Shaina = Marian is a wandering knight.

She is twenty three years old.

She became a knight at the age of thirteen. Though her home country held a history of fifty years, it fell to ruin following the year of her appointment to knighthood. With her entire clan massacred, Shaina was the only survivor.

The girl had a natural gift.

The gift of survival.

She was unusually aware of impending death.

She scents out the smell of death and evades it as easily as others would breathe.

At that day, when her home country fell, the imperial castle was set ablaze. An approaching flame with advancing enemy soldiers. In such a dire situation, she, a novice knight was in the very center of such chaos.

She could remember carrying her sword and running. Whether it was towards the enemy or away from them, she could not remember. But she did know that with her sword in hand, she ran as if she was dragging her heavy armor along with her.

As she approached the three forked road leading to the nobles ahead, she sensed something and came to a halt.

As she stopped, a blazing beam from the ceiling fell down before her at the same time.

The beam had fell right before her eyes. If she didn’t stop, it would have been fatal.

Looking at the beam in front of her with astonishment, she didn’t hesitate to jump over it. After the jump was a sea of flames but she didn’t even have time to think about mustering up the courage and leaped inside.

At the same time, soldiers appeared from behind. But thanks to the fire covering up her presence, they did not notice her and ran off to the distance.

It was no coincidence. For some reason, Sharia knew this.

[If I keep at it like this, I’ll be saved]

That same ability showed its strength for the past 10 years.

In little increments, it manifested its power during times where she had worked in various countries as a wandering knight.

And thanks to it, she had become a well known wandering knight at the young age of 25.

Also known as a notorious wandering knight.

It was a humiliating matter.

There were two kinds of famous wandering knights.

The first being someone that calls out to the country that matches his ability, a man who makes room for such opportunity. Once a country that needs him heeds his call, they openly invite him to become a knight in their kingdom. The majority of them are this type. Humans are greedy beings. If they know that their name is famous, it is not unlikely that they will join a country that treats them the best.

The other one is someone with a fault in personality or nature, one who does not call out to a country. As competent as their incomplete ability is to others, their name gains notoriety and the prejudices and rumors makes it impossible for them to be hired in the conventional manner.

And as humiliating as that may be, this was the type of knight that Shaina was.

Well, it isn’t really that their call isn’t heard. There are seasons where ceremonies need to begin and when there are times where supply of labor is short, and if she applies for the job as a knight,
Shaina could also secure an appointment.

Such miscellaneous matters are made to appoint those who hold the title of a knight.

A knight’s official employment comes when after finishing the task, the country asks them to stay and appeal their desire to employ them officially.

An efficient way of recruiting unknown but talented wandering knights, recently this has been the most popular method of doing so.

Currently, every country is looking for capable people, but you can’t tell how good they are if you don’t put them to work. So they hire wandering knights and if they are satisfied with their
work ethic, they will prepare a vacant seat in the knights’ order and welcome them officially. It is an easy to understand method.

The Dragon King Kingdom’s Royal Knights’ order also used this method to gain power.

As for Shaina, she never caught such a call.

There were times during tasks where such hopeful voices were heard such as [If only you were an official knight in my country]. But by the time the task ended, the once lent out hand became no more. [Please think nothing of what I said before]. She didn’t know how many times she had heard such words.

It was humiliating indeed.

Now, the reason why such a girl came to the Dragon King Kingdom is because she had heard talks of the famous dragon slaying mission in the around town.

The Dragon King Kingdom had agreed to the master blacksmith’s goal of using the Dragon King to make his swords. Though it is not known what was exactly said behind close doors, for the country to lend its cooperation meant that the Royal Knights’ order was making their move.

It was a chance.

If the Royal Knights’ order makes a move, it means that the Dragon King Kingdom will be holding a recruitment campaign.

With the Dragon King Kingdom being such a large nation, their knights’ order insists on holding great value to true strength. Instead of relying on rumors and prejudice, if she shows her true strength, they may even hold the heart to recruit someone like Shaina, who has such an infamous reputation.

Furthermore, this involves her strong suit of fighting. Her eyes were set on her long awaited dream. An official appointment.

Once she heard of the rumor, she decided not to lose her chance and began moving. However, the region where she first heard the rumor was a place too far away. Despite using shortcuts within shortcuts, she was too slow, not to mention whether she would be able to arrive in time for either the recruitment campaign or for the first day of the Dragon King slaying mission. Eventually she forcefully pushed herself only to end up with the so called result. She had even unsightly collapsed in the end.

And the man who had saved her.

He still held the vibes of a boy. Most likely eighteen or seventeen. Young.

He had carried Shaina and another girl all the way to this town. Was it his astonishing strength and stamina, or was it his courage? Thinking of the time when she had crossed that deadly wasteland,
she could only admire the power he had to help others.

As someone who hadn’t saved anyone else’s life but her own, Shaina began to hold interest towards the boy.

Though he was difficult to understand at times, gleefully saying that he wanted to become a hero, she thought that she could loosen up her principles around him a little. Such was the great interest she had of him.

★

Two days after Al’s group had formed.

Shaina and the rest passed by those who came back to resupply and got out of town.

Although the so called negotiation/promise was disagreed upon, they somehow agreed to [run away together if things get dangerous] afterwards, and it helped her calm down.

Now, they are in the mountain. Originally, there would be no road here but they are walking on the road created by those who came before them.

Seeing the rivals that passed by, the groups that seemed to have the most chance at success did not have any significant losses. However, those who thought of taking advantage of such groups took heavy damage from the fight against the Dragon Kings. Among them were people who were being carried on a stretcher with fatal wounds. With that being said, there are probably a lot dead as well.

[It’s as you said Shaina]

Al said so with a voice of concern, but to Shaina it was heard as [you knew the answer]. If they had left on the first day in high spirits, she knew that they would have more or less suffered like these people. Without being on the same pace, a group only gathered by one same goal would end up in such danger.

Nevertheless, she didn’t have a basis for her decision.

It’s just vagueness and danger. It’s useless, you shouldn’t go, is what she had thought.

There is no need to dismiss such intuition.

Although her reasoning may be vague, her intuition had never been wrong once. If she had ever been wrong before, she wouldn’t be alive right now.

[That being said, I guess the true contenders really are different]

As if he was remembering the groups that came back, he began repeatedly praising the skillful groups.

Despite being the first day, there were certainly those with astonishing battle feats. Occasionally, a group of Blue Leopard mercenaries with around a dozen members would be carrying back a total of three Dragon King crowns.

Although this dragon slaying mission wasn’t such a contest, it still did its job in aweing everyone around them.

Shaina could remember Al’s glittering eyes when he had saw them pass by.

[Even amongst the Blue Leopard division, those guys are extraordinary. I guess they gathered the cream of the crop huh]

As Shaina said so, Al made a confused expression.

[Cream of the crop? …… No way, there wasn’t anyone that looked that strong amongst them]

[Arara, stop bluffing will you?]

Shaina let out an unintentional laugh and said so teasingly, as if she had seen a kid reacting to someone being praised by saying [Hmph, I’m way stronger than they are].

And so, Al pouted and began to deny her claims.

[I don’t bluff about my strength. It’s just…]

[It’s just?]

[It just didn’t seem that they would have offensive capability to bring down the King Dragon King]

Shaina judged the statement as if it came from someone who didn’t want to admit their loss.

If I wanted to do it, I can do at least that much too. She felt as if this was exactly the kind of words Al wanted to say.

If you could do it, it would be best to prove it, but to say you want to do it somewhere where no one would be looking.. Shaina grumbled as such internally.

[Alright alright. But I don’t plan on fighting multiple Dragon Kings with just the three of us. If things get dangerous, we run. Remember to keep your promise]

[Of course, I understand. I alone am enough to fight against them all so there will be no danger. Leave it to me]

[… Come on]

Shaina sighed.

Extreme vanity isn’t such a great sight to see, and if she leaves it be, this boy will most likely end up thrusting himself into a crowd of Dragon Kings.

Though she can’t sense any danger at the moment, Shaina made plans for such events in her mind. She planned to hit the boy from behind and make an all out run for it.

Right now, they are approaching the meeting of two paths in the Dragon King Mountain.

This whole region is still on the outskirts of the Dragon King territory and is covered in green. Knowing that a bit further east lies the wasteland, it is miracle how many trees there are in this region. In truth however, it is not as miraculous as one may think. Taking the shape of the mountain into account, it is most likely that the rain only falls on this side of the mountain.

One theory is that the King Dragon King Kazakt sucked all the mana out of the wasteland to preserve his powerful mana.

Though it is nothing more than a mere superstition, we are talking about an ancient dragon that has leaped beyond the human mind. Surprisingly, he may actually be doing this.

(No way right…)

Shaina thought so intensely as she glanced at Al to the side.

What if he actually believes this story and plans to become a hero because of it?

For example, by restoring the wasteland to its former green pastures, he could save a couple starving in poverty…

(Ridiculous)

Shaina shook off her notions.

First of all, that’s not what it means to be a hero.

[Stop]

Said Chiki who was ten meters away with the palm of her hand facing towards the group.

Chiki immediately lowered her back. If the person leading the front tells everyone to stand still, it is common sense to follow suit. Though Shaina’s instincts hadn’t sensed anything yet…

However, Al started walking towards Chiki as if he hadn’t heard the [stop] and placed his hand on her small head.

[Oi, if I tell you to stop, stop. Why do you think Chiki is the one staying on the front? Also, don’t put your hand on my head. Are you making fun of me for being small?]

[I’m not making fun of you Chiki san. You’re just really small and cute]

[Oi knight, get this kid to stop treating me like a child]

Shaina shrugged her shoulders and caught up with them. Looks like there was no danger after all.

[It’s fine isn’t it? Just take it like the cutie you are]

[What?]

Leaving Chiki who was voicing her displeasure to the side, Shaina began to look forward.

[Wait…!]

There was danger up ahead.

It was five [Corpse Eaters] who had just been alerted by the rowdiness and started groaning.

[Corpse Eaters] are four legged dog-like beasts. Their face is both similar and not so similar to that of a dog. With a three sectioned lower jaw and two sectioned upper jaw, they pick on corpses and bugs as their food.

Just imagining how they eat sent shivers down Shaina’s spine.

[Gururururu….]

They got their name [Corpse Eater] from favoring dead flesh, but their ancestors were heretic monsters made by magicians of the past during the great war to counter the demon race’s artificial undead monsters.

Though recently they have evolved to become more independent, their ferocious behavior still matches that of their past ancestors.

First off, they hunt in packs. Though since they prefer corpses, they do not actively go hunt for prey. But if they are interrupted during their feast, they will gather a pack of three or more of their kin and attack the intruder. When they are eating, [Corpse Eaters] are cold hearted and fierce.

And apparently, right now they were in the middle of their feast.

Seeing the five angry [Corpse Eaters] approaching them while glaring, Chiki’s cheeks puffed up.

[Chiki tried to tell you to stop]

[Enough with that and lower yourselves!]

Shaina screamed as she pulled out her sword and stood in front of both of them.

At that moment, the five [Corpse Eaters] kicked the ground.

One charges at the front while two follow behind. The left over two begin to encircle them from both sides. It’s to make sure there is no way to escape. They are fast, and seem to move with experience. A five beast hunt. Living in a place where dragons dwell, they move as veteran group hunters of this harsh region. What strong specimen.

[Watch out!]

As she alerted the two at her rear and one beast leaped forward. There was no time for hesitation.

Shaina pursued the beast and leaped.

[North God Style Reverse Technique First Dan: “Sliding Avalanche”!]

She went above the beast and aimed for the [Corpse Eater] in mid air.

To take the upper side of a leaping opponent. One can see that it is a useless act. Four legged beasts who leap end up exposing their defenseless under belly. So, the right response would be to cut through the lower side accordingly.

But Shaina leaped above.

This was because she saw the two [Corpse Eaters] hiding behind the shadow of the leaping first beast, preparing to attack from below.

A simultaneous attack from above and below.

Furthermore, the two attacking from behind will arrive faster than the one who leaped forward. Humans are not adept at dealing with enemies above their heads. Being occupied with the first beast, no matter how dexterous, they would still fall behind. That was how perfect the attack was. Even humans who hold much pride in their teamwork would not be able to perform such a beautiful combination.

And someone who could respond to such an attack would be Shaina, who had been trained to deal with such crisis with her ability. Thanks to her instincts, she knew that they would attack from below.

[Dairyaaaaaaaaaaaa !]

As if she was dancing, she landed one straight cut towards the neck. It was only to the degree of landing a small cut into the artery but it was enough to take a life. Even if these beasts were made from heretical arts, their weaknesses are still similar to that of a dog.

The [Corpse Eater] landed and collapsed while spilling a geyser of blood.

[Buwu!?]

The two remaining [Corpse Eaters] lost sight of Shaina. By being above the beast that had initially leaped forward, she was able to secure a blind spot.

