KonoSuba: A Tale of this Beautiful World Vol3

by Dknightodin

The third volume of the series.

7. Chapter 6: Blessings of a Demon Kind Pt2

Chapter 6: Blessings of a Demon Kind Pt.Ⅱ

Part 1

I ran into my room, and closed the door. I laid against it, and slowly slid down.

"Hah...hah...haaaah." It was hard to breathe. The pain I felt…

I clutched at my chest, my robes, my hat and felt the stream of tears begin to pour down my cheeks. It hurt so much to do this, and yet…

"Kazuma," I sobbed, now clutching at my knees.

How could I face my parents? How could I face him? How could I face any of them?

Truly, in my heart, all I wanted was for Kazuma to...to…

I found myself sobbing harder at the thought. Did he...not want to? Does he...not find my efforts worth it?

I dug into the small pouch on the back of my belt. My hands wavered as I brought the makeshift ring to view.

Does this actually hold any meaning, or did he simply forget by now? Maybe it never did.

I took a deep breath, and stood up.

Slowly, I walked over to my window. On the glass pane I could see the reflection of my haggard face.

I pressed my focus past it, and looked at the small river running alongside the house.

I opened my window.

Once again, I brought Kazuma's gift to my sight. I steeled myself, looked at the river, and swung my arm back.

With all my might, I…

Could

Not

Do

It

I couldn't do it. My knees faltered, and I fell back into a crying heap. In my despair, all I could find myself saying is, "Forgive me, Kazuma".

-Meanwhile…

"Oh, Kazuma, you're back," Darkness said, coming into the living room. "Where've you been all day?"

"...Huh?"

"I...asked you where have you been all day...are you alright? You look a little pale."

"Ah, I was...with Yuiyui. Umm...yeah, I'm ok."

"Did something else happen while I was gone?"

"...No," I replied, looking down dejectedly.

Darkness shook her head, and sighed. "I see you're still unwilling to tell me what's going on. I really can't help if you don't."

"It...doesn't concern you, Darkness. It's alright, I'll...handle it."

"I wish you would stop saying that, Kazuma. For all the things we've been through, all the times we've entrusted our lives to each other, and I can't even get you to tell me what's hurting you so much; I'd be lying if I said I didn't feel a little offended."

"Tch… I...I think I messed up...bad."

"Messed up? What exactly?"

"I-, I don't really know, though. It doesn't really make a whole lot of sense to me. Thinking about it, I don't think I've done anything different, so…"

"I...don't understand, Kazuma; the things you're telling me… They're incomplete."

I shook my head and waved her off. "Nevermind."

"Kazuma, wait, please, let me help; just explain a bit, what's the problem—at least tell me that."

"What else do I have to tell you? I'm at a loss here too, Darkness! If I knew what the hell the problem was don't you think I would've solved it?!"

Darkness stared at me with a surprised look on her face.

"Sorry," I quickly said. "Anyway, it shouldn't be any secret that me and Megumin aren't exactly on good terms at the moment."

"Yeah...I figured."

Suddenly, the door opened and in came Aqua and Komekko.

"Alright, Komekko-chan, we're gonna need a big table so this one will do."

"Aqua," Darkness interrupted, "can you take this elsewhere?"

"Huh? Why? I need a table for my performance and Yuiyui-san said that the dinner table is gonna be set for dinner soon."

"Forget it," I said, getting up. "I'm gonna go take a bath."

"Wait, Kazuma—Aqua!"

"Darkness, why are you screaming at me?" Aqua replied with a hurt expression. "You've been really mean to me as of late."

"S-Sorry. I didn't mean to, it's just…"

The conversation tapered off as the distance between me and the room grew.

-Sometime later; in the bath…

I laid back and slid further into the water.

What was I supposed to do now? How could she be so mad that she'd be willing to break things off at this point?

Was this what it meant to fall in love, to experience this, heartbreak over and over again? Perhaps not, but the two attempts I had in my life have ended up with this being the case.

Thinking more on it, I began to wonder, was it really my fault? Was Megumin merely acting out? I couldn't know. In spite of nearly everything about her, Megumin could be surprisingly mature, so maybe the reason she was going so far was more complicated than I'm giving her credit for.

I stared at the set of rings on the bath's edge.

"Megumin…what are you doing?"

After finishing my bath, I figured it was nearly time for dinner, so I headed over to the dining room, but not before running into the last person I wanted to see.

The door in front of me opened and out came Megumin. At first she didn't notice me, but the moment she did, she froze. Her eyes were locked to my own; there I noticed, they were puffy and bloodshot.

"Megumin," I said worryingly.

She looked down quietly, and averted her gaze.

"Oi, talk to me…"

She remained silent.

"Come on, we're gonna have to talk to each other pretty soon, anyways, right? You're not just gonna be quiet the entire dinner."

Megumin glanced at me briefly, and then looked down once more, the pained expression she wore growing more and more by the minute.

"Megumin...why—"

"Stop. ...I'll see you at dinner."

"Wait."

However, she brushed past me towards the bathroom.

With little else to be done, I sullenly continued to the dining room. When I arrived, the table was already set and Aqua & Komekko were there waiting.

"Ohhhh, do it again, Aqua onee-chan!"

Aqua smirked. "Now, now, Komekko-chan, you know the rules; I only do a trick once."

"Ahhh, no fair, just one more time." She dug into her pocket and took a piece of candy. "Komekko will give you the snack she hid from Oka-san if you do."

As Aqua looked to be considering her proposal, the door to the dining room opened once again; Darkness, Yunyun, and Yuiyui entered.

"I see everyone is almost here," Yuiyui said. "Kazuma-kun, would you go get that daughter of mine? At this rate, her father will be here before her."

"Ah...Megumin..." I said, trying my best not to sound dejected. "She said she'll be here soon."

"Hmm, I see. Well then, if that's the case, why don't we take our seats while we wait?"

Upon Yuiyui's suggestion, all of us, tentatively, took a seat.

It was fairly quiet as Yuiyui placed the food on the table, all of us eyeing each other with mixed feelings.

Finally, when Yuiyui was done, she took a seat herself.

The door opened and all of us instinctively looked towards it; Hyoizaburo arrived.

"Seems everyone is here."

"Everyone except your eldest; maybe I should go and get her."

"That won't be necessary," Megumin remarked as she stepped into the room.

She stood by the door, looking at the table.

"What's wrong?" Yuiyui asked. "Take your seat already, we've been waiting for you."

Of course, the only seat available was the one purposefully left for her to sit in; the seat by me.

We exchanged a brief glance, and then she sat down.

Yuiyui smiled. "What a joyous occasion. I never thought I'd be able to share something like this with you all. But enough about that, let's eat."

Suddenly, the room was filled with the clattering of plates exchanging and utensils lightly scraping surfaces, and then soon after, eating.

"So," Yuiyui began, "you've never told me, Kazuma-kun, how's everything going?"

I froze, but so did Megumin, Yunyun, and Darkness.

"Ah, well...it's been...fine. R-Right, Megumin?"

She stared at me, her expression a mixture of anger and sadness. When she turned her sight to Yuiyui, however, the expression was gone, replaced with a modest smile.

"Everything's fine, Oka-san."

Yuiyui's eyes narrowed, a stern face following. "Is it now?"

"It-It is!" Darkness said out of nowhere.

We all looked at her in surprise.

Yuiyui smiled once more. "How curious that you would know, Darkness-chan. Is there something you all aren't telling me?" She queried, casting her gaze upon us.

"I-I think t-there's nothing to worry about!" Said the other anomalous person, Yunyun.

Yuiyui raised a brow. "Hmm, I see. If Yunyun-chan says as much, then it certainly has to be worthy of consideration."

We all nodded, but Megumin's mom went on.

"Because there'd be no way that Yunyun, let alone all of you would be lying about the situation, right?"

I began to feel a bit of sweat build.

"Can you pass the duck?" The ever-oblivious Goddess of Bad Timing said.

"Of course, Aqua-chan." Yuiyui said, doing just that. "Don't be shy, I made enough for seconds."

"Mmm, gewd," Aqua replied, her cheeks puffed with food.

I sipped my tea, subconsciously trying to make my presence smaller. I wonder if Lurk would work in this situation.

"Ahem." Hyoizaburo cleared his throat. "Megumin."

"Oto-san?"

He took a deep breath, his face and mannerisms reflecting apprehension. "Is there something you're hiding from us?"

"Uh—" Megumin slightly averted her gaze. "Why do you—"

"Remember, we're your parents; if there's anything you're having issues with, you can tell us."

All of us looked on nervously as Megumin's efforts began to crumble.

Suddenly, Yuiyui spoke. "You can't hide it anymore, my daughter. The fear, apprehension, confusion in your eyes; they're all so apparent. Did you really think you could hide such a thing from us?"

Megumin looked down in shame.

"Megumin, dear, there's no need to feel so ashamed about it; things like this are bound to happen in relationships. Now...tell me, how many months is it?"

"Eh?"

"The baby; you're carrying aren't you? That's what all this was about, right; you trying to hide the news from me and your father?"

"Ehhhhhhh?"

"M-Megumin's pregnant?!" Aqua yelled. "Megumin?! Why didn't you tell me?!"

"W-Wait! T-That's… I'm not pregnant!"

"Oh, you're not?"

"I'm not!" Megumin desperately replied.

Yuiyui and Hyoizaburo looked at me, and then back at their daughter.

Then Yuiyui said, "Well then, hurry up and get on with it...I wanna see my grandchildren already!"

"O… Oka-san…"

Needless to say, all of us were too embarrassed to say anything the rest of dinner.

-After dinner...

"Hmmm." Yuiyui stared at Megumin. "Are you sure you want to go to Yunyun's house?"

"Of course. I already made up my mind."

Yuiyui let out a heavy sigh. "Are you just gonna let your husband sleep alone again? I'm sure Kazuma-kun is pining for the warmth of your—"

"W-What outrageous things are you trying to say in front of Yunyun?!"

Yuiyui giggled. "I was only going to say your body."

"...T-That really doesn't make it any better," Megumin mumbled.

"What silliness are you going on about? I thought you said you were already grown; it's only obvious that when two people share a bed, they also share the comfort of being close to each other, no?"

While walking back to the room, I found myself listening in on this conversation. Really, Megumin's mom was something else…

Megumin went on. "W-Whatever! I'm still going to Yunyun's."

"*sigh* I suppose it can't be helped. Though I do find it quite odd that you haven't really interacted with Kazuma-kun since you've got here. Is there a reason for that?"

"...I'm sure it's just your imagination."

"Hmmm...perhaps. Well then, I'll see you tomorrow. Yunyun-chan, please don't spoil her too much."

"I won't."

"Yunyun! Ka-san, what are you on about, now?" Megumin retorted.

"Oh? Nothing," Yuiyui replied. "I'm just trying to make sure the chief's daughter doesn't make your stay too enjoyable; after all, it wouldn't have for you to spend another night over there."

"Huh?!"

"Don't worry. As my daughter, I'll love you no matter who you decide on as a partner, but I won't forgive you if you give me no grandchildren, understand?"

"What?! No!"

Mixed in with Megumin's cries, I could hear Yunyun's own stammering.

This woman…

With their conversation having seemingly ended, I attempted to go to bed; however, I, once again, underestimated the Crimson Demons—and more specifically, Megumin's mom.

"Such a shame, eh, Kazuma-kun?"

My cover blown, I came from around the corner with a nervous chuckle. "Heh…"

"I hope you aren't too discouraged, Kazuma-kun. I know that daughter of mine is a little difficult to deal with sometimes."

"Ah, well… I'm used to it by now."

Yuiyui stared at me silently .

"Eh, did I say something wrong?"

"Kazuma-kun," she said, showing a pensive expression, "do you have doubts about Megumin?"

"Huh?"

"Do you doubt her feelings for you? Or you, her's?"

"I… Why—"

"Just curious."

"Curious? Sure."

"It's just that I hope you haven't forgotten."

"Forgot...what?"

"That day she was taken from us."

"..."

"Did you forget how she ended up in that shape...or for whom she did it for?"

"..."

