Right now, I’m standing before the emperor while wearing a noble attire with a strange medal attached to it. Not just that, Prince Viras, the prime minister and the imperial nobles were lined up on the sides. My throat was dry. I could feel the cold sweat dripping down my back.

Everything began a few days ago.

「I have a favor to ask from Rinos-dono」

「Again? What is it now? 」

This is the reception room of the imperial palace. Prince Viras and the prime minister were sitting across from me. They had wrinkles between their eyebrows and were wearing an urgent atmosphere.

By the will of His Majesty, Princess Ricolette was pardoned. That being said, she is still confined in her room. She won’t be able to leave her room until the end of the investigation.

「Before that, I want to confirm one thing. Do you have a wife by chance? 」

By chance or not by chance, I’m still single.

「That makes it easier. How about getting married? 」

「Ha? Who? 」

「Ricolette-sama」

「Is this a joke…..」

My head was blank at this sudden development. Marrying Ricolette out of all things. How did they even arrive at this conclusion?

「I’m a commoner. Not just that, I’m a former slave. Our statuses are miles apart」

「Fortunately or unfortunately, you are eligible to marry her」

「What do you mean?」

「The Versam family planned to adopt you, We just need to use this method」

「I will perform as your guardian. By the name of Hideta Shua Viras, I approve of your adoption」

「This is unreasonable……」

「That is a way of a noble. Fortunately, we have a letter that can prove the Versam family’s intention to adopt you. It might be a little forced, but the seal of the Versam family is present of the letter. It won’t bring us any problems even if we make it public」

「In the first place, the royal family of the Juka Kingdom is no more. They won’t be able to complain anyway. You will revive the Versam family. Don’t you think that the late marquis will rejoice? 」

「No, I think he will be angered」

「Well, I will settle the matter of the title. You just need to visit the imperial palace when the time is right. The wedding with Ricolette-sama will happen after that」

「No, I didn’t voice my agreement yet…….」

「This is also a wish of the new emperor」

「Eh?」

「When we mentioned this matter to older brother, no, His Majesty was extremely delighted. He said that he couldn’t think of a better candidate」

「This is ridiculous」

「Or do you have someone else you fancy?」

「No, it’s not like……」

「if you don’t have any, please do accept this arrangement. To be honest, there is no noble house in the empire, which is ready to welcome her as a daughter-in-law. Her always staying in the imperial palace doesn’t help the matter either. Even if we reach to another country, she is already 23 years old. She won’t be able to receive any big offers…..see? 」

「This is where you come into the play. The Juka Kingdom can be considered gone, but when we speak about the Versam family, it is famous even here. For my older sister and for the empire, there is no better candidate」

「If you don’t like her, you can just lock her in a room in your mansion. Or we can build another mansion close to yours」

「With my sister as she is. She will be sent to the monastery for her whole life. His Majesty doesn’t wish for that to happen. If she is by your side, His Majesty won’t lose sight of her either」

「Even if you say that…..」

「I’m sorry to interrupt. His Majesty is calling for everyone」

Everyone headed to meet His Majesty. Meanwhile, the two kept urging me to agree. I should refuse right before His Majesty.

「You’ve come. Well, sit for now」

Following his words, we took our seats.

「Rinos-dono, did you hear everything from them?」

「Yes, I’ve heard. But I don’t feel like going along with it」

「Well, my younger sister has such a personality. However, I don’t see her as a strong woman as everyone else does」

「What do you mean?」

「She always felt lonely since her childhood. It was difficult for her to sleep alone. She cried when left alone. Most likely, she was afraid of people rejecting her. Because of that, she tried to not separate from other people. This is how I saw it」

「She could have just done it if she wanted to……」

「Her status as a princess weighed hard on her. She was always talented, she probably wanted to attract people by her own talent and achievements」

「I wonder is that’s how it is」

「That’s what I was told, but nobody supports her ideas. Yet, didn’t you agree with her ideas before? You didn’t say it just to get into her good graces, right? 」 [¹]

「That is true. I think of it as right in a certain sense. However, it’s not suitable for the current era」

「You can say that her ideas are a bit too ahead of the times for her own good. It is hard for a man to fall in love with her. However, you understood my younger sister’s ideas and agreed with them. I can let Ricolette be with you. I agreed with the two’s proposal because of these reasons」

How insightful of a new emperor. It seems that this emperor has eyes that can see through people.

「I’m aware that I’m being unreasonable. Nevertheless, I sincerely wish for you to marry Ricolette. Can you at least consider it? 」

「Haaa……However, won’t Ricolette-sama be against it? 」

「I see. Then you should talk with her first. Is she is absolutely against it, I will come up with another plan」

Almost forcibly, I was guided to her room.

The room was dim. The curtains were closed, even though it is a daytime, most likely she wasn’t in the mood to meet anyone.

「It is hard on you too」

「Yeah, it is indeed」

「You were ordered to talk to me about the engagement, right? You can always refuse, you know」

「What does Ricolette-sama think about this?」

「What do you think? I can’t even escape. I’m just a pretty bird in a cage. I don’t have any other choice but to follow the orders」

「That is true, you of now is indeed a bird in a cage. I think that you are incredibly uneasy about the future that you can’t predict. I was like that too. When I became a slave, when I was deprived of my freedom, I truly felt insecure. I’m inclined to understand your feelings」

「……」

Ricolette was silent and didn’t answer. I followed up.

「You are a bird in a cage, but you do have a choice. Leaving the matter of engagement aside for a moment, you can choose to live or to die. You can die by biting your tongue off, you know? You can twist your neck with a curtain and die. On the other hand, a monastery? You can still live there. You have the right to choose」

Ricolette looked straight into my face.

「My Master and her family didn’t survive, even though they wanted to. But you are different. If you want to live, you can live. If you want to die, everything will end. However, if you live, no matter what form of living it is, something might eventually happen. I’m a former slave and I was glad to be alive. It was completely different from the future I envisioned. How about living for a while longer? Your ideas weren’t received well, but I don’t think that you are wrong. You are just too far ahead of the times. I think that you desire to help people is admirable. Once you implement it, any world can become a better place. And the people will save you in return. This is all I wanted to say to you」

I said my piece and stood up.

「I unintentionally overstepped my bounds. Well then」

I quickly left her room. After that, I headed straight to meet His Majesty. The other two were still present by his side.

「I talked with Ricolette-sama」

「How was it?」

「She said I can refuse if I’m against it. I told her my thought and left the room. Most likely, Ricolette-sama won’t agree to this marriage. I think that Your Majesty should think of another plan」

Prince Viras and the prime minister looked as if they swallowed a bug. His Majesty looked at me with a faint smile. After a while, a servant arrived.

「You Majesty, the princess…….」

「I don’t mind. Speak. Yes, you don’t need to call me Your Majesty yet. I didn’t officially receive the crown yet」

「T-Then. She……」

「What’s wrong?」

「Princess Ricolette said that she accepts the marriage proposal」

……..Why is this happening?

「About Ricolette’s treatment…….」

Muttered His Majesty as he powerlessly slumped onto his chair and saw Ricolette out.

「It seems that we need to bring out the poisoned bowl, it might be necessary for her to commit suicide」

「I feel sorry for my older sister, but we can’t just execute the royalty. As the Prime Minister Guremont said, the poisoned bowl might be the best solution」

His Majesty closed his eyes and silently contemplated.

「I……. do not wish for Ricolette to die」

「This isn’t appropriate, older brother.  Older sister rebelled against older brother. The rebels can’t be pardoned, or the empire won’t have any face left」

「Father told me to lead the empire together with my siblings. I won’t be able to face my father in the afterlife if I spill my sibling’s blood. It wasn’t Ricolette who wished to rebel in the first place」

「This might not be the case. Ricolette’s vassals, the house of Kurumfar, instigated the rebellion. She won’t be able to escape the responsibility」

「That is right. Order sister’s ideals deny the structure of the whole empire. Such people can be a source of the future unrest if left unattended」

「That might be true but won’t her faction rebel if something happens to her? That will diminish the empire’s power but I can’t just ignore her even with my father wished so……」

His Majesty started muttering again.

「……I will think about it. Everyone, you can leave」

「I know you have a lot on your mind, but I humbly plead for a swift decision」

The prime minister deeply bowed and left the room. After that, Prince Viras followed after the prime minister. I quietly followed behind him.

「Wait! The barrier master is not allowed to leave my side! You are to stay close to me! 」

Are you serious? I want you to spare me from staying in the same room as a mentally unstable person. I silently requested for a rescue from Prince Viras and the prime minister with my eyes.

「Understood, Your Majesty. However, this barrier master doesn’t serve the imperial palace. Even with His Majesty’s order, we can’t be unreasonable to him. As such…..」

「I know! Do you want me to reach a decision as soon as possible? 」

「Correct. I humbly plead」

After saying his piece, the two left the room. They run away…..

His Majesty closed his eyes and ceased all movements. I could only hear his breathing.

「You probably think of me as a pathetic man」

Unexpectedly, His Majesty said in a powerless voice.

「No, I don’t think so. On the contrary, you are a gentle person」

「Say no more. Without your presence, I’m a coward who afraid to even face the rebels」

「That might be true. However, I think that cowardice is an important ability for those, who stand above the others. You listen to various people and think over various things. I consider this Your Majesty’s talent」

「Fuh, you saying this as if you know me」

「I’m aware that I’m overstepping my bounds. His Majesty is gentler than anyone is. That’s how Your Majesty was raised, and Your Majesty yourself was inclined to this side. I think that it is wonderful. Your Majesty is fine as you are. But if I’m to add something to complete the image, you need to find「strength」」

「Strength? Are you encouraging me to learn martial arts? 」

「No, that is not correct. You are not only kind but also thoughtful. On the other hand, it also created a lot of unease. It makes it hard for Your Majesty to make any decision, because it may backfire in the future. I think that Your Majesty needs to obtain the heart that can’t be swayed by anxiety」

「Does it look like I’m suffering from anxiety?」

「Yes. Your Majesty looks very kind, but at same time weak and anxious」

「You sure say a lot for the barrier master」

「I apologize for my conduct. When people sincerely wish to「become stronger」or「not be defeated」they do become stronger. I have been a slave in the first place. No one wished to save me, I was about to be drowned by anxiety. Fortunately, I was taken in by the good people, but even there, I was scared of being abandoned. Every day I was saying to myself「I need to become stronger」「I can’t lose to anxiety」. After that, I naturally ceased to be anxious. It was thanks to my teacher」

「You muttered to yourself every day? It is the first time for me to hear such a story」

「Yeas, most likely, no one will ever tell you. I never heard about it from anyone except my teacher」

Fumu, I see, His Majesty started muttering again. When I strained my ears,

「I won’t lose, I won’t lose, I won’t lose, I won’t lose, I won’t lose, I won’t lose, I won’t lose, I won’t lose, I won’t lose, I won’t lose, I won’t lose, I won’t lose, I won’t lose, I won’t lose, I won’t lose, I won’t lose, I won’t lose, I won’t lose, I won’t lose, I won’t lose, I won’t lose, I won’t lose, I won’t lose, I won’t lose….. 」

he said as if chanting. Is this person really okay?….

It has been about 1 hour. The prime minister and Prince Viras appeared once again. His Majesty was still chanting. The two noticed, aligned their eyes, and asked in concern

「Your Majesty, did you make a decision?」

「Older brother, the poisoned bowl and everything else has been prepared」

Hearing these words, His Majesty slowly opened his eyes. His Majesty looked at us and said as if breathing out.

「My younger brother Viras, Prime Minister Guremont, the barrier master. I decided. I will tell everyone my decision now」

We held our breath in suspense.

「Ricolette will live. This is my decision」

「Your Majesty!」

「Older brother!」

The two raised their voices in surprise.

