Translated: Sei, MTL-sensei-tachi
Edited: Sei, Grammarly no Danna
Source: Syosetu
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TL Notes:
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Chapter 308
A banquet for representatives from each kingdom.
To put it another way, it was more like a buffet-style party. I, who had ended up attending such a completely out-of-place event, was heading to the venue alongside senpai, Ciel-san, and my escort... well, Koga.
"...Why Koga-san?! I asked Amira-san to do it!"
"Haha, she said she was worried about leaving me alone to guard the Demon King-sama."
"Uuuh... You seem unreliable and I'm worried..."
"Oi oi, I was a former legion commander, you know."
Ciel-san tilted her head as Koga said so.
"? ...I don't think your strength and your personality are related, though."
"You've got a pretty sharp tongue, don't you..."
For now, it was decided that Ciel and Koga would attend the venue.
Well, this guy might be a bit careless at times, but he'll get the job done, so I suppose there's no need to worry too much.
"Since it was called a banquet, I thought I'd be told to wear something special... but I never imagined I could just come in my uniform."
"It seems some level of formal attire is expected. But since both you and I are already dressed appropriately for our positions, it shouldn't be much of an issue."
Senpai was wearing the white combat uniform she wears as a hero.
I'm in my usual squad uniform.
Honestly, this outfit is the most comfortable, so I'm grateful.
As I felt relieved inside, Nea, who had been assimilated with me, flew out in owl form and transformed into a girl with black hair and red eyes.
"Fufufu, I did think about wearing a dress since it's a party, but I've decided to match you and go in my uniform instead...!!"
『Uniform? But you modified yours, didn't you...』
"It's not modified. It's an arrangement."
I wonder how that's different.
The current Nea wears a uniform top with a skirt, featuring slits on the upper arms and a belt, showing differences from Rose's and my uniforms.
"What do you think, is it cute?"
"Hn? Yeah, it suits you. Mm."
"Well, that's obvious!!"
Then why did you ask...?
It's a difficult uniform to move in for the rescue squad, and you could say it's more of an aesthetic design...but, well, Nea's in charge of rear support, so I guess I can let her have her own freedom in that regard.
"Usato-kun, can I join the Rescue Squad after all?"
"What's suddenly gotten into you?"
"I want a squad uniform too."
"Isn't that a bit of a weird reason...?"
I think Senpai could do just fine in the rescue squad, but... she's a hero.
Making her juggle two jobs and pile on the burden feels wrong too...
"Honestly, I don't think the title of ‘Hero’ means much to me anymore."
"Eh? Is that so?"
"Look, I've already fulfilled my mission as the Hero."
"But don't you have other things to do?"
In response to Nea's comment, Senpai shook her head with a wry smile.
"Now that the war against the Demon King's army is over, there's no need to fight anymore. Sure, I could handle castle duties, but I'm just not cut out for that sort of thing."
"..."
"Besides, I have no intention of leading subordinates into battle as a ‘Hero’ like Leona."
She could do it, but it's not really her thing.
Considering senpai's personality, I can understand that.
Besides, even if demons exist, there's no one like the Demon King's army we have to fight anymore.
So the title of “Hero” doesn't really mean much anymore.
"Ah, it means something to Kazuki-kun. After all, he and Celia, you know?"
"Is Kazuki different?"
What does that mean?
And “Celia-sama” means... Ah, that's what it means.
"So Kazuki needs the title of hero, that's what you mean."
"We don't know yet. But it's common knowledge that Kazuki-kun and Celia get along well. And most importantly, even Lloyd-sama approves of it."
If Kazuki stays in this world, he might one day become the king of Lingle Kingdom, huh.
I had never thought about that.
I'm sure it would become a wonderful kingdom, just like the one Lloyd-sama rules now.
"That's why you're joining the Rescue Squad, huh?"
"Mm, mm."
"...H~n."
This has gotten more complicated than I expected.
This isn't something I can decide on my own...
"Lloyd-sama said I could do as I pleased. Now it's up to you and Rose-san."
"...I see no reason to stop you."
"Well, if there were any reason... then..." (Nea)
『You've really thought things through』(Ferrum)
"Isn't your opinion of me a little low...?"
Senpai's cheeks twitched at Nea and Ferrum's assessment.
"When I said I wanted the squad uniform earlier, it was half serious and half joking."
"Half serious...?"
"But wanting to help people, not fight, that's my true feeling. I... if I could, I don't want to take anyone's life anymore..."
