Grimoire x Reverse V2 – Chapter 1
The Silverwhite Highway.
It is one of the places that connects the Hana Flower forest and the Empire a road filled with silvery tiles. Apparently, all the tiles once froze over by a sudden temperature change that occurred when a local research facility of the Imperial Academy took energy from different phases.
Moreover, it seems that the special magic contained an aqueous solution that coated it in moisture, which hardened and remained silverwhite even at room temperature. There is no influence on the surrounding trees, and the small monsters and creatures live normally. Among them, there is a carnivorous beast to be cautious of that projects dart-like weapons.
“That was quite a walk.” (Shuten)
“Why not run? We both have business there.” (Hiragi)
“Oh, don’t say that. It isn’t bad to enjoy the journey and walk to see the sights.” (Shuten)
“I don’t follow you.” (Hiragi)
“Why are you in such a hurry? Is it because of this Taros-san?” (Shuten)
“…Taros V doesn’t matter.” (Hiragi)
“I see.” (Shuten)
Good company is a mercy that makes the road shorter.
I’ve said it before, but it is hard living in a society that shows no mercy to demons. I’d like to go to the town where demons live, but I can’t go yet because I would probably be beaten up before I get there, and in any case I need to travel with Hiragi.
I have the ability of a mid-boss, so next time I would like to find out what a pair of pearl pieces can do. Though I think the G.o.ddess might get mad at such a use of the pearl pieces.
Well, because of that I was able to get a travel companion.
The person from just a moment ago, the strong girl with nine tails, Hiragi-chan (Around 200 years old or so). With silver-white hair that complements the highway and nine fluffy tails that are a charming point – though she hasn’t let me touch them since that time.
Unfortunately, due to a misunderstanding she made a contract and became my kindred.
“…I haven’t heard you ask, why I am heading to the Empire.” (Hiragi)
“No, I’ve heard the reason. Taros-san, right? Hehe.” (Shuten)
“I’ve already said that’s not it.” (Hiragi)
“I don’t mean to be indifferent, but it seems like you really don’t want to touch on this subject, so I don’t want it to interfere with our future relationship. It would be an awkward journey you know?” (Shuten)
“I didn’t know you cared to enjoy a journey so much…well, it’s okay. Thank you.” (Hiragi)
“U-i.” (Shuten) (うーい)
Enjoy the journey? Well I guess so.
As we proceed along the silver road, at a certain point monsters no longer come out. In addition to the village getting close, is it because there are fewer trees to hide behind?
As we continue walking the plants around us steadily decrease in height and the view becomes clearer. The sunlight shone brightly on the gra.s.ses and felt nice. It was a great day to walk, as the clouds flowed by peacefully. Occasionally swaying in the breeze, the wind-blown gra.s.s made a rustling sound.
“…I really am enjoying it.” (Hiragi)
“Hm?” (Shuten)
“It’s nothing…it’s already fine. But there is something like a rest stop nearby, would you like to take a break?” (Hiragi)
“Oh, that sounds nice.” (Shuten)
On one side was a small hut, standing alone. There was a bench facing east ward, towards the wind. It was a place similar in appearance to
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a bakery.
How very pleasant.
“You don’t need to feel threatened, as demons are welcome.” (Hiragi)
“How about that, Hiragi-chan?” (Shuten) (それはどうなのさヒイラギちゃん)
“Even demons want to take a day off.” (Hiragi)
“You have become quite casual all of a sudden.” (Shuten)
While exchanging words with each other, we arrived at the resting place.
Since there were no people at the tables, I peeked in where I saw an older lady making something by herself.
“h.e.l.lo. Two demons here.” (Shuten)
“Hey now…it’s rare to see demons in the Empire.” (Cook)
“Ah well, you know. What do you have? Cookies?” (Shuten)
“Well aren’t you sweet? Wait a moment. I will bake something appropriate.” (Cook)
It seems that there is no mistake that this is a pastry bakery.
I sit on the bench and look up at the sky. Blue. Some of it is white. In that way it is the same as Earth. I feel refreshed.
“…Hey Shuten.” (Hiragi)
“Yeah?” (Shuten)
“Do you think vengeance is stupid after all?” (Hiragi)
“So you want to talk about it after all? It’s not something clearly white or black.” (Shuten)
“Just chat with me.” (Hiragi)
“Hm~…it depends on certain things. It can’t be unjustified resentment…I wonder…if I were you would I kill my opponent? If it was due to a flaw, perhaps I would cast it aside.” (Shuten)
“How vague.” (Hiragi)
“It’s a vague issue you’ve given me.” (Shuten)
“That’s true.” (Hiragi)
Looking over with a glance, Hiragi next to me did not have a particularly serious expression. It seems it really was just a chat…what a heavy chatting topic.