It wouldn’t take them one second to find her, but it was enough time for fatality.

[North God Style Righteous Techinque Second Dan: “Heavenly Flower Circle”]

Shaina disposed the two beasts with one stroke of her sword. The point of her sword that had cut a bit short earlier inserted itself into the windpipe of one beast below, and with a circular movement cutting upwards, she used that same force to drive into the head of the second beast, breaking its skull.

[Are the both of you–]

The remaining two beasts. Shaina immediately looked around her surroundings, worrying about her companions’ safety.

[– It seems you guys are fine]

The remaining two beasts were already lying defeated on the ground.

The one in front of Chiki had all its limbs sliced off. By the time Shaina looked, it was still breathing but Chiki with a blank expression and a weird knife at hand, ended its life with a thrust.

In front of Al stood a headless corpse. With blood coming out of its neck, it’s head was nowhere to be found. She looked at her surroundings to find it but to no avail.

A headless dog and a silver armored knight without a hint of blood on him. If one were to change their perspective, it could be quite a fantastical view. If it was a noble with a perverted hobby, they would most likely be holding a painting similar to this very scene she was witnessing.

During the short time she watched, the once alerted Chiki began to relax and go limp.

[What is it knight, are you our parental guardian or something?]

Chiki said so mockingly as she wiped the blood off her knife.

And on Chiki’s head rested a hand.

[Well well Chiki san, worrying about your companions’ safety after defeating an enemy up ahead is the right thing to do]

Al said as he stroked her head.

[Mu? Does that mean that we are the bad ones for not worrying about her safety? That being said, stop stroking my head]

[I can’t stroke your head?]

[It’s not that you can’t. It’s not like it’s something that decreases in quantity. If Al wants to stroke my head, you should do it to the degree that it won’t become a hinderance to our work. But you are not stroking my head because you want to, but because my head is at the right place at the right time!]

[….. I’m glad that both of you aren’t hurt]

Al gave off a fresh smile.

Chiki’s face turned red and screamed [So I was right huh! What do you think a person’s head is huh!]

Shaina looked at the scene with a bittersweet smile and laid her gaze towards Al’s sword on his back.

She never paid attention to it until now but the blade seems to be over a meter long.

To draw, make stance, cut and sheathe. The bigger the sword is, the more time it takes to make such movements. A sword of that size would make such faults pretty noticeable.

The sword that Shaina holds has a single short blade with a length of only fifty centimeters. The reason why it is curved is because her fighting style emphasizes on the speed of drawing her sword and slashing.

And thanks to it, even when fighting against three [Corpse Eaters], she is able to keep up in speed.

If she were to hold a sword the size of Al’s, she would have had a hard time fending off the three beasts.

(I wonder when he pulled it out)

Swords carried on the back are heavier than those carried on the side.

Such were the words of one famous swordsman.

Swords on the back are much harder to draw than those on the side.

There is a good reason why swords are generally carried on the side.

Wait, but wasn’t he carrying the sword on his side when we left the inn?

[Huh? Al, why are you carrying your sword on your back. Didn’t you have it on your side earlier?]

Before Shaina could open her mouth, Chiki asked. She probably asked out of reflex.

That’s right. Al was holding the sword to his side just earlier. She remembered thinking that he was carrying such an unnecessary long object just to flaunt.

[Oh this? … Fufu, it’s a secret]

Al said so secretly and moved the sheath in a circle from his back.

Suddenly, the sword appeared at his side.

[Ooh!]

Chiki raised her voice in admiration.

A mechanical sheath. And a technique to make such movements.

Shaina remembered seeing the technique before. But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t tell from who. It wasn’t something used by the knights she had fought. It was something that couldn’t be forgotten at first sight.

Where did I see it.

At the very least, it is not a technique shown by ordinary folks as a way of showing off.

[By the way, Shaina san’s school. Is it the North God Style?]

Shaina’s thoughts were interruped by Al’s question.

[… Yep, you’re right]

She wanted to congratulate him on finding out so easily but soon remembered that she shouted her school name as she used the techniques. Her master would always tell her to shout the technique names, and it had become a habit to do so. It wasn’t something that was too out of place though, after all it was the disciple’s responsibility to spread the name of the school.

[The North God Style is sure rare isn’t it. Where did you learn it?]

[The first dojo I entered was the North God Style. Now that I think of it, I’ve never met any fellow students of the school…]

[My father was also a member of the North God Style]

[That is…]

What to say.. As Shaina stopped in her tracks, Chiki raised her voice.

[Oi Al, and knight]

The two of them looked towards the voice.

Chiki began approaching the area where the [Corpse Eaters] had gathered.

[Look, its their food]

The place was a wide open space created in the middle of the woods. It probably wasn’t like this from the beginning. Multiple trees blown away by sheer force, the scorched earth, one could tell that this was originally a small space only used by animals that wanted to cross.

The reason why this place had such a huge space burnt open was most likely due to the rampage of Dragon Kings.

How many Dragon Kings rampaged?

The answer was on top of the surface, with all the scattered human remains.

This disastrous open space were the remains of a battle.

Although more or less eaten by the [Corpse Eaters], the corpses still had most of their original form intact. The smell of rot was not strong either.

[This corpse, it seems to belong to a member of the magician group]

Shaina affirmed accordingly.

Robes that held a color that couldn’t be differentiated from being burnt, unnaturally scorched surroundings, depressed earth, wet branches despite it not raining. These were definitely traces of magic.

[It seems they fought numerous Dragon Kings and lost]

[I wonder how many they fought]

[Taking the scope of the battle into consideration, probably three to five]

As Shaina replied, she began to feel an little odd.

If it were three to five Dragon Kings, it is probably right. Anything more than that would increase the scope of the battle and in turn would open up the area a lot more. If there were less, it would be the opposite.

But it’s still weird.

There was no way a magician group like the [Grass World Leaf Tree] would be defeated by such few Dragon Kings.

They are a group of magicians specialized in battle.

Battle magicians are just simply strong.

They are different from the novice magicians that became adventurers because they had nothing else do. The title of magician is given to anyone that can use magic, but to become battle magician requires a strict examination from the magicians’ association.

These magicians remember all their magic by heart to prepare for battle. Combustion, Freeze, Impact types are some examples of the variety of attack spells they know. As for defense, they use Bulwark, Holy, Regional types and Healing, Flying, Haste types for support spells.

The highest ranked battle magicians would also learn martial arts that put warriors to shame, so the notion that magicians are weak in melee combat does not exist. They are adept at staff wielding martial arts, hold high enough concentration to chant spells during hand to hand combat, and durable enough stamina to execute such spells.

Surely, swordsmen mature faster and as long as there are techniques to defend against magic, the swordsman is stronger if they are on the same level of training.

However, in terms of fighting monsters, a magician engaged in battle holds much more advantage than the swordsman.

The effectiveness of magic.

For example, there is a spell called [Fire Lance]. This spell transforms fire into a lance, and while holding its mass, it pierces through the enemy with intense heat.

This spell becomes stronger as the heat gets higher and higher.

However, it is useless against a human opponent. This is because it doesn’t take much heat to kill a human and if the opponent is armed with anti fire magic equipment, it wouldn’t matter how much the heat is raised and the spell would be nullified. Of course such equipment is very expensive so no individual would be able to put their hands on one, but the possibility of such an event occurring is still important.

On the other hand, such a high power attack is very useful against monsters. Especially when it comes to gigantic beasts like Dragon Kings, whom have a huge body surface and capacity, making it hard for the average swordsman to land a one hit kill. However, with magic, landing such a fatal blow is much easier to accomplish.

There is also a problem when it comes to a dragon’s physical defenses. The scales that are near impossible to cut open with a sword could be destroyed with a well prepared spell.

To get back to the point, it isn’t likely that four to five Dragon Kings were enough to win against a magician group that had their eyes set on dragon slaying.

However, the magician group was defeated and their corpses layed on the field.

What a weird occurrence. For a group that should have held an overwhelming advantage to be laying dead without a single dragon corpse in sight.

To find out the reason why, Shaina began to search each corpse.

[…!]

She had found the reason on one of the corpses. The body of a man with a surprised face. A corpse wrapped in a high quality robe, grasping tightly to a high grade staff.

[… A sword wound]

And it was an ambush to the back. A wound that a Dragon King would not be able to inflict.

Then why would they have such a wound.

There is still something weird going on. The number of corpses.

If Shaina’s memory served right, the magician group held around thirty members. The corpses fallen here don’t even cover half that amount.

It was possible that the Dragon Kings ate them but Shaina suspected the intrusion of a third party.

It was thanks to them that the corpses had been concealed.

The theory was as such. A group holding ill intentions towards the magician group attacked and annihilated them while they fought the Dragon Kings. To erase their own tracks, they made it look like as if the Dragon Kings were the ones responsible for the massacre. The rest of the missing corpses were probably burnt or buried. The one body she had just found was most likely a result of them leaving it behind thinking that the [Corpse Eaters] would come to eat away at the evidence around three days later.

Putting whether it is the correct answer or not aside, the undeniable truth is, is that a magician was attacked in the back by a sword.

Then the question is,

[Who is responsible…]

Logically, the most likely suspect would be the Blue Leopard division that came back with three to four Dragon King heads. It matches the number of Dragon Kings that attacked this area.

The least suspicious group would be martial arts group that only use their bare hands. Though that isn’t to say that it would be impossible for them to inflict such a sword wound. After all, they are closer to swordsmen than they are to magicians. Nevertheless, they who view swordsmen as weak men who rely on weapons and despise the use of swords, would it be possible for them to use such tools to harm someone from behind? The possibility is slim to none.

Perhaps it wasn’t the work of a group.

Maybe it was the work of a serial killer inside one of the dragon slaying groups. They would have most likely approached the magician group during their fight against the dragons and massacred them on the spot.

If one were to think too seriously of any coincidence, the possibilities would be endless.

[… Huh?]

Shaina just realized that her two fussy companions were out of her sight.

She thought that she had left them behind, but there was no need for such concern. They were standing on the other side of a tree with a thick trunk.

They are staring at the roots of the tree for some reason.

Looking closely she found three [Corpse Eaters] laying dead around them.

[…What happened?]

[Well, it’s that]

Chiki held a confused expression.

Al nodded his head in assurance.

As Shaina walked around the tree to where they stood, she saw a tree hollow.

Inside the tree hole was a little girl wrapped in a tattered robe.

[A survivor]

Chiki briefly explained, but anyone with an eye could see that.

Though there were no noticeable wounds, she seemed worn out. Probably used up all her mana and stamina as well.

[Let’s return for the day. We have to take care of this girl once we reach town]

An act without hesitation. A feeling of familiarity comes forth. A movement prioritizing one’s safety while seemingly not caring about what their identity is or what event had occurred.

Knowing she had been in a similar situation, Shaina instinctively opened her mouth.

[Is it your hobby to save people collapsed on the ground?]

Such an astonished voice was let out.

(source: https://ncode.syosetu.com/n9673bn/3/)

TL Note: The Mushoku Tensei gacha game is out. It’s a dream come true. Time to empty my wallet and cry about shitty pulls.

This is a story not too long ago.

It’s a story after the long fighting between the demon/human race ended and when the demon/human race began infighting amongst themselves for territory.

A time of war.

It was especially worse in the center of the continent, where most of the human race resided in. Without a ruler or any form of control, the land kept collapsing as time went by.

A villiage chief would rise up and create a country, only to be attacked by its neighbouring country and fall, and that neighbouring country would also be attacked by another and fall, and that other country would also…

Destruction, it was a world where such destruction was a natural course of life.

Wasn’t it more peaceful when the humans with the humans and the demons with the demons united as one? There were many who doubted as such but none could give an answer.

How many times had such fighting repeated?

There was a sudden increase of bandits and mercenaries.

Farmers would have their entire families slaughtered as well as their fields burned, leaving them no choice but to become either bandits or mercenaries.

It was the only way to live.

With an imbalance of supply and demand, the poor had no choice but to steal from others.

Many orphans were born as well.

Of those orphans, only a lucky few would be picked up by knights to become a page and such, but for most, it was either to become a slave or a thief… but usually it was neither, and a death from starvation awaited them.

A food shortage caused an inescapable swamp of constant looting.

But even in that swamp, the human race gradually found a resolution.

The center continent is a fertile land.

This is especially true when the land is closer to the south and west, where the barren land disappears and endless green grasslands emerges.

It had the potential to save the diminishing human race that had been worned out through war and famine.

There was one country that realized such and began to create a strong foundation.

The country that took the step forward was called the “Dragon King Kingdom”.

Protected by the Dragon King mountain, it invested a long time into building its strength and capital, making it an affluent country.

It was even blessed by its geographical location.

Thanks to its ever soaring Dragon King mountain, there are only two ways to enter the country.

A safe roundabout trip.