So it's about the battle against the Demon King's army, huh?
As a hero who fought in that war, it was inevitable that she had to take the lives of the demons who attacked us...
Seeing my troubled expression, senpai hurriedly raised her index finger.
"B-Besides, even if I were to train, the nature of my magic means that the number of people I can train with is limited."
"Ah, I suppose it would be difficult for ordinary knights to train you using your Thunder Beast Mode."
When it comes to sparring partners at the castle, I suppose it'd be Kazuki and Sigrus-san?
Both of them are busy people, so their time must be limited.
"Yeah. Honestly, I used Thunder Beast Mode 3 for the first time in ages during that sparring session here. Before that, I couldn't train properly... ahaha."
"You couldn't train... properly...?!"
I realize senpai's situation is far more serious than I'd imagined, and I cover my mouth in shock.
"That... must be... really tough... truly."
"I feel like this is the first time I've ever seen that look on your face."
『This guy's a training idiot.』
So, Senpai will lose her title as a hero?
Normally, you wouldn't think it could be taken away so easily, but since Lloyd-sama is someone who respects our wishes, it wouldn't be strange for him to grant permission.
"Alright, understood. I'll recommend you to the commander myself."
"Really!?"
"I swear on my title as vice-commander of the rescue squad...!!"
"Somehow, when you bet that much on it, it actually starts to scare me..."
Well, I suppose I'll have to brace myself for a scolding.
"I wonder if it's just my imagination that the rescue squad has become a demonic place...?"
『It has always been like this. With Rose and this guy here, the situation is the same as it is now.』
"But we're running out of rooms soon. I wonder if they could build another dormitory soon."
For now, let's leave this topic here.
Feeling deeply for senpai's troubles, I spoke to Ferrum, who was saying something rather rude.
"Is Ferrum okay without going outside?"
I called out to Ferum, who was assimilating with me.
『Ah, I'm fine. If there's food, just assimilate the whole plate. I'll eat inside』
"Hahaha, anything goes, huh."
『...No, I really don't want to hear that from you...』
"Stop replying with a serious tone."
She went dead serious.
Slumping my shoulders, I check the members once more.
Ciel-san and Koga.
Then, senpai, Nea, and me assimilated with Ferum.
"Well, I guess I should just relax for now..."
I'd been on edge all this time, so taking a little break wouldn't hurt.
With that thought, I made my way toward the venue.
●
——— read on seireitranslations.blogspot.com ———
Upon arriving at the venue——or rather, the grand hall constructed within the building used for the talks, we found numerous representatives already gathered there.
It seemed the banquet would begin immediately after our arrival. First, Norn-sama, the Queen of Mialak, ascended the prepared platform and delivered her speech.
"This meeting. While there were many issues, I am truly delighted that we have been able to reach this moment today."
Then came greetings from Norn-sama and Lloyd-sama, followed by numerous dishes being carried in from the back of the hall.
"I'm astonished. Are you truly human?"
"Magic circulation will be a major historical discovery. Might I hear your story?"
"Could you actually be half demi-human?"
"What is healing magic?"
"Honestly, your movements were inhuman..."
Why is half the conversation with people who talk to me about whether I'm even human?
I figured it'd happen to some extent, but half? That's too much, isn't it?
"Here you go, Ferum."
『Thanks』
After arranging some food onto a plate, I move to the wall and let the dark magic on the back of my uniform swallow the plate.
Once the plate disappears as if pulled from the inside, I take a sip of the drink I'm holding.
"Haaaa, I'm not used to this."
『Mugugu, this is difficult.』
"I wish someone would take my place."
『It's impossible, so give up. ...What about Koga and Ciel?』
"They're nearby."
Less than ten meters away from me, Ciel-san is chomping away at her food.
Judging from Koga's somewhat dejected state, he seems to be quite at the mercy of others.
Senpai and Kazuki were probably with Lloyd-sama...Hn?
"Where's Nea...?"
"Come to think of it, where did she go?"
Just a moment ago, she was nearby, but now she's gone without me noticing.
Looking around the venue, I spotted Nea right away... but it seemed like she was being approached by three men or so.
Are they hitting on her or something?
"That's him."
『『『Eh?』』』
Hn? Why are they looking at me?
While I was wondering why Nea pointed at me with her palm, wearing a forced smile, she left the other three and came back towards me.
"Fuuh, being born beautiful is a sin."
『Usato, can I hit this guy with dark magic?』
"Stop it. So, what happened?"
