Hello everyone after the break. The last chapter was the first chapter I boasted on reddit, so the views increased by over a hundred percent (I wanted to do it a month ago, but my account was too new). I'm glad most people really liked it! Hello, both new people and old readers.
Especially Maximum Rhapsody, who has been with us from the very beginning and will share a good evaluation and his proposal as usual. And yes! I wanted to create a parallel between these two duels. As for the question about Kazuma's problems, I am not going to solve this thread right away. In fact, I'm preparing a few chapters to tackle this.
Thank you also for the extremely extensive comments from Nat Su 31. Although I had previously written (I wrote it right after chapter eight) the duel scene, I hope you liked the version I presented.
Eagle D. claw I agree with you. Most often his lack of social skills is obscured by the comedy element. I wanted to show how characters taken from comedy would cope in a terrible world. As for the burning of the scroll, the inspiration came from the Isekai Quartet. There was a scene in it where everyone wants to work together to get home and only Kazuma prefers a comfortable life at school.
Captain Imaginat. I won't spoil too much, but that won't be in this chapter just yet. However, don't worry. The relationship between Megumin, Darkness and Kazuma will be quite developed in the future.
Haru. Answering your question: She has the skills to heal the Subaru Gate and this thread will come up in the future (Maximum Rhaspody has picked up on this before and I think I found a suitable way to incorporate it into the story). The question is whether Aqua has been weakened. She was weakened (as Vanir recalled, our goddess was cut off from the pantheon and worshipers) and while she has the skills to heal a broken gate, her resurrection skills are far worse than in her old world. She is strong, but it is no longer god level.
OKAY! NOW THE MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION! FROM THIS CHAPTER THERE WILL BE SPOILERS TO ARC 5 OR NEXT SEASON 3 RE: ZERO! IF YOU HAVE READ THE WEB NOVEL, LIGHT NOVEL, THE GOSPELS OF ROSWAAL OR HAVE THE RBD SKILL AND HAVE SEEN THE FUTURE SEASON, YOU CAN ENTER SAFELY! IF NO, THERE READ WEB NOVEL.
Chapter 10. Locked in the walls of the city and the walls of the room.
- It will take us 7 more days to get there, even if we are in a hurry. We don't have to rush, so let's relax and take your time.
Nobody has any objection to Otto's plan. He is most accustomed to traveling among them and probably has an average value of physical resistance in their group. If they are traveling at a pace that is not overburdening them, everyone should enjoy a safe journey.
-Of course, before we indulge in blissful relaxation, someone has to prepare dinner ...
-Sure, Otto! I'll take care of it!
-This is what I expected from you, Subaru.
-Aqua, will you help me? There is no water anywhere nearby, and in order to use my extraordinary butler skills, I need to boil soup.
-No problem!
-Someone also has to cut wood and light a fire.
-I am!-Exclaimed Megumin.
-Are you sure? We need a campfire, not a wildfire!
-Ha! You think a great mage like me can't control his power !? You will see what concentration I can achieve!
-All right ... Garfiel, will you help Megumin? In addition to lighting, someone has to obtain wood. You will find the ax in one of the chests on the carriage.
-It's getting done!
-There was still to feed Patrasche and Frufoo and set up the tents.
-We will do tents-reported Emilia, Darkness and Beatrice.
-Excellent! This means that I have to take care of dragons.
Everyone split up to complete the assigned tasks. Subaru and Aqua did the thing quickest. She quickly conjured boiling water and Subaru quickly sliced vegetables and meat. Of course, the boiled vegetables also included mayonnaise, a monthly supply of which in jars was one of the basic luggage taken on a trip. Soon after, the crusader, elf, ghost and ex-merchant ended their duties. The longest wait was for a sorceress and a half-human. They had to go to a nearby forest, so it was obvious that the task entrusted to them must have taken the longest time.
-Hi! Here we are!
From the darkness they heard the boy's voice, only to see a couple carrying piles of chopped wood.
-Wow! That's quite a lot of fuel! You've been splitting these woods not for one night, but for an entire week.
-Ha! My amazing self didn't even sweat! It was a piece of lembas!
-And what about you Megumin?
-Ha! My amazing self didn't feel a single gram of fatigue either! It was a piece of lembas!
-You've really gotten closer to each other these months, haven't you?" Emilia asked.
-After all, they are peers and both are Chūnibyō. One loves long spells full of pathos, the other loves sayings. It's just that in their case they are really special.
Neither of the two responded to the words of Emilia or Subaru. They were rather preoccupied with the complicated high-five scheme they invented some time ago, while jointly testing how big an explosion Garfiel could withstand.
-It's really good.
-The captain knows how to feed his team!
-You're exaggerating. During my month of work at the residence, I just had to learn something.
