right.

"Zanoba, go."

A night search began.

I know where the rooms are since we examined the house once already during the day.

The search operation went smoothly.

First, I examine all the rooms upstairs.

Nothing unusual.

Then, we carefully went down to the ground floor.

We check out the rooms one by one, such as the stove or fireplace, and other places sothing might be hidden.

Nothing unusual.

The rooms are all beautiful.

"Shishō, only the basent is left."

"Ah."

We move to the basent.

The door behind the stairs.

The stairs to the basent.

It's dark.

There seems to be so strange sense from the basent.

It seems I'm also tense.

I could hear my heart thumping.

A single deep breath.

While paying attention at the back, we descended the stairs.

I feel like I'm descending into hell.

We arrived at the basent.

"What's up?"

"There is nothing."

Zanoba answered so.

I also tried to light up the surroundings with a lamp.

I try to look carefully at the corner.

But, there's nothing there.

However, the forr resident would have examined the basent too.

It's the most suspicious place.

However, there was nothing to be found even if you look at a glance.

"For the ti being, let's prepare for a surprise attack once we return to the room."

I heard the sound.

Then the enemy will co.

Alternatively, it may wait to attack until after we fall fast asleep...

Well, we can also try to pretend to be asleep until tomorrow.

We carefully leave the basent.

And go up to the second floor.

We walked to the hallway and ca back to the room we waited in.

"Zanoba, please be careful when opening the door, It is also possible that it is lurking in the room where we slept."

"I understand."

Zanoba slowly reached the doorknob while grasping his stone club.

It opened.

Nothing happens.

"...."

"...seems to be all right."

Nothing.

No attack.

"Fu ~u......"

A sigh.

Let's see if it attacks the place again while we are sleeping

Or, for example, if it attacks while using the toilet.

That reminds , I didn't examine the garden.

When tomorrow cos, I guess I should also investigate the garden.

And.

Then, suddenly.

I looked back.

There it is.

Down the hall.

Lowering its posture as if to crawl.

The upper body part peeped out from the stairs.

It tilts his head looking at .

I wonder if it's human.

There was an eye. There was a nose. There was a mouth.

There was no hair. There were no ears.

And I didn't feel its life either.

"..."

In the dark, while the pale silhouette rose, the guy was looking at .

For several seconds, we stared at each other.

"You-"

The mont I was about to say sothing.

That fellow moved.

It raised its upper body as if about to leap, then jumped to the second floor.

There were four hands.

There were also four feet.

In the dark, that person while brandishing a kind of stake in his hand, while moving four feet, without a sound, ran over here with trendous speed.

"Uoaaa!?"

I lost my balance.

I shot a Rock Bullet at once while falling on my backside.

It crosses my mind, my concern is that it might break the house.

Hesitation weakened the power of Rock Bullet.

The Rock Bullet crushed the shoulder of the guy and it staggered.

However, the guy doesn't stop.

He raises a stake toward .

Then I try to avoid it with foresight eye.

"Shishō!"

Zanoba jumped in front of .

A stake was swung down swiftly into Zanoba.

The stake struck an inch from his heart.

"Zanoba!"

It didn't stick.

Zanoba's Touki stopped the stake.

Is, it's Zanoba indeed!

Nothing serious!

Zanoba grabbed the guy's face with one hand.

It thrashed its 8 limbs in a frenzy, pounding on Zanoba.

"Then our God gives grace to the Mother Earth!

I do it against the law of nature, and give the foolish person Heaven's vengeance!

[Exorcist Rate] !"

Cliff started chanting while half of his body was still inside the room.

White light shot out from his staff and hit the guy.

However that guy's movents don't stop.

It isn't a ghost?

I aid my hand at the guy.

Rock Bullet.

Next I'll hit him in the face.

But in this position, I'll hit Zanoba.

"Zanoba, step aside, I'll use a Rock Bullet!"

"Shishō, please wait!"

Zanoba didn't move.

Even though his clothes were tattered from being continuously struck with the stake, he didn't flinch.

Why?

"It's fine, move! I'll do it!"

"Please wait! Shishō! Thank you!"

Zanoba hugged him.

As if to protect it from .

It continued to struggle in a frenzy.

Zanoba's clothes were shredded.

Despite his superhuman strength, he revealed an uncharacteristically slender back.

For several seconds, for several minutes, as ti passed.

The guy moved intensely, but gradually his movent dulls.

Eventually, it stopped moving.

"Fu ~u......"

Zanoba confird it, stripped off his torn clothes and tied up that guy's hands and feet.

"Shishō, first to the room."

"Ah."

I was prompted by Zanoba, and we returned to the room.

In the room, Cliff was trembling and shaking.

"I, I, wasn't running away you know. I thought the narrow hallway was becoming a hindrance."

"Well... It was a wise decision."

"R-Right?"

It wasn't convincing.

Well, I was also abruptly scared by it, and I won't say anything.

"Shishō."

"Zanoba, you survived. But it was dangerous. Because even you aren't an immortal like a Demon King..."

"Shishō its amazing, look here, please look at this."

Zanoba was very excited.

While completely ignoring my words, he had sat on the ground.

I hear a light sound unexpectedly clang-clang.

Zanoba lights it up with a lamp.

"This, this is a... doll?"

There a pale colored, wooden doll was laid out.

Four hands and four feet.

It is a strange figure, but it is a doll.

The feet were bound with cloth, when I thought that I didn't hear its footsteps. It is a black cloth.

I thought that it was a stake, but it is a broken hand.

Among the four hands, two of them were broken.

On it's face was a nose and a mouth made with minimal effort.

Sothing like a glass ball is fitted for the eyes.

It is inorganic too.

I t eyes with the damn thing.

To be honest. I don't want to look at it too much, it's too creepy.

Also... at so point it starts to move.

If you look at Cliff, he also seems to agree with .

Holding his staff, he was staring at the doll vigilantly.

"Shishō, this is amazing."

Only Zanoba was different.

He seems to not be able to hide his excitent.

If it cos with a rare doll, this is it imdiately.

"Zanoba, no matter how much you like a doll-"

"Shishō! This doll is moving! A doll moving!"

And, that said, I also noticed.

It is.

This doll attacked us.

"A doll that moves..."

A doll that moves.

Golem.

Automota

Maid Robo. Wa wa wa.

Such words crossed my mind.

The fear had faded in an instant.

"It certainly is amazing."

"Shishō, did you realize it at last?"

I listened to Zanoba whose tone seed to imply "There's no way Shishō wouldn't realize it".

It was a tone that stimulated pride.

"Ah. It was nice of you to not break it. Zanoba, there's no doubt in your judgnt."

"Fu fu, I noticed that this was a doll at first glance."

"Indeed, your eye for dolls has already surpassed ."

I properly praised Zanoba who had a satisfied look.

However, it is a moving doll.

If you think about it, there are moving minerals like a golem or sothing like that in this world.

This doll is a wood carving, but maybe its possible to move a stone figure.

Being able to move the figure itself.

Using a man-made material such as silicon, creating a doll with the skin of a person is possible.

And if it moves...

The dream spreads.

"Zanoba, what should we do. My heart is racing."

"Shishō, too. I can barely contain tears of joy!"

First of all, let's take this doll back ho.

Then examine how it moves.

Since it can't normally move, it might be like a magic tool with a magic circle carved in it.

"Hey, you guys, give a break!"

And, he was angry suddenly.

Cliff still remains clenching his staff, while glaring.

"This isn't the ti or place to talk about such a thing!"

"What do you an [such a thing]!"

Zanoba grabbed Cliff's face, and lifted him into the air.

"Agaaaa!!"

Cliff grabbed Zanoba's arm while remaining suspended, but it won't budge.

It's been a while since I last saw this spectacle.

"A doll moved! Why don't you understand its importance!"

"Owowow! There are demons that create moving armors too you know!"

A demon.

Hearing that term, I rembered our objective.

We did not co here to catch a moving doll.

I ca to obtain this house.

However, securing the house, and clearing up the mystery of the moving doll...

It's not like I can't do both.

"Zanoba, please release your hand."

"Mu, but shishō."

"Cliff-senpai's words are reasonable."

Zanoba released his grip.

Cliff is let down instantly, I cast healing magic imdiately.

What a crybaby.

"Perhaps, this doll is the identity of the demon."

"Um."

"There may not be just one. Lets find and capture the rest. Maybe we'll find blueprints for the doll."

"Oh, I see, for sure!"

Zanoba with a face convinced nodded and said.

"We won't sleep tonight.

Let's thoroughly search for where this doll was hiding."

Thus, the third house search began.

There is nowhere to hide such a large doll.

The consensus was, after looking around the house twice, there wasn't such a place.

I thought there might be sothing in the garden we haven't accounted for, but there was nothing.

There were the doll's footprints in the snow, but that was it.

Therefore, an idea cos to mind, that there is a room hidden sowhere.

The house was made to be symtrical.

If we go looking for a part that's not symtrical, we might find sothing.

I thought so, and tried looking for a dubious place while checking the floor plan on both floors, but I couldn't find anything.

I an, the inside of the house is too dark.

Even if there was sothing unusual, it may go unnoticed.

"It might be better to reexamine it at noon tomorrow."

We agree with Cliff's idea and decided to search again the next day.

Before the search, I brought the doll back to the Magic University.

If you look at the bright side, the doll that has been found is quite old.

What looked pale is originally a white paint that had started to peel off due to mold.

"Are you master's new doll?"

I thought Julie would be frightened, but there was nothing to worry about.

She is looking at it curiously.

"Do you want to clean it?"

I heard that.

It seems she was sotis tasked with cleaning Zanoba's newly purchased dolls.

Zanoba says [It's to deepen the appreciation of dolls] it seems the best way to clean and polish a doll is by wiping it down with compassion.

She received a good education.

"How can we get it to move again?"

"After searching the mansion, we'll examine it."

It looked like Zanoba couldn't wait to start researching this doll.

I understand that feeling.

I understand it, but I want you to calm down.

For now, the doll had been sealed in a box which I made with earth magic.

It would be bad if Julie got attacked while we are not here.

I ca back to the house.

I purchased a large number of lamps to light all of the rooms.

I crushed all the possibilities that I hadn't considered when I first ca.

I also examined the fireplace.

I stuck my head inside to have a thorough look.

"Hmm, did it change..."

I finished searching the fireplace while knocking down so soot and spiders' webs.

Then, I noticed the cause of my discomfort yesterday.

The floor wasn't stained with soot.

As if sothing had done the cleaning, everything was neatly wiped clean.

When I think back, the cloth that had been sown to the doll's feet was black.

Each and every night it might have been cleaning the house with that cloth.

No, the house would be stained by using such cloth. Black is rather...

Oh, by any chance, that cloth, was it a magic tool?

No, let's put that on hold.

Now then, upper floor, ground floor, basent.