「Your Majesty! Are you sure? I never heard about the rebels, who were left alive! 」

「Even like that, her life shall not be taken」

「Older brother! If we do this, we will be forced to pardon every vassal, whose subordinates decided to rebel on their own volition! It will create future troubles. There is a saying 「kill one to warn a hundred」, we should」

「I won’t」

「Prime Minister Guremont! My older brother doesn’t understand anything! We should settle the matter of the poisoned bowl ourselves! 」

「Hah,  in this way 」[¹]

The two tried to leave the room.

「You two, wait」

Resounded His Majesty’s calm voice. The two faltered and looked at His Majesty with surprise on their faces.

「This is my will」

「「……..Huh! 」」

Faced with his overwhelming atmosphere, the two unconsciously lowered their heads.

It was a moment of awakening for the 15th Emperor, Hideta Shua Hito, who later was titled as「benevolent emperor」 and became the most respected emperor in the history of the Hideta Empire.

「However, we don’t have any proof」

「No, the evidence will be easy to arrange. It’s not that difficult once you know the name of the mastermind」

After saying so, the prime minister quickly left the basement. When the door closed, I heard someone saying

「Kurumfar-sama is unrelated! Unrelated…..gufu! 」

from behind, but I pretended not to hear.

When I left the mansion, it was nearly morning. The prime minister returned to the royal palace for an all-nighter. I went to my store and teleported home. Once Inside, I saw Peris and Merias waiting for me. Irimo and Jeneha have already awoken. I told everyone to rest and slumped onto my bed without bathing.

I awoke in the evening. I ate early breakfast and reported to the prime minister. No one was worried about me. Apparently, they thought I would manage somehow however difficult it would be.

「Even so, to punish the princess by execution is a bit overboard」

「It can’t be helped. It is their best chance to crush the princess’ faction. This will also remove the possibility of the future power struggles」

While thinking about such things, I enjoyed the long-awaited bath and fell asleep early.

I opened my eyes again at the dawn. Because my map displayed a presence. The mark was yellow. It cautiously approached my mansion. There were three of them. First thing first, I got out of the bed and changed my clothes. I fell asleep early, so I had enough sleep.

At the same time as I descended to the first floor, I heard a knocking sound.

「I apologize for the sudden visit! I’m Seono of the imperial knights! Is Rinos-dono present? I wish to see him! 」

「It’s been a long time, Seono-san. What can I help you with? 」

「I apologize for the inconvenience, but I want to escort you to the imperial palace」

「The imperial palace?」

I didn’t expect myself being summoned to the imperial palace. I stared at Seono’s face. I was able to discern his tiredness. I called out to Gon, who was sleeping in the dining room, mounted Irimo and followed after Seono.

When the sky began to brighten, we arrived at the imperial palace. Once I entered inside, I was guided to the area where I have never been before. The corridor was creepy and quiet. We arrived at the room behind a giant door.

Inside, there was the prime minister, Prince Viras, and another man. His eyes were running around as he was muttering something. Since he is wearing a fancy costume, is he someone from the royal family too?

「Oh, Rinos-dono, I was waiting for you. Please come closer」

After the prime minister urged me, I entered inside.

「I was wondering why I was summoned to the imperial palace, so it was your excellency」

「No, I know that it was too sudden. You worked hard, but I want to entrust you with something」

「If it is something I’m able to do」

「I want you to cast a barrier on His Highness, no, since he will be crowned soon, His Majesty」

Is this man the next emperor? I didn’t hide my surprise.

「Brother, this is Rinos-dono I told you about. His barriers are quite sturdy. I don’t know how many times the life of the prime minister Guremont was saved by it. Brother should follow suit! 」

「Why did Ricolette do that she said that she will help me before no and she did that no that can’t be happening but the prime minister says otherwise there is also father but he treated her well……」

His Majesty is having a conversation with himself. For the time being, I laid out the barrier. It should be enough to prevent an assassination.

「You are my saver, Rinos-dono」

「Did the princess’ faction draw the bowstring?」 [¹]

「Ricolette-sama is currently confined in her room. The problem lies in her faction that wishes to see her released. Yesterday, when I tried to apprehend Kurumfar, his house was already empty. Most likely, he retreated to his own territory. However, when I questioned Madam Kurumfar’s students, I learned about their plan to assassinate His Majesty」

And that’s why I was summoned.

「The Kurumfar couple is currently on the run. It shouldn’t take too long for us to capture them. But I have no way to predict what kind of commotion those, who are yet to give up, could cause. For that purpose, I need to provide His Majesty with enough security」

「Call Ricolette! I will hear her personally! 」

His Highness, who was mumbling to himself a moment ago, suddenly raised his voice. Don’t startle me.

「You can’t, Your Majesty」

「Why? Didn’t this barrier master cast a barrier on me? Ricolette won’t be able to do anything to me. There is no problem with hearing everything personally! 」

「Older brother, I’m also against you meeting older sister. She has an unrestrained temper. I can’t predict what she will say when it comes to it. She might even touch on the subject of your body. That’s why I urge you to reconsider」

「I want to follow my father’s wishes and listen to people. Besides, I want to know that caused my younger sister to aim for my life. With these ears of mine」

「But….」

「Isn’t my life safe as long as this barrier master present? There shouldn’t be any problems with him here, right? 」

This Majesty is emotionally unstable. Pushing him will only bring the opposite effect.

The prime minister whispered something to His Highness Viras. Apparently, His Highness complied. The prime minister ordered to his subordinate.

「Rinos-dono, I want you to promise me something. I want you to not disclose anything you are about to hear in this room」

「I think that it is better for me to leave. I might be too late when I hear something I shouldn’t have」

「You should stay here! Leaving isn’t permitted! 」

「No, the barrier I cast on Your Majesty can function even without my presence」

「No means no! You need to recast it again in case it would be broken! What? You aren’t worried that it will be breached? Why so? Absolutely? Is it really absolute? See, you can’t give me an immediate answer! Stay here! Don’t leave me alone! 」

Intimidation won’t produce any good will. I have doubts about his capability as an emperor.

After a while, Princess Ricolette arrived while being surrounded by soldiers. Upon entering the room, she immediately discovered me.

「You again? Why are you even here!?」

「He cast a barrier on me. I gave him my permission to be here」

「I won’t question older brother’s decisions」

「Why did Kurumfar act against me, against the empire!? It even happened right after my father’s death! 」

「That……I didn’t know myself」

I peeked into her past and it seems to be true.

「Well, I thought you’d say that! However, what did Kurumfar try to achieve by that? What was he dissatisfied with!?」

His Majesty shouted discarding the courtesy.

「Most likely, Kurumfar was dissatisfied with the empire’s structure. Every influential position is monopolized by the nobility, without considering their actual skill. There are plenty of talents of common birth. But those talents hold no power in the empire」

「But older sister, didn’t the empire built a university that gives people of low status an opportunity to learn thus securing the talents?」

「Then answer me Viras. The prime minister, general, minister of finance, minister of agriculture……and others, just how many of them do not belong to the nobility?」

「This is….」

His Highness faltered.

「None. There are none. Even if you rise all the way to become an official, you won’t be given any serious positions. For the sake of the empire’s future, these positions should belong to the people of actual ability, whatever their status or gender might be. It is wrong to give the full power to the nobility」

「Does order sister want to change the organization of the whole empire?」

「Ricolette! Are you implying my incompetence? Are you proposing to pick the emperor from the commoners? 」

「No, not to this extent…..」

「Silence! From my youngest days, I strived to become an excellent emperor! It wasn’t all fun. It absolutely wasn’t! Ricolette and Viras, you spent your days in the same manner! I and the nobility didn’t slack in our duties, I believe it to be true. Our subjects certainly suffer. However, we, the royalty and the nobility, suffer much more than our subjects do. Our subjects can just work hard, earn money and live a free life. However, no amount of hard work can grant us freedom. We have to live our whole lives constricted. But why do we keep doing that? Isn’t it for the sake of the empire and our subjects!?」[²] Taking a deep breath, His Majesty slumped onto his chair. No one spoke. At that time, a soldier entered the room and whispered something to the prime minister.

「A while ago, the Kurumfar couple was discovered near their territory, they resisted and a fight occurred. The imperial army suffered some losses but successfully cut down their subordinates. As for the Kurumfar couple, they committed suicide」

The prime minister calmly reported to His Majesty.

「Capture everyone who supported them. The issue with Ricolette will be addressed afterwards. Ricolette, you aren’t permitted to take even a single step outside of your room! Bring her out! 」

His majesty squeezed the remaining energy in his body and loudly ordered the guards. When I looked at Ricolette’s face, I saw tears in her eyes.

「Master, it is done」

Hearing my acknowledgment, the harpy flew away.

The sun is dazzling in the summer. Looking into the distance, the horizon is distorted because of hot air.

The were 10 people in adventurer’s outfits in the stables. I silently stood before them.

It happened during my day-off when it was time for me to relax and enjoy my meal. About 10 red dots appeared on my map. I warned everyone and went on high alert. They split up in three groups in the process. Two groups of four and one group of two.

The group of two headed straight for the mansion, while the other groups headed for the stables and the backyard. Apparently, they planned a pincer attack.

Without any orders, a harpy reported about the intruders. I ordered her to gather everyone and be ready to act.

While we prepared, the intruders assumed their position and the duo stood before my gate.

「So this is the mansion of the barrier master, Rinos-dono!」

I came outside to greet the suspicious people.

「Rinos, the barrier master, do you need something?」

「Princess Ricolette is calling for you. We will escort you」

「Princess Ricolette? What does she want from me? 」

Pyiii!! A shrill harpy cry resounded. I heard the screams of people from the stables. The surprised duo went outside to look. A closely followed behind them.

「Na! Harpy! Why is there a harpy in this place? 」

「Oi, everyone. Don’t kill them yet. I want them alive」

「What the hell…..」

「Are you a demon!?」

One of the adventurers swung his sword at me. I lightly dodged to the side and struck him to make him faint. Meanwhile, the other man was suppressed by the harpies. The group from the backyard rushed here hearing the commotion. In the end, they were defeated by the harpies without being able to put up a decent fight.

「So, what does Princess Ricolette want from me?」

The men didn’t answer.

「It seems that you want to become food for the harpies」

「W-Wait. I will speak! 」

The man who spoke to me at the entrance opened his mouth. I positioned myself before him.

「……..You, the Guremont’s dog, are in the way」

「What is the point of dealing with me? Nothing will change once I’m not around」

「I heard that once you die, the barrier around Guremont will be dispelled. That’s why! 」

Apparently, they want to assassinate His Excellency. A dangerous intention.

「While not being a royalty, he is amassing his influence and aiming for the throne. He cannot be left alive! 」

The man delivered his fervent speech as he was suppressed by the harpies, he seems pretty young. When I asked about his age, he said it was 20.

「The throne huh, the empire should still have the crown prince. It will be difficult to usurp the throne」

「By giving the throne to his grandson, Prince Viras, he will be able to control everything!」

This man is telling some serious b̲u̲l̲l̲s̲h̲i̲t̲. For caution’s sake, let’s peek into his past.

「Oi oi, isn’t Princess Ricolette completely uninvolved?~ Stop lying to me」

The man’s body shuddered.

「Ha? Did the emperor die? Use the chaos to assassinate the prime minister and make the princess into a guardian of the new emperor? What did you smoke? You plan is incoherent」

「S-Shut up! Don’t spout nonsense! The current empire can’t fully utilize its numerous talents! The empire will collapse because of Guremont! 」

「And you will seat on the top. Morons. Do you think you can replace the prime minister with your current ability? 」

「Guremont’s dog!」

For now, I tied up the intruders. This was troublesome in a lot of ways, so I put a barrier on them, erased their memories about the harpies, and replaced them with memories where I defeated them myself. After that, I brought them out and proceeded towards the teleportation point. It’s a nice opportunity. I can use them as lab rats to check whether I can transport 10 people at the same time. I activated the teleportation. My store in the imperial capital was my destination. [¹]

Everyone was successfully teleported. I left them here as I teleported once again to the point near the prime minister’s mansion. Following that, I entered the mansion.

