Part 1
A cabin on the outskirts of Sharia.
My third eting with Orsted there.
Ariel successfully persuaded Perugius.
I report that to him, as well as the news that the magic circles to Asura Kingdom are broken.
Orsted smiles when he heard the news.
A wicked smile.
Or maybe that's his normal one.
"I see, well done."
I was praised.
But problems remain.
"About the magic teleportation circles, what do you think?"
About the magic teleport circles he seems to doubt montarily, but soon looks convinced of my innocence.
It's expected that he would suspect [What's he hiding] from .
"It was probably Hitogami's doing. That idiot made a bad move for his opener. Let's hope that continues."
Orsted seems to have realized sothing.
Quite rry.
Murmuring [With this, just one more] or sothing.
What he ans by that, I hope he will tell .
"If possible, can you explain the mistake?"
"Mm, indeed."
Orsted sits back down and stares at .
His glare is blinding.
Any more and his eyes might start glowing.
"Perugius confird that he can't use the magic teleportation circles?"
"Aye, boss."
"Boss… In Asura Kingdom, there are not many magic teleportation circles available. They're mostly ergency escapes for the nobility and royalties. So of which are defunct, which Perugius takes advantage of."
I see.
Royalty's escape route.
"And that's where the error is."
I see, that's how it is.
No, I don't.
"What is? Explain a bit more! Please!"
"… Basically, magic teleportation circles are not places regular people would have access to. They're protected by soldiers. To enter and hinder the magic circles, only royalty or upper nobles have the power to do so."
"Oh, of course. And then?"
"… Think a little on your own."
"Yes."
The power of royalty.
For them, stopping magic teleportation circles is equivalent to cutting their own life line.
Because of the possibility of Perugius using them, the defunct magic circles were destroyed.
The chances are high that this happened under instruction of Hitogami.
Which ans chances are an apostle exist among the royalty or soone who advises them.
And he is?
"So First Prince Grabell or Senior Minister Darius are likely Hitogami's apostle…?"
"Indeed. Moreover, the manpower necessary to destroy all the magic circles within the entire Asura Kingdom, there isn't anyone but Senior Minister Darius who wields a private army of that size."
Oh.
So that's how it is.
Him wielding a large private army is news to .
"Basically, [Senior Minister Darius is an apostle of Hitogami] has been confird?"
"Yes. The possibility exists for the First Prince as well, but… that doesn't matter. He's a target to kill either way."
The First Prince is an enemy to Ariel, so kill him.
Part of doesn't want to be involved with regicide, but…
It can't be helped.
If it ends up being sothing I have to do, I'll do it.
"With this, there's one more person."
"You an… Luke is also a sure thing?"
"No doubt about it."
"What about Ariel?"
"Impossible."
Enough with that kind of joke.
"What do you base that on?"
"There are people Hitogami can't manipulate."
"Ariel is soone he cannot manipulate. You have a way to determine that?"
"……My intuition after many years."
Intuition…?
But it seed like he said it after thinking, so he might have so certain basis that he won't say to .
I won't ask for an explanation for now.
There are more important things to talk about.
"If we're wrong, and that Ariel is an apostle, then what?"
"If that happens, I'll take responsibility and settle things."
He'll settle things?
Well, that's not necessarily killing.
Anyways, for now I will ignore the possibility that Ariel is an apostle.
In that case, maybe I should inform Ariel of Orsted's intel?
Ariel seems to have so resistance to Orsted's curse.
If she isn't an apostle of Hitogami, wouldn't it be better if we gain her full cooperation by telling her everything?
…Oh, never mind.
Sylphy as well, they both trust Luke.
They believe Luke would never betray them.
Luke, also, might think he's working in Ariel's best interest.
Right.
Manipulated by Hitogami, that possibility exists.
He may have convinced himself that, given the situation, he's making the best move, but only makes things worse.
How troubleso.
Orsted is thinking that Luke has the role of interdiary.
Luke's role is to inform Hitogami of my movents.
But there's a possibility that when push cos to shove, Hitogami will give him advice that appears to benefit Ariel and actually leads her to ruin.
Very troubleso.
I can understand why Orsted wants to kill him imdiately.
"… Orsted-sama."
"Yes?"
"I want to confirm our fight against Hitogami. Just to make sure I understand the situation. Is that okay?"
"Oh?"
I begin to recite.
Summary of Hitogami's and Orsted's battle tactics.
First, Hitogami can see the future.
The future he sees is both extensive and detailed.
And he has the power to change that future by manipulating soone.