"Exactly what you saw. I got hit on."
Well, without any bias, she is a beautiful girl.
She's a bit of a klutz, though.
"Eh, then what did you say when you looked at me earlier?"
"Yeah, that you're my master. Once I said that, they gave up."
"Don’t say things that’ll cause too many misunderstandings!?"
If people don't know you're a monster to begin with, they're totally gonna get the wrong idea, right!?
Well, since it's a familiar and master relationship, it's not wrong!?
But you, since you take human form, don't you realize people might get the wrong idea!?
"Hey, Usato."
"Harold-sama, Ouka-sama."
As I held my forehead, King of the Nirvarna Kingdom Harold-sama and his son, Ouka-sama, came over to me.
It seems Hyde-san is not present here.
"I heard you were here, so I thought I'd meet you one last time."
"My apologies. I should have come to you."
"You're not used to this sort of thing, are you? I'm not the type to make a fuss over something like this."
What a generous heart.
As I was admiring him, Ouka-sama noticed Nea beside me.
"Oh, Usato. And who is this young lady?"
"Oh, she is..."
You'd never guess just by looking, so I guess I should properly introduce her as my familiar.
Just as I was thinking that, Nea suddenly wrapped her arms around my arm.
"His wife♪"
"Ha!?"
Nea's bombshell statement, delivered in a bouncy voice, froze not only me but also Harold-sama and Ouka-sama.
""...""
What should I do about this atmosphere?
Nea grinned as the air suddenly froze and quickly let go of my arm.
"Just kidding. Actually, I'm his familiar~."
With a light pop, Nea transformed into an owl and perched on my shoulder.
Harold-sama's eyes widened at the sight, but he soon broke into a chuckle.
"Could it be that this is the humanoid familiar I've heard rumors about? I can't believe I didn't even notice it."
"It's not that impressive. Just a ponkotsu 300-year-old vampire." (Note: clumsy; useless; no good)
SMACK!! She slapped my cheek with her wing, but I ignored it.
Realizing it wasn't working, she pecked at my cheek with her beak like a woodpecker, but I ignored that too.
"So they get along well, huh? Humanoid monsters are few in number, and examples of them becoming familiars should be rare..."
"Well, it was more like I was forced into a contract... hahaha."
I was forced into that contract completely against my will.
Looking back now, I do think it's good that Nea was there for me.
"Usato"
"Yes? What is it, Ouka-sama?"
"You don't need to use ‘-sama’. Just call me ‘brother-in-law’ (Ani-ue) is fine."
Oh no, he's making me his brother-in-law.
I guess I really should turn him down flat this time.
Then, Harold-sama approaches me with a serious look on his face.
"I saw your performance the other day with my own eyes and I'm convinced. Usato, would you take my daughter as your bride?"
"Even if you say it with such a serious face... I'm sorry, but..."
He had a really earnest look on his face.
Nirvarna's pretty messed up, but a daughter who can make Harold-sama look like this must be seriously messed up, right?
Kuh, at this point, my only way out is to sacrifice Koga and escape this situation...!!
"Whoa, hold on there. Usato's in trouble, isn't he."
"Muh, you bast*rd..."
Third-party voice.
When Harold-sama and I turned to look, there stood a familiar figure.
"Lucas...! You sly fox...!"
"Quite an interesting conversation you're having there, Harold. Or should I say, muscle-bound old geezer."
What an outrageous insult that just came out of his mouth!?
The two kings of Samarial and Nirvarna, two countries that could easily be neighboring countries, were glaring at each other with sparks flying.
...A hellish scene, perhaps?
『Wouldn't it be better to take this opportunity to get away?』
"Let's do that."
"That would be best."
I quietly leave the place with Nea, who has suddenly taken on human form, before I know it.
It might be rude, but somehow I felt this was just about right for these gentlemen.
Truly rude, though.
"Oi, Ciel. You're eating too much."
"If I don't eat something now, I won't be able to keep going...!"
"How much stress do you usually bottle up?"
Meanwhile, Koga was utterly appalled by Ciel, who was devouring a plate piled high with food at an incredible pace.
That guy's got his own problems too...
——— read on seireitranslations.blogspot.com ———
Author's Notes:
For better or worse, Nea was the one stirring things up.
The fundamental idea that senpai wanted to “enjoy this other world” quietly clashed with her position as the hero. Consequently, she came to the conclusion that she might as well step down from her title as the hero.
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