I returned to the Demon King Infermia Castle, put on the armor of the Demon King and headed to the warehouse, the meeting place, at full speed. Then as soon as I jumped into the room, I slide and kneel down on the ground. Like in F1, the knee armor scatters cobblestone and sparks.
– I am sorry for being late!
– Eh? Oh right…
Hmm? What is this dispirited reply?
When I raised my face, Aikawa-san kept her back turned on me.
It ended up taking me more than an hour doing this and that to get here after being called via the communication gem. Precisely because I was afraid of her, wondering how big the scolding would be, this was somewhat anticlimactic. Or did the anger break through so much that she even lost the strength to get mad?
Aikawa-san turned her face over her shoulder. Her gaze that stared at me and seemed to want to say something shook as if hesitating.
– Is there anything wrong?
– Eh!? N-no. It’s nothing.
There was a banging sound, and Aikawa-san put something back on the shelf.
– Were you reading that?
Aikawa-san’s shoulders went up and down, as if taking a deep breath.
And the moment she turned around, a shock wave happened.
– I did tell you to come early! Why is that it took you an hour since then!?
I banged my forehead on the floor.
– I am sorry!!
The floor tiles cracked and shattered.
– Debugger… to think there was a boy like that…
When I explained the reason for being late while prostrating myself before Aikawa-san who had a sullen face, Aikawa-san’s expression changed from anger to surprise.
– Souma Akagami. Do you know him?
– Since specialists are in charge of debugging, it was impossible to know he was only a part-time worker. Still, a troublesome person appeared, am I right?
– To be frank, he’s on a cheat level! The ability to control all NPCs and strengthen equipment items, how is that possible? Unlike me, he has a legitimate and usable special ability… I’m so jealous. I only have paid items and adult mode erotic magic!
– And knowledge that made use of his debugging experience. Probably, among the people who are logged in now, he’s the most familiar with Exodia Exodus.
The screams of my heart are flatly ignored. Aikawa-san put her hand on her mouth and frowned.
– His personality seems to be quite problematic, but… is he really going to eliminate other children?
– It seems he’ll do that… I don’t think it’s possible to judge how serious Akagami is unless I get closer to him.
Aikawa-san combed her bangs upwards with a worried look.
– It looks like you’ll be busy again. But having regular dealings with a third force and using different faces for each one… will you be okay?
I shrugged my shoulders. She can’t see me in the armor, but of course my face has a bitter smile.
– To be honest, it’s hard. As hard as Aikawa-san’s outsource management.
– Geez… I’m seriously asking you.
Aikawa-san glares at me with upturned eyes and with a sulky-looking face.
– That’s right… I think it would be easier if I could have an ally in 2A Guild. Asagiri? Ichinomiya? Or maybe Shizukuishi… she’ll be too troublesome, no?
– That’s….
The frowning Aikawa-san mumbled.
– … Too risky, right? If you lose yourself for a moment and reveal your secret, you may not recover from that, don’t you agree?
– I agree.
From the beginning, I have no intention of doing so. But,
The sound of knocking on the door resounded.
– My King. I have heard from my subordinates that you were here, but are you there?
Oh, was I perhaps seen running with my facial expression changed? He was able to find my whereabouts easily.
I lightly clear my throat before answering.
– Adra? What do you need?
– I have something to report. If it is alright with you, I would like you to come to the King’s room.
– Hum. Under──
White breasts shook bouncily in front of me.
– Kyaa! Hey, d-don’t look this way yet!
Aikawa-san dexterously took out her blouse from the gap between her binding clothes. A pair of soft pink tips were popping out from two round holes. Aikawa-san hurriedly hides the swellings with both hands.
– A-Aikawa-san!? Wh…what are you doing!?
While hiding her breasts, Aikawa-san looks back at me with a surprised look.
– We… we have to deceive him, no?
– It’s okay. Unlike Forneus and Grasha, Adra doesn’t break into the room suddenly.
– Eh? Is, is that… so?
Aikawa-san’s face instantly turns red.
– R-really… say that kind of thing first!
– Hey, although he’s not going to step in, don’t go screaming like that please.
Aikawa-san turned her back on me as if she had gotten angry, crammed her blouse into the gap of the binding clothes and began to wear clothes. From the other side of the door, I hear Adra’s suspicious-sounding voice.
– My King? Is there something wrong?
– It’s nothing. I’ll go soon. You go first.
– As you wish.
After confirming that his footsteps were moving away, I raised my hands lightly to Aikawa-san and apologized. Then I gently opened the door and left the warehouse.
The Demon King’s Tower rising in the center of Infermia. Only the Demon King Hellshaft and the Hellzekter are allowed to enter the conference room-cum-office 『Demon King’s space』 on the upper floor. One of its sides is 100 meters long. It’s a very large room, comparable in height to the 10-story stairwell.
I always think this, but from the outside, the upper part of the Demon King’s Tower is considerably thin and it’s not that big, so a big room like this fitting in it is impossible. I’m sure the outward appearance and the internal map are different, and the modeling data are different too. However, that is interpreted as the distortion of the space caused by the demon’s magic power.
– Shall we listen the reports?
I idly sit on the seat at the head of the long table and looked at the faces of Adra, Grasha and Satanachia. Forneus is still in recuperation because she suffered a lot of damage from Satan.
– So, do I start?
– Yes. What happened? Grasha.
– Recently, the number of corps members has decreased considerably as the war continued. I’d like to get new ones if possible.
– … Is that so?
Although they are NPCs with nothing but simple AI, it is still painful to lose corps members who fought as subordinates. Even though they were being manipulated by Satan, some of them were people I got myself.
… Once things are settled, should I build a memorial monument?
– All right. Hurry up and rebuild the army corps.
The army corps will recruit field monsters roaming the fields of the Balgaea continent while others will recruit those who have applied for recruitment. It had been decided to call the most outstanding ones among the people assigned to each region of Hellandia to Infermia as necessary castle staff members.
Then, the ones who have experience as platoon commander and the like will leave Infermia as the ones in charge of each region and sent to the regions of Hellandia… that’s how it should go.
Then I suddenly realized something.
– ──But the condition is that a personal background check is done when recruiting. In particular, anyone related to Orzelia order shouldn’t be accepted in the army.
I hadn’t been aware of it until now, but from now on, we have to be a little careful about selection.
The same thing is emphasized to the Vampire Corps and the Dark Elf Corps, and the topic ended. One issue is settled.
Now it’s Satanachia’s turn. The beautiful Dark Elf Commander began to talk with a cool voice.
– I have received information from Zeragiel-sama in Rowalrinna. The grand festival 『Vertinas』 will be held in Rowalrinna. The contents this year are to particularly elaborate a plan, so she would like to invite Hellshaft-sama to this event without fail.
Last time, Zeragiel coldly refused the request to dispatch troops to subjugate Satan. However, now that things were going favorable to Hellshaft, she is currying favor with me.
– She’s truly cunning. My reply to her invitation is──
Satanachia makes her eye sparkle.
– What is it? Satanachia?
– Oh? Ah, no. It’s nothing.
It doesn’t look like it’s nothing. You look incredibly happy, you know?
She tries to make a cool face, mobilizing all her facial muscles, but her closed mouth seemed to rise and her eyes were completely smiling. I can even see the illusion of large flowers blooming behind Satanachia.
– Satanachia. Is this festival so important?
– It is! Certainly it is. It is a festival that has an ancient and honorable origin and that has been held since 2,000 years ago. It is a festival to thank for the good harvest, invite the Holy Spirit and the spirit of the dead, show gratitude to the past prosperity and pray for future blessings. This year marks its 20th anniversary, so it will be even more spectacular.
Satanachia, who entwined her fingers, blushed and made a fervent speech, was like an innocent girl. I unconsciously smiled under the helmet.
– If so, then all of the Hellzekter will accompany me to that festival.
– Eh? But then nobody will be in Infermia…
After showing an anxious facial expression, Satanachia’s complexion suffered a complete change and turned pale.
– I, I am sorry. I got too excited and forgot my place… although I definitely want to go, I…
– If the repairs in Infermia that are being done now are over, the defenses will be dramatically stronger. We won’t have to stay in the castle all the time.
──Yes. After defeating Satan, the first thing I did when I came back to the throne was the strengthening of Infermia’s defense measures. In other words, the Infermia remodeling plan.
Why? Because Infermia has fallen twice in a short period of time. The first time was when the Allied Forces of 2A and Elves destroyed the defense of the castle. The second time was when I myself did that. The defense capability was obviously poor and measures were needed.
– So, when is the festival?
– It will take place in… 35 days.
– Adra, will the construction work end by then?
Adra stands up with a report in one hand. Satanachia looked up at Adra, who was also the construction manager, with a gaze that mixed dispiritedness and a bit of expectation.
– If laborers are increased by 200 people, it will be possible. Although the cost will increase, it may be possible to offset it to some degree due to the effect of reducing the labor cost by shortening the construction period.
– Alright. Satanachia, I leave the preparations for the trip to Rowalrinna to you.
– Ye… yes. Thank you!
Her eyes are shining brighter than before. She wanted to go that much, doesn’t she?
– My King. Speaking of the construction work, this is related to the report about it, but… how about this? Would you do an on-site inspection for a moment? The morale of the people on site will increase.
Certainly I’d like to see the location once. Besides, appreciation is needed in order to shorten the construction period. When Aikawa-san suddenly changed the scheduled delivery date from one week to three days, I was indignant. At that time, she used some gentle words: do your best──wait, am I that obvious to trick?
– Sure. I shall hear the report tomorrow while doing inspection.
The repairs have been completed in the audience room destroyed by Satan, the facilities in the castle destroyed by the battle and the gates destroyed by Grasha and Yuuki. The decoration of the audience room will happen after this, but there’s no problem in that coming later.
I got in the carriage and went outside the castle. Although I say carriage, it’s not like a horse is pulling it. It’s a vehicle pulled by four big tiger-looking monsters. An escort carriage runs in front and behind me. Inside them was the Vampire Corps wearing Gothic dresses and tuxedoes. We’re near Infermia, there haven’t been reports of hostile entities entering the territory now. I don’t think something like a guard is necessary, but I let Adra do as he likes.
The carriages run down the straight wasteland road. This road was also built for this construction work. The stone paving road is paved quite nicely.
After advancing for a while, the sea was in sight.
This is the boundary between the inner and outer seas surrounding Infermia, where there used to be a channel of about 200 meters wide. But now it was merely about 10 meters wide.
– At this site, land reclamation will be completed in about four days.
In the past, the allied forces of 2A Guild and the Elves closed in on Infermia through here. Therefore, this channel will be reclaimed and sealed off, there will be only one place to get to the inland sea and there will be a sea gate and a fortress for defense there. Then, the inland sea surrounding Infermia will be developed and used as an extended location.
Furthermore, a canal will be excavated until near Infermia to build a harbor. Up until now, the logistics that had mostly relied on land routes will be shifted to water transportation. And if we can procure transport ships and warships, the Demon King Army will be able to control the sea as well.
We’ll have to set up barriers or protective walls on the land route of Caldart side, but that’s the next stage. This is the remodeling plan of the Demon King Infermia Castle for the time being.
According to the plan, hundreds of orcs and magic beasts are devoting themselves to public works. A loud voice was heard at the scene, a cloud of dust rose densely.
– They are quite excited, aren’t they?
– Yes. It is a complete production system, if you do it, your income will increase. That is the arrangement. Even if they steal the work of others, they are all just trying to make money, so they naturally compete and work quickly.
– Hmm, I see…
The magic beast that carries soil on the shoulder with a pole on his shoulders shouts, making his eyes shine brightly.
– Move out of the way, move out of the way! Today’s dinner is high-quality meat! I have to make 10, no 20 round trips!
Several orcs push hand trucks with heaps of earth and sand.
– Puuuuuush! Push as much as you can!
– What!? I’ll make money here and buy a plot of land!
Where is the soil brought to? I thought that the distant mountain was cut in half. From the mountain, a giant troll comes holding another huge crate. Maybe there’s a lot of soil inside of it. Every time the troll steps, the ground shakes and the orcs run about, trying to escape so as to not be trampled down.
Laborers of various races throw earth and sand into the sea in succession. Surely this space will be finished in four days.
An orc ran from behind the cloud of dust. It looks like he’s the site foreman or something like that.
– Adra-sama! Why have you expressly come to a dusty and smelly place like th──
The orc looked up at me and solidified.
– A-Adra-sama… is this person…
– He is the Demon King Hellshaft-sama. He gratefully came here incognito to inspect the way you work.
Cold sweat began to flow from the face of the orc. He jumped back, got on his hands and knees and rubbed his head on the ground.
– I, I have been terribly ruuuuuude! I am really! Really! Really sorrryyyyyyyyyyyyy!
I said coolly without going as far as losing dignity.
– It’s fine. Don’t worry.
The site foreman orc shouted with his face still facing down the ground.
– Heeeeeeeeeey! You lot! Behave yourself! T-the D-D-Demon King! The Demon King-sama! The Demon King Hellshaft-sama has arriiiived!
The workers who heard his voice gazed at me. Then, when they saw Adra and me, they threw down the soil they were carrying and prostrated themselves on the ground. That thing spreads throughout the construction site like a chain reaction.
As expected of Infermia, my residence. Both control and loyalty is complete, it feels good. But to tell the truth, I’d rather have them work normally and not do this because the work gets delayed.
– Receiving the work of the Demon King Army this time is an honor I don’t deserve! I thank you on behalf of all the workers!
It seems that he is doing quite his best, so should I give him some words of gratitude?
I glanced at Adra and he nodded small as if answering my question.
– Ooooooooooo!
From the cloudy eyes of the site foreman, tears flow down like a waterfall. Other workers cried as they muttered 「Demon King-sama」in unison. Then they unconsciously began to shout with crying voices and raised their dirty arms overhead.
– Hell! Hell! Hell! Hell! Hell! Hell! Hell! Hell! Hell!
The slightly dirtied workers swing their arms up together.
After the chant continued for a while, I lifted my hand as if saying enough. Adra opened his mouth, waiting for the moment the chant calmed down.
– The words of appreciation of my King are more than you deserve… a reward someone like you can’t get to accept. Remember that very well.
– Of course! Is there a better reward than that? Everyone here will brag about this, even the generation of our children and grandchildren.
Adra’s glasses glow.
– You are thoughtful. By the way, it was planned that the work would be completed in four days… but is it possible to finish it in three days?
The site foreman raised his face and smiled fearlessly.
– Fufu, what a nice joke, Adra-sama. Three days is…
Adra’s eyebrows twitch. He opens his mouth, about to ask something.
But before that, the site foreman powerfully continued the conversation.
– Two days are more than enough!
– ──Hou.
Adra smiled broadly.
The site foreman turned around and cried.
– Hey! Can you do iiiiiit!?
