Chapter 5: Inside of Fate

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“Ah~ah~ah~” Ryner yelled.

Then he touched the tight collar of his clothes, displaying a pained expression, asking: “Is it really necessary to wear this kind of tight fitting clothes?”

Relca who was standing behind him and serving him revealed an annoyed expression when she heard this, saying: “What does Ryner treat this place like?”

Ryner looked around him.

This was one of the guest rooms in the Geihlficlant palace. Even though it was called a guest room, it was so big that it was not even the standard of a guest room. It was at the stage that if it were slightly larger, it would be around the same size as the throne room in Roland.

Looking at the large guest room, Ryner muttered softly, “…It really is a large country in the mid-Continent. The border state Roland can’t even compare…”

Relca nodded to express her agreement.

“That’s true. Then you will be meeting with the king of this country as the king of the Anti-Roland Coalition. Of course you can’t wear the dirty clothes like a pariah to see him, right?” As she lectured, Relca patted Ryner’s back, “Alright alright, straighten your back.”

And she pulled Ryner’s face.

“Your expression has to be more refreshed!”

Then she forced his eye lids open.

“Your eyes that seem like sleeping must open wider!”

“Ouch, ow ow ow, your finger is touching my eye…. Wuah don’t pluck my eye brows!” Pulling Relca’s hand away, Ryner yelled: “Ah, enough enough, I know. I will do it properly so don’t use your finger to **** my eyes.”

Saying that, anyway he had to straighten his back according to the request. Opening his eyes wide, looking at himself in the mirror.

And he discovered that after his messy hair was trimmed and tied back, wearing suitable clothing, a smile that was mysteriously confident, even though he didn’t know what there was to be confident about, appeared.

“Disgusting.”

Ryner remarked, then frowned.

But this expression was. .h.i.t by Relca who was standing beside him, “You have to smile widely.”

“Wait… you don’t have to hit me…”

Slap.

“Sm~ile~”

“…...Eh … … Yes yes, I know~” Ryner said, trying to smile.

Relca finally nodded her head in satisfaction. Alright, this wouldn’t embarra.s.s Vois-sama. She muttered.

Then Ryner continued to keep his smile, looking at the mirror again. His figure appeared in the mirror, even if he looked, he didn’t see anything to complain about.

He didn’t know if it was because his figure was slightly taller, the formal attire was very suitable. Even though he did not give the same feeling like Sion, ma, he wouldn’t be thought as a third rate n.o.ble. Looking at his figure, Ryner thought, clothes do make a man.

At this moment, the door to the room was opened, someone walked in.

“Ah, Ryner, you look handsome.” Kiefer’s voice spoke.

She seemed to have to change into a dress that was suitable for the palace or something, so she was taken to another room by Relca’s subordinates two hours ago.

“…”

Ryner turned around, discovering that Kiefer seemed to have changed. A low-cut red dress, her red hair was pinned up prettily, her make-up was more elegant than usual, it looked as if she was an elegant lady.

“Oh oh~ Looking like this, Kiefer is really a great beauty.” Ryner said.

Kiefer’s face turned red, “Is, is that so? It’s not strange?”

“It’s completely not strange? Isn’t that right, Relca?”

Relca nodded, saying: “Very beautiful. If the negotiations fail this time, and we’ll need to tempt the king, we’ll leave it to Kiefer.”

That, although Vois’s subordinate’s way of speaking was a little odd, but the fact that Kiefer was beautiful was true.

So Ryner crossed his arms, staring at Kiefer, saying firmly: “Yes, really pretty.”

Kiefer smiled happily, then turned back, saying: “But, Ferris is more beautiful.”

Another woman appeared from behind Kiefer.

It was Ferris.

She was wearing a white dress, she had a light dab of blusher, pink lips, her gleaming blond hair was pinned up with a bow-like beautiful gem pin. Her appearance, was even more beautiful than her usual other-worldly beauty.

But this Ferris, looked there, saying a strange sentence, “Eh? Where’s Ryner?”

“Aren’t I in front of you?”

“Ehh? You’re Ryner?”

“If I’m not Ryner who am I?”

She seriously considered this, “Hunch your back slightly.”

“Eh? What is it. How troublesome.”

“Make your eyes more sleepy.”

“So I’m saying why?”

“Then give out that kind of defeatist atmosphere that you usually have.”

“Who is the defeatist?” Ryner yelled angrily.

But after hearing Ryner’s angry yell, Ferris looked to him, revealing a relieved expression, “Ah, it’s indeed Ryner.”

“Hey, I say you are… Well, never mind never mind. Anyway I didn’t think I would fit this image.” Ryner said, then looked at the mirror again.

The mirror reflected Ryner wearing formal attire and two beauties wearing dresses.

Bringing these two along with him, me, even if he appeared in front of the Geihlficlant King and the n.o.bles, anyway he wouldn’t be looked down on. Ryner thought.

At this moment, Relca said: “Then, it’s about time. Go and greet the Geihlficlant king—Gulafed Abuleld-sama. Ah yes, Ryner, the biography about King Abuleld…”

Ryner nodded and said: “Yeah, I remembered. I only need to remember the information on the doc.u.ments you gave me yesterday?”

It should be mentioned that on the report that was given to him yesterday, something like this was written—

Gulafed Abuleld.

Thirty eight years old.

Four years ago his father Biert died because of the Rhule Fragmei, he inherited the throne. Beofre inheriting the throne, he took the army and fought a war. On the battle grounds he left a great achievement, that made his royal siblings admit that he should be the one to inherit the throne.

His personality is also a militaristic calm and strong. And he pays great attention to the difference between the upper levels and lower levels, probably he would not have a good impression of people who had light-hearted att.i.tudes.

So to people who were unsuitable in society since they were unable to address their higher ups respectfully and was forever like a child—Ryner Lute, in front of King Abuleld, he must practice his usage of honorifics.

These troublesome matters were written.

And after he finished reading the report, he had this conversation.

“Honorifics are no use to me?”

“I’ll send you flying?”