Suddenly, Yuiyui gave me a faint smile. "Forgive me, Kazuma-kun, for reminding you of such things, but I want to make sure...you two don't lose your way; after all, it's a parent's job to guide, is it not?"

"Ah-Erm…" I looked away. "I wouldn't know about that, you know; I'm not a parent."

"Yet; but you undoubtedly will one day."

The sincerity with which she said this caused me to fall silent in contemplation.

And then, of course, she followed that up with, "Hopefully soon", her eager smile destroying the heartfelt emotions I had moments earlier.

Seeing me begin to walk off, Yuiyui asked, "Where are you off to?"

"To bed," I replied.

She gave me a worried look.

"What is it?"

"Are you sure you'll be alright, Kazuma-kun?"

"Huh, why wouldn't I be?"

"You're sleeping all alone."

"Eh, I'll be fine."

"Are you sure? I can always ask my husband to—"

"I-I'll be fine!"

Yuiyui giggled.

Really, this woman... I was starting to believe she loved to tease me a bit too much.

-Meanwhile…

"Humph! I can't believe her, saying things like that."

Yunyun gave a nervous chuckle in reply. "I'm sure your mother is just worried about you, Megumin."

I sighed. "Perhaps."

"...Say, Megumin, are you still mad at Kazuma-san?"

My brow knit in response, and I turned my sight from her gaze. "...I don't know. I don't know if I still feel angry at him or I'm just sad. ...Honestly...it hurts more than anything."

"...Couldn't you forgive him, then?"

"...If I did that, this whole thing would've been for nothing." I looked to Yunyun with determination. "I need him to make a decision, Yunyun; I want Kazuma...to be happy...even if…"

"If...?"

I squeezed my staff instinctively, but said nothing. I couldn't bring myself to say the words; it was hard enough thinking about it, let alone speaking them.

"Don't worry about it, Yunyun."

"Ah...ok."

After a bit of time walking, we arrived at Yunyun's home. She opened the door, and we let ourselves in. Previously, the chief was here to greet us, but given the time, he was nowhere to be seen, likely sleeping in bed by now.

"Umm...?"

"Yes? What is it, Yunyun?"

"I-I was wondering if Megumin would like to take a bath?"

"Eh? What are you trying to say? You've gotten awfully cheeky—"

"I-I didn't mean anything by it! And why is Megumin getting so angry with me? I-I'm only trying to help."

"Ah—" I looked down with a tinge of remorse. "Sorry, I—"

"Don't worry," Yunyun said with a friendly smile.

I stared at her with a bit of surprise; the girl before me wasn't the awkward loner I knew for so long.

And then perhaps noticing how socially-appropriate she was acting, Yunyun quickly shot out a nervous remark. "I-I mean—Ahwawawa... Um—D-Does Megumin want some treats?!"

"Eh?" I frowned. "Am I your pet now, Yunyun?"

"T-That's not what I meant!"

I smiled. "Relax, I was just teasing you."

She pouted.

"Umu. I wouldn't mind something sweet right now, Yunyun, thanks."

Taken aback by my genuineness, she briefly froze. "Um... A-Ah... Ok."

With that awkward reply, she, just as awkwardly, ran off towards the kitchen.

"What a strange girl," I said to myself. "Well then, I should probably go wash up, and then head to bed."

Going with my plan, I went to the bathroom. Since Yunyun was a relatively privileged child, the bathroom—as well as the bath, were large and came stocked with bathrobes instead of merely towels. Of course, the irony of it all was the fact that there were only two people living in this house; such extravagance would probably never be fully utilized.

As I undressed to get into the tub, a knock came from the door.

"M-, Megumin?"

I opened the door. "What is it, Yunyun? Are you thinking of spying on me in the bath as well?"

"S-Stop it!" She said with a frown. "I brought the candy, but you weren't around. ...I thought you left." Yunyun looked down sadly.

"...Why would I leave when I went through the trouble of coming?" I flicked her forehead. "Really now, you're hopeless, Yunyun."

Saying that, I took the sweets from her hand, and pulled her inside.

"Huh? What are you—"

"A good bath does wonders for the soul, Yunyun; trust me, I know."

"Huuuuuuuh? Weren't you just accusing me of spying on you?"

"But you're not, right? And what does it matter, Yunyun, you're a girl; don't make me think that'd you end up a questionable individual in the future, someone like Cecily Onee-san."

"I-I won't! Of course I won't!"

"Hmmm..." I stared at her with a doubtful expression.

"I won't!"

I giggled. "Alright then, I suppose there's nothing to worry about."

Once again, Yunyun and I shared a bath. As much as I found her body annoying to look at, Yunyun was good company.

As we soaked in the warm water, she stared at me in silence. Having been subjected to her probing gaze for longer than I was comfortable with, I confronted her.

"Oi, Yunyun, any reason you're looking at me so intently? I'm beginning to think I should be more wary around you if you continue to stare like that."

"W-What are you talking about?! I was just wondering about you and Kazuma-san."

And there she went again. "...*sigh* Did you have to bring that up again?"

"Isn't that why Megumin is here, to talk about it?"

I frowned. She wasn't wrong, but…

"I think I can understand if you don't, but...if you don't, then Megumin will never fix the problem."

"..." I glanced at Yunyun disapprovingly. "There you go running your mouth like you have any idea what you're saying, Yunyun; you don't even have a boyfriend."

"M-Megumin doesn't either at the moment!"

"Ack!"

Such a quick-witted response; this girl was indeed ruthless enough to be called my rival.

"Husband… I don't have a husband," I meekly corrected her.

With my reply, Yunyun fell silent, as did I.

"S-, Sorry."

I turned away from her, and shrugged.

"Humph. Do you think me so weak, Yunyun? Between the both of us, my mental fortitude is undoubtedly better."

"Ah! T-That's not true! Megumin likes to act tough, but I know you have a caring side to you; Megumin is much softer than she lets on."

"Even if that were true, Yunyun, you really think you can stack up against me?"

"Of course!"

"Really? Mere words. Unlike you, I've endured the hardship of having to raise Komekko myself, the burden of being the sole wielder of the ultimate magic, and now even heartbreak."

"Even so! Megumin forgets that on top of having a sibling she's also been blessed with a loving mother, friends, and even r-romance! I can't claim to have experienced any of those…" Yunyun trailed off as she came to that depressing realization.

"...Eh… Sorry, Yunyun."

Part 2

After the bath, we found ourselves outside on the balcony.

"Hah," I said, releasing a calming sigh. "Standing out here in nightwear after taking a nice hot bath; sure is great."

"Umu," Yunyun replied sort of tacitly.

I turned to face her. "Are you sad about what you said?"

She quickly sat up. "N-No!" She retorted, waving her hands wildly.

"You sure, Yunyun?"

"Umu," She said calmly. "I understand that most of those things are my fault, so, I can't blame anyone but myself."

"...Yunyun, your mom—"

"Let's not talk about that!" She yelled, aggressively interrupting me. "That's not… You didn't... Megumin didn't come here for that."

Indeed, this girl was mentally stronger than a lot of people, perhaps even myself. Here I was suffering from heartbreak, but Yunyun has suffered worse things and endured. Maybe I'm the one trying to catch up to her, and not the other way around.

"...If you say so."

Silence fell between us and only the temperate sounds of the night filled the air.

"I want…" Yunyun said hesitantly. "I'd like to see Megumin happy again."

"Happy, huh? It isn't like I'm miserable—even now. I just… It hurts." I touched my chest. "It hurts to think about him, Yunyun."

She stared at me worriedly. "I asked Megumin once before; why don't you forgive Kazuma-san?"

"And I already told you, if I simply gave in, none of this would have any meaning."

"...I see, Megumin wants Kazuma-san to change."

I shook my head. "No, you're wrong, Yunyun. I don't want Kazuma to change; I love him the way he is, flaws and all, but...if I'm going to be someone by his side, I need to know how much I'm worth to him, understand?"

"So, this is Megumin crying for attention?"

"Oi."

She giggled. "No, I think I understand."

"Do you, now?" I smirked. "Seems like you still have enough qualities to remain as my rival, Yunyun."

She smirked back. "Megumin may have me beat in some areas, but I know I have her beat in others."

"O-Oi, you're talking about that, aren't you?"

Yunyun giggled.

I turned back around, and laid on the railing. The stars were in full view tonight, and they instantly reminded me of the few nights me and Kazuma would stare at them. I felt the pain in my chest return, and the sensation of wanting to cry once more, but...I held it back; I couldn't show such weakness in front of Yunyun, to do so would be tantamount to admitting defeat.

"Yunyun…"

"Megumin?"

I breathed in deeply, trying my hardest not to cry. "Have you...ever had your breasts fondled?"

"Eh? EHHHHHHH?! What are you even talking about now?! What is Megumin saying?! Of-Of course not!"

Her outburst brought a smile to my face, instantly dispelling the mounting sorrow I was feeling.

I couldn't help it, and burst out laughing.

Yunyun pouted angrily. "E-Ever since you've gotten with K-Kazuma-san, Megumin has been particularly...p-perverted."

I wiped the now joyful tears from my face. "You haven't?" I said with a grin. "I'm surprised you can sit there and lie with a straight face, Yunyun."

"HUH?! W-What are you talking about?! I've never—"

"Oh? Have you already forgotten all the times we've measured?"

"Eh?! Is that what you meant?!"

"Oh, what's this? Did you think I meant it some other way? Yunyun… And here you were calling me a pervert; now we know who the real degenerate is."

Yunyun's face twisted in mortification. "W-Why are you always like this?!" She yelled full of embarrassment.

I laughed once more.

Then, out of nowhere, Yunyun quietly said, "I bet you have, though."

I turned to her with a bit of surprise...and promptly replied, "I have."

"Eh?"

Yet again, the look on her face made me smile.

"Of course I have."

Suddenly, Yunyun leapt onto me, face full of shock and embarrassment.

"Megumin is way too free with herself! She should be less forthcoming about such things!"

"G-Get off me! And besides, why ask a question like that if you don't wanna hear the answer, you silly girl?!"

"I-I didn't think...Megumin would've gone so far."

"*sigh* Well...to be honest...neither did I. Now, can you get off; you're heavy, Yunyun."

"Ah-, s-sorry."

"Probably time to head inside, don't you think?"

Yunyun nodded. "It is a bit late."

With our minds made up, we returned to the inside of the house, and to Yunyun's bedroom. After slipping into the comfortable sheets, I attempted to fall asleep.

"Megumin?"

"*sigh* What is it, Yunyun?"

"I was wondering...what are you going to do about tomorrow?"

"What about tomorrow?"

"Yuiyui-san doesn't seem to want you to spend another night over here."

I frowned at the thought, and pulled the covers over my shoulder. "I guess I'll have a talk with her."

After my reply, Yunyun briefly went quiet. "...I… I-I don't think Megumin should sleep over again."

Slightly taken aback by what she said, I found myself looking over my shoulder at her.

Yunyun continued. "I think Megumin should attempt to resolve the issues between her and Kazuma-san."

"...Dummy… What do you think I'm trying to—"

"But you're not; Megumin keeps running away."

"I'm not...running. I just...need a bit of...time, is all."

Yunyun stared at me. "Don't you think it's been long enough?"

"..." I didn't know how to reply.

Certainly, I had hoped that this was enough. Frankly, it was at these moments that I wished Kazuma would be more aggressive, and yet he often wasted such moments on fulfilling some fleeting desire.

Within the lapse in conversation, I spoke. "Perhaps you're right."

No matter what came of it, tomorrow I would have to find out what was to be, what Kazuma would decide...and myself.

I closed my eyes, and fell asleep.

-The following morning…

"Kazuma-san." I found Yuiyui sitting in the living room, tea set placed upon the table she was at. "Did you have a good night?"

I scratched my head drowsily. "It was alright."

"Tea?"

"Erm, sure."

Despite having woken up early many times since coming to this world, the act still was something of an oddity to my body—and as such—no matter how well the night before went, I found myself feeling groggy. Of course, I didn't wake up early 'cause I wanted to, I did so because there was usually something I needed to do—and this time was no different.

"How unusual," Yuiyui said as I sipped some tea.

"Huh, what is?"

"Kazuma-kun being awake this early."

