Chapter 171

Past midnight a carriage with Rebecca and her luggage arrived at the mansion .

“Please carry this table . Ah, I will carry the teapot over there, so can you take the potted plant? I will take out the items I put in my item box . I will leave those to you, okay~?” (Rebecca)

Rebecca gives instructions as if she had become the servants’ mistress .

A large amount of luggage is taken off the carriage .

It was the start signal for transporting all her luggage which also included her furniture to the room she had chosen .

Next Eva’s carriage arrived .

“――I’m back . ” (Eva)

She gets off the carriage with her body and magic wheelchair clad in violet mana .

She killed the impact of landing by dampening it with the wheels and her mana .

“…Welcome back . It took you a bit, didn’t it?” (Shuuya)

“Nn, Lily cried…” (Eva)

Eva’s face is gloomy .

As expected…

“So, what happened?” (Shuuya)

“Dee said “Lily, you are a fellow adventurer, thus you will be able to procure food ingredients with her . Don’t be so selfish . This is the lady’s start into a new life, you know?” He persuaded with an insistent tone . Lily was still grumbling, but I told her that keeping the restaurant running is indispensable, and that it’s not like we are going to be apart forever . Once I gently and repeatedly explained it all to her, she came to terms with it . ” (Eva)

It looks like she succeeded in persuading her for the time being .

But, Lily will probably be quite angry at me .

“…If not for the restaurant, it wouldn’t have been a problem for Lily and Dee-san to come to this mansion either though . ” (Shuuya)

“Nn, thanks…but, we can’t move the restaurant, and Lily being Lily, she has deep affections towards that place . Dee is doing his best over there, too . ” (Eva)

“I see . Got it . On another note, Rebecca has already started unloading her stuff . ” (Shuuya)

“…I don’t have that much luggage with me . However, I have a lot of metals . They completely fill my item box, too . ” (Eva)

Eva raises both hands, showing off her item box .

“Eva, you were a Magic Steel Fighter, weren’t you? If you can work with metals, how about using the smithy next to the courtyard?” (Shuuya)

“No, it’s unnecessary . As long as I have the ores and my bone legs, I can refine them just fine . ” (Eva)

I see . The picture of Eva using her bone legs in the labyrinth’s mine comes to my mind .

“―Ah, Eva you arrived, too . ” (Rebecca)

It seems as though Rebecca finished storing her luggage in her room .

She quickly runs over to us as she descends the small stairs located below the main building’s entrance terrace .

“Did you finish putting your things in order?” (Shuuya)

“No, I arranged the furniture somewhat, but I still have to sort my clothes and the tea leaves… But, Eva, you really don’t have much luggage with you, do you…?” (Rebecca)

Rebecca pointed at the few pieces of luggage and furniture that had been unloaded from Eva’s carriage .

“Nn, Rebecca, you have too many clothes…” (Eva)

“Eh? R-Really? …Shuuya, you don’t particularly mind, right?” (Rebecca)

Rebecca’s eyes begin to look around restlessly, and she brings up the topic with me as if looking for some kind of confirmation .

“I won’t say anything as long as you store them in your room . ” (Shuuya)

“S-See~ Eva, you have too few clothes . I bought new clothes with the money that we earned the other day after all!” (Rebecca)

She’s still increasing the amount?

“…Shuuya, it might be best for you to resolve yourself . ” (Eva)

“Eh? What kind of resolve?” (Shuuya)

“Nn, for Rebecca to get buried below a mountain of clothes…” (Eva)

“Uh, they might end up scattered here and there a tiny bit, but…” (Rebecca)

Just now, as if asking for permission, she glanced my way for an instant .

“Rebecca, keep it at bay, okay?” (Shuuya)

“O-Oki . ” (Rebecca)

Rebecca and Eva put their luggage into their item boxes or carried it with their hands, proceeding with the work at their own paces .

Viine and I helped them out as well .

As we did, unknown people appear through the front gate .

They had large frames and conspicuous presences…

They approach me .

I got slightly tense .

“…h.e.l.lo, I’m Rave Kuzeguile . Are you the one famous as “Magic Lancer” in the underworld, who bought the mansion here?” (Rave)

A tall cat beastman .

Having three eyes is probably characteristic for this race .

