Chapter 6. Inhabitants of cellars
Aqua strolled through the east wing corridor of the mansion. It should be mentioned that the manor itself is divided into three parts. The one where she was now served as the storage / safe for the four hundred year history of the Mathers family. Satan himself knows why our heroine walked in this location. The second, middle part gathered amenities needed for everyday life. The last, western rooms had rooms for servants and guests. This meant that Kazuma was left with daily attention from the Ram, Frederica had to endure Darkness's comment about her sharp teeth, and Megumin played dolls with the Petra every morning because despite the age difference, the red-haired girl looked too much like sister of crimson girl. Speaking of age, it is indeed extremely strange that Megumin and Petra are only two years apart!
But back to our blue-haired girl... Yesterday's gift from the master of the estate was not the best thing for her poor liver. . Not to mention the excruciating headache and nausea. She tries to get some fresh air from the window, but it is useless in the face of countless liters of alcohol still remaining in the body. With a unsteady step, the goddess tries to return to her room to make her last will. Suddenly, she sees a door to one of the mansion's basements. He looks around to see if there are any witnesses, then immediately goes into action. What was she guided by?-you asked. Well, she thought that if she drank more wine, she would be in an intoxicatingly pleasant state again instead of in a terrible alcoholic hangover. Fight fire with fire - as someone once said! However, we know that this rule is likely to end badly with a goddess whose aspect is water!
Aqua opens the door and goes down the stairs. Thanks to his abilities, he can see perfectly in the dark. However, it does not help with the atmosphere that the room gives off. A ghastly draft chilling your back, a chill so different from the heat that prevailed in the courtyard, stone stairs, along which the echo of footsteps seemed to be the real sound of an approaching monster. The goddess gets flashbacks for a moment on the day she was left in the dungeons by Kazuma. Her drunkenness is obviously greater than her fear, so she will continue down the dark corridors. After a seemingly long journey, the goddess comes across an iron door locked with many locks. Did I mention how the combination of her stupidity and drunkenness is unstoppable? The god requiem breaches the door to reveal another gate. This time not locked with any padlock. If someone who is not sensible would not back down at the very beginning, the appearance of this transition would effectively scare him away. The high priest takes the handle and goes inside.
The goddess looks around the room. He doesn't notice any bottles or barrels of sweet liquor. Instead of a drink, he sees crystals with a slight glow and a mass of dolls. Their button eyes pierce the soul of the nosy girl. It doesn't matter that she can see perfectly in the dark. Even a snail would be terrible to her if it started chasing her! Among the pillows, Aqua sees more toys. Suddenly she hears a sound ... as if something has passed behind her back. She turns to see it. He sees nothing, so he thinks it's a draft. After a while he hears it again and turns around again so as not to see anything again. The frightened girl asks if anyone is there. Nobody answers. She recoils in fear. She is trembling and sweating. Suddenly she realizes that she has bumped into something while backing away. He turns around feeling human breath against his skin. He sees two eyes staring at her. Not the button eyes of the dolls. She sees ... a living human.
-AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA ! !
Kaaaaaaaazzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzuuuuuuuuuuuuuummmmmmmaaaaaaaaaaaaa !
The self-proclaimed goddess runs out of the basement screaming and despairing. At the door he bumps into a brown-haired boy as if he knew in advance about the impending disaster, a large part of which would be the presence of a mad priest.
-Get off me!
-Kazuma! Kazuma!
-I am Kazuma! But first tell me what are you yelling!?
-M-m-monster in the b-basement!
-Monster? What are you talking about! If you released the monster, I swear I'll hit you!
-Kazuma! Kazuma! Please help me! I am begging you!
-Listen you ...
Suddenly, when the boy is getting ready to blow, he sees a little girl with purple hair.
-Excuse me?
-Who are you?
-Aqua! You idiot! It wasn't a monster! Just a little girl!
-What! Are you accusing me of scaring a little girl trapped in the basement!?
-Yes! I accuse you of scaring a little girl trapped ... Wait a minute! In the basement?
-Yes! I was looking for a cure for my hangover and wandered into this basement to ...
-Wait! You don't seem to understand the seriousness of the situation!
-Huh?
-What do you think a little girl can do in the basement of a filthy wealthy billionaire who is obviously a fetishist!?
-You are not suggesting ...
-I do not suggest! I know!
-Quick! We have to help her escape!
-You are stupid! I do not intend to give up the prosperous life that this residence offers me. You catch her and I'll try to repair the damage you've done.
-How can you be like this ...