A dangerous steep shortcut.

The safe route goes through an extended flatland but since it goes around the Dragon King mountain, it takes more time to finish the trip.

However, this also makes it easy to defend against any foreign invaders.

On the other hand, the dangerous route has no guides on the road nor food supplies, leading to a continuation of a deadly wasteland for the regular folk.

However, it only takes a quarter of the time of the safe route to complete.

There are countless people who pass through the wasteland, but nearly none come out in the end,

This story is about the latter.

It starts in the deadly wasteland.

★

A barren continent as far as the eye can see.

With no vegetation to be found, the closest thing were trees filled with poisonous fruits. Occasionally, on the top of the dry dead soil, bleach white bones tumbled away.

A bleak reality where without the soaring Dragon King mountain to guide them from afar, one could not tell which way he was going.

The landscape was not something that could be completed by walking three days and three nights.

One month.

From the neighbouring country, it took one month.

The wasteland expands in a seemingly endless fashion.

Whether this land seems ever extending or narrow must vary from person to person.

There are living things. There are a great number of sand bugs that feed on the corpses of dead animals.
As a matter of fact, only sand bugs live here. There are no birds that fly in these skies. An eerie feeling without a single sound nor hint of life. There are scholars who say there is a reason why the land is like this but so what?

There is no question that an army passing by or even a veteran traveler would lose their lives in this wasteland.

Such was the harshness and dangers of the land.

Even so, it was still the shortcut to the Dragon King Kingdom.

And in this wasteland was a single boy.

[Fuun Fu Fu～♪ Fuun Fu～♪]

Joined by the sound of armor rustling, he pushed forward into the wasteland while humming.

Wearing a suit of shining silver armor, he carried a huge greatsword on his back.

His black haired head cut by a Zanbura was entangled in sand and hurting, but beneath it all, showed a tough face and held another worldly aura around him.

Walking without even taking off his knight armor during the intense heat showed his lack of experience in travelling, making it all just pointless.

However his expression showed nothing but a sign of a good mood.

[Guess I’m almost there~]

In his heart lied the ambition of becoming a hero.

All those stories about heroes he had heard as a child.

He had always wanted to become like the main character of those stories.

And soon, that dream will become a reality.

Because in the town that the boy is heading to is currently recruiting people for the slaying of a dragon.

Dragons are the strongest lifeform.

Not only are they strong in numbers but individually they are the largest on land, have strong magical prowess as well as high intelligence.

Dragons are truly the strongest indeed.

Though there are cases where outraged dragons would destroy countries of the human race, there is no case where humans went to a dragon’s shelter and came back with a kill.

But the boy dreamed that if it was him, a dragon could be defeated even if he was alone.

And in that dream, everyone would end up praising him for his deed.

And rightfully so.

His objective was the hero knight he head heard from fairy tales.

Defeating a million strong army, bringing down an evil dragon as well as bringing peace to the world, he was a nonsensical existence.

If it was a little child embracing such a delusion, it wouldn’t be strange as it is the age where kids would dream of such things. There are many people who had such dreams as a child. It was kind of a spur of the moment illness, like measles.

The boy’s name was Alex = Ryback.

Nickname Al.

He is a boy who has scumbbed to such illness.

And solely because of it, he qualified into knighthood, passing through the waste of death and will soon challenge a dragon.

He is a seriously ill patient.

[I have to hurry or they will start without me~….. huh?]

In front of him, Al found some rugged cloth.

To be precise, It was more something that looked like a rugged pack of cloth.

A dirty brownish kind.

[Nah, it’s a person isn’t it?]

Looking closely, it was a person who had fallen. Wrapped up in a rugged cloak, a little girl with chestnut hair was lying face down on the ground.

Al thought that it was a corpse but immediately dismissed the idea.

For a corpse, it didn’t have any sand bugs on it nor did it show any bones. Sand bugs would feed on rotting corpses
so he had thought that it hadn’t been too long before she took her last breath.

Al slapped the back of the girl with his palm.

He could feel a warm heat and a pulsation from the body.

As expected, she was still alive.

[Guess it’s someone dying after collapsing]

Al casually turned over the girl into a face up position.

She has the face of someone who lived a diligent life. Tanned dark skin. She is most likely from the Begaritt continent.
She has a scar on her cheek like the boy’s. You could tell that she had long slit pupils despite her eyes being closed.
Her chestnut hair along with her tanned dark skin matched the wasteland. She is short and skinny, but unlike a slave showed signs of muscles.

[Excuse me]

Al started touching the girl’s body.

It wasn’t to scavenge the belongings of a dying person nor was it to indulge his sexual desires for he was a gentleman.
He was checking to see if she had any physical injuries. No physical wounds nor any sign of her clothes disturbed.
It doesn’t seem she was attacked by a monster or bandit. Though he didn’t know if monsters or bandits even existed in this place…

The girl had the clothes of an experienced traveler but had no food nor water in her possession.
The water bottle hanging on her lower back is also empty.

She most likely collapsed due to hunger and dehydration after exhausting all her food/water supply.

[A very important value of a hero is saving others. Well come on, drink up]

Al said as he pushed his water bottle towards the girl’s face.

After two ample seconds the girl stopped and look at him with dull eyes.

Did she get it in her nose?

[Geho, Geho….?]

She had a strong confused expression on her face but unlike her violent movements at first, she gracefully took the water bottle and placed it on her lips, drinking the lukewarm water bit by bit without hesitation. Even without a conscious, the body is honest.

And right after, the girl once again lost her cousciousness.

[Okay.. Wait, please don’t die on me]

Al slung the girl on his shoulder and began walking through the wasteland while humming.

His steps were light.

For a man like him who aims to be a hero, saving others is his life long duty.

By saving a person, he gets one step closer into becoming a hero. That’s why he always keeps an eye out for those who have fallen or are in need of help.

It’s not that he enjoys the misfortunes of others, but rather finds benefit in saving those who are down, something that those in need would welcome with open arms.

Of course, Al knows that no matter how many times he helps people, he won’t be remembered as a hero for generations to come as he wishes. But anything stacks up eventually. If he stops being aware of the little basic things in his path to becoming a hero, he won’t be able to able to act accordingly when an important opportunity for him to arise occurs.

On top of that, no matter what kind of situation Al is in, for him to carry a girl or two until he reaches town is not much trouble.

[I will~ crush evil~♪ With my fists~♪ They will be crushed~♪ ohh?]

Was it a few hours after he started walking?

Al had found a large black rhinoceros beetle in front of his path. These beetles lived in cracks of people’s homes.
However the detestable black kind had multiple species and some of them even grew to 1 meter long and would attack people as well.

To be precise, he saw something that looked like a large black rhinoceros beetle. A black hunk metal that reflected the sunlight.

[Well, it’s not an insect]

To be exact, he saw a person wearing a black suit of armor.

The person was wearing a black suit of armor that was getting hot due to the sunlight, it was a tall woman who had fallen down face down.

It’s a dead body, Al thought. It was a fallen body that had no sense of life in it. If the girl he had rescued earlier was glittering with life, this woman here was glittering with death. She will most likely rot and become a meal for the sand bugs here.

She was one stupid lady. To wander this wasteland that had no shelter for the sunlight while wearing a black suit of armor that captured all the heat.

[If only she had wore a silver set of armor like me that reflects the sunlight instead.. Well even then, it’s still hot.]

However, a hero was not someone that would be discouraged by the degree of heat.

Everything starts with a shape/impression. A hero without his armor is unthinkable.

Now then, even though it is a dead body, finding her was also kind of fate. It would be good to do a background check on her.

Al dropped the baggage he held on his shoulder. He heard a voice saying [Gufu…] but ignored it. He turned over the lying girl face upwards.

[… What?]

The face that was pummeled in the sand was blushing red and there was a sense of life left in it.

As he put is hands on her face, he felt heat as if she was suffering from a heatstroke, but he could still notice her breathing.

Did she just suddenly collapse not too long ago?

Al turned his head to the route that he was taking.

The sacred mountain that soared to the skies, he could see the smoke at the bottom of the Dragon King mountain.
If she had walked for one more hour, the wasteland would have been over. Just a bit more and she would have been able to see the plains that had food. This current place was such a checkpoint of sorts.

She is an unlucky woman.

If she had just tried a little harder, she would have made it.

But on the other hand, her luck isn’t all that bad considering Al had found her. Because for Al, helping a fallen lady or two is of no difficulty for him.

Al carefully took off the hot armor, and beneath the black armor was a black outfit that a castle maid would wear.
It was an impressive outfit with black chains compiled together on various parts of the body.

(I wonder if all maids arm themselves like this…)

A maid wearing a suit of armor walked through the wasteland.

Without knowing the reason as to why she did so, Al tilted his head.

[… Guess everyone has different circumstances huh]

After muttering so for some time, he bundled the armor into one, strung it up and carried it on his back.

And then he splashed all the water he had left at the woman’s face. There is no shade to hide from the heat here. His best bet would be to hurry to the town. Whether she lives or dies is totally dependent on her stamina.

Thinking as such, Al slung the girl on his left shoulder while carrying the woman on his right side.

He is aiming to be a hero.

Saving a person or two is of no hardship for him.

The biggest tavern in the Dragon King Kingdom was especially crowded more than usual.

Al didn’t understand the [more than usual] part but it was fully occupied despite having a large amount of seats compared to other taverns. Also, there was a group of people that didn’t seem like customers that hung around the wall area. Looks like that’s where the [more than usual] part lies.

What is the reason that so many people are here today to the point of it being full?

Al had an idea to the reason why.

It is the same reason as to why Al took this journey to the Dragon King Kingdom.

Today was the day where the person who requested the slaying of the Dragon King would come to explain the details to those who accepted his request and this tavern was the place chosen for such discussion.

Now then, leaving that as it is.

[Seconds!]

[Here too!]

In front of Al’s eyes, two women were emptying plates as if they were competing against each other.

One was the girl with the slit eyes, with a face of peculiarity rather than one of awe. Her small body was covered with a ragged mantle. She is earnestly stuffing meat into her stomach constantly.

The other person was the tall maid with the face of either an intellectual or one of cold heartedness. Wearing a suit of pitch black armor on top of her maid clothing, she held the appearance of what one would think of when they imagine an elegant knight. However right now, all that elegance was washed away with her only aim being the food on the table.

They were one scary girl and woman. They gave the impression that if someone were to bump into their shoulder in the streets, they would consider it fate and suck them dry of all their money.

As soon as we entered the tavern, the two girls used the strength they recovered from sleeping on the way here to run into the shop, chase out some customers that were already seated and secured a table, ordering dishes in succession right after.

Seemingly not even caring about Al, who was sitting across and facing them

To be exact, they definitely don’t care.

They are only focused on replenishing their missing nutrients.

[But seriously, there seems to be a lot of interesting participants gathered up here huh?]

It wasn’t a voice that was directed towards him, but Al listened in closely.

It seems that those people talking don’t have anything to do with the gathering here. Are they merchants?
With their drunk breath intoxicating their surroundings, they happily looked around the tavern.

[Those guys there are the Dragon King Kingdom’s royal knights right?]

[They sure are famous! Their leader is the 『Astonishing Lion』, Leonhardt = Ponbador! The man who makes the impossible possible. Accomplishing countless attack and defense strategies for the kingdom, a true man indeed!]

Al’s gaze shifted towards where the men looked.

In the corner of the tavern, you could see around 10 fully armored men gathered into a group. With a steel blue set of armor, their armor had no fancy decorations other than the red feathers that decorated their helmets. They were armed for practicality and had it not been for the Dragon King Kingdom insignia engraved on their armor, people would have mistaken them for a mercenary group.

Although they may seem simple, the proudful royal knights of the Dragon King Kingdom had many great tales.

Sometimes, when a dragon comes down from the Dragon King mountain and attack human settlements, it was their duty to exterminate the threat. And as the drunkards said earlier, they were also very proficient in the battlefield. For the Dragon King Kingdom to maintain its status as a great nation during these warring times, their abilities definitely played a huge role as well.

A proficient knight’s order held proudly by its great nation.

It would be impossible for them to be weak.

[And over there, aren’t they the Prime Leopard mercenaries?]

[You’re right. The only people who wear those leopard printed coats in the continent are the Prime Leopard mercenaries! Even then, they are one of the primary color divisions, the Blue Leopard division!]

Al switched his gaze once again.

They were seated to the side, two tables away from the Royal Knights.

As the drunkards said, the group wore leopard printed coats.

Rather than a vibrant blue color, they wore a shiny/showy blue colored coat covered with black leopard print patterns.

Talking about the Prime Leopard mercenaries, they are a huge mercenary organization in the central continent. With their leader
『Big Panther』 at the top, there are five color divisions consisting of red, blue, yellow, white and black. Under these five, there are
four separate divisions as well. Their members are said to be around a hundred thousand strong and have the might rivalling that of a national army.