The way how he speaks is similar to a dandy .

A sword hilt peeks out behind his shoulder .

And even at his waist hung a sword and a dagger which were affixed with a string .

All of them are magic items .

He’s wearing a light armor in the style of a black and gray frock coat .

His fur is gray, too .

And his usage of the Magic Combat Style is smooth as well, as if he was floating with the tide…

He walks very casually, but at the same time he has a peculiar stride .

This man is definitely a master fighter .

As I’m focusing my eyes on the cat beastman,

“I’m Tomas Ivanovic . I live across the street . ”

The one called Tomas is a human .

This person is tall as well . And he’s blackish brown .

A bear tattoo, which has mana run through it, had been carved on his shaved head .

His eye sockets are deeply sunken in, yet he possesses a sharp glint in his eyes . A beard is wildly sprouting at his chin .

Seemingly being a dual-wielder, two splendid sword hilts were slightly visible above his shoulders .

His chest is broad and muscular .

He’s wearing a steel armor that only covers his heart, as if to tout his indomitability .

His abs that were split into more than six packs stood out .

He naturally strengthens his body with the Magic Combat Style as well .

He’s probably a remarkable master of martial arts .

Nothing less to be expected of the strong people living in the Martial Arts District .

Their postures gave me the impression that it would be bad to approach them .

“…Yes, indeed . You’re not mistaken, I’m that lancer . I moved here recently . My name is Shuuya Kagari . I heard both of you honored us with a visit the other day while I was absent?” (Shuuya)

“Correct . I wondered whether you would be willing to enter the Martial Arts District’s Neighborhood a.s.sociation . ” (Tomas)

Mr . Tomas says with a soft tone which was completely different from the roughness of his appearance .

“I wanted to talk with the magic lancer who bought the mansion of an old friend of mine…wondering whether I would be able to see his true strength . ” (Rave)

Rave’s tone is stern for some reason .

The person who lived here before, huh? I feel like that doesn’t have anything to do with me, though .

“Umm, what’s this Martial Arts District’s Neighborhood a.s.sociation?” (Shuuya)

“It’s about protecting our district from drug sellers, thieves and members of the underground world by cooperating with each other . …Of course, Magic Lancer Shuuya-san, there are rumors about you being involved with a dark guild . ” (Tomas)

Well, I’m actually the guild master of the dark guild 【Remains of the Moon】 .

Naturally I won’t tell them about that . I listened while smiling .

“Protecting the district sounds nice . ”

“Yes, since we are tournament fighters with a reasonable level of strength and aren’t troubled for money, we are a.s.sisting the poor people living in this district . That’s the main activity of the a.s.sociation . ” (Tomas)

Tomas explained gently .

The tournament fighters mentioned by him…I imagine it’s about the people fighting in arenas like that Colosseum .

“…Support of the poor, you say? That’s a wonderful idea . I don’t mind joining the a.s.sociation, but I’m an adventurer . I think there will be many occasions where I’m not in this district . Is it still fine?” (Shuuya)

“An adventurer, this mansion…”

Rave mumbles as he busily moves his three eyes around .

“That’s no problem . Since it’s not like we have any rules or official papers in particular, it will be plenty if you donate to the needy alongside the disciples at my place a few times per month . If you can cooperate with us in various ways on those occasions… Think of it like that . ” (Tomas)

I see…I guess he’s a tournament fighter and at the same time similar to a church priest or a philanthropist .

That’s wild and raises you popularity, Mr . Ivanovic .

“…Understood . If I can make the dates, I will cooperate with you . ” (Shuuya)

“Okay, that’s great . Well, that’s all from me, cya then…” (Tomas)

Tomas lightly bows his head towards Rave who’s standing next to him .

And, as if showing off the two swords on his back, he turns on the heel and walks off towards the front gate .

It appears that Tomas and Rave are not on good terms in particular .

As I’m watching Tomas leaving, Rave speaks up .

“Shuuya-san, you mentioned that you’re an adventurer, but…now that you’re living in this district, are you planning to partic.i.p.ate in the prize fights, are you going to enter the Martial Arts Federation or the Martial Arts District’s Tournament Battle Council, or are you aiming for a Divine King rank?” (Rave)

Rave mentions yet another array of cryptic words .