-And now you are a noble! Don't take away the praise.
- Miss Megumin is right. In fact, Natsuki is the only one who maintains the reputation of our camp.
-How is that?-Darkness asked.
-And so I was supposed to talk to Miss Emilia about the position of our camp.
Emilia then sets aside her plate of food and devotes her full attention to her minister.
-First we will discuss the current support for candidates. Initially, Princess Crusch Karsten and Anastasia Hoshin were generally understood to be a sure winner and competition. The other three factions, including ours… if you'll be honest, were seen as space fillers.
-Mm, I can't deny it. But from what you say ...
-Exactly. Popular opinion has changed over the past year. Because the other three factions, starting with yours, achieved significant achievements. As you might expect, the most striking achievements of the Emilia Faction are the defeat of the Sloth and the White Whale. The Crusch faction was the one that led the offensive against the Whale, but Crusch herself has publicly stated how Sir Natsuki Subaru contributed to this effort. While other factions helped, Subaru led the offensive of laziness. Both achievements immediately drew public attention to the previously neglected Emilia. Emilia also stands out negatively because of her heritage. For better or for worse, Emilia is widely recognized as the subject of many rumors and gossip.
-Heritage?
-Yes. Unfortunately, due to my appearance, I am mistaken for a witch of jealousy.
-You mean the one you told us that destroyed half the world over four hundred years ago !?
-But it doesn't make sense. After all, everyone who could hold a grudge is definitely dead.
-However, this event was so tragic that it entered legends shaping the image of unimaginable evil into the shape of a silver-haired half-elf.
-The situation is not helping the quite recent civil war, in which half-humans tried to seize power. One of the more terrible leaders of this uprising was precisely the half-elf. Some even saw in her the return of the witch.
-What about the other camps?
Otto tells about Priscilla and Felt. About the merits of the former in the easing of border disputes, and the latter in cooperation with the lower lords. The topic of the holy sword is also discussed.
-He doesn't have any divine protection for winning a royal election sometimes.
-Ha! We haven't heard anything about it, and the rank of the holy-sword isn't particularly helpful in elections either.
-So you can say that thanks to Subaru you are in a better position than at the beginning, but you are far from being perfect? The camp with these two first-class members is in the worst position. Then there's you and Priscilla. And the top position is held by Crusch and Anastasia?
-Not quite, but I can see that you are well versed in political matters.
-And I am the daughter of one of the most powerful families. I was taught such things.
-Really?
-Yes. I don't like to brag about it, but my family has a lot of ties to the royal family.
-Hmm ...
-What are you thinking, Otto.
- Support from foreign nobility may seem quite promising for our camp. In addition, you come from countries beyond the waterfall, so no one will think of you as a spy threatening the security of the kingdom. In addition, your word can be supported by Reinhardt and Julius, so no one would accuse our camp of a lie.
-I don't think that's the best idea. In addition, we have no guarantee that Julius would support our camp.
-Subaru! Do not say that! Julius is like you a knight! You shouldn't talk about him.
-I'm sorry Emilia-tan!
-You don't like this Julius very much?-Megumin asked.
-It's not that I don't like him. I just consider him a grumpy knight whose pretentiousness is rivaled only by his exaggerated manner. Just enough.
-You don't like him.
-How you talk about him, I'm surprised that Kazuma even wanted to hang out with him-Aqua commented.
-Yes, it's completely unlike him. Not to mention the younger brother.
-Exactly! Don't mention him to me. I haven't seen such an idiot for a long time-Megumin said.
-And I didn't hear. They should send them straight to the front-Aqua added.
-I have to admit that choosing such a person as an envoy may be perceived by our camp as an act of ill will-Otto interjected.
- He was extremely annoying, I suppose. Who would see it to offend my contractor in such a way?
-OH! Don't talk like that about Joshua. It's a good baby!
Only Emilia from the whole group stood up for the envoy from Anastasia's camp.
-As stated a moment previously, I am Natsuki Subaru. I serve as Knight to Emilia-sama, who makes her presence before you. It pleases me to make your acquaintance.
The track suit makes it a little slovenly, but his manners align perfectly with courtly etiquette. He used to think cynically of the pretentious attitudes of knights, but now that he's trying it himself, he finds it works surprisingly well for him. It's not a question of whether it suits him or not. It's that he feels himself being more of a knight. The pressure, knowing that one misstep will leave him a laughingstock, gives the rigid seriousness meaning. Under the tutelage of Garfiel, with his extensive knowledge as a Knight Fanatic, Subaru has fostered etiquette that disgraces him not as a knight. Subaru glances to the door to find Garfiel watching him, satisfied. Garfiel notices Subaru's glance and flips him the bird. Subaru taught him the gesture, but he's using it wrong. While he may be a good teacher, Garfiel is a failure of a student.