A turbulent-like reply returns to that question.
– Of course we can!
– We’ll do it!
– If we don’t do it, we’ll lose our honor!
They got incredibly excited.
But it’s good. There’s no endless retakes, no specification changes at no extra cost, and nothing like unreasonable extra work. I super envy these guys that will get paid only if they really work.
Adra nodded, looking satisfied.
– Very well. If you want to continue helping my King, prepare the list of names within two days. There is work to expand the inland sea and build a moat. We are recruiting additional laborers.
The eyes of the workers shone brightly.
– I’ll do it! I’ll do it!
– Me too!
– I’ll earn more money, right!? Let me do iiiit!
We got into the vehicle and left the scene, giving a sidelong glance at the site foreman who kept back the rushing workers.
Staring at the land reclamation site which was getting steadily away from us, Adra bowed his head.
– Thank you very much, my King. Going as far as doing so is…
– You brought me along with that intention, no? It’s fine. What’s next?
– Next is the construction site of the strait stronghold.
Upon arrival, the workers at the site here were impressed as well. Most of the workers were Mirni, a small race about a meter tall. They were just like a human child, except that they had big pointy ears like elves.
– We are working away from our nearby village, but this year we were in great trouble because no crops were harvested.
The village headman, as their representative, came to express his gratitude to me.
– This time, the village was saved thanks to the construction of the Demon King-sama. Thank you very much.
We leave the strait stronghold, the next step is the extension of the inland sea.
And the excavation work of the canal.
Finally, I arrived at the planned construction site of the port.
The construction hasn’t started yet, the land currently had nothing but grass growing here and there.
– The construction of the strait stronghold will be completed in 30 days. But the construction of the port will take more time, it seems.
– Hmm. There won’t be a problem if we block the entrance for the time being. It’s better to do a little more research on canals and ports.
All because I look around the construction like this I felt that I was the company president of the general contractor.
Because of this, there are many expenses. However, there’s no point in simply depositing money in the Infermia’s vault. When you use it, and because you use it, money is valuable. These are necessary expenses.
And surprisingly, there seemed to be emergency demands regarding local monsters. I was worried that it would get difficult if a rebellion caused by harsh forced labor occurred, but on the contrary, the local people thanked me wherever I went.
– And we are currently negotiating with the Laguna and Sandiano shipyards to buy the designated ship.
– Negotiation? Is there something wrong?
– No. Since it is the Demon King Army’s flagship, they want to receive the order even if they have to pay with their own money… I expect a competition being held soon.
I see… even if they’re left in the red, it will become an advertisement and an honor for them, so will it be possible to make up for it with its effect?
– When I receive the blueprint, I would like you to confirm it.
I answered “Sure”, got in the vehicle and went back to Infermia.
When I returned from the inspection, I went to visit Forneus’ room.
She was treated immediately after the battle with Satan, but for some reason, neither medicines nor healing magic had effect on Forneus. Was it because of her origin as an angel? It may not be effective unless it’s holy magic rather than magic or medicine of the demons.
However, more than a week has passed since the battle with Satan. I’ve heard that she’s still in recuperation, but no matter how you look at it, she should have been recovered by now.
I knock on the beautifully decorated wooden door.
– Forneus. Are you awake? I’m going in.
I gently opened the door of Forneus’ room and looked inside.
– Ah! Hell-sama!
Forneus, who was lying down on the bed, suddenly stood up. She made her pure-white wings flap, floating lightly and jumping at my neck.
– Yaaay! Hell-sama came to see me!
Her wounded body and feathers plucked by Satan were completely restored.
I’m glad… I’m really am.
– You look fine.
– Ehehe, it’s all thanks to Hell-sama.
– Is that so? Then you can go back to work.
I say so and Forneus suddenly looked away.
– …I’m still a bit weak.
– What? Do you feel pain or something?
– Yes. When I try to go out, I feel sick.
I looked around in Forneus’ room. Bags of sweets and manga are scattered on the bed; unfinished puzzles, a movie projector, a bundle of films and garbage of things that were eaten such as juice bottles were on the floor, it’s such a mess there’s no space even for my feet.
– Forneus, you…
Even though she’s an NPC… she dares enjoy her hikikomori life to the fullest!
I let go of the hand holding Forneus. Then, Forneus hung from my neck.
– It seems you’re completely healed and that’s a relief. Well then, shall we return to work? If you can’t do it suddenly, then starting from rehabilitation isn’t a problem.
– No. I’m not completely healed. If I don’t stay idle after eating food and snacks, my stomach starts hurting… if I go outside, I’ll definitely get worse.
That’s not illness but pseudo-illness! This hikikomori NEET angel! It’s more appropriate to write worthless angel than a fallen angel!
– You can start from tomorrow, so at least do an inspection tour of the Undead Corps. After that all you have to do is attend Hellzekter’s meeting.
– Eehh? But it’s a bother.
She clearly said “it’s a bother” now, didn’t she?
– The Undead Corps don’t need food because they’re dead. Even if I don’t take care of them, they’ll come up with something.
Hey, aren’t you the corps commander though a bit imperfect!?
– But… the number of corps members is decreasing and there are various things such as reorganization and training as well as maintaining the insufficient corps members, no?
Probably because she doesn’t understand what it means, Forneus frowned and groaned.
– I don’t understand complicated things like that. Forneus… err, follows『the principle of laissez-faire』. I look forward to everyone’s 『independent growth』
This fallen angel. It’s useless.
– Unyu?
I held Forneus under my arm, opened the door and left the room.
– W-what are you doing?!
– We’ll go around the inside of the castle.
– If you do that, I’ll definitely die! Hell-sama is a fiend!
What on earth were you thinking about me?
– After that, we’ll have a meeting in the Demon King space after inspecting the area of the undead corps.
– Funyaaaaaaaa! Somebody help meeeeee!
But no one listened to Forneus’ call for help.
──Now. The problems that will come.
I, who was now in the shape of Doumeguri Kakeru, stood still in front of Caldart’s guild hall. I’ve been here like this too many times now.
At any rate, I know I’ll be verbally attacked. I’ve been preparing my mind for it, but now that I stand in front of the guild hall, I want to flee.
However, even if I do this forever, nothing will be solved. After all, it’s impossible to be forgiven with a single apology. Today I’ll apologize and apologize only and leave. That will do.
I have no time to stop in my tracks in a place like this. I have no choice but move forward.
Telling that to myself, I opened the door of the guild hall. The first floor is a large lobby with several sofas. It’s crowded with adventurers and other guilds that came for quests and information, but nobody from 2A Guild was to be seen.
Were they out in a subjugation quest?
However… when I try thinking about it again, the leveling of the 2A Guild is bad news. They have gained a lot of experience so far, thanks to the two attacks on Infermia and the search for removing the curse from Asagiri. On the other hand, I have been unable to impede their leveling up and that situation has been continuing. Although there are individual differences, at the stage of the battle with Satan, their levels should have been between 22 and 26.
If I leave them as they are, the day will come when I and the Hellzekter will be defeated. I overlooked it last time, but I must stop 2A Guild from leveling up as soon as possible. And I have to think of ways for us to become even stronger.
As I think about it, the door behind me opens and I felt multiple people coming in. I try to get out of the way, then move aside and turn around.
– Ah!
– Wha!?
As if returning from a quest, the guys from 2A Guild stared at me and opened their mouths.
Damn! Why the very moment I relaxed my attention!?
I was unable to say anything, they were also unable to say anything while having their mouths open. We just stared at each other in silence. Without being strangely verbally attacked, the exchange-glances time lasted for several seconds.
– Doumeguri-kun! You finally came back!
Asagiri came before me, pushing her way through the rest of 2A Guild.
– A-Asagiri… err, I.
Asagiri looks back at the standing-still 2A Guild.
– Well, everyone is okay with it, right? Just as it was decided.
Decided? What is she talking about?
– Well… it can’t be helped.
– Roger. Then I’ll take a rest in my room for a moment. Let’s go, Uiko.
– Y-yeah.
– Yahoooooooo! We’ll have a party tonight!
– I’ll be going to the 『Dancing Unicorn Restaurant』first. So they prepare the food.
W-What? This reaction.
The members of 2A Guild return to their rooms. Especially without turning hostile eyes at me, they don’t even complain. Rather, all pass by without making eye contact with me. I looked at Asagiri, the only one who remained there, as if looking for an answer.
– I explained the situation to everyone.
Wh… what?
– I said that you cooperated with Satan to calm everyone’s panic and bring us together. To help us.
– But…. they don’t believe such a thing…
– I mean, I just felt they didn’t want to believe in you. But when I explained it with perseverance, everyone came to understand it.
Asagiri smiled to make me feel relieved.
──Asagiri, you are.
Half astonished, I stared at Asagiri’s face.
To my eyes who kept staring at her, Asagiri showed a troubled-looking smile and fiddled with her hair.
– I’m sorry for doing it my way. Doumeguri-kun might think that it’s… unnecessary, but I just can’t control myself.
– No, no, you don’t need to apologize! Rather, it is I… who regrets letting you do such a thing. I mean, thank you… err, what should I say to thank you…?
Asagiri smiled happily. With that single smile, the lobby of the guild hall suddenly became brighter, it felt as if the number of lights in the room had increased. Through that smile, I felt the joy of Asagiri and something like a sense of accomplishment.
– It is I who should thank you, you know? I returned the favor, just a little bit.
Asagiri, who brought it to a finish, saying “you’re strange, Doumeguri-kun”, passed next to me.
– Ah, be at the Dancing Unicorn Restaurant in one hour. We’ll be celebrating Doumeguri-kun’s return.
– You don’t have to do such an outrageous th──
Asagiri went up the stairs humming a tone and disappeared as if ignoring me who said that.
– … What the hell?
This is so anticlimactic. Rather, it’s a surprising development. But, either way, I’m glad….
Asagiri. You’re truly an angel, no, a Goddess.
Feeling that I’ll be moved to tears if I keep ruminating the event just now, I go up the stairs while striving to think about something else. Is my room the same as before?
At the top of the stairs, on the third floor, there was a man with his arms crossed, leaning against the wall.
– Ichinomiya…
– I have something small to talk to you.
– Yeah… what is it?
Regarding Ichinomiya, he feels inferior to me. I tricked Ichinomiya and that hasn’t changed. Moreover, after Asagiri ended up spoiling the story, it had become an ugly role for Ichinomiya. It was the same as being disgraced. Well, it’s natural to get angry.
Just as I thought, he pretended to be calm, but the anger that could not be hidden from the expression of Ichinomiya was exuding.
Ichinomiya walked away from the wall and approached me. We stare at each other in the empty hallway.
– Punch me, Doumeguri.
──Huh?
– Why?
– Back then, I grabbed you by the collar and tried to hit you.
– Yeah, when I said I’d be on Satan’s side… but in the end you didn’t hit me, did you?
– Because Shizukuishi stopped me.
Yup. Rather, instead of that, I wanted Shizukuishi to say something like「Hit me!」. That hit was quite a good punch. It’s cute compared to Ichinomiya’s punch though.
– And Doumeguri kept being left out after that. So do it.
Hey, hey. Please stop that youth development. I don’t know how you can do an embarrassing thing like this.
I tried to get through it with a bitter smile, but Ichinomiya wouldn’t let me through like a basketball defense.
– It won’t end until you punch me.
– … Alright, I get it.
– Yeah. Please go with all you’ve got.
Saying so, I made the gesture of hitting his cheek with my own fist.
Being evasive and hitting his chest won’t be alright… if I go easy on him, he’ll absolutely say 『One more time』 or something like that… oh dammit, this is troublesome!
I lightly swung my fist. Breathing in, I seriously slammed my fist against Ichinomiya’s cheek.
– …
Ichinomiya staggered. It seems something is cut in his mouth because when he rubs his mouth with his hand, something red was in his fingers. And my hand hurts. I stared at my fist. Compared to Hellshaft’s fist, it was an extremely small and unreliably fist.
Ichinomiya raised his face and smiled as he rubbed his painfully-looking cheek.
– Thank you. This is refreshing. But you see──
– Eh?
He came straight up to me and suddenly grabbed me by the collar. In front of me was the burning-in-anger face of Ichinomiya that couldn’t be compared with what I saw a moment ago.
– H-hey. Ichi──
– Never do that again!
I was overwhelmed by the spirit of Ichinomiya. The hands that grab me by the collar have so much strength in them that they are trembling.
– No matter what I say, it’s useless. I can’t persuade them. Yes, that might have been the case. Doumeguri might have been correct. But I can’t stand it! Don’t be full of yourself, doing things on your own, don’t carry all on your back and don’t try to look good!
– Ichinomiya…
– I! I haven’t think of trying to sacrifice someone to survive!
He yelled and let go of his hands.
– That’s all.
Ichinomiya turned his back on me and went down the stairs. I didn’t say anything and saw his back off.
Ichinomiya.
You,
You really are a good guy.
You are pure, honest, and fair. That’s why I can’t tell you the truth.
I turn my back on Ichinomiya and walk down the hall.
Now that a guy like Akagami has appeared, I’m not just going to gloss it over. I may have to use underhanded methods more than ever. A hero of justice like you can’t handle it.
I open the door of my room and go inside.
Shizukuishi isn’t here, so let’s take a shower and organize my head. I take off my clothes while thinking about something. At that moment, my right hand that punched Ichinomiya was sore.
Good grief… I, who punched him, didn’t I suffer more damage than him?
As I think about that, I entered the bathroom, closed the door and the hot steam hit my face.
Huh?
Why──
– ！？！！★〇〆X▼♂！？！？！？！？
I heard a soundless scream. And I shout in my mind.
– ！？！！※★＊▲〒♀！！！！！！！！
White limbs submerged in the bathtub. A girl with long black hair and a towel wrapped around her head was looking at me with an amazed look.
Shizukuishiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!?
– Hyaaaaa!!
Shizukuishi hid in the hot water with a splash while hiding her breasts. After sinking, half of her face slowly rises to the surface.
– I zee… I get ith. Whath do u want?
It’s hard to catch her words because she’s talking in the hot water. However, the bubbles thrown out of her mouth and the anger that appears to be boiling are more dreadful than the content of those words. With sanpaku and scornful eyes, she stares at me from inside the bathtub.
With only her mouth coming out of the hot water, Shizukuishi bared her fangs as if threatening. She makes her lips quiver with a flushed face that I don’t know if it’s because of the accident or because she warmed it herself.
– So it was your intention to wanting to see me bathing again and again and again until now! Even so, to think that you would come and enter so boldly, your perversion amazes me!
– T-that goes for you too! Why are you taking a bath in someone else’s room!?
– Excuse me!? This is my room! This time I won’t let you say it’s because of a bug. I carefully checked if it was connected to any room!
– Then why…!?
I turn around and check my room.
… Huh?
There are some luggage that I don’t recognize.