Since Viine stopped helping with the luggage transport and walked over next to me, I turned my eyes at her, looking for some help .

“―Excuse me . Master is an adventurer . That means he won’t partic.i.p.ate in the prized fighting, nor will he join the Martial Arts Federation . And even without that Divine King rank or whatever, he’s the one and only, strongest magic lancer on this surface, a being everyone should wors.h.i.+p…” (Viine)

Starting in the middle of her speech, her tone became rough while she was pa.s.sionately looking at me…I feel like Viine’s feelings towards me have become a lot more dangerous after I shared my blood with her .

Blood is thicker than water, huh?

“Kakkakakka―― That’s quite harsh . ” (Rave)

“Sorry, Rave-san . She is my

Once I introduce her, Viine curtly mutters, “Rave…?”, while courteously bowing and thus allowing her long, silver hair to spill down sideways .

“And, just as she mentioned, I don’t know about those tournaments or whatever…But, just as my nickname tells you, I’m confident in my spearmans.h.i.+p . ” (Shuuya)

I faintly lift the corners of my mouth and reveal a peculiar smile .

Rave also speaks up while lifting his cheeks, as if to reply to my smile .

“…The lancer and the black cat . Magic lancer, violet death G.o.d, b.a.l.l.s-crus.h.i.+ng lancer, or lancer and divine beast tamer . That’s the nicknames I have heard of . ” (Rave)

What the h.e.l.l? I hear about those nicknames for the first time .

“Haha, looks like I have rumors about such nicknames circulating about me . ” (Shuuya)

“…I’d really like to test whether you’re as strong as the rumors say…” (Rave)

Rave’s three eyes become piercing and he gathers mana in them to check my mana .

“Master, should I be his opponent?” (Viine)

Without using her bow, Viine places her slender fingers on the mouth of Black Snake’s scabbard hanging at her waist as if about to use a drawing technique while stepping forward once .

It seems as if she’s going to draw Black Snake’s blade any time now .

“Humph, I guess you’re truly looking down on me, the third rank of the Divine King ranking, woman of a rare race . Are you really suitable…as my opponent?” (Rave)

Rave also clad himself in a dangerous aura .

He extended one arm towards the hilt at his shoulder, and touched the hilt of the sword at his waist with another .

Only his lower left arm is abnormally thick .

His other arms are also reasonable burly, but I wonder, why is just that one arm so thick?

“…Wait, Viine . You have no reason to fight . And, I haven’t one either . ” (Shuuya)

“Okay, understood . ” (Viine)

Once Viine hears my words, she obediently draws back, returning to her position of being diagonally behind me .

“…A reason to fight, eh? I thought you would understand my feelings if you are a strong man . ” (Rave)

I guess this beastman has the tendencies of a battle maniac .

“…I understand them somewhat . But, look at the time . Also, you aren’t that stupid to not see the current circ.u.mstances, are you?” (Shuuya)

He lets his eyes wander, watching how the servants carry the luggage around .

“…Certainly, it looks like you’re busy . Besides, it’s already night…excuse me for getting carried away . I’d like you to be my opponent on another day then . ” (Rave)

“Another day, huh? As long as I have time, I don’t mind . ” (Shuuya)

“Roger . Bye then . ” (Rave)

Rave turns around after looking at me with his three eyes, and returns towards the front gate .

“…That’s the Divine King third rank, Quad-Sword Rave Kuzeguile, huh?” (Viine)

“You have known about him, Viine?” (Shuuya)

“Yes . Quad-Sword Rave who has claimed victory in prize fighting tournaments a number of times . He’s quite famous . I heard that he’s living in the Martial Arts District, but at first I didn’t realize that it’s him in person . ” (Viine)

“I see . Are the prize fighting tournaments held in the nearby, big arena?” (Shuuya)

I guess my interest got slightly piqued .

I might want to see cool gladiators like Spartacus .

“Yes . There are compet.i.tions between fellow combat slaves, tournament battles called War Arts Convention, the World Martial Arts Tournament sponsored by the kingdom, and special, individual matches surrounding the rankings of the 300 Divine King ranks in spearmans.h.i.+p and swordsmans.h.i.+p . It’s a place where various martial arts compete by battling in many ways . ” (Viine)

The Divine King ranking has up to 300 ranks?