I already miss the Mad Wizard Gaius, but he’s broken so it’s too late.
“The sky is so blue.” (Hiragi)
“I cannot grasp what kind of tension is in today’s Hiragi.” (Shuten)
“Speaking strongly, I do not want to think much about tension.” (Hiragi)
“So then, count the number of clouds.” (Shuten)
“Haha, don’t you know Shuten? Since clouds are just a collection of moisture you can’t count them.” (Hiragi)
“Be quiet you.” (Shuten)
“—What did you say?” (Hiragi)
“The fact that I was just able to experience the frustration from the perspective of the marginalized just now is a harvest.” (Shuten) (マジレスされる側の苛立ちを経験できたことだけが今の収穫だわ)
“Huh?” (Hiragi)
…Well. Anyway.
Even with this kind of silly conversation, there are pieces of the conversation that are more fun than usual. Traveling alone was not bad, but it is a different kind of enjoyment that comes from traveling with a second person.
While waiting a while for the baked goods, it was a peaceful calm between us two.
“Oh, how unusual. Are you demons guests?” (Girl)
“What?” (Shuten)
I raised my face.
There was a little girl holding an umbrella. With a wide smile, she would not even be as tall as my chest if I were standing.
With flowers and bell ornaments in her short blonde hair she stood under the big blue sky, wearing a kimono dyed indigo from the top. This kind of contrast between j.a.panese and Western style is the best. But, there is something unusual with her; it’s not like there is anything wrong with her, perhaps the reason I’m sensing this kind of thing is because she is a blonde-haired girl wearing a kimono. It is hard to put it into words, but this legitimate loli feels like she is distorted in some way, as if I’m standing in front of someone hiding a tremendous power.
“…Well?” (Girl)
“Oh, sorry. I am—” (Shuten)
“Yatano-chan! You came!?” (Cook)
“Matilda, since I’m older, ‘chan’ is a little…” (Yatano)
The girl who did not look to be an older age had a troubled smile.
The woman called Matilda was the older woman who made the pastries. She came out of the shop with a tray that smelled delicious.
“Yes, here are your pastries I made for you. From this direction it is Hikamo gra.s.s flavor (ヒカモ草味), sakura (cherry blossom) flavor, and plain, in that order. It is also fine to eat them later.” (Matilda)
“Thank you.” (Shuten)
The woman retreated, saying that she will make something for Yatano-chan too.
…okay. Putting that aside, Yatano. Yatano. I feel like I’ve heard that name somewhere.
“May I sit next to you?” (Yatano)
“Oh, go ahead.” (Shuten)
Closing her umbrella she sat next to me with the posture of a proper lady.
I am happy to be caught between two pretty ladies…but I missed the words of Hiragi from a moment ago. When I glanced next to me, I saw Hiragi staring at Yatano with slightly surprised eyes. When I noticed, Yatano was also gazing over here with her round eyes in a subtle look, her hand hiding her mouth.
“It’s been a long time. Has the seal truly been broken?” (Yatano)
Wait. This girl. What is she saying at such a time.
“…why, you…!” (Hiragi)
Hey, are you acquainted with Hiragi? But you are a little girl.
Yatano dropped her gaze to her feet and then laughed mischievously.
“Oh…this is, it seems it cannot be helped. Sorry.” (Yatano)
“No, uh…eeh…?” (Hiragi)
I do not understand the situation, or the aura around Hiragi. Wait, what reason would make me unable to understand the situation?
“Eh, what? Yatano, and Hiragi who was sealed for 100 years? Are you two acquainted?” (Shuten)
“That’s right.” (Yatano)
“O, oh…I see.” (Shuten)
How shocking. On both sides of me are people who are far older.
Just how old are you?
I guess Yatano-chan is a freak of the Far East, as she is wearing a kimono and hair ornaments with an umbrella after all? Though it may be harsh, I cannot think of this blonde, blue-eyed person as a little girl…oh, she reminds me of a grandma. (金髪碧眼の幼女とは思えない渋さ……ああ、お婆ちゃんだったなそういや)
…Really though, I’m certain I’ve heard something to do with Yatano before. I feel like she absolutely came from Grimoire Lancer, but why can I not remember?