“No, I’ll work hard? But even if I work hard, if indeed we have to really properly use honorifics to negotiate with the royals, it should be left to Toale who is of royal birth would be better…”

But Relca shook her head and said: “Toale Nelpha will not see King Abuleld. If it were known that he was from the Nelpha royal family that was destroyed by Roland, the fact that he was the royal family of the country that was destroyed and was destroyed by a border country will put him at a disadvantage. So you should obediently give up, practice using those honorifics in front of me. Anyway I will pretend to be the Geihlficlant king, so we can proceed with conversation.”

So until yesterday late at night they had been practicing using honorifics.

But to Ryner who was finally able to say “I’m really happy that I can see Your Majesty”, Relca was finally disappointed, and she had given up and ended this exercise on several fronts.

Ma, putting these aside.

Ryner looked at the large ornate clock that was as big as the room that was hanging in the room.

It was nearly seven o’clock.

They had arranged to meet the Geihlficlant king around seven o’clock.

Then Relca said again with a slightly worried tone: “It’s almost time, let’s confirm it again. Ryner the things that you need to accomplish here…”

But Ryner waved his hand, interrupting her, “I understand. I already know what I should do.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. Don’t be so worried. Even I am nervous. I have to stand in front of a king of an admirable country, and negotiate with him? Furthermore I have my important companions with me. If I made a mistake and caused the plan to fail, everyone would be in trouble right? So that that will not happen, I will work hard slightly.” Ryner said.

At the same time, someone knocked on the door. A familiar male voice said, “You can meet with His Majesty, please prepare quickly.”

Ryner replied: “We’re prepared.”

Relca reminded: “Posture.”

“Ah~ yes yes. And I have to smile and use honorifics?”

“I already have no expectations for you to use honorifics.”

“No no no, perhaps I may unexpectedly be able to use them?”

Because of this sentence, not only Relca, even Ferris narrowed her eyes and made sounds of suspicion at the same time.

“Is that so?”

“Really?”

So Kiefer hurriedly said: “I… I trust Ryner!”

Ryner lowered his head and smiled bitterly, “…I’m not trusted~”

Then he straightened his back again. He examined his image in the mirror.

Then, thought.

He thought about the things that he would have to do from today onwards.

To tell the truth, he actually wasn’t very worried about the negotiations with the Geihlficlant king. Because to the Geihlficlant king, he only needed to mention the matter and it would be fine.

Let us join in with the war against Gastark Kingdom.

The Geihlficlant king would probably accept it happily. At the present when war was approaching quickly, the number of free soldiers increasing, there shouldn’t be any reason to decline.

But this time Ryner’s task did not stop here.

He had to deal with the Azure Princess that was probably in the palace.

He not only had to make the Azure Princess join the war against Gastark Kingdom, for the benefit of the Anti-Roland Coalition he had to stop them from gaining Geihlficlant Empire’s help, and he had to ask them whether they would help them in the war against Roland Empire? He had to plead them to accept these conditions that seemingly were only beneficial for his side—

“Definitely—it will annoy the other part… This kind of solution that will only help my side, I’m afraid no one will accept it.” Ryner moaned.

Furthermore the leader of the Azure Princess was a woman who hated to be used by anyone in this way.

Ma, although they had not met for ten years, he didn’t know what kind of person she would have turned into, ne.

“Anyway~ personalities wouldn’t change.” He said softly.

“Then let’s go.” The Geihlficlant messenger said.

Ryner nodded, looking at Ferris, Kiefer and Relca, the trio nodded.

So, they walked out of the room.

Walking along a corridor that was like a tunnel, entering the palace. Several figures of maids and officials appeared. Seeing Ryner and his party behind the messenger, they bowed deeply.

Towards this Ryner felt uncomfortable as he continued to walk forward.

The more he walked forward, the structure of the corridor and the quality of the decorations increased, even him who was an amateur in this could see the difference in the quality.

Slowly, the people pa.s.sing by them began to decrease, and the people wearing beautiful and bright outfits increased. Probably they were n.o.bles.

But, even if they still had not reached the meeting room to see the king, it seemed as if they had not even moved any nearer to him.

He couldn’t help but feel like complaining how large is this place, but even this would need the usage of honorifics, Ryner walked as he thought about these strange matter.

This place was big enough that he could throw all thoughts of Roland palace at the back of his mind. And this country still wanted to fight with Gastark, Ryner thought, gaining more understanding of what a huge country Geihlficlant was. Ma, but he still had to add the factor that Gastark would use the “Rhule Fragmei” in.

Thinking that even the negotiations were complete, what followed next was the war with Gastark, Ryner couldn’t help but feel a little depressed.

War.

It was war.

“I clearly worked hard to this point to avoid this situation, but why did it turn to this…”

After hearing Ryner mutter, the Geihlficlant messenger turned around, asking: “I’m sorry, is there something wrong?”

Ryner shook his head, “No, nothing.”

He just finished speaking, Relca quickly punched Ryner’s back, so he quickly changed his tone, “No, that… there’s nothing wrong.”

He tried to turn around and complain, were they properly using honorifics from this point on?

Relca displayed an expression as if disappointed again.

Kiefer was trying hard not to laugh…

Ferris was just looking at him scornfully.

“I say you all…” Ryner groaned.

Then they walked forward again. The messenger walked out of the corridor, walking towards the central staircase in the hall.

Following that they saw another group of people walking towards the stair case.

The other party had six people.

The first person to enter their sight was the messenger who was leading the way, then three soldiers who did not allow any openings walked by. They gave off an atmosphere that made Ryner vaguely feel that if he first fought with the three of them, probably they would enter a hard compet.i.tion.

But it didn’t matter about these three people. Most important were the three people behind them that these three seemed to be protecting.

Especially the woman in the middle, that was the largest problem.

Ryner knew that face of the woman who was in a blue dressed and giving off a confident aura.

Pretty features, an elegant atmosphere. Then the long blue hair that was set apart from everyone that only the users of the Congenital Magic Abnormality would have, stubborn red eyes.

When those eyes landed on Ryner, she said: “Ara?”

Ryner raised his eyebrows, staring at her, saying: “Oh oh~”

Staring at the person who had once been one of his comrades, Pia Varliere.

And behind her, was a steady man whose eyes were closed. It was indeed Peria Peruula who had undergone the same training under Germer with him.