The prime minister wasn’t around. When I described the situation to the butler, I was told to wait while he went to the imperial palace to relay the news to the prime minister. The prime minister’s people also headed for my store to fetch the assailants.

Soon enough, they were delivered to the mansion. Maybe because they resisted, they were beaten up rather nicely.

I waited quite a bit, but I was said that the prime minister would arrive at night. I pretended to go to the restroom, created another teleportation point, and returned to my mansion. For now, I told Peris that I might spend the night elsewhere, enhanced the barrier around the mansion and returned to the prime minister’s mansion. I removed the teleportation point and came back into the reception room.

The prime minister came back at midnight. He seemed pretty tired.

「You seem tired」

「Kind of. Many problems surfaced recently. I almost want to have the head of the Versam family by my side」

「It seems that the emperor has died」

「! How did you!?…..I see, they told you. A bunch of idiots. Even though nothing will change with my death」

「What is going to happen to them? Will they be executed? 」

「They are the third sons of nobility. Their chances to succeed the title are extremely low. Either they will become the adventurers or merchants….otherwise, they would have no choice but to live on by relying on their brother’s money. I don’t think that it was their house’s will. Well, it the worst case they will be executed, otherwise, they will be exiled」

「Serves them right」

「First, I need them to tell me the name of the mastermind. Also, I need to know how far their plans have progressed」

「From my interrogation, it seems that they did it on their own」

「Still, I was surprised that they even tried to attack you. They should have someone behind them. They might be planning a grand rebellion」

「Will they speak?」

「…….I will make them」

「Can I meet them once again, Your Excellency? I have something to ask from them too」

「………All right. Follow me」

The prime minister slowly walked down the stairs to the basement. The stairs were quite long. After descending, we walked through the corridor and arrived at the door.

Once inside, I saw them being conveniently interrogated. They were bound and bruised everywhere. It seems that the interrogation was on the harsh side.

「How is it?」

「Nothing substantial to report. They keep insisting that it was their own plan」

「Use any method at your disposal to make them talk. In the worst case, I don’t mind if you kill them」

「Please wait a minute」

I walked towards one of the captives. It was a different one from the guy that I interrogated in my mansion. But unlike the others, he aligned his eyes with me for a moment.

「……..Kurumfar? 」

The man’s body twitched.

「Who is he?」

「D-Don’t know. I don’t know anything about Kurumfar-sama! 」

「Are you attaching「-sama」to every unknown name?」

「Kurumfar…….the private tutor of Ricolette-sama. I see, he also tutored the bunch of you. So the mastermind was the count Kurumfar! 」

The prime minister’s eyes glowed.

「Rinos-dono, good job! With this information, we can cleanse our empire! 」

「I’m glad for you…..It seems that Ricolette-sama is in the dark about it」

「No, we can’t let it slide」

Un? Isn’t she unrelated?

「We will have Ricolette-sama take the responsibility. She will be executed」

「Welcome Back! The dinner is ready! Today it is a dragon meat steak! 」

Peris happily greeted us. The steak was accompanied by fried potatoes, soup, and salad. There was also garlic rice. Peris’ skills are master-class.

「Thanks, Peris! Come, everyone, let’s eat! 」

「「「Itadakimasu」」」

「I-Itadakimasu…….」

Merias, who was nearly forced to take a seat, was rather nervous.

「Merias should try it too. Peris’ cooking is a marvel」

I separated her salad and put some a piece of the steak on it. She was still hesitant at first, but gradually relaxed. I didn’t fall behind and put the steak in my mouth. Delicious! Its flavor is exquisite. Everyone ate with a gusto.

When I looked at Merias, she was trembling while looking downwards.

「What’s wrong? You don’t have to eat it if you don’t want to」

「Gusu. For a slave like me to receive such delicious food…….Somehow, I’m sorry」

「You are now one of us. You just happened to be a slave. You don’t need to mind it」

「It was Master, who came up with all of these dishes. Today they were made by me, but Master can make them even better」

While saying「Don’t raise the hurdle, Peris」, I switched my attention back to Merias. She gobbled every single dish while constantly apologizing.

We were satisfied with strawberries as a dessert and spent some time relaxing. Meanwhile, I thought about letting Peris guide Merias to her room, but the latter refused.

「I’m Master’s slave. I can’t just borrow Peris-sama’s room」

「Then where will you sleep?」

「I do not mind sleeping in the hallway」

「The hallway….Peris is fine with it, you don’t have to mind」

Merias just silently stared at the floor.

「Since that’s the case, you can just let her sleep in her Master’s room」

Gon opened his mouth.

「Un, wait for a moment. There will be times when Merias has to do some kind of work. So can you stay in Peris’ room for a while? I will call you when I need something from you」

「Merias-san, Master already said this much. Are you against sleeping in the same room as a belial? 」

There is no way it is like this! Merias fiercely swung her head. It seems she was finally convinced. If Merias ever sleeps in my room, I will attack her at night. To assault Merias right here and right now………Don’t call me a lecher.

After that, Peris showed her around the mansion, her perpetually surprised appearance was amusing. As expected, having a bath in your house is rare, I won’t tell her about「Ueeeeee」she unintentionally leaked in a girly voice.

On the next day, I woke up early and went to buy clothes for Merias. I bought the clothes, which were recommended by the employee, but it seems that they were quite good so they cost rather high. Well, I don’t need to worry about my finances and the clothes look nice. Since they are on the cute side, I’m fine with this.

Regarding Merias, I’m thinking about letting her continue her research. I decided to buy the tools and materials, but the amount ended up being a bit too large. Peris’ room is big, but it won’t be able to store everything. I had no other choice but to give up on buying some tools. It seems that it’s about time to think about expanding the mansion.

Regarding the Holy Sword, Merias is pouring her effort into making a sheath so the job of purchasing special materials in a specialized shop (although I was the one who ordered her to make one) fell onto me. It seems she is going to create a fitting holy sheath for it. I’m looking forward to its completion.

Merias was reserved at first, but due to Peris’ character, she quickly became friends with her. They were both Liberal Arts LV3 and stimulated each other’s intellectual curiosity.

Gon and I came to Ohi-sama’s mansion again. Because I asked about the title Gon answered「Ohi-sama is knowledgeable about this topic」. As long as I’m with Gon, I could come there anytime, and I did just that. As expected, I couldn’t visit with as it is so I filled my hands with as much food as I could and stood in front of the shrine. When I appeared before the door to the mansion, it quietly opened. It might unexpectedly be an automatic door.

We were greeted by the supervisors under Ohi-sama, Chieda-san and Sae-san, and then guided to her chambers. Today, besides those two, a fox in a ceremonial dress came along with us.

「Today, before Ohi-sama……」

「Let’s skip the formalities. Take it easy, take it easy」

「I’m overjoyed to receive your considerations. Today I brought presents with me. Please receive them if it all right with you」

After I said that, I presented ohagi, aburaage, zenzai, inari-zushi, and university potatoes.

「I’m ashamed of presenting the same things over and over again……」

「No need to worry. Hohou~. So this is zenzai. Let’s see……delicious! This sweetness! This crunchiness! It is indeed better when it’s crunchy」

「Ohi-sama!」

Her reaction was excessive, but it seems she liked it.

「This one is Sandill. Thank you for your continuous offerings. Our ladies like the sweet taste. I’m looking forward to the future」

「Thank you very much. In this case, should I substitute aburaage with zenzai from now on? 」

「Hm. Makes sense. Every…..」

「No! It is fine with aburaage. It goes well with the right drink! 」

Sandill objected. Don’t glare, Ohi-sama, don’t glare.

「Understood. The crispy aburaage is delicious. Also, please try inari-zushi, if it is all right with you」

「Mm. This is…..quite good…..good, good. This is also……..well, the offering」

「Understood」

Apparently, my presents achieved the desired effect. The supervisors liked the university potatoes. Offering all at once would be slightly difficult, so let’s establish a rotation of sorts.

「I came here for a purpose. I have something I would like to inquire」

「You are free to ask」

「First, about the barrier skill. I heard that it is possible to use it to teleport. How could one……」

「Oh, this is a special case and can’t be used normally. It has to be combined with other arts」

「Combine with an art?」

「This is a kind of a spell. Sandill knows the details. You are allowed to tell him」

「Ohi-sama, did you casually leave everything to this one to enjoy the offering in the meantime?」

「T-There is no-no-no-no way it is true! H-H-H-H-How rude! 」

Haaa, acknowledged Sandill. Ohi-sama, you are stuttering.

「I have something else to ask too. One of my comrades has「Self-loathing」title. I want to remove it, but….」 [¹]

「Self-loathing? What kind of title is this? 」

「Ahem, Ohi-sama. That thing that you failed to remove about 500 years ago」

「….Ah, that one. That was a failure…..No, it wasn’t a f-f-f-failure! There are no failures for this Mistress! That was a success!!」

「……Just when I tried to save you, you dug a hole for yourself」

「Sandill, you are rude!! Ei, stand up! Sandill will tell you about this matter! This wasn’t a failure! You can leave!!」

We were driven out of the room. They guided us to Sandill’s room.

「All right then, first I will speak about the barrier combination, it isn’t that difficult. You need to pour mana towards the place from where you want to teleport while chanting『Ohi-sama Ohi-sama, coming forth』and saying the name of a place you want to teleport. This would create a teleportation point, once you step inside, you would be able to teleport」

Let’s try at the first opportunity.

「Next is「Self-loathing」. This is quite a rather advanced curse. The person in question suppressed his own growth by wishing to seal his own abilities. Because it is a self-curse, it is difficult to remove. You can try, but it may result in the subject’s brain death. The best method would be to utilize divine protection skill when the person himself wholeheartedly wishes to remove it」

「And Ohi-sama failed because」

「…..She tried to force it. It almost reached the point of no return. I intervened」

I didn’t hear until the end. When we were talking, the supervisor, Chieda, entered the room.

「Rinos-dono. An order from Ohi-sama. From now on, it will be enough if you only offer bean-shaped ohagi and a sweet kind of aburaage」

「Nah! I was deprived of my pleasure! Are you holding a grudge against me!?」

Trying to pacify Sandill, I ended up with his personal shrine in my mansion.

The matter of her title depends completely on her own will…….Well then, how should I proceed? I thought about that as I left the mansion.

「Let me suffer? An interesting joke. Fine, I will let you know your place」

The black rabbit released a pink aura and took out a rapier.

「Ufufu, the hellfire will burn you to ashes. If you do not start running, you will be roasted, you know? 」

I kept staring at pohasei without moving a single bit.

「Ahhahaha, are you too frightened to move?」

「Master, please escape!」

Merias clung to my back.

「I will kill you both」

「You have been noisy on you own since a while ago. In this some kind of a play? 」

「What?」

「You are still in one piece, Merias. Look」

「…..The fire has gone」

「Gazing at illusions can be pretty exciting, but these ones aren’t that great」

「Yeah, it is painful to look at. Is this everything you’ve got? You seem pretty amusing, there is a merit in bullying you」

The posehai was already trapped inside a 10-meter wide barrier. Then, I created a lot of cockroaches inside of the barrier.

「Uwa! What is this!? No!!」

The posehai immediately flew into the air. I exploded her black wings and took away her ability to fly. She raised a painful scream, landed on the ground and started to desperate run away from the cockroaches. I exploded both of her legs and took away her ability to move. The flood of cockroaches enveloped her body in no time.

「Nooooo! Gyaaaaa! Stooooop!! Stooooop!!」

This was rather unsightly, so I concealed the cockroaches from Gon and Merias. From their standpoint, it looked like the posehai was writhing in confusion.

While appreciating the sight before me, I confirmed her skills once again.

Lyona (Pohasei, 37 years old) LV29
HP: 183
MP: 116
Illusion Arts LV3
Seduction Arts LV3
Human Transformation Art LV3
Mind Magic LV3
Teleportation Art LV2
Flight LV2

She is specialized in manipulating people. She can’t be a decent opponent is she fights directly, but I have some interest in this「Teleportation Art 」of hers.