“Even so, you are?” (Yatano)
“Oh sorry, I’m Shuten.” (Shuten)
“Shuten, you are very fashionable.” (Yatano)
“Ah! I guess you could say that! I also think Yatano wearing the kimono and hairstyle with an umbrella is nice!” (Shuten)
“Hehehe, it is my favorite.” (Yatano)
Even though she looks to be around 8 years old, what is with this bewitching smile and laughter? The nape visible behind her head was excellent. I kind of wanted to brush her hair back.
“…hey, hey now. Don’t get too excited. Yatano, what are you trying to do…?” (Matilda)
“That’s a great question.” (Shuten)
“Be silent Shuten. The old lady Matilda from a while ago was a human being, but you do not even have the ability to endure this…even you will be afraid in front of such a monster…” (Hiragi)
“Huh, I seem to be dripping sweat?” (Shuten)
“You didn’t even realize!?” (Hiragi)
“Oh. I’m not going to harm you guys.” (Yatano)
Well anyway, what is it about that unfamiliar atmosphere of Yatano? Instinctually, I think I could not win if I were to get into a battle with her. Well now. I don’t quite understand, but this little Yatano has a tremendous aura…hm? Was this the strange feeling I was wondering about a little while ago? I guess Yatano cleverly hides it otherwise my instinct to run away would take over. Somehow, it’s unnatural.
“Who is Miss Matilda?” (Shuten)
“So Matilda is a Miss and I am a -chan…?” (Yatano)
“As usual you are a man who goofs around…” (Hiragi)
Why do I have to be looked at with such harsh eyes from Hiragi?
Anyway.
“Uh, hey, are you hiding something?” (Shuten)
“Oh you noticed? This grandmother is a little surprised.” (Yatano)
“Stop calling yourself a grandmother. You are a little girl no matter how you look at it.” (Hiragi)
“Ufufu, there’s no way I’ll promise not to say such a thing.” (Yatano)
Like the gesture of keeping a secret, she held her finger to her lips while winking. It’s cute enough, but what is she talking about? I mean it’s cute but not attractive. Really these older people, this feeling of being treated like a child is ridiculous.
“Hiding…?”
“Yatano-chan is hiding her power well, so I am wondering how I would also control the output of my power.” (Shuten)
“Oh, that…can you stop putting –chan on my name? It’s rather offensive, or something…” (Yatano)
“Nah. Somehow, for the moment, only an opponent of Yatano-chan’s level could find such a way of expressing the elements.” (Shuten) (やだ。なんか、今のところヤタノちゃん相手にそういう素の表情させられる手段がこれしか見つからん)
Where are the dangos? No, these are also wonderful.
“Do not underestimate the soul of a businesswoman, oh dango!! Seriously!? This shop has dangos too!?” (Shuten)
“Ho!? Even though you are a demon…you also know the taste of dango!?” (Matilda)
“I’m innocent!? Innocent!?” (Shuten) (くれんの！？ くれんの！？)
“Wait a moment! I’ll make some of those delicious confections!” (Matilda)
“Yay” (Shuten)
“Somehow…it looks like you’re having fun Shuten.” (Hiragi)
“Have you eaten them, Hiragi? Are these dangos any good~?” (Yatano)
“Sorry, something like this is annoying.” (Hiragi) (ごめん、なんかすごいむかつく)
“But why!?” (Shuten)
Haa, with a sigh I s.n.a.t.c.hed up one of the baked pastries. I don’t know why I am shocked, but I feel like I am slowly becoming numb.
“Umm, let’s wait for Matilda…Haa, I guess it’s okay to eat another…” (Hiragi)
Even so, Miss Matilda. No, even if I am stubbornly not running away despite the tremendous feeling, it seems it is surpa.s.sed by her business soul. I thought back on my previous life, and it seems people who can sell things to customers are impressive. How can anyone at a convenience store can do it, but I cannot do it? If even a clerk at a convenience store can deal with this then I can too.
“*sniff*…You guys tease everyone don’t you?” (Yatano)
“…somehow, I’m stuck to this idiot.” (Hiragi)
“Yatano-chan, Yatano, how do you hide that kind of aura?” (Shuten)
“I feel like the personality of Shuten isn’t one to give words of comfort…well, in order to make your aura not look as strong you will need to practice a bit of your control? Try exuding an aura of intimidation, or try to cut the signal so it doesn’t stand out (威嚇の為に気迫を出してみたり、誰にもバレないように気配を絶ってみたり). Practice is important.” (Yatano)
“Ho ho. Is it a kind of sensing thing?” (Shuten)
Hmm! It is!
“…Did it disappear?” (Shuten)
“Not at all.” (Yatano)
“Don’t say such an annoying thing with a full smile.” (Shuten)
I tried to put out my aura, but to my disappointment it was useless. The smile of Yatano-chan who seems to be enjoying herself is annoying.