...The basent is still suspicious.

I brought a few lamps into the basent.

Since they could use up the oxygen, I left the door open.

I considered the possibility of sothing being hidden in the middle of the stairs, so I examined that as well.

In the deserted space of the basent, I arranged the lamps.

[Look! It's amazing, it's bright like the afternoon] is what a person from a fairy-tale might say.

"When it's this bright, I can tell just by looking."

The edge of the basent.

The wall which was made with a wooden board.

I didn't see it clearly when we were using only one or two lamps in the dark, but with this much light I could see clearly.

The corner of the wall, it had a dark square.

It is a hidden door.

I'm sure you wouldn't be able to tell it was there in just a bit of light when it was first made, but thanks to the passage of ti, the part which opens and closes got dirty, and it rose to the surface.

On the ground as well, the portion where it opens and shuts is clearly carved out.

"All right, let's enter at once!"

Cliff was excitedly moving to open the door.

In preparation for an attack, I looked ahead to the door with foresight eye.

But, Cliff stopped moving imdiately.

"What is it?"

"I don't know how to open it."

Since he said so, I also took a look.

There isn't a dent that is common among things such as sliding doors, nor is there a doorknob.

Even though that's the case, it's not like we can push it open either.

"Shishō, shall I break it?"

Zanoba's proposal, but I shake my head.

Although I could repair it, I don't really want to break it.

"Hmm ......"

I look at the ground.

The trace of the door opening and closing is left there.

It is certain that it opens. The door opens on this side.

"Nothing."

And, I noticed that one trace was slightly different.

The trace which opened the door begins with the third piece of board of the left.

A piece of the dark wood door slips off.

And there a little storage drawer opened.

The ninja village that I visited on a field trip during my elentary school days.

There was a hidden door there.

I rember the feeling and try to push the left edge.

A [Giii], sound let out.

However, it does not open. Heavy.

"Zanoba, try pressing here."

"Um."

I let Zanoba push it.

And then, the door made a [kiririkiki] sort of creaking sound as it rose and opened.

The sound in the middle of the night, was this sound?

On the interior side of the hidden door there was a doorknob. Probably to make closing it from the inside easy.

"I do not think there's a trap.... but there might be sothing, so please be careful."

I went inside while saying so and lighted up the inside with a lamp.

The possibility of a trap or a surprise attack ended as imaginary fears.

There was a small room.

One desk, a single wooden pedestal.

That's all.

On the desk, several books and ink pots were placed.

As for the pot, the cover is broken, and the contents have evaporated.

On the pedestal side I'm not sure what words would be good to describe it.

It might be similar to a coffin.

It's like a lump of wood the size of that.

I have the feeling that the surface is dented in the form of the doll.

After looking closely, in the place where the head goes... in the part where the eyes would set there are transparent stones embedded.

I felt intuitively that the doll in question had slept here.Most likely, that doll lays down here and recharges... no, it probably supplies magic power. [11]

"Cliff, do you know what this pedestal is?"

"No, this is the first ti I've seen it."

Cliff shook his head.

I touch the pedestal timidly.

I don't think it will suddenly shut on but...

I stretch out a hand to a certain book disregarded on a desk.

I understood that it was left unattended for a considerably long ti, but, fortunately, there was no trace of being worm-eaten.

Would the doll in question do the insect extermination?

The cover had a title and a crest.

The title isn't readable.

When I open it, the text is also not readable.

If it's in letters that I can't read then that ans it's either Heavenly God language, or Sea God language.

Or else it might be written in so other minor language.

But I have a feeling that I have read both the crest and the letter sowhere.

Where was it?

Was it at the Magic University Library?

I turn the page.

Then there were so figures.

The figure of a human body, it's a figure of the magic formation.

Furthermore, the human figure where there are four hands and feet appeared when I turned up a page.

"...Zanoba."

"Yes."

Zanoba who was waiting at the entrance, ca towards .

"I think, this is what was written in the doll, but what do you think?"

"I can't read it. However, perhaps this is it without doubt."

"How, show ."

After hearing such an exchange, Cliff had also stuck his head in.

While turning the pages lightly we looked through the book as a group.

The string binding together the pages is considerably old and, despite the paper, seed like it would co loose at any mont.

A figure, an arrow, and a letter.

Even if a comntary or an explanatory note is written, I wouldn't understand it at all.

Illustrations of the parts of the arms, magic circles, indicators, and so kind of notes.

These sorts of notes are written in the margins in various ways.

"If you're simply looking at the figure, it resembles the magic formation of a magic tool."

Cliff said it alone.

"Is that so?"

"Oh, I understand it because I studied it recently, I have seen similar magic formations. Perhaps, that doll would be a magic tool."

"I see."

I try to hypothesize.

The previous forr resident.

No, perhaps the first resident here, had probably studied the doll.

This magic circle might have touched upon so sort of taboo, so it was done secretly.

I think the doll was trying to protect this house, like the role of a security guard.

And the first resident half-completed it.

Going off the looks of that doll, it seems there were still a number of problems remaining, but they succeeded up to the point of making it able to move around inside of the estate and fight.

However, the first resident disappeared.

Whether he moved away with things left half finished or it was exposed and he was caught, I don't know.

It is very likely that he died of an unexpected accident, and the result of the research remains.

Probably... the doll at first might have been sleeping on this pedestal all the ti.

However, it started up for so reason.

It moved around while cleaning in the house, and started to act to fight off the intruder.

Perhaps, it was programd that if it finished cleaning, to return to this pedestal and charge.

Unfortunately I think the person who was murdered was recognized to be [an intruder] by the doll.

However, if it goes out to the garden then, it wouldn't have been surprising if soone had witnessed it, but...

No, the door of the entrance was broken like that wasn't it.

Co to think of it, in the building, only that door was broken.

The forr resident might have changed it. For security or sothing.

Since the shape of the door is changed, it wasn't able to open it.

Originally it was programd to patrol the garden, but it gave up because the door couldn't be opened.

However, the door was broken open when we entered.

Therefore, according to the program, it went around the garden.

And we passed each other.

After we returned to the upper floor, it caught up.

It doesn't seem strange to think that.

"Anyway, there doesn't seem to be any more dolls."

I an that, this case is closed.

As a precaution, I further search the house carefully,

and checked on its state for a few more days.

I also don't hear the sound in the middle of the night.

It is safe.

I went to the real estate agent and finished the formal agreent to buy the property.

As for the identity of the evil spirit, we said it was an evil demon that was hiding in the basent.

A supplier becos available from the next day and will do the repair work and cleaning.

I was asked if I wanted to buy everything including furniture from them, but I decided to go with just the bare minimum of things.

As such, it would be better to look around together with Sylphy.

That is to say, is it a Japanese-like sense?

Since there were a few parts where I wanted to help out on myself, the ti when we would actually be able to move in would be about half a month later.

From now on, the smiling face of Sylphy floats on my eyes.

["You see, this is our ho!"

"Kyaa, Rudi it's lovely."

"There's a large number of rooms after all, no matter how many children we have it'll be alright!"

"Thinking about the future as well, amazing, embrace !"

"Of course honey, the bed is already prepared."

"Rudi turn into a ss!"]

But my face shouldn't be effeminate.

...It's not a suitable face.

[Huh, Rudi were you only able to prepare a house of this level?]

Sylphy wouldn't say that. Yup, she is not that kind of selfish person.

Still, it was the product of hard work.

The house was cleared and bought in just a few days, I also got to keep the doll that was haunting it.

That doll, it's definitely a magic tool.

Normally, it might not be good if you don't submit those kinds of things to the Magic Guild.

Oh well, I don't yet belong to the magic guild, so it doesn't matter.

Since it was a part of the house I bought I'll just take ownership of it, like that.

Around the ti day ended, I decided to carry out the research materials that were in the basent.

Zanoba carries the pedestal, and I carry the books.

We'll use it for the study of the moving doll in question.

"Shishō."

On the way back to the magic university.

Zanoba addressed with a serious look.

He carried the huge pedestal over his shoulder.

It clearly wasn't made with the consideration that it would ever be carried around given its weight, it's only possible because it's Zanoba.

For the ti being, it was wrapped in cloth, but when viewed from a distance, he may appear to be carrying a coffin.

"What is it?"

"The study of this moving doll. Will you entrust it to ?"

I noticed his eyes unintentionally.

Unprecedented determination was seen through the depths of his round glasses.

Zanoba said。

"My total amount of magic is small, and my hands are also clumsy.Even the red dragon figure that I'm trying to do just hinders Shisho and nothing is proceeding at all."

That's not it.

He said it easily, but I felt the weight of his troubles on his mind.

It was not sothing he said lightly.

"But with sothing like this in front of , I think maybe I can do sothing. After looking at the book, I think I can understand what the writer wanted to do."

Hmm.

Is that so?

As both of them love dolls there may be sothing only they can understand. Even if they can't understand the language, maybe they can feel sothing.

"It will take so ti to understand the research. Although if Shisho does it, it will proceed more quickly."

I can't afford to spend all my ti researching this doll.

It might work if I allow Zanoba.

But.

"What would you do if the doll acts violently again?"

"Even if the doll runs away temporarily, if it's , I will be able to apprehend it without injury.

Shishō also should have seen it?"

Well, there is no problem in that respect.

And it would be a bit frightening if it began to move in the middle of the night, but perhaps if you don't charge it in this pedestal, it will not be able to move.

As expected, it's unsuitable to store it in Zanoba's room, we better borrow a research room from the Magic University.

A room with a firm door.

No, since it might have used so kind of taboo technique, it would probably be better to keep the research in a different place...?

Nanahoshi and I might also be borderline because of our study of teleportation magic, although I think that's all right.

Just in case I will ask for Nanahoshi's opinion on it, I think she's a mber of A class guild.

"Please Shisho, when Shisho's plan is fulfilled, I don't want it to end with just paying money."

"..."

However, Zanoba also has various considerations.

Although I am a little worried since he becos singleminded when it cos to dolls.

Said the person who allowed it being the case.

"Please! Leave this study to !"

When I fell silent, Zanoba seems to have misunderstood it.

He knelt on the spot.

He placed the pedestal down there and with both hands spread out fell to the ground on the spot.

What other choice do I possibly have with you prostrating yourself on the ground, in the snow.

"I understand. Zanoba, stand! I will leave it to you."

"Truly?!"

When I said so, Zanoba stood up with haste.

His expression beaming with joy.

As for this fellow, the change is quick.

"But, if by so chance there is a possibility that involves in the domain of a forbidden technique..."

"Is it a forbidden technique?"

"Well, for the ti being, since I will borrow a laboratory from the Magic University, please study it there."

"...Thank you!"

Zanoba lowered his head greatly again.

In that motion a part of the pedestal swept past my face, barely missing the tip of my nose.

That's dangerous.

What are you going to do if you hit my head.

