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

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TL Notes:
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Chapter 319


　After parting ways with Ark-san and the others, Nea and I were guided by Hannah-san to the Demon King's office.
　Unlike the Demon King's castle we'd visited before, this room was fairly spacious. The Demon King sat at a table reviewing documents, with Ciel-san standing beside him like an assistant.

"They're here. Ciel."
"Usato-san, please come this way."
"Ah, thank you."

　It seems Hannah-san is waiting outside the door, so I alone enter the office and sit down in the prepared chair.
　After confirming I'm seated, the Demon King leans back in his chair and wears an exasperated expression.

"You can't act unless you're doing something interesting?"
"No, no, that's not it."
"What's not it? It's a fact you suddenly flew through the sky, right?"

　Kuh, that's certainly true.

"To an outsider, you're just some weird healing mage flying around the city."
"Nea, the truth can sometimes be deceiving. You'd do well to remember that."
"In your case, though, you're doing more unbelievable things than even lies could be."

　Does this owl have some grudge against me or something?
　She just landed a perfectly timed counterattack.

"Flying through the sky, huh? It seems you’ve awakened yet another rare ability."
"So it really is rare."
"It’s possible to float in the air using wind magic. But to “fly” freely, with your own will, that’s fascinating. ...For a child who’s awakened to dark magic to wish for flight is, in itself, something to marvel at."

　The ability to fly freely through the sky alone makes it a truly unique magic.
　While it lacks physical offensive power, its ability to move anywhere makes it exceptionally versatile.

"...Compared to before, this building is much smaller now."
"Nowadays, there's no need for something as big as a castle. If it remained a castle, I'd have to make my subordinates climb the stairs every time, which would be a pain. So, this size is just right."

　Ah, climbing all those stairs in that huge castle would be a real pain.
　Well then, a mansion like this is probably easier to manage, information gets passed around faster.

"So. Now that you've finally arrived here, naturally there are various things I need you to handle."
"Yes"

　That's why I came here.
　I straightened my back and listened intently to the Demon King's voice.

"First, interact with the people in this city. I don't care if they call you a devil, but it's crucial they associate with you, ‘a human who is friendly toward the demons’."
"I got it"

　I don't mind being called a devil, but I need to keep interacting with them.
　Though with people like Ururu-san and Ark-san who are great at socializing, I'm not too worried about it.

"Next is the exploration of the ‘Demon Realm’ between the Demon King's Territory and the Beastmen's Domain."
"Ah, I heard about that from Koga."
"Then we'll get straight to the point. You will accompany the expedition as a member of the exploration team."
"Ah, about that..."
"What is it?"

　Recalling my conversation with Koga just moments ago, I broached the subject.

"Koga asked me to handle the training for the exploration team. Would it be acceptable for me to lead it?"
"...Fumu. Rescue Squad training, huh. Interesting. In that case, let’s recruit more people to expand the team."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. Go ahead and sift through them thoroughly."

　I got the go-ahead without any fuss.
　Rescue Squad training for the demons.
　Back when Ferum first started, she relied too much on her armor and was pretty weak, but there are former soldiers among them, so maybe I can keep up at a decent pace too.

"Ku-kuku, I'm looking forward to this training."
"You have a bad look on your face..."

　I think I understand now why Rose looked so happy when she put Ferum in the rescue squad.
　Training for demons who have physical abilities different from those of ordinary humans.
　Just thinking about what kind of training regimen to put together now is nothing but pure excitement.

"Ciel, did you see that? And he doesn't even realize it."
"I've never seen anyone flash such an evil grin for training before..."

　Oops, I must focus on the conversation.
　Snapping back to reality, I turn my attention back to the Demon King.

"There are other things I'd like to ask of you... but well, those are personal matters. There's no need to discuss them here."
"Is that so?"
"Yeah"

　The Demon King personally asking me for a favor is kinda scary, though.
　The conversation seemed to have reached a pause, and the tense atmosphere eased slightly.
　Then, Ciel-san, who had been beside the Demon King, addressed me.