-You humble me. I am… I myself am Joshua Juukulius , visiting you as an envoy on behalf of Anastasia Hoshin-sama.
-Then you would be Joshua-san. What a fine name. Still, I must apologize for my poor punctuality. Allow me to... Juukulius?
Meanwhile, at the door where Garfiel was standing.
-Hey, what's going on?
-ABOUT! Megumin, Aqua and Darkness! Look at the captain for yourself.
The girls look into the room.
-Who is this?
-Effender of another camp taking in the royal selection. The captain, the princess and my brother are just taking an official diplomatic visit.
-Can we come in?
-No. The captain is doing great. There is no need to disturb him.
Megumin and Aqua seem disappointed. Darkness nods humbly.
-What, so he's Julius's brother. Actually now that you mention it they are pretty alike. You have that disdainful… or not, intense, gaze of his. Or that mocking… or not, elegant, smile of his. Or that hellish… or not, pretty, hair colour of his.
-Subaru doesn't seem to have a very good opinion of him.
-Is it not already the moment when war has been declared and we can enter?
-No!
Cheers Mimi, unintentionally aggravating Otto further. It looks like the only thing keeping Otto quiet is the fact that Mimi is the guest's companion. She disregards him entirely as she scampers over and leaps onto the seat, beside Joshua. Beatrice also looks at the seats. But Subaru, Emilia, and Otto are fully occupying the seat opposite Joshua and Mimi. They could scooch together to open room for Beatrice, but it would look lame. And so Beatrice promptly seats herself on Subaru's lap. Subaru naturally loops his hands around Beatrice's waist, making sure she won't fall.
-Now, finally getting to the main topic…
-P-Please wait! Who is this girl?
And Joshua winds up too flustered to talk. He points at Beatrice, sitting on Subaru's lap, and leans forward so forcefully that his monocle slips. Apparently he lacks Julius's composure. Subaru decides that he prefers this to Julius, while Mimi instead speaks up.
-Geez, you're so behind, Joshua. This is Beako, she's Subaru's baby. It's so obvious. And beside him's the mommy, and beside her's the housekeeper?
-Honestly I am far too unconfident about what my current standing is to be hearing that I'm the housekeeper so would you please care to stop?!
-Housekeeper! Housekeeper! Wow! It's like a witchbeast name!
Otto's pleas are entirely ineffective on Mimi, the embodiment of dumb innocence. Nobody bothers to react to Otto, who slumps his shoulders. Subaru puts his hand on Beatrice's head.
-Sorry for not introducing her. We're just so used to sitting like this that I completely forgot to explain.
-Otto-kun forgot to mention it too. And it caught me unawares as well.
-Who says caught me unawares anymore?
It's Emilia's usual phrasing, but Subaru agrees with the sentiment. And Otto must be getting so accustomed to this life that he's forgetting to interject with common sense. It's a good problem to have.
-This is Beatrice. Mimi's right, she's the child of myself and Emilia-sama.
-What!?
Megumin laughs, grabbing his belly. Garfiel only snorts, but also seems amused. Aqua does not hide her joy and rolls on the floor laughing. Even Darkness laughs as she remembers how she framed Kazuma into a fake pregnancy.
Emila quickly explains her knight's joke and outlines his position as a spiritual knight. At this last statement, the purple-haired emissary seems to take a strange look at Beatrice, who has found her contractor superior to her other spiritual knight.
-An admirable, and correct judgement. When comparing yourself to my brother, it's natural to recognize your inferiority.
-Uh?
-Huh?
-HUH?
-Yes. My brother is amazing. At the age of twenty is the second most capable of the Imperial Knights, the finest Order of Knights of the Kingdom. His service to Anastasia-sama currently distances him from his station as an Imperial Knight, but once her wishes are fulfilled he will be secured a place as Head of the Imperial Knights. He has a close, amiable relationship with the Sword Saint Reinhardt, and holds himself impeccably in both public and private contexts. He is strict on himself and others, disciplined, ambitious, always seeking improvement. His beautiful looks enrapture scores of women, and his personality is accordingly excellent. Yes. My brother is amazing. You're nothing compared to him
-Uh ... -Wow! And I thought Kazuma was an asshole, but this guy broke everything Kazutrash did in his life in five minutes-Aqua commented quietly so that no one in a nearby room would hear. -Can I exploded him? Can I exploded him?
Joshua speaks with passion, his face red as he goes on and on and on.
Subaru has no reply, and Beatrice recoils too. Garfiel and Otto stay silent, unsure whether this could get deadly, and Mimi is too busy stuffing her cheeks with snacks to help him out of this. There is only one person here who can counter Joshua's screed.
-Heehee. Joshua, you love your brother Julius sooo much.