-Oooooohooooooo! What's going on here?
-Too late. Don't say anything, and I'll make sure you and the little girl don't suffer any consequences!
-What happened here?-Subaru joined the crowd.
-What kind of trouble did Kazutrash bring again?
-We heard a scream and we ran as fast as possible!-Frederica said .
-Exactly! What is the torture going on here!? And why wasn't I invited to do so!
-I hope you really got into trouble because I was just going through an existential crisis when I found out that a twelve-year-old is making better money than me-Megumin appeared with Petra.
- I'm so sorry for Aqua's behavior! We didn't want to release your loli. We will repair any damage immediately and ...
-Ooooooohooooo! Mine? I can see there is a misunderstanding hereeeeeee!
-Huh?
-This girl is in the basement at the request of our Subaru-kuuuuuuuun!
-HUUUUUUH!?
Everyone went to the living room. On the way, they also met Garfiel, Emilia, Otto and Beatrice. Subaru and Emilia sat down next to each other, the ghost sat on his contractor's lap, Roswaal and Otto sat on their side armchairs, Kazuma's team rested in front of the half-elf and his knight, the maids went to the kitchen for tea, Garfiel leaned on the sofa ornament, Meili and Petra was playing with dolls on the floor.
-She is called Meili. She was one of the killers hired to kill Frederic, Petra, and Beatrice.
-Ha! I told you it was really a monster!
-Shut up! Tell me why are you keeping her here? Why is she still alive at all?
-We won't kill the baby!-Subaru shouted.
-Someone told you that you forgive too easily? First Roswaal, then one of the murderers?-Megumin asked.
-It's not quite like that ... I just think as a child she had little influence on who she became.
-Hmm, all right ... But why don't you hand her over to some law enforcement? After all, she committed a crime.
-We could have done it, if it weren't for a few good reasons. First, we would have to explain to the authorities what exactly happened at the sanctuary, and we cannot do that if we want to continue to have Roswaal's support. Second: there is a chance that her mother will get her.
-Mother?
-Yes! Mom! If he finds out we screwed up, he'll probably kill me in a cruel way. So the situation I'm in right now suits me.
-K-kill?
-How cruel?-Darkness broke out of the ranks.
-Hey Darkness! Maybe you would stop throwing three pennies of your fetish on important topics?
-What?
-We are talking about something extremely serious here. Your fetishes don't quite fit the situation, so try to keep them in check.
Everyone silently looks at Subaru and the Crusader. Especially Beatrice hugged the boy's shoulder tighter. Darkness retreats in shame. Kazuma notices, however, that she did not enjoy it as usual. The blonde is not used to people being able to embarrass her by simply saying what they think about her masochism. Usually she loves contemptuous promptings, but this time the painful truth is too much of a punch. This is reminiscent of when he used the drain touch on the crusader. Some things can hurt even Darkness.
Kazuma, perhaps out of pity, or perhaps a desire to break the terrifying silence, tries to tell a joke.
-Ha! Well ... Subaru has always had some affinity for loli !
-If you think about me, you must know that to me you are not much different from that crusader. You both are worth each other, in fact!- Beatrice replied, full of anger and remembering the conversation with the brown-haired boy in the woods.
-Relax, Beako! You don't have to protect me!
-No! If they want to stay in this mansion all the time, let them appreciate what they get and start behaving more decently, in fact!
-What's the matter with you again?-Kazuma asked, surprised.
-You cannot appreciate someone else's goodness!
-Beako ...
Darkness seems even redder and her gaze seems even more downcast.
-After all, I already said that I am so sorry for my comrades! Aqua! Apologize immediately for the damage.
-I...
Kazuma looks at the goddess with a look that could be killed.
-I'M VERY SORRY!
-Darkness ...
-I-I have nothing to apologize for-the Crusader said, thinking that you cannot apologize for what defines your character. Or maybe she was sticking to her version because she wanted to be evaluated longer?
-I'm sorry to intrude on this conversation and everything ... but I've already told you that your behavior is not very healthy-Garfiel said.
-Eh .. Even I have to admit that her strange looks are disturbing-Frederica added.
Otto nodding at the same time. Everyone is looking at the fair-haired girl, expecting an answer.
Darkness!-Emilia said suddenly-We're all friends here. We all want to live in harmony. However, to achieve this, we must follow certain rules. Therefore, I do not require you to apologize, however, if you thank you for our care, we will assume that you have understood your mistake and you will try to correct it.
The crusader stares into the purple eyes of the half-elph.
-T-thank you ...?