"You guys, try not to standout so much while you're outside."

Finally, Cliff muttered alone.

Thus, Zanoba began research on the autonomous doll, and I obtained a house.

The next step is a renovation.

The Kingdom of Ranoa, Magic City Sharia.

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[12], it was overrun with moss and withered vines, and to describe it in one word, it was 'unsettling'.

The one who thought to live in this house was a client by the na of Rudeus Greyrat. He was a forr A ranked adventurer, and is 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 mont you took a step into the premises, you'd see a garden that lacked maintenance. 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 sothing that brought to mind the word 'abandoned'.

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

He wanted a nice clean ho[13] suitable for a pair of newlyweds. A single man accepted this client's request.

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 Milis as a base, he had many accomplishnts, 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 hamr hanging at his waist, and if strangers had sothing 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 hamr. Because of this, he was called 『Balda of the Hamr』.

"Yo, you've co. So you're 『Quagmire』, huh, boy?[14] I heard you were getting married!"

The person who had co to et the craftsman was the client this ti. He was known as 『Rudeus of the Quagmire』 on the streets, and was received sociably by the craftsman.

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

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

"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 imdiately frowned.

"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.

"What are you gonna do about the door?"

"Um, what do you an?"

"Like the materials, or the design. If you don't give 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.

"It's pretty worn out, huh."

"I-, is that so?"

"Though the floors were done very well, at least compared to the walls and ceiling. It's almost as if the basent 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 imdiately tell what parts were good, and what parts were bad. The floor, the stairs, upstairs, the dining room, the kitchen, the fireplace. These places were extrely 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.

"Still, I'll fix sothing like this in no ti."

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

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

"How is the fireplace?"

"Show ."

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

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

"Is that okay?"

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

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

"This is the signature of a genius Magic Director[15] that was here until 100 years ago. His na 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 ca 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 seed that sohow or other, the first owner of this house had created it.

"So, what are you gonna 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 so 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.

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

"If there isn't a stove, 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.

"There's nothing in particular to fix."

"Mister,[16] there's one thing I'd like to discuss with you."

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

"You've co up with sothing 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 sohow, huh? ...That's pretty good. Alright, I'll make it work sohow."

The client's idea was entrusted to the craftsman.

------

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

------

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 on the side that functions as a burglar alarm.

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

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

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

------

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?

------

Third Part - 『The Basent』

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

"It's a good basent, 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 sothing like this."

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

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

------

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

The client had brought his bride with him.

"I wonder what it is that you wanted to show ~ 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 extre monotone, the client walked through the snow.

"While we were separated, that ek and obedient Sylphy had turned into a liar. Thinking about it, it might be sothing 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, Rudi. You used Ariel-sama's na, and even until the end you didn't say anything about it to ."

"Sorry about that."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By the ti 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.

"You need to pay attention to the ti and place. That kind of thing is for nightti, 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."[17]

That pair went to look at the house.

--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 seed 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 unrecognizable 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 guard dog.---

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

"How is it?"

"Uhm, umm."

"I made the colour of the roof similar to the colour your hair used to be. Though it's sothing you might hate, it was sothing 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.

"Co 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.[18] You could tell from it the client's worry and regret over this world's shoe-wearing culture.

"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."

It was said in a tone like a certain[19] 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 ornants, 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.

"Wahhh, it's amazing."

"We can have our als 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 over."

"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.

"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-oriented room.

There was a sofa that was placed 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 ho', and you could see glimpses of his artisan's spirit in this room.

"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 beco softer with use."

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

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

The bride ekly sat on the sofa.

"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.

"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 equipnt were sitting in the room. The table was large enough that even if you killed a huge boar and brought it ho, 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.

"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 went down the hallway and entered it. When they did, the bride tilted her head.

"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.

"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-- 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 transford into a tasteful bath.---

"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 ti seeing such a big one. Is this what they call a hot spring?"[20]

"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-".

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

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

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

"Geez, what is it...?"

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

"'How'? A bath is sothing 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?"[21]

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

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

"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.

"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 blossod on their faces.

And so ends the docuntary-like introduction of the house to Sylphy. She's sitting on the bed, and nestled[22] against . 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 sothing I need to discuss with her.

"Sylphy, it's been about three weeks since we decided we'd get married. Though it was short, so ti has already passed."[23]

"Ye-, yes."

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

"Though we're getting married, honestly speaking, I have no idea what to do. Frankly speaking, though 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 soone like 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 so reason started to fidget.

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

"Y-, yeah."

Those were so really arousing words. Since this isn't modern Japan, there's no aversion to having children due to economic[24] reasons.

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

"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 becos pregnant she won't be able to continue as a guard. Well, if it was just that, or soone else could replace her. My battle ability is pretty high after all. However, being a guard isn't just about battles.

"What do you an 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.

"We'll be in this country for another 2 years, and it's not like she'll be returning to the Kingdom of Asura the mont 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 , what would she have said? Would she have thrown everything else away and remained with for the rest of her life? That would be nice in it's own way, but...

"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 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 lancholy expression, Sylphy lowered her gaze.

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

That kind of idea isn't really strong here. It might be because the n and won 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 n work and the won stay at ho.

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

Said Sylphy, with tears in her eyes. She seed apologetic for so reason.

2 years of abstinence. Having regained my sexual desires, two, no, three years worth of white stuff erupted from .[25] It's been inputted into my mind that Sylphy = person that allowed to do erotic stuff.

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

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

I'm such a massive sex beast that the Beast Race will draw away from . If you feed soone like an aphrodisiac, you'll be attacked. It was Sylphy's first ti. 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 with a smile.

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

"You're mine, Sylphy."

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

"So please marry ."

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

"...Yes."

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

"I'll try my best with the 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.

"...By sleeping, you an '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."[26]

"Umm... I'll 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 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 aningless in front of Sylphy. I was this sort of person from the beginning.

"Do you really like my boobs that much?"

"I love them."[27]

"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?

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

"No, these huge, iron-forged pecs[28] of mine are different from 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 .

"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.

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

"...A-, although I'm yours, Rudi, keep in mind the ti 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.

"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.

"Mn, that's right."

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

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

"Don't suddenly disappear, okay?"

"...Yeah."

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

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

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

"..."

"..."

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.

"...So then, can I?"

"G-, go ahead."

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

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

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

"...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.

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

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

--After-- The tal 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.---

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

That filthy workshop had been cleaned up, and transford into a subli, and divine space.

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

It's been a week since the house renovations were complete. Sylphy was given 7 days off by Ariel. So that Sylphy would have a good married life, Ariel gave her so consideration. making use of that, and for 7 days and 7 nights, being spoiled by Sylphy, spoiling Sylphy, and passing through many sweet and sordid nights...

Is not what happened.[29]

Since I've beco the head of a household as well, there are things that I have to do.

According to the common sense of this world, after getting married and buying a house, you host a feast and invite over people you're close to. Though I don't know which countries have this as their common sense, I do know that Shirone and Milis at least have this custom. If you just buy a new house, then it's fine not to hold one, but if you're getting married and buying a house, then you must host a feast. It's what people would call a wedding reception, huh?

"For now, let's invite our acquaintances and hold a party."

"Yes."

In the living room, we're sitting on the sofa and facing each other, and our foreheads are close together. We're looking downwards at a list of the people we're going to invite to the party. There's also a piece of paper for arranging the seating arrangents.

"Still, we sure have a range of acquaintances."

For , it's:

Elinalise, Zanoba, Julie, Cliff, Rinia, Pursena, Badigadi. Also I'm wondering what I should do about Jinas and Soldat.

For Sylphy, it's:

Ariel, Luke, and two others.

Altogether we have eleven people, give or take. If possible I would've liked to have invited Paul and the others, but there's no helping it since they aren't here. I'd sent a letter about our marriage, but who knows when it'll arrive.

"Royalty, Beast Race, Demon Race, Slave, Adventurer... There are so pretty foul-mouthed ones among them, so let's assu that problems will arise."

Since Rinia and Pursena still don't see Ariel in a very good light, we can expect that if they're face to face a dangerous situation will arise. Were this a wedding in my previous life then we could separate them and make sure they didn't et, but no matter how big our house may be, in the end it's still just a normal house. There's not even enough room to dance.

"You think so? Ariel-sama isn't a person who would cause problems in such a situation but..."

"Be that as it may, I don't want the atmosphere to go bad and having people want to go ho. If it cos down to it, should we split them into two groups...? We could isolate the problematic ones..."

"Mmmn, but since a lot of your acquaintances seem like they'll be important people in the future, Ariel-sama would be pretty happy to et them, right?"

In my mind floats the image of a motivated Ariel wearing makeup.

'Wedding receptions are a great opportunity because normally lots of handso guys will appear!' she says.

Nah, I know that's not how she is though.

In short, she wants to form connections with the Special Students. Ariel is also a calculating person.

"Then with Ariel-sama taking responsibility herself, the problem now is the seating order, huh?"

It seems that they can't just sit wherever. Having said that though, it's pretty hard to rank them in social importance, huh? At least Badigadi is the most important as a Demon King incumbent, but below him are Ariel, Zanoba, Rinia and Pursena. As they're all royalty, they'll all fuss over their appropriate seating.

Cliff also seems like he'll complain if he gets too low a seat but... He has undergone this kind of education. It might unexpectedly be fine. Moreover, as long as he's sitting next to Elinalise, he probably won't have any problems.

Since Julie is a slave she'd be at the end of the table, but she'd be pitiful if we separated her from Zanoba. She's still a child who isn't good with talking after all. Since she's my direct disciple, I wonder, if I can make it work sohow.

"How high, socially, are Ariel-sama's attendants?"

"Umm, they're middle-ranking nobles."

According to what Sylphy has said, they're won, but deciding where to put won and n is also difficult. Luke is the sa, but it'd be better not to separate him from Ariel too much. Though I can't imagine that one of my acquaintances would be one, it'd be terrible if Ariel got assassinated after all.

"Huh? Haven't we forgotten soone?"

While Sylphy was looking at her list, she suddenly said that. Being told that, I look at my list. A person I've forgotten. Who is it, I wonder. I don't think I've forgotten anyone but... Goriade-san?

"Ah, I got it! It's Nanahoshi-san! We have to invite her too!"

Being told this, I looked down at my list. Silent Sevenstar's na really wasn't written there. Ahh, I naturally forgot. Having said that though...

"Would she... co, do you think?"

"She'll definitely co."

"Should we invite her for now?"

Though I had no intention of leaving anyone out, she seed like she wanted to completely shut out this world after all. No, that and not inviting her are different matters. I'd better add her na to the list.

"Having only arranged it like this, what are we going to do if no one cos...?"

What ca to mind was Christmas in a certain ani. Though they had happily prepared a huge cake, no one ca and they went crazy.[30] It was that kind of painful image.

"At the very least, Ariel-sama and Zanoba-kun will definitely co, you know."