In this room exists an angel who will take anything positively. Her words make Joshua realise what he just said, and his face reddens in shame rather than excitement. He clears his throat, managing to compose himself.
-M-My apologies. I may have fired myself up. I have some difficulty restraining myself when it comes to my family.
-No, it's okay. I want to hear you talk about Julius more. I've only ever seen Julius while in the Capital here and there, so there's lots more I want to know about him.
-R-Really! Well, there are several memories of me and him that...
-How about we save those for another occasion, and finally get to the point!? How does that sound, Otto! Garfiel!
-Huh!?
Subaru cuts in, forcing the other two into the conversation while they pleadingly try to stay out of it. But they do promptly nod in agreement. Joshua then notices that the conversation has strayed incredibly far, and,
-T-Then, we will save the stories of my brother's magnificence for another time. I must… I myself must also fulfil my duties and reconvene with Anastasia-sama shortly.
-Right. I'm sooo excited for them. So, it really took us a long time to finally get here… but what is this visit all about?
Joshua's awkwardness lingers as he feigns calm, while Emilia easily enters Royal Selection Candidate Mode. The tone of their voices drop, bringing a tenseness to the parlour. Emilia can establish tension like this because she has come to recognize her place as a budding politician.
-I speak to Emilia-sama on the behalf my master, Anastasia Hoshin-sama.
The prickly tension makes Joshua's expression regain its former warmth. He puts his hand in his pocket, withdraws a letter, and sets it on the table. He opens it. Looks down at the letters and their black ink.
-Anastasia-sama wishes to invite yourself and all of your associates to the city of Pristella.
-An invitation to Pristella City… Pristella is the Watergate City, yes? The big city near the border between the Kingdom of Lugnica and the Kararagi City-States.
-You are correct. Anastasia-sama is presently sojourning there, rather than the Capital… and she wishes to invite you.
Joshua quietly lowers his head. Emilia looks away from him and glances to Subaru. Obviously, this gaze means, 「what are your thoughts?
Subaru feels similarly to Emilia about the whole thing. Everyone knows that Anastasia is staying in a mansion in the Capital's noble district while she's in Lugnica. When Mimi mentioned an invitation to a party, Subaru was certain it would be to that mansion.
-Pristella is a scenic place. The city is distinctive in itself, and makes for a popular tourist destination. Anastasia-sama finds herself delighted and at ease there.
-It'd be great if you were just showing us a nice place, but… you're not, are you? Emilia and Anastasia aren't friends.
If Subaru remembers this right, then Anastasia was particularly harsh on Emilia during the dialogues in the Palace. The candidates most unsparing toward Emilia were her and Priscilla. Crusch is simply not racist, and Felt is in Emilia's debt. So, while Anastasia did help during the White Whale and Witch Cult fights, Subaru's personal opinion of Anastasia is not very good.
So he doubts that this invitation is anything so kind-spirited. As if supporting Subaru's doubts, a grin etches itself over Joshua's face. And,
-Anastasia-sama invites you out of her beneficence. She has noticed the valuable object you are searching for in Pristella.
-What I'm searching for?
The instant that Emilia shows her interest, Otto's expression screams: He got her! This tells Subaru that Joshua snatched away predominance before they could stop it, but he still cannot see the crux of this deal.
In that delay, the opponent takes full control of the conversation. Grinning, Joshua speaks on:
-In Pristella City there is a shop selling spellstones, in which slumbers the high-grade colourless stones that you desire. I believe that you are currently seeking an anchor for the Great Spirit?
-How do you ... How do you know that ...
-Anastasia-sama has a huge network of informants. Nothing can hide from her.
-Well, the boy who joined us a month ago told us about it.
-Mimi!
-What? After all, in return for this information, apart from money, he also asked for a message.
-I'm sorry, but ... who are you talking about?
- Recently, a young boy joined Mimi and her brothers. He introduced himself as Kazuma, and in return for his salary and news, he told us that Emilia needed a crystal for her spirit.
At that moment, three girls who had been hiding behind Garfiel so far stormed into the room. They demanded that the news be presented immediately.
-It has been almost three months since Kazuma disappeared from the mansion.
-Yeah ...-Megumin and Darkness replied gloomily.
-Do you have this letter with you?
-Yes.
Megumin pulls a rolled-up scroll from its coat and begins to read it.
-Hey, it's Kazuma. I joined the iron fang mercenaries and found a way to fix the spell. Pristella is home to a master craftsman with the right skills to repair even the most intricate magical items, including fairy books and parchments. I'm waiting for you.
-Normally I would think it was some kind of Kazuma trick, but Otto confirmed that there is such a man in this city-Darkness said.
-Yes. This is a friend of my friend.
For a moment there is an awkward silence broken only by the sound of the sparkling flames of the fire.