-Eh ... Emilia-tan, that's not what it was about. Well, but have we reached a compromise? What not!?-Subaru asked strangely gleefully in relation to his previous answer.
-You're right! Everything was explained!
-Not everything-spirit said softly, looking with a certain contempt at the brown-haired boy.
-Huh? You were saying something Beako!
-Nothing. I'm going to my room!
-Well, and they come back to the subject of Meili. This door will have to be repaired. We won't kill her, but we also can't let her run around the mansion like that. She's still a hired killer.
-I will take care of this.
-I didn't expect such an answer from someone as lazy and useless as you-Ram said, as if refraining from nasty comments so far.
-Maybe you don't know, but I know some craft. I had to learn this to do business in my old world.
-HA!
-What was that supposed to be "HA"!?
-It seemed to you !
-Not! I clearly heard "HA"!
-It just seems abstract to me that someone like you would create a profitable business ... although looking at the other people in this room, it obviously doesn't take much to become a merchant."
-Why do I feel you are talking about me!-Otto shouted.
-It seemed to you !
-So Otto ... I remember well? Does you run a business too?
-Currently deals with organizational matters in the Emilia camp. However, after the royal election, I hope to open my own store.
-Hmm ... Maybe you would be interested in some articles?
-Hey, Kazuma! Wiz spell stops working and we return to our world!
-What? Oh yes! Spell! Do not worry! You can do business without visiting each other too often!
-That's true! It reminds me of the situation ...
Kazuma and Otto began to exchange their business experiences with each other. Who would have expected that these two can have something in common?-everyone thought so, and then, bored with the first sentences of their conversation, returned to their activities. Only Darkness surreptitiously searched for Subaru for a moment to look at his terrible eyes.
The next day, Aqua was walking around the mansion again. Apparently she still missed the trouble she had caused the day before. During her walk, she came across Subaru and Kazuma. They both worked with tools and materials.
-Whats up! What are you doing?
Subaru wipes the sweat off her brow and waves her hand at the goddess
-Hi! Kazuma teaches me to crafts. After he fixed the door myself, I wanted to learn how to use a hammer.
The brown-haired boy seems extremely proud after his friend's statement.
-Kazutrash finally decided to move his ass?
-What did you call me !? I told you to stop hurting my reputation!
Aqua laughs under her breath, and Kazuma threatens her with her hand but immediately calm down.
- Well ... I will not care about the opinion of someone so useless! At least I have some talents that might be useful unlike you
-WHAT!? CANCEL IT! I AM NOT USELESS!
-Well, who always gets us into debt? Who is always in conflict? Who can't defeat ordinary frogs?
-It's not true! Subaru tell you it's not true!
-Wait! Wait! Don't get me involved.
-Ha! You see! Even someone who has to be this moral hero doesn't want to defend someone like you!
- Wow! Is it not too harsh? In addition ... a moral hero? I have already said that I am neither a role model.
Subaru is scratching his cheek, clearly confused by the flattery contained in the invective.
-You have given your killer life! You are abnormally moral!
-Truth! I would never forgive any undead or demon!
-And that's what I'm talking about!
-What!?
-Who is conflicting with Wiz? You! Who was trying to attack Ainz? You! Who's always arguing with Vanir? You!
-They are evil! They deserved to be annihilated!
-It's a pity you're not so active in fighting when dealing with frogs.
-I'm not gonna be a bait! I'm sick of the slime and being swallowed by them!
-What do you mean by the word "bait"?
-I didn't tell you this story? In our first mission, we had to get rid of the frogs, but they proved immune to physical damage, so the only way to defeat them was to let them eat Aqua, and while they were busy swallowing her, I was able to close to enemies.
The goddess begins screaming at her companion while Subaru watches them argu. Is it really so endearing to be a bait? I myself was a lure for a huge whale and a swarm of dogs. Now they begin to give me all the merits, and yet I have only played my unknown role. In fact, it was Crusch and her knights who killed the whale and Roswaal incinerated the beasts. However, I will not complain about how small I had a contribution. Aqua may be angry for they underestimating her role because she is a goddess. Clumsy and flashy, but powerful enough to destroy an iron door in one blow.
In the evening, Subaru starts looking for his buddy. It is already dark, and only the stars illuminate the darkness of the night. The boy dressed in a tracksuit found his companion arguing with the crusader on one of the balconies. They really don't like to beat around the bush what they think! After a while, the blonde girl leaves the company. Bumping into Subaru in the room, she jumps, clearly surprised by his presence. Quickly, however, avoiding the knight's gaze, he escapes to the corridor.