Then opposite him was Zohra Rom who he had met just recently.

Looking at these three people, Ryner smiled and that gave him a slight headache, trying to greet that, “That… Yo~ It’s been a long time since we last met.”

Peria smiled too, saying: “Yeah, it’s been a long time since we met. I’ve missed you, Ryner. You’ve grown a lot.”

Followed by Zohra who said: “I don’t even want to see you and that was it.”

After that Pia didn’t look at Ryner, but she looked in the direction of Ferris, Kiefer and Relca who were behind him, saying: “Ah~ what’s that, what’s that. That Ryner who had no friends and was always depressed actually brought these beauties along. And the three of them… ne, Peria, Zohra, them and me, who is prettier?”

Peria continued to smile: “There is only Pia in my eyes.”

Zohra followed: “Of course it is the Princess.”

Just by looking at these actions, Ryner could feel that he roughly understood what stage had Pia progressed to. Her actions and words were like their teacher Germer, then, although she was saying these kind of challenging words, but there was a gleam in her eyes that was examining the truth and false of his side.

Then Ryner suddenly remembered. He remembered she had once shown him that she had an ability that was like a genius in conversation.

At this moment Ferris suddenly said: “Hey Ryner, what is wrong with that woman?”

But Ryner stopped Ferris from speaking, “Ah, don’t move Ferris. That is a challenge. If we are insulted, it will become very troublesome.”

“But.”

“Alright, leave it to me.” Saying that, Ryner turned to look at Pia, “… It’s been some time since old friends were able to meet, so can you not release that killing intent to test my companions?”

Pia smiled as she asked: “Aha, do you want me to treat them more warmly?”

“Yes.” Ryner nodded his head honestly.

But Pia laughed even more, “But, I am not able to be more warm~ Because they are your companions, I haven’t killed them yet? Originally, if I saw the dogs of the monster I would kill them immediately.” Saying that, she released her killing intent. Her killing intent made their bodies tense uncontrollably. Perhaps it was because this killing intent was so strong, that people here couldn’t even feel it.

But, Ferris reacted. Her body had a reaction towards the killing intent that Pia emitted, entering a battle mode.

Pia looked at everyone’s reaction, suddenly laughing again, “Ahaha.”

Ryner immediately understood the reason for her laughter. She laughed because she discovered that the only ones who had a reaction to her killing intent was only Ryner and Ferris. That meant that the other party knew that if they had a head-on fight, the only ones who would fight were only Ryner and Ferris.

But the other party had Peria and Zohra besides Pia.

In plain words, if there were a fight here, his side had no chances of winning.

If he had to protect Kiefer and Relca, even if Ferris were helping him, they would be killed before they escaped.

This was almost as if the snake had made the frog its target. Ryner thought in his heart as cold sweat appeared.

But Pia suddenly opened her mouth and said: “What, all of them are useless. Thinking to fight me with that kind of battle power, Ryner-chan is as cute as before.”

Ferris muttered: “…You said useless, right?”

Ryner frantically said: “So don’t pay attention to her. All these are challenges. Furthermore you don’t have your sword, right? So you can’t fight now, give up.”

“Does that mean, you think I’m weaker than that woman?”

“No no, I didn’t say that…”

But, what would it be, he thought.

To tell the truth, Ryner was unable to imagine how powerful Pia would be now. But Zohra who he had fought with lately had a surprising increase in strength, then Pia who could let Zohra bow to her, should be really troublesome.

And, he had seen Peria mutter something by Pia’s ear.

Ryner couldn’t help but frown.

The whispered conversation between Ferris and Ryner had probably been heard by Peria.

No, instead of saying he heard it, it should be that he felt it.

Even if it were voices, feelings, smells, everything could be felt through the Zenkekkai tattoes that were on his body.

And that Peria, was now whispering to Pia.

Ryner looking at this, said: “…Hey hey Peria. We’re friends right? Don’t be so chummy with Pia.”

Peria smiled, closing his eyes as he looked over, “Friends? Friends would write even a single letter to me.”

“No, there are many many things happening.”

“Many many things. Although Ryner is not those kind of people who would specially write letters, but this time you’ve gone overboard. You even became the subordinate of a monster…”

But Pia said: “Peria keep your mouth shut. Only I can play with this long lost slave?”

So Peria shrugged, smiling: “Ah, I should mention that it was Pia who told me to write to Ryner. So she must be angry at Ryner who ignored her, so you’ll have to prepare yourself~”

Hearing this, Ryner was slightly scared.

Seeing the smile appearing on Pia’s face. Seeing that smiling face that clearly no longer had that small degree of hara.s.sment.

Oh no, this job is more troublesome than I thoooought? Ryner trembled.

Pia looked at Ryner, then happily turned her eyes to Ferris and Kiefer who were behind Ryner, moving lightly.

She wore a heavy dress, but it didn’t seem to cause any trouble for her, only using a step, she stepped in front of Ryner, putting her hands on his chest, tip toeing, drawing near to Ryner’s face.

When her face was so near that there were barely inches to spare between his mouth and hers, she said: “… Even if it’s a joke there has to a limit. In the past your G.o.ddess was clearly me? But now you’re flirting with other girls?”

File:DDnYnD v05 205.jpg

In a moment there was a slight killing aura behind him, Ryner quickly used his hands to stop Ferris, and wanted to push Pia away, “Wait a moment, I say you, what are you doing so suddenly? Don’t pull this kind of act that would make people misunderstand…”

But Pia interrupted him, hugging Ryner’s neck when he tried to escape, decreasing the distance between the two of them, putting her lips by his ear, as if whispering she said softly: “… Ma, I am very forgiving, so if you flirt with one or two people I can forgive you. But even if your interests are bad, if you flirt with those women—those ugly “G.o.ddesses”, I cannot forgive you. Sa~, so you have to explain clearly to me. If you don’t explain clearly, I will be really angry and kill those cute girls behind you?” Saying that, her hand twisted inwards, a small dagger appearing in her hand. Ryner who discovered this, grabbed her hand that had the dagger.

