Translated: Sei, MTL-sensei-tachi
Edited: Sei, Grammarly no Danna
Source: Syosetu

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Chapter 301

 The day before the meeting.
 Even the Demon King seemed to realize it wasn't wise to go out on such a day, so we stayed at the inn, discussing tomorrow's plans.

"Usato-kun, we are in charge of guarding the Demon King, so basically we won't leave the Demon King's side."
"Of course. It's also our job to keep people with ill will or prejudice from getting close before the talks begin, right?"
"Yeah, you can be the scary Usato-kun when the time comes."

 So it's okay to make my face scary?
 That's the best way to scare people away, so I should do it when I can.

"Well, the Demon King is always scary, so I don't think anyone would go near him."
"You're being really rude to the Demon King-sama..."

 Koga, who was sitting next to me, muttered with a slightly taken aback look on his face.

"Ferrum and Nea will be assimilated with me during the meeting."
"Got it."
"Fine, but what if something unexpected happens? We can't just act on our own, right?"

 Nea's concern is also reasonable.
 If there is an attack during the meeting, how should we act?
 That becomes important.

"If Norn-sama or Lloyd-sama gives orders, we'll prioritize them. If not, we'll evacuate the people at the conference and protect them from attackers."
"I see. So that's your area of expertise, then."

 I'm pretty good at protecting things, so she's not entirely wrong.

"But I wonder what will actually happen."
"That's right. Even if we know about it, it may be a shocking truth for people from other countries."
"Like Falga-sama, for instance. He seems to be a legendary figure in this era, so it's bound to be truly shocking."

 I was also very surprised when I first met Falga-sama.
 However, to give credibility to the Demon King's story, it would be better to have Falga-sama's words as well.

"The perception of the demons is still negative, so I hope they can understand the situation at least a little..."
"But it's difficult."
"...Yes, I understand."

 If that were to happen, there would be no such thing as discrimination against demi-humans in this world.
 In a way, I'm glad I met Lignus yesterday.
 It has made me change my naive thinking.

"We must be perfectly prepared for the meeting..."

 For that reason, I have to do everything I can for tomorrow. 
 ...Ah, that's right.

"Now that I think of it, I haven't shown it to Nea yet."
"Eh? What is it?"
"If you're surprised by my technique I use at a crucial time, you'll be confused too, so I'll show you now."
"Y-Yeah? That's surprisingly thoughtful. Assuming it's not some weird technique you're showing me, that is."
"Hmph, don't worry."

 After all, what I'm showing you is the Elasticity Grant.
 I show Nea my palm and create a resilience grant without using the gauntlet.

"Yes, new elasticity grant."

 To put it in perspective, it's like a translucent slime coming out of my palm.
 Nea blinked rapidly as she saw the magic power swaying like Shingen mochi.

"You did this without gauntlet support?"
"Eh, yeah, I did?"
"...Magic energy circulation might be a more dangerous technique than I thought... No, maybe you're just weird..."

 That's a pretty harsh thing to say...
 I spent about an hour learning it yesterday.

"I don't get it, but is that supposed to be impressive?"
"Well, yeah. This guy's starting to do the same thing as the previous hero. He's no longer needing Falga's weapons."
"What are you doing...?"

 No, no, no, I still need it.
 The greatest strength of the gauntlet is its durability, right?
 True, I'm training now to not rely solely on the gauntlet, but that doesn't mean I won't need it anymore.

"Usato-kun, can I borrow that magic bullet?"
"? Sure, I guess."

 Senpai seemed to want it, so I raised the magic bullet in my palm.
 She began examining it, poking it with her finger and shaking it. Then, for some reason, she looked at me with a beaming smile.

"Usato-kun, let's call this healing slime. It will sell."
"Don't commercialize it without permission."
"Then why not make it like a cat cafe? A slime cafe?!"
"That's way too niche. Who would even want to go to a place like that?"

 What's going on in a cafe where you can touch slime?
 It's kinda scary, like they might turn your drinks into slime too.

