Chapter 187: Gossip – Mind’s eye
At the ti when Makoto had t with the two heroes and the Demon Lord, the Kuzunoha Company’s Rotsgard store was really busy.
The reason is simple, there’s not enough hands.
The person that’s basically in charge, Shiki, was absent along with his master, and Li Latte who handled the order taking and delivery, as well as being in the counter, was also absent because of Tomoe’s order.
The store that has beco wider has a reputation that increases and doesn’t decrease.
The employees were unable to handle the custors that arrived.
Of course, there were preparations made beforehand for big transactions, but even so, it was on the borderline of not being able to handle it.
“S-Soon’s ti to close. But I can’t take it any longer. I am leaving early...”
“Are you sleep talking, Eris? Actually, increase the amount of doubles. The custors are coming as if it’s the last spurt.”
“Hahaha, Akua, I am already a fallen rag. Even if you wring out, nothing will drip. If I continue attending the custors in this state, even my cosmos will dry up.” (Eris)
“See, a regular of yours ca. Smile smile.” (Akua)
“Hm, welco~~!! Hah...it has already been deeply ingrained in !!” (Eris)
One hour before sunset.
The Kuzunoha Company has received a big amount of custors today too, and the two girls with darkish skin were moving their feet as if there were several people existing, and were doing their best in attending their custors.
The tall height Akua and the short Eris.
Both of them were staggering already. There’s Akua who was sohow enduring, and Eris who is despairing at the remaining ti.
The sales limit that the shopkeeper Raidou placed was the saving grace of those girls.
Because there’s that, they are able to see a goal.
If they were selling goods with no limit, if they were to sell goods until closing ti, the two of them would have probably fallen already.
Raidou’s sense for money as a rchant was dull, but this ti, the sell limit he set up before going to the Demon Lord audience had coincidentally been a splendid choice.
It could also be said to be a point that made the employees wring out their stamina to the limit.
“It’s less than one hour now. Fight on, Eris. Even if you are all dried up, wring yourself out as if you were to break. And then, drink. Drink with everyone.” (Akua)
“If Li were here...if at least Li were here...” (Eris)
“Because of Tomoe-sama’s orders, he is in Lorel at this mont. Don’t ask for the impossible.” (Akua)
“...I have decided. I will be drinking a li flavored banana bliss today.” (Eris)
“The cocktail that Li suggested huh. Even if he looks that way, he is unexpectedly a reliable man after all. About that alcohol, Waka-sama gave it a na, so maybe there’s already a precedent though.” (Akua)
“...In a tankard.” (Eris)
“...It won’t liberate you, you know. But I will accompany in one drink. Then let’s have a drinking party today at Asora. Yeah, let’s do our best.” (Akua)
“So number six was not enough. I have to wake up already. The ultimate cost.” (Eris)
“That’s why I’m telling you to stop sleep talking. Ah, welco~! Today...yes, that’s right. I really did think that it was a bit fast for the season. Then, how about this one here?” (Akua)
“I am expecting the souvenir to be expensive...damn Li!!!” (Eris)
The night was only beginning, but it was to the point that closing was in sight already.
The Kuzunoha Company was prosperous.
◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆
“Achoo!”
“Ara Li, is that a cold?”
“No, soone must have been gossiping about .” (Li)
“It would be good if that’s the case though. You are vigorous at night after all. I hope you won’t get stabbed in ti.”
“It is a different body from the one I use when acting separately from hero-dono’s party. Don’t worry.” (Li)
There’s roof tiles and godowns, but in this strange scenery of a town that’s slightly different from that of Japan, there’s a male and female walking.
The man is Li Latte, a mber of Kuzunoha Company, and currently acting together with the hero.
The woman is Otonashi Hibiki.
Entitled as a hero by the Limia Kingdom, and also the existence that serves as the hope of hyumans in the war between hyumans and demons.
The shopkeeper of the Kuzunoha Company, Raidou -or Mizumi Makoto-, was in a relationship of senior and junior with her.