"How has Keira-chan been?"
"She's fine. She seems to be waiting for me outside this mansion right now."
"That's good to hear. I've been worried about her since we met at the ruins..."

　Come to think of it, I first encountered Ciel at the ruins.
　I never imagined she was the Demon King's attendant, so I was genuinely shocked.

"While we're at it, why don't we leave some dark wizard children with you?"
"Hahaha, that's a funny joke."
"Yeah, it looks like they are going to awaken an interesting ability. And it might turn into something rather entertaining."
"You're joking, right...?"

　I don't think it's possible right now.
　Besides, I don't even know if I can open the heart of a dark mage child.

"Fumu. I don't know when it might happen, but it's worth trying. Above all, it could lead to the stability and independence of dark mages, something we've long considered problematic."
"Will it be that easy...?"
"At the very least, you've already had two successful cases."

　Is he talking about Ferum and Keira?
　Hmm, Keira aside, Ferm seems to have reformed with the rescue squad, so I don't think I've influenced her that much.

"First off, you are..."
"Yes?"
"Dark mages tend to be depen... They have rather clingy personalities."

　...Hmm?

"Just now, you were about to say something———"
"Though there’s never been a case of anyone bonding with a dark mage like you before, I’ve formed my own theory."
"A theory?"

　I can't help but feel like I'm being brushed off, but what exactly is the Demon King speculating?

"Many dark mages harbor a sense of unease, even rejection, toward their own kind. The experience of being betrayed by their parents, the very people they trusted most, intensifies their distrust of others. The shadows cast within their hearts by this betrayal manifest as dark magic."

　Could it be that Ferum's inversion and Keira's dark humanoid magic are examples of that?
　But why does that make me easy to bond with?

"Is it because I'm not a demon?"
"It is one factor, but primarily, the environment in the Demon King's territory before I awoke was dreadful... When the land becomes barren, the hearts of those who dwell there naturally wither too."

　I get that I'm kind of easy to get attached to, but that alone doesn't really explain it.
　In the first place, Keira knew I was disguised as a demon, so it doesn't seem like it has much to do with it.
　Koga is... Ah.

"Now that you mention it."
"What is it?"
"Did you know the delegation from the Kingdom of Nirvarna includes the Second Princess?"
"? Yeah, I don't know if it's just a whim or something."

　Ah, thank goodness. It seems he knows about Senri-san.

"Well, that person... seems to be trying to make Koga her fiancé now."
""Haa?""

　To my surprise, the Demon King and Ciel-san gave the same reaction.
　Honestly, I wanted to say the same thing and get the same reaction, but I couldn't afford to be so carefree.

"By the way, I'm being targeted too."
"...No, seriously, you bring up way too many topics, don't you? What's your deal? Are you destined to constantly be plagued by women troubles?"
"No, no, this isn't my fault!"

　If even the Demon King said something like that, I'd seriously start crying, so stop it.
　I'm starting to feel like I can't handle this abnormal situation where this person is totally grossed out by me.
　Meanwhile, Ciel-san seems excited and is shifting into listening mode.

"Well, but she is the second princess of Nirvarna, isn't she? ...Not a bad prospect."
"Seems she likes strong people. I think she and Koga would be a good match."
"..."

　Why do you look at me and act so worried?
　I wish you'd stop giving me that look like, “Well, Koga's interesting, but this guy seems pretty entertaining too...”.

"I won't be getting involved in this matter. I'll just enjoy the commotion among the parties involved, including you."
"Just seeing Koga-san struggle is pretty entertaining in itself...!"

　I reported it before it was too late, but I'm glad it didn't turn out to be a problem.
　...No, it's not good at all.

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

　After finishing our conversation, I left the Demon King's office and met up with Keira at the entrance.
　We were supposed to head to the dormitory where Ark-san and Ururu-san were staying next, but I couldn't shake my concern about Koga, who had gone with Senri-san. So, I decided to check on him at the nearby training grounds.