"Eh?"

While this was something my companions knew, Megumin's parents shouldn't have really known this to be the case.

"Is there something you need to do today?" Yuiyui questioned.

I calmly placed the tea down. "Umu. I was thinking of learning some new skills."

"Skills?" The news came somewhat of a surprise to Megumin's mom. "Are you talking about magic spells?"

"Well, anything, but magic would be good to learn, too."

"Hmmm, in that case, how about I teach you?"

"Eh, well…"

Having Megumin's mom teach me magic wouldn't be a bad idea, per se, but...knowing her…

The slight apprehension I felt mixed in with the chuckle I let out in reply. "I-I couldn't. After all, Yuiyui-san's ability with magic far surpasses my own so—"

"Nonsense, Kazuma-kun, I'm here to help. Have I told you I'm a good teacher?"

"No, no, it's fine; I couldn't impose on you any further."

"What's with this attitude? Do you really think you're imposing on me as my son-in-law?"

"Perhaps not—but you're certainly imposing on me! Don't worry, I'll just look for someone else to help me, there's no need to tie yourself up with helping someone as deficient in magic as myself."

"Oh, Kazuma-kun, come now; it's because I know how bad your magic affinity is that I'll be able to properly teach you."

This woman…

"*sigh* Well, I was actually interested in learning the Light of Refraction spell."

"Light of… Hmmm, that spell, huh? I don't really understand why'd you need it for my daughter, but—"

"T-This isn't about Megumin! Geez, this lady has no chill!"

"It isn't?"

"No." I cleared my throat. "I wanted to learn some new skills for the fight up north."

"I see. A bit of a shame, really. I had a few spells that would come in handy," She said with a smile.

"..." I looked away slightly, and meekly replied. "I-, I'm not against learning such spells—b-but right now I should focus on learning something simpler and readily beneficial—for the sake of my comrades," I said with a quick cough.

Yuiyui giggled. "Of course; I know how responsible Kazuma-kun is; there's no way you'd let such important matters take a backseat to your own desires."

"Oi."

She giggled once more. "Well, go on, then. When you need me, I'll be here. I'm sure my husband can assist you as well, if need be."

"Umu."

Leaving the mansion, I set out into the village.

The truth of the situation was that I needed something to distract me from the current affairs—and I've also been looking forward to doing this for quite a while, anyhow. Although the current list of skills I had were enough to get us through the ordeals we've gone through, I had no idea whether or not they'd be sufficient in carrying us through the next.

If my experience in games told me anything, it was that subsequent areas after a boss fight got harder; that is to say, the next area would be more difficult, no doubt; not to mention, there was that really strong adventurer, Ami, who even said so.

"Light of Refraction," I said, mumbling to myself.

The only person I knew who had this ability was Bukurrori. If it was him, I'm sure he would teach me. Then, there was the matter of the armor; three days haven't passed yet, but nevertheless, I had to keep on top of it. That was something a-long-time-coming and I didn't really feel like putting it off any longer.

As I pondered on these things, I fortunately stumbled across the very person I was searching for.

"Oi, Bukurrori, what are you doing?"

"Ah! Shhh," He said, quickly turning around.

Taking a quick glance at the situation in front of me, I guessed what was going on. "Are you spying on Soketto?"

"S-?! I'm not spying! I'm merely...um...keeping an eye on her." He cleared his throat. "You know, like, making sure she's not attacked by some devil lurking in the shadows or somethin'."

"Ah, right, right. So, are you busy?"

"Huh? Why? Do you wanna join me? Not a bad way to spend a morning, eh?"

"Actually, I'm more surprised that you're awake this early."

"S-, Stop it, Kazuma; you're starting to sound like my father. Guh."

"Heh, my bad. Anyway, no, I was actually wondering if you'd be willing to teach me some magic, maybe some other skills?"

"Ho?" Bukurrori flew into a dramatic pose. "Does Kazuma seek the ancient & forbidden knowledge of the Crimson Demons?"

"Yes, I seek such power."

Bukurroi smiled excitedly, and then continued with his chunni display. "Most excellent. Yet, thee must know that we Crimson Demons don't part with such knowledge easily. Lucky for you, Kazuma has already displayed ample merits in his fight with the King of Devils."

"Umu."

"As such, I shall reward thee with the power thy seeks."

"Thanks."

"Think nothing of it," Bukurrori said, suddenly breaking out of his performance. "I gotta warn you though; learning these things isn't gonna be easy."

I smiled wryly. "Yeah, I don't think it will be, but I'm a pretty eager learner; hope that counts for something."

Bukurrori smiled back. "Aye, passion is really important when wanting to learn something, Kazuma."

"Huh, Bukurrori, what are you doing here?"

"S-Soketto?! I-I was just—I-I was gonna teach Kazuma some of my techniques! Isn't that right, Kazuma?"

"Kazuma?" Soketto repeated with a bit of confusion. "Ah, that's right; you're Megumin's"—she hesitated for a moment—"party mate...right?"

"Ah… Right," I replied, somewhat down.

"A-Anyway," Bukurrori interjected, "we were just having a conversation about what skills he wanted to learn."

Soketto gave him a doubtful glance, and then spoke. "Kazuma-san, if you're looking for someone to teach you magic, perhaps you should look elsewhere, Bukurrori isn't a very good example of a Crimson Demon, much less a teacher."

"Guh. Do you really have to say something like that, Soketto?"

I chuckled. "Well, I was hoping he would teach me a spell he knows."

"I see. Well, Kazuma-san, since you're Megumin's...close...friend, I'd like to help. That is, if you don't mind."

"Huh? Oh, no, I don't mind, but aren't you busy?"

She shook her head. "Not at the moment. I foresee that my morning and the majority of the afternoon will be somewhat vacant, so helping a friend of a friend will be just fine."

"Ah, well, in that case…."

-After some time…

"Eh, Kazuma-san…perhaps...Light of Saber may be a bit much?"

I stood hunched over in exhaustion, Soketto and Bukurrori staring at me.

I already learned Light of Refraction from Bukurrori. Now, my next targets were the spells Light of Saber and Teleport.

"Hmmm." Bukurrori rubbed his chin. "You picked up Light of Refraction pretty quick and even have Light of Saber as a learnable, but…"

"Maybe the mana cost is too high?" Soketto surmised.

"Too high? But Light of Saber is an entry-level advance spell."

"Maybe for us, but Kazuma-san isn't exactly a Crimson Demon."

"Ah, right." Bukurrori shifted his gaze on me. "Hey, Kazuma, what do you think? Do you wanna keep trying or do you wanna move on to something else?"

Finally recovering enough of my stamina, I stood up straight. "How about Teleport?"

Soketto and Bukurrori exchanged stares.

Soketto then went on to explain. "Aside from requiring a pretty lengthy chant, Teleport has a higher mana cost than Light of Saber. I saw that you're able to learn it however, so perhaps you might be able to get it to work; all that'll be required of you is to remember the chant and channel enough mana."

Having seen Teleport in action several times, it was on my list of available skills. Typically, this would be all that'd be required to learn a skill, but since this was advanced magic, learning the chant and applying the correct measures of mana was an additional requirement; it was something I found to be much harder than I originally anticipated.

"Maybe we should start with something a bit more tame?" Soketto posed. "Intermediate magic isn't exactly something we'd use on a regular basis, but all Crimson Demons learn it from an early age."

Bukurrori interrupted. "Yeah, all except Megumin."

They both grinned lightheartedly, but I found myself doing the opposite.

"Oh, Kazuma, you ok?" Bukurrori queried upon seeing my expression.

"Ah-oh, yeah. I-I'm fine! Y-You were saying?"

"Ah...r-right, um...ahem, Megumin aside," Soketto continued, "all Crimson Demons learn intermediate magic at a young age. The reasons are manifold, of course: from sharpening one's mana manipulation, shaping spells, familiarizing oneself with the elements, to an assortment of other lessons; intermediate magic is an important foundation for learning magic—especially advanced."

"Hmm, I see," I said with a nod. "I'm not opposed to learning any type of magic, but it's a bit of a bummer I won't be able to learn any other advanced spells."

"Don't count yourself out, Kazuma," Bukurrori interjected. "Maybe once you get a feeling for intermediate spells, you'll be able to move on to advanced ones."

"Not to mention," Soketto added, "even if you don't learn it here and now, it doesn't mean you won't be able to with continued practice. All we'll be doing is teaching you the chants, the rest is up to you."

"Umu, got it," I replied, nodding once more.

"That being said...I'm only familiar with two intermediate magic spells: Fireball and Lightning."

"And I only know one," Bukurrori said. "Blade of Wind."

So, it would seem I had to choose.

"I'd like to learn all of them."

"All of them?!" They both exclaimed in surprise.

"But...it's just intermediate magic," Bukurrori remarked. "You sure you wanna waste your skill points on these?"

"I don't mind," I replied. "Besides, even if I do learn all of them, I'd have enough skill points for one more advanced spell."

"Hmm, I guess that's not a bad idea."

"Doesn't mean I'm giving up on learning another advanced spell, though."

Bukurrori smiled. "Heh, I don't expect someone of your caliber to do so, anyway. Alright, if you're ready, we'll go ahead and teach you these intermediate spells."

"Umu."

After a couple more hours, the lessons were complete. I now possessed the magic spells, Light of Refraction, Lightning, Fireball, and Blade of Wind. Training continued on trying to learn Teleport and—to a lesser extent—Light of Saber; nevertheless, despite the continued efforts on both myself and the others, I was unable to learn them.

"Hah...Hah...Oof…" I laid sprawled out on the ground, completely exhausted from the training.

"Looks like you need a break, Kazuma," Bukurrori said with a grin.

"Yeah...I think...I might call it...a day."

"Those were some pretty good attempts," Soketto remarked. "You should be proud, Kazuma-san. In spite of being someone not blessed with the forbidden powers of the Crimson Demons, you managed to do quite well."

"Thanks," I said, slowly getting to my feet.

"Alright, Kazuma, I hope this helps you on your journey. Honestly, I'm a bit jealous of you, going out there and fighting another Demon King."

Soketto butted in. "Nothing stopping you from going on your own journey, you layabout; would probably do you some good."

"Ah, Soketto, come on. B-Besides...if-if I went on a journey who'd...um"—She stared at him curiously—"who'd...ugh…" Bukurrori summoned his courage and stammered, "W-WHO'D PROTECT YOU?!"

"...Eh? I'd just protect myself...like I always do."

Ouch. As a bystander, but comrade, I felt Bukurrori's pain; why did women have to be so insensitive?

After leaving the two Crimson Demons behind, I felt the pain of hard work hit me, in particular, hunger pangs. And so, I headed to the bar belonging to Megumin's classmate, Nerimaki.

"Welcome! Oh, it's Megumin's lover; how are ya?"

"Oi."

She gave me a cheeky smile. "What can I get you?"

"I'll have whatever's good."

"Hmmm, that's sort of an issue, customer; everything's good!"

"Then I'll have whatever you think is the best."

"Alright, so the chef's choice."

"Sure," I replied with a sigh. As she wrote down my order, I looked around. "Hey, are you really the only one here?"

"Hm? Why?" She said, leaning over the counter. "Wanna help out? I'm not exactly sure, but Megumin strikes me as the jealous type."

As accurate as that guess was, I couldn't help but feel somewhat bad at the mention.

The bell above the door rang causing Nerimaki to instantly look over. "Ho? It's Megumin and Yunyun, perhaps my initial belief was right, after all."

Needless to say, Megumin and I stared at each other. Her eyes traced over my own, and then shifted over to Nerimaki. She was silent, but I caught the slight brightening of her eyes.

"Should I get you two something?" Nerimaki asked, bringing up her notepad.

Megumin looked down, and turned around. "This was a mistake," I heard her mumble.

As she was about to walk out, Yunyun blocked her path and turned her around. "We're gonna have something sweet, Nerimaki," Yunyun replied.

"Something sweet? Ehhh?" Nerimaki grinned. "Maybe the rumours about you two aren't wrong." She let out a hearty laugh and then retreated into the kitchen, leaving us three in the most awkward of situations.

To make matters even worse, Yunyun led Megumin over to a boothe behind my seat.

