Chapter 77: New Traveling Companions
“As I’ve already said before, the only people in this room are you and me. There’s no way for other people to overhear us. Therefore, you’re free to tell me.” (Liliyn)
“You’ve taken some pretty meticulous preparations, huh?” (Hiiro)
The whole purpose of beckoning Hiiro into her room was for this. Primarily because she was so interested in him. Specifically, she was interested in the rare magic known as [Word Magic].
“First off, seeing that you can read that book, are you really not a Hero?” (Liliyn)
“Aah, I’m not a hero” (Hiiro)
“……let me rephrase that, do you know what a Hero is?” (Liliyn)
As she threw a curveball of a question at Hiiro, he wondered as to why she had such a profound interest in them.
“Can I ask you something first?” (Hiiro)
“Nh? What?” (Liliyn)
“Why are you so interested in Heroes?” (Hiiro)
“Fu~n, a person summoned from another world is much more interesting compared to those living in a boring society.” (Liliyn)
“…Boring? A war almost started a little while ago, you know?” (Hiiro)
The threat of an outbreak of war was still present.
“I’m not interested in war. The history of humanity is the history of war. I’ve lived for a very long time. Do you really think I’ve maintained no contact with war?” (Liliyn)
a.n.a.lyzing what she just said, Hiiro could a.s.sume that she had lived for such a long period of time that she has probably lived through and witnessed numerous wars. There was also a chance that she had partic.i.p.ated in them as well. Hiiro presumed that this was most likely the reason why war did not appeal to her.
(Well, if she were one of those war-hungry people then it would be a pain.) (Hiiro)
Hiiro was relieved that the girl before him held no interest in it. If she was, he might have gotten caught up in the war.
“You say you’re not a Hero, but you aren’t a resident of Edea, right?” (Liliyn)
“…Haah, it doesn’t seem to be any harm in telling you…but make sure not to tell anyone else, okay?” (Hiiro)
Hiiro wanted to confirm this for the second time.
“You know, I’ve already said it several times before. Do I look like a person who would foolishly spread information?” (Liliyn)
Hiiro stared at her for a bit. She made a displeased expression with her mouth and eyebrows. Looking at such a face, his expectations dropped. He felt like he was talking to a child.
It was true that she had the same preferences as him. As long as her curiosity was satiated, she was satisfied. In addition, she did not seem like someone who would recklessly share what she knew.
Concerning the risks, Hiiro could feel that if he answered her barrage of questions, his secrets would not spread to the rest world. She, like Hiiro, was also a user of Unique Magic. It was probable that she would be considerably capable of sympathizing with him. Although overly optimistic, Hiiro felt that after advancing this far, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to just tell her everything.
“I understand. However, I will only tell you once.” (Hiiro)
“What? Why?” (LIliyn)
“If you don’t like it, I’ll talk more after I confirm that this is real.” (Hiiro)
Hiiro showed her the permit to the [Fortuna Grand Library] as he said so.
“Really! Do you think what I gave you is fake?” (Liliyn)
“No, I’m not sure. I don’t know what the real thing looks like. I don’t want to be a fish lured in by fake bait.” (Hiiro)
Right after he said it, he took out from his pocket a golden petal; a golden petal that he picked up on his way into the room. When Liliyn saw it, her eyes opened wide.
“I’ve had enough of it…of your deceit.” (Hiiro) (TL: Help) (E: こりごり means ‘I’ve had enough of it.’ )
She gritted her teeth and scowled at the smirking Hiiro. Her expression changed to a grin soon after.
“Kukuku, you’re an interesting brat. I’ll tell you what, I’ll pretend that I didn’t hear anything.” (Liliyn)
“Hm? Are you okay with that?” (Hiiro)
Hiiro scowled involuntarily at the surprising response.
“Yes, it would much more interesting to observe and find out everything about you.” (Liliyn)
“…isn’t that bad character?” (Hiiro)
“Kukuku, what’re you talking about? Did you think I was a good person?” (Liliyn)
“I couldn’t care less whether you’re a good person or a bad one.” (Hiiro)
“Kuhaha, well said. You are becoming more and more interesting. Alright then. Let’s declare it here.” (Liliyn)
“………?” (Hiiro)
Liliyn intently pointed her finger at Hiiro. (TL: Not sure) (E: Me neither.)
“I’ll definitely make you mine. Just you wait.” (Liliyn)
She said with an insatiable curiosity, her pupil’s s.h.i.+ning like a child who had just found a new toy. Seeing such an expression, Hiiro made the blunder of finding it interesting as well.
