Chapter 7. More guests?
A week of relative calm has passed. Mainly because Kazuma had locked Aqua in a room for the time being and no one noticed. Then, when she miraculously managed to free, she made a real affray. Unfortunately, this coincided with a visit from Anne and Clind. You can imagine how weird it was to see a goddess screaming at the top of her throat during tea. When we managed to catch and calm the hysterical girl (most of the work was done by the blue-haired butler), the situation began to be clarified.
-So Kazuma imprisoned you in a room?
-YEEEES! I thought that I wouldn't see your faces anymore! -Aqua shouts in a crying voice
-If I find this NEET, I will regret that he died at all!
-You surround yourself with interesting Subaru people. I don't know if I should let such people be around Emilia.
-That's one of the worst excuses I've heard, and yet I'm the king of bad excuses!
-You better tell me where I can find Kazuma!
-Oh ... He went to the bathroom. Megumin also wanted to use the toilet. And Darkness refused to invite for tea - Emilia mentioned all members of the team from another world.
-Thanks! I'm not disturbing you anymore!
-Wait! Clind will take care of it. You can join our afternoon tea.
-Of course my lady.
-Then maybe I will go too!
Subaru jumped up, aware of what danger Clind's tastes could be in terms of Megumin. As the two men left the gazebo, Aqua sat down at a table.
-So... You are Subaru's friend?
-Yes. He is a really good man. Once he saved me from Tanya's wrath. I should give him my goddess blessing.
-I can see that your opinion does not differ much from that of Emilia. Though you doesn't get to her enthusiasm.
-Huh? What do you mean, Anne?-Emilia asked.
-Nothing special.
-Hm ... I guess you don't really like Subaru very much.
-No! Anne and Subaru are good friends-Emilia said enthusiastically.
-Really ... I think I see a little jealousy in her eyes.
-You think so.
-It's kind of weird, after all, that some little girl managed to resist his power?
-Power?
-It's about his ability to attract loli. I remember how he even managed to tame this little devil.
-That must be an interesting story.
The heiress of the Miload family smirked, and Aqua began to talk about the events at the school. Emilia had no problem with that. She always liked to tell and hear about the exploits of her knight
-Hi! I am Tanya, white silver!
Everyone in the classroom watched a little girl dressed in a lovely dress and beret. To see a blonde usually dressed in a green uniform in a different disguise ... It was a sight as comical as it is unusual.
-HAPPY!?
-Oh yes!- Kazuma Replied.
-I HOPE! I can't believe I lost the bet and had to wear this pathetic outfit!
-Well, he's not that pathetic. You look really cute!-Subaru said and patted Tanya on the head.
-You want to lose your arm!?
-Scary!-Boy shouted, and then, as if burnt, he quickly took his hand from the golden hair.
-All sit! We're starting the lesson!-Roswaal said.
Each of the students sat down at their desk. Everyone ... Except for the little leader. She preferred to sit closer to the black-haired boy.
-Eh, Major?
-Yes, Visha?
-This is not your place.
-Hmm ... Indeed ...
-It won't be a problem if you sit down closer.
The lesson came as normal. Of course, by the word "normally" we mean the standards that can be operated by a group that includes such individuals. Only after the end of the class did a strange situation occur. Tanya, instead of going home as usual, began to follow the Subaru group. Needless to say, her soldiers did the same. After Beatrice's remark, they all stopped to explain the strange event.
-Why are we stay, major?
-I do not know...
-Hi! Why are you following us?-Ram asked.
The Subaru group approaches the soldiers.
-We ... I ... It must be a mistake. We are very sorry. We were supposed to go home, but I must have lost my mind and go to wrong direction.
-Ah, okay! Until tomorrow!
Subaru in the company of the girls leaves, but instead of expecting Tanya to go her way, she follows the black-haired boy again.
-What is?
-I ... I have to follow Subaru ...? THIS IS ANY TRICS OF THIS BEING X !? ANSWER! YOU ARE X !? HAVE YOU POSSED A BOY !?
-WHAT!? NOPE! I...
-I think I know what happened-Beatrice said.-It's one of the slacker's skills, in fact. It has the strange property of attracting little girls.
-Excuse me?
-You think I'm following him of my own free will?
-Hey! That was not nice!
-Hmm ... So this is some kind of curse? Yes? I see. I don't think you dumped it on purpose, so take it off and let's forget about this case.
-That I can`t.
-Huh!?
-I can't control it.
Silence.
- So I am doomed to follow you like some dog?
Silence. Once again.
-Do you know...
-AAAAAAAAA!
Tanya is on her knees and screams into the sky. Her posture resembles a prayer or something that is the antithesis of prayers. At the sight of this, all of the soldiers, except Visha, began to show symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder again.