Come to think of it, I didn’t pay attention to the details of the room because I was all this time absorbed in my thoughts. The layout is the same in every room, so I didn’t feel any strangeness, but this is….
– M-maybe… we changed, rooms?
– We did! Because I was away for so long, the guild registration disappeared!
Does that mean that this time is really my mistake? But then why did the key open the door?
– I-I’m sorry! But the key opened the door of its own accord, I wasn’t suspicious at all! I was absorbed in my thoughts, I didn’t even look in the room!
– Shameless…
The gaze of Shizukuishi concealing deep-seated grudge went down starting from my face. Then she pursed her mouth, making a straight line and opened her eyes in surprise.
– … ♂♂♂♂♂♂♂♂♂♂.
– Hmm? What’s wr──
I mean, my penis was hanging out! This is bad, I don’t have a towel!
– H-hey, don’t fixedly stare at it like that!
I shouted and hid it with my hands right away.
– H-how rude! I’m not interested in t-that kind of thing! If you have the time to hide it, then why don’t you get out! Are you stupid!? Do you want to die!?
– Hey Shizukuishi, what’s wrong? Somehow I could hear your voice even outside.
A figure was reflected behind the frosted glass.
This voice──Busujima!?
Shizukuishi and I look at each other immediately.
This is the worst.
We can’t make excuses if we are seen like this. An established couple. Moreover, with established facts.
Shizukuishi pulled my arm and vigorously dragged me into the bathtub.
– Wh-what are you doing?
Shizukuishi made me sit down in the bathtub as if pushing me into it, then sunk herself into the bathtub, putting herself between my legs. The momentum undid the towel wrapped around her head, and her black hair spreads out. And said to me as if whispering.
– If you’re there, she’ll find you out because of your silhouette. Are you a moron?
– B-but this is….
Unmistakably a mixed bath. Or rather, taking a bath together. Although it’s to avoid groundless doubts, this situation is more aggravating. What a contradiction. The western-style bathtub has a shallow bottom, but it’s long. Thanks to this, even two people can get in side by side. However, the bodies will inevitably come into close contact.
Shizukuishi sits, looking small and quiet between my legs.
The very picture of a lover’s lovey-dovey bath time. In appearance only.
– Because there’s a frosted glass, she can only see silhouettes. By adjusting our position, she’ll only see one person.
– I, I see…
But we have to try not moving. I’m having trouble where to put my hands on, but it’s impossible to hug Shizukuishi tight. I put my hand on the edge of the bathtub and pulled my body to make space for Shizukuishi. Because of that, Shizukuishi draws back as if shuffling her feet. The person herself seems to be completely unaware, but she pushes her soft butt against my precious thing.
Uoooooooooo! Stay cool! Stay cool! Calm down, my Excalibur! You devilish demon rod! Now it’s not the moment!
Shizukuishi took a big breath.
– Busujima-san? It’s nothing special. I remember something a little annoying, so I just shouted to let the stress go out.
– Hee, that’s unexpected. Isn’t Shizukuishi rather cool for that? To do something like that.
The shadow reflected on the other side of the frosted glass approaches. I unconsciously caught my breath. I can feel the tension running from the back of Shizukuishi. She leaves her back on my chest, as if retreating from the shadow of the approaching Busujima.
– …!!
I was about to emit a sound. The soft body of Shizukuishi closely adheres to my chest, abdomen, and lower abdomen. The tender and smooth skin of Shizukuishi sticks to my body. I felt that the part where our skin overlapped was warmer than the hot water.
– Yes. Also, I don’t like being interrupted while bathing.
– Ah, sorry. But the key of the room is broken, you know? Somehow it opened of its own accord.
– Eh?
An awkward air flowed in the bathtub.
– I, I see. Thank you for telling me. While it’s okay to enter the room, don’t go into the bath.
– Ah, how mean. I don’t lack that much common sense. It doesn’t bring me joy seeing a naked woman.
If she opens the door, she’ll see a man and a woman put together.
Shizukuishi’s black hair spreads in the hot water. The contrast with the white skin quivering in the hot water is beautiful. Suddenly, the naked body of Shizukuishi that appeared when I was pulled into the bathtub is brought back in my head. A slender and supple body like a willow. It was clear that the chest, which looked small when wearing clothes, was actually shaking a lot when she was naked.
Oh, this is bad.
– Hmm…?
The face seen from the side of Shizukuishi distorts in suspicion. She gazes at me, and whispers in a low voice.
-Don’t move.
– I’m not moving because I want to. It’s a phenomenon that transcends my will.
The increasingly frowning Shizukuishi glares at me.
– What are you sa──
She extended her hand to the strange object pushing her back behind her. And the moment she grabbed it, she realized what it was.
Shizukuishi hurriedly pulled her hand away and turned to the front. I can’t see her face but her ears are all red. Then Shizukuishi turned around again, stared at me and half-rose to her feet.
– ….
Then sits on my abdomen and squashed me with her back.
– !!
Ouch! Why are you hitting the back of my head against the wall!?
I lie even more sprawled, almost sinking into the hot water. I barely took my neck out of the hot water and gazed at Shizukuishi with hateful eyes. In front of my eyes, Shizukuishi’s face in profile approaches and her pink and wet lips whisper.
– It can’t be helped. I don’t want to touch that… thing of yours.
Instead of that, your body is completely on top of me! Thanks to that, there’s no sign of my vigor becoming weak, you know!?
– Say, Shizukuishi.
Clicking her tongue as if saying “she’s still here?”, Shizukuishi replies.
– What is it?
– Well, Shizukuishi, are you dating Akira?
– Excuse me?
Shizukuishi seriously tilted her head to the side.
– Of course I’m not. I don’t know whether Ichinomiya-kun is going out with you or Asagiri-san, but I’m not interested in him.
Shizukuishi answered with her usual coolness, as if she had regained her composure. I gazed at Shizukuishi’s face who’s right next to me and breathed in the smell of fragrant flowers from her neck and nape.
But Shizukuishi. There’s one big problem with this position. You will soon be aware of that problem too. At that time, let me know… whether or not you can avoid raising your voice! Your temperament as a hero!
. …?
At that time, Shizukuishi suddenly looked down.
She surely felt discomfort between her thighs. However, in front of the casually-hanging line of sight was──
– Eek!? ……. !!!!?
– What’s wrong? Shizukuishi.
Shizukuishi screamed at the mysterious object that emerged from her crotch. To Shizukuishi, it might have looked like an alien making its appearance.
Shizukuishi replies to Busujima in a trembling voice.
– It’s… it’s nothing.
She had the intention of avoiding it without touching it, but it was the opposite, it appeared from Shizukuishi’s crotch.
Shizukuishi looked away and glared at me with teary eyes.
– Don’t show off… this kind of thing.
– It’s impossible. This posture is…
– Then make it smaller!
Don’t ask for the impossible. Even if it’s more or less a joke, I’m taking a bath with a naked beautiful girl. It’s common sense that a healthy and fit male high school student will show this reaction, it’s inevitable, inevitable I’m telling you!
– Hey, Shizukuishi… you’re on good terms with Doumeguri, aren’t you?
With a jump, Shizukuishi and I got surprised at the same time.
– C-can you stop? When you say that I’m on good terms with that guy, I get the creeps.
– Eh… is that so?
– Yes, if possible, I don’t want to touch him or approach him.
However we’re embracing each other naked now.
– If anything, Asagiri-san is… ah!?
Because the body of Shizukuishi slid down and I gained more momentum, the great disaster, the third close encounter happened. How is this the place to tell jokes!? My sacred thing and Shizukuishi’s sacred thing are touching each other!
– Ah… d-don’t…
If we make a mistake, we’ll really rush into a terrible mistake. I’m terrified.
Shizukuishi must have felt the same. She desperately closes her crotch, trying to protect herself. The tentacle of the opposite sex is caught in Shizukuishi’s thighs, preventing its invasion.
It’s impossible to──feel relieved with this.
T-this is bad… it feels so good!!
Without knowing that such a desperate battle is taking place in the bathroom separated by one door, Busujima continues talking.
– I know right? Recently, Asagiri-san has… been somewhat different from before.
What? What do you mean?
– Maybe she’s interested in Doumeguri.
──!?
That’s… No, no! There’s no way that’s… kuh! Shi, Shizukuishiiiiiiiiiiiiii! Don’t put strength into your thiiighs! W-when you press it hard like that, it feels good!!
– T… that means nothing to… me.
Shizukuishi’s efforts are useless, and in the end, my thing continues to stimulate the sensitive part of Shizukuishi. To try preventing it even a little, the twisting and rubbing of the thighs that sandwiched me had the complete opposite effect. I’m almost at the limit. From Shizukuishi’s back, a shivering similar to a convulsion is transmitted to my chest.
– I see… sorry for the inconvenience. Later.
The figure of Busujima moved away from the frosted glass and the sound of the room door closing sounded.
At that moment, my whole body became weak.
We managed to make it through. We won.
The rough breathing of my relaxed comrade on top of my body felt strangely comfortable. Shizukuishi is fatigued, tense and exhausted, she seems to have no strength in her.
I feel like trying to speak out or pat her, but that would make her get even angrier, so I said nothing.
Eventually, Shizukuishi looked away.
– Hey… come out first. This time, go to your room.
An excuse, even if it’s about what happened now, we shouldn’t touch each other. Maybe she’s thinking so. I agree with that.
– S-Sure. Can you make way for a moment? I can’t leave like this.
– …
What? I guess you want me to go away soon.
– My hips have… no strength… lend me a hand.
Are you really that tired? Well, I don’t blame you. I make the body of Shizukuishi float by supporting her from below and slipped out from below Shizukuishi. I ended up touching her butt, but it cannot be helped. Shizukuishi didn’t particularly complain either.
The moment I stood up in the bathtub, Shizukuishi turned away.
– It goes without saying, but what happened now──
──*Poke*.
Shizukuishi… embarrassment has a limit.
A marshmallow-like soft feeling was pressed against my tip.
– Ah… ah, ah…
It seems that my thing sunk into her cheek. Shizukuishi trembles with fear, her mouth still open.
I hurriedly pulled back and escaped from the bathtub.
– I-it’s not my fault this time! It’s an accident! It’s an accident so don’t worry about it! That’s right! Take it like you were bitten by a dog and forget it!
– C-can I forget something like being bitten by a dog!?
– T-that’s true!
– Hurry up and get oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooout!
+ + +
After that, I secured the room safely and finally took a break. I lie down on the bed and close my eyes. Then, the naked body of Shizukuishi etched in the back of my eyelids was recalled. Not only that, the sensation of the direct contact between skin and skin.
Let’s stroll about outside for a moment. Thinking so, I left that room and Asagiri turned up, walking down the corridor.
– Oh, right in time. Now, let’s celebrate your return. Let’s go to the Dancing Unicorn Restaurant♪
– Eh, that’s… you see.
The pure smile of Asagiri hurts my heart! While she was preparing for the welcome, I was taking a bath with Shizukuishi even though it wasn’t my intention. I feel strangely dirty, I mean, I feel lots of guilt. No, it’s not like Asagiri has anything with me, so I don’t need to feel guilty. But ──
『Maybe she’s interested in Doumeguri』
*Beat*, my heart jumped up.
Damn, aren’t I strangely conscious because Busujima said so?
– Hmm? What’s wrong? Why is your face red?
– Eh? It’s nothing. It’s nothing, seriously!
– Is that so? Shall we go then?
I quietly followed Asagiri’s back. Thinking I’ll disappear if left alone, she came to pick me up, huh. She really takes care of others.
A few-minute walk from the guild hall. Everyone was already gathering at the Dancing Unicorn Restaurant, waiting for me and Asagiri. And with Ichinomiya’s toast, the banquet “The celebration of my return” began.
– Let’s work together again, Doumeguri.
– Yeah, Ichinomiya.
We place the glasses of liquid that looks like beer no matter how you look at it together.
– Welcome back, Doumeguri-kun.
– Thank you… Asagiri.
The glass of Asagiri that she held with both hands and my glass make a small sound.
I look at the opposite seat and Shizukuishi, who’s sitting in the corner, completely disregards me. Busujima on the front presented the glass with a somewhat angry face. Miyakoshi, who’s next to her, stares at her, looking surprised.
Without being able to ignore her. I raise my glass.
– L-let’s work together again… Busujima-san.
Again or not, I don’t remember working well with her from the start, but this is something said for politeness’ sake. We gently make our glasses meet each other. When I thought “this is when she verbally attacks me”, she didn’t say a word, her mouth was still closed tightly in a へ shape. Is she ill or something?
– I kept you waiting〜 here are the Caesar salad, French fries, assortment of sashimi and fried chicken.
Arisugawa arranges the dishes on the table.
– Arisugawa is cooking as usual?
– Yup. I can prepare dishes that the menu doesn’t have. And it’s fun.
Saying so, no matter how you look at it, his smile is the one of a girl.
Hinazawa, who was next to Miyakoshi, lifted the skirt of Arisugawa who turned around with a very natural movement. From below the skirt, a revealing and pure white underwear appeared.
– So today is white, huh…
– Eh?
Arisugawa grasped the situation an instant late. During that time, the lovely underwear of Arisugawa kept being exposed.
– Hyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!
He held down the skirt in a hurry, but it was too late. The pervert view was burned in my retina.
– W-w-what are you doing, Hinazawa-san!
– Lifting a girl’s skirt.
– But I’m an elementary school boy!
– Well, that’s true. It’s underwear fortune-telling. Because my tomorrow’s fortune depends on Alice’s underwear. Choose with motivation, alright?
– D-don’t say stupid things!
Arisugawa started to cry.
– Sniff… e-everyone saw me… wearing this thing… uwaaa.
– But it’s good, you know? It’s great because you kept my order properly.
Asagiri looked surprised.
– Are you saying Naru-chan put it on him?
Arisugawa answers while heaving with sobs.
– Hic, Hi, Hinazawa-san, made me wear underwear for women, uwaa… because it increases both defense and mental status….
Asagiri stared at Hinazawa. Hinazawa whistled shamelessly, looking in a different direction. After breathing a sigh, Asagiri gently spoke to Arisugawa.
– For that reason, it’s not embarrassing to wear girl’s underwear, is it? It’s okay. And it suits Alice-chan.
Turning around, Hinazawa continued the words of Asagiri.
– That’s true! You’re so cute, Alice! Because I thought it definitely suits you, I recommended it, you see〜
– … Is that so? Then it’s fine, I guess.
Fine?
Yuuki is quietly eating food next to Hinazawa, who gets carried away and gives backhanded compliments to Arisugawa this time. She unexpectedly eats quite often. Do fighters consume a lot of energy?
Beyond her, Ougiya and Leonhardt were getting excited, talking nonsense. Hmm? Why is there an NPC sitting at the table with them…? Ah, it’s Yamada.