「Hey, Gon, what is this「Teleportation Art 」?」

「It is a kind of space magic, but it is very restricted. She can only transfer herself and it takes a lot of MP to cast. It is mainly used as a last escape method」

Can’t you freely move around with this thing?

「In that case, you might want to make use of your barrier skill. Multiple people can be teleported if they are inside of a barrier. Ohi-sama’s shrine also works this way」

You should have said it sooner. I need to get a detailed explanation on this skill from Gon later on. I feel like I’m missing on a treasure.

While I was thinking that, the space around posehai started to distort. Looking closely, it seems that her posehai comrades are about to teleport here. Among them, a posehai with a big build screamed in a loud voice.

「I noticed an emergency signal and came here, Lyona! What is happening?!!」

I cleared the insides of the barrier from the cockroaches. She was twitching on the ground with her whole body covered in sweat.

8 posehai, who were called her by Lyona, gathered around her. I see, that’s what he meant when he said that they act in groups.

「Are you comrades of this one? If you are willing to retreat, I don’t mind if you take her with you」

「Who are you!? Was it you who wounded Lyona to this extent……? Impossible! For you to be able to corner Lyona to this extent!!」

「Whether it is impossible or not is not important. I want to have dinner soon. Today, I will let you off with just this much, hurry up and scram」 [¹]

While I was still talking, a single posehai came slashing at me. Just before he succeeded, I enclosed him in a barrier and quickly increased the temperature inside. I a blink of an eye, he was devoured by the flames and disappeared.

「Mihiji!…….I won’t forgive you! Kill!!」

The giant posehai ordered in a loud voice. The rest of them started chanting. Taking this into an account, I released a scorching bullet mid-chant. New holes appeared in their bodies only for flames to burst out from them. Without knowing what happened, the six lost their lives.

「Oi, hulk. I have some questions to you」

「Kuh! Nuaaaaa! 」

At the same time as I deployed a barrier, the giant posehai initiated a teleport. His figure disappeared accompanied by his fierce screams.

「Did he……teleport? 」

「It is the first time I saw a posehai abandoning his comrade」

「Can’t help it. Let’s question this one」

I approached the fainted wounded woman. Gon and Merias followed me from behind. She was twitching before, but upon my approach, she slowly opened her eyes.

「Was that hulk your comrade? It seems he abandoned you」

The woman looked at me and grinned. At this moment, something flashed and an explosion occurred.

「Dangerous!」

I hugged Merias on a reflex. Her fluffy hair was extremely comfortable.

When I turned back, I saw nothing. It was the usual grassland.

「So she suicided. It is the first time I saw them doing that」

Gon was strangely impressed. Looking close, I noticed a katana lying on the grassland. Once I picked it up and appraised it,

Laser Sword: A sword that can cut through any material.

Ho, its sharpness is superb. The blade is incredibly beautiful.

「This sword was made by me」

When I picked it up, Merias quietly muttered this to herself.

「It looks very sharp. Isn’t it a good sword? 」

「I was told to make a sword that can cut through space. However, you need a lot of MP to achieve this effect. I thought of developing a technique to somehow preserve the MP, but it didn’t go that well」

MP? I have a lot of those. Let’s try pouring it in. When I imagined putting my MP into the sword……my MP was gradually sucked. I can put even more. As I poured more and more………the blade shone blue. Merias looked at this spectacle with round eyes.

When I poured about 10000 MP, I felt that it was filled to the brim. Before I noticed, the sword became like a polished mirror. Merias unconsciously leaked「Beautiful……」from her mouth. When I appraised it again, this is what I saw.

Holy Sword: A sword that can cut through any material and space. Its sharpness is further increased against the evil beings.

…….It seems that a sacred sword was produced. Is this all right? Is this really all right?

I silently passed the sword to Merias. Merias looked at it fervently, as if wanting to devour it whole.

「H-How did……….? Alloy composition? No, by changing the incorporated enchantment…..No, is this…….a formula? Overheating the gamul grass? Is it? Is it?」

The appearance of a beautiful girl staring at a sword with her eyes wide open while muttering something incomprehensible is quite scary.

「Merias, can you make something like a sheath for it? It stands out. It is all right you do it later. The materials…..let’s buy them tomorrow too. I’m hungry. Let’s have dinner! 」

Together with Merias, who refused to let go of the sword, and the yawning Gon, I returned to the mansion.

When we arrived home together with Merias, Gon greeted us.

「Oh? This person…….has some considerable skills. Un? 「Self-concealment」? It is the first time I saw such a title」

Well, we couldn’t just stay before the mansion forever so we went inside. While being nervous, Merias sat down as I ordered.

「As I said earlier, you are a slave, but I intend to release you. It seems to take quite some time so you will be staying here until that moment. Feel free to use this house as your own. Your room will be the same as Peris’」

「Um……..You said you will release me, but why did you buy me in the first place? 」

「Un, if I’m to voice it out, It was a whim. There is no particular reason. It’s just, the status of a slave is insecure, right? I was also a slave in the past, I can relate to these feelings. Although, I still want to hear why you became a crime slave. If it is not that big of a deal, I intend to release you」

「I……killed a lot of people. For the sake of the dead, I need to die too」 [¹]

She looked at me with strong determination. It doesn’t seem likely for me to hear the whole story. Without any other choice, I peeked into her past myself.

Merias was born between her sheep beastwoman mother and her dwarf father. Her mother was a good pharmacist and her father was an excellent blacksmith. The stubborn father and the gentle mother raised her with love. She was interested in her parents’ trades since her young days and spent her days learning from them.

She had the talent in the first place so she was able to master both of the skills. She dreamed about inheriting their job and making their life easier.

The turning point in her life happened when she was 10 years old. A plague rapidly spread throughout the country, it started with sudden a high fever and led to the death in a few days. The death toll was exceptionally high amongst the children. The King ordered to start development of the cure to every competent person. Of course, this order reached her household too. The family poured all their effort into the development of the cure. And they successfully completed it. The King was overjoyed, and while promising a reward to them, distributed the cure for free amongst the populace.

Then, a tragedy occurred.

The children, who used the cure, died in large numbers. The distribution of the cure was stopped and the cause was investigated. The report stated that the cause was in the magic grass. A grass that acts like the poison in high concentrations. They concluded that the proportions of ingredients were flawed. [²]

Merias’ parents were executed to atone for their mistake. The father, who was harvesting the grass, and the mother, who made the cure, were charged with serious crimes.

Originally, they planned to execute Merias too. However, with her young age as a reason, she was taken care of by the court magician. There, she was ordered to develop and produce magic tools. Such work was very taxing on MP. The work that continued every day until she fainted put a serious burden on her body. However, this work, which was said to improve the lives of the citizens, was a form of atonement for her. She ignored the condition of her body and continued her work.

When she turned 16, she wasn’t able to complete the ordered work anymore. She wasn’t able to create much. While being aware of her own limits, she nevertheless tried harder than anyone else did. However, in the end, she was abandoned by him and sold off as a crime slave.

「It seems you did all kinds of work, but I can’t understand the details very well. Can you explain it to me in layman terms? 」

「!? How did you!?」

「Ah, I can somehow understand some things about people」

「…….It was mostly three things. Creating an edged tool with maximum sharpness and hardness, a material that can negate magic, and a medicine of immortality」

「Quite the ambitious projects you had there. Did any of those succeed? 」

「I achieved some minor things, but it didn’t come into reality in the end」

「Then what did you create?」

「A medicine that can unleash the whole power of a person. He won’t feel any pain or fatigue and will be able to act with his full power」

「Are there any side effects?」

「When it runs out, you won’t be able to move for several days. In the worst case, you will die」

……..Sounds like a failed product. I see, she was magnificently used. The death of her parents also seems suspicious. Merias herself doesn’t seem particularly evil.

「All right, for the time being, it is better to deal with your curse. Gon, can I ask you? 」

「You can do it yourself, though」

「Is that so?」

As if being inspired by Gon, I decided to remove it myself. A concentrated on Merias and imagined myself removing the curse. Curse LV3 was displayed inside my head. I poured my MP in it. After a while, it was reduced to LV2 and gradually disappeared.

「Fuu. The curse was removed. The status is still that of a crime slave. It seems we still need to visit a priest」

However, the title「Self-concealment」was still there.

「How do you erase this title?」

「I never tried this before so I don’t know. Ohi-sama is knowledgeable about this topic」

「I will ask when I have an opportunity」

While I was discussing these things, my map showed a reaction. It is moving in this direction at considerable speed. The color is red. It is definitely hostile.

I gathered everyone and went outside to meet it. And at the same time, it showed its appearance.

「Geez, you just had to complicate everything. Thanks to you, I need to cut the loose ends」

The one who appeared was a black rabbit beastwoman surrounded by the evil aura.

「Pohasei? How bothersome」

Gon muttered unintentionally.

「Pohasei is a tribe skilled in illusions. They often move and attack in groups. Very hard to deal with 」

「Ara, today I’m alone, you can relax. I’m here for the sheep girl. Her being alive is rather inconvenient for us. Don’t think bad of me」

「Are you the ones, who conspired against Merias and her parents?」

「Ara, she told you to this extent? Loose-lipped women are no good. Sorry, but is seems that you need to die too. But you are so young and cute. Should we play before I kill you? 」

「Before that, let me confirm something. Her skills are quite high, did you raise it with some kind of medicine? 」

「Such a perceptive boy. No, I forced her to commit crimes」

「Crime?」

「By killing her family, although she closed herself from everyone, her learning speed has increased. She deprived the lives of many people with her own medicine」

「Do you want to obtain the world? Or are you just enjoying the slaughter? 」

「Both. I tried to force her to create an impenetrable material of a medicine of immortality, but it seems that I aimed too high. Well, she did create the semi-immortal soldiers so it’s not as if she was completely useless. But I can’t expect any further growth from her, there is no reason to let her live any longer. I thought she would die once she became a crime slave, but I never expected from her to immediately tell you everything」

「One more thing. What’s up with this self-concealment? 」

「Self-concealment? What’s that? 」

「I see, an idiot. Yeah, right, the last question. Are you a woman or just crossdressing? 」

「……..I thought about playing with you, but it seems I will discard this notion」

「Understood. Oi, Peris」

Peris, who was by my side, silently gazed at me.

「Sorry, but go ahead of me and prepare dinner. Let’s have dinner right after I finish here. I’m expecting a lot of you」

Peris affirmed and went inside the mansion. I turned towards Merias.

「Sorry, Merias. I forgot to buy the clothes for you. Let’s buy some in the capital tomorrow. Today, you have to do with my clothes」

「What’s up with this demonstration of composure? Are you trying to make me relax my guard? Fufufufufu」

The pohasei released bloodlust and evil aura from her body. I faced her with a demonic smile.

「I hate women like you. The moment you were hated by me, death became your only destiny. I will let you taste the suffering, which will make you wish for an easy death. All right then, where should I start from~? 」

「Nothing good ever comes from these guys! These guys are soldiers of Princess Ricolette. What are they even thinking!?」[¹]

The owner of Miraya, Akima, was fuming with anger. The soldiers quickly occupied the stage and started talking about something with the slave traders. There were a few customers left, but the auction was completely disrupted. Akima showed her intention to return home. I decided to accompany her and headed outside together with Peris.

「Master, what was this event all about?」

「Ah, Peris might not know it. It is a place for buying and selling of slaves」

「Slaves?」

「It is about buying people with money. The slaves have to listen to their buyers no matter what」

「Are they treated as goods? I thought that those, who were bought, were going to be released 」

「Ho, an interesting opinion. I want this girl to teach some things to my girls! 」

Akima teased Peris and laughed. Once we went outside, a man from the slave trader’s side approached me.