"Hey, Nea, Ferrum. This is great, isn't it? Amazing, right?"
"That's a technique that's only possible with healing magic. This will sell."
"...It's not that I hate it."

 Oh no, it's getting good reviews...!?
 Are you saying my judgment is off?
 As I was secretly shocked, Koga spoke to me in a hushed voice.

"These guys get along pretty well, no matter what they say. Even Ferrum opens up to them."
"Right..."

 Even though she says things like that, she talks normally with senpai and doesn't really dislike her.
 Maybe she was trying to hide her embarrassment or something.

"Inukami-sama, Usato-sama."
"Yes?"
"What's wrong?"

 Suddenly, the knight came through the door in a bit of a hurry and called out to me and senpai.
 I wondered if something had happened. Just then, he opened his mouth, looking slightly tense as he glanced toward the door.

"The King of the Samarial Kingdom has come to visit..."
""...""

 I knew he would come someday, but Lucas-sama, is it now the right timing...?

●
——— read on seireitranslations.blogspot.com ———

"Yaah, Usato. It's me!"

 Immediately after greeting me, he gave me an absurdly energetic welcome, leaving me no choice but to force a strained smile.
 By his side was a woman wearing light armor and clothing in shades of light blue; it seemed everyone else was waiting outside.

"It's been a while since the Four Kingdoms Summit, Lucas-sama."
"Yeah, you did a great job in the last battle. Hahaha, well, it's not surprising that you would do that much."

 But I couldn't possibly be unhappy to see him, he's someone who's looked after me too.
 I assumed he must have business with the Demon King as well, so I guided him toward the living room.

"Usato-kun, I'll go and tell the Demon King, so you can talk to Lucas-sama."
"Eh, but..."
"It's fine. You have things to discuss, right?"
"...Thank you"

 I thanked senpai, who had shown concern for me.
 Watching her ascend to the upper floor where the Demon King resided, I ordered tea from the inn staff before guiding Lucas-sama to the guest room.

"No, it's fine here."
"Eh, but..."
"We were the ones who showed up. And 70% of our purpose was to check on you."
"Oh, I see. Then please, this way."

 I grab seats near where we had been talking just moments before.

"Oya, are you guys demons?"
"Um, yeah, well..."
"This is our first meeting, but you're more human than I expected. Hahaha."

 I sense Ferum and Koga's pleading looks for help.
 I casually ignore them and, after getting permission, sit down in the seat in front of him.

"Yes, she is the new Knight Commander, Halival. You should remember that."

 The knight standing beside Lucas-sama puts her hand on her chest and bows.
 She has a similar aura to Leona-san.
 Halival-san, a woman with slightly tanned skin and shoulder-length, slightly curly black hair, turned to me with a dignified smile.

"Nice to meet you. This is the first time I've met you without a mask, isn't it, Muko-sama*." (*Note: Groom/Son-in-law)
"Yes?"
"Ah, I'm sorry, Usato-sama."
"Hahaha, Harival, good grief. ...It's still not right, is it?"

 Hey, wait a minute?
 We haven't even exchanged words yet, but some outrageous person has come along with Lucas-sama.
 What on earth is going on with Samarial...?
 This time, I call out for help to Koga and Ferrum behind me, but they ignore me.
 You heartless bast*rds...!

"You mean, without your mask? So you were Eva's guard at the Four Kingdoms Summit?"
"That's right. I've heard a lot about you from Your Majesty and Eva-sama."

 I want to ask about the details, but at the same time, I'm scared I might learn some terrible truth.
 Eva will probably be fine, but what about Lucas-sama...?

"She's very capable. Not only is she skilled, but she's also intelligent, and most importantly, my daughter Eva is very fond of her."
"No, that's..."
"Don't be so modest. I trust you too."

 If Lucas-sama says so, she must be quite capable.
 During the Four Kingdoms Summit, she even engaged in mock battles with senpai, and even I could tell she's a formidable opponent.

"Lucas-sama, it seems Eva is not attending this meeting."
"Yes, as expected. Even considering this is an important meeting, the situation is far too chaotic. I decided not to burden the guards, so I went alone."
"I see..."
"Also——"

 Lucas-sama paused and smiled cheerfully.