But, going by its name, I’m curious about the World Martial Arts Tournament .

It’s that, right? I guess it means I have to prepare a dougi1 with a turtle mark embroidery on the back, huh?

But, it’s not like I really have to partic.i.p.ate, I think .

It might be nice to go watch it as spectator while at the same time having a date .

However, there’s the promise with Steertop, and I also have other things on my plate, thus it has to wait .

“…I see . How about we go with everyone to watch it the next time we have some free time?” (Shuuya)

“That’s a great idea…but only watching it?” (Viine)

Viine smiles and asks while brus.h.i.+ng back her hair behind her long ear on the side with her silver face guard .

“Just moments ago you said that something like a Divine King rank is unnecessary, and now you want me to partic.i.p.ate?” (Shuuya)

“…Yes . I don’t care about the Divine King ranking, but I want to watch how my Master, a superior male, gains glory through his overwhelming power . I’m sure Spirit-sama will agree on this with me, too . ” (Viine)

She dons a serious look .

“Honestly said, I don’t have any interest in a Divine King rank, but if I’m told something like this by a beauty like you, I think I can consider partic.i.p.ating for a tiny bit?” (Shuuya)

“I’m happy! ――Ah!” (Viine)

Because the the smiling Viine’s appearance became too unbearably cute, I hug her again, matching my eyeline with hers .

“…”

She naturally closes her eyes .

Adorable .

Just like that I steal her somewhat small, violet lips, giving her a French kiss .

We entangled our tongues, exchanged saliva and air, and then, acting like vampires, we drank each other’s blood .

“Aaaahhhーー What are you doingーーーー?” (Rebecca)

I can hear Rebecca’s scream from behind .

After smiling, Viine and I separated quickly .

“Nn, it was unclear, but――did you kiss just now!?” (Eva)

Eva asks loudly next to Rebecca .

“Y-Yoo, good morning . ” (Shuuya)

“You said that earlier already, didn’t you!? Even if you try to gloss it over once more, it’s pointless! Besides, it’s night right now . Are you planning to play the fool? Jeez, even though I put myself on guard after you said that you have something important to talk about with us after we finished storing away our luggage…with Viine, h-how dare you to k-k-ki-kiss with Viine!!” (Rebecca)

Rebecca’s blue eyes are beautiful, but her face has become grim with her brows obviously furrowed .

“――Unfair! Nn, I never kissed by matching lips with lips so far!” (Eva)

Violet mana escapes from all over her body, and her wheelchair is floating a bit .

Her light blue skirt with the pattern of small roses was flipped up, making her white thighs located above the metallic parts visible .

I know it’s definitely a bad idea .

My eyes are drawn to her white thighs, but I notice her angry look .

It’s not the usual, angel-like expression, but the raging face of a death G.o.ddess…

It can’t be helped that they are angry and scold me, but I don’t have any intention to change my behavior .

“…I’m sorry…is not what I’m going to say . I am as I am . Even from now on I will do what I want to do . After all I want to have many “mouth-to-mouth” kisses with you two as well . ” (Shuuya)

“Eh, mouth-to-mouth…you want…” (Rebecca)

“N-Nn…I will . ” (Eva)

Their rage meter apparently dropped sharply in an instant thanks to these words . Even as they blush, both girls mumble to themselves .

“Well, you two, let’s go back to the main building . ” (Shuuya)

“…Kiss, ah, yeah . ” (Rebecca)

“Nn . ” (Eva)

Taking them and Viine along, I pa.s.s through the entrance door, entering the main building .

As usual Helme was in the middle of meditating at the left wall of the living room .

Close-by Rollo has curled up and is sleeping .

“Ah, Your Excellency, welcome home . Shall I return into your eye?” (Helme)

“No, stay as you are . ” (Shuuya)

“As you wish . ” (Helme)

After saying that, Helme resumes meditating while making sure to embrace the crystal .

A water mist, similar to drifting smoke, was released from her entire body .

“Nyaon . ”

Seemingly having noticed my voice, Rollo quickly raises her face and runs up to my feet after yawning .

After rubbing her head against my s.h.i.+n a few times, she heads over to rub Rebecca’s feet as well, and lastly jumps on top of Eva’s lap as she sits in her wheelchair .