“It is not like I am telling you to stop indulging in won at night. I do think that if you are doing it fairly, I don’t really mind.” (Hibiki)
“Heh~, for a young woman, you are tolerant.” (Li)
“Wudi has a wife and baby, and he is head-over-heels in love with her. Bredda doesn’t seem to have the spirit to buy prostitutes. Looking at him, I think he doesn’t have experience with won yet. I don’t intend to tell him to play around with won, but I don’t have much opinion of it either.” (Hibiki)
“...There’s still one more thing regarding Bredda, right?” (Li)
“So you could tell huh. He seems to like . I am happy to be liked but...I don’t intend to answer his feelings.” (Hibiki)
“How straight. Then I think telling him quickly would be kindness in itself.” (Li)
“If he confesses to , I will properly reject him. To reject him because I have noticed his feelings, don’t you think that would leave a bad aftertaste? He also has to properly resolve himself and say it. I think that putting an end to it in this way, will leave less regrets. Aren’t n like that?” (Hibiki)
“...I don’t know if to call you kind or strict. Well, it is not my business. I was the one who threw the conversation, but please do as you please.” (Li)
Li lifts his hands up and shrugs his shoulders.
“I will do that. Sorry for having you accompany today.” (Hibiki)
“Don’t worry. The two are down with an endemic disease, so it can’t be helped.” (Li)
“Wudi and Bredda are unlucky. Or maybe Li is the lucky one.” (Hibiki)
“It is without doubt being lucky. That’s why I am alive, and working at the Kuzunoha Company.” (Li)
“Can I hear about that?” (Hibiki)
“I don’t mind. Well, there’s a lot I can’t answer though.” (Li)
“...What’s that. In the first place, why are you in Lorel when you should be doing business at Rotsgard and Tsige?” (Hibiki)
At the location that Hibiki and Li were walking to, there’s a building bigger than others.
At the end of the long stairs, there’s a temple.
Their steps told that this is their objective.
“Lorel’s big shots are inviting my boss all the ti. Telling him if he wants to put a store here. And so, I am doing a preliminary inspection. Being together with you guys was a coincidence, you know?” (Li)
Li’s true objective is to investigate the movents of Hibiki and her party.
But in order to have them think otherwise, he gives out a reason that Tomoe properly laid out beforehand.
In that point, there were no holes.
“The big shots huh. The nas?” (Hibiki)
“Hey hey, it feels like you are interrogating . It is soone called Sairitz. You are free to confirm with the other party, but I ask you to keep it a secret that you heard this from . If they learn that I am here to inspect, there will be a parade of thought transmissions and letters coming to Boss again. You are the senpai of Boss, right? Lending a bit of help to your kohai would be nice.” (Li)
“Sairitz... Hmph~, understood. I won’t bring out your na.” (Hibiki)
“Counting on that.” (Li)
“If you are talking about senpai and kohai, I would want so helping hand for the senpai as well.” (Hibiki)
“You are the senpai, so I ask you to be a bit tolerant on that. Boss is filled to the brim busy, and is suffering.” (Li)
“...What a troubleso kohai.” (Hibiki)
The two walk up the wide stone stairs.
At the center there’s a handrail, and a lot of people are walking up.
It can be seen at one glance that there were a lot of people on their pilgrimage.
“Even so...Lorel is really enthusiastic about their Spirit religion. If I rember correctly, it is a Water Spirit. It is clearly receiving more believers than the Goddess.” (Hibiki)
“For the commoners, they are the ones who have more appearance than the Goddess, and also, the High Spirits are a strong existence, so it is a religion that’s plenty reasonable to direct their belief at. Also, even if I say it is a Spirit religion, Spirits are all serving the Goddess, it is in essence, a religion of the Goddess.” (Li)
“You seem to be...quite knowledgeable.” (Hibiki)
“To the point that you have a different impression of now? Then let add one more thing while at it. In the past, at the ti when the demon race made its great march, the Earth and Fire Spirit that lend their help to them were called low Spirits because of it. In truth, the dium Spirits that possess will of their own, there are so that are called High Spirits but...well, regarding these two, there aren’t many hyumans or demons that continue their belief towards them though. Dwarfs are stubborn so they continue their faith towards the Earth Spirit, but because of their proficient arm in smithing, their eyes are not focused on it.” (Li)
“...Impressive. Are the employees of Kuzunoha Company required to have these amount of knowledge before being allowed to enter?” (Hibiki)
“I wonder. In our place, we have a tendency to excel at one trait, so there’s no real need to know things, as long as you have a specialty, you can manage to enter, probably.” (Li)
“Then maybe I should enter as well. With the connection of Misumi Makoto.” (Hibiki)
“A connection is not a talent. Is the job of a hero darker than it shows?” (Li)
“Pitch black. The environnt is also close to the worst. Well, what’s more important is if it’s worth doing huh. I can’t stop after all. Can’t I work in the side lines? Even if it’s by connection, I am confident that I will be an employee that can bring you benefits though.” (Hibiki)
“Our place doesn’t accept being a side job. Too bad.” (Li)
“Ara. Fuh~ we have finally arrived. Seriously, what a long stair. Chiya-chan said she is almost done but, what do you think?” (Hibiki)
“If she can’t handle this much, she would be lacking in training. Even if you ask what I think, I can’t say anything since I don’t know what that Priestess is doing. I only tagged along with you here.” (Li)
“...You really don’t know what Chiya-chan is doing?” (Hibiki)
“...Yeah, I don’t.” (Li)
“Then, I will leave it at that.” (Hibiki)
“I’m not being trusted.” (Li)
“Fufu.” (Hibiki)
While doing small talk, Hibiki and Li enter the temple.