Sylphy's one line completely cast aside my anxiety. Ariel's party of four, and my two disciples, Zanoba and Julie. I think that these six people would definitely co. In Zanoba's case, even if I didn't invite him, he'd probably show up on the day prostrating with limbs and forehead on the ground, congratulating .

"After all, I think that Ariel-sama would like to deepen her bonds with you, Rudi. Also, Zanoba-kun probably understands that if he didn't co, your trust in him would collapse so... Rudi, you're pretty mindful of these kind of things, huh?"

A-A-A-As if I am. I'm the type of guy that don't give no shits 'bout the small things.

"I wonder if Rinia and Pursena would really miss it? After all, those of the Beast Race will never refuse an invitation from a superior."

"Is that how it is?"

"Mn, if for so reason they didn't co, it's fine just to teach the two of them a lesson again."

It seems that the Beast Race don't think that much is excessive. Thinking back to the ti in the Great Forest as well when Gyes was performing his dogeza, it might have been that from the perspective of the Beast Race, it was a situation where it wouldn't have been odd for Ruijerd to go on a huge rampage. Even when hit by Eris, they didn't say anything back, huh. On the contrary, after I was quickly released, they still made light of . Does that an that at so point I was being treated as soone lower ranked? Well, I don't know how it really was, though.

"Well, since Cliff did tell to call him as well, I wonder if he'll co."

"I kind of want Elinalise-san to co as well..." muttered Sylphy.

Elinalise. I wonder if sothing happened. I've never really seen the two speaking though.

"There's just sothing I'd like to ask her. It's nothing important though."

I wonder what it is. Could it be that she wants to ask if we've had sexual relations? With Elinalise at the very least, she won't hear anything even if she asks.[31]

We've sort of got an idea on what to do now.

Since there'll be more than 10 people coming, suitable ingredients are required. For that reason, first of all I'll need to go shopping. Sylphy and I head to the Comrce District, side by side.

"But before that, I was thinking of getting new clothes for you, Rudi."

So suggested Sylphy, When I hear 'clothes', I look down at what I'm wearing. It's the usual grey coloured robe. Since it's dayti, there's no need for thicker clothing.

"Ummm, you see, I like it when you wear robes, but as I thought, when you wear tattered robes like that, umm, people are watching, right? Ah, or could it be that, you like those robes?"

I don't really pay attention to how I dress, and amongst adventurers there are those who are in even crappier looking getups. That's why I never really worried about it but... If I'm dressed too shabbily, Sylphy's dignity will be at risk. It wouldn't be as bad when I'm alone, but I can't embarrass Sylphy.

"Hmmm, as the first robe I bought on the Demon Continent I am sort of attached to it, but it really is a bit mangy, huh?"

As for other clothes I have, it's basically just the fur vest. Because it doesn't look like sothing a magician would wear, I haven't worn it in a while. It's a little lacking in dignity to be worn next to Sylphy; after all, it looks just like sothing a mountain bandit would wear.

"Shall we go have a look at so clothing shops? I'll leave it up to your tastes, Sylphy."

"Mn, leave it to ."

Where we arrived was an expensive looking shop. It's a place I'd never go near were I alone. It's not a place I should be visiting wearing this robe. Sylphy had already donned her glasses and beco 『Fitts』.

"My, my, if it isn't Fitts. I've always been in your care."

Because Sylphy often cos here, the shop owner gives a deep bow. In other words, Ariel-sama in Fitts' appearance often cos here. He's a purveyor of the Asura royal family. I wonder if I have enough money. How scary.[32]

"Could you please show us your robes for magicians?"

"Yes. It's this way."

Though it's a high-class store like this, it seems that they have robes for magicians. Well, I guess that's natural. You can find magicians everywhere, to say nothing of the fact that this is the Magic City Sharia as well. It's a city where even the children of nobles are becoming magicians.

The place I was guided to was a place with flashy looking robes, made of good materials...

At least that's what I thought would be the case. It wasn't anything that different. It seems that no matter the shop, robes aren't all that different from each other. These ones do have so fine embroidery though.

"Though it may be rude of , would it be fine if I asked about what you specialize in, Sir?"

"Ah, yes. I guess water and earth then."

"In that case, what do you think of this one? It's made from the skin of the Rainforce Lizard that lives in the Great Forest. It possesses extrely high resistance to water. The design is by Fogren.[33] They're in charge of the designs for the Ranoa royal family's magicians."

I was suddenly recomnded a reptile coat[34]... Oh, I an a robe. Rainforce Lizards shouldn't be particularly resistant to water. I easily froze them after all.

"If it's earth, then I think this would be good. It's made from the hide of the Begaritto Continent's Big Worm(big earthworm) and even in a sandstorm you won't be hurt at all. The design is by the up-and-coming Flone. Flone is known for using their colours creatively, and though it looks like this, it's good for avoiding detection from monsters so has a lot of practical use."

The design does look like a camouflage robe. I wonder if it's just normal for high end shops to ntion the na of the design as well.

I don't dislike camouflage, but this is a little off. If I was going to pick sothing like this, it'd be nicer to have a winter-camouflage version, huh.

"Sy-... Fitts-senpai, which do you think would be good?"

"Let's see... Isn't this one kind of nice? It's similar to the clothes you're wearing now, Rudi."

What she was holding in her hands was a robe that was a darker grey than my current one. What is this colour called? Charcoal Grey?

There are more parts to it than my current robe. There are pockets, and buttons for doing up the sleeves. Instead of a belt, there's a cord for doing it up.[35]

"That one is produced from the hide of the Demon Continent's Lucky Rat. The design is by Kazura. They're known for having subdued designs, and are preferred by those who are a bit older."

"Mickey Mouse?"

"Lucky Rat, Sir. The Lucky Rat is a stronger variant of the Mackey Rat, and is a D-ranked monster. It's very good as clothing material and boasts strong resistance to poison and acid."

What floated through my mind was a black guy wearing red-shorts. I quickly shake my head. At this rate I'll get visitors in the night.[36]

By the way, during my ti traveling on the Demon Continent I'd seen Mackey Rats; they were huge rats of about half a ter. Since it'd a stronger variant, the Lucky Rat would probably be even bigger. When I had first seen the Mackey Rats during a request, I really shuddered. At any rate, these huge rats were running about inside a warehouse after all. There was a single Lucky Rat amongst them. I drew away from them, and Ruijerd and Eris sent a weird look, whilst kicking them about.[37]

"Since people do say 'Nas and natures often agree.', I wonder if I should go with this one."

Putting my mories of the rats aside, I do like this robe. My bride has good taste. But hm, what worries is the cost. Or so I was thinking as I checked it, and yep, it was a price that wasn't sothing you'd pay for clothing. Wow, it really is expensive. Though they may be small fry, the materials on the Demon Continent are high quality. On the Demon Continent you'd even build houses with them.

"'Nas and natures'...? Though it may be rude, may I ask for your na, Sir?"

"Ah, yes. I'm Rudeus Greyrat."

"Goodness, you were a mber of the Greyrat family? I do apologize. We've really been in Luke-sama's favor, so this ti we'll give you a discount."

Is this way of saying 'Send Luke our regards'? No, it's a bit different huh. Is it more like 'We'll be in your care next ti as well'? At any rate, getting a discount is a good thing.

"Does Luke often co here?"

"You should know as well, right, Fitts-sama?"

"Ah, mn. Umm, I ant besides the tis he cos with ."

"Yes, he'll always co here with a different woman."

While Sylphy was speaking with the shopkeeper, I was led away by a shop assistant and had my asurents taken. The one in the shop was just a sample in the end, and the size of the one I bought would be tailored to . Using a asuring tape, I had my size checked by a female shop assistant. I wonder if I can get asuring tapes in curio shops. I want to try the type of play where I take Sylphy's asurents.

"Since we have the materials, it'll be ready in approximately three days. If you leave us your address, we can deliver it to you."

While both embarrassed and happy, we give them the address of our new ho.

After that we go shopping for ingredients. First of all we buy spices. After that we buy things for preserving food. Thanks to the trade routes that Nanahoshi had established, oil is cheap to obtain so we buy so. Vegetables that keep well, and frozen fish. We had left an order for at, and would co pick it up the day before.

"Sylphy, can you cook?"

"Mn. Okaa-san and Lilia-san taught so I can do it just fine. Ah, but I wonder if it'll be to your tastes, Rudi."

"Even if it's ashes I'll say that it's delicious."

"'Ashes'... Geez, just who do you think I tried so hard to learn it for?"

She has good taste in clothing, and she completely learned how to cook as well. Speaking of which, she said she could do the laundry and cleaning as well, didn't she? Unlike her appearance, her won-powers are surprisingly high, huh, this wife of mine?

"Because Sylphiette-san is too ideal as a bride, I have beco worried about whether or not I am suitable as a man."

"Rudi, umm, you're my ideal groom as well, you know?"

"I-, if there's sothing that is different to your ideals, please tell . I'll try my best to beco closer to your ideal."

"In that case, be more confident and act more dignified. Rudi, you're a bit too servile, you know."

'Dignified'? If I do sothing like that, what am I going to do if the gods beco angry at ? In this world there are guys who'll beat other people to death just for doing sothing that they didn't like, you know. ...No, but if your husband was the type of guy who had no self-confidence and hid away all the ti in the living room reading newspapers... you'd hate it, right? Alright, shall I act with more self-confidence then? From today onward, I'm the ore-sama type.[38]

"Hmph. Oi Sylphy. Ya better not slack off on loving , ya hear? Oi."

"Umm, that's a bit off but... Mn, okay. I'll give it my best."

Saying that, she clenched her fists. Geeeeez, Sylphy is so cute~ I wanna kiss her~ But I'll endure it. Sylphy doesn't like getting all lovey-dovey out in the open. If I touch or rub her here, I'll really be scolded. She might forgive the first or second ti, but if I keep doing it then that small irritation will turn into hate. I'll endure it for now. But putting my arms around her shoulder should be fine, right? No, for now I should start with her holding her hand.

Or so I was thinking, but right now I've got both my arms full with the shopping. Grrr...

"We'd better buy so platters huh?[39] Ah, but it'd be fine if you just made them yourself, right Rudi?"

"Is it okay for the plates to be made of stone?"

"If you're the one making them, then they won't look like stone so it's fine."

So it's a problem of appearances? Well, if it's fine as long as they look good, then I'll make them so that they're shiny like mirrors. If they end up looking like Japanese earthenware or sothing, then they'll look shabby after all.[40] Should I just give it my all and make them like porcelain? The colour will end up being grey or brown though.

"Is there anything else we need?"

"Umm, perhaps tea for receiving guests."

Black tea and teacups, huh? Alright then. I wonder if we should go buy a rug or sothing while we're at it. Perhaps we should also buy things for a guest bedroom or sothing.