I tried my best to ignore what was going on behind me, however, after some time hearing the constant grumbling that could only come from one fed up Crimson Mage, Yunyun called out to me.

"Ka-Kazuma-san."

I couldn't really ignore her, but what was her idea in calling me; surely, she knew of the situation between me and Megumin.

"Yunyun," I heard Megumin say aggressively.

"Kazuma-san," Yunyun called out once more.

I slowly turned in my seat. "Wha-What is it, Yunyun?"

"Won't you join us?"

And she said it. Megumin, in response, timidly pressed herself into the corner, almost as if she was trying to rid us of her presence.

To be fair though, I also felt extremely apprehensive and self-conscious, but...maybe this was a good opportunity to turn things around. And so, I tentatively made my way to their boothe where I sat myself by Yunyun.

"K-Kazuma-san, don't you want to sit by Megumin?"

I felt myself burning up with embarrassment; what an uncomfortable situation this was.

Unable to really catch my confidence, I mumbled, "Ah, well...maybe...she wants some...space."

The three of us then sat in discomforting silence until Yunyun spoke.

"A-Ah, I-I have to go use the restroom; excuse me, Kazuma-san."

I made way for her and Yunyun ran off towards the bathroom.

Another tense moment. Megumin and I sat quietly avoiding each other's gaze.

"Um," I said, scratching my head nervously, "what ya been doing?"

"...Is that what you're seriously going to ask me?" She looked away. "Humph, I see you've been doing what you always do."

"Huh? What are you talking about?"

She turned her glare on me, her eyes beginning to glow. "You think I didn't see...how you and Nerimaki…" Her eyes narrowed as she lowered her gaze.

"Oi, you're getting the wrong idea."

"Am I?!"

"Of course you are! You really think I'd do something like that with stuff being what it is?! Even I'm not that blind!"

Part 3

Just then, the other accused returned. "One Chef's Choice and— Ah, you moved." Nerimaki came over to the boothe and placed our selections in front of us. "Is that all you two lovebirds will be having?"

The both of us averted our sights.

Nerimaki went on. "I sorta forget you two were married already. I still can't believe it. Say, Megumin, you're really not playing fair; I didn't take you for a girl who could play for both teams like that."

Megumin frowned at her, but Nerimaki backed away and laughed.

"Hey, I'm just joking, Megumin." She cleared her throat. "Is there anything else I can get you two? Erm, maybe something for Yunyun?"

Megumin replied somewhat trivially. "I'm sure Yunyun will fill herself with this cake; she does have a bit of a sweet tooth."

"Alright. Should I get you some drinks? How about you, Megumin's boyfr— Um, husband."

"Kazuma," Megumin remarked, her slightly gloomy expression returning. "His name is Kazuma."

"Ohhh, ok. How about it, Kazuma-san, that all?"

Looking at Megumin, I felt my feeling of guilt beginning to return. I had to do something to ease this tension.

"Erm...how about a couple of drinks? S-Something hard."

"Hard drinks?" She tilted her head curiously. "They wouldn't both be for you, Kazuma-san, right?" She looked over at Megumin then. "Ehhh? I'm not sure Megumin could really handle something hard, though."

Upon mentioning this, Megumin seemed to perk up. She stared at Nerimaki and then at me.

"I-I can handle it," She said.

Nerimaki placed her hands on her hips, staring at Megumin like a concerned parent. "*sigh* Alright, two hard drinks. Since you didn't give specifics, I suppose you're fine with whatever I choose, Husband-san?"

"Eh, sure."

Nerimaki left and the atmosphere once again receded into an awkward silence.

Feeling the tension getting to me, I spoke. "Y-Yunyun sure is taking her time in the bathroom, huh?"

"...Umu," Megumin replied, timidly staring at me.

I don't know why, but seeing her like this made my heart begin to race...or maybe it was just my nerves beginning to fray at the tips.

"Hey, Megumin, can we...stop doing this?"

"..." She looked away. "...Does Kazuma even realize why I even did this in the first place...or is he still clueless?"

I scoffed. "Oi, come on, give me a break. I already apologized and even offered to do better; what more do you want?"

"I want this to stop as much as you do."

"Then—"

"But I'm not about to do so because you beg me. The fact that you still don't know...makes me a bit sad."

"..." I ruffled my hair in frustration. "Ok, I give up. Can you just tell me what it is? What's the answer I'm missing?"

"Two Bloody Devils," Nerimaki said, placing our drinks down. "Enjoy," She said with a smile.

I gave a brief stare at the bubbling red drinks before us and then shifted my attention back to Megumin. Without a word, she grabbed one of the cups.

I grabbed the other one, and then the intermittent silence resumed between the both of us.

"Kanpa—"

"What's your idea with this?" Megumin asked, interrupting me.

"Idea with what?"

"The drinks; usually you're against it."

I sighed, slouching back against the boothe wall. "I wanted to ease this tension. I think both of us need something to get our mind off of this."

Megumin continued to stare at the cup, and then without warning, took a shot. After a brief pause, she threw her head back and gulped down the rest. She put the glass down with a resounding clank.

"Oi…"

Megumin's eyes narrowed on me and seconds later her body began to slowly sway. Her face and ears flush, I made a guess that she was already some part inebriated.

"Kazuma, you're a real dummy," She said with a slightly vexed tone.

"Oi, are you already drunk?"

Megumin frowned. "Of course not."

She was.

"..."

"I'm absolutely ok!"

She definitely wasn't.

"..."

"S-Say something!"

I sighed and then took a drink from my own glass. "Hey, don't you find it a bit odd that Yunyun isn't back?"

Megumin knit her brow. "Yunyun." She slammed her hand on the table. "Why is it you're always thinking about other girls?!" She yelled.

What have I done? This was a mistake.

"H-Hey, calm down, I'm just—"

"Being stupid!" She interjected. Then suddenly, her volume dropped and she stared at me with a sorrowful expression. "Like you always are," She went on. "You're always so oblivious…."

"Obli… Really? How about you?!"

"Me?!"

"Yeah, you! Who do you think I have to cover for everytime you pull off one of your reckless antics?!"

Megumin shirked back and bit her lip.

"Yeah, not so loud now, are ya?" I took another gulp from my glass. "...Honestly, you should be more thankful to me, that I put up with you."

She looked up at me remorsefully and then looking away said, "Sorry."

"You should be."

"..."

Seeing her remain silent, I took another shot. My head was starting to feel fuzzy, but more than that, the current situation began to irk me. "Not gonna say anything else? How about this mess?! Weren't you the one that started all this?! Didn't you wanna get married?!"

Megumin's head was drooped low enough that I could no longer read her expression. Yet, I felt angry at the unjust amount of blame she placed upon me.

I continued. "Sometimes I feel I should've just refused…" The moment I said those words, I wanted to take them back; however, it was too late, the die was cast.

Megumin looked up at me in complete shock, eyes watering. The sight snapped me back to my senses and filled me with regret.

"I—"

Megumin shot up from her seat and stormed towards the door.

"Megumin?" Yunyun said as the door flew open.

"Wait!" I tried to chase after her, but the moment I did, I immediately felt the debilitating effects of the alcohol; I stumbled over myself and crashed to the floor, slamming my head into the side of the counter in the process.

When I opened my eyes, I saw Aqua looking down at me with a frown.

"Ugh, my head," I said, touching it. "I take it, I blacked out?"

"You hit your head when you went out drinking. One of Megumin's classmates brought you back here. She also said she's a bit sorry."

"Sorry?"

"Umu. She said she might've spiked your drink a bit."

"Might've...?! Oi! Tch, nevermind. Where's Megumin?" I sat up.

"Holed up in her room," Darkness replied as she came into the living room. "She's been in there for the last couple hours."

"You really messed up this time, didn't you, you petty NEET? What did you do to Megumin?"

I recalled what happened and felt immediate regret wash over me. "I… I-I need to apologize to her."

Aqua looked at me in surprise. "Maybe you hit your head harder than I thought. I should probably try a stronger heal."

"Oi, I'm fully capable of apologizing when needed, alright?"

Darkness interjected. "I don't think she's going to allow you in, Kazuma. She's pretty much turned everyone away."

"Everyone? Wait, do her parents know?"

"...Fortunately, no; Yuiyui and Hyoizaburo-san are both out at the moment."

I sighed in relief.

"You're not gonna be able to keep whatever's going on with you two a secret much longer," Aqua added.

"That being said, don't you think it's time for you to tell us what's going on, Kazuma?" Darkness queried.

"Well…" I scratched my head in mild embarrassment. "Maybe I should just show you." I dug into my pocket. "...Huh?"

"What is it?"

"Where is it?" I said, digging frantically. "Where is it?! Shit!"

"Kazuma? What's going on? What are you?"

"Dammit, the ring!" I yelled, turning my pockets out. "Where the hell is it?! I know I had it in here!"

"R-Ring? What—"

"Megumin's ring," I said breathlessly. "I had it… It was here. Shit! Did I lose it? Where? Fuck! Think!"

"Wait, Megumin's ring? Her wedding ring?"

"Yes!"

"Wait," Aqua butted in, "Why do you have Megumin's ring?"

"..." I looked away. "Why do you think?"

"So that's it," Darkness remarked. "It's that serious, then? Goodness, Kazuma."

"O-Oi! Come on, don't just automatically blame me for everything! I still don't even fully know why she's acting like this—well, I know why she's currently acting like this—b-but the other stuff before it, the main stuff, I still don't know!"

"You really are a clueless hikkiNEET, aren't you?" Aqua commented, arms crossed.

"Tch! I don't have time to mess around with you guys. I need to retrace my steps."

"Think, Kazuma," Darkness said. "When was the last time you physically knew you had the ring?"

I closed my eyes and began to ponder on it. The last time was… "It was when I was gonna return it to Megumin. Yesterday afternoon. Right before dinner."

"I see. Then perhaps we should look around the dining room."

Going with Darkness' suggestion, we ended up looking around the dining room for several minutes.

"Find anything?" I asked.

"No, nothing," Darkness said, shaking her head.

Suddenly, Aqua let out a cheered gasp.

"Did you find it?" I said, hurriedly.

"Look, it's my magnet; I've been trying to find it since the last time we came here."

"Idiot! I'm talking about the ring! And how the hell is that thing still there, didn't they remodel this entire place?"

Aqua frowned. "Well, if it's the ring, then no...I haven't found it."

"Arrrgh!"

"Kazuma, calm down," Darkness said, placing her hand on my shoulder. "Do you know what you did after the dinner?"

"After dinner? I went to bed."

"Ugh, that's somewhat problematic. That would mean it's in Megumin's room, no?"

"...Damn."

All of us stood around in silence; that was, until Aqua spoke again.

"Ah!"

"What is it?" I said, my brows knit in frustration. "And I swear if you say something stupid again I'm gonna throw all your rocks into an acid bath."

Aqua frowned in reply. "Humph, I was just gonna say that I remember I can find things with my divine power."

"Huh? Wait, that's right." I quickly smiled at her, showing her my best act of repentance. "Hey, Aqua-sama, would you please use your otherworldly ability to help me?"

Aqua briefly stared at me in surprise but given her lack of humility—and intelligence—, she gave me a prideful grin, her arms crossing at the same time.

"Why of course. I'd be willing to help even a sniveling nobody like you, Kazuma. All you have to do is promise me some extra wine to go with my pudding, and that you'll go with me on my weekly proselytizing."

"Oi, come on this is important!"

"This is important too, you ungrateful sea urchin!"

"This bitch. Look at her, standing on top of her damn soapbox!" If Aqua was actually standing on top of one, I would've gladly kicked it from under her. "Fine! Fine! Just help me!"

"And also when I go searching for new stones for my collection you have to carry them."

"Ok, I get it, already! Just find the ring!"

Aqua smiled and then closed her eyes in supposed concentration.

"...Hmmm…...Hmmmmm…...Hmmmmmmm…"

"Oi, what's wrong with you? Did you find—"

"Shh! I can't find it if you keep running your mouth!"

"Tch. Bitch…. I swear I'll change out her shampoo with a buncha' slimes."