After doing a simple check and confirming their identity, they were led into a room inside the temple.
The reason why they ca -or more like Hibiki ca- was because she was told that her party mber, the Priestess Chiya’s training would be finished by today.
Even if she is young, she is a dependable comrade, and Hibiki herself has co to et her.
She wanted her party mbers Wudi and Bredda to co with her, but they are ill right now. That’s why, for so reason, Hibiki ca along with Li, a Kuzunoha Company employee she t at Lorel.
Even Hibiki could only say that she instinctively invited him.
Because she felt that going alone would be dangerous.
Li didn’t get agitated at the sudden invitation of the hero. He carefreely accepted to go along with her to her destination.
There’s no better distance to accomplish the order of Tomoe to investigate the hero’s movent, so his actions could be said to be obvious.
“And? That Priestess-san, how does she get stronger?” (Li)
“That’s a secret.” (Hibiki)
“If possible, I would be grateful if she were to grow able to defend herself.” (Li)
“Grateful? What do you an by—!!” (Hibiki)
Hibiki’s face showed agitation in one instant.
“So you noticed.” (Li)
“Sothing’s strange.” (Hibiki)
“Strange huh. Well, if you are saying this out of instinct, that’s pretty impressive. That, draw it out.” (Li)
Li places a hand to the katana at his waist, and looks at the sword at the back of Hibiki.
“An enemy? But Lorel has never received the invasion of the Demon race, not even once.” (Hibiki)
“Who knows. I don’t know about the demons, but for now, it is a matter of fact that they have secluded the space. The place we are in right now could be called a separate space.” (Li)
“Secluding space? Are you saying a barrier has been activated?” (Hibiki)
“That’s how it is. But it is quite large-scale. I don’t think this is a defensive chanism of the temple. Soone must have set this up at the shadows of the temple, taking its ti. That’s how it feels.” (Li)
Li calmly analyzes the situation.
As a spy of the Kuzunoha Company, he didn’t show any signs of being agitated or bewildered.
He detected the abnormality faster than anyone, and had begun to think before anyone else.
“?!! Then, what about Chiya-chan?!” (Hibiki)
“Yeah, there’s a high probability that she is in danger. That’s why I tried asking how strong she has gotten.” (Li)
“What kind of leisure is that! Lend a hand. We will imdiately go save her!” (Hibiki)
“...Okay, I will lend it. Don’t forget that word.” (Li)
“Yeah, it is fine to think of it as a debt. I will return it in ti.” (Hibiki)
“No no, there’s no need to think of it in such an exaggerated manner. It is fine to just tell what that Priestess-san was planning on obtaining. I have a nature of wanting to know things that I want to know no matter what, you see.” (Li)
“Then I will tell you while we move. You are a vanguard, right?” (Hibiki)
Hibiki asks after seeing the katana.
Li nods.
“Yeah, even if it’s side by side, or back to back, I will do a decent job at it.” (Li)
*Don*
Hibiki kicks open the wooden door.
The corridor showed a slight fluctuation as if warping, sothing it didn’t show in the past.
Different from a normal space, it was a scenery that was practically proving they were in an unstable place.
“Then follow . I will have you do both side and back.” (Hibiki)
“Understood. First, right or left? Hero-dono knows the place where the Priestess-san is, right?” (Li)
“Right. Also, it is fine to call Hibiki. Calling Hero-dono is kind of itchy. For people that stand in the sa battlefield, I actually don’t want to be called in that way.” (Hibiki)
“Hibiki huh. If you want to call you that way, I don’t really mind. Then, let’s go.” (Li)
“Okay. Horn!” (Hibiki)
“Oh.” (Li)
Responding to the call of Hibiki, the silver belt that was wrapped around her waist summoned a type of wolf.
“Let’s go to where Chiya-chan is. If you notice sothing, tell .” (Hibiki)
The wolf nods at the words of its master.