"Hey, why are you hanging out with Usato-kun anyway? From what I can see, you look like a... dark mage."
"Usato-san is my dark magic teacher, so...!"
"He's a healing mage (?) right? If that's the case... no, hmm... I see. So he's your teacher?"

　Hannah-san, why did you try to correct it to ‘healing mage’ but then change your mind?

"I'm sorry for making such a detour request."
"Not at all. I also enjoy seeing Koga-kun struggle."
"..."

　Somehow I'm starting to feel sorry for Koga.
　Why is he being treated like this, even by Ciel-san and Hannah-san...?
　I know it's not that they hate him, but...

"Hey, if we head in now, won’t you get dragged into it too?"
"Yeah, probably. The moment Koga sees me, he’ll instantly make me his scapegoat..."

　At that moment, I'd do the same thing and fight back...

"I figured it'd be better if I was there as a healing mage, just in case someone got hurt in the mock battle."
"...You're so serious about that kind of thing."

　There are other things on my mind too.

"Personally, I'm curious about Senri-sama's true strength, given that she boasts an undefeated record in engagement duels."
"What era are those duels from? Hm? But if she's undefeated in engagement duels, that means..."
"Hannah-san, there are things in this world that you understand intellectually, but you shouldn't say out loud..."
"...Ah, yes."

　If Senri-sama is the one who has beaten down every possible candidate for engagement, and then before she knows it, even those candidates have stopped appearing, then I can understand her desperation.
　But Senri-sama is around the same age as senpai, so I don't think there's any need to be that anxious.

"Ah, isn't that it?"
"Hm?"

　Looking in the direction Keira pointed, I saw a large training ground and a small crowd gathered there.
　Since Helena-san and the people from Nirvarna are also there, it seems that Koga and Senri-sama are fighting over there.

""...""

"They're facing each other, but neither is moving."

　Koga stood in his usual stance, right fist thrust forward, ready to step in at any moment. Senri-sama, however, merely held both palms slightly raised, feet spread only half a step apart.

"...Is Senri-sama aiming for a counter?"
"I wonder if she's good at throwing techniques? It was the same when we shook hands."
"No, that's not it. They're moving."

　Koga was the first to move.
　With a split-second lunge, he shifted behind Senri-sama, his chop closing in on the nape of her neck.
　However, Senri-sama dodged it by turning around and hurled a punch at Koga's defenseless jaw at the shortest distance.

"!?"

　Koga stopped his chop and narrowly avoided the punch, then stepped back. Senri-sama slowly drew her fist back, as if to steady her breathing, and took the same stance.

"I told you, there's no need to go easy on me."

　That must be the Second Princess of Nirvarna, the one Harold-sama and Ouka-sama spoke of.
　She's stronger than I'd heard.

"...Ha, what an incredible princess. I like her...!"
"Eh, did you just say you'll marry me?!"
"I didn't say a word! What kind of ears do you have!?"

　His words are a bit too harsh though.
　But it seems Koga got fired up during that exchange earlier.

"As you wish. I'll give it my all from here on out. Don't complain if you get hurt!!"
"I am also a woman of Nirvarna. If I hesitate to get hurt, it shows my immaturity...!! Don't hesitate, come at me!!"
"Interesting!!"

　Exchanges of taunts ignite the battle anew.
　Koga unleashes an attack, which Senri-sama parries with a fluid evasion, aiming for a counter.
　But that's not all, as Senri-sama shifts stance with a fluid transition, her fighting style becomes more aggressive.

"Hmph!"
"Oi oi, is this how a princess fights!"

　Blocking the kick with her arm, she grabbed it in return and swung it around.
　Senri-sama was thrown back, but she regained her balance midair and landed on the ground———then, without a moment's pause, charged toward Koga.