-What's wrong with her?
-But you want me to start listing it alphabetically or ...
-Nevermind!
-That do you want?
-And that needs a reason to talk to my friend-NEET?
Subaru, in an equally theatrical and friendly gesture, hits Kazuma in the back so hard that the boy felt as if his lungs were coming out of his mouth.
-How many times do I have to say I'm not NEET?
-So you're not a hikikomori?
-I'M NOT!
-Okay, okay ... Then why are you called loli-NEET? I understand the nickname loli, but ...
-It's just Aqua's usual malice! I was leaving the room! If I hadn't gone out, I wouldn't have died and I wouldn't have been reborn in another world!
-It's just ... Because you were resurrected and I was transferred ... How did you even die?
Kazuma makes a face as if he was suddenly caught committing a terrible crime.
-I ... saved the girl ... from a big truck ... and died a martyr's death-boy lied as naturally as he breathed.
-Damn! It must have really hurt.
-Not exactly. I died instantly.
-I am jealous.
-What?
-What?
The boys look at each other for a moment.
-Back to the point ... Aren't you ashamed of the fact that you were still locked up in the room?
-Hmm ... Am I ashamed? Of course. How could I not? After all, I was a parasite that preyed on the goodness of my parents ...
Subaru looks at the starry sky thoughtfully.
-But it's in the past! As my mother said: No matter how you start, it is important how you finish
-HA! You must have had a really fine mother.
-Every mother is the best for her son!
-Really? Mine didn't even cry at my funeral. She laughed at how, according to her, I died a pitiful death! Although, in fact, as I think she was glad to get rid of another mouth to feed.
-Wow ...
Subaru is scratching her head in apparent embarrassment.
-I feel foolish now after bragging about my parents.
-Do not worry. It's not your fault they couldn't appreciate me.
-But you don't have someone to miss? You wouldn't get so attached to your tracksuit if you didn't have someone in the old world.
-Not. I keep this tracksuit only because of the sentiment to the technology that our world offered.
-That's a bit sad.
-No!
Subaru and Kazuma study the sky. They admire the stars whose beauty illuminates the darkness of the night. Subaru hides a gift he has prepared for Kazuma in a bag. He wanted to give him a second green tracksuit, but looking at the fact that it may be really bad for him, Subaru decides not to give him a gift.
-Did you notice that some things are the same as in our world?
-Hm?
-For example, moral standards. In all realities, society condemns murder and theft with the same severity.
-I would say it's not unusual. It's hard to create a community where everyone murders each other. What's more interesting in my world, they do not attach so much importance to sexual assault!
-Don't try it now. You can easily land on the scaffold.
-Ha! I'll remember.
-The other interesting thing is the language.
-Huh?
-Well ... because it's kind of weird that everyone here speaks Japanese. You might think that the world itself has adjusted to you, and you should get used to being so comfortable.
-I haven't thought about it. Probably it's because there were some heroes previously summoned as well.
-You too? I actually met another Japanese.
-He was an asshole with a cheating sword?
-N-no ... He's actually a really decent man, unlike his mistress. He is bit weird, but really decent.
-Lucky guy. For me, he's such a typical isekai hero.
-The ladies can't resist his charm? And every opponent trembles with fear at the sound of his name?
-Are you talking about yourself or about him?
-And you with that again? My heart belongs only to Emilia!
-What about that girl with blue hair?
-It's ... Pretty complicated. As if she confessed love to me, and I reciprocated her. She even agreed to be my second wife, but ...
-What? You lucky harem basterd!
-She was later devoured by the bishop.
Kazuma recovers quickly. He didn't want to look like a selfish asshole. He would have admitted Beatrice was right, and the boy would not give the little loli such satisfaction.
-I'm sorry for what I said. I ...
-Don't worry. I'm basically the only one who cares about Rem. Even her sister does not remember her.
Silence. Not the awkward kind. Not the disturbing kind. It is not even the silence of ignorance. It is just silence.
-Returning to the topic of similarities. Take a look.
Subaru pointed to the sky.
-Sky is the same as in our old world. There's a hare over there, a sea beast over there, and a serpent over there.
They spent the next hour together sharing the similarities they noticed. Subaru mentioned the Karaga accent. Kazuma mentioned things from the Crimson Demon Village. Especially funny for the black-haired boy was the mention of the cat-girl figurines. The other interlocutor was amused by the mention of how hitchhiking works. Together they laughed about how their adventure in another world began just as miserably.