Aqua continued her ridiculous humming and gestures for several minutes. When I was nearing the end of my patience, she suddenly let out a surprised gasp.

"You found it?!"

"No, but there's a really nice rock by the river."

"...Alright, come 'ere you useless..."

"Ahhhh! Stop it, you brute! Stop pulling my cheeks! Wahhhh! It hurshts! Mwa fess, you're stwetching it!"

I shoved her away. "Dammit, what a waste of time; I knew I shouldn't have relied on you."

Aqua sniffled and then burst out in tears. "Wahhhh! You meanie, why are you so mean to meeee! Wahhhhhhh!"

Darkness stared at me with worrying disapproval. "What a verbal lashing." And then, of course, our resident pervert let out a lusty huff. "If-If you want to take your anger out on someone, you could've just done it to me."

"Argh! Shut up! Damn it! Why are you both so useless?!"

Darkness let out a gleeful yelp.

"Whatever, I don't have anymore time to waste on you guys."

Making that declaration, I set upon looking for the ring myself. For several hours, I searched, both inside the house and out. I even looked in places where I wasn't at previously; yet, the search yielded nothing—no ring, not even clues to where it may have been.

By the time I realized it, the day was already gone and the afternoon was on its way.

"Damn it." I silently cursed to myself as I was coming to the stark realization that the ring may have truly been lost. "Damn… What the hell am I gonna do?"

What would Megumin think about this? No, it should be obvious; if Megumin found out about this, any attempts to patch this up was dead and gone...if it wasn't already.

Did someone take it? If so, then who?

"Kazuma, there you are." It was Darkness, Aqua tagging along with her. "We were looking all over for you."

"What is it?"

"The ring isn't anywhere in the house."

"Huh, how do you know?"

"Because," Aqua interjected, "I didn't see it anywhere when I used my divination powers."

I knit my brow in doubt. "Can I really trust your so-called powers?"

"Ah, You! Did you forget about that time when I told you you were about to lose some money on a bet? What happened?"

"I lost money."

"Exactly!"

"Because you were there! Don't tell me you don't remember how that entire thing started?! Because you wanted to play, you ended up grabbing the chips and tossing them where they didn't need to go!"

"I-I only did that because of my vision! I was trying to help you!"

"If you really wanted to help, why didn't you just go do something else?! How many times do I have to tell you you're a walking curse?!"

"Wahhhhh!" Aqua began to cry once more.

"Tch."

I tuned her out, and began to think. If Aqua's divination was right and the ring wasn't anywhere in the mansion, it would be incredibly problematic. The fact of the matter was, I've searched everywhere and still had no clue as to where it may have been.

But I needed to find it. No matter what, this wasn't something I could just let be. If only I could get in touch with Vanir, perhaps I would fare better.

Aqua pounced on me, bawling her eyes out.

"How dare you! You apostate! You dirty hikiNEET! You charlatan! You're really trying to get that stinky devil to help you?!"

"Oi, what?!" Did she really read my mind?! "G-Get off of me. Your snot is getting all over me!"

"Kazuma," Darkness said, "what are you going to do?"

"Ugh...I don't know. ...Is Megumin still locked away in her room?"

Darkness nodded.

"And once she finds out you lost her wedding ring, you can kiss your married life goodbye," Aqua needlessly added.

I pushed her off and got up. "Don't you think I know that?"

"Then, what are you gonna do?"

Both of them stared at me anxiously.

The thought of everything ending between me and Megumin was...worse than I thought; it made my stomach turn and my chest feel tight.

"...Go home," I finally said.

⸻!⸻

"You two go home. I'll keep looking."

"We can help—"

"I don't need anymore help," I said, cutting Darkness off. "I've already had enough. I'll solve this myself."

Aqua jumped in my way, hands on her hips, cheeks puffed in anger. "What is a no-good hikiNEET like you saying?! Without us you're really just a clueless boy! Stop trying to act like the good-looking guys in those books and act more like the snivelling loser you really are."

"Oi."

I could've hazard a guess that she was trying to help, but all I really wanted to do now was punch her.

"Kazuma, are you really that opposed to letting us help you?" Darkness queried. "You did everything you could to try and help both me and Megumin resolve our issues, and I have no doubt you'd do the same for Aqua if she were ever in trouble. So, why is it now, when you need help, you won't let us? Why won't you let your closest friends help you?"

I looked away. I was embarrassed to say it, but the reason was simple; I didn't want to burden them. I was never a person who liked to pass my own problems onto someone else. I'd rather silently suffer through it alone and—just the same—solve it on my own. I never wanted to completely rely on someone, and certainly, I never expected anyone to willing shoulder any one of my problems.

So, the truth was, I had no issues going the extra mile for a friend, for someone close to me, but I never expected the same from them… No, I never wanted them to do the same. To do so, would endebten me.

"Go home," I repeated.

"So, you're really going to act this way. I see. Next time I'm in some sort of trouble, I'll remember not to ask you for any help." Darkness turned away and began walking off.

"It's not like you guys haven't helped!" I shouted.

She stopped.

And I continued. "...You've guys done enough. I can't really ask you for more help."

"You can," Darkness replied, turning towards me.

"I can't."

"But you—"

"I CAN'T!"

Both Aqua and Darkness looked at me with a mixture of surprise and pity.

"...I can't," I insisted. "...There's nothing more for you guys to do. ...I screwed up. ...I really screwed up. Maybe Megumin deserves someone better. So, I'll just...deal with (the consequences) it...myself."

Darkness lowered her gaze to obscure her face, but the clenching of her fists and the clenching of her jaw told me everything I needed to know about how she truly felt. Still, I knew that she would silently accept my decision.

"You," She began saying, walking up to me. "You'd better resolve this. Otherwise"—she looked up tears dotting the corners of her angry eyes—"I'll be sure to break every bone in your stubborn, self-important face. If you won't accept any help, then I won't accept failure on your part, Kazuma, understand?!"

I stepped back slightly. With the aura she was giving off, it was obvious that she was serious about what she said, and that surprised me.

"Come on, Aqua," She said as she sharply turned away from me.

Aqua took one last look at me, her own expression more serious than usual, and then she walked away.

Eventually, what remained of the afternoon was gone, and the evening began to settle in. Till the last bit of light crept behind the crest of the horizon, I searched. Even the places the ring, or even I had no place in being, I searched. Till I exhausted all possible locations, I searched—and even then, I carried on. I searched and searched again, one time, two times, three; I searched until my mind could no longer process what I was doing, until I searched without thinking. Searching, that's what I did till the night was upon me and moonlight replaced daylight.

Tired and defeated, I returned to the mansion. When I arrived, I instantly began to look once more. Yet, the attempt came to a quick end once I was met with Yuiyui.

"Kazuma-kun," She said with her smile. "My, how strange of you to return so late."

"Ah, well… I've been...searching for something."

"Have you, now?"

I remained silent. In the lull, Yuiyui continued.

"That daughter of mine, Megumin, she's locked herself up in her room once again; Kazuma-kun, you wouldn't happen to know why that's the case, would you?"

I tried my best to put on an act of indifference, but...I no longer had the energy or motivation to do so. And so, I stared at her, with my feelings bared.

Her smile didn't disappear, but faded a bit and took on a different meaning; it looked to me, to be a smile a parent would give to their grieving child, a smile that looked to heal their conscience and doubts, a smile that was full of hope.

"So, things have gotten that bad, huh?"

So, she knew, then. "How long?"

"Ever since you two walked through the door."

"...Was it that obvious?"

"Of course. No matter how much Megumin may try to hide it, I know my children. Even when it came to you, Kazuma-kun, I could tell...you weren't the same."

I glanced down hopelessly, and then moments later, looked Yuiyui in the face. "It's...all over. Megumin… I don't think she…" I felt my eye twitch uncomfortably. "I don't think Megumin...L-, loves me...anymore."

Yuiyui stared at me quietly.

"...Sorry," I said, dropping my head once more.

"...Kazuma-kun, why do you say that?"

"What?"

"Why do you say Megumin doesn't love you?"

It was the ring, of course, but I couldn't tell her that. And so, the long silence afterwards was my reply.

"There must be a good reason for you to believe that, Kazuma-kun; however, I don't think you're correct in that assumption."

"She...definitely doesn't. It's more than just a guess."

"Did she tell you?"

"No—"

"Then it might as well be."

I bit my lip to try and stifle any response; the urge to tell her about the ring was overwhelming, but at the same time, I didn't want to tell her. What would she say? What would she do?

Suddenly, Yuiyui grabbed my hand and placed upon it a dark circular object. My eyes widened in shock.

"This belongs on her finger, wouldn't you agree?"

I was stunned speechless.

"I'm sure she returned this to you when she had doubts, but I know my daughter isn't done with you; she's been through too much to just give up. Kazuma-kun, to her, you're everything; more than just her husband. So, go in there and make sure to return this to its rightful owner."

I closed my palm tightly around the ring and nodded.

"Don't worry about trying to get into the room," she said with her vibrant smile, "it's already unlocked."

Part 4

I don't know how Yuiyui got a hold of the ring, but at the same time I didn't care; I was relieved to know that it was found. Now, it was my turn to make sure things went back to normal; I had to put an end to this drama.

I stood in front of the door.

For some time now, entering Megumin's room wasn't really much cause for concern, yet now, it felt completely different. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that facing this door and the thought of entering the room were much like facing insurmountable odds, a true endgame quest. It felt like the culmination of all my past efforts were for this one moment. Of course, this part was closer to exaggeration than the previous, but nevertheless, what happened next—in this room—between Megumin and I, that would dictate the future of not only me and her, but of the party as a whole.

I swallowed deeply and took a deep breath.

Then slowly, I turned the knob and pushed open the door.

Stepping inside, I could only see the small figure of a girl huddled under the covers. I dared not speak; the tension was so thick in the air that it made even doing such a thing a near impossibility.

Quietly, I walked over. For several seconds, I stood watching her—silence and stillness permeating the very air.

I opened my mouth to speak, but not even a squeak came out. The many words I wanted to say were stuck in my throat.

I accepted my defeat in this sense and merely crawled into the covers as an alternative.

Silence…silence…and more silence; nothing was said between us and neither of us moved an inch.

A lot of time passed before I worked up the courage to say something, but as I was about to, Megumin threw the covers off herself and got up.

Without a word, she headed towards the door, but this time, I wasn't gonna let her get away—I couldn't.

"Wait!" I said, grabbing her arm.

"Let go," Megumin whispered.

"Megumin!"

"Let go!" She shouted, trying to break free.

"Stop! Why are you doing this?!"

"I said, LET GO! Let go of me!" Through her yells, I could hear her start to cry. "Please, just let go."

"Now," I thought.

In that moment I took her hand and attempted to put the ring on.

SMACK! The noise resounded throughout the room, the impact echoed in my head.

I let go.

Megumin stepped back, grasping her hands tightly against her chest. She lowered her head, but I could just make out the tear-filled eyes.

"...Say, Kazuma...how about...we end all this, huh? How about...we just annul the marriage and forget our relationship?"

"What are you—"

"You'd no longer be troubled by any of it. There'd be no expectations of you, anymore. You'd be free to pursue who you wanted, when you wanted, and it won't even matter. There'd be no guilt. ...That'd be nice, huh?" She explained, her breaths growing shorter and shorter, and the tone of despair growing ever stronger.

"What are you...saying? You can't be serious. ...Are you… Are you actually serious?"

Megumin quietly stared at me, her lips were trembling, but she didn't deny it.

"Oi…oi, Megumin. ...Say something!"

"Yes!" She cried out. "Yes, I'm serious! ...I'm serious."

I couldn't say anything. My mind went blank and for the first time in a while, I felt overwhelming despair and sadness. When Megumin died, I felt I lost something dear to me; like a kid losing their favorite blanket or an adult losing their best friend. But this...this was...this felt like losing everything. Why? I knew Megumin meant a lot to me, but I don't think I fully understood how much, till now. Even more obvious was how thoroughly I underestimated this relationship and how much it meant.

I prostrated myself before her, a full dogeza. "Gomen!" I said desperately. "Gomene, Megumin! Gomenasai! Honto, hontoni gomenasai! Onegai, Megumin...Ikanaide...Ikanaide."