-Relax. We will find a solution to this situation. After all, we can ask our classmates for help!-Emilia suggested.
-Emilia has good ideas as always. As befits E.M.T!
-Eh ... I think I have to go along with that.
-But we do it in tomorrow. Today everyone has gone to their homes, I supposed.
-So I'll spend the night with you. Let it be that way. Visha!
-Yes Major!?
-Go with our soldiers back to the quarters. You now have full authority over the branch temporarily!
-Of course!
-March off!
Squad moved away towards the setting sun.
-So what ...? Would you like me to hold your hand?
-Try.
Tanya's face assumed a diabolical expression capable of scaring ... maybe not God, but Satan for sure. That scary smirk disappeared quickly as the lolimancer skills forced the little girl to hold her hand. In this position they went together to the apartment. It should be noted that the major still wore the cute beret and dress. It looked like the big brother was walking his sister away. Beatrice reacted to this scene with a momentary degree of jealousy.
-Please, let this event stay between us.
-Sure!
The next day, they went together to ask the others for a solution. The first person was Ainz because of his magical talent and the respect Tanya had for him. After briefly depicting the situation, the skeleton began to think about a solution.
-I see. Hmm ...
-Ainz? Do you have any idea?
-Forgive me, but I think this is beyond my knowledge. The only loli I've ever dealt with is Mare, and he's not even a girl.
-Thanks for the good intentions. Come on! We will look for a solution from someone else!
-Forgive and good luck.
The second source of probable help was Kazuma and his entourage. It was Subaru's idea.
-Seriously!? Hahaha!
-Stop laughing or I'll renew my training program!
-I'm not saying anything anymore!
-So you don't have any ideas.
-Unfortunately. I have no idea how we can help you. Maybe Megumin will come up with something. Loli should know about loli.
-SOMETHING SAID YOU !? I'm not a loli and neither ...
Subaru broke the exaltation of the crimson sorceress by patting her head.
-Huh?
Subaru then takes a few steps back, and the scarlet demon follows him involuntarily.
-So this is how I activate my ability.
-You ... You ... A-a-activated the ability ... So I really am ...
-Do not worry. Just accept your weak body. I did it a long time ago-Tanya tried to console the sorceress.
Another person was Naofumi. Unfortunately, as befits tsandure, as soon as he heard what was going on, he took Filo with him and ran away. So Subaru, Megumin and Tanya were stay alone. After a while, however, the demonic teacher talks to them.
-Ha! What are these sad faces? You guys look even worse than usual!
-Hello Vanir!
They explained their problem in a few sentences.
-You're lucky! Fortunately, I have a solution to your problems!
-Really!?
-Yes. I know the right spell.
-It is ... quite unexpectedly lazy and easy to solve the plot.
-Who cares!? Recite that magic!
The prince of hell utters an incantation, and after a while the two girls are freed from terrible powers. Everyone thanks the eccentric educator and walks away in their own direction. However, the departing boy is watched by the masked demon for a long time.
-Achoo!
-Bless you!
-Thank you. I think someone is thinking of me
-Surely your friends are talking about you.
-Probably so. And mentioning them ... What do you think Clind ...
-I don't like them.
-Wow! It was quick!
-Tell me why are you hanging out with them?
-Huh? Because they are my friends.
-Really? So what do you have in common with that blue haired girl?
-We have poor combat abilities.
-So you set a goal together to be more useful. Just like you practice your whip skills and survival, she ...
-Oh no! She's not that type of person, but ...
-I see.
-Hey! You didn't let me finish. Maybe...
-What about that crusader you mentioned?
-You interrupted me again! It's rude! In a typical situation where the characters exchange their opinions, each sentence should be complete so that the viewers can fully understand the characters' thoughts.
-Answer.
-Eh ... You will never leave anyone alone. OKAY! I find it even more disturbing than you ever are!
-Than me? This is quite an unexpected comment.
-Yes. You're a lolicon, but she's a masochist fascinated by pain. F-for me ... it's pretty scary.
-Hmm ...
The conversation between the two men is interrupted by the sudden appearance of a brown-haired sorceress. As always, she is in a good mood and bursts with positive energy.
-Hello Subaru! Hi Clind! Do you want to use the bathroom too?
-We came for Kazuma. Aqua is at him ... a little nervous.
-He's still in the bathroom! If you want to wait for him, he'll probably be over soon. I will return to Emilia.
-Of course! We'll see you again soon.
Clind watches the departing sorceress. Subaru watches Clind.
-Ha!
-What is going on!
-I'm surprised you didn't make any comments about Megumin."