– Oh, somehow, the products in the store have been enhanced lately.
– Wow! There are manga and light novels in the bookstore! With this, I can fight for another hundred years!
– No, no, don’t make it 100 years.
Yamada retorted extremely normally.
– I wish there were erotic books.
– Wow! Ero doujin! Certainly, if there are no ero doujin, I’ll die!
– You won’t die though?
– There’s some sort of cinema? There are people inside.
– Woooooooooow! Finally, I can watch animeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
– Yeah, movies are good too. I can finally enjoy my hobbies.
– Hmm? Yamada had hobbies?
– Movies and reading.
Normal hobbies….
When I pay attention to him, it seems to be a sad fact that he just actually watches TV streams and reads weekly manga magazines, so stop with the retort.
However, it seems new stores are open, and in fact, they have started to operate properly because bookstores only had dummy products and movie theaters weren’t screening movies…. Perhaps Santa──X wasn’t entirely a problem, given that there are parts that were updated properly?
Dropping playable content meant being concerned about us being trapped. But… is that really the case?
– Here, Doumeguri-kun.
Before I knew it, Asagiri was distributing the food.
– S-sorry. Thank you.
Suddenly, and for some reason, I saw Busujima staring at me. Busujima doesn’t like Asagiri, but she shouldn’t like me either. So it’s not interesting to have the people at the top of the caste caring about someone like me.
I certainly feel sorry for making Asagiri attend to me. From now, I have to be the one who will entertain Asagiri.
Thinking so, I emptied the glass.
Hmm?
Busujima’s eyes are swimming. Why is her gaze going back and forth between me and the drink bottle?
– Doumeguri-kun.
– Eh?
Before I knew it, Asagiri was holding a bottle and smiling at me. Moreover, she inclines the tip of the bottle a little and requests that the glass is brought forward.
– I’m really… sorry.
I’m not thoughtful… as soon as I determined so.
– What are you talking about? The protagonist today is Doumeguri-kun after all.
– I’m ashamed… of that.
Busujima gulps down the glass with a sullen face and reaches for the bottle. When she poured her own drink into the glass, she glared at me and drank it in one gulp.
Sorry, Busujima. I was defeated by Asagiri’s service spirit.
From a while ago, Miyakoshi has been looking at Busujima with eyes as if looking something rare, she’s a bit worried about her… well, not that it matters to me.
I turned to Shizukuishi sitting in the edge. She’s still facing away, looking bored.
Asagiri shouldn’t leave such a companion alone. She boldly talked to Shizukuishi.
– Nonnon, you… you’re happy that Doumeguri-kun is back, right?
– No, not at all!
Asagiri was troubled by the reaction, by the reply full of anger and irritation. I think about the event moments ago and let out an unpleasant sweat from my whole body.
– But you’re on good terms… right?
Shizukuishi turned her face away and turned her eyes only to Asagiri.
– Good terms? Stop making bad jokes. Doumeguri-kun is the third in the list of the ones I want to kill.
You really made one? But I’m surprised that there are two people above me.
– Well, although Doumeguri-kun is like bathroom mold, he acts as the bridge between me and my important one. That’s why you may think we’re on good terms.
Suddenly, Hinazawa leaned forward.
– Who is that important one!?
To my left, Ichinomiya is in a restless state, he makes his gaze wander about. Ah… this guy remembers that I conveyed Shizukuishi’s request, doesn’t he? It seems that he’s pretending to not be shy by dressing himself in a nonchalant air… but Ichinomiya looks a bit pitiable.
Miyakoshi threw a sexy smile at Shizukuishi as if making fun of her.
– Then〜why don’t you have a wedding with that person you think that way at the church〜?
– Church?
On that subject, was the marriage system implemented? Well, those are unknown words for me. I mean, was there a church in Caldart?
Asagiri guessed my look and taught me.
– It looks Doumeguri-kun doesn’t know, but a church was built while we were away.
– Is that so…?
– You remember, don’t you? I saw a church with Doumeguri-kun in Laguna. It looks just like that one.
──Orzeria order!? I felt that something cold was poured onto the nape of my neck.
So that Akagami built a church in Caldart…? Now I see why he showed up unexpectedly before. He was that close.
It must have been built while Caldart was under Satan’s control. Even so… Akagami. Probably he aimed at 2A Guild. But I don’t know what he’s going to do.
– If you care about that, then let’s go see it later. Like when we’re on our way back.
Asagiri smiled at me with a cloudless smile.
– No, that’s not what I mean. Thank you for taking me into consideration. But it’s already late, so I’d rather go straight back ──
– Doesn’t that sound good? Let’s make a short visit.
For the first time on this occasion, Shizukuishi spoke to me.
– No, but…
– There’s something I want to confirm.
──Confirm?
Shizukuishi showed a defiant smile on her face.
– This is…
Basking in the light of the moon, a blue building stood tall.
It gives a Christian church feeling, but the color of the walls is blue and the shape of the cross is different. Is this cross the symbol of Orzelia order? The four ends of the cross are T-shaped. Should I say it’s a shape that combines the capital letter I with a cross?
Stained glass is inserted into the windows, the light inside show through them, making a beautiful shape stand out in the city at night.
– He〜 It’s my first time coming at night, but it’s very pretty〜.
– That’s true. The church is really cool somehow.
Miyakoshi and Busujima, who were very excited, were cheerful and in high spirits.
But I’m filled with tension. Is Akagami really here? Or just NPCs? At any rate, and as the proverb says, the spirit you do not approach will not curse you. Bringing these guys closer to Orzelia is a complete disadvantage. I didn’t like it, so I called out to everyone.
– G-guys. It’s bad to visit this late at night, and religion has all sorts of trouble, no? Thoughtlessly approaching it is a bit──
As I talk, Shizukuishi opened the entrance door and looked inside.
– It’s open. Let’s go in.
Shizukuishi!! Damn you, tsk, listen to what people say!!
– Ah, you meanie!! I’ll go too!
– We’re going too!
– M-me too…
The other guys go in, following Shizukuishi. Dang it… I have no choice, do I?
I finally go through the door and go inside.
– This is…
I unconsciously was at a loss for words.
The stained glass covering the whole wall sheds a beautiful light as if it were emitting light. In reality, stained glass does not look beautiful without the light of the sun. This is because the color of the glass stands out only when the outside light goes through it. However, the stained glass of this church casts a beautiful light into the church even in the darkness outside at night.
Yuuki muttered mixed with a sigh.
– It’s very… pretty.
– It is. It’s amazing… especially the blue color, it’s fantastic.
Hinazawa grieved while turning her neck, looking around the church.
Certainly, as Hinazawa says, the blue color is beautiful. It feels as if I’m floating in the blue sky or floating in the middle of the sea.
– Doumeguri-kun, it’s amazing… and beautiful.
Before I knew, Asagiri was next to me.
– Yeah. But…
– The atmosphere is quite different from what we saw in Laguna, right?
That’s right. In the church we saw in Laguna, the content of the religious paintings on the walls and ceiling was quite brutal. Angels were punishing humans who were judged as sinners, but it was quite realistic, one could say it was gruesome.
However, the religious paintings in this church are really beautiful. A saint who gives gifts and miracles to people. An angel descending before people. Only such beautiful scenes are depicted.
– Oh my, did you come to pray at a time like this?
──! !
The door next to the altar opened and a man in a blue robe appeared. A pest mask modeled after a bird was on his face.
Is this guy… Akagami?
Since he’s wearing a mask, it’s difficult to know if it’s him because an effect is applied to his voice.
– Ah… I’m sorry… hmm? Are you the priest who was in Laguna?
Asagiri asked, looking astonished.
– No, I have never been assigned to Laguna… oh yes, it is not unreasonable to think so. This appearance is the one of a priest. I am a part of Orzelia order, I am not an individual. That is why I hide my face.
The priest returns a laugh to Asagiri who apologizes for the misunderstanding. He answered that there is no need to apologize. But… is that really the case? We have no way of confirming that fact.
– Leaving that aside, are you travelers? Or you came to sightsee the church?
Ichinomiya denied it as he smiled.
– No, we’re people from 2A Guild who have made of Caldart their hometown.
Then the priest clapped his hands together, exaggeratedly surprised.
– In that case, are you all from 2A Guild, the strongest guild in Caldart that defeated Infermia!?
Ichinomiya smiled wryly.
– Well, saying we defeated it is──
Ougiya shouted with an incredibly loose face.
– Quit it! I give uuuup! The strongest guild, huh〜 Well, that’s certainly the case! We’re the heroes who sent the Demon King Army flying!
– Us? Did you call us like that?
– He〜 that doesn’t sound bad.
The priest took out beautiful stone pendants from the sleeve of the robe.
– This is a proof of acquaintance. Please accept it.
– Oh!? What is this!?
Ougiya accepted the pendant from the priest’s hand without hesitation. Ichinomiya said as if chiding Ougiya.
– Hey, Ougiya, you’re too careless.
– It’s alright! Akira-kun, what should I do if I don’t accept this given item, Akira-kun!? So, what is this? Is it expensive?
– It does not worth that much money if sold… but that is Orzelia’s good luck stone. Wearing it will bring good luck to you all.
While having a suspicious look, Ougiya wore the pendant.
– Wow, it’s true! My critical rate increased just by wearing it!
With the appearance of the excited Ougiya, the rest of the gang reached for the pendant. And one after another, they shouted in surprise at the effect.
– It does not conflict with other items, so please carry it as a charm.
Because it would be strange if I’m the only one not receiving it, I was the last one to receive it.
A strengthened item that makes use of Akagami’s special ability… but it’s a delicate item. Honestly, not only the attack power and defense power increase, but also the luck value increases? Moreover, it’s not that dramatic. Well, because of that, it will last for a long while.
… Still, what does he mean by giving a present to 2A Guild?
While everyone was hanging the pendant around their necks, there was one person who didn’t equip it.
Shizukuishi looked up at the priest’s plague mask with the pendant in one hand.
– I have something to ask you.
– What is it?
– What is Orzelia’s armor?
Shizukuishi!?
The priest cocks his head in the plague mask.
– Let me see… an armor you say?
Shizukuishi glares up at him, making the already bad look in her eyes even grimier.
– Satan called the armor he was wearing “the Orzelia armor”. Are you people partners of Satan?
A stir runs in 2A Guild. In the hearts of everyone, I felt they suddenly got even more cautious. Asagiri muttered as if digging up her memory.
– Come to think of it… he might have said that.
You’ve done it, Shizukuishi.
Now, what will you do? If this guy is Akagami, he’ll probably have a scared face under the mask.
The priest slowly raised his hands. Then clapped.
2A Guild made their bodies tremble at that sound.
– Yes, I remember. Speaking of which, there was an incident in which the armor was stolen from the treasure house of Orzelia.
– … Stolen?
Shizukuishi frowns.
– Yes, stolen. However, I do not know the details. If you really want to know, go to Graslenner where our cathedral is located. I think that there are also materials left there.
– I see… I get it.
– When will you come?
– One of these days.
Leaving those words with him, Shizukuishi turned on her heels and headed for the exit. The rest of 2A Guild followed her retreating figure in blank amazement as she fluttered her black hair, going away.
The plague mask also stares at her retreating figure. I couldn’t imagine the expression below it.
– Oh man, it was awesome for us! Seriously!
Probably because being flattered was too much of a joy for him, Ougiya kept repeating it over and over. Ichinomiya changes the topic as if to say “calm down”.
– Aside from that, it was nice to get a good job.
After that, the priest began to talk about a job request. A believer asked him for advice, it was something about a nearby field devastated by goblins. Asagiri frowns and groans.
– Hmm, are you sure about this? We’ll just drive off a group of a few goblins? I think receiving 5,000 sol is too much.
One sol has a monetary value of about one hundred yen. In other words, the work was for 500,000 yen.
Certainly too high. Is Orzelia aiming to be 2A Guild’s financial supporter?
– What? Asagiri, what are you talking about? I’m telling you we got it so we should accept it ♪.
– Yup yup. If you like, we’ll have our own brand? Something like that.
Miyakoshi and Busujima are in a good mood. Since the application of Santa──X, the variety of clothes sold at the store has increased, so it would be a big welcome if they enjoy making money.
– Well, we’ve been in this world quite a while already. Around 10 months? I mean, Uiko, whom I brought up and raised under my personal care, became a splendid warrior. I wonder if I can have it easier with Uiko’s earnings.
Yuuki doesn’t know how to react to Hinazawa’s joke, she’s confused. Then, she turned the force of the argument to Arisugawa.
– And Alice also became a fine girl. I’m too old, and I’m about to retire, so take care of me, alright? Alice.
Arisugawa smiled as if he was troubled.
– Jeez, I don’t understand what you mean. And we’re of the same age, aren’t we?
At the boke (the funny man of a comedy duo) Hinazawa, laughter spreads among everyone, softening the atmosphere. And the blue gems we got from the priest shake on everyone’s chest.
For the time being, will this be an operation that tames with money and stuff──?
– Hmm? Is this?
Am I dizzy?
The world shakes. I felt suspicious about my sense of balance.
– Hey, has something changed?
– Isn’t it trembling? Eh, are you serious?
– Noooooo! It’s an earthquake! Everything is shaking! It’s a catastropheeeeee!
Nonsense! An earthquake in Exodia Exodus is, is something──
Suddenly, the catastrophe when Santa──X was applied flitted in my head.
──No way, again.
The sensation similar to dizziness turned into a violent shaking as if I was suddenly thrown away. Ichinomiya yells at everyone.
– It’s an earthquake! Everyone, hold onto something!!
The ground shakes greatly, it’s impossible to be on our feet. Everyone falls to the ground and crawls on all fours. Without being able to do anything, we just continued being shaken in fear.
I look up, the buildings in the city sway from side to side like a pendulum.
The ground in front of me suddenly collapsed.
– Kyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!
– Uwaaaawawaaaaa!
Screams mixed with the subterranean trembling flew about.
The shops on both sides of the road slip off together with the collapsing and falling ground. They go down a precipitous slope, then are sucked into the hole. It was unbelievable. Feeling that the cracks in the ground have spread, they collapse the next moment, making the hole even bigger. In the blink of an eye, a hole with a diameter of fifty meters had grown.
– Go down! Run away!
With the instruction of Ichinomiya, everyone left the hole while crawling on all fours.
As things are, will Caldart be swallowed underground? Such fear crosses my mind. However, the shaking gradually subsided.
And the collapsed hole didn’t spread any further.
– Is everyone safe!?
Voices confirming their safety are heard. I gave a vague answer and stood near the sunken hole. It seems to be 20, 30 meters deep. A strange thing was seen in the dancing cloud of dust.
──Historic ruins?
Underneath the rubble, I could see something like an arrangement of stones, this was certainly not man-made.
What on earth is happening?
A new fear and anxiety began to run through my body.
