Chapter 5. Cloth and leather
Outside the residence, Subaru encountered Kazuma and Aqua. They were standing by the pond, and the high priest was clearly explaining something to the boy. Natsuki walks closer to the two and notices that all the fish in the pond have jumped to the surface.
-Hey Subaru!
-Hi, Aqua. Hi Kazuma.
-Hi!
-What are you doing?
-Aqua teaches me the language of sea creatures.
-Sea? It's a pond!
-Generally aquatic!
-Yes! As the goddess of water, I know all the languages of fish, dolphins and other swimming creatures.
-Impressive summoning ...
-Even I have to admit that it is a great skill-Kazuma said quite honestly.
-However, I don't think it can compare to mine!
-Huh?
Subaru claps his hands and dozen half-elven loli appear in front of him. They all wear a white uniform and have pink hair. Kazuma and Aqua were speechless at the sight. It was so surreal that you didn't know how to react to it. Kazuma suddenly pushes the goddess right into the pond.
-Fuck the fish tongue! This is just great! Please teach me!
-T-It's not like you can learn it. Besides, she will be okay?
- She is, as she says, the goddess of water. It would be the height of stupidity to find that he can't swim!
-Help! Kazuma! Help me!
Kazuma is not surprised by the screams. After a while, they take Aqua out of the water. She is soaked in water and smells like fish.
-H-how could you do this to me!-high priest cries.
-Don't bleat! Nothing happend. More importantly ... Then how do you manage to summon those loli?
-Do you remember how we told you about the sanctuary?
-Ye ... You mentioned something about the elven clones. However, as I remember correctly, you must have been some kind of apostle.
-Yes. However, we started teaching them and slowly they developed fragments of their own consciousness. Now we put them back in the villages so that no one realizes that they are clones.
-So Emilia, Megumin, Aqua and Darkness will take one with them when they go to buy new clothes? That's right?
-Exactly. But I am going to also go to the tailor.
-You agree to be a porter for girls?
-It's not like that! I need some fabric for dolls.
-A dolls?
-I make toys for Petra. I'm generally bad at a lot of things, but sewing is one of my few talents.
-Hm ... Everyone has a hobby. I don't judge.
-Maybe can you take a walk with us?
-Oh, no no! This time I will not be framed by anyone!
-Aren't you afraid that Ram will drag you down to some work again?"
-No way! I peeled all the vegetables in the morning, helped water the garden, and even chopped the wood Darkness later brought. By waste a few hours of sleep, I managed to save a whole day off.
-Yesterday's potatoes got under your skin!
-You don't even know how much.
-So see you then. I'll see you tonight.
The road to the village went smoothly, although it took quite a long time. So without wasting any more valuable hours, they quickly found a tailor. Shop seemed quite small from the outside, but inside was filled with hundreds of clothes and materials. All the girls quickly ran towards the section of the store containing women's clothing. All of them, except for Emilia.
-What is Emilia-tan? Why aren't you going with them? Are you ashamed?
-You are dummy! I am not ashamed! It's just that I came here to buy a gift for someone, not myself. From a distance I will see better who will take what and how much we will have to pay.
The way Emilia replied ... It was not the voice of a shy girl from six months ago. She was much more confident and life fuller. She was no longer afraid of her appearance and wore the coat only for safety. Of course, she didn't lose anything of her innocence and good heart, but how she expressed her kindness was incredibly sincere. So it is obvious that what seems like a poor excuse is really a willingness to not be mistaken in expenses. Subaru looks at the pale face of the half-elf and can't come out in awe. Not only because of her natural beauty, but also for how much progress she has made.
-What are you looking at? Got something on my nose?
-What!? Not! I was just enchanted by your beauty.
-Hm! Just like I was saying. Dummy.
-And how do you get along with the other girls?
-Hmm ... It seems to me that she has friends for the first time. Of course, we're not close enough to be called best friends yet. Even in school, although I wasn't treated as a cursed witch, there was a clear line between us. I was the class president and I had to show myself as the leader. Now I have someone besides you Subaru to open up to. Of course, I had Frederic and Ram before, but they always limited their relationships due to my candidate status.
