Translated: Sei, MTL-sensei-tachi
Edited: Sei, Grammarly no Danna
Source: Syosetu
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TL Notes:
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Two days after the devil's attack, the meeting was held once more.
This time, to prepare for any unforeseen circumstances, Falga-sama and the Demon King used magic to establish thorough defenses before proceeding with the talks.
I was also assigned a security role, but my position was not inside the venue; instead, I was stationed outside to monitor the entrances and exits.
『Sorry, but your presence will cause some unrest among the representatives.』
Senpai and Kazuki are handling the inner security.
I was in charge of guarding the outside, so I'm standing guard at the door like a proper security guard right now. There's no sign of devils attacking like the other day.
"Nagi-san, is it okay for you to be here?"
I called out to Nagi-san, who was leaning her back against the wall next to me.
She flinched, her ears twitching in surprise, then turned her face toward me as if to cover it up.
"Hahaha, I'm fine. My role ended the other day, after all. Besides, Falga-sama declared the devil wouldn't come, so I don't think there's anything to worry about."
"Well, if Rapdo ended up like that, even the devil would be scared to come..."
"I think you being here is also part of the reason. Ah, no, never mind..."
From the devil's perspective, it seems I'm the only one who can detect techniques that deceive existence.
For me, that's quite convenient.
『Usato, you punched that demon with some crazy moves.』
『Well, after scaring them so much, he probably won’t come.』
『Seeing the face of whoever’s fighting you now contort with terror makes me think, deep down, that it was good I got beaten by you when you were weak.』
I smile wryly as I listen to the voices of Amako, Nea, and Ferrum, who have assimilated.
Ferum, in particular, was saying some pretty rude things, but I'll forgive her with a generous heart.
"What are you going to do from now on?"
"So from now on? Hmm, given my position, I can't exactly move freely. For now, I'll just have to wait for orders from above."
"I see..."
"What about you, Nagi-san?"
When I asked her that, she crossed her arms thoughtfully.
"Right. For now, I'm heading to the beastmen's country. Beyond that, I haven't really thought much. I did consider traveling... but the things I wanted to see, I've already seen them with you guys."
"You mean the view from the gauntlet?"
"That's right."
The consciousness that had awakened the moment the sword was drawn from the Evil Dragon's heart.
To be precise, it was another Nagi-san possessing Nagi-san's memories, but given the current situation where two personalities coexist within one body, the distinction likely holds little practical difference.
"So, now that I've seen the streets of the Kingdom of Lingle with my own eyes, it feels like I've done almost everything I wanted to do."
Everything she wanted to do is finished...
Hmm, well then, she should just find something new to do, but it's not that simple.
"...Would it be okay if I helped you?"
"Help me?"
"Mm. As a bridge between humans and demons. I know it must be incredibly tough, so I want to lend a hand."
......
I'm grateful for the offer.
But considering Nagi-san's circumstances, it would be terribly unfair to involve her in what I must do and bind her to it.
"You didn't have to go out of your way to help me... Nagi-san, you could just live your own life, you know?"
"No, that's not it. It's not something I forced myself to do; there's a good reason for it."
Reason?
Nagi-san shook her head with a smile and continued speaking.
"My life has been nothing but a series of battles. Before I was sealed away, I killed many demons and quite a few humans too..."
"Nagi-san..."
"I started thinking I'd like to live a life like yours... no, like the Rescue Squad's, a life where you help others, where you can save someone's life."
I can't believe she had such thoughts...!!
After being told something like that, there's nothing I can say...!!
I turned back to Nagi-san, placed my hands on both her shoulders, and faced her.
"I understand...!!"
"E-Eeeeh?! W-What...?!"
The desire to help people.
If you have that honest thought, that's enough.
On top of that, I know how strong her heart is...!!
Then——,
"Then, starting today, you are part of the Rescue Squad...!!"
"A-A-A-All of a sudden?!"
Nagi-san becomes flustered by my words.
You can refuse if you don't want to, but it's only if Nagi-san is okay with it.
"Is there any other notification more hopeless than this?"
"Unconscious goodwill is this guy's weapon. How cruel..."
The mascots inside are being rude, but Nagi-san possesses ample potential as a member of the rescue squad, just like Nack.
"I-Is that okay?! Someone like me?!"
"Yes, of course...!! The commander wouldn't object...!!"
『『『Eh!? 』』』
When I nodded, Nagi-san looked somewhat moved too.
This exchange reminds me of my interaction with Nack in Lukvis...!!
『You're up for it!? You're up for it, Kannagi?!』
『Right, she has incredible physical abilities, so she'd be totally fine with training with the rescue squad!』
『Now that you mention it, that's true... this guy is pretty weird too...!』
The Rescue Squad is also excellent at creating a place for Nagi-san to belong.
It seems at present she is going to Hinomoto, but after several centuries have passed, things might be quite different for Nagi-san now.
Ah, that's right...
"What about the other Nagi-san? Do you have anything you want to do?"
Then, Nagi-san's hand wrapped around my arm.
The strength she used to pull me closer was incredibly strong, impossible to shake off easily.
Hmm? A joint lock?
Nagi-san herself looked momentarily bewildered, then flushed bright red and hurriedly let go.