「I’m sorry for the inconvenience. Dear guest, I will hand over your slave immediately」

Apparently, the slave traders will be penalized for opening the slave market, it ended up without anyone being harmed. I bid farewell to Akima and followed the man. We arrived in a room in the hotel.

After a while, a nice looking man came into the room.

「Thank you for coming. It might be too hasty, but let’s finalize the purchase right away. The money…….yes, that is enough. Let’s proceed to the slave contract. Oi, bring her over here! 」
The sheep beastwoman was brought inside. Unlike the previous time, she was wearing a one-piece clothing. Previously, they wanted to display her bodyline to the audience. However, her appearance before my eyes was truly mesmerizing.

「I apologize, but can I receive a drop of your blood?」
Un? Blood? I do not remember anything like that when Elsa-sama bought me.

「Isn’t the slave contract done through a spell?」

「In the case of a crime slave, there is a need to bind it using blood. If you complete the blood contract, the slave won’t be able to resist you in any way. After all, the crime slaves couldn’t be given any freedom. It is enforced by the law so I ask you for your understanding」

The handling of the crime slaves is a difficult matter.

「When it comes to the blood, you can use this magic tool. Put your finger on it, and it will suck out your blood by itself. It won’t be painful and won’t leave any wounds」

I put my fingertip on the glass rod. The rod quickly sucked out my blood. The slave trader received my blood and dropped it on the palm of her hand while casting some kind of spell. Her hand glowed.

「With this, the slave contract is complete」

「How do you cancel the contract? What will happen to her if I die? 」

「Because it is a blood contract, the slave will die together with the owner. If you don’t like it, you should be able to cancel it in the slave store nearby. Please, do not hesitate to contact us if you need anything」

「Understood. There should also be a method to release a slave. How is it done? 」

「We do not hear about releasing the crime slaves too often, but if you want to, you need to get the permission from a priest.」

「Priest?」

「Correct. To release a crime slave, you need to prove to the priest that he atoned for his crimes. However, you need a lot of money, and it is not guaranteed that the priest will be convinced of his atonement」

In others words, once you become a crime slave, it is almost impossible to regain your freedom. What did this beastwoman do?

「I heard that she poisoned a village. If you look at her casual attitude, you should understand what kind of person she is. Please, be careful with her」

Saying his piece, the slave trader left the room. The sheep girl, who was left behind, approached me and kneeled.

「Thank you for purchasing me. I will be serving you with my utmost effort from now on. Feel free to order whatever you want」

「U~n, for now, how about leaving this place? My name is Rinos. What it your name? 」

「……I don’t have one. I would be happy if Master could give me a name」

「No, you should have a name, which you used before. What was your name before? 」

「……Merias」

「Then, I will call you Merias, are you fine with this?」

「Thank you」

「All right, Merias. I know that it is sudden, but we are hungry. We didn’t have the chance to eat lunch yet. Ah, her name is Peris. Our chef. Did Merias eat her lunch? 」

「…….No, not yet」

「Then it is decided, let’s eat lunch. Is beef stew all right with you? 」

「I’ll be glad to!」

「Let’s go!」

Merias followed after me and Peris. When we went outside, the soldiers were still running around. While I was silently praising their diligence, I heard an unexpected voice directed at me.

「Rinos-dono, so you wanted a slave too」

Princess Ricolette showed her face from the carriage’s window.

「The soldiers stormed the slave market some time ago. Was this your order? 」

「Yes, people shouldn’t sell each other in the open」

「I agree. It would have been nice if people stopped trying to buy each other with money」

「Are you really saying this? Didn’t you buy the beastwoman behind you? Don’t you think that you aren’t qualified to say these things? 」

「Maybe I am. In truth, I thought about releasing her from the crime slavery. But it seems that the procedures are too difficult」

「Release a crime slave? How ridiculous…….」

「I agree with Ricolette-sama. The life of a slave is full of uncertainties. The kids shouldn’t taste this feeling. I may not be qualified to say this, but I do think so」

「You’re just…….」

「I’m a former slave myself」

Princess Ricolette frowned for a moment. Perhaps, I shouldn’t have said it. Well, I will solve the problems when they actually appear. I took the two with me, as I distanced myself from this place. Soon enough, we arrived at the hotel with delicious beef stew and entered the restaurant.

「Isn’t it Rinos-sama? I’m glad to see you here again」

「Today, I brought my chef and a newcomer with me」

「Isn’t it Peris-sama, welcome. The newcomer is…..! Rinos-sama, this person……..」

「A new addition to our household」

「U-Understood. Please, this way……」

The always-polite boy became agitated. Ah, Merias’ curse is affecting him. Let’s cast a barrier to isolate this influence for now.

We were guided to our seats. However, Merias didn’t sit down and stood behind me.

「How about sitting down? Feel free to order whatever you like. Beef stew in this place is wonderful! 」

「To-To dine on the same table as Master is inappropriate!」

「I don’t mind. I can’t calm down with you standing here. For now, just sit. This is an order. Also, do you have anything you want to eat? The things you dislike? Nothing? Are you fine having the same as me? Then, three beef stews with salad, and three omelets please」

Very soon, the dished were delivered to our table.

「All right, let’s eat. Peris, you are free to steal the taste」

「Leave it to me!」

Peris started eating while muttering the names of ingredients from time to time. Merias too unintentionally muttered「Ah, delicious」. It seems that she liked it.

「All right then, Merias. Actually, I intended to release you from slavery, but it seems rather difficult so you will be staying with us for quite a while. I will look after you, but I want you to promise me one thing first」

Yes! She stopped eating and stood up as if she was a rocket.

「No, you can sit. Listen to me while eating. It’s not that big of a matter. First, do not ever lie to me. If something is too difficult, I want you to tell me. If you don’t like something, I want you to tell me. Second, my secrets should remain as secrets. The slave contract took care of it, I guess. However, I want you to keep it even after you obtain your freedom. Third, the last one, take care of yourself more. Your sad face makes me sad a well. I want you to be as happy as possible. Of course, there is no need to force yourself」

Yes…….she nodded like a pigeon pecking its food.

Having finished the beef stew, we left the hotel and headed to my store. There, we were joined by Irimo, who was already waiting for us.

「Irimo, she is our new companion starting from today, Merias. This horse is Irimo. Take care of each other in the future」

B-Best regards. Nervously greeted Merias. We left the city, and after confirming everyone’s presence

「Merias, I’m going to reveal you some of our secrets. You should never talk about it」

I said that and revealed Peris’ and Irimo’s appearance.

「Be-Belial!? Unicorn pegasus!?」

「Peris can fly by herself. Merias should mount Irimo. Hold on tight」

I forced Merias, whose eyes were spinning, to sit behind me on Irimo, and she flew into the sky. The feeling of her breasts against my back made my heart race, but let’s keep it a secret.

The cold winds went away and the warm winds arrived.

Today, I came to the imperial capital together with Peris. Over the past few months, I often strolled around the capital with Peris when I had time. It was done for the sake of shopping and memorizing the food. I guided her to the places, where I considered the food to be good and had her remember the taste.

Peris looked human thanks to my barrier, but it didn’t go well at first. After all, she couldn’t say anything except for「gumomo」. I had no problems with that, but others did. I performed as her interpreter until she finally learned the language.

Gon professionally taught her the language, and coupled with her thirst for knowledge, she grasped it in no time. Right now, she is asking the cook behind the counter about the recipes, knife handling, and seasoning, trying to raise her cooking skills. A lot of stall owners think of her of as a glutton, even recently, in one of the street stalls

「Girl, it is all right to be gluttonous, but you should lose some weight」[¹]

she was told that with a bitter smile. According to Gon, Peris is one of a kind beauty, but that doesn’t change the fact that she looks like a small plump dragon. If she is as beautiful as Gon claims, I think about asking him to teach her human transformation.

I finished this round of shopping in the capital and stuffed everything in the infinite storage. We usually buy enough food to feed lots of mouths, so the shop owners often give us discounts. Also, it seems that Gon and Peris established some kind of a deep bond with all of the stall owners. I couldn’t even understand what they were talking about.

The shopping trip was prolonged and the most of the day already passed. Coincidentally, there was a high-class-looking hotel nearby, so we decided to visit the restaurant there. As we closed in on the restaurant, we found out that, regretfully, it was closed today. However, it was noisy inside. Just when I thought that it was some kind of private party, I discovered an unexpected person. The owner of 「Miraya」in the red light district, Akima.

「Ara, Rinos-chan, it’s been a while! What are you doing here? 」

「It’s been a while. I thought of eating here, but it is closed. What brings you here? 」

「Isn’t it obvious? The slave market! 」

The place that usually acts as a restaurant was turned into the slave market. Apparently, she often shows her face in such gatherings to fish for new workers for her establishment. This time, she acquired quite a few gems and went outside to complete the procedures.

「The normal slaves are already sold. It is about time for crime slaves to went on stage」

Crime slaves……people who sinned and fell into slavery. Usually, small crimes do not lead to slavery. They are the people, who committed serious crimes and have no choice but to spend the rest of their lives in slavery. Most of the times, men are bought as miners or fighting force, while women as prostitutes. However, their living environment is harsh and unbearable most of the times, which leads to 90% of them dying in the first 10 years. You can say that their execution is just being extended.

「There are almost no decent people there! But sometimes, there are some girls who were enslaved due to their parent’s crimes. You might as well participate since you are here! You might find an unexpected bargain! 」

Akima grabbed my hand and dragged me inside.

The room was dim, while the stage was bright. After a while, a man appeared on the stage.

「I kept you waiting, everyone. Let’s open the sale of the crime slaves. This is your last chance to purchase a slave」

「Rinos-chan, if you see someone good, do not hesitate to buy! Raise this white token and say the price. Keep in mind your budget when bidding」

Apparently, it was based on the auction system. While I was talking with Akima, a group of strong men lined up on stage.

「Human male, 25 years old; cat beastman, male, 19 years old; human male, 18 years old; same as before, human male, 18 years old! We are starting from 5000G」

The host raised his voice and introduced the goods. The white tokens were raised and voices saying「6000G！」, 「7000G！」resounded in the room. The slaves for sale are sometimes grouped together, or sometimes presented one by one. If no one is interested, the host will gradually lower the price. The lowest possible price seems to be 1000G. If there are no white tokens raised even in this situation, the slaves will be dragged out from the stage. Bad memories surfaced inside my head.

「What will happen to the unsold slaves?」

「Un. Sometimes they try in a different city, but most of the times, the merchants get rid of them」

As I thought. If not for Elsa-sama, I would have been dead by now. It might not be the best time, but I silently expressed my gratitude.

「The last item. Sheep beastman, female, 16 years old! We are starting from 3000G」 [²]

She had two curved horns on her head. Her hair was silver-colored and gave a natural warm feeling. Looking closely, her face was shaped rather nicely, she is definitely a beauty. Only her chest and hips were covered by cloth so I could easily see her body. She had some sheep hair on her legs and arms, but her breasts were relatively big and her body was well proportioned. She was beautiful enough to become a model.

However, no one was willing to bid for her. I thought that she will fare well in Akima’s establishment, but Akima only wrinkled her brows and had no intentions to raise the token. The slave on the stage, couldn’t bear the stares of the audience and lowered her head. However, a man affiliated with the slave traders forcibly lifted her head back.

「Is she not to your liking? She is a genuine pure girl. How is she? What about 2500G? 」

Her price kept falling down. I asked Akima why she didn’t bid for her.

「She is a beauty, but no. My intuition tells me this. You shouldn’t buy her! 」

While I was at it, I decided to appraise the sheep girl.

Merias (Slave Sage, 16 years old) LV36
HP: 91
MP: 145
Alchemy LV 3
Blacksmith LV 3
Pharmacist LV 3
MP Recovery LV2
Liberal Arts LV3
Curse LV3

Self-concealment [³]

Curse LV3……is impossible to get for common people. With this, she will attract the animosity on herself. Self-concealment…….overall skill decrease.