-Emilia ...
-I wonder if when I become a queen I will also have to distance myself from my subjects, or whether I will be able to be friends with them. I wish our dear maids were as open as Kazuma's friends. Then, when our friends return to their world, I will still have someone with whom I can consult on women's matters. It's kind of selfish. Don't you think? I want someone to open their heart to me so that I can complain about my problems.
-Hmm ... I think it will be really hard to convince any of them to open up. They were trained as servants from childhood.
-I see...
-But it is by no means selfish. The willingness to open up to someone else's feelings also means that that person is opening up to you. It is a two-way relationship and there is nothing selfish about it.
-Subaru ...
-And as to whether you will have to limit contact with your subjects ... I will say that I will not let you! I am going to drag you out of the castle every day so that everyone will know what a wonderful girl you are! Everyone will smile at you and wave heartily as you stroll the streets of the capital! This will be my mission as soon as we put you on the throne! You will see!
They both started smiling. It was one of the most beautiful views that an outside observer could observe. Megumin was one of such observers. She watches two lovers enjoying each other. There is not even a hint of jealousy in this look. Just pure admiration.
-Megumin.
The sorceress does not answer.
-Meeeguuuumiiiiin.
Another silence.
-MEGUMIN!
-YES!?
-What are you so pensive? I wanted you to look at this dress. Don't you think my divinity will present itself much more in her? When we return to our world, even those unbelievers will see the true god in me!
-Yes! Yes!
-You didn't even look at her! Anyway it does not matter! Darkness!
-What is going on?
-Look at this dress! How do you like it?
-Hmm ... She seems ... Pretty?
-Only pretty!? Eh! It's always like this with you! If Kazuma is not there, it seems to me that there is no interaction between us! I will ask Subaru! After all, a woman should be adored by men, not other women! Subaru!
-Huh? Me?
-What do you think about this dress?
-Well ... The embroidery is of high quality. So is the material. Blue feathers, although eccentric, match the color of your hair. And the yellow stone perfectly enhances the shape of your face!
-Ha! This is exactly what I expected!
-But...
-But!?
-I don't think that's your size. You're too short.
-What! It is impossible!
-Show-Subaru picks up the dress and looks at it more closely. -I was right. Neither of you are tall enough to wear it.
-Not! It's unfair!
-Don't worry-Emilia tried to console. -You can choose another one.
-But I wanted so much to see how she lies! I have never seen such beautiful colors!
-Hmm ...- Emilia seems thoughtful. After a while, he turns his gaze to Subaru.
-Emilia-tan. I know what you are thinking, but no way.
-Subaru, please! Just look at her. She gonna cry.
The boy is looking at the girl with blue hair. Her puffed cheeks, a flush in her face, and tears in the corners of her eyes. Yes! She looks just like a child about to explode with a roar over a toy that has been taken.
-All right! Give me a minute!
-Wow!
Subaru takes her dress to the changing room. He takes off his tracksuit, pants, and his T-shirt. Suddenly he realizes that he is standing in front of a mirror. His entire body is visible in the reflection. Legs ... Which once ran before red eyes ... Belly ... In which small rodents used to run ... And hands ... Which were the first ones that were torn off the body ... It hurt so much ... Still hurts. .. Every night...
-So how?
-WHAT IS THIS!?
-Something's wrong?
-Ekhm ... Subaru ...
-Yes Emilia-tan?
-MEGUMIN! DARKNESS! COME HERE! YOU MUST SEE THIS!
-That's not what I meant.
-Huh?
-I thought you would just ... shorten this dress.
Silence ... Or rather ... A moment of silence interrupted by the sound of a blow to the forehead.
-What's up, Aqua? Do you...
-Oh shit!
The five of them stare at Subaru, dressed in a blue dress.
-Well, enjoy my stupidity! Add a few more comments to that.
-I really want to say something ...