It seed like it was able to understand the aning.
“If you were going to summon, tell so. I got surprised there.” (Li)
“Ara, I am sorry. I normally don’t team up with temporary mbers, so I was indifferent about it.” (Hibiki)
Two people and one animal run.
Just like what Li said, the temple had beco like a dungeon.
There were tis when the corridor went a different course, and doors that had no locks couldn’t be opened. Also, there were mamonos appearing in the temple; sothing that would never happen.
They were all hostile, and rcilessly attacked Hibiki’s group who were trying to hurry.
“You are fighting with quite the leisure!! As I thought, you are not a simple employee!” (Hibiki)
“I just have enough ability to be send to do a preliminary inspection in a foreign country. More importantly, counting that wolf-san over there, you possess power that doesn’t sha the na of hero. I see you in a different light now!” (Li)
But Hibiki’s group didn’t deal with them. They were all mostly defeated in one hit, and they were actually increasing their speed as ti went.
Li was observing Hibiki at tis, nodding at tis, and following her perfectly.
He followed Hibiki’s speed without losing breath, moreover, looking at how he swung his sword as if reading her very breath, the phantom of her past companion surfaced in her mind, but she chased it away.
Hibiki told herself: ‘Naval won’t return’.
“Oh, looks like it is here?” (Li)
“...Wah?” (Hibiki)
(This guy is incredible. His breathing is not affected at all. Moreover, he is acting in a way that doesn’t get in my way. He is really like Naval. No, he is most likely a lot more skilled than her.) (Hibiki)
Even though Hibiki was the one running ahead, she was surprised that she was more tired than Li who was following from behind, and was also surprised by his movents.
“Should we rest for a bit? It seems the Priestess-san is safe, you know?” (Li)
“...”
While recovering her breath, Hibiki silently shakes her head.
(Also, it is the sa with . I felt like I was clearly stronger than normal. Is this person, Li, the one that brought out that power from ? No way, there’s no way that’s the case but...) (Hibiki)
She does a big sigh.
And then, when Hibiki lifts her gaze, there’s the back of Li.
For so reason, that back of his looked quite big in Hibiki’s eyes.
“But, the heart’s eye? Or was it the mind’s eye? I’m surprised she was able to endure with only that power. She didn’t seem especially strong in fights after all, that Priestess-san.” (Li)
Li makes a reference of the new power of the Priestess that he heard from Hibiki in the way. The na of the power that Hibiki told Li was the mind’s eye. The eye of the heart.
The power to see through the real appearance of the target without exceptions; a power that only the Priestess possesses. But Hibiki was hiding one thing from Li.
That the mind’s eye is a power akin to a side effect.
The objective of this ti’s ceremony was to enhance power in all aspects, and by doing that process, she also ends up obtaining the mind’s eye.
Hibiki didn’t tell Li about the power enhancent.
“That’s..., no, let’s go!!” (Hibiki)
Hibiki almost told everything to Li.
But just as she was about to, she stops.
It is certainly true that they cooperating now, but Li Latte is a mber of the Kuzunoha Company.
And in the eyes of Hibiki, the Kuzunoha Company is an incredibly dangerous existence.
She felt it was dangerous to reveal everything.
“Got it.” (Li)
“!!”
Li complies, and then opens the big door.
At that place, there’s the figure of Chiya on her knees, both hands put together, and her eyes closed making a prayer.
Then, she saw the strong barrier that was protecting her.
“Demons huh. Why is it, I feel like this doesn’t give off the sll of sothing planned. It is not good, and it is not like them either.” (Li)
Li mutters.
In his eyes, there were reflected three demons surrounding the Priestess’ barrier.
Li could tell that she was breathing in and forming a spell.
At her surroundings, there’s the corpses of the Priestess’ bodyguards.
From the scenery that was reflected in his eyes, Li felt so sort of occurrence involved in this ill-preparedness.
“Wait. Right, the mind’s eye huh. Because of her acquiring that ability, she saw things that she didn’t think would see, and that’s why those three got agitated and did this huh. Then this state is also...” (Li)
“You!!” (Hibiki)
“!!!”
Li was analyzing the situation from the information.
But it seems he was the only one who was calm.
Li who heard an angered voice from his right side, looks at the direction where Hibiki should be.
The silver belt suddenly shone and wraps her whole body.
At the sa ti, Li felt a strange upsurge of power, and in the next mont, Hibiki’s figure had disappeared.