"T-The me inside me, you are way too bold!?"
『...You are really interesting, Kannagi.』
『If this were Suzune, I wouldn't have forgiven her, though.』
『She got it tough, doesn't she.』
It seems that what happened earlier was the work of another Nagi-san.
What's her intention? Is that it? Does she want to spar, or test our strength against each other?
Surely she doesn't mean to continue that fight at the ruins...?
●
——— read on seireitranslations.blogspot.com ———
The second meeting concluded without incident, and we returned to the inn with the Demon King.
The topic of discussion this time was the treatment and policy regarding the demon race.
According to the Demon King, for the time being, personnel from the Kingdom of Lingle will be dispatched to monitor the demon race.
Then they'll investigate things like the demon race's temperament, their way of life, and the causes behind the land's impoverishment.
While I was relieved it wasn't as bad as I'd imagined, I couldn't help but wonder who would be sent.
I know knights from the Kingdom of Lingle are currently stationed in the Demon King's territory, but they're merely there to keep an eye on things and won't be doing anything else.
"And I plan to make you one of those personnel."
"...Ha?"
As I listened to that story in the room where the Demon King had summoned me, he casually blurted out such a thing.
I froze for a moment, then pointed at myself with my finger and tilted my head.
"Eh, me?"
"Lloyd, after discussing it with Falga, we concluded there's no one more suitable than you."
"By suitable, you mean..."
"Because the devil's next target will likely be the Demon King's territory."
"Eh, is that so?"
"It's merely the most probable scenario."
I see...
If that's the reason, it makes sense.
"Another reason is that you can interact with demons in a friendly manner. ... Well, your image among demons is that of a devil, though."
"That’s your fault, isn’t it...!!"
"It’s partly your fault too, you know? I merely gave you a push."
Gu, gugugu...
It's not like I want to be treated like a devil...!!
Well, as for that part, if I can dispel that image after being dispatched, that'll be fine.
But being dispatched to the Demon King's territory means I'll be staying there for that period, right.
...Fumu.
"So basically, it's like a mobile rescue squad, huh?"
"Ha? It's not like that... No, it's up to you to do as you like."
"Demon King-sama, are you planning something?"
"Hmph, what are you talking about..."
So, that means we might be able to act as a rescue squad.
I know I shouldn't think this way, but I'll get to see Keira again, so I'm kind of looking forward to it.
"You'll be participating in the third meeting tomorrow, okay?"
"Yes. I just need to practice magic circulation, right?"
"Exactly. Though frankly, I could just do it myself."
The Demon King ostentatiously shifts magic power from finger to finger at high speed.
Well, it's not surprising that this person could do it normally, and it wouldn't be strange if he could sense devils in some other way, so I'm not surprised.
"You'd be more efficient teaching than I would. You seem to be getting attention, after all."
"Is that sarcasm?"
"No, I just find it rather amusing."
The Demon King laughs cheerfully as I glare.
He really is laughing with genuine delight, this Demon King...
"Is it the end of the meeting?"
"Yes. Though I hear they plan a banquet that night to celebrate the representatives gathering, I shall decline."
Come to think of it, Lloyd-sama did mention something about that.
If the Demon King were to participate, the atmosphere would be far more than just chilly, so there's nothing that can be done about it.
"You should join in too."
"You've become quite skilled at sarcasm, haven't you?"
Not that it seems to have had any effect whatsoever.
...Well, since it's a banquet for the representatives, I probably won't be attending.
Or rather, the fact that there are people who want to make contact with me is reason enough for me not to want to go.
"You will be forced to participate."
"Eeh..."
"You should at least memorize the faces of the representatives of each kingdom for future reference. You should first develop your sociability."
"Haa..."
What he is saying isn't wrong, but still.
At worst, if I can get away with acting that's been described as similar to Rose's, no one will talk to me, mm.
"Ah, right. You should take Ciel with you."
"Eh, wait, Demon King-sama, I haven't heard anything about this!"
Suddenly addressed, Ciel-san stopped pouring tea and looked surprised.
"I have to give my outstanding subordinates a little reward, you see."
"It's just that Usato-san and the others are weird, and everyone else is full of prejudice!"
What Ciel-san says is reasonable.
I wonder if he's really thought about that sort of thing?
This guy... he's probably the type who deliberately avoids saying things just to enjoy the reaction...
"No one would be bold enough to harm my subordinates. Koga will also serve as your escort."
"Please have Amira-sama do it!! Koga-san is unreliable and always disappears from the scene!!"
I couldn't help but smile wryly at Ciel-san's low opinion of Koga.
If Amira-san is serving as her escort, maybe I don't need to be so tense either...
"Well now, defeat isn't so bad after all. I thoroughly enjoyed this meeting as well. I'm looking forward to the next one, Usato."
"You really are...!!"
Just because the war's over doesn't mean they can do whatever they want.
It's certainly better than being mistreated, but it makes me feel like I'm getting payback.
——— read on seireitranslations.blogspot.com ———
Author's Notes:
Mobile Rescue Squad.
Usato is scheduled to be dispatched to the Demon King's territory.
Meanwhile, around that time, the Illusion Mage, who had been working like a horse in the Demon King's territory, was having a terribly bad feeling.
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