-But?
-You look great at this.
-What?
-I-I-is this some kind of fetish of yours !?-Darkness exclaimed unexpectedly.-Oooooooo!
-NOPE! I...
- If it weren't for the fact that I condemn the pads, I would also have to give you back, like Megumin, that you really are beautiful.
-Give me an explanation ...
-I'm a little jealous. It is not fair that a man should have such a good figure.
-Can I...
-Oh! Anyone can get it wrong!
-Only Emilia-tan is really understanding here.
-Tell me Subaru! What do you do once you have won the friendship of your innocent victims !? Are you waiting for them to start undressing themselves in front of you !? Or are you starting to persuade them to do so !? Or maybe you start acting right away !?
-You and your masochism. Tell me Darkness ... How can you take pleasure in pain?
-Exuse me?
-You know ... Pain ... It's not pleasant ... When you meet it for the first time, you start to instinctively avoid it later ... When you see a blade that can tear your belly, your body refuses to approach it ... When you see a chain that crushed your limbs, then you want to run ... The very feeling of coming pain is terrible, let alone talking about it. I ... I find it shocking how anyone can take pleasure in any part of this process. So I wonder what kind of attitude you need to have to turn something so horrible into a pleasant ecstasy?
There was an awkward silence for a moment.
-I-I ... I don't know. I've always been like this. As a little child, I was the apple of my father's eye. He spoiled me, but never allowed me to put me in real danger. I've spent my entire life in a mansion, so when the opportunity arose to do something harmful, I did it. Sharp needle? I have to try it on one of my fingers. Fall from tree and broken leg? How interesting! Bitten by one of my father's dogs? How exciting! The day I became an adventurer, I discovered how much fun it was to take hostile blows. As a result, all teams were rejecting me, because I was unable to focus on the fight, I never hit my enemies. Later I prayed to Eris that he would find someone for me to allow me to be myself
The tone of the entire speech was sad but sincere. Subaru completely believed every word of the crusader. However, he still couldn't understand why anyone would crave real pain? Why couldn't he at least bear it indifferently? After all, I was closed to the world too, and I also wanted to get out of it. But, I never developed such a part of personality. It's ... It's ... It's ... It's disgusting! No matter how good a person Darkness may be! No matter how good she is exercise partner can be! Never mind that she was lonely like me! I understand why Kazuma always feels uncomfortable with you and why he did not take full advantage of the opportunity you gave him in the bathhouse. I like him, despite his perverted nature, because he is also NEET. I like Megumin because he has the same taste for exaltation as I do. I like Aqua because she is incredibly faithful despite her clumsiness. Darkness, but you ... We are very different on this one issue!
-And this is how I met Kazuma, who not only accepted my personality, but also began to use it unceremoniously!
-Hm! Rather, you started to take advantage of his weaknesses.
-What are you talking about, Megumin?
-She's probably ... Auuu!
A cane hit on the leg quickly interrupted Subaru's statement.
-You better start changing. We don't want Kazuma to find another target.
-Hmm, target ...
-Of course! It's not that I like wearing women's clothes. I'm gonna take off and shorten this dress.
-Wait. You can shorten it when we get back to the residence.
-But I can do it quickly now, please the owner ...
-Wait. I have an idea.
-What idea?
-Clever... I have to take my revenge somehow on Kazuma for pushing me into the pond.
-Then we're going to escort Ypsilon.
-Wait! I would like to see how they drink in this world- goddess indicated the of a nearby inn.
-Aqua, we don't have time!-Subaru replied carrying a bale of green cloth with him.
-Come on! It will take a while!
-Not. The sun will start to set soon, and it would be advisable to return to the residence before dark.
-Let's do it! I myself will go, and later we will meet at this well!
-Which did not...
Subaru didn't manage to stop the high priest. The girl ran like a cheetah.
-Eh ... I'll follow her. I'll meet you later!
-Sure, Subaru!
Megumin and Emilia headed for a nearby mill. One of the Ryuzu Meyer clones followed. All three of them were loaded with shopping bags.