"Should we also buy a few beds or closets for guest rooms?"

"Ah, you're right."

Because our house is large, there are a lot of things to prepare, huh? Our funds are steadily decreasing. Geez, I'm glad that I didn't blow my money on magic tools or whatever.

Financially I do have so room to breathe since the house was cheap, but if I keep spending it on this or that, one after another, I'll go broke eventually.

If I go hunting monsters for a bit I'd be able to earn money but... No, no, if I go on a subjugation request with such a casual attitude what on earth would happen if I got killed? ...I feel a bit like I understand how Paul felt when he had to return to being a knight.

"Umm, don't worry, Rudi. I'm getting inco from Ariel-sama after all."

"Uuu, sorry for being so useless..."

If it cos down to it, shall I ask Soldat to let into his party...? No, considering the number of days I'll have to be absent adventuring, the amount of money I gain isn't that much. But I might really have no choice but to find so work.

Marriage sure is tough...

That night, I lure Sylphy into the bath. On the surface, it's for the purpose of giving Sylphy a lecture about how to bathe properly. Under the surface, it's so that I can rub and wash Sylphy as much as I want. My true purpose is to flirt and ss about with Sylphy in the bath. If I was to say it like a narrator or sothing, it'd be

'Right now, a lovely girl is about to be ensnared by the poisonous fangs of a pervert'

or sothing like that. Tonight we're gonna do it! I'm gonna do it! Watch , old man. Ah, but 'old man' would be Paul, huh? Okay, don't watch then.

"Now then, my family's bathing rules are a bit different to those of the Asura royal family's."

First we head to the laundry/bathroom. There I give a lecture about how the clothes you change out of should go into the basket. I strip Sylphy as if natural, and then drop her folded clothes into the basket.

Sylphy's body is slim, she lacks excess fat and she's just of small build in general. Having said that though, she doesn't look malnourished. That's probably because although she's slim, she has muscle. Her waist is slim and firm, and though she's slim and small, her figure is womanly. Because of that, though she has no breasts, you can clearly tell her body belongs to a woman. Just seeing her makes my breathing go wild.

"Ahm, umm, was it necessary for you to strip , Rudi?"

"It wasn't necessary."

"Why is your breathing getting heavier?"

"Because I'm aroused."

"I-, is it necessary for you to get aroused when you get into the bath?"

"It's not necessary."

While answering each of Sylphy's questions promptly, I quickly strip as well and enter the bathroom. There's no shower nor mirror, but there was a bucket and stool. As a joke, I left the characters ケ□リン on the bucket.[41]

"Before getting into the bath, pour warm water onto your shoulders, sit on this chair and then clean your body with this soap."

"Hey, Rudi, why does this chair have a groove in the middle of it?"

"Of course it's to make washing your body easier."[42]

While saying this, I wet a cloth with warm water and foaming it with soap, I clean Sylphy's body. Behind her ears, the notch near her clavicle, her back, and anywhere else that's easy to get dirty. However, occasionally there are tender places that I can't use a cloth on, there's a need to use my hand to clean her instead. It's for this reason that the stool has a groove in it.

"Umm, Rudi, you're kind of, for a while now you haven't been using the cloth, and also, only perverted places, and also you're kind of touching 'there' but..."

"Oops, excuse ."

I was accidentally being too forward in my feelings. No good, no good, We don't have that kind of custom in our family.

"R-, Rudi, if you can't hold on then... that is... it's okay, you know?"

"That's for after we finish bathing."

Right now the bath takes precedence. We're washing ourselves. Washing.

"After you've thoroughly washed your body, afterwards is your head. Close your eyes for ."

"M-, mn."

Sylphy squeezed her eyes shut. How cute. Though I want to kiss her and push her down, I don't do so. It's fatal to even let my guard down for a mont. Phew, bathing is seriously hell.[43]

"After wetting your hair with the warm water, apply so soap and lather. Rather than your hair, focus on cleaning your scalp where the hair grows. It's probably fine just to clean your head occasionally. Washing with soap will harm your hair after all."

So I say whilst cleaning her head. Sylphy's hair is short so it's easy to wash.

"After you're done, rinse carefully with hot water."

I create hot water with magic and wash Sylphy's hair. When I do, she starts to giggle.

"For so reason this reminded of when we first t."

Speaking of which, I had also washed her with hot water, huh. Man, how nostalgic. To think that the boy from that ti would beco my bride... Life sure is full of surprises. No, by the ti I had known she was a girl for a year, I'd basically decided to make her mine, huh. In that case I guess it might be called having my wish granted.

"Now then, after having finished washing your body, next is the bath. It's easy to slip so take care when entering."

Sylphy did as I said and sank into the bath. Because we had taken our ti enjoying mixed bathing, the water had beco lukewarm but...

"Ah, it's kind of like my arms and legs are lting. It feels so good..."[44]

The temperature is just right. Good, good. Now that I know the temperature is fine, I wash my body. I would've actually preferred to ask Sylphy to wash it for , but I'll endure for today. There's no need to do everything as well.

Or more like, if she did that, I'd definitely lose control. I'm going to treat her as gently as possible. I still rember that the first ti I had taken an aphrodisiac and ended up like a sex beast. I won't do that kind of rape-like stuff again.

"..."

I suddenly noticed that Sylphy was staring at . Though it seed like she was watching to see how we were supposed to wash ourselves, it was sohow a little different. She seems to be interested in the parts she doesn't have. It's probably curiosity.

"Phew."

After I finish washing, I soak myself in the bath. I don't forget to leave the cloth on my head. Now that I'm soaking in here, I start to feel blood rushing towards my cold limbs. Baths are nice. It's the pinnacle of culture.

"By the way, it's no good to bring the washcloth from before into the bath."

"Why?"

"It'll get the bath dirty."

It's just for use in our house, and there are no bathhouses in this world so it's fine even if you don't follow this rule, but... Well, may as well. While I was thinking these things, Sylphy quietly ca over and nestled against . Grasping my hands, she placed her moist head against my shoulder.

"How long should we stay in here?"

"Until it feels like you're ward to the core..."

I put my arm around her shoulder and embrace her. When I did, Sylphy turned around and moved her body as though she were getting on top of . Like that, we ended up touching each other face to face. Sylphy's cherries are pressed up against my chest. No good, it seems like I won't be able to endure it.

n endure, and won love. It wouldn't be good to apply 'juice' or 'fluid' behind her.★

"Mnhuhu, this is pretty nice for so reason, huh?"

Looking down at Sylphy I can see her slim body, her small butt, and her slender legs kicking at the surface of the water with a splash. My chest, and my shoulders can feel her splashing. Sylphy is embracing around the neck like she's burying herself into . Like that, she's patting and caressing . Huhu, stroke as much as you want. That's what I have this muscle for.

Still, though I had thought back in the day that Sylphy would beco a handso man in the future, she's really outdone my expectations by growing into a lovely, and beautiful girl. I wonder if this is the result of so kind of surefire bride-enhancing item.[45]

It's a situation where that beautiful girl is embracing in the nude. It seems like we'll lead to a conclusion that'll end up blocking the drain.

I reach out with my hand and caress Sylphy's back with a splash. I continue and caress her armpits and side. Mmn, she's slim.

"Rudi, that tickles."

Saying that, Sylphy begins to writhe about a little. The symbol of my lust has been pressing against her for a while now, but she hasn't voiced any complaints.

Though she gets angry when we do stuff in the open, in these kinds of settings,[46] as though giving up her body to , her limbs don't carry much power. She entrusts herself to .

She looks at my eyes. I look into hers as well. Naturally, our gazes et. With embarrassnt, 'ehehe', she laughs.

"Rudi... I really love you."

Saying this, she kissed on the cheek.

No good.

"Wawa-!"

I pick up Sylphy like a princess[47] and abruptly get out of the bath. Though we're in the middle of bathing lessons, it's fine to end it here and teach her another ti.

While still soaking wet, I run up the stairs and head straight to our bedroom.

Several days later.

Rudeus Estate. Appointed day of the Wedding Reception.

It was scheduled on a monthly holiday, the ti was noon.

Jinas was showing restraint and Soldat was busy with a eting so he refused.

It seems both were quite busy.

I thought Badigadi would be busy and not co as well, but his majesty unexpectedly had spare ti and declared his participation.

Beyond that 11 more people accepted the invitations.

Right, even Nanahoshi accepted the invitation.

Sylphy was in high spirits since early morning.

"This sort of thing is the role of the wife after all, leave it to !"

And since early morning she's been going around preparing this and that.

It seems when I wasn't looking Sylphy learned cooking as well.

It seems that she was taught generally everything that a wife needs to do.

The spare rooms on the second floor as well, were prepared for the sake of this day.

Though I say that, we just brought in a simple bed, closet, table, chairs, and so water jugs.

For the sake of the worst case where anyone feels bad.

While the preparations were steadily being made, the first ones to appear were Rinia and Pursena.

It was about two hours before the appointed ti.

I wondered if these fellows mistook the ti.

"In our common sense, the fastest one to the celebration place gets the prey nya."

"Right-nano, we ca to be number one. It's proof of our devotion to boss-nano."

They ca along carrying a large wild boar with them.

In the case of the Beast Race, at tis when they plan to attend a marriage, it seems common for them to get up early in the morning and then bring the ingredients they capture then.

The earlier they get up and return to the place itself shows the scale of respect for the other side it seems.

When I asked what they do if they can't capture anything and it seems in that case they intended to buy sothing in the market.

I guess it's that kind of thing.

Their attire is the Magic University uniform.

I was the one that decided on this.

There's an intense difference in wealth between the invitees, if any of them puts too much fighting spirit into their appearance, the others might feel left out.

Luckily as it is, all of those attending have a uniform.

Ah, No, since only Julie doesn't have one, a new one was bought for her though.

For the period before dining starts the two were relaxing in the living room.

Entertainnt is the job of the husband.

The two were outside since morning so it seems their bodies were chilly.

On the warst sofa in front of the fireplace, Rinia and Pursena were clinging in a ball.

"Nevertheless, I couldn't have possibly imagined boss and Fitts would be getting married nya..."

"As I thought Fitts was a woman-nano. I thought that might be the case by the sll."

"Right nya. But with this I can understand it nya."

While the two were saying things like that, they were warming each other up. [48]

Incidentally, the matter of Sylphy=Fitts, has already been inford to the invitees.

For the ti being, we did say that they shouldn't reveal it too much, but it can't be helped if it's already known to so degree.

"What have you co to understand?"

While serving warm tea, I asked the two.

"That the boss's preference is for small ones."

"Even though you were scattering that much of the scent of sexual desire, the reason you never ca to attack us as well, was because of a problem with preference nya."

How rude these fellows can be.

That almost makes it sound like I'm a hentai that goes around indiscriminately attacking won.

Really what rude fellows, how about I grope you.