But he can't see futures that are influenced by Orsted.
Compared to Hitogami's foresight, the Dragon God's secret art is stronger.
When Orsted influences things, Hitogami ends up seeing an incorrect future.
When he discovers sothing out of place in that future, or possibly when there's a clear change in the future, Hitogami knows Orsted is interfering.
But he cannot see how Orsted changed that future.
He can only estimate.
So long as he does not know what Orsted is trying to arrange or what Orsted's objective is, Hitogami does not have a sure fire way to change the future as desired.
Because of the curse of being hated, Orsted is able to take action with Hitogami not discerning most of his hand.
But also because of the curse, Orsted has few help available to him, limiting his reach.
But now with in league with him, his reach increased.
My existence could be called an invisible chess piece.
But if this piece moves too brazenly, then Orsted's intentions would be exposed.
So I should act prudently.
And avoid leaking information to Hitogami's spy - Luke.
And also those that trust Luke, that would confide to him, Sylphy and Ariel.
You can't stop people from talking, so it would be better if I talked about this to others as little as possible.
Do what I can to hide Orsted's intentions and actions.
I might look suspicious again.
But it's fine as long as we succeed.
Our goals here are to not let Hitogami know our intentions and defeat Hitogami's apostles.
I will work until I die and help bring Orsted victory in a hundred years.
"Is that… right?"
"Yes. It is."
Orsted nods heavily.
Got it… Now I know what I must do.
Perugius may call timid, but…
No matter what, we'll move towards our objective.
Likely candidates for Hitogami's apostles.
Luke and Darius.
That's two.
"And the final one?"
"Unsure. But, based on Hitogami's habits, likely soone with talent with the sword or magic."
"Talented in sword or magic…"
Well, they can't be soone from my family.
So no Sylphy and Eris.
So maybe like my diary said, North Emperor or Water God at Asura Kingdom?
"How about the North Emperor and Water God?"
"Auber and Reida… Indeed, very likely. On the way to Asura Kingdom, stay vigilant."
"Orsted-sama is not coming along?"
"Of course, I'll be tailing you. We won't be taking the sa actions, though."
Following behind us…
That really sounds like I'm manipulated from the shadows.
Well, since I can consult him as needed, that doesn't sound so bad.
"Understood. Then… Luke, Darius, Reida, Auber. I'll pay attention to those four."
"Right. Darius, Auber, Reida, are fine to kill… Observe Luke, if necessary, kill him."
"It's okay to kill him based on my judgnt?"
"Yes, your judgent."
He really trusts my judgent?
He probably thinks I can kill easily.
Since my fight with Orsted was a rare occasion when I was relatively serious…
That's fine.
I'm serious this ti.
Part 2
Next day.
Sylphy and I, after waiting for Norn to return ho, held a family eting.
Feels like that's all we do together these days.
The trip will take 3~4 months.
The destination is Asura Kingdom.
Because it's work related, Sylphy will go to help Ariel.
The family reacts nonchalantly to the announcent.
"Ah, do your best. Can you leave so soil for the garden?"
That was Aisha's response.
She's more worried about soil than .
"Ariel-sama is leaving school, so… should we have a farewell party…?"
Norn is more concerned with school.
Weird.
The previous ti was… gloomier.
I want to have a wet farewell like that ti.
I thought Aisha would be in tears, and I'll hug Norn and say I'll be back.
"But Onii-chan, every single ti you say sothing like, [I'm leaving and won't co back…] yet you always co back, don't you?"
Ah, I see.
Even at death's door I co back every ti, so my sisters have faith in now?
Or maybe they are putting up a front to reassure ?
Regardless, if Aisha and Norn feel safe when I try my best, that's fine too.
"Also, you keep bringing back new won."
"Hey, I'm worried too, but this ti Eris-ane and Sylphy-ane are going too, so it should be safe."
Eris-anesan too?
Speaking of her, as soon as she heard Asura Kingdom she went back to her room to pack up.
Unilaterally declaring [Oh, I'm going too!]
Without any hesitation.
"Who do you think she'll be this ti, Norn-ane?"
"I'm not sure. Maybe Ariel-sama's attendants? Kleene-senpai, also Elmore-senpai?"
The impolite conversation continues, but… there won't be more.
I want to loudly declare, but, my lower half no longer has any credibility.
It's not my fault I'm so popular in this world.
… But I think it should be fine this ti.
Sylphy and Eris are coming.
Right.
I can't go alone.
Because I'll back up.
So as protection against backing up.