“Wait, Pia, stop…”

But at this moment, Pia suddenly smiled: “Annoying, Ryner~? Grabbing other people’s hand so suddenly, you’ve really become an adult, but, I understand it’s because of those pa.s.sionate feelings you have for me.”

“Wuuuuuaaaaaaaaaaa? You, so that was…”

But she ignored Ryner’s words, returning to Peria and Zohra’s side with the same speed she had when she approached him, “Alright, the message has been pa.s.sed~ because I have said what I wanted to say, so we’ll go first. We can’t let the Geihlficlant king to continue waiting.” Then ignoring his side, walked away.

Towards her retreating figure, Ryner shouted: “Wait, Pia?”

But she didn’t turn around, Peria and Zohra didn’t look back, leaving with Pia.

Ryner looked at this scene stunned.

At this time Kiefer who was behind suddenly asked: “…That, flirting or something… did Ryner date that girl before?”

Ryner revealed a tired face, turning back and said: “That, the previous conversation, would you think so?”

“No. It couldn’t be seen.”

“Right? From before she was this kind of woman who would play with her surrounding people with this att.i.tude~” Ryner said.

Kiefer looked towards Ferris with an unsettled expression, then said softly: “But… but Ryner likes that kind of girls right…” (Because Ferris and the Azure Princess are the same type.)

“Eh?”

“No, it’s nothing. That… she was called Pia? What did she say? Because she was whispering to your ear, I didn’t hear it.”

But for some reason, Ferris answered this question. It seemed like she had heard the conversation between Pia and Ryner.

She said: “… Taking out a knife, then saying she would kill us. Then saying if he wanted to save his companions, then explain to her clearly. Explain to me why you have become the dog of the “G.o.ddess”… But, before explaining to her, explain to me first. What is that thing called “G.o.ddess”? Lately when I walk everywhere I would hear G.o.ddess, Megami, nu shen these words. Vois, that person has also constantly said some matters about some strange monsters… What are you hiding from me? I always thought that you would tell me on your own so I didn’t really bother about it, but if you are planning to never explain it properly, before being killed by that woman, I will kill you first?” Even the queen herself on this side was starting to become angry.

Ryner stared at her, discovering that she did not really look angry. No, although it was said that she was always emotionless, she basically wouldn’t display her emotions on the outside, but now on her face, there was an expression that was more of unsettled than angry.

“…” Ryner seemed to frown as if he was troubled, then said: “Ah~ Sorry.”

“… No, actually I don’t quite understand so I never explained…” He turned to look at Pia and the others who had walked up on the landing, “But it seems that no matter where it is always hated, so the “G.o.ddess” should be an evil person. Talking about which, has Ferris heard something from Vois?”

Ferris nodded, “Vois said your… your eyes were cursed by the “G.o.ddess” so they became strange.”

Ah, so that was it. Ryner thought. So she revealed that unsettled expression.

“Vois that b.a.s.t.a.r.d, I knew that he had that information…” Ryner gritted his teeth as he spoke, then turned to Kiefer, asking: “What about Kiefer? Have you heard anything about “G.o.ddess”?”

Kiefer shook her head, “I haven’t heard Vois-kun say anything about it… but, about the “G.o.ddess”, I heard some rumours. After leaving Roland, I heard rumours from all over the world, no, it should be said as legends.”

Ryner looked at her, asking: “Eh, then what kind of legends are they? What are the “G.o.ddesses”?”

She replied: “There are a few sayings in the legends.”

“Yes.”

“But no matter what the endings are, the “G.o.ddesses” always swallow the world.”

“Is that so. So that means the “G.o.ddesses” aren’t anything good?”

But, she revealed an uncomprehending expression. Then for some reason she slightly, really slightly revealed an expression that was like a dead end. But Ryner didn’t understand why she was revealing that expression.

But talking about which, this wasn’t the time to be worrying about Kiefer’s change in expression.

Ryner moved his eyes away from Kiefer, then said: “Well, anyway the information that we know is only a small bit, right?”

Ferris looked over to him, then said: “Eh? Are you talking to me?”

Anyway he would ignore this problem, Ryner continued: “Then, if what Vois said is true, then Vois may be preparing to trick that “G.o.ddess”? Well, but because that person is a liar we can’t trust him completely… But, ma~, I’ll trust him a little this time. Because although that person will not tell us the truth, he will similarly not reveal his personality to the “G.o.ddess”.”

Towards this, this time it was Kiefer who looked to him, “Wait, Ryner. That, this, are you talking to us?”

When he was asked this, he didn’t reply. He only slightly looked at Relca, using a voice that she would not hear, softly saying: “Furthermore, even if this point is put aside, we have no reason to abandon Vois right? I don’t know if it’s because the Anti-Roland Coalition has accepted the “G.o.ddess” help, from the establishment till the current developments the speed has been quite odd. If it is not noticed, I don’t know what kind of things that person would do. So I pretended to be used by him, deciding to use him in return… If I explain it like this, what about it? Because I have Vois’s subordinates by my side I cannot explain it out loud, but anyway I plan to use the “G.o.ddess” and Vois this way, is this explanation enough?”

Ryner said that. But he should not have been heard by anyone. His voice was so soft that it was like he was just breathing out, so even Ferris and Kiefer who were by his side couldn’t hear it.

But, after he finished muttering, he looked towards the stairs. He looked at Pia and the others who were so far away that even if he yelled and shouted they would not be able to hear it.

Then said “…If it’s you you can hear it through Zenkekkai, Peria. Then, pa.s.s on what I said just now to Pia.”

After hearing him say that, Peria turned slightly. From this position it seemed as if he were making a hand signal to Pia, then covering his ears, shrugging.

That action meant—“Even though I want to tell her, Pia is unwilling to listen.”

It conveyed this message.

“Ha? Don’t joke. Pa.s.s it on to her properly.” Ryner murmured.

Peria revealed a troubled expression, then patted his chest.

“Ha? What does that action mean?” Ryner asked.

Peria pointed over again.

But, he still did not understand the meaning of that action. So Ryner tilted his head, continuing to ask: “So I said I don’t understand. What is that? What are you trying to say?”

Peria still pointed over, then pointed to his chest.

“Eh? Chest? What’s with your chest?”

Peria shook his head, making a signal that said it’s not me.