"I can't let some spoiled brat fall in love with my daughter and get the wrong idea."
"...Yes? What did you just say?"

 It sounded like he was uttering some very venomous words with a smile.
 Did I hear it wrong...?

"There's no guarantee that some unscrupulous man won't propose marriage to my daughter. No, I'm sure there will be. What's more, my daughter resembles her mother, so all sorts of men will turn their heads and try to approach her, even if it's just a reckless move."
"Yes, yes, that's right."
"If some prince were to fall for her at first sight, it would be unbearable. While rejection is certain, the real trouble would be persistent harassment. Therefore, we must take every precaution to prevent such a thing from happening."
"As expected of Lucas-sama. What keen insight."

 That's amazing, Halival-san is nodding.
 Eva is certainly beautiful, so I can understand the concern, but I wonder... why does my spine still freeze?

"Hey, don't you think so too? We can't let some random idiot touch Eva."
"Eh, ah, yes. I think that's right."
"Even if I leave her to someone, it's only someone I approve of. Hahaha."
"Ha, hahaha."

 Lucas-sama's meaningful smile is honestly scary.
 I have a feeling we should change the topic here.
 I'll bring up that topic I've been meaning to ask about for a while now.

"S-Speaking of which, how is Eiri-san doing? He's still working as Eva's butler, right?"

 Eiri-san, Eva's butler, who looked after us back when we were in Samarial.
 Now that Eva is able to go out freely, I wonder if there have been any big changes in his life as her butler?

"He's doing well too. He's still a dependable man, faithfully carrying out his duties as Eva's butler."
"I see... That's good to hear."
"But I'd like him to pay more attention to other things than just being a butler. Do you have anything to say?"
"From me?"

 Lucas-sama nodded and shrugged his shoulders.

"If I said it, it would sound like an order, so maybe if it was coming from you, a friend, maybe he'll be a little more receptive."
"If that's the case... I guess so..."

 I-Is it just my imagination?
 I sense a mysterious, oppressive aura emanating from Halival-san, who stands guard beside Lucas-sama.
 It's not murderous intent, nor is it anger.
 What? This is... No, it's the other way around! Figure it out...!! 

"Wouldn't it be nice to have someone close?"
"...I see, that's one way to look at it."

 How'd that go? I glanced at Halival-san's face and saw her giving me a huge smile and a thumbs-up.
 Seems I wasn't wrong after all.
 Everyone says I'm insensitive, but this showed me I have quite a sharp side.
 Just as I was feeling satisfied, senpai and Ciel-san came down from upstairs.

"Lucas-sama, the Demon King has agreed to an audience with you."
"Hmm, that was quick. I would have liked to talk a bit longer, but it can't be helped. Well then, Usato, let's talk again on the way back."
"Yes, Lucas-sama."

 Rising from my seat, I watched him and Halival-san, guided by senpai and Ciel-san, head upstairs.

"Now, I wonder what kind of clever person this rumored Demon King is... I'm really looking forward to it."

 After seeing him enter the room where the Demon King was, I let out a light sigh and sat down in my seat.
 Then, Koga and the others who had been watching the situation from behind came over.

"As always, King of Samarial..."
"Hey, Usato. You really do attract a lot of weirdos, don't you?"
"That's quite something, that King..."

 He's a nice guy.
 He's a very easy-going person, and although I use polite language, I can speak to him without feeling too nervous.

"But he seems to really like you. Are you sure you're okay?"
"What do you mean, ‘okay’?"
"...Well, if you don't mind, then it’s fine..."
"?"

 There seems to be some hidden meaning behind that.
 I tilt my head at Koga's words.

"Hey, Nea. Who's Eva?"
"Come to think of it, you've never met her. ...Ferrum, you understand, right?"
"...Seriously? Eh, you're kidding, right?"

 Ferrum, who was talking to Nea, was looking at me in disbelief.
 What's wrong, you guys?

——— read on seireitranslations.blogspot.com ———

Eva is not participating.
Well, given the people gathering, there are various political risks involved...