Among the mercenaries present was a man hunched back wearing his shiny and vibrant blue coat with dyed short blue hair.
He is probably the leader of this group.

We accidently met eyes.

The man had no interest for Al, but his gaze lied upon the two women who were greedily emptying the plates around him. The man’s expression turned crooked. Do they know each other? As Al looked, he could see the man clicking his tongue and downing his drink in one shot.

[Who are those guys up on the second floor?]

[That shining white armor. Those who wear such evil warding armor can only be the Holy Knights’ Order of Millis. The proud executioner division of the holy Millis nation. They are said to be more nasty than the Temple Knights, but that’s also the reason why they are so strong. With overwhelming anti demon equipment, they go around killing off witches or whoever their target is.]

Switching his gaze from the mercenaries to above.

Above was a group that stood out even more than the Blue Leopard mercenaries. A group wearing a white suit of armor. It was the Holy Knights’ Order. Their official name is the “Anti Demon Armored Army Corps.” Their white armor held a high degree of anti magic resistance, and only they, the Anti Demon Armored Corps otherwise known as the Holy Knights’ Order were granted such treasured equipment.

Officially speaking, they aren’t official knights of Millis. However, as a foreigner, if you asked about the Millis knights, they would always mention the Holy Knights. This was referring to them. Rather than the Temple Knights who rarely left their home country, the Holy Knights’ Order that were found to be all over the continent were much more well known.

Within the group, one man with crude features that didn’t seem to even match the vocabulary of “holy knight” looked at us with a surprised expression. Since he didn’t match his eyes with Al at all, it seems that he is acquainted with one of the women here. Just like the Blue Leopard division’s leader, he had a face of disgust as if he had found some garbage insect and looked away abruptly.

[Hey hey, who are those muscular guys over there? They look very sweaty]

[You idiot, what are you going to do if they hear you? They are a martial arts group called the Phoenix’s Nest. Their hometown lacked the metal to make the weapons and armor they needed, so they resulted to developing their hand to hand combat instead. Well now a days, it seems as though their objectives and means to solve matters seem to have reversed roles respectively.

Phoenix’s Nest.

Even Al at least knows the name of the group. Though we don’t know why they need to, they are a group that specializes in fighting anything with their fists. The hand is surely a strong weapon. Everyone has it and since it can be used anywhere, the more you train with it, the more power you can create. Furthermore, it is the closest range weapon of them all. With only using skills, one can deliver a strong damaging blow to their enemy by sticking onto them.

However, the hard truth is that a person is at his strongest when holding a weapon.

Since the reach is very short, it is considered very portable but outside of that there isn’t much. A longer reach is better.

Knowing all too well of this, they didn’t sit down in their seats. Being a nuisance to those around them, they trained towards the corner of the tavern, becoming all sweaty. You could see that the one who looks like their leader is helping to lead one of their especially young members during their training.

All of the members were naked waist up, and with one look you could see an unneccesary amount of muscles covering their bodies.

However, in the region that the Phoenix’s Nest is from, there seem to be many huge monsters with tough hides living in the region. Although their muscles might get in the way when fighting against humans, when it comes to slaying such monsters, those muscles were probably getting the job done.

But of course, there is still some lingering doubt since they live in an age where weapons could just be imported from the outside.

[Who are those gloomy fellows over there?]

[Huh? Those guys are some magician group from the northern side. From what I recall, they call themselves the “Grass World Leaf Tree (Souyoyoumoku).” I don’t know the details but I can tell you one thing, Everyone in that group is a imperial court level magician.

They were a quiet group.

Wrapping their bodies up with light brown and navy blue robes, they seated themselves at the table in the very end and quietly ate their meals. They barely have a conversation. They really don’t fit in with this loud, alcohol infused atmosphere.

A tense sensation could be felt, probably due to the Millis Holy Knights’ Order being here as well. The holy country of Millis prohibits all use of magic, and the Holy Knights are on especially bad terms with such magicians. Millis prohibits any magicians from entering the country and when they do enter illegally, they are judged and punished as criminals. The ones that punish such heretics are those of the Holy Knights’ Order.

When their bretheren are killed, people have a burst of anger no matter what the reason is.

Magicians are no different. They are humans after all. Maybe they really are mad. But it wasn’t possible to interpret as such from the expressions they made sitting at the table near the end.

Suddenly, my eyes met with a young girl sitting amongst the group.

Taking a look at Al’s gaze with dimlit eyes, she tilted her head to the side.

Al got rid of his gaze.

After a brief moment.

On the platform of the tavern.

On the stage where usually travelling bards or whatnot would perform, the man appeared accompanied by his guards.

A dark purple body with four arms. You could tell at one glance he was of the demon race.

And so, if he is a demon, it is obvious that he is the organizer of this assembly.

The tavern returned to dead silence. Even those drunkards would not open their mouths. At any rate, five large organizations are
glaring around the place. With that being said, no one could dare open their mouth.

It seemed that even the sound of eating would make them find you at fault.

However at the most extreme end of things, this didn’t matter to the two girls who didn’t care about their surroundings.
Not caring about the glances surrounding them, they slurped away at their noodles.

[My name is Yulian Halisco. Ah. I’m a weapon’s blacksmith more or less, but every single one of you here probably know that much]

He didn’t shout too loudly, but just enough to reach the corners of the already silent tavern.

He is probably of a race that didn’t have fully developed vocal organs. His hoarse voice suited him as one of the demon race.

He is still young. For the demon race that sometimes live up to one thousand, even ten thousand years, he probably hasn’t even reached the age of 500. It would be hard to distinguish such from his appearance alone, but for the demon race that stack up years of life, most become ferocious as they grow older. I can’t feel the ferociousness of a starved beast from him, so he is definitely young without a doubt.

[As for why I’ve gathered you all here, all of you are probably well aware of the reason why]

For a moment, the tavern turned noisy and returned to its lively state.

But it was really only for a moment, as it returned to silence.

[I plan to make a sword. All the theories of how I will do so are complete. My workshop is also ready but there is one flaw, and that is the lack of materials]

It was straightfoward talk. Now the conversation will head to the main topic.

[The lord of the Dragon King mountain, King Dragon King Kazakt shall be the material I use. For that to happen, I need you to enter the Dragon Kingmountain and bring his corpse. I want you to come back with every inch of his body without even a scrap left behind]

Dragon King!

Having a huge body compared to other dragons, it utilizes high tier gravity magic to make its seemingly sluggish body jump and leap with ease.

Although in terms of group strength, they cannot match the Red Dragons. They are no match for the Red Dragons that eat any living being that steps a foot into the mountain.

However, in a fight of individuals, they reign supreme.

Dragon Kings are the strongest of all dragons.

And out of them all, is King Dragon King Kazakt.

His name is more famous than any other dragon. An ancient dragon that has lived for who knows how many long years.

During the Great Human Demon war, he fought the You-race hero known as Ran Shao who had sided with the humans and won. For his victory, the Dragon King mountain bestowed upon him by the Demon God himself.

Currently there is no living survivor from the Great Human Demon war. The only one still alive other than the King Dragon King would be the Immortal Demon King Atofe, who governs a piece of demon race territory.

King Dragon King Kazakt, a creature that human intelligence cannot fathom.

[As for the reward, I have prepared an amount of money that you will be able to spend playing around for the rest of your life. Furthermore, I will give you the greatest sword I make from the King Dragon King’s remains]

A commotion erupted for a second time.

Whether it was a creature that human intelligence could not fathom, or one that could not match human intelligence, it did not matter.

Humans live for desire.

With that money and selling the sword as well, not to mention a life time, it would be like being promised great prosperity to the very end of your teenage years.

Everyone grew excited as they hoped.

[Go! The Dragon King is in the mountain!]

[OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH!!]

Thanks to the command of the demon race organizer, Yulian, the tavern became much more lively than it previously was and the groups inside who were like the lords of the place began to rush out, leaving the place behind.

After the brief moment of liveliness, the tavern became devoid of life.

The ones left behind were drunkards who had no interest in dragon slaying.

[Mu….]

After realizing he was off to a late start, Al got up in a daze.

I can’t be like this, I’m going to be the one to slay the dragon.

Falling behind the others, he didn’t have time to pass by idly.

Let’s run out of here quickly and take over the others. After that, it’ll be straight to the King Dragon King.

[It’d be useless even if you go now]

After hearing the voice, Al stopped his feet.

Looking around, he found the tall maid’s figure standing with a happy face, with a toothpick.

The once bright red face from the heatstroke returned to its white color matching her body. Her satisfied gestures gave off a bewitching impression. A bewitching one not suited for a maid.

Beside her was the imposing girl, with a happy face as she drank her after meal tea.

Al asked the woman. Although he didn’t even know her name, for some reason her words just now held a certain weight behind them.

[What do you mean useless?]

The woman, with a puzzled look as if asking how he couldn’t know, said bluntly.

[There’s no meaning to it, is what I mean]

[So then what do you mean there’s no meaning to it?]

Despite thinking that she was going around the question, Al kept stacking questions, so the woman tilted her head to the side.

[What? Isn’t your goal to exterminate the dragon? Or am I misunderstanding?]

[There’s no misunderstanding. I’m going to defeat the dragon and become a hero]

Al said so with confidence but the woman returned a bitter smile. She thought that he was joking.

However, to Al who was serious, began to receive her smile with disdain.

It probably showed on his face, as the woman blinked her eyes and bowed her head.

[Ara, I’m sorry. To defeat a dragon and become a hero. It is a spectacular dream]

[Regardless of that, what do you mean it is useless?]

Receiving the apology, Al instantly got rid of any irritation he held and asked her for a second time.

This time, the woman replied.

[If you enter the mountain in huge groups, the Dragon King will be alerted]

[So you mean because of that King Dragon King Kazakt will hide deeper inside the mountains?]

[Well who knows. Maybe he will come out himself to face them. However, it is most likely that he won’t care about what the humans are doing. So it won’t end within one day. One week to two weeks, if we look at it long it may even be a month before they find the King Dragon King. The groups that left to search for him will come back to resupply so you should start your search after they come back here. At least that’s what I would do]

If you go to search in one big crowd, never mind the King Dragon King, the Red Dragons Kings will be agitated and the group will have no choice but to fight them. Each of those groups could probably taken on two to three dragon kings but there will undoubtedly be chaos in the mountain.

Therefore, it would be safer to go alone when no one is there and it would take not much labour to search the mountain to the top. This is what the woman was implying.

As for gathering information, using the traces that the other groups left behind should be enough.

[Well, even if you know it’s futile I know your feeling of being left behind won’t go away. So go at it. Gepu]

The woman said so as she indecently burped.

Al understood her words and sat back down on his seat.

[I wish to hear your side in more detail. My name is Alex=Ryback. I’m called Al by others]

[Ryback…. Ryback? I feel like I’ve heard of that somewhere. Wasn’t that the name of some famous noble in the country side?]

[Yes, even in my home town it is mostly a forgotten family name. I wouldn’t think that someone in a far away foreign country like this would know of us]

[Are you perhaps from the Northern side? Sorry to assume based on your facial appearance, but I would assume you are from the Tetsugan cold plains of the vast Northern lands]

[Of course not, it’s more to the east]

[I see.. You really come from the rural areas]

She has never been to a country that is to the east of the Testsugan cold plains. The map she had thought of in her head basically matched her thoughts

[My apologies for the late thanks regarding your help. Thank you Al and hello. My name is Shaina. Shaina=Marian]

She elegantly bowed with a bewitching smile fixed on her face.

[My occupation is that of a wandering knight. You could also say I’m a mercenary, but more or less I am still a knight]

She said as she stretched out her hand.

Al responded and they both shook their hands.

[A wandering knight huh. That’s very cool]

What’s with the maid outfit? Was what he wanted to say but he swallowed his words.

[It isn’t that good of a job. The bad thing is I can’t join any order of knights. Kind of like a homeless knight]

A knight is someone who devotes their life to their king. Whether it is from doing deeds of merit in battle or being talented with a sword, there are many reasons but it isn’t something that anyone can become. Only those who are respectfully polite and know proper manners/etiquette would be able to hold the title of one.

A knight is different from a mercenary. They are just fundementally different. A knight isn’t all about fighting. Unlike the crude mercenary, the noble knight would have to help out during festivals and rituals. When negotations are to be made
with other countries, if a knight isn’t available for escort, usually a wandering one would be hired to do the job instead.

It depends on the wandering knight but usually countries would expect them to take rough tasks like mercenaries.

She would most likely be someone not just with manners, but one who could be reliable in battle as well.

Al could sense it just by grasping her hand. This hand wasn’t something that was used to holding up a ceremonial sword during a ritual. This was one that actually wielded a sword.

That’s why Al brightly laughed.

[To joke about not being able to join any order of knights, you are popular aren’t you?]