“Aww, she went over to Eva . ” (Rebecca)

Facing Eva with her round, red eyes, Rollo touched Eva’s chest with a paw .

She’s eager to touch Eva’s b.o.o.bs .

Paws and b.o.o.bs…

I sense some kind of philosophy in the sound of this .

Somehow this impressed me as the president of the b.o.o.bs Committee .

It’s a mysterious sensation . Paws and b.o.o.bs…

“Fufu, Rollo-chan, cute~” (Eva)

Eva immediately started caressing Rollo from her head to the tail .

Rollo makes her state of relaxation apparent by opening and closing her eyes, and replying with a low curring .

“Master, what are you going to do about dinner?” (Isabell)

As my thoughts were focused on b.o.o.bs and paws, the Head Maid Isabell addressed me from nearby .

Come to think of it, Eva and Rebecca shouldn’t have eaten yet either…

“Hey, how about grabbing a light meal before we talk?” (Shuuya)

“Nn, approved . ” (Eva)

“Sure, I had a light snack when I returned home, but I haven’t eaten anything proper . ”

“I’m hungry as well . ”

The girls seem hungry .

“Got it . Let’s eat then . Isabell, please get it ready . ” (Shuuya)

“Certainly, master!” (Isabell)

Isabell immediately starts giving orders to the servants that had been waiting .

They quickly run to the kitchen room, pick up plates filled with food, carry it to the living room, and set the table .

Individual side tables, which had Ugai rice bowls2 with a nice aroma wafting up from them, are set up next to everyone .

“Nyao . ”

Rollo-san gets off Eva and plays around with a side table .

While smiling at Rollo, the servants lined up soup as appetizer, a gratin that seemed to be full of vegetables, a stew that apparently was centered around herring, and rolled eggs in no time .

“Wow . We are like those n.o.bles that appear in stories . ” (Rebecca)

Rebecca claps her hands in admiration towards the servants who are briskly preparing the dishes .

Certainly I suppose a dinning table of n.o.bility might look just like this .

The props-like items have increased as well . The Ugai rice bowls placed on those side tables are nice . A candle stand has been set up in the center of the table . And the living room has been pepped up with icons and flower decorations .

The work of those maids is magnificent .

“…Nn, it reminds me of the past…” (Eva)

On the other hand, Eva’s face darkened .

I think she might be recalling her time as n.o.ble .

“Past?” (Rebecca)

“Nn, forget it . Look, it’s time to eat now . ” (Eva)

Eva dodges the question and encourages us to eat .

“Oki, you’re weird . ” (Rebecca)

Rebecca laughs a bit after looking at Eva’s face, and then turns her eyes towards the delicious-looking dishes .

“Well then, let’s eat . ” (Shuuya)

“Nn . ” (Eva)

“Good appet.i.te . ”

“Yes . ”

Eva, Rebecca, and Viine carry gratin, bread and vegetables to their mouths .

A special, grilled fish had been prepared for Rollo, too .

Moreover, it has been served on something like a small table for Rollo’s personal use .

“Nyano～”

What a silly voice .

She seems to be satisfied, though .

Now then, I should properly eat as well…

I start with the vegetables . They are fragrant, crisply fresh and had an olive oil-type of dressing applied to them . Really tasty .

Given that the dish considered to be a herring properly matches the seasoned vegetables and white fish, I gobble it down in a flash, leaving only bones behind .

“Your Excellency, is it so delicious?” (Helme)

Helme asked .

“Yeah, it was great . Are you going to eat these vegetables too, Helme?” (Shuuya)

“No…I’m fine . ” (Helme)

She looked as if she was slightly curious, but she didn’t eat it .

“Spirit-sama, this meal is wonderful, you know! I’m really satisfied . ” (Rebecca)

“Me too . ”

“It’s tasty . ”

After the delicious meal, I rinse my mouth and then it’s Rollo-care-time while having a little friendly chat with everyone .

Given that I intend to use the Virgin Blade afterwards, I ordered Isabell on this occasion to tell the servants that they are not allowed to go up to the second floor .

After lightly brus.h.i.+ng my teeth in the bathroom, I head to my bedroom .