Skills are high! What’s up with this sheep woman?! A sage……Her unexpected skill composition left me speechless for a brief moment.

「By the wish of the seller, we can’t go lower that 500G! How about it? Is there someone? 」

I spontaneously raised my token.

As if waiting for that moment, a group of soldiers appeared from the back.

「Immediately close down this slave market! From now on, it is forbidden to host the slave auctions in the imperial capital! Close down immediately!!」[⁴]

…….What the hell is happening?

There is a mansion on a certain remote mountain. It is so remote that, forget about humans, not many monsters are aware of its existence.

This mansion is the residence of the 10000-year-old fox god, Ohi-sama. And by her side, there served an old fox, Sandill. A talented manager acknowledged by everyone.

Recently, Sandill became increasingly worried about Ohi-sama’s diet.

For a whole year, the fox mansion continued to receive certain offerings. A boy, Rinos, brought by the white fox from the Juka Kingdom, ended up offering the so-called「ohagi」and「karaage」on a regular basis.

At first, Sandill didn’t pay any attention, but he heard the supervisor girls singing praises to it. Sometimes, the supervisors nearly fought each other.

Sandill reluctantly tasted it too and was captivated in a second. He especially liked「karaage」.

「Karaage」delivered by Rinos came in two flavors, a sweet one, and a normal one. Ohi-sama preferred the sweet one, while Sandill – the normal one. This normal karaage was extremely compatible with sake. He brought it back home and enjoyed it together with drinks.

A month ago, there was a change in「ohagi」. Different from before, it became much mellower. In short, Peris, the new chef of Rinos’ household, received a hint from Rinos and made something akin to「red mochi」, this「new ohagi」suited Sandill’s tastes rather well.

However, Ohi-sama didn’t like「new ohagi」very much and always discarded it after selectively eating some of its parts. It was the best possible outcome for Sandill.

Of course, he used an excuse of wanting to follow the manners and do not casually throw away the offerings. This「new ohagi」exquisite and showed him the incredible harmony between the ingredients. He deeply enjoyed the feeling of it slowly sliding down his throat. [¹]

One day, Rinos delivered another batch of「ohagi」and「karaage」as per usual. Unlike before, there were three of「new ohagi」delivered. Normally, it was just two. And each time, Ohi-sama would nibble on one and let him take the whole one. This time too, was the same pattern.

However, that day Sandill was exceptionally hungry. And at that time, 「new ohagi」was delivered. For starters, he put one in his mouth. Delicious. How can you make something so delicious? The humans couldn’t be underestimated. While thinking that, he unconsciously extended his hand towards the second one. And put it in his mouth. This time, he made sure to properly chew and enjoy the taste. It is indeed delicious. He swallowed it while thinking of the best drink to complement it with.

Once he came to himself, he noticed a single ohagi left. Oh, I did it….was, of course, present in his mind, but it wasn’t going to be a problem. Thinking that she won’t eat more than a half anyway, he carried ohagi and aburaage to her chambers. [²]

As usual, she enjoyed the taste of aburaage before switching her focus to ohagi. This time it was「new ohagi」. Hearing him, she disinterestedly took a bite on her favorite part as usual and tasted it.

「Sandill, one more」

Usually, it was the time for to say「you can take away the rest」, but this time, he couldn’t just produce another one from nothing. After all, there were no more. They were resting in Sandill’s stomach. Given some time, he could have requested more from Rinos, but he didn’t have any.

「One more」

「I have a thing to report to Ohi-sama」

「What is it?」

「Can you see the garden? I took care of it recently. The trees became very tidy and beautiful」

「Garden?……It is indeed beautiful. It seems you planted a tree by the side of the pond, but what about it? 」

While she was distracted, he quickly flipped ohagi in a way where the tasty side was above.

「One more ohagi, Ohi-sama」

She opened her mouth again and tasted this ohagi.

「It really is great, Sandill, another one」

That was troublesome. Turning it around once again won’t bring any good results.

「Uuu…….」

「Sandill, one more!………Or should I look at the garden once more? 」[³]

After that, Sandill disappeared for a while, and she enjoyed her peaceful everyday life.

Inside the cell, Serias seemed to be asleep.

The magicians probably forcibly keep him asleep. They stand around him and cast extra heal one after another.

「What did that prisoner do?」

I asked the guard.

「Ah, that is a certain person of high standing. He was subjected to confusion since a long time ago, and there are always magicians casting healing spells around him」

Extra heal takes a lot of mana to cast, but it seems that extra heal can at least keep a person alive after「Onigiri」.

「Are you applying recovery magic to him? Oi, Shera」

「If it is recovery magic, even I can do it. Be grateful」

The guards prevented the idiotic cat princess from approaching Serias.

「Why!? I was going to help! Why do you need to stop me!?」

「That’s right! We are being merciful to you! Why can’t you gratefully accept it?! I’m surrounded by idiots」

The two complained to the guards. While I was thinking of punching them, Serias stood up

「Nuaaaaaa!!!!」

He suddenly grabbed the neck of a magician and snapped it with little effort.

「Your Highness! Please calm down! 」

The guard approached Serias’ cell in a fluster.

「Gaaaaaaaaa!!」

Maybe because magicians didn’t lock the cell, Serias was able to rush out of the cell. He swiftly stole a sword from the guard and stabbed it into his chest.

「!!!!!」

Releasing a voiceless scream, he fell on the ground. I released a wind spell at Serias. At that moment, he cut my wind spell apart and dodged to the side.

「Hyahha! Your Highness! Kill! Kill them all! 」

Looking closely, I noticed Visto Zai in a cell next to Serias’. He pressed the place, where his hand was, on the prison bars and screamed with all his might. His eyes were completely insane.

「Kill! Kih, gaha」

Without any trace of hesitation, Serias pierced his throat through the gap between the iron bars. Zai’s body collapsed like a puppet with its string cut. A group of soldiers rushed in after hearing the commotion, but Serias cut them down in a matter of moments.

「Stop it, b̲a̲s̲t̲a̲r̲d̲! I won’t forgive you for showing such violent behavior before the hero! 」

The idiotic prince shouted towards Serias. Serias’ eyes flashed with a strange color when he looked at the idiotic prince. They turned dark. In that moment, Serias moved. With a speed completely incomparable to before, he dashed in our direction. I let my guard down.

In a blink of an eye, Serias approach the idiotic prince and cut with his sword.

「Willis-sama!」

The female cat, Amalia, covered him and was struck instead.

「Ah, aaaaaaaaa」

The idiotic royalty became weak in their knees. A part of our surrounding turned into a sea of blood. I released a fireball at this slaughterer. However, it was split apart by Serias’s sword. He managed to resist LV3 magic.

「Gaaaaaaaa, waaaaaaa, di-e……di-e………」

He spoke as if vomiting something. Serias was strange since a while ago. I used appraisal to look at his skills.

Hideta Shua Serias (Demon, 19 years old) LV26
HP: 101/208
MP: 47/58
Sword Arts LV3
Body Strengthening LV3
Evasion LV2
Etiquette LV1
Curse LV3

His 「Curse」 leveled up. Because of that, he became a demon. His skill also became higher overall.

It was a bit narrow, but I still released a wind blade. Yet Serias deflected it with his sword again. He turned away from us and escaped.

「Hey, stupid cats! Don’t move from this place! 」

I chased after Serias.

After leaving the basement, I found Serias surrounded by soldiers while he was wildly swinging his sword around. I immediately trapped him inside a barrier and deprived him of his freedom. The soldiers pounced at him and successfully captured him.

Serias was escorted away by soldiers. He will probably die very soon from the mental breakdown.

I returned to the basement to secure the idiotic cats. It wasn’t possible to keep them in the prison anymore, so they were transferred to the royal palace. Amalia, who covered for the idiotic prince, wasn’t breathing. I attempted to bring her back with ultimate heal, but her brain was seriously damaged by that slash, which in turn caused me to fail. The others were pierced in their hearts, and I wasn’t able to revive them either.

I embraced Amalia and carried her into the room allocated for the idiotic cats.

As expected, the idiotic cats were depressed. When I entered the room with Amalia in my hands, the idiotic princess approached her.

「Amalia! Amalia! Open your eyes!! I beg you, wake up!!」

「Is there someone who can revive her!? This is the Hideta Empire, right? You should have someone who can resurrect a person. Hey! Hurry up and call a magician! 」

The idiotic princess was desperate.

「Amalia’s brain was damaged. When the damage to the brain is excessive, it is impossible to resurrect a person anymore」

「What do you know!? Look! She doesn’t have any wounds! Don’t lie to me! 」

「I closed her wounds with magic. Otherwise, she was too sorry to look at 」

「Someone……someone……Amalia……..Amalia…….」

I heard the idiotic prince’s crying voice. At that time, the prime minister and Princess Ricolette entered the room.

「So one of your servants died. It is great that you, the royalty, weren’t hurt」

「Hmpf, it would have been better for you to be cut. Your selfish decisions can easily harm other people around you. You just use your position as a royalty to satisfy your desires. As a result, you lost a servant. Whom are you tears dedicated to exactly? Are they truly for your servant? Aren’t you crying because she won’t be able to accompany you in your stupid game anymore? 」

Princess Ricolette didn’t have any mercy. The prime minister looked like he swallowed a bug. The idiotic prince and the idiotic princess glared at Ricolette without wiping their tears.

「Now, get out of here. You do not deserve to live, but cutting you down here will create a stain on our reputation. You are nothing but pests. Leave the Hideta Empire as soon as possible. We will hold a funeral for your servant. You aren’t qualified to mourn that person. Rinos fellow, throw them away from our country」

As ordered, I dragged the idiotic cats out of the royal palace.

The carriage was rather small. There was barely enough food stuffed inside. I took a position of the coach, and together with Irimo departed towards the border.

The three inside the carriage didn’t say a single word. Well, there was also the fact of Irimo running at incredible speed. Before I noticed, it was already evening. A very beautiful setting sun was slowly sinking beyond the horizon. When I looked at the sky, the stars appeared one after another. It was a little more to the border.

I stopped the carriage near the river, which was close to the border. For the time being, I cast a barrier that should last for several days on the three.

「If you follow this river for half a day, you can reach a village. Go there first」

「What should we do?」

The idiotic prince opened his mouth.

「Meet all kinds of people and talk with them. There are plenty of ways to live. You should learn them. Notice that you aren’t able to survive by yourself. Before, you were provided with everything by your country. You didn’t even do anything. However, the reality is different. If you won’t do something for others, they won’t bother with you either. You need to comprehend it. That’s how people live」

The idiotic cats were silently depressed.

「You are probably hungry. Take this」

I handed them ohagi from the infinite storage.

「Be sure to remember this taste」

Having said my piece, I mounted Irimo and headed home. [¹]

「Good morning. Today’s breakfast is bread, cheese, scrambled eggs, smoked meat, and salad. There is also jam for those who wish to put it on their bread」

Our chef’s prided breakfast.

Peris’ desire for knowledge is surprising. Her cooking skills have already exceeded me. I am thinking of bringing her to the capital to further broaden her horizons.

I cast an appearance-changing barrier on her, but due to her build, she looked like a fat human. She is still a princess though……it seems that my barrier skill still has some room for improvement.

By the way, I made Jeneha look like a horse. She lives in the stables, so it happened naturally.

「Have a nice day」

Peris sent me off and I headed for my store. The business flowed as smoothly as ever. Recently, Peris often asks me to buy some things, but the quantity is rather impressive. It takes me until night to finish buying everything. However, thanks to that, I can have the beef stew like in that hotel.

I arrived at my store and manned the counter. A few merchants and adventurers were already there as if they were waiting for me to arrive. While I was dealing with customers, a messenger from the prime minister arrived. He told me to head for the royal castle right away.

Closing the store for now, I went to the royal palace. As if waiting for my arrival, the prime minister came immediately. He had dark circles under his eyes.