Shaina rubbed Al’s hand in intrigue.

[Even you Al kun, you must be quite skilled, taking on the task to slay a dragon]

[Yup, I’m strong you know]

[To say so with your own words. You must be really confident]

[Because it would be impossible to win without confidence and resolution]

Al said as he took his hand back.

[Thank you for the meal]

At the same time, a cup was placed on the table.

The imposing faced girl took one deep breath and looked at Al with a piercing gaze.

In reality, it was her just sending a mere gaze, but it was more fitting to say she sent a piercing one. It was truly a powerful observation from her.

[Thanks to you I survived. Chiki’s name is Chiki-ta. Remember it]

She said as she stretched out her hand to Al.

[Chiki works as an assassin. I had a job to do here]

Al’s hand stopped for a brief moment.

But then again, there is difference in status regarding one’s occupation.

Assassination is also a job, it is different from ill intended murder.

[I’m Alex=Ryback. You can call me Al, Chiki san]

[Got it. Al. But to carry two people and walk in the wasteland. You must have some great stamina. What do you eat to become like that?]

[It’s nothing like that. I only carried the both of you for a short distance]

Al said so as if it was nothing.

Even though it’s a wasteland, it’s only a week long trip. Anyone with enough water, food and equipment could walk through it.

To Al, he couldn’t understand why the place was called the “Wasteland of death” by travelers.

[For a wasteland like that, there are know-how ways to do the trip]

[Know-hows?]

[For instance, you could eat those sand bugs that feast on the corpses. They provide great nutrition as well]

Chiki looked at him in disgust and took away her hand.

To eat something that has been feasting on dead bodies is like eating the corpse itself. There’s a limit to the strange things one can eat.

[You can fish the sand bugs with some dried jerky. They live underground, at the innermost damp part so they have plenty of fluid as well. They are a must for anyone travelling the wasteland]

Chiki shaked her head with a disgusted look on her face.

[Chiki is a city girl. I don’t want to eat any bugs]

[Is that so? Well in my hometown, everyone eats it like a normal meal. But can’t say it is tasty. So I get what you mean]

It wasn’t a matter of taste, but seeing Al understanding it the way he did, Chiki couldn’t say a word.

Chiki wasn’t rude enough to complain about the hobbies of the person she just met that had saved her life.

[To collapse from refusing to eat sand bugs. You’re not that good at travelling are you Chiki san?]

[That’s not true. Chiki is a great assassin. I just had a little miss this time around]

[I see. Is it the same for you too as well Shaina san?]

Al passed off the conversation to Shaina who was quietly listening to their conversation.

[It wasn’t a miss for me you know. I was provoked by others telling me there was no way I could traverse the wasteland with that armor so I pushed myself through it. The sorry state I was in was what happened because I refused to give up]

[Then what would you have done if you died?]

Shaina showed no concern for Al’s surprised reaction and responded smoothly.

[Well I survived like this so there’s no problem is there?]

[It’s as the knight says]

Said Chiki with a loud voice.

[That may be true…]

Al observed the self proclaimed great assassin as he spoke.

I see. Her demeanor is sharp. Though I can’t truly understand how skillful she is, she definitely isn’t an amateur that only boasts around proclaiming herself as a great assassin in the streets.

Though she said she came here for a job, Al didn’t ask her who she came to kill as he wasn’t really interested.

Although a hero is someone who saves others, he is not one that can deny murder.

Al could kill someone while saving another.

With Chiki killing someone, there might be a possibility where another would be saved.

Thinking about it one step further, it’s all the same. Whether it is Al or Chiki, both are just doing their jobs.

[By the way Al]

[What is it?]

For some reason with an formal expression

[Although you are my savior, Chiki has no money]

[If you are talking about paying for this place, you don’t have to worry about it]

Chiki shook her head.

[… Although there’s that. Chiki’s life has been saved by you]

[That’s true]

[Chiki’s job is to snatch other people’s lives. So there is a value on every life. That’s why since you saved me,
I must compensate you with something equal in return. Do you understand?]

[I understand]

If there is a fee to be paid for destroying something, the same could be said for making it as well.

If there is a money to be had for killing someone, you can’t say that there is no money to be had when someone is saved.

Such are her values as an assassin.

[But I’m not some professional helper so I don’t need the money]

[Fumu, but if nothing can be given, Chiki won’t be able to settle down]

[Even if you say so…]

Demand something for your self, was what Al had interpreted from her. He put his hand on his chin and soon came up with an idea.

[If you’re going to keep insisting, please pay me with your body]

[… What!?]

Chiki’s eyes widely opened her eyes and blushed.

She was petrified for a few seconds and then started looking around, finding the woman next to her staring at Al with a cold gaze and held her tongue.

She closed her eyes.

[Is that so, my body… so it will be. But, as you can see Chiki is very thin so I don’t know if Al is going to be satisfied. Are you okay with it?]

[Please don’t be so humble by saying you are thin. I carried Chiki san all the way here remember? You have the wonderful body like that of a flexible yet tough spring and one that is full of youthfulness]

[Is is that so? That’s the first time someone said that to me. You sure are passionate. Hm. I’ve simulated this before with my eyes several times but to hear this face to face is still embarrassing. Ah, so, uh, that’s right. Be gentle with me on the bed okay?]

Chiki dyed her face red and fidgeted her body as she looked at Al with upturned eyes.

Al tilted his head in confusion.

[Bed? No, I planned to have you work hard in the mountain]

[Mountain!?]

Chiki was astonished. She was as girl that had superficial knowledge on sex. To her, it was something to be had indoors, but to do so outdoors was the skills of someone advanced in the act.

[This was the first time Chiki has ever felt embarrassed. At least…]

Al cut off her uneasy voice.

[It’s okay. It’s my first time too. That’s why it has to be the mountain]

Hearing Al’s words that brimmed with confidence, Chiki’s heart was in shock. Since the day they were born, for living beings to have intercourse day after day was their way of repeating evolution and what not. Thinking back on it, there’s this feeling that quite a few people who told her about this. Underneath the blue sky, feeling liberated but being aroused by the impending danger was the best way of doing it. Something like that anyways.

[That’s the reason why, is it… Sorry for not being well informed but is it okay to have your first in the mountains?]

[I’ve also yearned for something like a castle. A castle occupied by an old Demon King located in the deep parts of the forest]

[Ho, Ho. That’s is romantic indeed. Umu, that I can understand]

[But, it wouldn’t be dragon slaying if it isn’t in a mountain]

[… Dragon slaying?]

Hearing a word that she didn’t hear before, Chiki raised her lowered head.

[The opponent is the King Dragon King Kazakt. He can’t be approached by ordinary means. I need some comrades along the way you know]

After the clock’s needle passed by for three seconds, Chiki’s flushing cheeks returned to their normal colors.

She scowled at the female knight sitting beside her, who was covering her mouth from laughter.

[Hey knight. Did Chiki look like a fool just now?]

[You looked very foolish]

[Hmph! Chiki feels the same way]

Breathing out once with her nose.

Chiki folded her arms and returned her gaze back to Al. Just a little, she lifted her chin up as if she was looking down on him.

[Dragon slaying. Very well. Chiki’s expertise is targeted towards humans but if you take me, there will be things I will be useful for. I’ll work my life’s value]

[Thank you very much]

Al bowed deeply to the girl much younger than him. Although he had confidence of fighting the King Dragon King by himself, if someone got there first, it would be all for nothing. For tracking, it is much more advantageous to have the many people help out.

Better two people than one, better three than two. Al’s gaze looked toward Shaina.

[And so, Shaina san]

Shaina distored her face in refusal.

[What? I don’t want any part of it]

[But Shaina san, you came here for the dragon slaying right? Your observation before of seeing the truth from the nots was very impressive. Please by all means, lend me your strength]

[N.O. My principle is to never carry a burden]

A complete refusal. She isn’t bargaining. There is nothing she wants from this.

But Al won’t give up.

She is experienced. Not to say that she has experience in dragon slaying but she knows how to out maneuver the many groups ahead and reach for victory. Al is confident on bringing down the dragon but getting to it first is not something he can be confident of and is out of his expertise.

Al wants to slay a dragon, not search for it.

For searching the dragon, she will be reliable. He wants to bring her to his side by all means necessary.

If it’s not possible, it is what it is, is what he would usually think, but with Chiki lending her hand just before this, he wants to push his luck a bit.

That being said, how will he pursuade her.

Al with his worries had no words to say.

[Hey knight. Do your principles outweigh your life?}

The assistance came from right nearby. It was Chiki.

Shaina looked up to Chiki as if she was scowling at her and made a bitter smile with a what? on her eyebrows.

[If you say it like that, it’s pretty difficult]

[If that’s the case, you should help out. Or do you want to hoard the reward for yourself?]

[It’s not like that. There’s no way I can single handedly defeat a Dragon King… But uh… How should I explain this…]

Shaina folded her arms and groaned.

She had her own reason for approaching things as such, so her declining his request accordingly was something that even Al had assumed.

You have to pay back those who save your life. A knight is an occupation that works with their duty and honor. This is
even true for a wandering knight. But there must be a reason why she refuses despite all this.

[What is your reason for wanting to slay the dragon? Al kun]

Right after her groan, she asked such a question.

[Even if you ask “why” I want to]

Al bitterly smiled

[Is it for money?]

[No. It may be awkward for me to say myself, but I’m from a wealthy family so I don’t mind giving up the money reward you know?]

He said so freely.

[Ara, you sure are generous. Then is it the sword made by the demon blacksmith?]

[No. This treasured sword that I carry has been handed down my family for hundreds of years and is my partner. At the very least, unless it breaks, I won’t be needing a new one]

He said freely as he touched the hilt of the sword placed on his back.

[To not desire anything from this. I can only doubt that you plan to do something devious]

[I do have desire]

[Is that so? Then what do you want?]

[I want to become a hero. So what I want, is fame]

[Fame? Ha!]

That word made Shaina laugh.

This time, it was a really scorn filled smile.

Even Al knows what it means to be famous or a hero in these times.

Fame.

It is not something that is simply obtainable. It’s something that sticks on like a stone weight over time.

If you expose yourself to the battlefield, anyone has the chance of obtaining it which made it a very common thing.
If you live on the battlefield, you will surely obtain it. Fame is something like that.

Al received the scorn filled smile, but this time, he did not have the displeased face as before.

If she showed such scorn while carrying light feelings, Al would be irritated as well. But in her case, it was something much heavier.

She probably has ill feelings to the word “fame”.

[What will you do by obtaining something like that? Obtaining fame, and being called a hero, then what?]

[No matter how it is said, defeating the King Dragon King Kazakt, and earning fame to be called the hero of dragon slaying
holds meaning]

[There’s no way something like that can…]

[There is one]

Al repeated once again while biting his lips.

For Shaina to have ill feelings towards the word is fine. But there is nothing wrong with wanting to earn fame.

And as for what Al wants, it is not something that could be simply said and generalized.

It was something personal, something like a personal idol of sorts.

So, Al just stared at Shaina.

[…]

[Wha, What?]

Shaina closed her mouth.

She stuttered.

Taking a breath.

[There is a meaning. At the very least, for me]

Al would only say that much.

If there was no meaning, he wouldn’t bring himself all the way over here.

To become a hero holds meaning. For it to not have one is not an option.

Al yearns to become a hero, but he doesn’t want to become one just by yearning.

He didn’t have the confidence to put those complex feelings into words. Al wasn’t good with words.
He would try to start by explaining from the beginning, but would get lost himself along the way.

However, there was one thing that he could say.

[Please. The King Dragon King, is my father’s life long enemy]

Al said so and bowed his head.

How long did he bow down for?

Shaina relaxed her shoulders.

[… Alright. Going as far to say that much, I’ll help you out]

[Then…]

As Al elevated his face dyed with joy, Shaina sighed [ahh] and looked up at the ceiling. She had a face that she would make when during conflicts, the scales of fate that sided with no one would in the end choose a path for her that she didn’t wish to take.

[But promise me one thing. This isn’t a simple give and take. It’s a promise. If you protect this promise, never mind the dragon slaying, I’ll continue to always be your companion. It is a very important promise]

[For me to protect something]

To Al who obediently nodded in agreement, Shaina sent a weak gaze.

It looked as she was about to cry.

[It’s simple]

Contrary to her face, she said something truly simple, something that sounded simple.

[If at any point, if you feel at danger or risk, I want you to leave me behind and run away]

Al smiled brightly.

[So that’s it, that’s what you meant]

He replied immediately.

The girl on the side watching all of this unfold was sure that the boy who held justice to such a high regard would reject such a promise immediately.

He would shake his head and tell her it was impossible for him to leave her behind.

[That’s no problem for me]

Right after he muttered those words, Chiki spurted her tea from her mouth all over Al’s face.