“Not your chest? Then, it’s mine?”

Peria nodded.

“I already said it’s very troublesome so don’t hand signal to me. I’ll go over to your side now, talk to me properly…”

But Peria interrupted him, making a sign that said don’t come over. Then he made a signal for him to look at his chest.

“Ha? What does that mean…” As he said that, Ryner looked at his chest. He looked at his chest that was wrapped with that tight formal suit. And he discovered that a card that was as big as his palm had been snuck in there.

“Oh?” Ryner said, then remembered, it should have been placed there when Pia touched his chest.

This was a perfect surprise attack of a standard that Ryner didn’t even notice that a card had been snuck into his clothes.

“…” Ryner couldn’t help but frown.

If that card had an explosive talisman that would explode after a certain period of time, perhaps he would be dead by now.

No, even Ferris, Kiefer and Relca by his side would be affected.

“… How troublesome.” He groaned.

He felt that the ten years that had had been separated from Pia and the others, between the two of them there was an even greater gap between the levels of their powers, he couldn’t help but stiffen his face.

And.

“…”

Ryner pulled out the card, looking on the words on it.

To Ryner-chan of the dark magical waste house.

Although I heard from Zohra, but you really didn’t even discover the card, your abilities have declined compared to the past. Unless you have become a useless person than what I had expected? So I wanted to test you slightly.

Under these words, there was a face of Pia’s drawn in green ink. This face of Pia, after Ryner had read the words, there was a slight distortion. Then it became a complicated magical structure—

In the process of changing, Ryner shut his eyes for a moment, then opened them again.

In the middle of his eyes, there was a red five-pointed star.

Special eyes.

This was the cursed eyes called Alpha Stigma, it was able to see through all magical structures.

And it could completely duplicate the same structure, but the understanding of everything in that moment after that, proceeding with progress, using it in the end, it still needed special abilities.

And now the magic progressing in front of his eyes was to test his abilities.

Just by looking it was clear that this was a magic that would explode and destroy his surroundings. Then he understood that there were four seconds left to its activation. And he understood that to stop this magic, it would need a complicated, an equation that would change as if to solve the riddle, this was definitely unsolvable. Even if it were the high leveled magical scholars, would be unable to solve this riddle easily.

But Ryner looked at the magical formation, “…Eh. That, it’s like this here, there is that, it’s like this right?” He murmured, using his finger to draw on the card, easily solving the magic.

“How was it?” Ryner raised his head, looking in front, but found that Pia and the others were gone. In replacement, on the card that had the magic trap, there was another message. There were many words that made the head ache just by looking at them.

“…”

Ryner narrowed his eyes, looking at it.

It was written like this.

Ara ara, you pa.s.sed.

It was good that you didn’t explode~

It was clearly a magical structure that Zohra made with much effort to scare Ryner, that you could solve it, you indeed are the same magic otaku as you were before. But, it seems that the point that you are still useful is more important than anything. Alright, I’ll let you live. But what you understand what you have to do after this? Apology and explanation. You completely ignored the letters from us, so this time you have to come before us personally. Before you come to our castle, kneel down and explain the situation, I will not listen to your explanation. And, if you continue to hinder our matters after today, I will not forgive you. Although I think you understand, Ryner you can never defeat me? If you don’t want to be killed, listen obediently to me.

Ah, I’ll tell you something, from our investigations it seems like Vois Fiurelle is planning to let the Ertolia Republic attack Geihlficlant? What is going on? Unless he wants to take the chance when Geihlficlant and Gastark are fighting, to attack this place with Ertolia? It would be troublesome if that happens. I clearly wanted to let this country become my possession, this way wouldn’t people be coming to hinder me. But, I don’t want to be deliberately be used by the conditions you set, so I’ll go back first. If you want to fight with Gastark, it’s fine if you go yourselves.

Ah, and one more thing.

If you knew of Vois’s plan and came here to use us, then you should understand the difference between our abilities? So don’t make your move.

But if you were tricked by Vois, then he isn’t your companion anymore.

Your true companions are us, Ryner.

Don’t do such foolish things and come quickly to our side.

Forever your Queen-sama Pia Varliere and her happy companions—

The card actually wrote something like this.

But, the matter about Vois planning to let Ertolia attack Geihlficlant—

“…Hey hey what is this?” Ryner said, then raising his head, starting to run to chase after Pia and the others who had walked up the stairs.

But the Geihlficlant messenger made a stop as if trying to stop Ryner, “Ah, wait.”

And Ferris and Kiefer made asked uncomprehendingly.

“Hey.”

“Ryner?”

Although he heard the two of them call his name, Ryner did not turn back, he only threw the card with Pia and the other’s message to explain the situation, then continued to run. Climbing up the stairs, running in the direction where Pia and the others had disappeared to.

But even as he ran he did not discover them. In his hurry he discovered the Geihlficlant messenger who was leading them who had a troubled expression on his face as he turned around, Ryner asked: “Hey it was you, where is Pia Varliere?”

The messenger turned around, with the same troubled face he said: “Th, that, they suddenly said they were tired of this country so they went back…” saying that as he looked at one of the doors in the corridor.

Ryner opened that door, discovering that strangely, there was a gust of cold wind blowing, so he looked in the direction of the wind.

And he saw that the windows of the room were open, the curtain and lace were swaying in the wind.

“…”

And the only things moving in the room, were only these. Pia, Peria and Zohra were no longer here. They had probably jumped out from the window.

That meant, the motive for them coming to this place was…

“…They came here to see me…” Ryner muttered.

Perhaps it is said that they came here to threaten me. And they came here to test me.

They wanted to investigate if we would yield after we knew that we were tricked by Vois.

Ryner frowned, “Vois that b.a.s.t.a.r.d, he actually treated me…”

At this moment, someone spoke from behind him, “No, I don’t think I’m lying to you.”

Ryner turned around, discovering that Ferris, Kiefer, Relca and Vois who had somehow chased after him were standing in the corridor.

Ryner stared at Vois, saying: “Not lying? Whose mouth has the right to say that?”