「I apologize for suddenly summoning you. I have a favor to ask of you」

「Guarding the royalty again?」

「Something like that. I want you to escort a certain royalty to the empire’s border」

「You mean, the border with Ashiria? Or Belganda? 」

「Any one works. I just want you to escort the royalty out of the capital and towards the border」

Quite the request you have here.

「Well, about half a month ago we discovered the royalty of the cat tribe in the Chill village. He declared himself as a hero who will defeat the Great Demon King. He had some nice gear, so I decided to contact the Piao Kingdom first. They said that he did it on his own volition. Moreover, his gear was stolen from the national treasury. The Piao King was enraged and decided to exile him」

……Those retarded cats again? They even received a shelter from the empire. I don’t want to involve myself with them.

「A messenger came from the Piao Kingdom to report his exile and take away the treasured gear, but that guy went on a rampage. He wounded the messenger and several attendants」

That is the worst. Fortunately, there were no fatalities.

「He was restrained and deprived of his gear, but regretfully, he bumped into the first princess Ricolette. Everything would have been fine as long as he restrained himself a bit, but he insulted Ricolette-sama」

Everything became even more complicated. Just what did he say to her?

「…..He said「Idiotic princess, who is absolutely useless without her father’s authority」」

Yeah, death penalty confirmed.

「Now, he is in prison. Can’t help it, he did insult the princess. Ricolette-sama is very angry too. She is saying「behead him」since a while ago. I have a hard time calming her down. For now, we decided to exile them from our empire, but we can’t let them create a mess in the capital. That’s why we need someone to guide them out of our territory」

Can’t you put them in a carriage and let a soldier drive it?

「……He insulted Ricolette-sama. Of course, he also did that to the maids, attendants, and ministers. Do you think we can leave this mission to a simple soldier? In the worst case, the very same soldier will cut him down」

Isn’t if fine to cut him down?

「In that case, it will affect out empire’s reputation. We can’t predict the movements of the neighboring countries if that ever happens.」

「If they are this troublesome, can’t we just quietly dispose of them?」

「Such things should be done before the commotion. Everyone already knows the fact that he proclaimed himself a hero, who will defeat the Great Demon King. Anyway, we just need to escort him out of our country. Therefore, I ask you, with your experience of protecting the royalty. I don’t care where, just throw them out of the empire」

…….Your real intentions surfaced in the end. I see. I prefer to hide most of my skills on purpose. As a barrier master, I can successfully deliver them to the border. The possibility of them killing me and me killing them is also low. It’s hard to be me.

I can’t produce any motivation at all. However, it is a request from the prime minister. I can’t just say no. For now, it seems that he will lend me a carriage, so let’s use a barrier to confine them inside until we reach the border. As expected, he couldn’t just ditch them outside the border, so he stuffed the carriage with food and water. He said that he didn’t mind sacrificing every single carriage as long as they successfully leave.

「That being said, such an idiotic royalty」

「No, that happens rather often」

Rather often?! Is every royalty in this world an idiot? Come to think about it, the king of the Juka Kingdom was an idiot too.

「They are well-mannered and educated, but no one informs them of the common sense of the general public. Rather than take an initiative to learn that, they become prideful」

Waha. That’s where people like those idiotic cats come from.

For now, I went to the place where those cats were. As I left the room, I saw a young lady walking in my direction. Just when I thought that she would pass by me, she stopped and looked at me.

「Is there something?」

「This, Rinos-dono, is the First Princess Ricolette」

The prime minister said to me in a hurry. Hoh, is this person the rumored princess? She looks intelligent. I hurriedly knelt.

「I unintentionally offended Your Highness」

「Are you the rumored barrier master? My name is Ricolette. This kind of attitude isn’t required」

Even though she said that there was no need, I didn’t budge.

「You are neither my nor the emperor’s vassal. You are the retainer of the prime minister Guremont, am I right? I don’t have the right to directly command you, so there is no need for you to be so formal. I don’t know about the others, but you don’t need to do it before me」

She said her piece and left just like that.

「Well, she’s such a person. Her thinking pattern is fundamentally different from ours」

I parted with the prime minister and followed a soldier to the underground prison to see the cats.

Ricolette’s ideas aren’t wrong from a certain standpoint. However, it goes against the established traditions. It might work in the turbulent times, but in the already established empire, such thinking might even be treated as a heresy. She seemed like an intelligent woman, but she was born too early.

While I was thinking about such things, we reached the basement.

Idiot prince and idiot princess were assigned to the separate cells. Each had their own servant accompanying him/her. Therefore, the people, who take care of their needs, were placed in the same cells as them. They are treated rather nicely, for a jail. Can’t say the same for their servants though.

「Yo, long time no see. Are you doing well? 」

「Ah, you are that offender! You were from this castle all this time. Hurry up and get me out of here. The Great Demon King won’t wait for anyone! I’m surrounded by idiots! 」

「…..As noisy as always. Anyway, you have been banished from the empire. I’m going to throw you out once we reach the border. Let’s not waste any time! 」

「Banished? Why is it always me and my brother!?」

「Your plight was caused by your own actions. Your words, your actions have created this situation」

I took out the four cats out of the prison. He was equipped with fancy gear before, but now he is unarmed and wearing dirty clothes. There was no trace of royalty left.

A man in a hood passed behind us. When I spared some attention on him, he stood before a certain cell, asked a guard to open it and entered inside. I had a memory about the person inside that cell.

Third prince of the Hideta Empire, Hideta Shua Serias.

「Hero? What is that? 」

The cat named Willis introduced himself as a hero. It seems they aren’t a cosplay group.

「Yes, I am the hero who will save the world! The world is doomed without me! 」

「Ha? Save the world? 」

「The Great Demon King has revived! No one can defeat him but me! Isn’t it natural to help the hero, who will save the world? 」

The Great Demon King is me, or so I didn’t say. It seems that I attracted the troublesome bunch again. However, those guys are the hero’s party. I wonder what skills they have.

Willis (Cat Tribe’s Royalty, 14 years old) LV6
HP: 8/49
MP: 14/14
Sword Arts LV1

Shera (Cat Tribe’s Royalty, 13 years old) LV5
HP: 30/38
MP: 10/16
Recovery Magic LV1

Amalia (Cat Tribe, 14 years old) LV6
HP: 24/35
MP: 4/17
Recovery Magic LV1

Yuriel (Cat Tribe, 15 years old) LV7
HP: 20/51
MP: 13/13
Liberal Arts LV1

……..Low! Far from being a threat, it is a miracle that they survived in the forest. Calling himself a hero with these skills……Are they naive or just idiots? Since they are the royalty, is it the former? Or neither?

「You managed to survive here. There are plenty of monsters in this forest」

「…..When I entered the teleportation magic circle, I ended up here」 [¹]

The cat named Amalia answered me. Teleportation magic circle? Is there such a thing? Where?

「…….It transferred us here and immediately disappeared」

The hell is that?

「Where is your house? Please guide us there for now. If there are villages or towns nearby, you can lead us there. I won’t ask for anything extravagant at this point. I’m counting on you」

The male cat named Yuriel said while approaching me. You think that you aren’t asking for anything extravagant, but you do.

「My house? Denied. If we are to talk about the villages, there is one in a day of walking from here. Of course, on adult legs. Do your best walking」

The hero’s and the princess’ faces froze.

「The great Demon King has revived! Everything will be destroyed if he isn’t defeated! No one can defeat him without me! 」

「Shut up」

I held back and released a LV4 fire spell. The snow melted and a part of the forest turned into scorched earth.

「If you can’t do at least this much, forget about the Great Demon King, you won’t be able to even leave this forest. Can you cast such spells? If you can’t you should have made a backup plan」

「Amazing! Rejoice, I will add you to my party! Come on! Protect our rear and let’s head for the Great Demon King! 」

…….As I thought, he is retarded. What kind of thinking pattern should one have to turn the conversation in this direction? Idiots are scary.

「I’m not interested in you, the Great Demon King or the destruction of the world. Even if the world is going to be destroyed, you won’t be able to protect it in any way. You guys, who requested you to slay the great Demon King? 」

Everyone became silent.

「You are just a self-proclaimed hero, right? The hero is something that should be recognized by others. Even 3-year-old kids can proclaim themselves as heroes. Picking a fight with the Great Demon King without being aware of your own ability, I’m getting exasperated just by listening to it. If you like playing hero so much, do it at home. Don’t involve the other people」

「Offender, I won’t forgive you!」

The self-proclaimed hero took out the sword.

「I told you that I will protect you! I told that I will save the world and this is your gratitude!?」

「I didn’t ask for your protection. All you do is just trying to 「forcing the good」. To be honest, it is a bother. Rather than that, you should thank me for accompanying you until now with this stupid conversation」

「You!」

The sword was swung towards me. I folded it. However, it didn’t break. Seems like it is a pretty durable sword.

「Fu, fufufufu. This is the orichalcum sword. A national treasure of our country. I won’t forgive a puny servant going against me, with this you will be split……gufuh! 」

Without listening until the end, I struck him in the stomach. Then, I punched that annoying face.

Willis flew away with blood streaming out of his nose, crashed into the tree and fell on the ground.

「Uh, uu」

「As I said, you are weak. You will die without a doubt in this forest」

「We apologize if we offended you. Please help us. At least, save Prince Willis and Princess Shera, please help them」

The cat girl named Amalia desperately begged for my help. Apparently, the conversation is possible with this girl.

After that, I asked Amalia about their circumstances. I could see a lot of things with my skills, but decided to ask myself before I came to know more than I should. [²]

It seems these cats came from the Piao Kingdom situated behind the sea, north of the Niza Duchy. Apparently, it is a country created by the evolved cats. It is not unusual for monsters to gather together and create a kingdom, but they adopted the human culture.

The self-proclaimed hero Willis is the fifth son of the King. Shera is his younger sister.

The evil aura that appeared several years ago reached all the way to the Piao Kingdom and they concluded that it was a sign of the resurrection of the Great Demon King. They decided to postpone any action until the Great Demon King revealed himself, but this idiot of a prince decided to subjugate him.

The prince, who didn’t pay any attention to his studies and martial arts, started to work hard towards his goal of subjugating the Great Demon King. Everyone was glad at first, but as this prince kept improving, he grew overconfident. Then, he stole the treasured sword and armor, took his sister and his subordinates and snuck out. Of course, the King wasn’t aware of this. He thought that as long as he slew the Great Demon King, everyone would forgive him. A nice picture that was drawn by an idiot.

「We have no food to return back and no place to stay. We will all die at this rate」

Desperately begged Amalia. I silently put the barriers on the four. It can retain the heat and protect them from danger.

「I cast the barriers on you. It should last until the night of the day after tomorrow. Do you best to reach the village until then. It is west from here. There is a river close by. Follow the river westwards and you will find the village. I bet you are hungry. I will leave some food for you. Bread and smoked meat. If you split it well, it should be enough to reach the village」

I took out the food from the infinite storage followed by a wooden water bottle. I poured the water produced by water magic inside and warmed it with a small fireball.

「Your body should be pretty cold. I will give you some hot water too」

Yuriel and Amalia stared wide-eyed at my actions. Amalia was afraid and timidly accepted the bottle with her head lowered.

I and Irimo took our distance from them.

「I’m tired. I’m really tired, Irimo~」

「It was such a surprise. I never expected them to behave like that. I became disgusted for first time in a long while」

「I can relate to that. Let’s go back and sleep」

Irimo spread her wings and flew away. The sky was full of stars. I hurried home while healing my heart by this scenery.

The purple belial keeps screaming. Indeed, its body is small compared to the others. As Gon and Jeneha said, it seems to be still young.

Even though it is a monster, I was not pleased from seeing it in agony. For now, I enclosed the belial in a barrier, taking away its ability to resist, before healing it. If it has ill intent against us, I will kill it right away.

「All right, let’s get to the healing. Ultimate Heal! 」

It was enveloped in the blueish light and its spirit was restored. When the light disappeared, the belial was motionless.