That’s right, even in the eyes of Li that were trained by Tomoe, Hibiki looked like she had disappeared.
Li unconsciously felt sothing cold at his back.
“Gyaaa!!”
“...Seriously?” (Li)
Hearing the scream at the front, Li learned of Hibiki’s whereabouts.
She was at the side of Chiya’s barrier.
And there were three corpses of demons as well.
It wasn’t as if they could react to it.
Luckily, only the third one was able to scream because he ‘hit’ the barrier by reflex. The other two weren’t even able to react at all, and were severed in one strike.
The one who was able to scream as well, it clearly showed that he received a fatal hit from one attack.
It didn’t turn into an instant death, that’s all.
In no ti, the demon spat out a large amount of blood and died.
(Good grief. It is the proper practice to let one live and have it spill out the beans. For Hibiki, that Priestess might be a special existence. In that case, if there’s a need to restrain her, that Priestess might be useful. There’s no real need to take her hostage; just by ntioning it to her, her movents would dull. Even so...that was unbelievable speed. Like that, I wouldn’t be able to react. If dealt wrong, I would also be defeated in an instant. I am glad I got to see it...along with that incredible outfit. It is more eye candy than scary. Let’s admire it.) (Li)
Li places the entire movents of Hibiki in his head. Counting the Priestess’ existence, the strong barrier she created, and the super speed that might be Hibiki’s ace.
...And also the really high exposure rate outfit she uses when showing that speed.
“Are you okay, Chiya-chan?!” (Hibiki)
“Hibiki-oneechan! You ca! You really ca~!!” (Chiya)
The barrier crumbles, and Hibiki and Chiya hug each other.
“I’m glad! I’m truly glad I made it in ti! It is alright now, I am here.” (Hibiki)
“It was scary, but I believed that you would definitely co rescue ! That’s why I had my barrier up all the ti and doing my best!” (Chiya)
Chiya’s way of dealing with the situation was truly childish, and at the sa ti, it could be said to be truly composed and brave.
Instead of going to a poor offensive, the chances of a mistake are low, and it will assure that she will live longer.
The price is that she wouldn’t be able to eliminate the enemy, so her chances of survival hinged on how much you can rely on soone coming to help.
Chiya betted on the help, and she splendidly won the bet.
“I’m sorry for ruining your heartwarming reunion, but how about returning for now, you two? Watching a child and a young girl hugging each other at a blood filled altar, is a bit unsavory.” (Li)
“Uh...you are right. Li, you really helped out in this occasion. Thanks.” (Hibiki)
“Not really. I did properly get the compensation, so minding it too much will only tire , please stop it. If it’s not enough to show your gratefulness, invite a dinner. I will be fine with that. Hm? What’s wrong, Priestess-san?” (Li)
“...A large tree that raises up a forest. Also...a dragon and welcoming rain.” (Chiya)
Chiya suddenly mutters this with distant eyes as she looks at Li.
“...Ah?” (Li)
“Chiya-chan?” (Hibiki)
“A person that gives a lot of peace of mind...” (Chiya)
“Hibiki, it seems the Priestess is quite tired. Quickly finish reporting this and have her rest. No matter the circumstances, she is still a child after all.” (Li)
“Right, I will do that. Chiya-chan, can you stand?” (Hibiki)
“Yeah, I’m fine. Onee-chan is...Onee-chan. Amazing, nothing changed.” (Chiya)
“...Really?” (Hibiki)
“Yeah!” (Chiya)
Hibiki and Li look at each other.
Wondering about Chiya-chan who is for so reason laughing happily.
The three leave the abnormal space of the temple’s altar, and head to the temple’s waiting room.
Li was making a thinking expression as he walked, and suddenly lifted his head.
“Oh right, it might be troubleso if they learn that I am here, so I will be leaving first. See ya, Hibiki, Priestess-san.” (Li)
“Wait a mont, you are an involved party as well!” (Hibiki)
“Li-san!!” (Chiya)
“It is fine to just have it as if I wasn’t there and take the credit. Hibiki, don’t forget the dinner. I will be returning to the inn.” (Li)
Li says this rapidly, and leaves the two at the waiting room.
“That Priestess-san, it seems the mind’s eye sees sothing without regards to the other party’s mind protection. I should report this as well. This is bad, it is almost ti to submit the report to Sis! I have to go to a place without people and return quickly!!” (Li)
At the Lorel Union, Li was involved with Hibiki bit by bit.
He still didn’t notice that this one incident would unexpectedly deepen his friendship with those girls.
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