By now, I could now longer stop the tears from flowing. At this moment, nothing else mattered to me; not my appearance, not the facade I put up, not how desperate I sounded. For all the times I said I wouldn't have cared or that there were plenty of others, I didn't want her to go, I didn't want Megumin to leave me.

"..." But I was gifted with yet more silence.

The pain was killing me and the trauma of being rejected, of being alone again was hounding me, eating me alive.

"Megumin, please. I'm sorry. I'm sorry I'm such an idiot. I'm sorry I didn't understand. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. If you want me to change...I will...but please...don't go...please."

Suddenly, I saw her kneel in front of me.

"Megumin?"

She smiled gently, tears in her own eyes and then hugged me. "I don't want you to change, I never did. How could I ask that of you, if you, in spite of the many opportunities to do so, have never forced me; in spite of the many opportunities, has never capitalized on changing who I am. You, who found me to be troublesome, accepted me for who I am. I couldn't be happier for that. So...how could I? How could I ever ask you to change for me?"

"M-, Megumin."

"I've only ever wanted one thing from you, Kazuma. Please. Please tell me you know what it is."

Bishoujo. Bishoujo game. Yes, right now, this moment...I was playing a bishoujo game. For all intents and purposes, this was a scenario straight out of those games I used to play. And like those games, depending on the dialogue I chose, would mean what ending I was given. This, however, was real life...the wrong answer meant game over in every sense of the word. So...Satou Kazuma...what was the answer, what was the correct answer? What was it that Megumin always wanted from you?

"Think Kazuma. What is it? Find the pattern. What is it that Megumin wants?" I closed my eyes and calmed myself. My mind filled itself with thoughts of her, from the moment we met to this very moment.

"Kazuma Kazuma!" "Look, Kazuma!" "Pretty impressive, hm?" "EXPLOOOOSION!" "How many points was that?" "Let's stay like this…" "I don't want us to fall apart." "Don't go, Kazuma!" "I'll be the greatest mage the world has ever seen, just you wait!" "That was great, huh, Kazuma?" "Are you listening? Hey, are you paying attention?!" "Pay attention." "So, what'd you think?" "Geez, would it kill you to pay a little more attention." "Kazuma, I'm glad you're back." "Kazuma, you're ok!" "Kazuma, watch me!" "Kazuma." "Kazuma!" "Kazuma?" "Kazuma...I love you. No matter what, I love you." "Kazuma...I'll show you, so...just watch me, ok?"

"Yeah," I finally said. "You are the best, Megumin...you've always been my best. I'm sorry for not noticing it sooner. All you really wanted...was for me to pay more attention to you."

Megumin smiled as if a great burden was relieved from her. Then, the tears began to stream down her cheeks.

"I'm sorry," I said, once more.

But Megumin simply hugged me. "No, I'm sorry, Kazuma. I didn't want to… I didn't wanna do this."

"But you felt like you needed to, huh?" I sighed and then hugged her back. "Megumin, I—urk."

⸻?!⸻

"Bla—"

"Kazuma?"

"I—urk."

"Are you...gagging?" Megumin said, backing away slightly. "Are you actually about to vomit?! And why are your hands so sweaty?"

"Ahhhhhh! Sorry! Sorry, Megumin! I can't help it! I'm nervous!"

I frantically ground my head into the floor in apology. Surely, Megumin was done with me now. I screwed up such a pivotal moment. DAMMIT!

Suddenly, Megumin began giggling.

When I looked up, she thrust herself into my chest and smiled. "That's just like you, isn't it; always trying to play it cool and then dropping the ball at such crucial moments. Maybe if you were born a Crimson Demon you'd be better at the execution."

"Ugh...umu."

She tightened her embrace and then looked up at me warmly. "But I suppose that's what I really love about you; you're not perfect...and you don't try to be."

"M...Megumin."

She shook her head. "No...Satou Megumin."

I took her in my arms and leaned forward. No amount of words could express the emotions I was experiencing; and in that moment, as the distance between us disappeared, I slipped the ring onto her finger. She was mine once more...and I, hers.

Our lips touched and gently grazed against each other. Then, a slip of the tongue, as they too, met.

I couldn't tell you why, but Megumin's mouth tasted sweet. Mixed with the softness of her body and the warmness of her embrace, I couldn't stop myself from becoming steadily excited.

Slowly, I lowered her onto the floor, being careful not to press my weight onto her. Her arms slid around the back of my neck as her legs gradually wrapped around my hips. I wanted more and I know she knew this.

My nose brushed against her neck causing Megumin to tilt slightly. I took the chance and kissed it, but that wasn't enough; I wanted even more of her.

I tugged at her pajamas as I licked her slender neck. She squirmed under me, tilting further.

"Kazuma," She said breathlessly, "wait."

But I continued, ignoring her. My nerves were shot from overwork; right now, I wanted to act, not think.

I slipped my hand into the now unbuttoned top of her nightwear and quickly grasped at my prize.

"Hmm, you're saying stop, but going off of how hard these are, I don't know if you really want to."

She let out a moan as continued to play with her breasts.

"Wait," She said once again, this time, barely a whisper.

And again, I ignored her pleas.

I kissed her, silencing her attempts, and now my hand began to travel down her side. Her waist—which arched at my touch, her hips—which jerked at my pass, and finally, her bottom. I grasped it tightly, the fabric of her pants pressing my hands firmly against her warm and supple skin.

Megumin moaned yet again, but I still wasn't done. This wasn't enough.

I began pulling at the waist of her pants, when suddenly, she pushed me back.

"Oi."

"Stop," She said, her breath still not caught.

"What's wrong? You still mad at me?"

"No, that's not it. It's just that...well...my parent's room, it's right next door."

"Right…?"

Right, this wasn't the old house. Megumin's room was no longer on the second floor, it was on the first...sandwiched between the bathroom and her parent's room.

"That's what you're concerned with?" I said with an exasperated sigh.

"Are you serious? I-I don't feel comfortable doing things with my parents next door! Not to mention, Komekko is probably sleeping with them."

I crawled on top of her. "Ok then, we'll just be quieter."

"No!" She said, pushing me off again.

"Gah. Tch. Fine." I got up and began walking towards the door.

"Wait, Kazuma, where are you going?"

"Where do you think? I have to do something about this tension I'm feeling."

As I was about to continue towards the door, Megumin spoke. "H-Hold on."

I looked back, my brow raised in curiosity.

"I can...help," Megumin said timorously.

"Help?"

She nodded, averting her gaze. "It-It's part of a wife's duty...isn't it?"

"Oi, if you say something like that then...how could I refuse?"

I walked over and sat down. "So...what are you gonna do?"

"You just need to get rid of that pent-up feeling, right? I don't want to go too far, so…"

Megumin hesitantly grabbed my pants and then pulled. "Ah...erm."

"What is it?"

"I… I forgot how big it can get."

Suddenly, I felt a bit embarrassed. "Ah, well...yeah."

She took her hands and clumsily grasped it. Though it felt relatively good, her movement was awkward by previous standards.

"Hey...Megumin, are you ok? You're not really putting the usual effort into it."

"S-Stop saying it like this is a normal occurrence."

"Ah, sure, but maybe try going a bit faster."

"Ohhh." She frowned, and at my behest, pumped at it swiftly.

It wasn't bad before, but now I could feel myself getting close. I closed my eyes and threw my head back.

"You're starting to let some out," Megumin remarked.

"Yeah, I'm getting pretty close."

Then, out of nowhere, I felt a warmness envelop the tip and gradually travel the length.

"Guh!" I opened my eyes, and sure enough, Megumin had it in her mouth.

Her pace quickened as she started to get into it, and finally, I could hold it no longer; I instinctively grabbed her head as I poured everything into her mouth.

I let go and she slowly pulled away, a murky froth around her lips and chin. She wiped her mouth clean and then lapped at the tip, giving it a short series of licks.

"Ugh, Megumin," I said, wincing in pleasure.

"Eh?! It's getting big again?"

"Of course! Honestly, I seriously think you're underestimating how strong a guy's urges can be. Gah, Megumin, I really want to do more."

She stared at me, and then at my lower half twitching wildly. "*sigh* You're really hopeless, you know that? Guess it can't be helped."

Megumin laid on her back and then held her arms out for a hug. "Come, I'll accept all of you, Kazuma."

I know I said I wanted to wait for Megumin's sake, but I could no longer hold myself back; to hell with that stupid vow.

I crawled on top of her and began pulling down her pants.

"Ok, Aqua, be quiet"—the door opened—"Megumin's probably…"

"..."

"..."

"..."

"..."

Standing at the door was Darkness and Aqua, both staring in absolute shock. Of course, so were we.

-Morning

Breakfast felt eerily similar to a dinner not too long ago; the configuration was much the same, all of us eating quietly while me and Megumin were doing our best to remain inconspicuous. Of course, the reason for that couldn't be any further apart.

"My, my," Yuiyui said with a smile, "did something odd occur last night? Everyone's so quiet."

Megumin and I froze, our eyes nervously drifting away from everyone else's.

Hyoizaburo cleared his throat. "Nothing too odd, I hope."

"I'd say it's fine to be a little strange from time to time; it'd help freshen up the mood," Yuiyui remarked, taking a sip of tea shortly after.

Hyoizaburo cast her a disparaging glance. "Well...as long as nothing big comes from it, sure."

"Dear, where's the sense of adventure you had when you were a bit younger? I'd say just before Megumin was born you were more open to different things."

"C-, Can you guys not talk about things like that," Megumin interjected, "Komekko's here. Besides," she mumbled, "it's not like any of us want to hear that."

"My, my, what are you talking about? I was simply speaking referring to the days your father was a bit more wild with his antics." Yuiyui smiled serenely, placing a hand on her cheek as she reminisced.

Hyoizaburo coughed loudly. "My sense of wildness hasn't gone anywhere, I can assure you of that."

"Ohhhh?"

"S-Stop it!" Megumin yelled as she covered her ears. "I don't wanna hear anymore!"

Really...what's up with this family?

"Oh, Darkness-chan, what's wrong? You haven't touched your food."

"Ahhh, nothing. E-Everything's fine, Yuiyui-san."

"Hmm? Are you sure?"

"U-Umu." Darkness' face went a deep red as she began to squirm.

"If Darkness Onee-san isn't eating, Komekko will take her food!" Komekko said, snatching the plate instantly.

Ignoring the massacre of the meal going on beside her, Darkness spoke. "T-That's right, Kazuma, aren't w-we supposed to go pick up the armor today?"

Ah, there was that, wasn't there? With all the stuff that had happened, I simply forgot.

"Ah, right," I replied. "We probably should—huh?"

Megumin tugged on my sleeve. "C-, Can I go...with you guys?"

"Ah, sure."

With my reply, Megumin looked away shyly and I could feel my heart begin to throb. Honestly, didn't she know if she does such things it can make a man go wild? No, this was Megumin we were talking about, the little temptress; of course she knew.

In all this time, Aqua simply stared at me quietly, a great look of doubt and disapproval adorning her face; there was little doubt as to why.

After finishing up our breakfast, we got ready to go pick up Darkness' armor. While the others were busy with their morning dailies, Megumin's mom approached me.

"I see everything worked out, hm, Kazuma-kun?"

"Ah...I guess you could say that. Oh, by the way, how'd you get the ring?"

I was still curious.

"Oh?" Yuiyui smiled. "Why, Komekko brought it to me; apparently, she found it after the dinner. That girl has a habit of picking scraps off the floor."

"Please don't let her do that," I remarked succinctly.

She giggled. "But I suppose it helped you out this time, didn't it?"

"...*sigh* Well, I guess, but if she didn't, I probably would've found it when I was looking around."

"My, you might be right; funny how things work out."

"Sure."

"Oh, Kazuma-kun."

"Hm?"

"I wanted to ask, did you finally find the answer she wanted you to?"

"Huh?"

She smirked.

Suddenly, I felt a cold sweat wash over my body. Did this woman…? Last night, was she…? Did she really stand outside and listen to what was happening?!

I couldn't stop my face from twisting with disbelief.