-It's a pity he didn't explain why he was gone for three months. No explanation. No apologies. Just a few sentences and waiting for us to come hopping forward.
- I'm actually curious when exactly he did it. I mean his escape-Subaru asked.
-Hard to say. For an indefinite period of time he was locked in the room and did not let anyone in. Even Emilia tried to talk to him, and he only answered silently. And he would go for food and toilets only when he was sure that he would not meet anyone. It was easy enough considering the size of the mansion.
- He could have disappeared anywhere from two to four weeks after your quarrel, I presume.
-So what was he actually doing during this time.
-That's obvious, I supposed. That slacker was wasting his time doing nothing, in fact.
-Or he read books.
-Huh?
-Nothing like that ... I just remembered a ghost that had been locked in the library for a long time and all he did was read books.
-Don't compare Betty, whose sweetness is beyond comprehension, to that boy whose ... Wait. Have you forgiven him?
-What? Ah yes! I just can't be angry with anyone for long. Not that I would forgive him, but after four months it is hard to hold on to the anger you had at the beginning. I'm still angry with him, but for my feelings to flare up again, I would have to meet him again and ... see him.
-Hm! As always, my contractor is impossible.
-Beako ...
-He's going to have to hug me now as a punishment for being too lenient!
The little girl squeezes between the black-haired boy's shoulders and starts cuddling against his chest.
-They look cute, don't Megumin?
-This...
The sorceress looks at this family scenery and misses it. He misses his mother, who even went so far as to throw Kazum into her room to ensure her a good life. She misses her father, whose propensity to inventions, despite his efforts, never managed to provide for his family well-being. He misses his little sister so similar to Petra, Beatrice or even Meila. She couldn't see them for months to come. They didn't get any letters from her. They're probably worried, and there's nothing I can do about it. All because of Kazuma! What were you even thinking !? What thoughts were on your mind !?
Day 1
I slept all day and woke up only at two after midnight. I was hungry so I went downstairs to the kitchen for some food. It means eating as much as possible so as not to have to go down every day and risk meeting someone. Then I went to sleep again.
Day 2
I'm bored. In Japan, I had computer games, what else can I do here? I looked at the books on the shelf. I can't read the subtitles. I don't know the local language. I can make paper planes and boats from the cards. It's always some kind of entertainment so you don't have to think about these idiots.
Day 3
I was in a toilet. I haven't met anyone. Fortunately. Less luck that the pages ran out. I'm bored again. I spent the rest of the day staring at the ceiling.
Day 4
I went to the bathroom to get toilet paper. I almost got noticed by this pink-haired bitch. It was because of her that it all happened. When I returned to the room, I devoted myself to the only activity that a boy locked in a room could do.
Day 5
I haven't worn pants since yesterday and I don't want to put them on. A knock on the door woke me. From the third day on, I always wake up like this. Someone is bringing me food. I do not know who. I do not care. Today my wake up call was special because it was accompanied by Emilia's or Megumin's voice. It's hard to say because they are quite similar. She asked me to open the door. I did not do that. I didn't even get out of bed today.
Day 6
The dinners delivered to my door are insufficient. My only pastime is eating, so I eat to kill boredom. My stocks will run out soon. Somewhere between these piles of scraps and the used paper, there should be some fruit and bread.
Day 7
It's probably already three in the morning. The food was completely over. I go down to the pantry and throw out the garbage in the process, so as not to be overwhelmed by it.
Kazuma looks through the keyhole to make sure that no one is waiting for him at the door.
Seeing only the darkness of the night, the boy shyly opens the door handle and goes out into the corridor. In the dark it would be difficult for him to orientate himself, but thanks to the right skill he sees everything perfectly and finds the right door. It slowly goes inside so as not to make the slightest noise. He looks around the larder shelves and takes a large amount of bread, alcohol, and preserved food in jars. He also sees a box of cookies. He reaches for it, but he cannot pull it out, as if something is blocking the container from behind. So he puts the sack aside and this time he pulls the unruly container with both hands. In a second, the box is in the boy's hands together with an unexpected accessory.
-WHAT IS?
-Ooooooow!
A little girl with red hair landed on Kazum's lap. She had to stand behind the bookcase and grab the box of treats at the same time as the brown haired boy. As soon as Kazuma put more strength into this effort, she flew over the ledge, landing on the adventurer. After all, it was never very tall, so it was not a problem to fit between the boards of the furniture.
-Get off me!
-Aaaaa! What are you doing here?
-Does not matter! Bye! We haven't seen each other!
-Wait! If you don't answer, I'll scream and you'll have to talk to the rest of the people eventually.
-WHAT!? YOU LITTLE ...!
Petra does not give up and stands proudly, ready to scream that would wake up the holy dragon himself.
-Grr! Okay! I just came for something to eat.