Vois shrugged, “If me not telling everything to you is counted as lying, ma, then indeed perhaps I lied to you…” He said as he walked closer. A small body drifted over, lightly peeking at the room where Pia and the others had disappeared from. Then opening the window, asked: “Arara, the people from Azure Princess are gone?”

Ryner looked at Vois, saying: “You clearly appeared because they left, and you dare to pretend to be stupid.”

Vois laughed, “Well, although that is true. But no matter what they want to kill me. But it’s a heartache that we didn’t manage to persuade them. Originally if it were possible I wished for them to help us proceed with the plan.”

Ryner thought of the contents of the card that Pia gave them, “…The plan to attack and gain Geihlficlant while it’s fighting?”

Vois raised his head and looked over, saying simply: “Don’t you think it is a good plan to quickly stop Roland’s power?”

“Even if I think that’s a good plan, but you clearly said that we would accept Geihlficlant’s power and go against Roland.”

“That’s true.”

“That means, you lied to me.”

“No, you’re wrong.”

“Where am I wrong.” Ryner said.

Vois pulled out several reports from his arms, then handed one over.

“This is a proposal to accept Geihlficlant’s help and fight against Roland.”

Then he handed over a second piece of paper, “This is the proposal to effectively s.n.a.t.c.h a few of Geihlficlant’s territories and fight against Roland.”

Lastly was a third piece of paper, “This is the proposal that under the situation that Azure Princess gains Geihlficlant’s power and a.s.sistance, accepting the help of the Ertolia Republic—Well, no matter what situation we can’t become exhausted, so I prepared a few proposals at the same time. It’s just that I did not tell Ryner the plans that would affect your mood the most. So actually I didn’t lie.”

Ryner was so angry that he felt that even scolding Vois as a **** b.a.s.t.a.r.d was even troublesome, but when he thought that this person was like this all the time, so he didn’t know why but he felt very tired, giving up on specially complaining, only looking at Vois with a tired face, saying: “… If you always tell lies, you won’t get friends?”

Vois laughed as he replied: “I didn’t need friends even from the beginning?”

“Well, you speak so straight-forwardly, I can’t even say anything… but, if it’s like this, I won’t help you again?”

“Why?”

“Why… Hey, I say, you completely tell me the truth?”

“If I told you, would you help me?”

“Depends on the situation. But, I already cannot find reasons to continue being with you. Talking about which, I didn’t understand why we had to help Geihlficlant defeat Gastark in the first place.” Ryner said.

Although he didn’t think of stopping this war, because even if there wasn’t war here, it would occur in other places.

For instance the war Roland was waging in the southern part of the continent. And the land in the central continent was quite big, so the places that didn’t know about, should have some conflicts too.

So, he who had taken into account of the other wars, it wasn’t for the sake for the sake of world peace, he didn’t have the thought that he had to stop the war between Geihlficlant and Gastark ahhhhh—this kind of thought.

Although, he had seen the actions of the people from Gastark when they were hunting down the cursed eyes, it also meant that they killed all the people who had special eyes like Ryner no matter whether they were man, girl, old or young. So he knew that they weren’t good people. But, this matter and that were two different matters.

Furthermore because the Nelpha people were Vois’s hostages, so he had no choice but to listen to Vois’s orders.

Although there was this reason.

But, even if there was going to be a war going on in spite of this, indeed there was something wrong.

“Vois.” Ryner said.

Vois turned to him, “What is it?”

“That.”

“Yes.”

“You, although you have taken the Nelpha of people as hostages, making us listen to your orders, but actually that can be easily retaliated, you know?” Saying that, Ryner raised his right hand, making a fist as if he were about to punch him.

Well~ although the other party was a child so threatening him like this would be strange, but there was no other plan, Vois looked at Ryner’s fist, replying: “Ara, has that been found out?”

“No, actually I discovered it in the beginning… I was only thinking about when to do it.”

“Ahaha, it’s really a good opportunity. As long as you punch me until I’m half dead and make me a hostage, you would be able to control the Anti-Roland Coalition.”

“Yes, no matter what you are of high prestige. So you can be a good hostage.” Ryner looked at Relca behind Vois who looked frantic.

Although she seemed to want to rush over when Ryner clenched his face, but she was easily stopped by Ferris grabbing her neck, stopping her.

But Vois did not react, only laughing as he said: “But, Ryner wouldn’t do this right?”

“That may not be?”

“No no, you definitely wouldn’t do it. Simply saying after you do that, what would happen? Making me a hostage, then grabbing the authority position of the Anti-Roland Coalition… But, after that? Gaining the control of an organization that would be unable to balance out Roland, what do you want to do?”

“Eh? That…”

“You will definitely do the same things as me. So that we will have the power to attack a country, then accepting a country’s help. No matter what, if you don’t take away someone’s power, the organization will be unable to grow.”

Ryner nodded, “Well, although that’s true. But why must the Anti-Roland Coalition grow? I don’t understand this point. Originally I didn’t leave the country so to fight with Roland. It’s the same with Gastark. I want to use my methods…”

Looking for a way to save Sion—although he wanted to say this, but he gave up. Anyway Vois never thought about saving Sion, even if he said it it was useless.

So he changed his words, “I would use other methods… new methods, to try and change the world.”

Vois continued to smile: “Yes. That was what you wrote on that report, right?”

Ryner looked at Vois’s smiling face that made people feel unhappy, asking: “…Why do you know about that?”

“I investigated it.”

“But that report should be with Sion…”

But Vois interrupted him, saying: “It wasn’t found when we investigated about you. That report appeared when we were investigating Sion Astal. I spent quite a bit of effort into finding that. Sion Astal seemed to treasure that a lot so he put it in the treasury. But it was really great that I was able to find it after that much effort. Because that report was filled with your feelings. And after reading that report, that made me really want to become companions with you.” Saying that, Vois reached into his arms, pulling out a few papers again. Because from the beginning he had been pulling out a few pieces of paper, so if it were the past he would want to complain how many things have you hidden.

But now he did not.

No matter what, he had controlled that country through grasping all of Eteggong.

Vois pulled out a few papers, pa.s.sing it over.

“That, this is a copy of the part that I was most touched about. Do you want to read it?”

Ryner moved his eyes to it, the letters on the paper entered his eyes.