(source: https://ncode.syosetu.com/n9673bn/2/)

TL Note: Hi guys, I’ve come back after a few years with the first chapter of the Subjugation of the King Dragon King. This is one of my most favourite arcs in MT and I hope all of you enjoy it as well. As you can tell, this is the tale of Kalman II, aka the Second North God, father of Alek.

There may be some translation errors (been a while since I translated a WN so…) and names that I kept in the Japanese pronunciation as they just either don’t sound good in English, or there are really not many words that can be described in English.

I will try to upload the next chapter by this month.

Edit: There is a prequel before Chapter 1 but that has already been translated years back by someone else as I mentioned in my previous post on this blog. Please google and read that before you read this chapter.

When I woke up, I saw someone coming out from the dim bedroom.

“Someone” may not be the right word.

It was Sukeakoto of Time.

He had left the room in silence after checking if I had woken up.

 

[Fua…]

 

I stretched my body while letting out a yawn.

 

[…]

 

My name is Nanahoshi.

Nanahoshi Shizuka

 

A high school girl that came to this world from another world.

I’m what you would call a Tripper.

 

Though I experimented with teleportation magic to get back to my own world, it seems that I won’t be able to return anytime soon. Staying in this world for too long will result in me dying by an illness, so to diagnose it, one of Perugius’ subordinates known as “Sukeakoto of Time” used his time stopping ability on me and made me skip time, only waking up once a month. Such is my current situation.

 

Waking up only once a month.

One day is short.

After taking a shower, eating and then hearing about what has been going around in the world, the day ends.

Furthermore, for me, a single year is only 12 days.

In the blink of an eye, years pass by.

If it was the old me, I would have been worried about every little thing.

However, these days I live in comfort partially thanks to Rudeus.

 

… That’s how it is but I’m worried about one thing.

It’s Sukeakoto’s time stop ability.

There’s is one huge flaw to this ability.

 

[… I’m hungry]

 

I become extremely hungry when I wake up from the time stop.

According to Perugius, it’s because I’m a person from another world without mana and he believes that it is not a big problem.

Whether it really is a big problem or not, I’m starving after I wake up.

My stomach growls.

The feeling of not eating something for an entire day assaults my stomach.

Even today, I felt like I was going to collapse if I didn’t eat anything immediately after I woke up.

 

However, the meal comes later.

 

I got up from my bed and exited my room.

The place I’m headed for is a place where I can wash myself up… in other words, the bathroom.

 

Taking a bath is a must if I want to stay at Perugius’ castle.

Perugius loves cleanliness.

Within this vast castle, there is not a single piece of trash on the ground.

Naturally, a human living in this castle must also be clean as well.

If you aren’t clean, you will be stared down by Sylvaril’s unpleasant gaze.

 

Therefore, I walk straight towards the bathroom and wash my body while holding back my hunger.

Holding a towel and soap in my hands, I wash my body while rubbing my half asleep eyes.

This is the least amount of courtesy that one must provide to stay in this castle.

 

After taking the shower and getting cleaned up, I sat down on the floor in hunger and put strength in my legs to face my room.

The bedroom is my own room that was assigned to me.

 

In there is someone.

In there maybe Rudeus and Zanoba or Sylphy and Aisha, waiting to greet me.

In terms of how frequently they visit, I guess Rudeus would be number one.

 

[Good morning, Nanahoshi]

 

It’s Rudeus again today huh.

I relax after seeing his body.

He is the existence that comes to satisfy my hunger.

 

Though I don’t know if he knows I have a hunger problem or not, he always brings me food.

Karaage and curry, cream puffs, those kind of things.

After reproducing the food from our world, he brings them here.

Occasionally he brings something weird, but instead of it tasting bad, it makes me laugh as it is something different.

 

[Sniff sniff…]

 

Today, I could smell a sweet scent coming from within the room.

Ahh, this smell… Ahh.

I wonder what it is today…

 

[Gulp]

 

I accidentally swallowed my saliva as it built up inside my mouth.

My stomach growled.

I want to eat it already.

As if my body was being controlled by my stomach, I started to approach Rudeus.

 

[Good morning Nanahoshi]
Rudeus moved towards the table near the window and put seven objects on the table and began to heat them up.

They had a triangular shape.

With a fan on his left hand and holding a brush and a pair of long chopsticks on his right hand, he began to roll the things and brushed them with something.

When he used his brush, a dark brown liquid close to the colour of black began to ooze out.

Afterwards, when he started brushing the seven objects, a sweet armoa filled the room.

I can’t be wrong.

That black liquid, must be soy sauce.

 

[Today is going to be yaki onigiri]

 

I sat down on my seat as if I had agreed to his words.

As I moved the table, the outside view could be seen from the window.

Perugius’ most proud garden and white clouds.

A superb scenery that could only exist in a fantasy world expanded itself.

No, I guess if you go to certain places in my old world you could see the same thing… such as the Machu Picchu.

If I remember correctly, wasn’t there a Machu Picchu in Japan as well?

 

[…]

 

When I looked, I could see a tray that was covered with cloth on the table.

When I removed the cloth, I could see a bunch of white onigiri placed side by side.

As I expected, there is no seaweed.

 

[Yaki onigiri… it’s my first time eating it]

[Huh? You’ve never eaten one before?]

[We didn’t really make onigiri back at home]

[Ha~ … onigiri huh…]

 

Rudeus nodded with a vague face as if he understood or didn’t understand what I was saying.

But, I do have some experience with such a face.

That’s a face one makes when they feel a generation gap.

But it was just my house, other kids made and brought onigiri all the time to sports events or field trips.

It’s not a matter of difference in age.

 

[Well, here you go]

 

With a small sound, a single plate was put in front of me.

On the plate were two steaming onigiri.

 

[There’s also miso soup, are you going to drink it?]

 

As Rudeus said this, he brought up a huge pot towards the table.

When the lid of the pot opened, the smell of miso gently filled the room.

Although I didn’t reply to Rudeus, Rudeus poured the contents of the pot into a wooden bowl as if he understood what my reply was going to be anyways.

As for the reason why the bowl was made of wood, it’s probably due to his obsession with them.

 

When the wooden bowl full of miso soup was placed before my eyes, my mouth filled with saliva as if I had already tasted it.

Of course, drinking miso soup in this world isn’t a first time experience for me.

Rudeus had already brought it with him multiple times before.

It isn’t like before when the dashi wasn’t put into the soup at all either.

I think that each time he brings it, it gets closer to perfection.

I’m pretty sure that Sylphy and Aisha back at Rudeus’ home is working hard on it.

 

[Itadakimasu]

 

I met my hands together and bowed.

As I was about to start eating, I hesitated for a moment.

To my side was a knife and fork, and chopsticks as well.

I guess he is being considerate in letting me eat in whatever way I please.

 

[…]

 

But, I reached out with my bare hands intentionally.

I know that it’s bad manners.

However, when thinking of onigiri, an image of using one’s hands to eat it pops into my head.

It may be that I simply admired the way of eating onigiri with bare hands.

 

I gripped the onigiri with my fingers and put it into my mouth.

 

A crunchy texture.

As I chewed the onigiri, the fragrance of soy sauce filled by mouth.

Furthermore, the place that I chewed on the most was the hot white rice.

As the flavors of both the white rice and soy sauce met together, I could sense something tinkling on the corner of my brain.

I took a bite into the contents in my mouth once more before I swallowed it down.

 

[…!]

 

At that moment, I could feel a strong sensation inside my mouth.

There was something inside of the onigiri.

It’s sour.

Is this perhaps…

 

[Umeboshi?]

[The other day, I went to visit Ariel and saw her boasting about her garden. In there was a tree that resembled a Japanese Apricot tree. So just to try things out, I took a few of its fruits and realized that it was spot on]

[Heh…]

 

After this, Rudeus began telling me the origins of this tree, and how Ariel said to him “Are you planning to poison someone?” when he was taking the fruits, but
I had no interest in his stories.

 

Enough of that, this is umeboshi.

It was something I never really ate in my world.

I didn’t really like it either.

But what is it? This sour taste that is unique to the umeboshi.

Despite my mouth being full of food, my saliva overflowed like a tsunami.

Inside my mouth, my saliva was gathered and the white rice, umeboshi and the soy sauce flavored burnt rice began to blend together.

White rice and umeboshi, I’ve now found out the reason why these two are usually eaten together.

 

Before I swallowed the contents in my mouth, I chewed it three more times.

As I implolitely stuffed the yaki onigiri into my mouth, the soft rice, the soy sauce flavoured burnt rice and the umeboshi’s sour flavour met together.

Ahh… it’s so good.

 

[Hnn…]

 

As my throat got stuffed due to swallowing it all down, I drank the miso soup to wash it down.

The miso soup’s thin taste helped wash away the flavor of the plums and the soy sauce and refreshed my mouth.

 

[Fuu…]

 

After taking a breath, I keep repeating the pattern of eating and drinking.

As I did so, a single yaki onigiri disappeared in the blink of an eye.

It was delicious.

 

[The next one is going to have okaka in it. It wasn’t made with skipjack tuna so the taste might be different, but it is still delicious.]

 

Okaka.

I’ve eaten that many times before.

Especially in kindergarten, it was a regular dish that went with an egg on my rice.

To reproduce that taste…

I want to eat it already.

 

[Uh Nanahoshi, listening to me while eating is fine but]

[Huh?]

[I have a little thing I want to discuss with you]

 

I felt a bad premonition.

 

He sometimes brings something to discuss about.

Whether it is something about his children or having a fight with his wives and wanting to know what he did wrong.

 

Of course, I’m being helped by Rudeus as well.

Work as hard as you can, say what is on your mind.

I tell him to do such things and think of it as giving him some advice.

 

However, sometimes he discusses things that I give a proper answer to.

For example, telling me that he made a doll that looks exactly like me and that it has lewd functions.

Or worrying that him and Slyphy are having a hard time making a third child.

 

Although I give him some advice during these times, it doesn’t seem to help.

Because I’m nothing more than an inexperienced female high school student.

 

[What’s up?]

[To tell you the truth, Lucy…]

 

Lucy.

Rudeus’ oldest daugther.

In my memory, she was a little girl with long ears and a lot of energy, with a little shy side as well.

It feels like I haven’t met her in a long time.

I wonder how old she is right now.

 

I wonder what the heck Lucy did.

She didn’t become a deliquent by any chance did she?

Maybe it’s something like Lucy rode on her horse every night in the alley, doing nothing but fighting and after all that gathered all the nearby thieves and made a Greyrat alliance with whom she set sail with to take over the nation and to top it all off she is currently being oppressed by some army and sitting in a juvenile detention center…

 

[She is going out with Clive kun]

[…]

 

Clive.

If I remember, he was Cliff and Elinalise’s son.

I guess he is Lucy’s childhood friend.

 

[Sorry but how old are those two again?]

[Lucy is 14 and Clive is 12]

 

14 and 12.

Clive is a bit young…

But it’s by no means too early for him to go out with someone.

Though when I was 12, I never dated or had a broken one sided love before.

 

But, thank god.

It seems that today won’t be about a heavy topic.

 

[Are you against it?]

[I’m not particularly against it]

[Then what’s the problem? You want to discuss it right?]

[No, I just thought that it would nice to say something to her as a father]

 

As a father?…

 

[Are you planning to say something?]

[No, how should I say it. I want to tell her that love is fine but she should also focus on her studies as well. Or telling her to use contraception as well]

[You shouldn’t tell her about the last one. It’s important but it’s way too early for that talk]

[Ah okay]

 

But if I was in her position, what would I do.

Being over 13 years old, dating someone in my class and having my father nag at me about it.

If it was me, I wouldn’t like it.

I would say that I know all that already and would rebel according to the situation.

 

I don’t know how Lucy would take it.

But Lucy is probably working hard to be recognized by Rudy.

Though it’s been a long time so I don’t know how she is now…

But since she is a diligent child, she probably is still working hard on it.

What would happen if she stopped to catch a little breath and her father started scolding her for it?

When she would usually work hard and the moment she took a little break, her father would tell her “Keep studying”.

… She would probably hate it.

Then right now it is better to just leave her alone.

 

But at such a young age can a kid in love come back to studying and sports?

Since I don’t know much about love, I can’t say much.

It’s just that since there are so many people in society who go crazy about it, wouldn’t it be hard for her to focus on other things as well?

Hmm…

 

[Well, I think it’s just a matter of how you say it]

[How I say it?]

[Something like telling her to date in moderation until graduation]

 

It’s a matter of how one says it.

Outright denying it without listening or showing too much interest into her relationship isn’t good.

Also, there’s the fact that the Greyrat household sends their kids to the magic university at the age of 7.

When they graduate, they will be an adult.

If that’s the case… well, it’s a matter of being responsible for one’s self.

 

[Ah I see. Moderation huh. That’s a good word. I got it, thanks]

 

Rudeus sighed with a relieved face.

It seems like he received good counselling this time.