While thinking as such not even a burp will co out.

Just yesterday, I completely left Sylphy drenched.

I left all of my desire inside of Sylphy.

Today I am a sage.

The second ones who ca along, unexpectedly were Zanoba and Julie.

One hour before the start.

"Excuse . We found a good doll on the way, unintentionally it ended up taking my attention. If Julie hadn't been here it might have been dangerous."

Zanoba saying that.

Julie was wearing the Magic University uniform.

The hobbit size.

It fits snugly, almost like a doll.

"Grand Master, for the invite today, thank you very much."

While saying that Julie lifted the hem of her skirt and politely greeted .

How cute.

After glancing at Zanoba and he was lowering his head as well.

Just like that, with a humble tone he said it.

"Teacher Rudeus Greyrat. I'm grateful for the invitation to the celebration."

Oh.

Zanoba is being normal.

That's right. This guy, it's not like he can't particularly greet properly right.

Alright, here I'll learn from it and do it seriously as well.

"Your highness Zanoba, for today..."

"Ah, shisho. There's no need to humble yourself for . It's just a matter of formality. Shisho the sa as always, I'd prefer if you treat carelessly."

"...I see, then rest in the room over there."

"Wawawa, Understood. Now, Julie, let's go."

What's with that, I feel lost for deciding to take it seriously.

And while I was thinking that as well, I prepared so tea.

Even if the treatnt is careless, I'm the husband, they're the guests after all.

While I was thinking such I heard Rinia and Pursena's boasting voice co from the living room.

Sohow it seems, they're boasting about how they were the first here.

I could hear Zanoba's moritifed voice from being slightly late.

I'm glad it's fun more than anything.

The third one to arrive was the Ariel party.

They arrived around 30 minutes before it starts.

Ariel and Luke, as well as two female students that I feel like I've seen sowhere.

They're Princess Ariel's attendants.

Sylphy's comrades. I'll treat them equally.

"Thank you very much for the invitation this day. Since the etiquette of the common folk are sowhat distant, please forgive us for the rudeness."

The one who lowered her head while saying that was Ariel.

I certainly thought the one to lower their head would be Luke or one of the attendants, but they might have been matching up to this side.

"Since there are many races in attendance, please don't bother about matters of etiquette. Rather, I'm uneasy about this side being impolite..."

"I'm grateful. You all."

After Ariel exchanged looks and the two attendants stepped forward.

"I'm Ariel-sama's attendant, my na is Elmore Bluewolf."

"Similarly, my na is Kurine Elrond."

Putting aside their nas at least their family nas are easy to rember.

Blue wolf and a legendary knight huh.

My na is a grey rat.

Among the nobles of Asura Kingdom, many of their nas have a combination of colors and animals I'm sure.

Since that's the case, white female deer should be the sa.

In that case would it be White...deer or how did it go again? [49]

Uma is horse and baka is fool.

In other words taking a room would be to take a hall. [50]

A white tomorrow is waiting for .

"Please accept these gifts."

The two handed the object in their hands to .

A box wrapped in an expensive looking cloth.

"It's a congratulatory gift for your marriage."

"This is, thank you for your courtesy. Thank you very much."

"We chose sothing that would be useful in your marriage life after this. Please check inside."

Since I was prompted, I looked inside, and was lost for words.

A small bottle packed with a pink colored fluid and a wooden rod.

If I were to put it directly, it's an aphrodisiac and a large dildo.[51]

What is this...

"I can't imagine that a man from the Greyrat's would be unable to satisfy a woman, but if there's a necessity for it, please use it."

"Wa, yes."

Ariel was composed.

I wonder if this is normal.

Luke as well, the other two were composed as well.

The culture is different...

I lead the four into the living room.

And then, Rinia and Pursena started to release a tense atmosphere.

"..."

They better not be intending to get into a fight.

No matter how much they are of the Beast Race, they shouldn't do anything to destroy the atmosphere of a celebratory gathering.

After sending such a gaze and it seems the two guessed it.

"It's been a long ti, Rinia-san, Pursena-san. That ti I've troubled you quite a bit."

"It's been a long ti nya."

"The trouble was mutual-nano."

Ariel sat down nearby those two while letting out an airily voice.

The remaining three were all still standing.

For the ti being, I sent Zanoba a wink to stop them if anything happens.

Zanoba nodded with an Humu, and it seems he sowhat misunderstood, because he stood up and lowered his head towards Ariel.

"I'm grateful to make your acquaintance Princess Ariel. The third prince of Shirone Kingdom, favorite disciple of Rudeus Greyrat, I am known as Zanoba Shirone."

"Oh my if it's Prince Zanoba. Above all it's great you're in good health. We did greet soon after you entered school, but have you forgotten?"

"Hm. Please excuse for this. After all, I'm a miko of superhuman strength, I'm all strength so my intelligence isn't making the rounds..."

"Oh my, I've heard that you've been leaving high results in your earth magic classes lately."

"All of it is the result of my master's teachings..."

I was a bit surprised by Zanoba's high social skills as I prepared the tea.

The ones who appeared to the utmost limit 15 minutes before the start were Cliff and Elinalise.

And then Nanahoshi.

What an unusual assortnt.

I thought Nanahoshi would co alone.

"We found her confused in front of the gate. She's an acquaintance right?"

"Yeah, of course. She's Silent Seven Star-san."

After saying that, Cliff looked at her with a startled face.

Sohow it seems that Cliff has never seen her.

"I...I see, you're that Silent. Hnn, I'm Cliff. I'm sure you've at least heard the na before?"

"...Yeah, I've heard the na. Just the na that is. They say you're a genius. I'm Silent."

A forced monotone exchange.

An intense sensation of pretending to know.

Probably, she doesn't know a single thing about Cliff.

Cliff seems to be in good humor though so I'm not going to say anything.

"It's good to make your acquaintance. I'm Elinalise Dragonroad. That's a lovely mask isn't it."

"Thank you. Your hairstyle is lovely as well."

Nanahoshi replied in a monotone voice.

Watching her exchanges gives the chills.

Even though I say that, Nanahoshi doesn't want to get involved in anything troubleso as well, I'm sure she won't swallow any poison.

Honestly, I never thought Nanahoshi would co.

Just in case I passed her an invitation and she accepted that.

However, at that point in ti she never said she would go.

"Getting married...? You really intend to live on this side, don't you." she just said that with an emotionless voice.

For the ti being, I'll try talking to her with a whisper.

"How unusual, for you to leave that room."

"...You invited right?"

"I guess so. Well... take it easy for today. We've prepared sothing like potato chips after all."

"Potato chips? You've made potato chips?"

"Thanks to you, cooking oil for food purposes was easy to get our hands on after all."

"That's amazing."

"It's not amazing right."

They're just potatoes that have been cut thinly, fried in oil, and salted.

Since the oil, salt, and potatoes are all different, the flavor is also a bit different from our previous world.

"In that case, please excuse ."

Elinalise took along Cliff and Nanahoshi and broke into the living room.

There was no hesitation in those footsteps.

Her social status being an adventurer would be the second from the bottom only above Julie.

But, it seems she's not the type to be bothered over that.

If the race is different then social status is sothing that doesn't really matter I guess.

The two who entered the living room were the sa as always.

Cliff started with a loud voice and made the atmosphere worse and Elinalise followed through with that.

It's not like Cliff had any ill intent, but he always does a good job at saying things to throw water on the situation.

Nanahoshi was fundantally remaining silent, but if soone went to talk to her she would reply.

She would converse as well.

I thought she was a communication impaired hikikomori, but it seems that's not the case.

After a short while, Sylphy ca to report that the preparations were complete.

Now then, all that's left is just Badigadi.

If he cos too late the cooking will get cold.

And just as I was starting to worry over it Elinalise opened her mouth.

"There's no way Badigadi will co on ti. For people who live in denominations of thousands of years, ti is loose. It's better to think he'll end up showing a month late."

With those words, we decided to start the dinner as scheduled.

Sorry about that Badi.

The al we had assembled in the dining room was using a buffet thod.

After worrying about the seating order, in the end we just completely brushed aside the seats.

Luckily, even including the table, it's a wide room with enough space to walk around.

In case soone gets tired as well, there are chairs left prepared at the end of the room as well.

The cooking is intended as easy to eat things for a buffet.

For the ti being, I distribute alcohol cups to everyone.

Since Nanahoshi declined the alcohol, I gave her fruit juice.

It seems to have beco that I would make the toast.

Lined up with Sylphy I stepped forward.

The gazes were gathering.

Eleven peoples gazes.

They're by no ans unpleasant looks.

But sohow it makes a bit tense.

I had prepared a sort of cue card though.

And Sylphy was tightly holding my hand.

After looking at her face, she was smiling at with a shy face.

She was saying in a whisper to give it my best.

I want to pull her into the bedroom right now.

"Oh my, Rudeus-you, your face is bright red. [Giggle]."

"Lize, be quiet."

Elinalise was laughing and unusually Cliff was reading the mood.

Alright.

"[Cough].

Thank you everyone for gathering together today even though I'm sure everyone is quite busy. I declare it once more formally, I Rudeus and this--"

"Fuhahahahaha! There I enter with a bang!"

I felt like my heart jumped out of my mouth.

After turning around that guy was there.

A black body and tall height.

With six arms tightly packed into his uniform.

The Immortal Demon King Badigadi has co out with a bang.

He ca in from the door connected to the kitchen.

"??!"

Everyone was lost for words.

That imposing and majestic attitude.

Even Cliff swallowed his words.

I didn't know what would be good to say as well.

With that timing, isn't it almost like Badigadi and I are getting married.

Your wife is that right, that one stupid girl with the na like a tooth paste right?

"Badigadi, you're late."

The one entered the tsukkomi was Elinalise.

However Badigadi goes where the wind blows.

"Humu. Certainly I'm late. However, in regards to my race, on the occasion of a eting between royalty, it's already decided that you enter with a timing to pull a nerve and stir things up."

"That's a lie right."

"It's not a lie. Since it's sothing that Kishirika decided on a whim, I think it's foolish as well though!"

Even though you think it's foolish you still do it huh.

What a random guy.

That's why you've been defeated by the human race over and over.

"For your sake I especially went out of the way to pitch in and help, I circled around to the rear entrance, I took the ti to enter from the back. It's fine for you to feel grateful! Fuhahahaha!"

So he especially went out of his way to circle around.

You...curse you... [52]

No, calm down, Badigadi is this sort of guy. You already knew that right?

"Hahahaha, I see now, thank you very much."

"Thanks are unnecessary. Now, it would be good for you to get married as much as you please before myself. Having a marriage ceremony with a Demon King in attendance, it's sothing that seldom happens. I've never done this sort of service after all!"

While Badigadi was saying that he sat down on the ground with a plunk.

For the ti being I thought it might be good to prepare a chair or sothing though.