「Hey, are you all right?」

「…….」

The purple belial didn’t answer. I tried giving it some water, but it didn’t stretch its hand. Looking closely, it seems to cry. I appraised this belial with my appraisal skill.

Peris (Belial Princess, 11 years old) LV12
HP: 154
MP: 119
Fire Magic LV2
Water Magic LV1
Wind Magic LV1
Lightning Magic LV1
Recovery Magic LV1
MP Recovery LV1
Presence Detection LV1
Mana Detection LV1
Body Strengthening LV2
Spear Arts LV2
Evasion LV1
Etiquette LV1
Liberal Arts LV3
Flight LV2

I unconsciously leaked a surprised voice. She is 11 years old and has Liberal Arts at LV3. She is quite smart. Her skills are rather high for her age. It seems that her standing amongst the monsters was quite high due to her being a princess.

「For now, I saved your life but left a barrier on you. Your actions would be severely restricted. If you attempt anything weird, you will lose your life in a moment. Still, what the hell was wrong with you guys? You suddenly came and attacked me」

「……」

Silent as always. I used the appraisal again and peeked into her past. [¹]

「Oh, the daughter of the belial king? So you were sent to defeat the Great Demon King to inherit the throne. Ho, those three……are unfortunate fellows…..Yeah, your attack was stupid, it really was~」

「H-how did you!? Do you understand it? Are you the Great Demon King…..?」

「Yeah, kind of. I was one for a moment. Although, I didn’t want to! 」

「Uuu……..」

The purple belial shrank its already small body and started crying. For now, it doesn’t seem to be the problem to undo the barrier.

「Well, if you don’t intend to harm us, I will just let you be. Return to your forest」

「……I don’t want to return」

「Un?」

「I do not want to return to the tribe……」

「Ha? You are the belial princess. You would become the Queen upon your return, right? 」

「….I don’t want to be a queen. And my father…..wanted me to run away when the three fail to eradicate the Great Demon King. They were my escorts」

「Then what are you going to do from now on?」

「I want to know a lot of things…..Why do the stars come out? Why do the plants grow? I want to know the unknown. The queen can’t leave the castle. I don’t want it」

……I see Liberal Arts LV3 aren’t just for show.

「If that’s the case then I don’t mind it. But with your appearance…..You absolutely look like a small dragon. If you are going to live by yourself, then it is fine, but……..」

「As expected it would be impossible for her to live in this world alone」 [²]

「Master, if you aren’t against it, how about letting her stay in this mansion? If found, she would be immediately subjugated, even monsters would treat her as a primary target. This girl doesn’t have much stamina」

「Un, well, I don’t mind, but it’s up to this belial. What do you think? Will you stay in this mansion until you determine your future plans? 」

The purple belial thought for a while and gave a small nod.

「As for the name……are you fine with Peris? The belials won’t launch an offensive if you do not return, right? 」

「……Before his death, father picked a representative to act on his behalf, so it should be fine」

Like that, Peris became a freeloader in my mansion.

I thought she would remain unapproachable for quite a while, but my expectations were immediately overturned. After being impressed by my food, she approached me for its recipe with overwhelming vigor. After that, she gradually started cooking herself and absorbed my recipes one by one.

Originally curious, she started experimenting with various ingredients. In no time, she became much better and assumed a role of the chef in our house.

I could often see her debating with Gon about the intricacies of farming. Gon also considered Peris, who absorbed knowledge like a sponge, as an excellent student of his.

Recently, she created a flower garden with a lot of colorful flowers in the backyard. The appearance of the little dragon cheerfully tending to the flowers gave me a contradicting feeling.

She also wanted to learn how to write and I could often see her staying late to study letters. As a result, one of the rooms on the second floor became hers as if it was a natural thing, before I noticed, she became a new member of our family.

While doing all of those, the winter came and the surroundings transformed into the world of silver. I turned 16 years old, and maybe because I was in my growing period, my height rose considerably. And along with that, I grew a beard. Before I went to sleep, one of the harpies even said that it might be about time to consider shaving.

「Master, we spotted 4 kids stranded in the forest. How should we act? 」

The forest located between me and the Niza Duchy is quite deep. I rarely even see the adventures going there during the winter. This time, they were discovered by a harpy, so I decided to help them if I can. However, 4 kids in the wood is a rare occasion.

「Understood. I will head there right away」

I mounted Irimo and entered the forest.

When I looked at the map, the children moved. Are they about 15 years old? Still young. Although it was a hard work for her, Irimo decided to use her wings and fly all the way there. [³]

When I reached the kind, I called out to them.

「Hey, are you all right?」

They were sitting shoulder to shoulder under a large tree, but the moment they heard my voice, they slowly looked up.

「……A cat? 」

The cats wearing the armor and robes like the humans do. Unlike the beastmen, they looked like giant cats posing as humans. Who on earth are they? [⁴]

One cat discovered me and stood up. Apparently, it was a woman. She quickly approached me.

「Slow! Too slow!! What were you even doing!? Why didn’t you came to pick me up sooner?!! Cold! It’s cold! 」

I unintentionally stumbled. Did her brain freeze in this cold?

While I was wondering about these speaking bipedal cats, an armored cat approached me from behind. Apparently, this one was a man.

「Just where were you all this time? Hurry up and bring us to a warm place. We are hungry. I will leave the meal preparations to you. Un? Did you come alone? What are you even doing? We won’t be able to ride on a single horse. Shouldn’t you bring more horses in such situations? You are useless. Whatever, I and Shera will ride on this horse. You will go walk together with Amalia. Yuriel has no choice but to walk. Don’t you lose the light of Yuriel」

I couldn’t make heads or tails out of this situation. What is going on? I? Came to help you? How did it come to that?

When I tried to assemble the puzzle in my mind, I hear the armored cat’s voice.

「Hurry up and dismount! We can’t get up with you being there! Do you understand!?」

「…….Thank you for your hard work」

「M? What? 」

「…You worked hard getting here. Well, good luck」

「Oi, what are you saying?」

「I’m not your servant and I’m not your slave. I coincidentally discovered you in the forest and thought of lending you a hand. But I’m not in the mood anymore, I don’t want to involve myself with you」

「What Are you saying?! Don’t you know about me? It’s me! Isn’t helping me a matter of course? 」

「Unfortunately, I don’t have any cats as my acquaintances. I don’t know who you are or where you came from, but where you receive a person’s good intentions, you should respond accordingly. I have no intention to help people, who aren’t aware of such a simple thing. Work hard and try to reach your destination. Best wishes」

I and Irimo turned around and headed back. The armored cat ran in desperation and stood in front of us.

「Please help me! I’m the hero! Hero Willis! 」

A nameless continent is located in the northeast from the Hideta Empire. An unexplored continent covered by the forests and volcanoes. This continent became a home for all kinds of monsters. In addition, the powerful monsters lived in the surrounding sea. No one can step on this continent and return alive.

There are three big forces on this continent. The rulers of the volcanoes, the purgatory demon birds, the harpies led by a general harpy, who control about the half of the forest and the belial tribe, which controls the rest.

The purgatory tribe can only live on the volcanoes, while the rest can live only in the forest. That’s why there was no conflict between the purgatory tribe and the rest.

The problem lied in the belials and the harpies. The two were always at odds. This was mostly attributed to the belials’ pride as the high-ranking demons. They held ambitions to someday rule the continent.

The belials, who had the appearance of the mini-dragons, had great mobility and hard bodies, were able to dominate every single species they came across. However, they weren’t able to force the harpies to submit no matter what. Although it wouldn’t have been a problem if they fought one on one, the harpies specialized in group attacks, which caused some serious casualties in their ranks.

There, the general harpy and the belial king agreed on the ceasefire 120 years ago, which lasted up until now.

However, at that point in time, an abnormality occurred. A tremendous evil aura appeared in the direction of the Juka Kingdom.

The general harpy reacted to it. She gathered her tribe and ventured to slay the self-proclaimed Great Demon King. The belial tribe became impatient. Harpies’ group attacks posed a great danger to them. What if…..They were worried about different possibilities. If the harpies manage to slay the Great Demon King, the equilibrium will immediately collapse. There was a high possibility of harpies bringing new subordinates with them.

The being said, you need to cross the Juka Mountain Range to reach the Juka Kingdom. There are dragons living there. Even harpies won’t be able to escape from the dragon unscathed. However, if they were willing to sacrifice some of their members, it wasn’t impossible. The belials panicked.

Adding to their misfortunes, the 300-year-old belial king was one foot in the grave. Together with the matter of the Great Demon Kind, they also needed to pick a new king.

In the belial tribe, the strongest is the king. The candidates fight each other and the winner becomes the king.

Originally, that would have been fine, but they needed to come up with a countermeasure against the great Demon King. They wanted to avoid losing their tribe’s strength. There, the belials decided to give the crown to the one who manages to slay the Great Demon King.

The almost dead king had a single daughter. Her name was Peris. In human terms, she was about 10 years old, but she inherited the king’s intelligence.

Peris was the daughter of the king, thus she received the best education. She easily grasped the basics of fighting skills and magic. However, the princess was more interested in the world. For what reason do stars appear? Why is this plant can grow here and not there? You could say that she had a disposition of a scholar.

The king’s last wish was to let her become a queen. The three belials were entrusted with this. The strongest Belialk, the best magician Seshius, the wisest Satorius. [¹]

Peris didn’t like those three too much. She wanted to avoid becoming the Queen and living a restricted life. However, she couldn’t go against her father’s will. On the contrary, the king ordered the three to guard her on her journey to defeat the Great Demon King.

The intelligent Peris immediately understood her father’s intentions. Those three probably won’t be able to defeat the Great Demon King. So when they get wiped out, run away and live a free life.

On the day of their departure, her father, the belial king had died. To distract themselves from sadness, the four proceeded to hunt for the Great Demon King.

The trip was going well. They were attacked by monsters, but it didn’t trouble them at all. Even Peris was able to easily defeat them. While the three were hyped up, Peris calmly analyzed the situation.

She didn’t hear about the dragons trying to slay the Great Demon King. The dragons, who were famous for their intelligence, didn’t move at all. There should be a reason for this. She ended up thinking that the opponent was too strong for the dragons to handle.

An abnormality happened when they were in the Juka Mountain Range. They felt the presences of the harpies together with the general harpy.

When they tried to approach the presences, they were blocked by a barrier. The didn’t manage to break it no matter how many times they slammed into it. This was completely unexpected. The pride of the strongest species on the earth was hurt deeply.

The three decided to break the barrier apart. The three position themselves with Peris in the middle and launched their assault. The power greatly increased, that much was true. However, Peris had a bad premonition.

「Gumomomomo! All right, charge!!」

「Oh! The barrier has cracked! Once again! 」

「How is that, Peris? This is our power! Gumo! 」

「Stop it! I understand, so please stop it! 」

The barrier was finally breached. There was the general harpy with her tribe and a single youth. Peris was surprised after listening. They said there was no Great Demon King. Forget about that, the harpies actually lost to the youth. She said they served him in exchange for their lives.

Why did they even come here? The belials were greatly disappointed. But if they were to defeat the man, who defeated the harpies, then the story would be different. They would be able to rule the continent, they naively thought. Their hearts danced.

However, their thinking was too naive. The youth dispatched the belials in a matter of moments. The wisest Satorius was melted completely.

Peris judged that she won’t be able to win and attempted to escape. However, in the opposite direction, there was the general harpy and her comrades. Peris desperately tried to escape but was caught up in their attack. When she tried to open the bloody path using her strongest magic, she received a tremendous impact on her head. When she looked back, she saw the youth with black katana in his hand. When she thought that she died, a chill run through her soul.

She fell on the ground before she noticed. Then, accompanied by the tremendous pain, her limbs were torn away one by one. When she looked at her wounds, she saw a myriad of tiny rats gnawing at her. [²]

「Stop it!! I beg you, stop it!! Mommy!! Mommy!! Mommy!!!」

Peris unconsciously called for her late mother.