Manowa

Chapter 43

43th story Lets get raided.

With his complexion improving, one could clearly see King Mefires vitality returning.

And seeing this, Shelkin and Tiara cried happily. As expected of Alduin, his self control was still working, but even then, a couple of manly tears seeped out of his eyes that couldnt be hidden.

What a sight. Really a cherished grandfather-chan.

Kazane calmly watched this scene; however, it really would be better to inform them of the discoveries she had made as quickly as possible. While looking for a good moment to speak up, King Mefires directed some words to her.

Fumu. The last few years seem like a lie. Kazane, you have my profound gratitude.

No no, rather than your gratitude

To her side, Yumika mouthed the words You should know better. But, of course, they didnt reach Kazane.

Therefore, your Highness. There is a question I would like to ask.

What is it? Whatever it is, lets hear it.

Your Highness, can you still feel, at this moment, the link to the Ruby Beast?

At Kazanes question, King Mefires knitted his eyebrows a bit; however, understanding the conviction of her words, he judged that there was nothing to be hidden and frankly answered.

It is only a feeling. Still, with this weakened body, summoning it would be a foolish act and would only bring forth half of its presence.

Are you serious? came from besides them. It seems Alduin also had not known.

No Your Highness, I think this is a fairly accurate estimate. In fact, at least half of the Ruby Beast seems to have already been altered, ne.

Upon hearing this, King Mefires closed his eyes, trying to sense something, and when opening his eyes again, directed them towards Kazane.

Fumu. Certainly, now that you mention it, such a feeling may be there. Does this have a relation to the curse from before?

To his question, Kazane replied with a nod.

As for the curse placed on Your Highness, it seemed to be a tool to overwrite the Ruby Beasts principal origin, the Flame with the Darkness attribute, ne. Because of this burden, Your Highness was weakened. Therefore, to be precise, rather than a curse on Your Highness, it may be more correct to call it a curse on the Ruby Beast.

Wait. So to say, the aim of this curse wasnt Fathers life, but our Kingdoms Guardian Beast?

Seems like it, ne was the reply to Alduins question.

Well, the curse could be lifted, and if tis His Highness own vitality, it should gradually return to normal.

So, Kazane brought it to an end. At least, this was it for the information acquired from the the Infinite Keys. Also no matter on how much vigor he regained, King Mefires old body had long lay ill. Since he should rest, this occasion came to an end.

***

Tiaras Bedroom Night

Fuu~~

While Kazanes group was still finishing their meal, Tiara returned to her room and slid into the Futon. Her excitement still hadnt subsided.

Having merely saved me, and now even grandpa ended up saved by her. Kazane is really amazing

When Tiara had lost her consciousness, from the onset, it could be said that it was Kazane who saved her from the ogre.

And without me saying anything, she decided to escort me to the Royal Capital.

The journey was very fun.

This Futon as well. Its good and fluffy to the touch.

Besides her, a crystal ball containing a flame was glowing. It looked handy, so Kazane had brought them a

I still dont understand the meaning of Hippo-kuns name, but still, riding it felt pleasant.

Tiara had travelled in carriages before, but never on horseback. time she planned to attempt it.

When the two of us were alone, was it called fireworks? I didnt knew there was such a beautiful thing.

And later, the angry Kazane was also cute. Kazane being consoled was also adorable.

The two of us were always together at the inn. I was so happy that I wanted to hold her tight.

It was so fun. I was so happy. Im really glad that I met Kazane.

But nowUnnoticed, Tiara couldnt stop the tears anymore.

The fact is that this already came to an end.

Continuing this way, Kazane will leave this country as an adventurer. Tiara has to fulfill her duty as this countrys royalty. It seems that their lives wont cross again.

Sometimes, Kazane may come to visit, telling the princess of her travels, teaching Tiara about many things she doesnt know, and if called for help, she would surely come back.

But its only to that extent.

They couldnt return to being together like this time. Certainly, they wouldnt walk side by side while holding hands again.

.why cant I be together with Kazane?

The answer was much too clear; she understood completely that there is no way. So Tiara could do nothing but keep on crying.

This is until the room was engulfed in black flames.

****

Royal Castle Griffonias Central Floor Guest Room A Few Hours Prior

Uuun~

Kazane lay sprawled out on the bed.

As expected, the Indestructible Futons snugness is still better.

Its snugness is truly memorable, ne. Yumika agreed with Kazane.