-Why would I ... Ah! That's it! You may not remember, but I've mentioned that I don't care about bodily things. Only innocent souls are precious to me.
-Megumin is not one of them?
-Not! Maybe she was innocent once, but when I talk to her it feels like she's been tainted by some disgusting force. Something so horrible that even demons hate being friends with it. Something that should never come out of its mouth. Something like ...
-Oooooh! Whats up! If you want to use the bathroom, I advise you to wait a bit.
The butler's rant is interrupted by the appearance of a green-clad boy who has left the bathroom.
-Yes. Don't wait for us.
-Of course. I'll see you for tea!
-Now you will say: Speak of the devil! I smell a bit of the hypocrisy on the lips of a man of such tastes.
-Last question ... What do you and this man have in common?
-Huh? We come from the same country and we both ended up in foreign lands.
-And that's all?
-All?
-That's enough for you to take him under your roof? Whatever views or personality? Simple solidarity is enough?
-What are you talking about?
-I looked at him a bit during the tea and ... Take into account that if you come from the same places it doesn't mean that your view of the world will be the same. Don't attribute your traits to others.
- I still don't know what you're talking about.
-Either you die a hero or live long enough to end up like Kazuma.
When everyone had returned to the garden, the meeting had a pleasant atmosphere. Aqua and Kazuma contributed greatly to this and, as befits mature people, left the group in order not to disturb others when they explaining a misunderstanding. And frankly speaking, Kazuma started to run away from the anger of the pissed off goddess, and Clind tried to calm the situation down as befits a model butler. Emilia, Subaru, Anne, Megumin were left alone until Frederica and Petra showed up with the snack prepared.
-Thank you Frederica!
-Yes! Nhever no ate shomething so ghood-Megumin said with her mouth full.
-And I have never seen such an appetite.
-Ha! It's nothing, Subaru! You should see my little sister! She's just a glutton!
-Do you have a younger sister?-Frederica asked.
-Yes. His name is Kommeko! And my parents are Hyoizaburoo and Yuiyui!
-Weird names.
-I will not be instructed by someone named after the star!
-Ouch! Too relevant comment!
-Don't you miss your family?-Frederica asked unexpectedly.
-Of course I miss, but we won't stay here forever. As soon as the spell stops working, we will immediately return home. You won't even notice when we disappear!
-Wait!
Suddenly, Petra ran to the mansion to return with one of the dolls made by Subaru.
-Please. I don't want us to say goodbye without a gift, and if you suddenly disappear ...
-Oooooo! You are so cute!
Megumin embraces the redheaded maid and hugs her in a sisterly gesture. Everyone raved about this beautiful scene.
-You look so cute together!
-Each sibling looks cute Frederico together! Even Garfiel will look cute if you hug him-Anne commented.
-Thank you for the compliment, lady.
Frederica bows low.
-Wait ... Are you siblings?-Megumin asked, surprised.
-Really? Haven't you noticed?
Subaru points to the terrible teeth gleaming from the sun's rays.
-Right...
-However, it should be noted that they haven't seen each other in ten years. They probably didn't recognize each other after such a time-Emilia said.
-You were separated?
-Yes ... it's quite a long story.
-We have time.
-I...
-Please!
Frederica told about how they were left in the sanctuary. About how their mother died. About how she left her brother. About his problems and about their unification. Megumin listens carefully to the maid's stories. She may somehow relate to how she left her own sister in need, and if not for Yunyun's intervention, she would most likely die. If Kommeko were older, she would probably hate her for it. This guilt still weighs heavily on the sorceress's conscience. Megumin thinks to herself that she must finally discuss this incident with the whole family. After all, her sister is old enough to understand what happened that day, and parents should be understanding. If Garfiel and Frederica were able to forgive each other after ten years, her relatives would also. After all, they love their daughter! Yes! I will talk with them! As soon as we finally get home, I will persuade Kazuma to visit the village again!
After tea and a mad chase, the soaked Kazuma returns to his room. He wants to warm up by the fire of the fireplace and dry up. As soon as he enters the room, he encounters the last person he could expect.
-Vanir !?
-Ha! You did not expect to meet me here, traveling between worlds boy! I must admit, you look just as awful in any reality! Normally like a wet hen!
-What are you doing here!?
-What is what? I rush to your rescue after the sluggish shop owner and an equally handicapped priest have sent you to this terrible place.
-A terrible place? I would not agree with that opinion.
-Huh?
-I have a much nicer life here than ever. I don't have to work, I'm surrounded by servants, no debts, even Aqua isn't so annoying here!
-Hmm.
-What "Hmm"? What are you thinking of?