"Wait. She couldn't have been outside all along...Aqua and Darkness eventually came into the room, which means…"

Yuiyui sighed playfully. "How frustrating. I never got to hear the answer to such a touching resolution."

Which meant she never got to hear what happened after. Thank God.

I quietly sighed to myself, but I couldn't stop the blatant look of relief on my face.

Then Yuiyui continued. "Hmmm, from my room however, I did hear some other noises."

I froze.

"Wouldn't you know it, Kazuma-kun," she said with a sly grin, "it's almost like these walls are paper-thin."

"AHHHHHHH! I wanna leave! I wanna leave! I wanna leave this stupid place!"

-On the way to the smiths…

"Oi, Kazuma, are you alright?" Darkness said, staring worriedly at me.

"Guh… I wanna go home." I sobbed slightly.

"Go home, huh?" Aqua said out of nowhere. "For what? So you can act out your primal instincts as the deplorable beast you are? I can't believe you'd go that far!"

Megumin interjected nervously. "A-Aqua, please, not so—"

"You too, Megumin! You shouldn't just let this boy have his way with you! I know you two are married, but there's still such a thing as refusing!"

"I-I keep telling you it's not like that."

"Humph!" Aqua crossed her arms angrily. "I don't know what he did to you, but it's obvious that he probably used something to make you so reasonable."

My brow twitched. "Oi, I'm right here, you know."

Aqua let out a frustrated grunt in reply. "If it wasn't for poor Megumin's insistence, I would've made it fall off."

"O-Oi! Y-You can do that?"

"Of course I can."

She can do that?!

"H-Heh. W-Why don't we all talk about something else?" Darkness suggested, her embarrassment obvious.

"Whatever," Aqua replied. "Just keep in mind I'm not anyone's babysitter; if you end up having a kid, I wouldn't have the time to spare taking care of it."

I frowned. "As if I'd ever ask you to take care of any kid of mine; it's a good thing Komekko's smarter than you, otherwise I'd advise against letting her play along with your antics...oba-san."

⸻!⸻

"You ill-mannered NEET! I'll show you old!"

Aqua pounced on me, leading to our run-of-the-mill conflict. A few minutes later, after barely fighting her back, I dusted myself off.

"Tch. Look at you running your mouth. Humph...not taking care of anyone's—if anything, I'm a fulltime guardian by now, you idiot!"

"WAAAAHHHHHH!"

"Oi, Kazuma… Do you really have to be so harsh to her?" Darkness remarked.

I waved off her worry. "She'll be fine."

As I walked away from Darkness comforting Aqua, Megumin caught up to my side.

"Kazuma."

"Hm? What is it, Megumin?" She glanced at me with the same timidity she had all this morning, grabbing her staff anxiously. Frankly, it was making me nervous. "Oi…."

"Umm...about what you said yesterday...at Nerimaki's restaurant...did you actually mean it?"

Ah...that.

I looked away. I was ashamed to even recall it.

"Listen, Megumin...I was mad. I didn't… I didn't mean to say that."

"...But...it's how you really felt...or feel?"

I continued looking away; I couldn't bear to look her in the face, not after what I said.

"That's… Oi, if I really felt that way do you think I would have agreed to it in the first place?"

"...I guess not."

"Anyways"—I took a deep breath and stood up straight—"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said it." I found myself looking away once more, this time from slight embarrassment. "I...I'm glad that you took me back."

"Well...as long as Kazuma has learned his lesson." Then, Megumin averted her gaze as well. "But...I'm glad as well."

After awkwardly walking along for some time, I slowly shifted my hand towards hers. I felt the graze of her gloves and immediately retreated, but as I did, Megumin reached out and grabbed it.

She lifted our arms and smiled meekly. "This time I won't have to worry about your hands being sweaty, hm?"

"...O-, Oi."

She gripped my hand tighter. "Sorry."

"Huh? What—"

"I told myself I did all this to find out what I meant to you...and it was true...for the most part. The reality was...is...I'm afraid to lose you, Kazuma. Not only to unfortunate events but...to someone else. ...I know I'm not the best looking or agreeable person you know but—"

"Oi, you serious? You did this all out of jealousy?"

Megumin looked away sadly. "...Sorry."

"..." I gave her a brief chuckle. "To think you'd fall so hard for a guy like me, huh?"

"You're not...mad?"

"...Hmm, maybe a bit, but...out of all the girls I know, no one gets me feeling the way you do, Megumin; I can't see myself with anyone other than you." I sighed deeply and then smiled. "You really are the best. Thanks for sticking with me."

"..." Megumin stared at me in surprise. She was speechless.

"H-, Hey, if you stare at me like that I'll—"

Before I could finish, I was pulled down into a kiss. It wasn't a deep or lustful one, but it was no less passionate.

"Kazuma," Megumin whispered, tears beading, "I really do love you."

Part 5

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN, IT'S NOT READY?!" I yelled.

"I mean, the armor isn't ready, lad."

"Oi, didn't you say you'd get it done in three days?!"

"Technically, it was him," Carbonimaru replied, pointing at his uncle.

"Oh-Oh, now hold on. We ran into some issues."

"Issues? Aren't you guys just making up excuses, now?"

"Listen here, boy-o, this thing is more of a masterwork than I previously guessed. Because of that, the forging process is gonna take a little while longer."

"Forging?! What are you talking about? Wasn't it practically done, what more could you guys be doing?!"

They looked away, Carbonimaru whistling, his uncle clearing his throat.

"Oi!"

"Now just calm down, lad; we didn't touch the core of the thing, o' course. Problem is the material is harder than we gave it credit for; makes the whole thing a tougher job than we thought."

"*sigh* Then why didn't you say that from the get go? Honestly…."

Darkness spoke. "What is it you two have to do, exactly?"

Carbonimaru and his uncle exchanged stares, then explained. "Well, the armor was sent for reinforcement, engraving, and enchantment. Me uncle and I managed to reinforce and enchant it, but now the engravings are giving us trouble."

"I see. How long do you believe you'll need to resolve this issue?"

"Hmmm." They traded stares once more. "Erm...a week?"

"Oi, come on! That's ridiculous!" I yelled in interruption.

"Alright, alright, lad. ...How's about, erm...three more days?"

"Tch. Three more days? Oi, are you guys just messing about? ...Fine. ...Not like I really have much of a choice."

"Worry not, lad; I promise on me skill as a smith, the armor will be complete."

I frowned in doubt. "I really don't wanna have to wait any longer, so can you actually have it done in three days?"

"Like I said, lad, it'll be done. Me uncle and I have cracked the way of this armor."

"Then why'd you ask for a week?"

"...Eh, temperance, lad, temperance. When you're workin' on somethin' this hard, it takes time."

With my limited experience in smithing, I had to agree. For me, working on even relatively simple items required many hours and days of work.

"Alright. I'll be back in three days."

"Aye, see you then."

We left the smiths.

Three more days. Ugh. Three more days in this village, three more days having to deal with Megumin's parents...three more days without the services of those lovely succubi. I glanced over at Megumin who was busy chatting with the other two.

Perhaps I should show some more moderation.

I closed my eyes and thought of the wonderful dreams they've gifted me. Who was I kidding, their services weren't a habit I could readily kick.

-A while later…

After spending the majority of the day drifting from place to place throughout the village, we returned to Megumin's house. As we entered, the aroma of food greeted us.

"Dinner?" I said curiously.

"Uughhh, good, I'm starving," Megumin commented.

"Didn't you eat already? It really makes me wonder where all that food goes?"

She frowned. "Casting magic tires one out, casting Explosion even more so, and tired minds are often hungry minds."

"Who said that?"

"A wise mage."

"You wouldn't happen to be this 'wise' mage, would you?"

Megumin smiled proudly. "Of course."

"..." It was best if I kept my mouth shut.

"Ho, you're all back," Megumin's dad said as we came into the living room.

"Oh, Hyoizaburo-san, it's nice to see you," Darkness remarked.

"Likewise, Darkness-chan."

"Oto-san, how come you're here and not at the shop?"

"Ah, well…" He looked away slowly. "Those ingrates threw me out! Can you believe it?! Me, their own boss! In their own words they said, 'Hyoizaburo-san, please go home, we'll handle things here'. And that girl, Shei, my so-called assistant, even told me to go home and get some rest." Hyoizaburo began to weep. "I know what they're doing! They're trying to get rid of me and take over the family business!"

…

"Sounds like they're good people," Darkness said.

"Umu, Oto-san. I think they're just concerned," Megumin followed up.

"Concerned?!" Hyoizaburo showed a stern expression. "Don't be preposterous. I know greedy eyes when I see 'em. All of them come from impoverished families; it's the reason I hired them."

Ohhhh...Megumin's dad is a really good guy.

"That being said," he continued, "I can tell they're trying to push me out."

Given his serious demeanor, all of us exchanged worried glances.

"Hyoizaburo-san," Darkness began, "this sounds like a serious issue. Do you have any evidence to suggest this?"

"Of course. Why, just the other day, when I went to go meet an important client, they immediately tried to sabotage the meeting."

I raised my brow in curiosity, but said nothing.

Darkness pressed for more information. "May I ask how?"

Hyoizaburo smirked. "They simply tried to negotiate with the client in my place. The gall. ...DO THEY REALLY THINK THEY KNOW THEM BETTER THAN ME?!"

…

"Eh, um, that...that doesn't really sound like sabotage."

"Oh, but it was. Usually, I sell my wares for the right price, but my so-called 'assistant' tried to get a 'better' price—how would she know?! She only started this!"

"Wait," I interrupted. "So you hired fresh recruits with no experience?"

"Well no, Shei has plenty—being that she used to run a shop with her parents."

"Huh? Wait, wait, I thought you said they came from impoverished backgrounds; it sounds to me like she was part of some merchant family."

Hyoizaburo slowly looked away...once again.

…

"Ahem, well...the point is, I know my clients better than them, so their experience is irrelevant."

"I'm pretty sure that's not how it works."

"L-Look, trust me, from the way she was yelling I could tell she was trying to get me to cut my ties with them. In fact, she tried to dissuade said client from purchasing my special stock of items."

"Sounds like an amazing person," Megumin flatly interjected. "Honestly, I think they're wasting their time working for you."

"Megumin?!" Hyoizaburo broke into tears. "My own daughter, my eldest—even she conspires against me."

"Oh, you've returned." Yuiyui came into the room. "I was wondering what the commotion was all about."

"It's your daughter!" Hyoizaburo cried. "She's taking the enemy's side!"

Megumin frowned. "Should you really be calling your helpers enemies?"

Yuiyui sighed. "This again."

"Huh—you too, Dear?!" Hyoizaburo said incredulously. "Do I have no one I can trust?! Komekko," he said, looking to her, "surely you're on Papa's side, right?"

"Komekko agrees."

Hyoizaburo smiled brightly.

"Oto-san should be kicked out."

"GAH! Enough! I won't let a couple upstarts ruin my destiny; the world can't live without the inventions of the #1 craftsman of the Crimson Demons, Hyoizaburo."

"It really can," Megumin and I said simultaneously.

And he immediately went back to weeping.

"Anyhow, dinner's ready," Yuiyui informed. "Let's eat."

In stark contrast to the other dinners, this one was quite lively, with Aqua putting on a show with her acts, Darkness sharing stories of our misadventures—particularly ones where she's been assaulted, and Megumin recounting her own over-the-top stories of battlefield glory. I, on the other hand, merely enjoyed the meal and lightheart atmosphere; for me, there was way too much drama over the last week. All I wanted now was to bask in the presence of gentle monotony...a good dream or two would also be nice.

"My, my, what a lovely dinner," Yuiyui said. "I think it's time for dessert."

"Dessert?" Megumin queried.

"Mhm," Yuiyui replied, pulling out a large bottle of wine.

"Oh?" Aqua said tilting her head. "Red Moon? I don't think I've ever heard of that one."

"That's because it's brewed locally."

"Yes," Hyoizaburo added, "right here in the village." He smirked. " Top of the shelf, it is."

"Top shelf?" Darkness queried.

"That's right. I had a hand in making it. The other brewers and I took home a bottle in commemoration. Now anyone who drinks it can't get enough of it."

"Oh, that's amazing."