-Heeeeeee ... How are you getting on with Subaru?
-Huh !? With Subaru!?
-No, because you're in a relationship. Do not be shy!
-Hm! I am not shy! Subaru is my appointed knight! It's obvious that I will brag about it!
-I'm not talking about that ... Anyway, never mind! I will ask directly! Where did Subaru take you on the first date?
-Our first date ...
-Yes! I am asking about it!
-I remember that day-Emilia puts both hands on the blue crystal hanging around her neck.-That day Puck tried to make me look exceptionally beautiful. I wanted to go in my usual clothes, but he said I had to look like the sweetest thing in the world on my first date.
Emilia seems thoughtful. She still has the ornament hanging around her neck in her hands.
-Once I was ready, I walked outside the mansion, where Subaru was waiting for me, wearing his butler suit. He insisted on meeting outside as it was part of the date. We then went to the village. The children, as usual, did not let him pass.
-Children?
-They love Subaru. He always comes up with games for them and even makes amazing toys for Petra. So when we came to the village, they couldn't leave him alone. However, he managed to push them down this time. Then we went together to pray for the dead.
Megumin is silent. He listens carefully to every word that comes out of Emila's mouth.
-The last part of our date was the most beautiful field of flowers I have ever seen in my life. Red and yellow, white and blue flowers wired everywhere. Subaru tied them with a flower crown for me and said that he would like to give me the most expensive jewels in the world in the future. Then I felt an unfamiliar feeling in my chest. This is one of my most wonderful memories.
The crimson sorceress doesn't know what to say again. It was the same when talking to Subaru and it is the same when talking to Emilia. Indeed, both of them can make words a weapon to paralyze the opponent.
-And you? Have you ever been on a date?
-I!? I ... I think ... Yes?
-And how was it?
-Ekhm ... We found a suitable facility for me to practice my explosion magic, and we went there every day. He judged efects after each spell.
-And what happened next?
Emila watches Megumin waiting for the story to continue. What she doesn't know is that this is what her trysts really boiled down to.
-Later it turned out that my target was inhabited by one of the generals of the demon king. He, furious, came to our town and threatened to destroy it if I continued my training. Of course, such an obstacle is nothing to the greatest of the crimson demons. Unfortunately, I had to find someone else to carry me because he preferred not to get into trouble ...
-Do not worry!
-Huh?
-I think Roswaal will find a suitable place for you to practice again. All I have to do is ask him!
-T-thank you ...
The girl just realized that she managed to achieve her goal. Thanks to Emilia, she will have a suitable place for a future date with Kazuma. So she could not but shout her gratitude to the half-elf.
-Yes! I, Megumin, the most powerful of the most powerful mages, give you a big thank you!
-He, heh.
-What makes you laugh?
-Doing these things with your hands, you look so much like a Subaru.
Kazuma is lounging lazily on one of the balconies of the residence. The sun slowly sets over the horizon, hiding the domain of the Mathers family in the shadows. From this height you can see how great Roswaal's properties are. The boy dreams that one day he will end up like this strange clown. Rich, powerful in politics and powerful in his own strength. In fact, he already feels like a landlord lying on a couch drinking wine. From this illusion, the strange voice awakens him.
-How are you?
-Huh! What? From where!?
Kazuma gets up from the floor he has fallen onto by the unexpected appearance of the owner of the property. He looks around for the wine and realizes that it, too, has been in close contact with the floor.
-Forgive me if I scared you.
-Not! Not! Nothing happened! After all, I can't get angry with the owner of the house for walking around on his own property!
The clown picks up a bottle of wine from under boy feet.
-Peeeeeerfect wine vintage selection my dear Kaaaaazutraaaash.
-I always had a good ... I'm sorry, but did my comrades say anything about me?
-Just a little about yooooours pranks!
Kazuma is silent for a long moment, staring at the makeup of the blue-haired man.
-I am so sorry that you had to listen to this unfounded slanders. I...