-I read your mind and make sure you are really so dumb not to notice.
-What? Take those words back!
-Calm down! Let me explain!
-Well waiting! You have five minutes and then I call Aqua!
-You really didn't notice it? When we were at school, you didn't notice anything special when you talked to this black-haired boy.
-You mean Subaru? What's wrong with him? He's just a lucky harem basterd! And I am going to borrow from him some of this happiness! This Frederica seems pretty good, for example.
- I would like to say that I did not hear that last sentence and I will cut to the chase. One day I helped him solve a rather embarrassing problem. So I wanted to take some payment for the service provided and read what was on his mind!
-And?
-And just as I was going to do it, something stopped me. In the last second as if all my instincts told me to back off! My whole body screamed for me to hold off. Every sense tried to distract me from reading his secrets. As if some ... smell was irritating my nose. As some animals do to scare away predators.
-What are you talking about?
-As soon as I entered this world, this feeling always accompanies me. However, it is even more intense. As if you were aware of the dragon behind you by the sheer temperature of its breath. My mind tells me one thought in this situation ... run away!
-Are you not exaggerating sometimes?
-Do you remember the day we met? When I possessed this fetish cruseder with squint?
-Of course.
- After this incident, I find the masochists worrying. It is terrible to admire the pain. Shame or disappointment are much tastier emotions. Someone whose existence revolves around suffering I consider terrible, and what I observe in Subaru I find something so terrible that I am afraid to look him in his terrible eyes!
Vanir grabs Kazuma by the shoulders. The boy can feel the demon's shoulders shaking. He can feel the sweat trickling down under his mask. He hears a slight break in his voice, and behind the back of the masked individual he notices flashing shadows of various, undefined shapes. In the raging flames of the fireplace, the shadows of the furniture begin to resemble human limbs.
-OKAY! I don't know what you were taking, but you should let it go. I am not going to come back!
-You really are that stupid! Let me explain the seriousness of the situation to you once again. A long time ago, something terrible happened here. I can still feel the echoes of this catastrophe. The entity responsible for this event was so powerful and so terrifying that all the gods and demons left this world, never to return. And this thing is somehow related to Subaru. With a boy whose shame is covered with an unimaginable amount of suffering. If I wanted to get to the emotions that interest me, I would have to go through the disgusting layers of pain and somehow avoid the wrath of this being. It is not feasible. And the very thought of doing this gives me a feeling usually unknown to demons.
-You are talking about the fact that the gods left this world and everything. It's just that Aqua didn't mention it for a moment.
-You really value the opinion of this useless priest over the opinion of your business partner?
-Point for you! Just this one because I don't believe all your talk. I spent a really enjoyable two weeks here and nothing ate me, attacked me, demanded compensation. This world is paradise!
-Eh ... Hold and do as you see fit!
Vanir gives the boy a rolled-up parchment.
-What's that?
-A single-use spell that opens a portal to our world. I gives you one of four copies. You've already used one. When you understand the stupidity of your actions, use it. I am not very interested in your fate, but it would be an unimaginable loss to lose such a good source of profit.
-Thanks, but I'm not going to use it.
Vanir uses a scroll and a portal appears behind his back. The demon enters the portal and stops halfway.
-AND! One more thing! Considering that the powers of heaven and hell have left this reality, don't count too much on the skills of this blue-haired idiot. Cut off from its followers, thrown out of the pantheon, to which it cannot even be accessed here, it will be even more useless than in the old reality.
The demon and the portal disappear in a flash of light, leaving Kazuma alone in the room.
-As if it were possible!
The brown-haired boy holds a magic object in his hand and stares at it. If Aqua, Megumin or Darkness found it, they would immediately take advantage of it and drag me by force to the old reality. I have to hide it somewhere ... Maybe under the bed, or behind the books. Only the maids clean my room every day. If one finds it, they will give it to Roswaal at once and everything will be revealed. And I'm not going back! Never again! It's too nice here! The food is delicious and the fire in the fireplace warms ...
Fire? Suddenly, one thought took over Kazuma's entire mind. The boy approaches the fireplace, which is burning wood drying his soaked body. He stares a moment at the flames, at the parchment, then back into the flames. He tosses a piece of paper and turns the scroll into a pile of ash after a second. Kazuma, satisfied with the action taken, lies down on the couch and dries the remnants of his wet clothes. He quickly abandons the thought of a broken spell in favor of reflecting on Subaru.
-Ha! It's fun! How could anyone scare a kid in sweatpants having a good dose of lucky. Subaru is not some monster! He's a hero who, if I stick closely, nothing bad will happen to me.
The flames of the fireplace illuminate the room, and raging shadows flash across the room.