Though I don’t know what the result will be.

 

[Well, eat up. What will you have for the next one? Ume or okaka?]

 

When I looked at my plate, all the okaka ones were gone.

It seems like I ate all of them during our counselling session.

I couldn’t feel the taste at all.

Although there remained a bit of a delicious aftertaste.

Alright, next time I’ll make sure to savor the taste more.

 

[Okaka]

[Alright]

 

Rudeus used his brush to smear the white onigiri with soy sauce and put it on the charcoal brazier.

After a few seconds, the smell of the burnt soy sauce floated in the air.

It’s a fragrant and a little sweet smell.

Even though I had just finished eating two onigiri, saliva gathered around my mouth yet again.

 

[To cook food inside, it seems that you lack common sense]

 

And so, someone entered the room.

A silver haired man with a splendid white coat wrapping around his body, it was none other than Perugius.

Sylvaril could be seen behind him as well.

 

[Ah, my apologies. But not to worry, we are using ventilation]

[It’s fine. Although you seem to lack common sense, my Chaos Breaker is strong when it comes to heat as well. With this much, not even a stain can remain]

[I thank you for your leniency]

[Hmph]

 

Snorting in response, Perugius had a seat.

 

[What are you eating?]

[It’s called yaki onigiri. It’s a dish that consists of cooked bunched up rice coated with soy sauce or miso]

[Hmm, it sounds like something that an adventurer would eat]

[It’s a dish for the common folk after all]

[Guess I’ll try one]

 

Perugius is always like this.

He would say things like how the cooking style is shabby or that it looks bad.

But he never refuses to eat it.

 

Rudeus responded with the usual “Yes, I know” and put one of the two cooked onigiri in front of Perugius.

He also put one in front of me.

 

[Do you eat it with your hands?]

 

Perugius looked at my dirty hands and frowned.

 

[Eat it however you like]

 

Hearing Rudeus’ reply, he grabbed a knife and fork and cut the onigiri.

He then put the cut onigiri into his mouth with his fork.

It’s an elegant conduct.

It puts my dirty fingers and mouth to shame.

 

[How is it Perugius sama?]

[Hmm…]

 

Perugius frowned after a bite.

Was it not to his taste?

 

[Perugius sama, there’s no real need to force yourself to eat a dish from another world…]

 

Said Sylvaril.

Even though he hasn’t even tasted it before…

Something as good as this…

 

[No, this is a taste that I’ve missed for some time]

[A taste you’ve missed?]

[During the Laplace campaign, among the soldier’s provisions, there was something like this. It was a hardened bread which you would soak in a sauce and cook until it was a little burnt]

[…]

[Because of the needlessly strong taste, I can’t say that it tasted good, but it does take me back]

 

Perugius narrowed his eyes and looked outside by the window.

Out there was a garden full of multi colored flowers and a sea of clouds.

I don’t know what kind of thoughts Perugius holds in regards to his past.

He talks about his heroic past frequently but never really talks about his sad memories.

 

[Rudeus]

[Yes?]

[It had a good flavor]

[Thank you very much]

 

I ate my okaka onigiri as I saw them exchanging words.

Ah.

I forgot to savor the taste again.

Well, it was delicious for sure.

I wanted to savor the taste more deliberately.

 

However, with this I’ve eaten three.

I’m slowly getting full.

A full stomach is a palate’s worst enemy.

No matter how delicious something is, if you eat it with a full stomach, the taste falls.

Especially for dishes with a strong flavor.

 

One more.

That is most likely my limit if I want to savor the taste.

 

Should I do okaka as my last one?

But I’ve already eaten two of them.

Would ume be better?

Wait a second, how about putting half of each in it?

No, the cooking time of the ume and okaka is different…

 

[Well, it’s time to wrap up]

 

As he said this, Rudeus lifted the kettle from the table.

He put his hands on the exterior of the kettle for a few seconds.

When he did this, steam began to come out from the kettle.

At first I wondered what he was doing but it seems like he is using magic to warm it up.

I can’t smell the contents of the kettle.

I wonder what’s inside.

 

[When you eat yaki onigiri, this is always the finisher]

 

Rudeus put the cooked onigiri into a container and began pouring the contents of the kettle inside it.

From the gentle sweet smell, I could tell what was inside the kettle.

It was tea.

However, it wasn’t the aroma of black tea.

It was green tea.

 

[Ochazuke!]

 

I shout out my thoughts.

 

[I see that you had tea]

[Well… The ingredients for both black and green tea is the same]

 

Though I never had yaki onigiri in my original world, I never knew you could eat it like this.

Ochazuke is also a standard desert after a meal.

Even with a full stomach, you can fully savor the taste.

 

[Here. Give it a try]

 

I grabbed my chopsticks and began splitting apart the yaki onigiri that was soaked in the tea.

The cool aroma of the green tea increased my appetite.

 

[Itadakimasu]

 

I began to stir the ochazuke wholeheartedly.

The green tea softens the burnt rice and neutralizes the strong flavor of the soy sauce.

The smooth texture goes down my throat.

Furthermore, if you cut the ume inside the onigiri, it becomes a umezuke.

If it’s this, I can eat as much as I want.

 

[Fu]

 

Before I knew it I had eaten everything.

When I was eating I thought I could eat as much as I wanted but after finishing it, I am left with a full stomach and a feeling of satisfaction.

 

As I look around, I can see the garden and clouds.

It feels as if I went on a picnic and ate until I was full.

It’s happiness.

 

[Perugius sama’s garden sure is beautiful]

 

As I mumble to myself, Perugius does not reply.

With a face that seemed to say “obviously”, he slowly drank the ochazuke.

Rudeus stayed silent as well as he ate the uncooked onigiri.

 

[…]

 

A moment of silence.

Rudeus would at times drink his miso soup and the sound of him drinking echoed throughout the room.

This island has a lot of trees and flowers.

However, there are no birds.

Other small animals are non existent as well.

For some reason, that gives off a strange feeling.

 

In such a place, we are eating onigiri and drinking miso soup.

This situation seemed like an extravagant moment of good luck.

Even though the cause of me coming to this world was due to an unfortunate event.

But such happiness during times of sorrow is a blessing.

 

[Rudeus]

[Hm?]

[I’m definitely going to go back]

[Do your best]

 

If I do go back to my world without any problems, I’m going to travel and see the world.

Taking onigiri with various ingredients inside.

With a container full of miso soup.

With a small bottle of soy sauce, I’ll go to a place where cooking is permitted and cook and eat my own yaki onigiri.

 

Such were my thoughts.

 

 

 

 

(source: http://ncode.syosetu.com/n4251cr/23/)

TL Note: Sorry about the delay on this chapter. I was really busy with some irl things and couldn’t translate on schedule. The next chapter may also be delayed like this ㅠㅠ.

Now that we got that out of the way, there were some many different foods and such in this chapter. I kept most of their names in their Japanese names because they are literally called that way in English.

For some clarification:

Umeboshi = Japanese salt plums

Ume = Japanese apricot.

Okaka = Dried, fermented and smoked Skipjack Tuna.

Onigiri = Japanese rice ball

The rest you can probably google yourself. Thanks for reading~

That day, Rudeus and his companions decided to spend a night in the Holy Sword Region.

They were lent a room in the true dojo and spending the night there.

However, Eris was called to Nina’s house.

She was planning to stay with Rudeus and the others but she was fervently requested by Nina.

 

Nina’s house.

That is to say, this is Jino Britts’ house as well.

When Eris told Rudeus that she would be staying there alone, Rudeus worried and opposed her decision at the same time.

He was worried about the attitudes of the Sword Saints.

 

The Sword Saints were oozing bloodlust due to their involvement in the death of Gull.

Rudeus was most likely exposed to such bloodlust.

However, as far as Eris knew, the Holy Sword Region was always like that.

From the beginning, most swordsmen wanted to be seen as strong rather than actually becoming strong.

However, there was no one with a strong enough fighting spirit to ambush an opponent who came from outside the dojo.

If there was someone like that, he would be similar to Eris in her past.

 

Nevertheless, Eris left behind Rudeus and arrived at the Britts residence.

It was a bit distant from the dojo and was a small house unfitting of someone with the title of Sword God.

 

[Welcome. Come inside. Jino is out doing training at this time so he won’t be back anytime soon]

[T-thanks for having me]

 

Eris went through the doorway nervously.

Thinking about it, it may be the first time Eris has ever done this since she was born.

Going over to a friend’s place.

She meets Isolte each time she visits the capital of the Asura Kingdom.

However, she never went over to her house.

Though she had been to the dojo nearby, it is different from [going over to a friend’s house].

 

[Welcome back!]

 

The thing to greet the nervous Eris was a lively voice.

Making noises with their little feet, two children came out to greet them.

 

[Mother! Welcome back]

[Welcome back!]

 

On one side was a lively little boy. With a  wooden sword in his right hand, his smile covered his entire face.

On the other side was a little girl. This one was still young and was running as if she was trying to catch up to the boy.

They ran all the way to the doorstep but after being surprised by Eris, they stopped in their tracks.

 

[This is my son Nel and my daughter Jill. Both of you, this is Eris. She is mom’s friend]

[H-hi, I’m Eris]

 

After being introduced as a friend by Nina, Eris tightened her mouth and bowed her head.

The two kids’ eyes widened after hearing of Eris’ name.

 

[Red hair! Are you by chance the Mad Sword King Eris!?]

[Red hair!]

 

Nel couldn’t hide his astonishment after hearing that name.

As for Jill, it seems she didn’t know what was exactly going on but decided to just repeat what was being said.

However, despite not knowing much about Eris, she seemed to be curious about Eris. With glittering eyes, she drew closer to Eris.

She is probably curious about her red hair.

Jill stretched her hand out at Eris’ waved hair.

 

[Come on now]

[R-red!]

 

Jill said in a dissatisfied voice and started throwing a tantrum.

Seeing Jill act in such a way, Nel raised his voice in panic.

 

[No Jill! It’s the Mad Sword King! If you touch her, she’s going to eat you!]

[Gulp?]

 

Jill looked at Eris with frightened eyes.

Seeing such a scene, Eris laughed.

For some reason, the way these two kids acted reminded her of Ars and Sieg a few years back.

 

[I won’t do something like eating you]

[… Your plan to make them put their guards down and eat them aren’t you?]

 

The person who said such words was Nina.

Looking at Nina with question filled eyes, Eris tightly shut her mouth.

After seeing Eris make such an expression, Nina laughed and held Jill out to her.

 

[I’m just joking. Do you want to try holding her?]

[Mhm]

 

Eris receives Jill from Nina.

Jill was frightened but after realizing that Eris’ way of holding her was more experienced than her mother, she quickly settled down.

Grabbing the red hair, she smiled saying [Red, tasty!] and put it in her mouth.

 

[Ah, Jill. You can’t eat that!]

[… Uuu]

 

Being scolded by Nina, Jill quickly put it away from her mouth.

Regardless of the colour being red, it was still hair and wasn’t delicious at all.

However, it was too late and Eris’ hair became all sticky.

 

[Looks like I was the one who got eaten]

 

Eris said so in laughter as she brushed Jill’s hair.

 

Nina looked at the scene in surprise.

As if she was saying “Is that really Eris?”

No, there was a time when Eris saw a similar scene play out in the Asura Kingdom.

Since Eris is a mother as well, she can act in such a way.

 

[Since you know that it isn’t tasty, you can’t eat it anymore okay?]

[Uhn]

 

As soon as Eris put Jill down, Jill began to jump around and ran back inside the house.

 

[I’m Nel Britts!]

 

And so Nel appeared as if him and Jill had switched places.

He greeted her using one knee.

 

[Mad Sword King! Your the real deal right! It is an honor to meet you!]

[… I’m Eris Greyrat. You can get up now]

[No! Uhm! Uhm! Since a long time I always…]

 

Looked up at Eris with glittering eyes.

With an excited expression, he tried to say something.

 

[Alright, that’s enough. Nel. Are you planning to keep Eris at our doorstep? At least carry on after dinner]

 

And so, Nina stopped it there.

She put her head on Nel’s head and patted him with a bit of strength.

 

[Okay…]

 

Nel lowered his head in dissatisfaction.

He wanted to talk to her more. If it was possible, he wanted her to help him in his training.

However, his mother will most likely not allow him to do so.

It’s always been like that.

When famous swordsmen visited the Holy Sword Region, they were never allowed to meet him.

 

Leaving the dissatisfied Nel behind, Eris was invited into the house.

---

 

[Everyone changed didn’t they?]

 

After dinner, Eris relaxed in the living room and began talking to Nina.

There is no sign of Jino.

He returned to his room with the kids after dinner.

Judging from the sound of the children’s laughter, he seems to be playing with them.

 

[I would have never thought that he would become like this at all]

 

Nina, Eris and Jino.

Jino was the most inferior out of the three.