-The unfounded. I'm a bit dissapointed.
-Huh?
-Would you like to walk with me to living room?
-O-ofcourse!
They both step out into a corridor decorated with portraits of all of Mathers' previous seniors up to and including four hundred years. Kazuma notes that they all share the same passion for eccentric garments. Even the Roswaal's grandmother wore identical attire.
-How did you like the wine?
-It was delicious. I am sincerely grateful that you have allowed us to freely use the resources of your house.
-It's nooooooothing. Anyway, I heard you struggling to pay back your gratitude.
-The pleasure is all mine.
I won't tell him that Ram wouldn't let me use this goodness for free.
- Wouldn't you like to do me one more favor?
-What is going on?
-You see ... This wine you like so much comes from the cultivation of a certain noblewoman.
-I should visit her lands sometime.
-It won't be necessary. She is in the living room now.
-Really?
-Yes. I asked her if we could discuss her support for Emilia in the royal election.
-I see...
-However, as far as I know, arguments about financial or political profits do not interest her.
-Hm ... I understand your problem, but I don't know how to solve it.
-There are some rumors about the likes of this noblewoman. Pretty frankly specific rumors. He is said to have a taste for bad boys.
-This is some missing sister of Darkness?
-Ho, ho, ho! Fun comparison! However...
-I'm sorry to interrupt you, but please wait. I know what this conversation is going to, and I'm not going to use my personal charm in politics. Another thing is that in my old contacts with the nobility, I always found out that I was threatened with decapitation.
-What if I propose a certain prize?
Upon hearing such a beautiful word as "reward", Kazuma quickly focus. He does not even hide his increased interest. In fact, it can be read as if it were a piece of paper.
-Ekhm ... What kind of "reward" are we talking about?
-You just trying to talk, and I'll talk to Ram so that she won't force you to do any physical work, and then ...
-Deal!
-Huh?
-We will negotiate the remainder of the salary after I convince this lady to come over to your side.
-Ooooohooooo! What a confidence!
-Ha! If I get at least a fraction of my charm from the popular phase, none will resist me. You could say girls lose their panties as soon as they see me! You will witness it soon!
-Will you need some extra help? Maybe wine?
-Not! Nothing! Well, maybe I could use her name to break the ice right away.
-It is clear! Her name is Natsumi Schwartz.
Kazuma goes down the stairs, opens the door, and enters the living room. The first thing he notices is long brunet hair. The other was a blue dress decorated with feathers. The third and most eye-catching one was the make-up that added extraordinary charm to the character. All these elements belong to the young woman, making her one of the most charming pictures the boy had before him.
-Ah!
-I'm sorry that I scared you-Kazuma bows low, keeping all the rules of savoir-vivre.
-I'm sorry I screamed. I didn't notice anyone entering.
-No worries.
Kazuma sits down in front of the visitor.
-Let me introduce myself. My name is Sato Kazuma. And your name is Schwartz? Right?
-Yeah. H-How do you know?
Subaru is totally shocked. Not by that Kazuma knows his nickname. They previously agreed with Roswaal and Aqua how to convince the boy to this meeting. Nastuki is shocked by his friend's behavior! There is no arrogance in it, only a humble desire to get acquainted with an unfamiliar visitor.
-I could not recognize someone so famous! Your wines are one of my favorite types.
-W-wine? Ah, the wine! Yes! Our vineyards have not had a good harvest this year. So I'm surprised you managed to get the bottle!
-For such a pleasure, I would sacrifice a lot. One day I would like to visit a place where they make such a good drink.
-I would love to host such a noble knight.
-A knight? No, I'm not a knight. Only a modest adventurer.
-And what kind of profession is this?
-We are people who try to solve various problems for money. We mainly remove monsters.
-Something like mercenaries? I have heard about famous groups from Karaga. Are you also on a team?
-Yes. I lead a small group. I have a powerful sorceress in her, a noble knight, and an extremely useful priestess.