-Huh? But I bring you a fairly large meal every day.
-What? It's you...? Why?
-When you did not come for dinner several days in a row, Frederica asked me to bring you food.
-What's that face?
-What face?
The girl does not hide her aversion to the older boy. As she talks, she turns her face away from her interlocutor, and her voice seems to be what only Roswaala seems to have deigned.
-The face you are doing now! Don't pretend you don't know what's going on.
-Pshaw!
-Reply!
-I don't need to talk to someone who doesn't treat women like ladies! Frederic sister taught me that!
-First: you started the conversation yourself. Second: I don't believe it! Even the children have turned against me! I feel like on this unfortunate vacation!
-No one has converted me! Megumin told me everything!
-M-Megumin ...?
Kazuma instantly changes the face image to something that seems to be taken over.
-Say!
-Huh?
-Say what Megumin told you.
-Akhem ... She told me you were an idiot and a womanizer, that you couldn't summon the courage, neither on emotional matters, nor on anything else she didn't want to talk about.
Kazuma for a moment looks as if he has been told that the sky is blue, or that the floor is made of floor. In short: nothing innovative that has no chance of attracting the brown-haired boy's interest. So he turns on his heel and goes towards the exit.
-Hi! Where are you going!
-Into the room.
- We haven't finished talking yet!
-Yeah? I finish!
-I'll scream!
The adventurer turns his head, and Petra sees the strangest expression she has ever seen. Something supposed to be scary, but actually more like the man who just mistook lemons for oranges.
-Okay. Let's talk! What are you doing here?
-I!?
-Yes. You. It's three in the morning and you should be asleep?
-I am a maid and I have to prepare breakfast for everyone.
-You're lying.
-WHAT!? NO! I...!
-You're lying! I know it! You have it on your face.
-And how do you know it?
-I know and now. Tell the truth!
-I...
Kazuma crosses his arms and waits for the red-haired maid to tell the truth.
-I promised Meila today that I would drink tea with her.
-Meili? You mean that little killer?
-Do not say that! Meili is my friend.
The boy is silent for a moment.
-How is it that you have more respect for a hired murderer than for me !?
-Hm! At least she's trying to improve her behavior!
-You will tell me how sitting all the time locked in the room is a desire to improve your behavior! I have been doing this most of my life and have always been criticized for it!
-If you want, you can see for yourself.
Kazuma ponders for a long moment whether to accept the invitation. To be honest, I don't really want to, but when I think about sitting in this smelly room again, I start to get fed up. Unfortunately the maids stopped coming to clean up after me.
-Okay! Lead!
-Huh? What!? I was just kidding!
-Word has been said. I'm going with you now.
-No way!
-Try to stop me, and I'll tell everyone you're sneaking up here at night."
-You do the same!
-Yes, but they don't expect anything good from me, and you are the maid who must obey the rules of the residence.
Surprised by the response and thus defeated, Petra leads the adventurer to the uninhabited part of the residence. They met no one on the way and at the same time they did not speak to each other. Once there, in front of the iron door locked with several triggers, the girl takes out the keys and ushers the boy inside.
-Hey, Petra! Already I thought...
Meili stops in mid-sentence. She is clearly surprised by the presence of the boy.
-Hello.
-Why did you bring him? It was just supposed to be our tea!
-I'm sorry, I told you about him!
-This is Kazuma? Hmm ... Yes! Now I remember he was there with that girl who broke into my room! Thank you for fixing the door for me!
-You're welcome. Okay, Petra! Show what you were supposed to show.
Petra pushes one pillow aside and tells the boy to sit down. Then he starts pouring tea into everyone's cups. And so began the Savoir-vivre lessons.
Day 8
What am I doing with my life!? After all, I could walk away from all of them. I could do it on my own, and yet I sit in the basement with little girls and learn how to properly drink tea.
Day 9
Petra gave me the book she got from Frederic. I explained to her that I couldn't read. She replied that she and Meili would start teaching me. No way! I do not want to!
Day 10
I am learning to read and write. It is not difficult as the spoken form is identical to Japanese. And it's not that I am learning this to be able to read this book. Just when I leave this place, this skill will be useful to me.
Day 11
Petra couldn't come today. Frederica finally realized she was sneaking into the pantry every night. It is probably the fault of how much food I took the last time. Do I feel guilty? No! Aside from the topic, it was only Meili who taught me today.
-So these red fruits are pronounced appa. And it is written like this.
-A-appa? Sounds like someone didn't have enough creativity in naming new names.
-Stop whining and write the same word a hundred times.
-Aaaa!
Although with great difficulty, Kazuma urgently rewrites the same word. At the same time, the girl marks errors in the previously written text.
-Yes by the way ...
-Huh?
-How long have you been sitting here?