He always swung his sword with a sulken face and couldn’t even reply to the Sword God’s words.

Despite this, he reached the point of taking Nina as his wife and beating Eris in a single blow.

When Eris realized this, she couldn’t hide her astonishment.

Though she heard about it from Gal, actually seeing him in person made her think that his entire person had changed.

 

[Well you didn’t even grab your sword at the dojo as well]

 

Nina is the same as well.

Despite the fact she was so deadset on becoming stronger.

She only looked at Eris in the dojo. Not only that, she also let Jino do as he pleased.

Back in the day, Nina would have never done such things.

 

[Well, I do have another child coming]

 

Nina said that as she gently touched her belly.

Thought it was difficult to tell from the outside, it is certain that her belly has swollen a little bit.

 

[Although Jino gave me the title of the Sword Emperor, it looks like I’ll have to retire soon]

[Are you satisfied with that?]

 

Eris asked in contrast to the laughing Nina.

Though Nina dropped her gaze towards Eris, she showed a satisfied face.

 

[Yep… I’m satisfied. I do have feeling that I want to continue in swordsmanship. But it’s weird, I have little regret. To me, my path to the sword may have been over after my loss to Jino]

[You lost?]

[Yep. Before Jino challenged the Sword God, he told me to become his if he beat me in a duel. So I fought hard and ended up losing]

[What a lovely proposal]

[I know right?]

 

Nina recalled those moments in her past and began to laugh.

Before that day, Nina thought about becoming the strongest swordsman, or even becoming the Sword God herself.

However, such thoughts disappeared in an instant.

Jino was just that strong.

He brought her down in a single strike as if all the effort she had put in were in vain.

Just like he did to Eris today.

 

If it wasn’t Jino.

If he wasn’t her little henchman back in her childhood, things may have been different.

She might have cried in frustration and become even more obsessed with the sword just like she did when she lost to Eris.

 

However, her opponent was Jino.

Jino became strong so that he could marry her.

And after beating her, he went straight to the Sword God and achieved victory.

Returning with the title as the new Sword God, Jino stole away Nina’s lips and put himself unto her.

That day, Nina became Jino’s.

In mind and body.

 

Though Nina claimed that she wanted to become the next Sword God, she knew that effort alone wasn’t enough.

It is difficult with just effort or talent alone.

Even if you have those two things, it may be hard to reach such a goal.

 

Despite that, Jino worked as hard as Nina as if he was pulled in by her.

With such a mindset, he worked himself to a bloody pulp far surpassing Nina.

And so Jino arrived at it.

The state known as the Sword God.

The place that only a select few can hope to reach.

 

Therefore, Nina is thinking that Jino should receive a [fitting reward] as well.

The fitting reward would be as Gal Farion said, [letting him do as he pleases].

It’s fine to let the Sword God can do as he pleases.

So even if Jino behaves in the manner he did today, she won’t say anything.

Whether it is her thoughts or things she wants to say, Jino would hear her out.

But she felt if she did such things, Jino may become weak.

Nina couldn’t bear being a hindrance to the one she admired.

 

Anyhow, Nina abandoned the sword and began to focus on another matter.

Parenting.

She was satisfied with that.

 

[How about you Eris?]

[I’m satisfied]

[Even though there are two other wives than you?]

[I don’t really mind. It’s quite normal. Though my father only had my mother as his wife, my grandfather had his hands on a lot of women. Even Rudeus’ father had two wives as well.]

[Although I’m not a Millis believer, I can’t think of someone having multiple wives]

 

Of course, Eris had her complaints as well.

She did think about what it would be like if she was Rudeus’ only wife.

They would probably be always happy.

However, it would just be the two of them from day to night without bothering anyone else.

 

Comparing that to the current [Greyrat household], how would it be.

A home without Sylphy and Roxy.

There would be no Lucy and Lara, Sieg and Lili as well.

To make up for that, Eris would probably have more children, but it was hard to think of her having more children.

It’s because she knows the present that she feels dissatisfied.

 
For instance, having a towel handed to her sweat drenched self after training.

Or when she enters the bath and forces the mud covered Lala into the bath right after.

And after washing the children, the new clothes and underwear that were placed for them to wear in advance.

Being able to pass her work to the others without feeling bad or sticking to them all the time, the right kind of distant feeling.

Sylphy and Roxy

Thinking about how life would be without the two of them was hard for Eris.

 
To begin with, she currently feels complete.

Watching the kids grow up is both fun and worth doing.

In a little while, she will teach them real swordsmanship.

Lucy is heading towards the path of magic and though Lala’s path isn’t clear, Ars is definitely going to go into swordsmanship.

How should I teach them? How will the grow up?

Even by just thinking about such things gave her happiness.

 

[Eris, you’ve changed as well]

[You’re right]

[If it was the old you, you would have probably sent kids flying with your kick]

[How rude, I wouldn’t kick them or do something like that]

[In the past you seemed to be like a child but now you are taking care of children]

[I’ve given birth to two children after all]

[How about a third one?]

[I think I’m good with children for now]

[Even that as well?]

 

When Nina asked, Eris’ face blushed.

 

[… I, I wouldn’t mind more of that]

 

That was Eris’ true feelings.

However, the heavy and discomforting feeling during pregnancy isn’t something she likes at all.

 

[Nevertheless, the current Eris is so much easier to get along with]

[I too like the current Nina much more as well. Back in the day, you were kind of a bother]

[I guess so]

 

Nina in her past was sharp.

She always thought that she was the strongest and didn’t care about anyone below her.

Though the thing that caused her ego to completely vanish had to do with coming into contact with Eris, her marriage with Jino played a major role as well.

 

[… Ah, thinking about it, Isolte also got married. Did you hear about it?]

 

Eris suddenly remembered one other person.

Isolte Cruel.

Currently calling herself the Water God Reyda, the one who stands at the top of the Water God Style.

 

[Yep, there was a letter telling me she was going to get married. But I couldn’t go due to my pregnancy.]

[Then how about the news that she gave birth to a child?]

[That’s the first time I’me hearing it. Is it a boy? A girl?]

[It’s a girl. Since she can’t give birth to a lot of children since she is the Water God, she sighed over the fact that she couldn’t give birth to a successor that could carry their lineage.]

[I guess it’s hard for her too. But her partner is a North Emperor right? Wouldn’t he be upset over the fact that it is a girl?]

[Doga would never do such a thing. He is a good guy]

 

While talking, Eris brought up her memories.

Thinking about it, the person who voiced their objection against the marriage between Isolte and Doga the most was probably Rudeus.

Rudeus has the utmost trust in regards to Doga.

It’s because his life was saved by Doga during the battle in the Biheril Kingdom.

His savior.

Simple, honest and someone who could be easily deceived, such was the man named Doga.

Hearing that Doga was going to marry a person who had high standards like Isolte made him say things like [Is she in it for the money?], [Is she just toying with him?] and it seemed like he was also going to do a secret background search on her.

Despite the fact Isolte helped him out as well…

 

Anyhow, it’s impossible to think that a simple man like Doga who is trusted so much by Rudeus can be someone that would be upset that his child was a girl.

What Eris saw before was him putting his daugther who took after her mother on his shoulders and having a large grin on his face.

From cleaning, doing the laundry to even taking care of his kid, he always seemed to take the initiative.

It was to the point that even Eris who didn’t do much of the basic household chores asked Isolte, [Shouldn’t you be doing something as well?]

Eris would never forget the mumbling Isolte who responded to her with deadpan eyes [He is much better than I am at it…]

 

[This time, it would be nice if our kids got along as well]

 

Eris nodded to Nina’s words.

 

[You’re right. It’s also not a bad idea to send your kids abroad to study at the magic university]

[That sounds interesting. But Jino would probably not allow that. He’s the type of person that wants his loved ones nearby at all times.]

[Then the kids would never be able to leave the Holy Sword Region]

[When that time comes, they’ll leave as they please]

 

Having such a conversation with Eris, Nina laughed out loud.

This kind of conversation would have never happened with the old Eris.

 

[Hm?]

 

Eris sensed a presence and turned her head around.

At the entrance of the living room, there was a boy.

It was Nel.

In his hands, was a single book.

When he met eyes with Eris, he started walking towards her as if he made up his mind.

 

[Excuse me! Mad Sword King!]

[… What?]

[You … You are acquaintances with this person right!?]

The book he held out had the title [The adventures of the Supard race]

 

It was a book that Eris was very familiar with.

It was a book written by Norn, made by Rudeus and sold by both Zanoba and Aisha.

 

[Are you talking about Rujierd? Or are you talking about Norn?]

[Norn… Are you perhaps acquainted with the author as well!? Ah, of course, your last names are the same …!]

[Norn is my sister in law. She is also Rudeus’ younger sister]

[You are talking about the seventh Great World Power “Quagmire” Rudeus! Also known as the right hand of the Dragon God “Magic King” Rudeus!]

[Yep, you know quite well]

[My mother told me a lot about the Supard race and Eris san! I’ve heard stories about the Quagmire and the Mad Sword King from ministrels as well! I always wanted to
meet you guys even if it was just once!]

 

Nel said as he looked up to Eris with glittering eyes.

To Nel, Eris was a character straight from the stories that were sung by ministrels.

In other words, she was a being from legends.

Unlike his father, he was very interested in [The outside world]

When he goes out into the outside world, he too wants to become someone who is sung by minstrels.

This was his dreams for the future.

 

[Well, that’s an honor]

 

Eris felt like she was going to laugh.

But, she couldn’t break the dreams of the boy in front of her, so she tightened her face and humbly nodded to him.

The image she was thinking in her brain was the ever formal Roxy.

 

[Rudeus and Orsted is here as well, so you can visit them before we leave if you want. The North God Kalman III is here as well.]

[Can I!?]

 

Nel looked at Eris as if he was going to fly.

The seventh Great World Power and the second Great World Power.

After that, Kalman, who was famous in the North God heroic tales.

Beings who are on par or even surpassing his father who held monstrous strength.

He would have never thought that he would be able to achieve his dreams and meet such beings on a regular day like this.

 

[Uhm…]

 

Nel put his book behind his back and put his legs together.

 

[Mad Sword King sama has traveled around the world before right?]

[Yep, from the Demon continent to the Millis continent, and to the end of the centeral continent. I haven’t been to the Heaven continent and the Bagaritto continent.]

[About your adventures… I would like to hear about them, is it okay?]

[Mine? Not Rudeus’?]

[I would like to hear the Mad Sword King’s stories!]

 

Eris smiled slightly and nodded her head.

Thinking back, she liked listening to such stories.

Constantly begging Ghyslaine, she heard stories about her adventures.

But she never thought that she would end up being the one doing the telling.

 

No, there were times when she told her stories to Ars and Sieg when they begged her to.

Even now, Sieg frequently listens to her stories.

However, this is a little different sensation from that.

This is because she isn’t being treated as a mother, but rather as a hero.

But Eris didn’t realize that.

She just felt a little elevated.

 

[Hmm… Then, I’ll tell you about my adventures in the Demon continent]

 

Eris was starting to tell her stories about her past in joy.

Seeing her like this, Nina felt her mouth forming a smile as well.

 

[She really changed…]

 

She changed herself, and so did Eris.

A relationship that mutually lifted each other up, she couldn’t say such a compliment out loud.

However, it felt as if she was getting closer to Eris.

 

When they first me, she was sure that they would never get along.

When Eris became a Sword King and left the Holy Sword Region, she respected her but couldn’t call her a true friend.

 

But it’s different now.

Though her respect for her has decreased, she is feeling something towards her she never felt before.

Though she won’t meet her for a while, if she met Isolte she would probably be feeling the same thing.

For someone like Nina that didn’t have a close friend starting from her childhood, it was a rare feeling.

 

[Eris]

[— And then, Rujierd suddenly killed the pet kidnapper… what?]

[Next time, let’s bring our children and go meet Isolte]

 

Hearing such words, Eris blinked her eyes and suddenly nodded her head.

 

[Alright]

 

Jino became the Sword God and changed.

If the Sword God is like that, the Holy Sword Region will change as well.

Jino may even be unexpectedly defeated by an outsider.

That is the life of a swordsman.

Swordsmen are unstable beings.

 

However, this friendship will probably last for a long time.

Because I’m no longer a swordsman myself.

 

Such were Nina’s thoughts.

 

 

 

 

(source: http://ncode.syosetu.com/n4251cr/22)

 

 

 

TL Note: Hey guys, so this is the end of the The God that Dwells in the Holy Sword Region arc. The next Redundancy Chapters arc is one about Nanahoshi and once that is finished, the TL for the Redundancy Chapters will be caught up to the JP raws (unless Rifujin releases more Redundancy Chapters this year which he most likely will).

After the Redundancy Chapters, I will most likely move onto translating Overthrow the King Dragon King arc. But I’ll have more info about that in the future.