Since Magic Races often seem to sit on the floor, I guess there's no problem.

"Then, I'll restart..."

[Cough] and clearing my throat.

"Thank you very much for gathering together on this busy day. Once again I'll formally declare, I Rudeus Greyrat, and this Sylphiette are getting married. Since we're both still inexperienced, I think there are so points we could be lacking, but I'd like for us to help each other and lend a hand in our lives there. Yeah, the twelve of you gathered here, in these past few years, are people who especially helped us out personally. The days we t and the superficial points are there, but strangely I feel that you all match well with us, and I feel you are all friends. During tis of trouble I will beco the strength of my friends. If there's a ti when you're mutually in dispute, please rember our faces, I'd like for you to let things be water under the bridge for us to save face...umm."

No good, this is a bit too stiff isn't it.

Everyone is making complicated faces.

I wonder if I made a mistake with my words.

And [pon] Badigadi hit on the shoulder.

"It would be good to stop with words of reserved manners. You love each each other and you want all of those here to acknowledge that right?"

Oh.

That's right, that's right, just like that.

Alright.

"Well, what the. Sylphy and I can manage things as we go along. If anything happens please lend us your power. Please treat us well."

"Alright, cheers to the future of the young two!"

"Cheers!"

Before one knows, Badigadi is holding up a sake cup.

Matching up together with that, everyone raised their cups.

The al started with a bit of alcohol being spilled.

Pursena went straight to stretching her hand towards the at.

It's the boar at that's been giving off steam since a while ago.

I wonder if it's a custom of the Beast race to be the first to eat the prey you caught yourself.

No that's wrong.

Rinia has taken up position in front of the fireplace, while eating the karaage[53] look alike, the Fried Chicken.

Nanahoshi took the entire plate of potato chips and withdrew to the edge of the room to start crunching away at them.

Julie suddenly sat down next to her.

Nanahoshi was startled. Julie started eating the potato chips with an attitude of, "Please don't mind ."

The other day we had Julie taste test the potato chips.

I'm sure she's been aiming for them since that ti.

Nanahoshi and Julie.

An amusing atmosphere is floating around.

Being called by that atmosphere, Badigadi dropped by.

In a panic Nanahoshi got the rings out of her pocket.

Nanahoshi you idiot.

Even though you say you don't want to get involved with anyone, you try to start with the gluttony.

Julie is fine, though Zanoba is occasionally flashing glances towards her.

I wonder what he's hesitating over and just as I was thinking that, sohow it seems he was waiting for Ariel to move.

Leading the other three, Ariel ca over to Sylphy and I.

"Sylphy, Congratulations!"

"Ariel-sama...thank you very much."

Sylphy lowered her head towards Ariel with her usual shy smile.

"How does he and this house compare to Sylphy's dreams?"

"Sohow, it's more amazing than my dreams. This house, has a bath as well."

"Oh? Having a bath on the individual level isn't common even in Asura, how enviable. Sylphy, since that's the case, it would be fine to take a break from guarding for about a year or so?"

"Th...that is, umm, at the ti when a child is made."

Ariel was giggling with a smile.

After that, Luke and the two attendants as well were talking about this and that with Sylphy.

I only just found out the nas of the attendants, but it seems they have a deep bond with Sylphy.

So intimate that the Bluewolf girl was brought to tears.

How do I put it, it's almost like a separation party for a high school track & field club, that kind of image.

And, Luke ca over to my place.

"Well, I think there's still various things lurking in the back, but please take good care of right?"

While saying that he held out his hand towards .

Even if you say there's still things lurking around, I have no interest in such things though.

Well, since the other side is saying I'm in your care, then I'm not reluctant.

"Yeah, I'm in your care, Luke...senpai."

"I entrust Sylphy to you."

Luke shortly said that and released his hand.

Rather, it feels more like there's things lurking around behind on Luke's side.

I wonder what it is, I have the feeling it's sowhat different from jealousy.

After Ariel moved away, Zanoba ca up.

For the ti being, it seems he's bothered over sothing like the hierarchy.

They are both royalty after all, I guess he feels things in that area need to be done properly.

"I'm here to say it once again, Shisho. Congratulations on your marriage!"

"Thank you Zanoba."

Zanoba faced Sylphy.

And then lowered his head.

"Madam. Honestly, I thought you were a man. To do sothing like mistake Shisho's partner as a man...please forgive my rudeness."

Sylphy shook her hands in a panic.

"Ah, No, please raise your head. Royalty shouldn't do that. Towards soone like ."

"Soone you say, you're the madam of my respected Shisho. If I were to say, the next person down below God."

"Since even Rudi made the mistake after all, it can't be helped?"

Right and suddenly it was waved towards .

As shaful as it is, even I mistook Sylphy for a man.

It's without a doubt because I had no sexual desire.

For the ti being, I nodded that was true and left it.

After Zanoba moved away, Rinia and Pursena ca up.

"Is it human race manners to do greetings when people are in the middle of a al nya?"

"It's bad manners nano."

And it was just that.

There wasn't any particular congratulations.

During the ti of their fellows wedding, I'll make sure to properly ask about the way of doing it for the Beast race.

"But, if Fitts and boss are getting married, then I agree nya. It's a good thing when strong people stick together nya."

"Right-nano. If you give birth to strong children your family will be secure-nano."

I feel that it's bad manners to have such a frank conversation in the middle of a al.

The next one after the two was Nanahoshi.

Sohow, it seems she ca here running away from Badigadi.

I wonder what was done, her hair is disheveled.

And after looking at Badigadi, he's making a racket with Julie riding on his shoulders.

"...Congratulations."

"Thank you."

Nanahoshi just said that shortly and started to leave.

And then that was called to a halt by Sylphy.

"Umm, Nanahoshi-san, is it alright to ask one thing?"

"What is it?"

"Previously, Nanahoshi-san you said you were from the sa place as Rudi right, that was with, what kind of aning? Umm, Nanahoshi-san ca here from another world...right?"

Sylphy said the latter part in a whisper.

Nanahoshi looked at .

With eyes that were asking what she should do.

I felt like anything is fine really.

I don't have any intention of keeping secrets from Sylphy but...

However, if she were to know and she might make a weird face.

"...Since he was used to the language, I just misunderstood."

Nanahoshi didn't say it.

Nothing.

The last ones to co were Cliff and Elinalise.

After lining us up Cliff held sothing like a cross with one hand and cut us off and stated sothing like a simple chant.

"You two aren't Milis believers, so this is the only blessing I can do."

I'll just go with accepting the sentint.

My God is tolerant so she shouldn't get angry.

Although, I'm a Japanese, we celebrate Christmas, but it's an ordinary occurrence not to carry out mass.

We're a race of people where the majority of people haven't even read the original text, even though we really like nas like Michael and Gabriel.

Now I have a God I believe in, but I have no intention of minding the blessings of other denominations.

"Rudeus. It's great isn't it. That it's cured."

Elinalise said that while making a bit of a pouting expression.

That's right, even up until now I never actually inford her that I completely cured my ED.

"If you had inford about it a bit faster, it would have been very well you know?"

"If I had told you I thought you might have said sothing like, 'I'll check to make sure if that's true or not' and then attacked ?"

"Never. I said it before didn't I. I have absolutely no intention of becoming Paul's daughter."

I see.

Then, it might have been better if I had told her about it sooner.

Among those here, I've spent the longest ti associating with Elinalise after all.

Though I say that, it's at most plus a half a year or so.

"Well, but if Cliff and Sylphy hadn't been around, I might have thought of it about once."

"I as well, if Sylphy wasn't around, I might have thought about it at one point."

"Then we've done sothing wasteful haven't we. Well, now that it's beco like this, I'll just have to think of it like there was no fate between us, and just normally associate as friends."

"Yeah, please take good care of after this as well."

Elinalise faced Sylphy.

She started talking to Sylphy with a gentle expression.

"Sylphiette-san. Congratulations on your marriage. I wish for your happiness from the bottom of my heart...heart...congratul..congra..."

Tears started to co spilling out from Elinalise's eyes.

While she continued to overlook Sylphy she was sniffling deeply.

I was startled.

I didn't understand the reason she suddenly started crying.

Elinalise's trembling hand touched Sylphy's cheek.

Her legs were trembling so she crumbled down to her knees.

Her face was becoming disheveled, only, looking at Sylphy's face.

"I...I'm sorry about that. For to do sothing like this..."

I was sure Sylphy would be surprised as well.

...And that's what I was thinking, but it wasn't the case.

She was confused, but it didn't give a feeling of surprise.

"Umm, I've been wanting to ask about it for a long ti, but... could it be possible that Elinalise-san is my baa-chan[54]?"

"??!"

The ones startled this ti wasn't just .

Cliff as well and then Elinalise was surprised as well.

"Oto-san said it. That my obaa-chan was a comrade of Rudi's oto-san."

He said sothing like that.

No, but, I really don't know if there was such a connection between Paul and Rawls.

He did say he got along well together with Rawls in the middle of guarding the village though...

While they were in the middle of talking it might have co out that they actually had a relation through Elinalise, such things happening are a possibility.

The world is small.

Co to think of it, the woodcraft pendant Sylphy made and gave to and the pendant attached to the grip of Elinalise's sword are the sa aren't they.

After hearing it said, their looks are sowhat similar as well.

"Elinalise-san, as I thought, that's true right?"

"Th...that's wrong. Your obaa-sama can't be this..."

"Oto-san said it. Because of Obaa-chan they were chased out of the Great Forest and they were against his marriage with oka-san as well."

"?? !!"

"That since she might be feeling down over sothing like that, if I were to ever et her she might be trying to hide her identity."

To think Elinalise and Rawls had such a past.

No but, I feel like I understand the reason they were opposed.

Even I hesitated considerably at the ti when I introduced Cliff to Elinalise.

If your own daughter were to with the son of such a woman, I'm sure there are parents who would oppose it.

"That is...uu...u..."

Elinalise raised the sobbing and cried.

It seems she tried to say sothing, but it wouldn't turn into words.

Sylphy as well, thought she said sothing wrong and started to get a bit nervous.

"Cliff-senpai."

I called out to Cliff.

Cliff as well, his eyes had beco black and white.

"Wh...what is it?"

"Please help Elinalise-san rest in a relevant room on the second floor."

"That, that's right I guess. I, I understand."

"Sylphy as well, we'll leave that conversation for later, for now it would be better to calm down?"

"Wa, yes."

Elinalise's hand was pulled by Cliff and looked at with frightened eyes.

"Ru, Rudeus, I... I am like this, but that is, Rawls was a normal child. Of course, his child Sylphy as well, that's why..."

Therefore, what. Do you think I'm looking at you with eyes of prejudice now.

She has no faith in .

Well, recently here I have been avoiding Elinalise after all.

In that area, there might have been an accumulation of various misunderstandings.