I returned to the Demon King Infermia Castle, put on the armor of the Demon King and headed to the warehouse, the meeting place, at full speed. Then as soon as I jumped into the room, I slide and kneel down on the ground. Like in F1, the knee armor scatters cobblestone and sparks.
– I am sorry for being late!
– Eh? Oh right…
Hmm? What is this dispirited reply?
When I raised my face, Aikawa-san kept her back turned on me.
It ended up taking me more than an hour doing this and that to get here after being called via the communication gem. Precisely because I was afraid of her, wondering how big the scolding would be, this was somewhat anticlimactic. Or did the anger break through so much that she even lost the strength to get mad?
Aikawa-san turned her face over her shoulder. Her gaze that stared at me and seemed to want to say something shook as if hesitating.
– Is there anything wrong?
– Eh!? N-no. It’s nothing.
There was a banging sound, and Aikawa-san put something back on the shelf.
– Were you reading that?
Aikawa-san’s shoulders went up and down, as if taking a deep breath.
And the moment she turned around, a shock wave happened.
– I did tell you to come early! Why is that it took you an hour since then!?
I banged my forehead on the floor.
– I am sorry!!
The floor tiles cracked and shattered.
– Debugger… to think there was a boy like that…
When I explained the reason for being late while prostrating myself before Aikawa-san who had a sullen face, Aikawa-san’s expression changed from anger to surprise.
– Souma Akagami. Do you know him?
– Since specialists are in charge of debugging, it was impossible to know he was only a part-time worker. Still, a troublesome person appeared, am I right?
– To be frank, he’s on a cheat level! The ability to control all NPCs and strengthen equipment items, how is that possible? Unlike me, he has a legitimate and usable special ability… I’m so jealous. I only have paid items and adult mode erotic magic!
– And knowledge that made use of his debugging experience. Probably, among the people who are logged in now, he’s the most familiar with Exodia Exodus.
The screams of my heart are flatly ignored. Aikawa-san put her hand on her mouth and frowned.
– His personality seems to be quite problematic, but… is he really going to eliminate other children?
– It seems he’ll do that… I don’t think it’s possible to judge how serious Akagami is unless I get closer to him.
Aikawa-san combed her bangs upwards with a worried look.
– It looks like you’ll be busy again. But having regular dealings with a third force and using different faces for each one… will you be okay?
I shrugged my shoulders. She can’t see me in the armor, but of course my face has a bitter smile.
– To be honest, it’s hard. As hard as Aikawa-san’s outsource management.
– Geez… I’m seriously asking you.
Aikawa-san glares at me with upturned eyes and with a sulky-looking face.
– That’s right… I think it would be easier if I could have an ally in 2A Guild. Asagiri? Ichinomiya? Or maybe Shizukuishi… she’ll be too troublesome, no?
– That’s….
The frowning Aikawa-san mumbled.
– … Too risky, right? If you lose yourself for a moment and reveal your secret, you may not recover from that, don’t you agree?
– I agree.
From the beginning, I have no intention of doing so. But,
The sound of knocking on the door resounded.
– My King. I have heard from my subordinates that you were here, but are you there?
Oh, was I perhaps seen running with my facial expression changed? He was able to find my whereabouts easily.
I lightly clear my throat before answering.
– Adra? What do you need?
– I have something to report. If it is alright with you, I would like you to come to the King’s room.
– Hum. Under──
White breasts shook bouncily in front of me.
– Kyaa! Hey, d-don’t look this way yet!
Aikawa-san dexterously took out her blouse from the gap between her binding clothes. A pair of soft pink tips were popping out from two round holes. Aikawa-san hurriedly hides the swellings with both hands.
– A-Aikawa-san!? Wh…what are you doing!?
While hiding her breasts, Aikawa-san looks back at me with a surprised look.
– We… we have to deceive him, no?
– It’s okay. Unlike Forneus and Grasha, Adra doesn’t break into the room suddenly.
– Eh? Is, is that… so?
Aikawa-san’s face instantly turns red.
– R-really… say that kind of thing first!
– Hey, although he’s not going to step in, don’t go screaming like that please.
Aikawa-san turned her back on me as if she had gotten angry, crammed her blouse into the gap of the binding clothes and began to wear clothes. From the other side of the door, I hear Adra’s suspicious-sounding voice.
– My King? Is there something wrong?
– It’s nothing. I’ll go soon. You go first.
– As you wish.
After confirming that his footsteps were moving away, I raised my hands lightly to Aikawa-san and apologized. Then I gently opened the door and left the warehouse.
The Demon King’s Tower rising in the center of Infermia. Only the Demon King Hellshaft and the Hellzekter are allowed to enter the conference room-cum-office 『Demon King’s space』 on the upper floor. One of its sides is 100 meters long. It’s a very large room, comparable in height to the 10-story stairwell.
I always think this, but from the outside, the upper part of the Demon King’s Tower is considerably thin and it’s not that big, so a big room like this fitting in it is impossible. I’m sure the outward appearance and the internal map are different, and the modeling data are different too. However, that is interpreted as the distortion of the space caused by the demon’s magic power.
– Shall we listen the reports?
I idly sit on the seat at the head of the long table and looked at the faces of Adra, Grasha and Satanachia. Forneus is still in recuperation because she suffered a lot of damage from Satan.
– So, do I start?
– Yes. What happened? Grasha.
– Recently, the number of corps members has decreased considerably as the war continued. I’d like to get new ones if possible.
– … Is that so?
Although they are NPCs with nothing but simple AI, it is still painful to lose corps members who fought as subordinates. Even though they were being manipulated by Satan, some of them were people I got myself.
… Once things are settled, should I build a memorial monument?
– All right. Hurry up and rebuild the army corps.
The army corps will recruit field monsters roaming the fields of the Balgaea continent while others will recruit those who have applied for recruitment. It had been decided to call the most outstanding ones among the people assigned to each region of Hellandia to Infermia as necessary castle staff members.
Then, the ones who have experience as platoon commander and the like will leave Infermia as the ones in charge of each region and sent to the regions of Hellandia… that’s how it should go.
Then I suddenly realized something.
– ──But the condition is that a personal background check is done when recruiting. In particular, anyone related to Orzelia order shouldn’t be accepted in the army.
I hadn’t been aware of it until now, but from now on, we have to be a little careful about selection.
The same thing is emphasized to the Vampire Corps and the Dark Elf Corps, and the topic ended. One issue is settled.
Now it’s Satanachia’s turn. The beautiful Dark Elf Commander began to talk with a cool voice.
– I have received information from Zeragiel-sama in Rowalrinna. The grand festival 『Vertinas』 will be held in Rowalrinna. The contents this year are to particularly elaborate a plan, so she would like to invite Hellshaft-sama to this event without fail.
Last time, Zeragiel coldly refused the request to dispatch troops to subjugate Satan. However, now that things were going favorable to Hellshaft, she is currying favor with me.
– She’s truly cunning. My reply to her invitation is──
Satanachia makes her eye sparkle.
– What is it? Satanachia?
– Oh? Ah, no. It’s nothing.
It doesn’t look like it’s nothing. You look incredibly happy, you know?
She tries to make a cool face, mobilizing all her facial muscles, but her closed mouth seemed to rise and her eyes were completely smiling. I can even see the illusion of large flowers blooming behind Satanachia.
– Satanachia. Is this festival so important?
– It is! Certainly it is. It is a festival that has an ancient and honorable origin and that has been held since 2,000 years ago. It is a festival to thank for the good harvest, invite the Holy Spirit and the spirit of the dead, show gratitude to the past prosperity and pray for future blessings. This year marks its 20th anniversary, so it will be even more spectacular.
Satanachia, who entwined her fingers, blushed and made a fervent speech, was like an innocent girl. I unconsciously smiled under the helmet.
– If so, then all of the Hellzekter will accompany me to that festival.
– Eh? But then nobody will be in Infermia…
After showing an anxious facial expression, Satanachia’s complexion suffered a complete change and turned pale.
– I, I am sorry. I got too excited and forgot my place… although I definitely want to go, I…
– If the repairs in Infermia that are being done now are over, the defenses will be dramatically stronger. We won’t have to stay in the castle all the time.
──Yes. After defeating Satan, the first thing I did when I came back to the throne was the strengthening of Infermia’s defense measures. In other words, the Infermia remodeling plan.
Why? Because Infermia has fallen twice in a short period of time. The first time was when the Allied Forces of 2A and Elves destroyed the defense of the castle. The second time was when I myself did that. The defense capability was obviously poor and measures were needed.
– So, when is the festival?
– It will take place in… 35 days.
– Adra, will the construction work end by then?
Adra stands up with a report in one hand. Satanachia looked up at Adra, who was also the construction manager, with a gaze that mixed dispiritedness and a bit of expectation.
– If laborers are increased by 200 people, it will be possible. Although the cost will increase, it may be possible to offset it to some degree due to the effect of reducing the labor cost by shortening the construction period.
– Alright. Satanachia, I leave the preparations for the trip to Rowalrinna to you.
– Ye… yes. Thank you!
Her eyes are shining brighter than before. She wanted to go that much, doesn’t she?
– My King. Speaking of the construction work, this is related to the report about it, but… how about this? Would you do an on-site inspection for a moment? The morale of the people on site will increase.
Certainly I’d like to see the location once. Besides, appreciation is needed in order to shorten the construction period. When Aikawa-san suddenly changed the scheduled delivery date from one week to three days, I was indignant. At that time, she used some gentle words: do your best──wait, am I that obvious to trick?
– Sure. I shall hear the report tomorrow while doing inspection.
The repairs have been completed in the audience room destroyed by Satan, the facilities in the castle destroyed by the battle and the gates destroyed by Grasha and Yuuki. The decoration of the audience room will happen after this, but there’s no problem in that coming later.
I got in the carriage and went outside the castle. Although I say carriage, it’s not like a horse is pulling it. It’s a vehicle pulled by four big tiger-looking monsters. An escort carriage runs in front and behind me. Inside them was the Vampire Corps wearing Gothic dresses and tuxedoes. We’re near Infermia, there haven’t been reports of hostile entities entering the territory now. I don’t think something like a guard is necessary, but I let Adra do as he likes.
The carriages run down the straight wasteland road. This road was also built for this construction work. The stone paving road is paved quite nicely.
After advancing for a while, the sea was in sight.
This is the boundary between the inner and outer seas surrounding Infermia, where there used to be a channel of about 200 meters wide. But now it was merely about 10 meters wide.
– At this site, land reclamation will be completed in about four days.
In the past, the allied forces of 2A Guild and the Elves closed in on Infermia through here. Therefore, this channel will be reclaimed and sealed off, there will be only one place to get to the inland sea and there will be a sea gate and a fortress for defense there. Then, the inland sea surrounding Infermia will be developed and used as an extended location.
Furthermore, a canal will be excavated until near Infermia to build a harbor. Up until now, the logistics that had mostly relied on land routes will be shifted to water transportation. And if we can procure transport ships and warships, the Demon King Army will be able to control the sea as well.
We’ll have to set up barriers or protective walls on the land route of Caldart side, but that’s the next stage. This is the remodeling plan of the Demon King Infermia Castle for the time being.
According to the plan, hundreds of orcs and magic beasts are devoting themselves to public works. A loud voice was heard at the scene, a cloud of dust rose densely.
– They are quite excited, aren’t they?
– Yes. It is a complete production system, if you do it, your income will increase. That is the arrangement. Even if they steal the work of others, they are all just trying to make money, so they naturally compete and work quickly.
– Hmm, I see…
The magic beast that carries soil on the shoulder with a pole on his shoulders shouts, making his eyes shine brightly.
– Move out of the way, move out of the way! Today’s dinner is high-quality meat! I have to make 10, no 20 round trips!
Several orcs push hand trucks with heaps of earth and sand.
– Puuuuuush! Push as much as you can!
– What!? I’ll make money here and buy a plot of land!
Where is the soil brought to? I thought that the distant mountain was cut in half. From the mountain, a giant troll comes holding another huge crate. Maybe there’s a lot of soil inside of it. Every time the troll steps, the ground shakes and the orcs run about, trying to escape so as to not be trampled down.
Laborers of various races throw earth and sand into the sea in succession. Surely this space will be finished in four days.
An orc ran from behind the cloud of dust. It looks like he’s the site foreman or something like that.
– Adra-sama! Why have you expressly come to a dusty and smelly place like th──
The orc looked up at me and solidified.
– A-Adra-sama… is this person…
– He is the Demon King Hellshaft-sama. He gratefully came here incognito to inspect the way you work.
Cold sweat began to flow from the face of the orc. He jumped back, got on his hands and knees and rubbed his head on the ground.
– I, I have been terribly ruuuuuude! I am really! Really! Really sorrryyyyyyyyyyyyy!
I said coolly without going as far as losing dignity.
– It’s fine. Don’t worry.
The site foreman orc shouted with his face still facing down the ground.
– Heeeeeeeeeey! You lot! Behave yourself! T-the D-D-Demon King! The Demon King-sama! The Demon King Hellshaft-sama has arriiiived!
The workers who heard his voice gazed at me. Then, when they saw Adra and me, they threw down the soil they were carrying and prostrated themselves on the ground. That thing spreads throughout the construction site like a chain reaction.
As expected of Infermia, my residence. Both control and loyalty is complete, it feels good. But to tell the truth, I’d rather have them work normally and not do this because the work gets delayed.
– Receiving the work of the Demon King Army this time is an honor I don’t deserve! I thank you on behalf of all the workers!
It seems that he is doing quite his best, so should I give him some words of gratitude?
I glanced at Adra and he nodded small as if answering my question.
– Ooooooooooo!
From the cloudy eyes of the site foreman, tears flow down like a waterfall. Other workers cried as they muttered 「Demon King-sama」in unison. Then they unconsciously began to shout with crying voices and raised their dirty arms overhead.
– Hell! Hell! Hell! Hell! Hell! Hell! Hell! Hell! Hell!
The slightly dirtied workers swing their arms up together.
After the chant continued for a while, I lifted my hand as if saying enough. Adra opened his mouth, waiting for the moment the chant calmed down.
– The words of appreciation of my King are more than you deserve… a reward someone like you can’t get to accept. Remember that very well.
– Of course! Is there a better reward than that? Everyone here will brag about this, even the generation of our children and grandchildren.
Adra’s glasses glow.
– You are thoughtful. By the way, it was planned that the work would be completed in four days… but is it possible to finish it in three days?
The site foreman raised his face and smiled fearlessly.
– Fufu, what a nice joke, Adra-sama. Three days is…
Adra’s eyebrows twitch. He opens his mouth, about to ask something.
But before that, the site foreman powerfully continued the conversation.
– Two days are more than enough!
– ──Hou.
Adra smiled broadly.
The site foreman turned around and cried.
– Hey! Can you do iiiiiit!?