But still, the meal was delicious. There were also several kinds of seafood.

Even if its medieval-ish, it must be because there is magic. They can get their hands on cold storage, right.

If seen like this, there are areas where this world isnt outdone by their former world.

And now, about the current quest? Step by step, weve come here, still hmm. Did we clear the quest with this?

Now, this isnt a game, I think there are also things without an end. Kazane replied to Yumikas question.

Then, from tomorrow on what should we do?

We have the option of sticking around here for a while, but our current base in Winlard is good. Master is there and weapon creation requests are also cheap.

Ah it is. I also have the dojo, its nice there.

Well, lets explore the town tomorrow. Should we return around the day after?

Yea, looks so.but what to do about Tiara-sama?

Yumika thought that, with the current degree of attachment, troubles seem probable.

Hmm, adventuring together with her is fun~

But the returned answer was just a wish. Towards the speaking Kazane, Yumika smiles. As ever, a character that easily succumbs to loneliness.

Well, although its rare for you to be so invested

Hm, maybe. Perhaps its because she looks like sister Yuko.

Sister Yuko is a fellow gamer of Kazanes. A university student from the neighborhood with a quiet character; however, in game, she was the opposite, being a user of Extermination Magic. A good acquaintance to both Yumika and Kazane.

Looking alike, hee?

Nevertheless, Tiaras atmosphere is very different, thought Yumika.

Nn. Yep, sorry. I lied. And so Kazane withdrew her previous statement.

There arent many reasons. I simply wanted to be together.

With Kazane expressing this reason frankly, Yumika was a bit jealous, and for some reason, while letting out a short remark, embraced her.

However this calm time came to an end.

!?

Suddenly Kazane with eyes wide open, stood up on the bed.

Hey Kazane, what is it?

it smells of blood.

What? For an instant, Yumika couldnt grasp what had been said.

This, is it the soldiers outside? Having said this, Kazane jumped of the bed, opening the door.

Honored guest. What happened all of a sudden?

Outside were two guards on patrol. Surprised by the door being flung open, they ran up to Kazanes position.

Hey, wait, Kazane. What is this all about, mou~

Yumika also butted in from inside the room.

Enemy maybe. Yumika, call Zinray, prepare for combat. Call out to the other soldiers as well, ne.

While talking, Kazane had already pulled out from the Item Bag the Immortal Futon and was putting on the Berserk Ogre Grieves. The Sword and Cane were also retrieved along with them.

This is a bit troublesome. Inside the castle

Confronted with Kazane suddenly taking up arms, the soldiers became confused.

Stop it, get it together and listen. Two have probably died already.

At Kazanes words, the soldiers expressions changed.

Where and who died?

Dont know. For now, if you could come along quickly. Alone, I would be treated like a criminal.

The soldiers look at each other and confirmed it with a nod, following behind Kazane.

***

Royal Castle Griffonia Court Yard

Uug-

If you came here, even if you werent Kazane, you could smell the blood in the air. Then, the group finally reached the source of the smell. 

Reys, Cail!

They had been acquaintances. Seeing the two crumbled down on the other side of the yard, the soldiers who came along with Kazane voiced their grief.

This is bad, na

Kazanes mouth formed a grimace upon seeing this.

What is?

Another soldier was trembling, but still asked with composure towards Kazane.

There is no killing smell next to this corpse. This way of beheading is the same killing method found on the robbers employed by Blair Deckerman.

At these words, the soldiers neck muscles tensed.

This means, then, Blair came?

To the soldiers question, Kazane replies with a nod.

Also his aim is the Kings Summoning Beast. This is bad.

Is this true!?

The soldiers staggered at the shock delivered from those words. As expected, they werent aware of things to this degree.

What a night. Contact Knight Order Commander Reigel about it at once.

This incident would have been the next words, but he didnt continue beyond that because.

The castles best room was razed in black flames.

Clad in dazzling, shining black flames, out of the collapsing wall appeared the Tsuwara Kingdoms Guardian Beast. Besides it, the man Kazane passed by in the corridor: Blair Deckerman stood there.

That guy-!

Kazane raised her voice, and in response, Blair faced towards her.

!?

Their eyes met. Blair recognized Kazanes figure, and his lips split into a warped smile, and he jumped together with the floating Ruby Beast.

In a straight line towards Kazane.

-

Post Chapter Chat:

Kazane: Our eyes met.

Yumika: Ruby Beast arc, at last. The climax.

***Trigger warning?