-More than six months. And why do you ask?
-Nothing special. I just wanted to compare it with my own experience in confinement.
-So how long have you been in jail?
-WHAT? I DO NOT...
The boy wanted to say that he was locked in his own room of his own free will, but he remembered how he had to explain to the prosecutor after the destruction of the mobile fortress. So he decided to lie long enough that it didn't look like he'd been sitting longer than the little killer, and long enough that it was meaningful.
-Three months.
-Hmm ...
-What?
-You're not telling the truth.
-What?
-I know people about these things. My sister taught me how to recognize it.
-Really. Frederica is so good at it?
-I ... I'm not talking about Frederica.
The feather in the girl's hand breaks under the force of a tiny hand.
-It's about who? Wait ... You mean the killer who was sent with you to kill Subaru?
Meili is silent for a moment before deciding to answer
-Yes.
-She died? Right?
This time the girl just kept silent instead of answering.
-And what? You just forgave her death? In this world it must really be some disease. That Subaru idiot did the same to you.
-Let's end for today.
-Huh? But we just started!
-I said the end. Go now.
Day 12
Nobody came for me today. I don't know what Meili said, but apparently it was enough to stop my lessons. I could have guessed the little killer still had a grudge! Does not matter! I will study myself! I have books and some basics.
Day 14
Shit! I can't do it! It doesn't make any sense without a teacher. With simpler words, I can still manage it somehow, but with more complicated expressions, I just drop out. What a handicapped alphabet! I wish this useless card would work!
Day 16
I'm sitting in my room again, doing nothing. To hell! It feels like the beginning of my adventure in a new world. Only worse, because then I could somehow give up sleeping in the stable and carry out orders, and now somehow I can't get away from here! I should go out into the world, but for some reason I can't! Maybe it's the convenience. After all, I have everything I need here!
Day 21
I never had any plan. My actions have always been to adapt to the situation. I had debts, I went to work! I had money so I didn't do anything. Something was attacking me, I was defending myself. I had peace of mind, so I tried not to get in anyone's way. Was it wrong !? Was it lazy !? What was my fault !? What sins! Answer me! Wish someone would answer my questions! I wish so much!
Day 30
Awesome! Someone really answered my questions! I know what to do now! Fang of iron? Yes? Otto once mentioned to me when we were talking about local retail chains. If I remember correctly, they are serving Anastasi Hosshin. So I'm going! I'll take Aqua with me! Yes! I am so desperate that I'm taking this useless goddess with me. Nothing has been mentioned about it, but her abilities may come in handy somehow.
Kazuma goes to the warehouse to get the most necessary things. He silently takes food, a change of clothes and other small items that can fit in his bag and will be useful on the go. He then runs to the room where the goddess sleeps, but finds a pink-haired maid in the hallway.
-Huh? What?
-What is? Has my beauty, though not visible in the darkness, rob you of your mind?
-As...? You...?
-I have been following you from the time you went to the toilet and watching you when you move around the mansion.
-So you know...
-Yes. Please.
Ram gives a fairly stuffed bag that makes a clink of coins.
-W-w-what is that?
-Money. They will help you on your journey.
-T-T-thank you, and now if you want to step back ...
-No way. I know you want to take a priest with you, but I cannot allow you to do so. Take the money and get out of here.
The boy steps back at the sight of the girl's terrible face. She remembers that as a demon she is much stronger. He might, of course, try to get away from her, but he's not going to make any noise either.
-Okay! I'm going myself.
-Ha!
-What do you mean?
-That was not the answer she expected.
Ram raises his hands in a gesture of surprise and disappointment.
"But I thought you were more stubborn." It's quite ...
-Someone gave me good advice and I know what to do now.
-I didn't think you were a person who listened to good advice.
Kazuma smiles terribly. However, there is nothing funny about this smile. It is actually really scary.
-Go away now.
-Continue with our conversation yesterday ...
Otto turns to Emilia sitting in the back of the carriage. Most of the people in the carriage are still asleep after the nighttime witchbeasts attack, which Aqua said was never going to happen. Fortunately, Garfiel dealt with the monsters quickly. They would probably have gone to bed just as quickly, had it not been for the goddess's continual admonition that her monster-chasing circle should be working flawlessly. Without going into detail, the rest of the trip was fairly smooth, except for a minor incident involving Megumin.
-W-w-what is he doing?
The sorceress looks at her peer who began to bite the metal blade during a short stop.
-What? And this? Garfiel, as a half-human, has teeth that are still growing, so he has to cut them regularly.
-It looks comical. It reminds me a bit of chomusuke!
-He !? You just envy!
-What? Why should I envy pointed teeth?
-Because it is a great signifier of a real warrior!