A turbulent-like reply returns to that question.
– Of course we can!
– We’ll do it!
– If we don’t do it, we’ll lose our honor!
They got incredibly excited.
But it’s good. There’s no endless retakes, no specification changes at no extra cost, and nothing like unreasonable extra work. I super envy these guys that will get paid only if they really work.
Adra nodded, looking satisfied.
– Very well. If you want to continue helping my King, prepare the list of names within two days. There is work to expand the inland sea and build a moat. We are recruiting additional laborers.
The eyes of the workers shone brightly.
– I’ll do it! I’ll do it!
– Me too!
– I’ll earn more money, right!? Let me do iiiit!
We got into the vehicle and left the scene, giving a sidelong glance at the site foreman who kept back the rushing workers.
Staring at the land reclamation site which was getting steadily away from us, Adra bowed his head.
– Thank you very much, my King. Going as far as doing so is…
– You brought me along with that intention, no? It’s fine. What’s next?
– Next is the construction site of the strait stronghold.
Upon arrival, the workers at the site here were impressed as well. Most of the workers were Mirni, a small race about a meter tall. They were just like a human child, except that they had big pointy ears like elves.
– We are working away from our nearby village, but this year we were in great trouble because no crops were harvested.
The village headman, as their representative, came to express his gratitude to me.
– This time, the village was saved thanks to the construction of the Demon King-sama. Thank you very much.
We leave the strait stronghold, the next step is the extension of the inland sea.
And the excavation work of the canal.
Finally, I arrived at the planned construction site of the port.
The construction hasn’t started yet, the land currently had nothing but grass growing here and there.
– The construction of the strait stronghold will be completed in 30 days. But the construction of the port will take more time, it seems.
– Hmm. There won’t be a problem if we block the entrance for the time being. It’s better to do a little more research on canals and ports.
All because I look around the construction like this I felt that I was the company president of the general contractor.
Because of this, there are many expenses. However, there’s no point in simply depositing money in the Infermia’s vault. When you use it, and because you use it, money is valuable. These are necessary expenses.
And surprisingly, there seemed to be emergency demands regarding local monsters. I was worried that it would get difficult if a rebellion caused by harsh forced labor occurred, but on the contrary, the local people thanked me wherever I went.
– And we are currently negotiating with the Laguna and Sandiano shipyards to buy the designated ship.
– Negotiation? Is there something wrong?
– No. Since it is the Demon King Army’s flagship, they want to receive the order even if they have to pay with their own money… I expect a competition being held soon.
I see… even if they’re left in the red, it will become an advertisement and an honor for them, so will it be possible to make up for it with its effect?
– When I receive the blueprint, I would like you to confirm it.
I answered “Sure”, got in the vehicle and went back to Infermia.
When I returned from the inspection, I went to visit Forneus’ room.
She was treated immediately after the battle with Satan, but for some reason, neither medicines nor healing magic had effect on Forneus. Was it because of her origin as an angel? It may not be effective unless it’s holy magic rather than magic or medicine of the demons.
However, more than a week has passed since the battle with Satan. I’ve heard that she’s still in recuperation, but no matter how you look at it, she should have been recovered by now.
I knock on the beautifully decorated wooden door.
– Forneus. Are you awake? I’m going in.
I gently opened the door of Forneus’ room and looked inside.
– Ah! Hell-sama!
Forneus, who was lying down on the bed, suddenly stood up. She made her pure-white wings flap, floating lightly and jumping at my neck.
– Yaaay! Hell-sama came to see me!
Her wounded body and feathers plucked by Satan were completely restored.
I’m glad… I’m really am.
– You look fine.
– Ehehe, it’s all thanks to Hell-sama.
– Is that so? Then you can go back to work.
I say so and Forneus suddenly looked away.
– …I’m still a bit weak.
– What? Do you feel pain or something?
– Yes. When I try to go out, I feel sick.
I looked around in Forneus’ room. Bags of sweets and manga are scattered on the bed; unfinished puzzles, a movie projector, a bundle of films and garbage of things that were eaten such as juice bottles were on the floor, it’s such a mess there’s no space even for my feet.
– Forneus, you…
Even though she’s an NPC… she dares enjoy her hikikomori life to the fullest!
I let go of the hand holding Forneus. Then, Forneus hung from my neck.
– It seems you’re completely healed and that’s a relief. Well then, shall we return to work? If you can’t do it suddenly, then starting from rehabilitation isn’t a problem.
– No. I’m not completely healed. If I don’t stay idle after eating food and snacks, my stomach starts hurting… if I go outside, I’ll definitely get worse.
That’s not illness but pseudo-illness! This hikikomori NEET angel! It’s more appropriate to write worthless angel than a fallen angel!
– You can start from tomorrow, so at least do an inspection tour of the Undead Corps. After that all you have to do is attend Hellzekter’s meeting.
– Eehh? But it’s a bother.
She clearly said “it’s a bother” now, didn’t she?
– The Undead Corps don’t need food because they’re dead. Even if I don’t take care of them, they’ll come up with something.
Hey, aren’t you the corps commander though a bit imperfect!?
– But… the number of corps members is decreasing and there are various things such as reorganization and training as well as maintaining the insufficient corps members, no?
Probably because she doesn’t understand what it means, Forneus frowned and groaned.
– I don’t understand complicated things like that. Forneus… err, follows『the principle of laissez-faire』. I look forward to everyone’s 『independent growth』
This fallen angel. It’s useless.
– Unyu?
I held Forneus under my arm, opened the door and left the room.
– W-what are you doing?!
– We’ll go around the inside of the castle.
– If you do that, I’ll definitely die! Hell-sama is a fiend!
What on earth were you thinking about me?
– After that, we’ll have a meeting in the Demon King space after inspecting the area of the undead corps.
– Funyaaaaaaaa! Somebody help meeeeee!
But no one listened to Forneus’ call for help.
──Now. The problems that will come.
I, who was now in the shape of Doumeguri Kakeru, stood still in front of Caldart’s guild hall. I’ve been here like this too many times now.
At any rate, I know I’ll be verbally attacked. I’ve been preparing my mind for it, but now that I stand in front of the guild hall, I want to flee.
However, even if I do this forever, nothing will be solved. After all, it’s impossible to be forgiven with a single apology. Today I’ll apologize and apologize only and leave. That will do.
I have no time to stop in my tracks in a place like this. I have no choice but move forward.
Telling that to myself, I opened the door of the guild hall. The first floor is a large lobby with several sofas. It’s crowded with adventurers and other guilds that came for quests and information, but nobody from 2A Guild was to be seen.
Were they out in a subjugation quest?
However… when I try thinking about it again, the leveling of the 2A Guild is bad news. They have gained a lot of experience so far, thanks to the two attacks on Infermia and the search for removing the curse from Asagiri. On the other hand, I have been unable to impede their leveling up and that situation has been continuing. Although there are individual differences, at the stage of the battle with Satan, their levels should have been between 22 and 26.
If I leave them as they are, the day will come when I and the Hellzekter will be defeated. I overlooked it last time, but I must stop 2A Guild from leveling up as soon as possible. And I have to think of ways for us to become even stronger.
As I think about it, the door behind me opens and I felt multiple people coming in. I try to get out of the way, then move aside and turn around.
– Ah!
– Wha!?
As if returning from a quest, the guys from 2A Guild stared at me and opened their mouths.
Damn! Why the very moment I relaxed my attention!?
I was unable to say anything, they were also unable to say anything while having their mouths open. We just stared at each other in silence. Without being strangely verbally attacked, the exchange-glances time lasted for several seconds.
– Doumeguri-kun! You finally came back!
Asagiri came before me, pushing her way through the rest of 2A Guild.
– A-Asagiri… err, I.
Asagiri looks back at the standing-still 2A Guild.
– Well, everyone is okay with it, right? Just as it was decided.
Decided? What is she talking about?
– Well… it can’t be helped.
– Roger. Then I’ll take a rest in my room for a moment. Let’s go, Uiko.
– Y-yeah.
– Yahoooooooo! We’ll have a party tonight!
– I’ll be going to the 『Dancing Unicorn Restaurant』first. So they prepare the food.
W-What? This reaction.
The members of 2A Guild return to their rooms. Especially without turning hostile eyes at me, they don’t even complain. Rather, all pass by without making eye contact with me. I looked at Asagiri, the only one who remained there, as if looking for an answer.
– I explained the situation to everyone.
Wh… what?
– I said that you cooperated with Satan to calm everyone’s panic and bring us together. To help us.
– But…. they don’t believe such a thing…
– I mean, I just felt they didn’t want to believe in you. But when I explained it with perseverance, everyone came to understand it.
Asagiri smiled to make me feel relieved.
──Asagiri, you are.
Half astonished, I stared at Asagiri’s face.
To my eyes who kept staring at her, Asagiri showed a troubled-looking smile and fiddled with her hair.
– I’m sorry for doing it my way. Doumeguri-kun might think that it’s… unnecessary, but I just can’t control myself.
– No, no, you don’t need to apologize! Rather, it is I… who regrets letting you do such a thing. I mean, thank you… err, what should I say to thank you…?
Asagiri smiled happily. With that single smile, the lobby of the guild hall suddenly became brighter, it felt as if the number of lights in the room had increased. Through that smile, I felt the joy of Asagiri and something like a sense of accomplishment.
– It is I who should thank you, you know? I returned the favor, just a little bit.
Asagiri, who brought it to a finish, saying “you’re strange, Doumeguri-kun”, passed next to me.
– Ah, be at the Dancing Unicorn Restaurant in one hour. We’ll be celebrating Doumeguri-kun’s return.
– You don’t have to do such an outrageous th──
Asagiri went up the stairs humming a tone and disappeared as if ignoring me who said that.
– … What the hell?
This is so anticlimactic. Rather, it’s a surprising development. But, either way, I’m glad….
Asagiri. You’re truly an angel, no, a Goddess.
Feeling that I’ll be moved to tears if I keep ruminating the event just now, I go up the stairs while striving to think about something else. Is my room the same as before?
At the top of the stairs, on the third floor, there was a man with his arms crossed, leaning against the wall.
– Ichinomiya…
– I have something small to talk to you.
– Yeah… what is it?
Regarding Ichinomiya, he feels inferior to me. I tricked Ichinomiya and that hasn’t changed. Moreover, after Asagiri ended up spoiling the story, it had become an ugly role for Ichinomiya. It was the same as being disgraced. Well, it’s natural to get angry.
Just as I thought, he pretended to be calm, but the anger that could not be hidden from the expression of Ichinomiya was exuding.
Ichinomiya walked away from the wall and approached me. We stare at each other in the empty hallway.
– Punch me, Doumeguri.
──Huh?
– Why?
– Back then, I grabbed you by the collar and tried to hit you.
– Yeah, when I said I’d be on Satan’s side… but in the end you didn’t hit me, did you?
– Because Shizukuishi stopped me.
Yup. Rather, instead of that, I wanted Shizukuishi to say something like「Hit me!」. That hit was quite a good punch. It’s cute compared to Ichinomiya’s punch though.
– And Doumeguri kept being left out after that. So do it.
Hey, hey. Please stop that youth development. I don’t know how you can do an embarrassing thing like this.
I tried to get through it with a bitter smile, but Ichinomiya wouldn’t let me through like a basketball defense.
– It won’t end until you punch me.
– … Alright, I get it.
– Yeah. Please go with all you’ve got.
Saying so, I made the gesture of hitting his cheek with my own fist.
Being evasive and hitting his chest won’t be alright… if I go easy on him, he’ll absolutely say 『One more time』 or something like that… oh dammit, this is troublesome!
I lightly swung my fist. Breathing in, I seriously slammed my fist against Ichinomiya’s cheek.
– …
Ichinomiya staggered. It seems something is cut in his mouth because when he rubs his mouth with his hand, something red was in his fingers. And my hand hurts. I stared at my fist. Compared to Hellshaft’s fist, it was an extremely small and unreliably fist.
Ichinomiya raised his face and smiled as he rubbed his painfully-looking cheek.
– Thank you. This is refreshing. But you see──
– Eh?
He came straight up to me and suddenly grabbed me by the collar. In front of me was the burning-in-anger face of Ichinomiya that couldn’t be compared with what I saw a moment ago.
– H-hey. Ichi──
– Never do that again!
I was overwhelmed by the spirit of Ichinomiya. The hands that grab me by the collar have so much strength in them that they are trembling.
– No matter what I say, it’s useless. I can’t persuade them. Yes, that might have been the case. Doumeguri might have been correct. But I can’t stand it! Don’t be full of yourself, doing things on your own, don’t carry all on your back and don’t try to look good!
– Ichinomiya…
– I! I haven’t think of trying to sacrifice someone to survive!
He yelled and let go of his hands.
– That’s all.
Ichinomiya turned his back on me and went down the stairs. I didn’t say anything and saw his back off.
Ichinomiya.
You,
You really are a good guy.
You are pure, honest, and fair. That’s why I can’t tell you the truth.
I turn my back on Ichinomiya and walk down the hall.
Now that a guy like Akagami has appeared, I’m not just going to gloss it over. I may have to use underhanded methods more than ever. A hero of justice like you can’t handle it.
I open the door of my room and go inside.
Shizukuishi isn’t here, so let’s take a shower and organize my head. I take off my clothes while thinking about something. At that moment, my right hand that punched Ichinomiya was sore.
Good grief… I, who punched him, didn’t I suffer more damage than him?
As I think about that, I entered the bathroom, closed the door and the hot steam hit my face.
Huh?
Why──
– ！？！！★〇〆X▼♂！？！？！？！？
I heard a soundless scream. And I shout in my mind.
– ！？！！※★＊▲〒♀！！！！！！！！
White limbs submerged in the bathtub. A girl with long black hair and a towel wrapped around her head was looking at me with an amazed look.
Shizukuishiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!?
– Hyaaaaa!!
Shizukuishi hid in the hot water with a splash while hiding her breasts. After sinking, half of her face slowly rises to the surface.
– I zee… I get ith. Whath do u want?
It’s hard to catch her words because she’s talking in the hot water. However, the bubbles thrown out of her mouth and the anger that appears to be boiling are more dreadful than the content of those words. With sanpaku and scornful eyes, she stares at me from inside the bathtub.
With only her mouth coming out of the hot water, Shizukuishi bared her fangs as if threatening. She makes her lips quiver with a flushed face that I don’t know if it’s because of the accident or because she warmed it herself.
– So it was your intention to wanting to see me bathing again and again and again until now! Even so, to think that you would come and enter so boldly, your perversion amazes me!
– T-that goes for you too! Why are you taking a bath in someone else’s room!?
– Excuse me!? This is my room! This time I won’t let you say it’s because of a bug. I carefully checked if it was connected to any room!
– Then why…!?
I turn around and check my room.
… Huh?
There are some luggage that I don’t recognize.