But, there was no need to read it. Not only was it because this was something he had written, and actually the memories of its contents were as fresh as it had been.

The contents appeared in his mind again a long time after he wrote it.

That report, its content was roughly like that.

In history, there were several demon kings who had the power to destroy the world, or demons, evil divinities. These demon kings wielded strong power that was unimaginable in the whole of the magical body. Even if it were an army made of strong Mage Knights and soldiers, they were not the opponents of the demon kings. Then the world would be pushed into the brink of extinction by these demon kings every time. But every time at this moment the heroes from the legends would appear, they were called the knights of light, they were human knights that had the power to go against the demon king and defeat them. Then, here’s the question. What are the heroes? At the moment we won’t go and question the existence of the demon kings and heroes… the “humans” who had the power to defeat these monsters, what was going on? A monster that even an army could not go against—if the records in the history books were truth, even if hundreds of strong magicians were sacrificed they would not be able to destroy the monster easily, but what was the hero that could destroy it just by himself? There were vestiges of legends regarding the heroes all over the world. Although no one saw those scenes… but there were records of where the weapons that the heroes used were hidden. Although it was a pity that the book that recorded the secrets of the demon king’s strength could not be found… but even so, if the remains of the heroes that were stronger than those monsters could be found, couldn’t they be used as a strong military weapon? In addition… did the demon kings and heroes actually exist… this could be explained with the Alpha Stigma. Although it wasn’t understood whether this was something vile or the heroes’ items… but abnormal power actually existed. Then, there would be the existence of other things that had this power too. On this point there seemed to be a great lot worth investigating. Because towards the strong power, according to the different ways of using the weapons, it could be ended before the war erupted.

“…”

Looking at Ryner who had vaguely recalled the contents of the report, Vois raised his head, saying: “You seem to have a sleepy appearance, but your mind is very scary. In this report you wrote that, to gain a strong weapon that no one in the world could go against—this kind of thinking right? But if the person who had this weapon lacked in character, what would it become? Having the oppressive power that the whole world could not go against, but instead he is a mad king. If something like that appears, what should we do?”

“…” Ryner did not comment.

In actuality, at the stage when he was writing that report, he had already predicted something like that. But, because too many people had died in front of him, because the ceaseless scary war had taken away too many lives, killed too many comrades, loved ones, family, friends.

Then, I have to at least do something, Ryner had carried that thought, writing the report.

Then he had started on the path to look for Heroes’ Relics with Ferris.

But, in the end—

“…”

Vois continued: “… You wanted to give that weapon to someone, right? Give it to your friend Sion Astal?”

“…”

“So this time you are searching for a weapon with a divine power to stop Sion Astal—are you planning that? Is this the plan that you talked of to change the world?”

Ryner nodded, “…Well, although I don’t think it would succeed so easily.”

Vois replied simply: “It wouldn’t succeed.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes.”

“But, this isn’t something you can decide.”

“That’s true, this isn’t something I can decide. But, I already know what would be the ending of this. Your plan, will never succeed.”

“You’ve already said that you can’t decide…”

Vois interrupted Ryner, saying: “Or I should say, it’s too late. Gastark already has gained that kind of weapon that will make the world bow to them in a moment.”

Ryner froze because of this sentence.

Staring at Vois, his whole body was frozen. If they were talking about why they were saying this, it could only be said that Vois was also a person who had a Heroes’ Relic. Vois easily accepted the Heroes’ Relic that the Roland army used to kill thousands of soldiers. So this fellow also should have other Heroes’ Relics—using their lingo it should be called Rhule Fragmei.

And then watching these people with Rhule Fragmei battling, Ryner despaired.

Towards the reality that using those kind of things would worsen the war, he despaired. Then thinking, if he didn’t do anything, it would really be too late.

But Vois said that. Vois who had the Rhule Fragmei said that.

“…That is a kind of Rhule Fragmei, whose power is close to a divine being’s, which is very powerful. And they already have gained this power. So they would not stop. I’m afraid that Geihlficlant will not triumph over Gastark in this war. Even if we the Anti Roland Coalition which uses Rhule Fragmei help, even if there is the Azure Princess, the results will be the same. Not only with the number of soldiers, the standards between the soldiers are too great.” Vois said.

But even so, Ryner was still unable to understand his meaning.

Ryner muttered: “The Heroes’ Relics… are unable to match up to it?”

“Yes. There’s practically no way to compare it.”

“What exactly is that?”

“Sa? I don’t know, they are using a strange weapon. A strange thing that has the power to surpa.s.s the Rhule Fragmei. Then using this thing they made the strongest country in the northern continent, Stohl kneel for them. At that time the death toll, was actually more than eight hundred thousand people.” Vois said.

Saying such strange things.

Ryner stared at Vois’ face in a daze, not saying anything, only watching as Vois continued to say mildly.

“So I said it before? If we don’t stop Gastark here, it would become a bad situation. If to Gastark, we don’t… no, if we don’t proceed with warning the world that ‘using something as unfair as that kind of weapon could be dangerous so stop”, it would really become very bad. So Ryner you must partic.i.p.ate in this battle, even if you are unhappy with me, even if you have to kill people, even if you hate to partic.i.p.ate in war, you must partic.i.p.ate in this battle. You must let the other party of low-cla.s.s people who have made a move to the weapon that should not be used by humans know that that power cannot be handled by them.” Vois said something that was even more confusing.

“What exactly, have you been saying from just now…”

But suddenly, he felt a weak killing intent.

“Eh?” He turned to the place where the killing intent was originating from.

Right.

The deepest corner in the corridor.

But, there wasn’t anyone there.

But, that place was empty.

So Ryner yelled: “Ferris.”

And feeling that Ferris had already reacted. Turning in her direction, he found that she had done what he wanted to do.

Ferris grabbed Kiefer’s collar, dragging her into the room that Pia and the others had disappeared from.

Kiefer let out an uncomprehending, “Ah? Ah? What what?”

Ignoring Kiefer’s present confusion, what was needed more was to investigate the area where the killing intent was originating from—

At the moment Ryner discovered that something glowing weakly had appeared in front of him.