The Tiger tries to look extremely cool, but knowing his true age, the whole presentation seems like a high school student's boasting. Of course, such boasting can only impress the second immature teenager. Unfortunately, Megumin is among them and jumps out.
-Yeah!? I am going to show you that there is no meal for a crimson demon that she does not eat!
The sorceress jumps out of the wagon and begins, next to the blonde, to bite a piece of metal, adopting the same pose, resembling a sitting dog, as Garfiel.
-So back to the topic of the election ... ... Our faction is quite remarkable for its achievements, but the other two have a more stable foundation. However, I believe we could have ignored it if the Big Hare offensive had been officially recognized.
-Otto-kun, you say the same as Subaru. But maybe that means it's safe to take a narcissistic view and say we're in the middle.
-See you. Yes. But… there were some changes to the front of Princess Karsten. Those that are beneficial to us.
-For our benefit?
-Yes. Duchess Crusch Karsten, as if she were a different person, has lost some sparkle this year. She had once been strict in both public and private affairs, one that the followers of the former Prince Karsten could not help but accept. Something has changed in her politics and politics. Rumors spread that she tried her best to serve the non-female role of a princess, but eventually her true face shone through. Apparently, she is busy dealing with disgruntled subjects and lords, even summoning the help of a former retired prince. People were sure she would win the Selection as she scored her first achievement in the White Whale offensive ... but it's unclear exactly what led to her downfall. Emilia-sama, stay alert.
-I see.
-You could use a total of Rereugen-Darkness said.
-Rereugen?
-He was Roswaal's teacher assistant at school. Tanya told me that he had contributed to the propaganda of the war.
(Meanwhile somewhere in the command staff of the empire)
-Forgive me, but I can't do that.
-But why? Demiurge's tactical talent could be our wild-card in the war. Please at least consider his promotion to an officer.
-Demiurge!
-Yes!
-I do respect you, but being promoted demon to leadership would be even more scandalous than using children in a war. I had really big problems with lying, I mean convincing the public that Tanya is an ordinary girl despite taking an active part in the fights. And so, despite my efforts, I have to send a psychiatrist's report to Geneva about her mental condition every day. If I promoted the demon it would be an international scandal. The morale of soldiers believing in God would drop drastically. We would be excommunicated by the Vatican.
-I wouldn't have a problem with that-Tanya said.
-Continue ... The enemy would easily attribute our dealings with the forces of hell. No way!
-Eh ... I understand the decision, although I do not agree with it ... Demiurge, forgive me for taking your precious time.
-That's okay! I couldn't have a higher position than our Lord Ainz anyway! I must even take the time for the officers to appreciate his genius and give him his rightful place as marshal.
-Already see the enemy posters: The grim reaper himself commands the army of the empire! You don't have to be afraid of death if you can defeat it yourself!
(Back to the heroes)
The high walls of the city welcome newcomers. Everyone sticks their heads out the windows and watches the massive structure.
- Joshua said this was a place to visit, but Betty actually doubts it. I suppose it looks a lot more depressing than relaxing.
I agree. I mean, I think the bridge, gates and stuff are pretty cool.
Subaru nods in agreement with Beatrice and looks down.
-Pristella is actually a city built on a lake. The earth inside these walls becomes so flat that it forms a basin in the center. If you envision the city as an old trap, then of course you'd expect the center to sink easily.
-It reminds me a bit of our vacation in Arcenletia.
-If it's a water city, they probably have people worshiping me here too! After all, I am ...
-GODDESS OF WATER!-Everyone shouted at once, knowing beforehand what Aqua was going to say.
-I hope, however, that during our visit we will not meet any crazy cultists!-Megumin said.-I still have nightmares, the main character of which is soap!
-And I hope we won't meet any shape-shifting monsters. After fighting Hans, I'd rather have a quiet vacation.
The carriage that binds the team stops next to one of the officials, who requires our travelers to sign the relevant documents. Megumin resisted signing the documents a bit, explaining it as a trauma, but the matter was quickly settled. The group enters the city and becomes completely intimidated by its beauty. Canals with water shimmering with the rays of the sun like a crystal, clean streets with paved pavements, beautiful architecture that is nothing other than a functional display of the artist's craftsmanship. In a word: beauty.
-Awesome
Everyone is silent because that one word has exhausted any other descriptions of the landscape in sight. Then, shaking off their shock, they start exploring the water city. Their direction is obvious as they are headed for the inn. During the journey, Otto took over the role of a guide, telling about the role that Hoshin had in the construction of that city, as well as the role of water dragons in transport. When they finally reach the inn, Subaru speaks first.
-It ... it's not an inn!
-More like Japanese architecture-Aqua added.
-You can feel like ...
-...at home?
A familiar voice finished Subaru's comment. Everyone looks towards the entrance and notices the brown-haired boy.
-Long time no see!