“Oh, Miss Matilda is also here!”
“Ah, that’s why I’m –chan.’” (Yatano) (あ、あのだから何でわたしはちゃん付けで)
While shaking my head from the psychological damage, I licked my lips as I eyed the delicious skewered dango she brought.
“If you think that it will revive, that is okay.” (Yatano
“Oh, kay…” (Shuten)
“That’s not what she meant…I’ve had enough…Oh, Ms Matilda, thank you for the dango…oh it’s delicious.” (Hiragi)
“Ooooooi!! It was supposed to be received by me!! I was supposed to get it!!” (Shuten)
“Ahaha, it is because the nine-tails received it so naturally so I gave it to her. Sorry.” (Matilda)
My Dangooooooo!!
Why is your chewing and chewing so happy Hiragi!
Even though there were dangos after such a long time…after so long there were sweet dangos…Ah, but you were sealed for a hundred years? Speaking of which, hold on…?
“Is Shuten seriously depressed?” (Hiragi)
“Yes.” (Shuten)
“Oh my.” (Yatano)
Shut up.
The resentment from food is scary. Surely they realize it…Looking over, there was only one skewer of dangos remaining among us. Even though there were three, two of them had been eaten.
“My bad. I didn’t think you would be so bent out of shape.” (Hiragi)
“I don’t care anymore, no matter what you say.” (Shuten)
“Eh, didn’t you say you would give it up!? Here, eat it!” (Hiragi)
“Sincerity is insufficient. Look here and apologize.” (Shuten)
“You are such a pain in the neck!” (Hiragi)
Why have you turned away and covered you red cheeks with your tails?
Geez.
In front of me Hiragi squatted down and began to scribble something while crouching.
“What is it?” (なんだよ)
“Ah?”
“Oh my, you two are on good terms.” (Yatano)
“It’s not good! Where are you looking to think that!?” (Hiragi)
“Being rejected to that point usually hurts, though it will probably not be a romantic relationship anyway.” (Yatano)
I stand up in front of them while holding the skewered dango.
It seems that Yatano is strangely infuriating, but maybe not. It’s not like I have even had my first kiss yet.
“By the way, what have the two of you come to the Empire for?”(Yatano)
“Hmm? Oh we are looking for something.” (Shuten)
“Well aren’t you an odd demon, just be careful…and what are you planning to do with Hiragi?” (Yatano)
“I am…I see. It’s fine since I have no malice towards the Empire. Don’t worry.” (Shuten)
“…Alright. Let’s believe it for now.”(Yatano)
“Okay?”
“Yeah, I personally believe it is not because of my own selfishness.” (Yatano)
Yatano-chan smiled widely.
I had completely forgotten, but how did they know each other? That must be the reason why Hiragi concealed that she was about to go to the Empire.
“…Thank you.”
“I will accept it.” (受け取っておきます)
To Hiragi who seems likely to do something terrifying, Yatsano’s smile was undisturbed.
“Ah, then we’ll go after finishing the dangos.” (あ、うまうまだなやっぱ団子は)
“Haha, thank you Oni-oniisan.” (Yatano)
“I want to come back sometime. I will use this road on my return.” (Shuten)
“That is why it is worthwhile to welcome customers warmly!” (Matilda)
Looking at Matilda who laughs happily, I am also enjoying myself. It’s nice to be in a warm shop. I feel almost human. Oddly this is a j.a.panese-decorated shop. Well, Grimoire Lancer is made by a j.a.panese game company…was this world made first, or the game?
It is too real and I do not know which one is which.
“Well, shall we go now?”
“There is a town called the village of Rene ahead. You are strong demons, but before anything you should spend a night at the abandoned village of Rene.” (Yatano)
“Thanks a lot Yatano.” (Hiragi)
“Thank you again for your patronage, come again!” (Matilda)
The money was obtained while hunting monsters from Habuil tower. It was good as common currency.
“Let’s head out Hiragi.” (Shuten)
“Oh, yes.” (Hiragi)
The goal is to visit Rene’s village…or rather the abandoned village of Rene. We can continue heading through the Empire again after staying the night.
“See you!” (Shuten)
“Yeah, see you…Next time we meet, can you please abandon using chan as an honorific?” (Yatano)
“Hahahaha” (Shuten)
“Please give me a reply!” (Yatano)
*Grr* Yatano inflated her cheeks while Ms Matilda standing next to her waved as we walked away. Strangely, Hiragi somehow had a dark expression on her face that left me curious.