I will ask Eris and Sylphy to be my reservoir.
That way, I should be safe even against the flood.
"May the fortune of war be with you."
Lilia and mom are the sa as always.
Speaking of which, I forgot to consult Orsted about mom's mory.
I have my doubts that he can help since he couldn't do anything about his own curse either. After we're done with this maybe I can check again?
"Lilia-san, then, I'll leave Lucy in your care."
"And Madam too. Leave everything to ."
Sylphy probably doesn't regret her decision, but she takes a deep bow toward Lilia.
"Leaving the girl behind is probably not a good thing, but this ti…"
"It's fine. That's what a maid is for."
Recently Lucy added new vocabulary.
Simple words like "mama," "asha," "lila," "oki," "bibi," "jiro."
She looks so endearing when she tries to pronounce them.
But still no "papa."
She says "Ru- di-" once a while…
Recently I haven't been paying attention to her, so she'll surely rember last.
That girl's parents are both going on a long journey and leaving her behind.
I'm aware that we haven't been proper parents for her.
I don't know when we'll improve.
Lucy is so cute.
She's an angel in my eyes.
But feelings alone aren't enough…
"It'll feel loneso these four months."
Only Roxy looks lonely.
I feel guilty about going on a business trip and leaving behind a pregnant woman and her child.
"Sorry, we'll try to hurry back, but…"
"Take your ti. Even though Lilia-san and Aisha said Rudi doesn't need to be here when I go into labor… but rember to bring souvenirs. I want fruit candy, that sweet and sour dessert. Okay?"
Roxy looks deadpan as always.
She is nervous about her first child, but she isn't showing it.
"Don't make that pitiful face, Rudi. I'm concerned, but n hunt; won protect the ho and children. That's the Migurd way."
Roxy proudly explains.
She's a reliable woman.
It's okay if you leave.
So go without worries!
"Still, I finally got a long vacation, so it's a little unfortunate. I was hoping to spend so leisure ti with Rudi."
"Yeah, that's right."
Looks like Roxy took a maternity leave until she goes into labor.
This country's tradition allows for a leave of absence during pregnancy and childcare.
But Roxy does plan to continue her teaching career.
She persuaded Vice Principal Jinas and took a long vacation.
She probably dropped my na for that.
It might be after the fact, but if my na can help Roxy do what she wants to, she's free to na drop as much as she likes.
For the ti being, before we head out, I decide to spend more ti with Roxy.
Part 3
That night, in Eris's room, a noisy exchange can be heard.
Sylphy's and Eris's voice.
Eris argues against sothing Sylphy had said.
Eris's loud [Why?] and [Why should I?] sandwich Sylphy's calm responses. Slowly Eris's voice quiets, and finally she ends it with [I get it.]
And later that night, Eris ca to my room.
I was in bed, ready to sleep.
"…"
She quickly hides herself in the bed.
And made her hug pillow.
The area around her chest presses tightly against .
Pressured by such a matter at night, even a gentleman can hardly sleep.
Well, tonight I'm also a gentleman.
I don't mind doing it either, however.
I want to check sothing before doing the deed though.
"You… got in a fight with Sylphy?"
"We didn't."
"Is that so."
I didn't hear any actual fighting.
Well, if I leave right now and check Eris's room, I might find an unconscious Sylphy there.
But I'll trust Eris for now.
"Starting tomorrow, we'll be working with Sylphy. After Ghyslaine has her audience with Ariel, we need to prepare for the journey together."
Introduce Ghyslaine to Ariel tomorrow.
Sylphy said [Let handle it] for that.
Sylphy can probably take care of this by herself, but considering Ghyslaine's aims, it's better if I make the introduction myself.
I thought about refusing Sylphy then, but either way she'll be alongside Ariel.
And Eris should co too.
So it ends up that tomorrow, the four of us will visit Ariel together.
Sylphy really wants to introduce Eris and Ghyslaine.
Why?
"So she said, now that it's settled, Rudeus wants to spend more ti with Roxy."
"Is that what Sylphy said?"
"Yep."
That's the reason?
It was for Roxy?
If my responsibility decreases, then Roxy gets more ti… I can understand her reasoning.
Sylphy was being considerate.
Say, Sylphy actually persuaded Eris without resorting to force.
No, Eris has grown up.
Before, she was a girl that let her fists do the talking.
If you lay out the reasons, she would listen.
"That's why, she gave tonight to ."
Oh, so she made her demands.
But I can understand, Eris has needs too.
This selfish side of her is rather nostalgic.