And then I told the girls to a.s.semble in my room after they washed their faces, brushed their teeth and used the toilet .

Rebecca enters while fidgeting around .

Rollo was at her feet .

She wears, simple, white silk pajamas . Rollo apparently liked the small frills that were added to the pajamas’ bottom end .

Since a while ago she’s unleas.h.i.+ng cat punches towards Rebecca’s feet .

Eva arrived in her wheelchair, but this time wearing an orchid negligee .

Once she gets close to the edge of the bed, she clads her whole body in violet mana, and moves her body by making it float through the air, transferring from the wheelchair to my bed .

She allows her body to flop down and quietly fixes her posture into that of sitting .

Rebecca sits down next to Eva while hugging Rollo at her chest .

She grasps two paws and ma.s.sages the pads while kissing the back of Rollo’s head .

Kuuh…adorable…

Jeez, even though I’m about to make a serious confession here, it makes me want to join the ma.s.saging…

Helme and Viine stand respectfully next to me, just like secretaries .

Now then, where to start? The blood? Or the mirrors…?

I guess it has to be the blood after all .

“…The important talk is about blood . ” (Shuuya)

“Blood?” (Rebecca)

“Nn, blood…” (Eva)

I summon my courage .

“I will first start with the name of my race . I think you have noticed it already, but I’m no normal human . I belong to a new race called Light Demon Lucival . I prefer blood, and I also am a monster of the demonic vampire species…” (Shuuya)

“Your Excellency, you are the strongest species, a supreme being to whom I’m obligated…” (Helme)

“Master, you’re no monster . You’re my beloved, great male…” (Viine)

Helme and Viine go down on one knee and bow their heads .

“Umm…not a human, but a vampire species, huh?” (Rebecca)

“Nn, new race . Amazing…” (Eva)

“Nn, nyao . ”

Both were slightly taken aback by Helme’s and Viine’s behavior, but they don’t seem all that surprised about my confession .

I will omit commenting on Rollo’s behavior .

“You aren’t surprised?” (Shuuya)

“Nn, I thought you might not be normal . ” (Eva)

“Yeah . ” (Rebecca)

“Nyaaa . ”

Using the forepaw she had removed out of Rebecca’s hand, Rollo touched the area around Rebecca’s chest with her pad .

“Oww, Rollo-chan, not now…” (Rebecca)

Jeez, you erocat, you apparently poked her nipple…

After Rebecca lowered Rollo, who touched her indecently, besides the bed,

“…Even I am a high elf who could be called abnormal . ” (Rebecca)

“Nn, I don’t know whether I have demon blood in me, but I possess strange bone legs since my birth . I grew up with them . ” (Eva)

They are quite indifferent about this .

Ugh, just why did I trouble myself over it so much…

“I see…” (Shuuya)

“Jeez, you worried about something like that?” (Rebecca)

“Nn, Shuuya also has some cute parts . ” (Eva)

“Hahaha, you’re right there . ” (Rebecca)

“Yeah, fufu . ” (Eva)

Sitting next to each other, Eva and Rebecca laughed brightly while nodding at each other .

“Master, that’s why I told you that it’ll be fine . ” (Viine)

I was lightly remonstrated by Viine .

“Yeah, I suppose you were right . ” (Shuuya)

“That’s also a good point of yours, Your Excellency . ” (Helme)

Helme smiles in satisfaction .

“Well, to get to the point, it’s about the matter with the blood . ” (Shuuya)

“You want to drink my blood, right…?” (Rebecca)

“As long as it’s you, Shuuya, it’s fine . Drink my blood . ” (Eva)

With serious expressions, Rebecca and Eva turn their faces diagonally to the side in order to expose their necks, showing their beautiful collarbones .

Viine reacts in the same way .

Instinctively I turn my eyes towards Viine .

She stared straight onto my face with her smiling, silver-colored eyes, and nodded slowly .

“…No, well, I want to drink it, but what I’m talking about right now is actually the opposite . Eva, Rebecca, won’t you drink my blood?” (Shuuya)

“Eeh? Drink your blood?” (Rebecca)

“…I have no interest in blood . ” (Eva)

Using that timing…

I calm them down and talk about .

About Viine having already become a

That Eva and Rebecca will become new