Natsuki can't believe what she hears. I knew he really cares about his companions! His complaints are just a facade for which he appreciates his friends. When he is with them, he teases them, but I do the same with Garfiel and Otto. True friends are always painfully honest with each other, but we will go into fire with each other.
-I can see that you treasure them.
-That's true.
-Can I know what you appreciate the most about them?
-The most? They have many talents, but the most endearing is their physical beauty, though, frankly, they are no match for you, the lady.
-You're too kind. I will never be as beautiful as any sorceress.
Subaru tries to steer Kazuma to pay more attention to Megumin. After all, he is responsible for inspiring the crimson demon, and it will be his fault if boy nothing understand. He agreed, in fact, to this disguise only out of a heavy sense of responsibility. Only Roswaal's participation seems quite bizarre, though Natsuki would not be surprised if the clown did it only out of sheer spite. As Emilia said: "He behaves like an immature child."
-You're too hard on yourself!
Kazuma hand takes across the table and places her on Natsumi's lap.
-HUH !?
-It is true that I have never seen someone so beautiful.
Whaaaaaaat!? Roswaal, what did you tell him !? We just had to teach him a bit about how to behave!-Subaru thought, and Natsumi quickly takes his hand off his knee.
-As I said ... You're too polite.
-Few people tell me that.
Kazuma gets up from his seat and sits down close to Natsumi. Too close!
-We usually call me Kazutrash or loli-NEET.
-Ekhm ... Really?
Disguised Subaru moves away from the insistent boy.
-Yes. You will believe that it is enough to steal a few women 's underwear and they are already trying to put some terrible titles on you.
-S-steal ...?
-Yes. Demonstrate?
-NOPE! THERE'S NO NEED TO! I BELIVED!
-Pity. You would be delighted.
This has gone too far! I would end it at this point, but I want to talk to him. Eh! I curse you, Roswaal!
-I can see that you are a man of action. However, you don't think words have much more power.
-Words?
-Yes. You can also express feelings or closeness with another person in words. Just because someone doesn't go straight to action doesn't mean you can't be in a relationship with them. After all, if this person wants to spend many time with you, it is already one of the clearer signs that they have feelings for you. However, this does not immediately mean that you have to go to bed together.
-Hmm ... Not what I expected. However, as one sage said, "One act is worth more than a thousand words."
Kazuma gets dangerously close to Natsumi. She pulls away just as quickly. Damn! Nothing gets to him! Enough! We end this farce! Subaru pulls off the wig.
-Huh?
Kazuma stands speechless with an outstretched hand in an unequivocal gesture. Not! Quite paralyzed! The shock is too great! Like a statue, the boy makes no movement or sound. The silence that has ensued is broken by two laughing voices.
-Cha Cha Cha. I can't, but he was fooled.
-Cha, ha, ha-Roswaal doesn't even have the strength to say a word. He laughs, squirming on the floor and trying to catch his breath.
After this incident, Kazuma stayed in bed for the next week. Only after this time did his mind turn the terrible event into the illusion that it was just a bad dream. None of the other three had destroyed his imaginations. Subaru forced it because he too wanted to forget about it as soon as possible.
-Cha Cha Cha. It was the best thing I had done since the day I wanted to burn his stupid tracksuit-Aqua laughed as she sipped her wine.
-I have to admit that I toooooo had a great time. However, let's get back to our interests. Do you remember what you promised me when I took part in this game?
-Of course I remember! After all, I am a goddess! Hold! Here I wrote down everything I know about souls and their rebirth!
-Thank youuuuu. It's nice doing busineeeeeeess with you.
-I don't know what you need them for. I am a goddess and have the power to operate these spells.
Roswaal stares at the parchments.
-I would like to repay you somehow.
-How?
-I told Ram to leave in your room the box of the wine you liked so much
-Wow! Thanks! And yet you are not as terrible as the others told me!
-Go enjoy the gift already.
-Of course! See you later!
The clown is staring out his office window. The sun is long gone and only stars are visible in the sky. One is particularly bright, as if it exploded with light.