That inconsiderate girl died.
The Eris with fangs is gone.
She is no longer a wolf and lion…
Well, maybe only for today.
It wouldn't be strange for Sylphy to have her own needs.
Or has she put herself aside for now?
Well, I can appreciate her properly in our journey together. So I will.
Putting those thoughts aside, I return a hug to Eris.
And Eris, in frightening speed, strips naked.
"It won't do if you're found pregnant in the trip, so let's hold back…"
"Worry about that later!"
The night was ssy.
Family Planning isn't part of Eris's vocabulary.
Part 4
Next day, preparations begin.
While packing up for the trip, I also try to spend more ti with Roxy.
Of course, I can't always be with Roxy.
Introduce Ghyslaine and Eris to Ariel, etings with Orsted, carefully making preparations.
What skills North Emperor Auber and Water God Reida possess, and how to counter them.
How to approach Tris and her band of thieves.
Just in case, morize the general geography of Asura Kingdom.
And the layout of Asura Royal Silver Palace.
Help Cliff begin his research on Orsted's curse.
Doing everything I can.
With that thought in mind, days passed.
Part 5
One day.
Roxy and I sat together on the sofa in the living room.
Recently, we always spend the end of the day chatting there, just the two of us.
The conversations are endless.
From what happened at school for Roxy, to recent research in magic tools.
To what happened in our individual journeys after the tastasis Event.
Nothing of importance, just relaxing conversations between Roxy and I .
"Well, Rudi. Before you head out, decide on a na for the baby."
Today's topic is the baby's na.
"Deciding on a na before going on a journey, isn't that bad?"
I respond after hearing Roxy.
"Is that how heroic tales go for Human Race? That doesn't matter to Migurd Tribe."
How frank.
In other words, a jinx is a jinx.
But if my god says so, then there's no need to worry.
This is God's command.
"For Migurd, the village elder decides the na, but… our village head is Rudi. So please make up your mind."
"Can I really make the decision?"
"Of course. Every day I can rub my growing belly and say the na Rudi picked. Those will definitely be happy tis."
Roxy rubs her growing belly as she said.
I also put a hand on it.
Unbelievable.
I t Roxy over 10 years ago, and she now carries my child.
Sylphy's was unbelievable too, but Roxy's even more unbelievable.
Joy wells up in my chest.
How amazing, this feeling, I can't get enough of it.
"Uhehe."
"What is it, Rudi? You laughed like Sylphy just now."
Like Sylphy?
"Oh, Roxy's tummy is wonderful."
"It's not as small as Sylphy, and not as tight as Eris, but… if you like it, enjoy to your heart's content."
"Really?"
As instructed, I begin to enjoy rubbing it to my heart's content.
"Inside, half of it is Rudi's."
"And the other half?"
"… The outside belongs to Rudi."
"So it's all mine?"
"The child is half mine. I won't budge."
How straightforward.
Roxy-Sensei sure is smart.
Yes, the child is ours.
But Roxy is mine.
"The child's na, what should it be…"
"Well… a Migurd na… should roll off the tongue."
Migurd nas are generally based on initials.
But since our child is mixed, we don't have to follow tradition too strictly.
"Then, how about we base the na on Roxy and Rudeus?"
"Really?"
"Our affinity can't go wrong."
We can't just copy them though.
No "Ru-" or "Ro-," so "Re-" then.
Let think about nas starting with "Re-."
Re-, Re-, Re-
Sounds like a kid that likes to sweep all day.
Liking to tidy up isn't bad.
Then a na that rolls off the tongue as Roxy suggested.
Reminds of a girl who desires a fiery love.
But that doesn't feel right either.
Sothing with more Roxiness.
Hmm.
"La," "Ri," "Ru," "Re," "Ro," which of these sounds more like they would suit a child of Roxy?
That would do.
"If it's a boy, Rollo. And if a girl, Lara?"
"Alright. Rollo and Lara. Both sound easy on the tongue."
In that case.
Will he or she end up kidnapped by a demon lord, or beco the rescuer?
Roxy still has the exterior of a middle school girl, but her face is of a saint mother.
It's divine.
Why so divine?
She'll definitely give birth to the child of God!
"Rudi."
"Yes?"
"I know what I said a few days ago, but… please co back safely? I want Rudi to hold this child together with ."
"Yes."
That goes without saying.
The day to leave arrives.
Volu 17 Young Man Period Kingdom Chapter -End-
Next Volu
Volu 18 Young Man Period Asura Kingdom Chapter
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