I brought my mouth close to Elinalise's ear.

"Please don't worry. I won't separate from Sylphy because of Elinalise-san."

"But."

"Rather than that, shouldn't you worry more about becoming relatives with Paul who you really hate?"

"...Fu...Rudeus. You, at a ti like this you sure say amusing things don't you."

Elinalise laughed frailly.

For the present ti it's so relief.

In any case, I'm sure it'll be better when we're a bit more cald down.

"In regards to that matter, afterwards please take your ti talking together with Sylphy about it."

"Yeah, I'm grateful for your care."

Lead by Cliff, Elinalise withdrew.

Cliff, please take care of it well...

---

No congratulations ca from Badigadi.

He took up position at the edge of the room, turning the ambiance of the room bright while laughing with a Fuhahahahaha.

He's an appreciated existence.

The banquet proceeded without delay.

We didn't do anything in particular like a kiss of oath in public or exchanging of the rings.

From start to end eat, drink, talk, make so noise and then returning in groups of twos and threes that is a wedding reception around here.

It's not bad to do it without formalities.

The first ones to return ho were Rinia and Pursena.

Making sure not to stay too long as well, seems to be manners for the Beast Race.

"Nnya. Boss, be happy."

"With this boss is the boss of school in na and in reality-nano. I'm looking forward to the new school term-nano."

While saying sothing like that the two left in the snow.

Nanahoshi was randomly called out to by Luke.

It was mostly hitting on her, but it seems Luke didn't openly try to lure in her as well, he started to progressively bring out topics Nanahoshi might have interest in like cooking and clothes.

Talking about topics the partner likes with a tone of voice they like.

Well, there was a bit of slippage though.

However I can learn from this.

I don't have any intention of using the things I learn though.

In contrast Nanahoshi was openly fed up with it.

She looked at Luke like he was extrely annoying and let out an extrely annoyed sigh.

In the end she stood up to go to the toilet like she was escaping.

And then soon after she ca back from the toilet she ca up to .

With just a bit of an agitated expression.

"It's about ti I take my leave. That guy is annoying as well."

"I see. Good work. Thank you very much for today."

"Again, I'll be depending on you starting tomorrow..and then."

"And then?"

"Next ti, the bath here, is it fine if I co to use it?"

Sohow, it seems while she was in the toilet, she took a look at our bath.

If it's a Japanese, then they'll yearn for the bath as well.

Her na is Shizuka-chan as well after all.

"That's fine, just, Nobita-kun might peek in on yo.." [55]

"As I thought it's fine."

"No, it's a joke you know, a joke. Please co whenever you want."

Nanahoshi nodded and was going to return.

The sun still hasn't set, but I wonder if a single woman will be alright.

I guess since she ca this far alone, she also has magic items for self-defense purposes so it should be fine.

"Kurine. Please see Silent-sama back."

"Yes, hi-sama."

And just as I was hesitating, Ariel called out to one of her attendants.

As expected of charisma. Her attention to detail is well made.

Just, Nanahoshi stubbornly refused that proposal and returned alone.

Badigadi, Zanoba, and Ariel were mixing alcohol in as they had a fun conversation.

Just in case, for the sake of the drinker Badi, I had intended to prepare a considerable amount of alcohol.

I had bought three barrels of it and placed it in the basent.

Those barrels ended up being barrels in the sky in no ti at all.

I thought there would be a necessity to buy more, but before that Zanoba passed out drunk.

"Fuhahahaha! How weak for one known as a miko!" [56]

"Hahahaha..nu..I have no excuses. I seem to have taken the entertainnt a bit too far."

"Master, are you alright?"

Julie supported the staggering Zanoba with her small body.

"Fufufufu..wouldn't it be better for you to take a rest in one of the rooms?"

It seems Ariel hasn't had all that much to drink.

I wonder if it's a lady's prudence in order to not beco too intoxicated as well.

Nevertheless, all of Ariel's actions sure are refined.

From the way she tilts her cup all the way to her laughing manner, it just looks like she's managing her nerves.

I guess this is the complete form of Asura Kingdoms manners etiquette.

"No, passing ti in Shisho's house drunken sick would be a sha as both a disciple and also as Shirone royalty. It's regretful, but I'll take my leave here while I can still walk."

While saying that Zanoba gave the last of his salutations.

Though I think it would be fine for him to stay over.

Well, it's fine if he does as he pleases.

"Then, I will return as well. Princess of Asura, stay in good health."

"Yes. Your highness as well stay in good health."

"Fuhahahaha! I cannot be stopped by injury or illness!"

It seems Badigadi is returning as well.

I thought he would stay until the end of the banquet though, it's unexpected.

While I was thanking the two I saw them off to the entrance.

The wedding reception is already nearing its finish.

Ariel and the others as well started preparations to return.

During those preparations, I decided to go check in on the situation with Elinalise.

After going up to the second floor and peeking into the guest room.

There Cliff was giving Elinalise a lap pillow.

It seems consolation ti has already ended and they've started flirting ti.

Sohow that's nice.

Later I'll do a lap pillow with Sylphy as well.

"Umm, Cliff-san. I'd like to talk with Obaa-chan..Elinalise-san but, is that okay?"

I heard Sylphy ask that with a timid feeling from behind .

Cliff sent a look with his face like he was seeking help.

He raised up Elinalise's body and then made a small nod facing .

I nodded as well.

After Cliff saw that he stood up and left the room.

"Thank you, Rudi."

Sylphy made a soft smile and entered inside the room.

Together with Cliff, I proceeded downstairs.

Cliff was making an uneasy face.

"Those two..I wonder if it'll be alright?"

"..If it's no good, then it's fine for us to follow through later."

And while saying that we arrived downstairs.

Ariel and the others' preparations for leaving were just ending as we got downstairs.

The two attendants were putting a coat on Ariel.

When Ariel realized I was there she drew back her chin a bit.

"Rudeus-sama. Thank you very much for today."

After hearing their masters words, the three subordinates deeply bowed.

Just like a Japanese I was about to lower my head as well.

But, in this case wouldn't it be better not to lower my head.

"What is going on with Sylphy?"

"Now she's talking with Elinalise."

"Is that so...Nevertheless, for the Sylphy who was thought to have no more relatives to still have one sure is a surprise."

"Right. Really, the world is small."

It's Elinalise and Sylphy after all.

It's like the distance between heaven and earth.

Primarily concerning ideas of chastity.

"Then, it's just right. Rudeus-sama, could I take up a bit of your ti?"

Ariel's words were ones with a hidden aning.

For the ti being I nodded.

"Then, over here."

While saying that Ariel crossed the room into the corridor.

And then moved from the corridor to the entrance way and just like that opened the door and went outside.

Naturally as it is, the other three went along with her as well.

Cliff and I followed along with that.

Outside the sun was setting and it was starting to get dark.

Ahead of the entrance way, on a road with snow piling up and few people, Ariel ca to a stop.

And then turned around and said it.

"Rudeus-sama. I know this is rude, but..could I request a duel with Luke? Without magic, a match between swords."

"..."

That's a sudden suggestion.

Without replying I kept silent.

After looking at Luke, he was putting his hand on the sword at his waist with a composed face.

Sohow, it seems it's not sothing Ariel decided suddenly.

"For the ti being, would it be alright for to ask the reason?"

After asking, Ariel tenderly smiled.

"Just, a bit of playing around."

"Playing around is it."

However, what Luke took out was a real sword.

It was a double-edged sword, since it's playing around he's going to strike with the back of the sword, such reasons really can't pass.

"At least, can't I prepare so wooden swords? I don't hold a real sword."

"I don't mind if you prepare a weapon with magic."

"Without magic?"

"Sothing to that degree I don't mind."

For the ti being, I create a stone sword with earth magic.

I created it sowhat sturdy, but that part makes it a bit heavy.

Just in case, I swing the sword every day so it's not as if I can't swing it.

However, even with this if it hits the wrong place you can die.

At least, it's not sothing good for hitting your opponent with for play.

"Please feel relieved. This is sothing Luke proposed. I don't mind if Rudeus-sama beats Luke down with all of his power."

Without magic, I'm at an ordinary person's level.

It isn't limited to just beating down Luke.

"Just for reference. Luke has learned up to Interdiate level with the Sword God style and Elentary level with the Water God style. The sword is a magic item endowed with magic power that will lightly cut through an iron shield. The shoes are the sa as the ones Sylphy wears, they increase the users speed. This mantle maintains the temperature within, the gloves boost strength, underneath his uniform a specific type of clothing that is strong against blades is being worn."

"..That is amazing."

Isn't it great he's in full sturdy iken equipnt...

In order to assemble all of the parts, even if I sold my reford house it probably wouldn't be enough.

"Since it cos down to that, I wonder if there's the possibility that I'll be beaten down by Luke.."

"I can't say that possibility doesn't exist but... if you feel the danger of death, at that point it's fine if you use magic."

"I'll be praying that using it just before I don't get cut in half though."

However, I wonder why they're making this sort of proposal.

If either of us dies in this sort of place, we have nothing to gain from it, right.

"Before that, I'd like to hear the reason. Did I do sothing to bother you?"

"No. It's just playing around. Of course, it's fine for you to reject it as well."

"Whether I receive it or turn it down, if you don't properly explain the reason to I'll be troubled. Even with this stone sword, if it hits the wrong spot a person can die you know?"

"Luke has already made his resolve for that as well."

I haven't made that resolve though.

Ariel's voice has so kind of tragic sound mixed in with it.

I wonder what will co out from this kind of match.

I don't know.

They won't give an answer.

I wonder if there were ceremonies like this in Asura Kingdom.

Around Sauros then, I can sowhat see him saying if you want to take Eris as a wife, then you must first defeat .

No, old man Sauros is already gone.

"Rudeus. I'm begging you. Accept it. If you're a man as well you understand right?"

Luke's words.

He ca out if you're a man.

What cowardly words.

It seems I'm not a man if I don't know the reason.

..Is it fine.

It's not like he's asking for a serious fight to the death after all.

"I understand. Please take it easy on ."

But, for the ti being, I'll just use my demon eye.

I don't want to die or kill soone on accident after all.

"I'm grateful you're accepting our proposal."

I can't see the intention, but with Ariel's voice, Luke prepared himself.

Seeing that, I heard Cliff's confused voice call out from behind.

"H..Hey, Rudeus, is it fine?"

"Yeah, Cliff-senpai. If you think it seriously looks dangerous, I'll be depending on you to imdiately use healing magic."

"Ye..Yeah.. I get that, but."

I slowly prepared myself with the stone sword as well.

The distance is about three steps I'd say.

Each step about one blade.

It's close to the distance I often use as an assumption.

"Then, is it fine?"

"Yes."

With my words, Ariel let out a sharp voice.

"Start!"

"Haaaa...!"

Luke's shout, he kicked off from the ground.