Hyoizaburo grinned. "It is, isn't it?"

Megumin butted in. "So, instead of making defective potions, why don't you sell that?"

"Defective?!" He averted his gaze and then coughed lightly. "Well...it's because...only one can exist at a time."

"Seriously?" I found myself saying.

"Me and the others agreed that it'd make it unique if there were only one available for purchase," Hyoizaburo replied, smiling proudly.

"Oi, isn't that just creating demand through artificial means?"

He crossed his arms and nodded sternly. "You're right, Kazuma-kun...but you have to admit, it makes the story more interesting."

Since when did alcohol have to have an interesting story?

"Hold on, though. Didn't you say you and the other brewers got a bottle each? Wouldn't that mean there's more than one out there?"

"Of course, but as far as everyone else knows, there's only one."

I don't know if that was an intentionally scummy move or it was just the byproduct of being a Crimson Demon...probably a bit of both.

"Anyhow," Aqua said excitedly, "we should definitely drink it!"

"I'll take Komekko to her room," Darkness announced. "Come on, Komekko." She took her hand.

The smaller Megumin—who was ready to fall asleep from overeating followed along drowsily.

Yuiyui then left and returned with a sake set. "Here we are."

She poured a bit out onto a sakazuki, a wide saucer-like cup and then into several ochoko, smaller semi-cylindrical traditional sake cups.

"Enjoy—but first..."—Yuiyui passed the sakazuki to me—"drink."

"Huh? I get the first drink?"

"Mhmmmm," Yuiyui replied with a wide smile.

With all eyes on me, I hesitantly took the saucer and placed it to my lips. Then I tilted it and drank the rose-colored wine.

"Hah." I let out a sigh; the wine was good, but incredibly strong.

"Two more," Yuiyui urged.

"Two more…?"

"Sips. You have to take three in total."

"I have to take three sips? For what?"

"It's supposedly good luck."

"Good luck? Well…"

I don't really have an issue with my luck, but I wasn't gonna argue against drinking some more of this tasty wine. I took two more sips.

Yuiyui took the sakazuki, filled it with more wine, and then she passed it to Hyoizaburo.

With a stern face befitting his appearance, Megumin's dad took three sips in quick succession. Right after he did though, I noticed something.

"Hold on."

Yuiyui took three sips. Then she passed it to Megumin.

"This looks like…"

"A San-san-ku ceremony!" Aqua yelled. "This is like a San-san-ku ceremony, right, Kazuma?"

"A San-san-ku ceremony?! Like a marriage ceremony?!"

"It's a bit wrong, but the feeling is definitely there," Aqua continued.

"Oh my," Yuiyui said, "and here I thought I was doing it correctly. I'm sure I followed what the man—ahem—ancient texts said."

Megumin interrupted. "Wait, a marriage ceremony?"

"A San-san-ku ceremony," Aqua explained, "is a sort of event carried out by the Japanese as a blessing between the couples and their families. Although, it's kinda outdated now."

"But why now?"

Hyoizaburo and Yuiyui traded glances. Then Yuiyui replied.

"Originally, we wanted to do it right after you got married, but seeing as you were busy, we decided to hold off on it till you returned home."

"I see." Megumin looked down with a longing expression and then glanced at me. As I was about to say something, she shifted her attention to Aqua. "Hey, Aqua, is there any way you can carry out the true ceremony?"

"Huh? Ummm, maybe; I think I still remember how it goes."

I raised a brow. "Why do you even know this?"

"Pfft. Silly, Kazuma. You forget that I watched over you guys for quite some time, of course I was gonna pick up on things like this—not to mention, this a ceremony for blessings; obviously it's meant to ask the gods for such things." Aqua pompously flicked her hair as she finished her explanation.

"I'm back," Darkness said, coming into the dining room. "Did I miss anything?"

"We're about to hold a wedding ceremony for this NEET and Megumin."

"Oi."

"Wedding ceremony? Isn't a bit late for that?"

"It might be," Megumin answered. "But I still want to try it out, this San-san-ku." Megumin then looked at me once more. "What do you say, Kazuma? Want to?"

"*sigh* Sure," I said with a slight smile. "Why not?"

Aqua stood up and looked at everyone. "Hmmm, we're a bit short of the amount of people we need, but don't worry, I can cover most of the roles. Darkness."

"Huh?"

"You'll be in charge of pouring out the wine."

"O-Ok."

"First, Megumin and Kazuma have to face each other."

We did so.

"Ok, next, Darkness, pour the wine into three cups."

Following Aqua's instruction, Darkness poured the wine.

"Here," Aqua said, handing me the cup.

I took it and pressed it to my lips.

FWAP!

"Ah, what the hell was that for?!"

"It's not your turn to drink yet, dummy."

"Then why didn't you say anything, you idiot! Tch. Now look, the wine spilled."

"It's fine." Aqua waved her hand and wine coalesced into a ball, floated towards her, and was consumed by the wayward Goddess of Drunkards. "Mmmm, yummy. Darkness, pour," She said, presenting another cup.

Darkness did, and then Aqua drank.

"Hahhhhh. It's good."

"Oi."

"Ah, right, right, the ceremony. Darkness, fill his cup up again."

After she did, I looked to Aqua's next instruction. "What now?"

"Give it to Megumin." I did. "Now, Megumin, take a sip." She did. "Ok, now, take one of the other cups and hand it to this undeserving NEET."

"..."

"You can take a sip, now." Frowning at Aqua from the rim of the cup, I took a sip. "Finally, you take the last cup and have Megumin drink from it."

We did as Aqua told us.

"Good. Now, I take the rest," She said, downing the rest of wine in the cups.

Yuiyui clapped. "How nice. Is this the end of the ceremony?"

"No, now the bride and groom must appease the god by offering them more wine until they're satisfied. Then, and only then, will they bless them with everlasting prosperity and fortune."

"Like I'd want any type of blessing from you," I interjected. "I'm pretty sure the ceremony is complete. Although...I do remember it being a lot longer."

Aqua frowned. "This was a shorter version. Like I said, we didn't really have all the people needed for it. ...And I also wanted to drink some of this wine."

"Of course you did."

"Well then," Yuiyui said, "there's still quite a bit of wine left. Darkness-chan, won't you serve us?"

"You really want her to?" I remarked. "Darkness is pretty clumsy."

"Why you! I'll have you know I'm fully capable of pouring things."

"On to the floor?"

Darkness slammed her palm on the table. "When have I ever done such a thing?!"

"Ok, ok, have at it, Lalatina." Darkness shirked back with a stressed whimper. "Actually, besides pouring and being eye candy, I don't think you had anything going for you as a maid."

"Ha—you little!"

As Darkness reached over to grab me, the wine, unsurprisingly, tipped over.

GLUG, GLUG, GLUG.

And poured onto the floor.

…

"You were saying?"

After cleaning up the mess, Darkness sat in quiet shame while both Hyoizaburo and Aqua sat crying.

"Alright, everyone I've brought some more wine," Yuiyui said. "It might not be as good as Red Moon, but it should be enough to celebrate with."

"Oh, why thank you, Yuiyui-san!" Aqua said, instantly dispelling her sadness. "Megumin, your parents sure are humble and considerate; perhaps you could learn a thing or two from them."

Despite that statement holding some validity, this goddess was the last person who could say such a thing.

And so, the next couple of hours were spent with us delighting in drinks and festivities. To be honest, this was a much needed change of pace. I could bask in the comfort of my companions and in the courtesy Megumin's parent's offered...or so I thought.

"More wine, Darkness-chan?" Yuiyui said, filling her cup.

"Uh—t-thank you, Yuiyui...san."

She smiled in reply. "Please, please, drink up; there's plenty."

"Me too! Me too!" Aqua yelled, her eyes droopy with stupor.

I looked around.

Hyoizaburo was bent over the table; he succumbed to the many drinks he consumed. Darkness was well on her way there, Aqua was probably taking her last drink, and Megumin was already passed out on my shoulder. The only ones still sober were myself and Yuiyui.

Of course, I would've been in the same state as the others had it not been for Aqua snatching my drinks when I wasn't looking. Yuiyui, on the other hand, drank very little, saying it wouldn't be a good look for the server to be inebriated before her guests. In some parts, I could understand, yet I'd be lying if I said I wasn't interested in seeing what Megumin's mom would be like a little drunk.

Eventually, my guess came to pass and Yuiyui and I were the only ones up.

"My, Kazuma-kun, seems like everyone's had such a good time. Would you mind helping me take them to their rooms?"

"Sure."

-A few minutes later…

"There, that's the last of them," Yuiyui said. "It's quite late, won't you go to sleep as well, Kazuma-kun?"

"Eh, probably in a bit; I like being clean before I get into bed."

"Ohhhh, such consideration."

"Consideration? What are you talking about?"

Yuiyui smirked. "For your partner, of course."

"This woman… Wait!"

Yuiyui giggled mischievously. "I see you've noticed, Kazuma-kun. Didn't I tell you I'd create the situation for you and my daughter?"

"O-Oi!"

Seriously, this lady was way too intense.

"Is there something wrong? Do you not want to sleep with her, Kazuma-kun?"

"..."

Yuiyui giggled once again. "I mean it innocently, of course," She remarked, covering the growing smirk on her face.

Honestly, did this woman hear the stuff she says?

"Humor aside," she continued, "I think it's probably best after all that's happened, no? I'm sure the both of you are missing sleeping besides one another."

She wasn't exactly wrong. I have been missing sleeping beside Megumin. Hmm, quite an odd feeling to have and to be able to say. Not very long ago such things were mere pipe dreams, and yet now they were reality. Thanks to these thoughts, I found myself growing anxious.

"Well then, enjoy your bath, Kazuma-kun...and Megumin, if you so wish," She said with another giggle.

"Go to bed already, you!"

My bath was relatively quick in no small part to the growing thoughts of sleeping with Megumin. Though I tried to contain the more lascivious thoughts, I couldn't help myself; I was a young man thinking of his significant other. It didn't help that the few drinks I had made my head feel slightly fuzzy.

"Hahhhh…." I stretched my legs out and relaxed.

Screw it. Right now was the perfect opportunity; the others were sleeping and wouldn't be able to interrupt. That's right, I didn't have to worry. Tonight would be the night I would climb the long-awaited stairs to adulthood, me and Megumin.

Even if Megumin's mom was listening in on us, I couldn't pass up such a golden opportunity. If I did, I would have to question myself as a man.

I looked down. "Oi, you'll have to perform well; don't let me down, alright? Just imagine it's a normal session between us and don't let loose too early."

I was giving myself a pep talk, but I was already two strokes away from blowing a load. Dammit, what anxiety.

In all my fervor, I almost forgot about what Megumin would think; would she be fine with this too? Of course, what am I saying? Just last night she was ready to give her all to me, so tonight why wouldn't she? No, no, shut up, Kazuma; don't set up such flag-worthy lines. I'll approach the situation normally and play it by ear.

Having finished my bath, I quickly dried myself off and made my way to the bedroom.

Indeed, as I opened the door, I found the room occupied by one other individual, Megumin.

I walked over and stared at her, like I did just the night before. This time, however, she was fast asleep and still in her usual adventuring robes.

Although the house was new and didn't leak warmth, it was late fall, and so, it was still chilly; it'd be best if I got under the covers quickly.

I did so and now my and Megumin's bodies were touching. If I was gonna do something, I should at least wake her up.

As I was about to, Megumin opened her eyes. "Kazuma?" She said groggily.

It seems she was still half asleep.

"Megu… Oi…."

"Kazuma." She nuzzled into my chest with a satisfied smile and dozed off once more.

"*sigh* Really?"

Even as anxious as I was, I couldn't bring myself to take advantage of her in this situation. And so, reluctantly, I turned around.

"*sigh* Looks like it's just me and you again, buddy."

I felt Megumin press closer and hug me.

"Megumin?" I looked back, but she was still fast asleep.

I see. It was just a motion. I closed my eyes and sighed yet again; how disappointing.

Suddenly, I felt her push forward. "Mwah." She planted a kiss on my cheek and smiled. "I love you, Kazuma."

I looked away, grinning faintly. Geez, this girl…

"Love you too...Megumin."