Come to think of it, I didn’t pay attention to the details of the room because I was all this time absorbed in my thoughts. The layout is the same in every room, so I didn’t feel any strangeness, but this is….
– M-maybe… we changed, rooms?
– We did! Because I was away for so long, the guild registration disappeared!
Does that mean that this time is really my mistake? But then why did the key open the door?
– I-I’m sorry! But the key opened the door of its own accord, I wasn’t suspicious at all! I was absorbed in my thoughts, I didn’t even look in the room!
– Shameless…
The gaze of Shizukuishi concealing deep-seated grudge went down starting from my face. Then she pursed her mouth, making a straight line and opened her eyes in surprise.
– … ♂♂♂♂♂♂♂♂♂♂.
– Hmm? What’s wr──
I mean, my penis was hanging out! This is bad, I don’t have a towel!
– H-hey, don’t fixedly stare at it like that!
I shouted and hid it with my hands right away.
– H-how rude! I’m not interested in t-that kind of thing! If you have the time to hide it, then why don’t you get out! Are you stupid!? Do you want to die!?
– Hey Shizukuishi, what’s wrong? Somehow I could hear your voice even outside.
A figure was reflected behind the frosted glass.
This voice──Busujima!?
Shizukuishi and I look at each other immediately.
This is the worst.
We can’t make excuses if we are seen like this. An established couple. Moreover, with established facts.
Shizukuishi pulled my arm and vigorously dragged me into the bathtub.
– Wh-what are you doing?
Shizukuishi made me sit down in the bathtub as if pushing me into it, then sunk herself into the bathtub, putting herself between my legs. The momentum undid the towel wrapped around her head, and her black hair spreads out. And said to me as if whispering.
– If you’re there, she’ll find you out because of your silhouette. Are you a moron?
– B-but this is….
Unmistakably a mixed bath. Or rather, taking a bath together. Although it’s to avoid groundless doubts, this situation is more aggravating. What a contradiction. The western-style bathtub has a shallow bottom, but it’s long. Thanks to this, even two people can get in side by side. However, the bodies will inevitably come into close contact.
Shizukuishi sits, looking small and quiet between my legs.
The very picture of a lover’s lovey-dovey bath time. In appearance only.
– Because there’s a frosted glass, she can only see silhouettes. By adjusting our position, she’ll only see one person.
– I, I see…
But we have to try not moving. I’m having trouble where to put my hands on, but it’s impossible to hug Shizukuishi tight. I put my hand on the edge of the bathtub and pulled my body to make space for Shizukuishi. Because of that, Shizukuishi draws back as if shuffling her feet. The person herself seems to be completely unaware, but she pushes her soft butt against my precious thing.
Uoooooooooo! Stay cool! Stay cool! Calm down, my Excalibur! You devilish demon rod! Now it’s not the moment!
Shizukuishi took a big breath.
– Busujima-san? It’s nothing special. I remember something a little annoying, so I just shouted to let the stress go out.
– Hee, that’s unexpected. Isn’t Shizukuishi rather cool for that? To do something like that.
The shadow reflected on the other side of the frosted glass approaches. I unconsciously caught my breath. I can feel the tension running from the back of Shizukuishi. She leaves her back on my chest, as if retreating from the shadow of the approaching Busujima.
– …!!
I was about to emit a sound. The soft body of Shizukuishi closely adheres to my chest, abdomen, and lower abdomen. The tender and smooth skin of Shizukuishi sticks to my body. I felt that the part where our skin overlapped was warmer than the hot water.
– Yes. Also, I don’t like being interrupted while bathing.
– Ah, sorry. But the key of the room is broken, you know? Somehow it opened of its own accord.
– Eh?
An awkward air flowed in the bathtub.
– I, I see. Thank you for telling me. While it’s okay to enter the room, don’t go into the bath.
– Ah, how mean. I don’t lack that much common sense. It doesn’t bring me joy seeing a naked woman.
If she opens the door, she’ll see a man and a woman put together.
Shizukuishi’s black hair spreads in the hot water. The contrast with the white skin quivering in the hot water is beautiful. Suddenly, the naked body of Shizukuishi that appeared when I was pulled into the bathtub is brought back in my head. A slender and supple body like a willow. It was clear that the chest, which looked small when wearing clothes, was actually shaking a lot when she was naked.
Oh, this is bad.
– Hmm…?
The face seen from the side of Shizukuishi distorts in suspicion. She gazes at me, and whispers in a low voice.
-Don’t move.
– I’m not moving because I want to. It’s a phenomenon that transcends my will.
The increasingly frowning Shizukuishi glares at me.
– What are you sa──
She extended her hand to the strange object pushing her back behind her. And the moment she grabbed it, she realized what it was.
Shizukuishi hurriedly pulled her hand away and turned to the front. I can’t see her face but her ears are all red. Then Shizukuishi turned around again, stared at me and half-rose to her feet.
– ….
Then sits on my abdomen and squashed me with her back.
– !!
Ouch! Why are you hitting the back of my head against the wall!?
I lie even more sprawled, almost sinking into the hot water. I barely took my neck out of the hot water and gazed at Shizukuishi with hateful eyes. In front of my eyes, Shizukuishi’s face in profile approaches and her pink and wet lips whisper.
– It can’t be helped. I don’t want to touch that… thing of yours.
Instead of that, your body is completely on top of me! Thanks to that, there’s no sign of my vigor becoming weak, you know!?
– Say, Shizukuishi.
Clicking her tongue as if saying “she’s still here?”, Shizukuishi replies.
– What is it?
– Well, Shizukuishi, are you dating Akira?
– Excuse me?
Shizukuishi seriously tilted her head to the side.
– Of course I’m not. I don’t know whether Ichinomiya-kun is going out with you or Asagiri-san, but I’m not interested in him.
Shizukuishi answered with her usual coolness, as if she had regained her composure. I gazed at Shizukuishi’s face who’s right next to me and breathed in the smell of fragrant flowers from her neck and nape.
But Shizukuishi. There’s one big problem with this position. You will soon be aware of that problem too. At that time, let me know… whether or not you can avoid raising your voice! Your temperament as a hero!
. …?
At that time, Shizukuishi suddenly looked down.
She surely felt discomfort between her thighs. However, in front of the casually-hanging line of sight was──
– Eek!? ……. !!!!?
– What’s wrong? Shizukuishi.
Shizukuishi screamed at the mysterious object that emerged from her crotch. To Shizukuishi, it might have looked like an alien making its appearance.
Shizukuishi replies to Busujima in a trembling voice.
– It’s… it’s nothing.
She had the intention of avoiding it without touching it, but it was the opposite, it appeared from Shizukuishi’s crotch.
Shizukuishi looked away and glared at me with teary eyes.
– Don’t show off… this kind of thing.
– It’s impossible. This posture is…
– Then make it smaller!
Don’t ask for the impossible. Even if it’s more or less a joke, I’m taking a bath with a naked beautiful girl. It’s common sense that a healthy and fit male high school student will show this reaction, it’s inevitable, inevitable I’m telling you!
– Hey, Shizukuishi… you’re on good terms with Doumeguri, aren’t you?
With a jump, Shizukuishi and I got surprised at the same time.
– C-can you stop? When you say that I’m on good terms with that guy, I get the creeps.
– Eh… is that so?
– Yes, if possible, I don’t want to touch him or approach him.
However we’re embracing each other naked now.
– If anything, Asagiri-san is… ah!?
Because the body of Shizukuishi slid down and I gained more momentum, the great disaster, the third close encounter happened. How is this the place to tell jokes!? My sacred thing and Shizukuishi’s sacred thing are touching each other!
– Ah… d-don’t…
If we make a mistake, we’ll really rush into a terrible mistake. I’m terrified.
Shizukuishi must have felt the same. She desperately closes her crotch, trying to protect herself. The tentacle of the opposite sex is caught in Shizukuishi’s thighs, preventing its invasion.
It’s impossible to──feel relieved with this.
T-this is bad… it feels so good!!
Without knowing that such a desperate battle is taking place in the bathroom separated by one door, Busujima continues talking.
– I know right? Recently, Asagiri-san has… been somewhat different from before.
What? What do you mean?
– Maybe she’s interested in Doumeguri.
──!?
That’s… No, no! There’s no way that’s… kuh! Shi, Shizukuishiiiiiiiiiiiiii! Don’t put strength into your thiiighs! W-when you press it hard like that, it feels good!!
– T… that means nothing to… me.
Shizukuishi’s efforts are useless, and in the end, my thing continues to stimulate the sensitive part of Shizukuishi. To try preventing it even a little, the twisting and rubbing of the thighs that sandwiched me had the complete opposite effect. I’m almost at the limit. From Shizukuishi’s back, a shivering similar to a convulsion is transmitted to my chest.
– I see… sorry for the inconvenience. Later.
The figure of Busujima moved away from the frosted glass and the sound of the room door closing sounded.
At that moment, my whole body became weak.
We managed to make it through. We won.
The rough breathing of my relaxed comrade on top of my body felt strangely comfortable. Shizukuishi is fatigued, tense and exhausted, she seems to have no strength in her.
I feel like trying to speak out or pat her, but that would make her get even angrier, so I said nothing.
Eventually, Shizukuishi looked away.
– Hey… come out first. This time, go to your room.
An excuse, even if it’s about what happened now, we shouldn’t touch each other. Maybe she’s thinking so. I agree with that.
– S-Sure. Can you make way for a moment? I can’t leave like this.
– …
What? I guess you want me to go away soon.
– My hips have… no strength… lend me a hand.
Are you really that tired? Well, I don’t blame you. I make the body of Shizukuishi float by supporting her from below and slipped out from below Shizukuishi. I ended up touching her butt, but it cannot be helped. Shizukuishi didn’t particularly complain either.
The moment I stood up in the bathtub, Shizukuishi turned away.
– It goes without saying, but what happened now──
──*Poke*.
Shizukuishi… embarrassment has a limit.
A marshmallow-like soft feeling was pressed against my tip.
– Ah… ah, ah…
It seems that my thing sunk into her cheek. Shizukuishi trembles with fear, her mouth still open.
I hurriedly pulled back and escaped from the bathtub.
– I-it’s not my fault this time! It’s an accident! It’s an accident so don’t worry about it! That’s right! Take it like you were bitten by a dog and forget it!
– C-can I forget something like being bitten by a dog!?
– T-that’s true!
– Hurry up and get oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooout!
+ + +
After that, I secured the room safely and finally took a break. I lie down on the bed and close my eyes. Then, the naked body of Shizukuishi etched in the back of my eyelids was recalled. Not only that, the sensation of the direct contact between skin and skin.
Let’s stroll about outside for a moment. Thinking so, I left that room and Asagiri turned up, walking down the corridor.
– Oh, right in time. Now, let’s celebrate your return. Let’s go to the Dancing Unicorn Restaurant♪
– Eh, that’s… you see.
The pure smile of Asagiri hurts my heart! While she was preparing for the welcome, I was taking a bath with Shizukuishi even though it wasn’t my intention. I feel strangely dirty, I mean, I feel lots of guilt. No, it’s not like Asagiri has anything with me, so I don’t need to feel guilty. But ──
『Maybe she’s interested in Doumeguri』
*Beat*, my heart jumped up.
Damn, aren’t I strangely conscious because Busujima said so?
– Hmm? What’s wrong? Why is your face red?
– Eh? It’s nothing. It’s nothing, seriously!
– Is that so? Shall we go then?
I quietly followed Asagiri’s back. Thinking I’ll disappear if left alone, she came to pick me up, huh. She really takes care of others.
A few-minute walk from the guild hall. Everyone was already gathering at the Dancing Unicorn Restaurant, waiting for me and Asagiri. And with Ichinomiya’s toast, the banquet “The celebration of my return” began.
– Let’s work together again, Doumeguri.
– Yeah, Ichinomiya.
We place the glasses of liquid that looks like beer no matter how you look at it together.
– Welcome back, Doumeguri-kun.
– Thank you… Asagiri.
The glass of Asagiri that she held with both hands and my glass make a small sound.
I look at the opposite seat and Shizukuishi, who’s sitting in the corner, completely disregards me. Busujima on the front presented the glass with a somewhat angry face. Miyakoshi, who’s next to her, stares at her, looking surprised.
Without being able to ignore her. I raise my glass.
– L-let’s work together again… Busujima-san.
Again or not, I don’t remember working well with her from the start, but this is something said for politeness’ sake. We gently make our glasses meet each other. When I thought “this is when she verbally attacks me”, she didn’t say a word, her mouth was still closed tightly in a へ shape. Is she ill or something?
– I kept you waiting〜 here are the Caesar salad, French fries, assortment of sashimi and fried chicken.
Arisugawa arranges the dishes on the table.
– Arisugawa is cooking as usual?
– Yup. I can prepare dishes that the menu doesn’t have. And it’s fun.
Saying so, no matter how you look at it, his smile is the one of a girl.
Hinazawa, who was next to Miyakoshi, lifted the skirt of Arisugawa who turned around with a very natural movement. From below the skirt, a revealing and pure white underwear appeared.
– So today is white, huh…
– Eh?
Arisugawa grasped the situation an instant late. During that time, the lovely underwear of Arisugawa kept being exposed.
– Hyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!
He held down the skirt in a hurry, but it was too late. The pervert view was burned in my retina.
– W-w-what are you doing, Hinazawa-san!
– Lifting a girl’s skirt.
– But I’m an elementary school boy!
– Well, that’s true. It’s underwear fortune-telling. Because my tomorrow’s fortune depends on Alice’s underwear. Choose with motivation, alright?
– D-don’t say stupid things!
Arisugawa started to cry.
– Sniff… e-everyone saw me… wearing this thing… uwaaa.
– But it’s good, you know? It’s great because you kept my order properly.
Asagiri looked surprised.
– Are you saying Naru-chan put it on him?
Arisugawa answers while heaving with sobs.
– Hic, Hi, Hinazawa-san, made me wear underwear for women, uwaa… because it increases both defense and mental status….
Asagiri stared at Hinazawa. Hinazawa whistled shamelessly, looking in a different direction. After breathing a sigh, Asagiri gently spoke to Arisugawa.
– For that reason, it’s not embarrassing to wear girl’s underwear, is it? It’s okay. And it suits Alice-chan.
Turning around, Hinazawa continued the words of Asagiri.
– That’s true! You’re so cute, Alice! Because I thought it definitely suits you, I recommended it, you see〜
– … Is that so? Then it’s fine, I guess.
Fine?
Yuuki is quietly eating food next to Hinazawa, who gets carried away and gives backhanded compliments to Arisugawa this time. She unexpectedly eats quite often. Do fighters consume a lot of energy?
Beyond her, Ougiya and Leonhardt were getting excited, talking nonsense. Hmm? Why is there an NPC sitting at the table with them…? Ah, it’s Yamada.