"Ueeeh, even without magic, being able to fight Koga-kun, that’s some seriously insane human right there."
"Yeah, I guess so...!"
"Nah, I don’t think that applies to you." (Hannah)
"Right! When you first fought Koga, you were moving way crazier than that." (Nea)

　Why am I being criticized in this situation?
　However, Senri-sama's current movements are always calculated to lead into the next phase.
　Attacking fluidly, unleashing a flurry of strikes without giving the opponent a moment to think.
　It's a tactic backed by experience that even guides the opponent's movements.

"..."

　Placing a hand over my mouth, I watched the battle between Koga and Senri-sama unfold.
　The heated fight seemed to be drawing to a close. The final blow, Koga's thrusting fist, was stopped just short of Senri-sama's nose, sealing the outcome.
　Koga withdrew his fist from Senri-sama, who sat down, panting. Wiping his forehead, he smiled.

"You're pretty good. But you still can't hold a candle to me."
"..."
"Well, give up now."

　Koga tilted his head at Senri-sama, who remained silent with her head bowed.
　She didn't seem to have any obvious injuries... but I'm a little worried.

"I'm going to Koga's for a bit."
"...Please don't cause any trouble, okay?"

　I move away from Hannah-san and Keira and approach Koga.
　Koga spots me and turns toward Senri-sama, who still shows no reaction, wearing a bright, cheerful expression.

"Oh, Usato. This princess was pretty tough. Well, she seems shocked by the loss now. Hopefully she'll just give up now."
"Haa, you... Senri-sama, are you alright? If you need healing magic, please place your hand on mine."

　I decided it would be wrong to touch the princess without permission, so I held out my hand, enveloped in healing magic.
　Then, silently, her hand was placed in mine, so I cast the healing spell.
　...Hmm? Is it really necessary to grip it this tightly?

"Fu, fufufu..."
"Senri-sama?"
"Next up is Usato-san."
"Hieh...?!"

　I'm overcome by a different kind of fear than Rose's intimidation.
　Why is this girl looking so ecstatic...?
　Is that it? Did she meet someone who can defeat her!?
　And now, riding that momentum, she wants to spar with me too!?

"Oi, Koga! Wait, he's gone?!"

　Koga, whom I had tried to call for help, was already gone.
　He ran away!? In a way, he's the one who shouldn't run away in this situation!?

"Kuh, I really didn't want to have to resort to this, but... Nea, please turn into a human...!"
"Eh? Why? What are you planning to do...?"
"I'll do anything you say, just hurry...!!"

　Seemingly having no other choice, Nea transformed from an owl into a young girl.
　I placed my free hand on Nea's shoulder and, with a look of utter desperation, resorted to my last resort.

"This is my wife...!"
"...Hyuu!?"

　One of Nea's occasional jokes.
　I hadn't wanted to resort to it either... but how about that...?
　After seeing Nea freeze, I cautiously looked at Senri-sama. She too was staring up at me with a vacant expression.

"...Whose?"
"M-Mine."
"...Kyuu"

　She collapsed!?
　I hurriedly supported Senri-sama just as Helena-san and the others arrived on the scene.

"Helena-san! Senri-sama is..."
"Ah, I don't think there's any need to worry. It's probably just her trauma flaring up..."
"Trauma...?"
"Our princess has... well, various issues... I'm truly sorry for the trouble she's causing..."

　Helena-san bowed her head as she said that, then hoisted Senri-sama onto her back and headed straight toward what must be the dormitory.
　She really was like a storm... Senri-sama.
　But what exactly is her trauma?

"Hey, Usato...!"
"Hm?"

　Nea, who had been frozen, finally came to her senses, her face bright red, and pressed in.

"No, Nea. I really do feel bad about what happened earlier. But you've done similar things countless times———"
"You absolutely must not tell Amako or Ferum about this...!?"
"Eh?"
"If you value my life! Okay?! Understand?"

　What does that mean...?
　If I talk about what just happened, will that put Nea in any kind of danger?

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

Author's Notes:
When it actually happened to her, Nea was utterly flustered.
Koga, lock-on complete.