“Oh oh~” Ryner stepped back in reflex. Then widened his eyes, activating the Alpha Stigma. Then he saw a magical structure that he had never seen before blossom in front of him.

It was a magic that would use the reflection of light to let the opponent hallucinate. This was probably Geihlficlant’s magic.

“…” Ryner stared at the magic, in a moment, reaching out a finger to the magical structure, starting to interfere, quickly changing the activated Geihlficlant’s magic.

“Alright, it’s done.” When he muttered that, the magic in front of them dissipated like mist.

Then three soldiers’ silhouettes appeared. Three soldiers wearing green armor. These soldiers charged towards Ryner and the others.

Their movements were fairly quick.

Probably he would not be able to dodge—but Ryner didn’t care. When he had dealt with the magic, his work had been lessened by half.

Towards the daggers that were thrown with an air that could not be avoided, Ryner said: “Too slow.”

And Ferris who used a speed that was faster than the daggers’ by several times jumped up, with one swing of her big sword the daggers were embedded in the wall. Then picking Ryner up, throwing him out.

So that they could dodge Ryner, the soldiers’ defensive formation crumbled, at this moment, Ferris quickly used her karate chop.

The person who received the strong impact on the neck fell unconscious just like that, the enemy was lessened by one.

Although the next person wanted to ambush Ferris, but he wasn’t her opponent. No, it should be said that even if she were wearing a dress that was hard to move around in, the enemies were not able to match up to her speed.

Another soldier was struck on the head, then fell unconscious.

The remaining person, because of this extremely unbeneficial situation, starting to think of running.

“I wouldn’t let you escape.” Ryner said, then grabbed that person’s wrist, tightening his joint, flipping it upwards, placing him on the ground. Followed by that Ferris planted a kick on the enemy’s head.

The last enemy lost conscious too.

“…”

The fight ended like that simply.

But.

“…I say, wouldn’t we really be in trouble this time?” Ryner murmured.

“These people are Geihlficlant soldiers, right? Then this is the Geihlficlant palace… why did they want to attack us?”

But suddenly a voice sounded, interrupting Ryner’s words, “…Oh~. Even if three Mage Knights are the enemy, you can make them silent easily without dealing any fatal wounds… this is really reliable.”

The place where the voice came from, was the deepest corner from where the three soldiers on the ground had appeared from.

Standing there, was a tall man in his late thirties. He wore green armour on his strong body. But his outfit was slightly different from the soldiers who had attacked. There were a few noticeably useless ornaments on the armour, it could be seen that this person should be someone who had a high position. He was probably the leader of the Mage Knights, no, possibly it could be—

At this moment the man said again: “This Alpha Stigma bearer is the trump card against Gastark that you told me about? Vois Fiurelle.”

Vois bowed his head, saying: “Indeed. Your Majesty Gulafed Abuleld.”

Ryner considered the man standing in front of him again.

Sharp eyes, strong body. Just be seeing the confidence and aura from this person’s body, he could understand that he was stronger than the Mage Knights who had attacked Ryner earlier. No, although he had heard that the king of Geihlficlant was a military man, but the fact that the king of a country was much stronger than the Mage Knights was a little—

“…It seems like he is different from the king that I had in mind.” Ryner muttered.

The royals that he knew were corrupted people who were addicted with power, or it would be someone who had work-poisoning like Sion, he never thought that he would meet a new kind of king here, so he was slightly surprised.

“Alright, bring those fellows along. Those border countries have already started to invade my territory. It seems that they have started to kill my people in great numbers without any consideration. Take up my troops, go defeat them.” That king told Vois that, then turned to leave, disappearing into the long corridor.

Ryner narrowed his eyes and looked towards Vois, saying: “…Why~ do I feel that I have been tricked again? You seemed to have said that you have never seen the king of Geihlficlant? Isn’t that why you handed the negotiations over to me?”

Vois turned around, “Eh, before I told Ryner to go to the negotiations, I certainly never saw him before.”

“Then why did you two using a tone as if you had met him before to converse?”

“That’s because there was a slight change to the situation, so I needed to talk with the Geihlficlant king immediately.”

“Is that so?”

“This is true?”

Seeing Vois say that, Ryner revealed an expression that clearly said that he did not believe in anything he was saying, saying: “Then, what happened to the situation?”

“Eh.”

“What’s the situation.”

“That is Gastark is stronger than what I had imagined—this reason. And they are strong enough that even the Azure Princess has given up on helping Geihlficlant…”

Ryner narrowed his eyes: “Eh? What’s that? Pia and the others only decided to go back because they were tired of being used by you?”

“Oh, did she tell you like that?”

“No, even though she didn’t tell me face to face… but she left that kind of information.”

Vois laughed, “That’s a trick. If according to her personality, shouldn’t she fight with us on the battle ground, then letting us lose? But she didn’t do that. That reason is because the power of the Gastark army is much stronger than what I had imagined, than what Pia had imagined. So she went back.”

Ryner said: “… Is Gastark really that strong?”

Vois nodded, “Very strong. Didn’t I say that before? Besides using the Rhule Fragmei, Gastark has a weapon that is stronger than that. A normal country would not be their opponent.”

“Then doesn’t that mean that we are helpless too?”

“Yes.”

“Then, of course this battle too…”

But Vois shook his head, “No, we have to join in. And doesn’t Ryner want to join in too? Now, Gastark is killing Geihlficlant’s soldiers and people without differentiating between them. You should want to stop this, right?”

“No, but…”

“And, Nelpha’s soldiers and Toale and Iris are almost reaching the front lines. So if you want to delay here, your companions will die easily…”

“Hey you, don’t joke anymore! What are you thinking of!” Ryner grabbed Vois’ collar, glaring at him as he yelled furiously. As if wanting to see through all the plans that were hidden deep in Vois, he glared at him.

But he still completely couldn’t understand what Vois was thinking about.

He had clearly talked about the obvious power difference, even Pia and the others had given up on fighting with Gastark, but why did this fellow want to fight with them? It was clear that there were no chances of survival against that monster, but why did this person want to fight despite that? He completely couldn’t understand the reason for that.

So Ryner glared at Vois, asking: “What are you thinking about?”

Vois indeed had that smile that made people

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