– Oh, somehow, the products in the store have been enhanced lately.
– Wow! There are manga and light novels in the bookstore! With this, I can fight for another hundred years!
– No, no, don’t make it 100 years.
Yamada retorted extremely normally.
– I wish there were erotic books.
– Wow! Ero doujin! Certainly, if there are no ero doujin, I’ll die!
– You won’t die though?
– There’s some sort of cinema? There are people inside.
– Woooooooooow! Finally, I can watch animeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
– Yeah, movies are good too. I can finally enjoy my hobbies.
– Hmm? Yamada had hobbies?
– Movies and reading.
Normal hobbies….
When I pay attention to him, it seems to be a sad fact that he just actually watches TV streams and reads weekly manga magazines, so stop with the retort.
However, it seems new stores are open, and in fact, they have started to operate properly because bookstores only had dummy products and movie theaters weren’t screening movies…. Perhaps Santa──X wasn’t entirely a problem, given that there are parts that were updated properly?
Dropping playable content meant being concerned about us being trapped. But… is that really the case?
– Here, Doumeguri-kun.
Before I knew it, Asagiri was distributing the food.
– S-sorry. Thank you.
Suddenly, and for some reason, I saw Busujima staring at me. Busujima doesn’t like Asagiri, but she shouldn’t like me either. So it’s not interesting to have the people at the top of the caste caring about someone like me.
I certainly feel sorry for making Asagiri attend to me. From now, I have to be the one who will entertain Asagiri.
Thinking so, I emptied the glass.
Hmm?
Busujima’s eyes are swimming. Why is her gaze going back and forth between me and the drink bottle?
– Doumeguri-kun.
– Eh?
Before I knew it, Asagiri was holding a bottle and smiling at me. Moreover, she inclines the tip of the bottle a little and requests that the glass is brought forward.
– I’m really… sorry.
I’m not thoughtful… as soon as I determined so.
– What are you talking about? The protagonist today is Doumeguri-kun after all.
– I’m ashamed… of that.
Busujima gulps down the glass with a sullen face and reaches for the bottle. When she poured her own drink into the glass, she glared at me and drank it in one gulp.
Sorry, Busujima. I was defeated by Asagiri’s service spirit.
From a while ago, Miyakoshi has been looking at Busujima with eyes as if looking something rare, she’s a bit worried about her… well, not that it matters to me.
I turned to Shizukuishi sitting in the edge. She’s still facing away, looking bored.
Asagiri shouldn’t leave such a companion alone. She boldly talked to Shizukuishi.
– Nonnon, you… you’re happy that Doumeguri-kun is back, right?
– No, not at all!
Asagiri was troubled by the reaction, by the reply full of anger and irritation. I think about the event moments ago and let out an unpleasant sweat from my whole body.
– But you’re on good terms… right?
Shizukuishi turned her face away and turned her eyes only to Asagiri.
– Good terms? Stop making bad jokes. Doumeguri-kun is the third in the list of the ones I want to kill.
You really made one? But I’m surprised that there are two people above me.
– Well, although Doumeguri-kun is like bathroom mold, he acts as the bridge between me and my important one. That’s why you may think we’re on good terms.
Suddenly, Hinazawa leaned forward.
– Who is that important one!?
To my left, Ichinomiya is in a restless state, he makes his gaze wander about. Ah… this guy remembers that I conveyed Shizukuishi’s request, doesn’t he? It seems that he’s pretending to not be shy by dressing himself in a nonchalant air… but Ichinomiya looks a bit pitiable.
Miyakoshi threw a sexy smile at Shizukuishi as if making fun of her.
– Then〜why don’t you have a wedding with that person you think that way at the church〜?
– Church?
On that subject, was the marriage system implemented? Well, those are unknown words for me. I mean, was there a church in Caldart?
Asagiri guessed my look and taught me.
– It looks Doumeguri-kun doesn’t know, but a church was built while we were away.
– Is that so…?
– You remember, don’t you? I saw a church with Doumeguri-kun in Laguna. It looks just like that one.
──Orzeria order!? I felt that something cold was poured onto the nape of my neck.
So that Akagami built a church in Caldart…? Now I see why he showed up unexpectedly before. He was that close.
It must have been built while Caldart was under Satan’s control. Even so… Akagami. Probably he aimed at 2A Guild. But I don’t know what he’s going to do.
– If you care about that, then let’s go see it later. Like when we’re on our way back.
Asagiri smiled at me with a cloudless smile.
– No, that’s not what I mean. Thank you for taking me into consideration. But it’s already late, so I’d rather go straight back ──
– Doesn’t that sound good? Let’s make a short visit.
For the first time on this occasion, Shizukuishi spoke to me.
– No, but…
– There’s something I want to confirm.
──Confirm?
Shizukuishi showed a defiant smile on her face.
– This is…
Basking in the light of the moon, a blue building stood tall.
It gives a Christian church feeling, but the color of the walls is blue and the shape of the cross is different. Is this cross the symbol of Orzelia order? The four ends of the cross are T-shaped. Should I say it’s a shape that combines the capital letter I with a cross?
Stained glass is inserted into the windows, the light inside show through them, making a beautiful shape stand out in the city at night.
– He〜 It’s my first time coming at night, but it’s very pretty〜.
– That’s true. The church is really cool somehow.
Miyakoshi and Busujima, who were very excited, were cheerful and in high spirits.
But I’m filled with tension. Is Akagami really here? Or just NPCs? At any rate, and as the proverb says, the spirit you do not approach will not curse you. Bringing these guys closer to Orzelia is a complete disadvantage. I didn’t like it, so I called out to everyone.
– G-guys. It’s bad to visit this late at night, and religion has all sorts of trouble, no? Thoughtlessly approaching it is a bit──
As I talk, Shizukuishi opened the entrance door and looked inside.
– It’s open. Let’s go in.
Shizukuishi!! Damn you, tsk, listen to what people say!!
– Ah, you meanie!! I’ll go too!
– We’re going too!
– M-me too…
The other guys go in, following Shizukuishi. Dang it… I have no choice, do I?
I finally go through the door and go inside.
– This is…
I unconsciously was at a loss for words.
The stained glass covering the whole wall sheds a beautiful light as if it were emitting light. In reality, stained glass does not look beautiful without the light of the sun. This is because the color of the glass stands out only when the outside light goes through it. However, the stained glass of this church casts a beautiful light into the church even in the darkness outside at night.
Yuuki muttered mixed with a sigh.
– It’s very… pretty.
– It is. It’s amazing… especially the blue color, it’s fantastic.
Hinazawa grieved while turning her neck, looking around the church.
Certainly, as Hinazawa says, the blue color is beautiful. It feels as if I’m floating in the blue sky or floating in the middle of the sea.
– Doumeguri-kun, it’s amazing… and beautiful.
Before I knew, Asagiri was next to me.
– Yeah. But…
– The atmosphere is quite different from what we saw in Laguna, right?
That’s right. In the church we saw in Laguna, the content of the religious paintings on the walls and ceiling was quite brutal. Angels were punishing humans who were judged as sinners, but it was quite realistic, one could say it was gruesome.
However, the religious paintings in this church are really beautiful. A saint who gives gifts and miracles to people. An angel descending before people. Only such beautiful scenes are depicted.
– Oh my, did you come to pray at a time like this?
──! !
The door next to the altar opened and a man in a blue robe appeared. A pest mask modeled after a bird was on his face.
Is this guy… Akagami?
Since he’s wearing a mask, it’s difficult to know if it’s him because an effect is applied to his voice.
– Ah… I’m sorry… hmm? Are you the priest who was in Laguna?
Asagiri asked, looking astonished.
– No, I have never been assigned to Laguna… oh yes, it is not unreasonable to think so. This appearance is the one of a priest. I am a part of Orzelia order, I am not an individual. That is why I hide my face.
The priest returns a laugh to Asagiri who apologizes for the misunderstanding. He answered that there is no need to apologize. But… is that really the case? We have no way of confirming that fact.
– Leaving that aside, are you travelers? Or you came to sightsee the church?
Ichinomiya denied it as he smiled.
– No, we’re people from 2A Guild who have made of Caldart their hometown.
Then the priest clapped his hands together, exaggeratedly surprised.
– In that case, are you all from 2A Guild, the strongest guild in Caldart that defeated Infermia!?
Ichinomiya smiled wryly.
– Well, saying we defeated it is──
Ougiya shouted with an incredibly loose face.
– Quit it! I give uuuup! The strongest guild, huh〜 Well, that’s certainly the case! We’re the heroes who sent the Demon King Army flying!
– Us? Did you call us like that?
– He〜 that doesn’t sound bad.
The priest took out beautiful stone pendants from the sleeve of the robe.
– This is a proof of acquaintance. Please accept it.
– Oh!? What is this!?
Ougiya accepted the pendant from the priest’s hand without hesitation. Ichinomiya said as if chiding Ougiya.
– Hey, Ougiya, you’re too careless.
– It’s alright! Akira-kun, what should I do if I don’t accept this given item, Akira-kun!? So, what is this? Is it expensive?
– It does not worth that much money if sold… but that is Orzelia’s good luck stone. Wearing it will bring good luck to you all.
While having a suspicious look, Ougiya wore the pendant.
– Wow, it’s true! My critical rate increased just by wearing it!
With the appearance of the excited Ougiya, the rest of the gang reached for the pendant. And one after another, they shouted in surprise at the effect.
– It does not conflict with other items, so please carry it as a charm.
Because it would be strange if I’m the only one not receiving it, I was the last one to receive it.
A strengthened item that makes use of Akagami’s special ability… but it’s a delicate item. Honestly, not only the attack power and defense power increase, but also the luck value increases? Moreover, it’s not that dramatic. Well, because of that, it will last for a long while.
… Still, what does he mean by giving a present to 2A Guild?
While everyone was hanging the pendant around their necks, there was one person who didn’t equip it.
Shizukuishi looked up at the priest’s plague mask with the pendant in one hand.
– I have something to ask you.
– What is it?
– What is Orzelia’s armor?
Shizukuishi!?
The priest cocks his head in the plague mask.
– Let me see… an armor you say?
Shizukuishi glares up at him, making the already bad look in her eyes even grimier.
– Satan called the armor he was wearing “the Orzelia armor”. Are you people partners of Satan?
A stir runs in 2A Guild. In the hearts of everyone, I felt they suddenly got even more cautious. Asagiri muttered as if digging up her memory.
– Come to think of it… he might have said that.
You’ve done it, Shizukuishi.
Now, what will you do? If this guy is Akagami, he’ll probably have a scared face under the mask.
The priest slowly raised his hands. Then clapped.
2A Guild made their bodies tremble at that sound.
– Yes, I remember. Speaking of which, there was an incident in which the armor was stolen from the treasure house of Orzelia.
– … Stolen?
Shizukuishi frowns.
– Yes, stolen. However, I do not know the details. If you really want to know, go to Graslenner where our cathedral is located. I think that there are also materials left there.
– I see… I get it.
– When will you come?
– One of these days.
Leaving those words with him, Shizukuishi turned on her heels and headed for the exit. The rest of 2A Guild followed her retreating figure in blank amazement as she fluttered her black hair, going away.
The plague mask also stares at her retreating figure. I couldn’t imagine the expression below it.
– Oh man, it was awesome for us! Seriously!
Probably because being flattered was too much of a joy for him, Ougiya kept repeating it over and over. Ichinomiya changes the topic as if to say “calm down”.
– Aside from that, it was nice to get a good job.
After that, the priest began to talk about a job request. A believer asked him for advice, it was something about a nearby field devastated by goblins. Asagiri frowns and groans.
– Hmm, are you sure about this? We’ll just drive off a group of a few goblins? I think receiving 5,000 sol is too much.
One sol has a monetary value of about one hundred yen. In other words, the work was for 500,000 yen.
Certainly too high. Is Orzelia aiming to be 2A Guild’s financial supporter?
– What? Asagiri, what are you talking about? I’m telling you we got it so we should accept it ♪.
– Yup yup. If you like, we’ll have our own brand? Something like that.
Miyakoshi and Busujima are in a good mood. Since the application of Santa──X, the variety of clothes sold at the store has increased, so it would be a big welcome if they enjoy making money.
– Well, we’ve been in this world quite a while already. Around 10 months? I mean, Uiko, whom I brought up and raised under my personal care, became a splendid warrior. I wonder if I can have it easier with Uiko’s earnings.
Yuuki doesn’t know how to react to Hinazawa’s joke, she’s confused. Then, she turned the force of the argument to Arisugawa.
– And Alice also became a fine girl. I’m too old, and I’m about to retire, so take care of me, alright? Alice.
Arisugawa smiled as if he was troubled.
– Jeez, I don’t understand what you mean. And we’re of the same age, aren’t we?
At the boke (the funny man of a comedy duo) Hinazawa, laughter spreads among everyone, softening the atmosphere. And the blue gems we got from the priest shake on everyone’s chest.
For the time being, will this be an operation that tames with money and stuff──?
– Hmm? Is this?
Am I dizzy?
The world shakes. I felt suspicious about my sense of balance.
– Hey, has something changed?
– Isn’t it trembling? Eh, are you serious?
– Noooooo! It’s an earthquake! Everything is shaking! It’s a catastropheeeeee!
Nonsense! An earthquake in Exodia Exodus is, is something──
Suddenly, the catastrophe when Santa──X was applied flitted in my head.
──No way, again.
The sensation similar to dizziness turned into a violent shaking as if I was suddenly thrown away. Ichinomiya yells at everyone.
– It’s an earthquake! Everyone, hold onto something!!
The ground shakes greatly, it’s impossible to be on our feet. Everyone falls to the ground and crawls on all fours. Without being able to do anything, we just continued being shaken in fear.
I look up, the buildings in the city sway from side to side like a pendulum.
The ground in front of me suddenly collapsed.
– Kyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!
– Uwaaaawawaaaaa!
Screams mixed with the subterranean trembling flew about.
The shops on both sides of the road slip off together with the collapsing and falling ground. They go down a precipitous slope, then are sucked into the hole. It was unbelievable. Feeling that the cracks in the ground have spread, they collapse the next moment, making the hole even bigger. In the blink of an eye, a hole with a diameter of fifty meters had grown.
– Go down! Run away!
With the instruction of Ichinomiya, everyone left the hole while crawling on all fours.
As things are, will Caldart be swallowed underground? Such fear crosses my mind. However, the shaking gradually subsided.
And the collapsed hole didn’t spread any further.
– Is everyone safe!?
Voices confirming their safety are heard. I gave a vague answer and stood near the sunken hole. It seems to be 20, 30 meters deep. A strange thing was seen in the dancing cloud of dust.
──Historic ruins?
Underneath the rubble, I could see something like an arrangement of stones, this was certainly not man-made.
What on earth is happening?
A new fear and anxiety began to run through my body.