Hiiro smiled and replied.
“If you think you can, then prove it to me.” (Hiiro)
He stated it as if a game was about start. He began to feel a sense of comfort. It was different than the comfort he felt with Arnold and Muir. In all honesty, Hiiro needed to be alert when interacting with Liliyn, yet, he involuntarily found it interesting.
(Also, if I acquaint myself with someone like her, she could become a source of strength or power in the future.)
Although it was the same during his interactions with Raras.h.i.+k, as he was mostly dancing around atop of Liliyn’s palm, Hiiro’s anxiety couldn’t help but gather. As she was a strong individual that he couldn’t afford to lower his guard around, Hiiro was betting on using her as a source of growth for him to get even stronger.
“Well then, I’ll return this to you” (Hiiro)
Hiiro tossed the permit back at Liiliyn who caught it expertly as he proceeded to leave the room.
Liliyn took the permit and played with it for a bit before smiling. Following this, she returned the permit to its original location. However, something strange occurred as she did so.
Earlier, when Hiiro had looked at the permit, it was clear that the permit had the highest clearance level, the “Bas.e.m.e.nt 5” gold mark printed on it. However, the permit for some reasoned, returned to a silver color.
She looked at the petals that Hiiro had dropped on the ground as she exhaled.
(Kukuku, it going to get busy now) (Liliyn)
A pair of crimson red eyes glowed suspiciously in the dim room.
The day after she talked with Hiiro, she gathered everyone in the room first thing in the morning as she made her declaration.
“Lets go on a journey” (Liliyn)
Hiiro was unsurprised with the announcement since he expected it after last night. However, the same could not be said for the other two. Silva stared at them with a stunned expression as Shamoe cried out.
“Fu~e~e~e~e~e?” (Shamoe)
She was completed startled.
“What are you so surprised about?” (Liliyn)
“I-I-I-I’m very surprised. W-W-why are we suddenly going on a journey?” (Shamoe)
It was a natural question for Shamoe. But Liliyn had a neutral expression as she moved her mouth.
“Un, the reason is, I’ll be joining that person on his journey.” (Liliyn)
“H-Hiiro-sama’s….” (Shamoe)
“Un!” (Liliyn)
Suddenly Silva opened his eyes wide and-
“Mumumu!” (Silva)
-bellowed thus.
“Master, there is no way! You already have me, yet, you have fallen for Hiiro-sama? P-please say it is not so! If you are ever lonely, you will always have a man with an overflowingly pa.s.sionate soul and throbbing heart to embrace you.” (Silva) (TL: i wonder if there is a better to say this) (E: Meh. It works.)
“As if-!” (Liliyn)
“Bu-gyo-wa?” (Silva)
Irritated by Silva’s complete misunderstanding, she dropped kicked him on the head, making him crumple onto the ground.
“S-Silva-sama” (Shamoe)
Shamoe grew fl.u.s.tered as she tried to deal with the current spectacle. LIliyn folded her arms, exhaling as she spoke.
“Listen up, I made a deal with that person. The contents of that deal, however, are a secret.” (Liliyn)
The contents weren’t that important, however, she was told not to talk about it so she planned on doing just that.
“Because of the deal, I have no choice but to follow that person to his destination.”
“W-where is that place” (Shamoe)
Shamoe asked anxiously.
“Demon Continent, Xaos.” (Liliyn)
Upon hearing that name, Silva stood up vigorously as he looked at Liliyn with glistening eyes.
“N-no, you mustn’t go there!” (Silva)
“W-what is it all of a sudden?” (Liliyn)
Liliyn was also caught by surprise when the invincible butler suddenly resurrected.
“Don’t go. Don’t go. Please don’t go! Please don’t go to that place…[Xaos]” (Silva)
The other three looked at the heated old man.
“That place is a city! You are aware, yes? It is a place with lots of people! In such a place, what do you think would happen to a lazy, sheltered, cute and beautiful princess?” (Silva)
Although there seemed to be some hidden intention there, they all remained silent for the time being and listened.
“If you were to wander into such a big place, there is a chance that you would get lost. Using that opportunity, a low life would approach you and then take you to some isolated ally and…and bufufofo!” (Silva)
To everyone’s surprise, a red substance began to flow out of Silva’s nose for some reason.
“Ku..no…nofofo…this isn’t good.” (Silva)
“What isn’t good is this pervert!” (Liliyn)
“A-cho-bu-rin!?” (Silva)
The answer was quite clear. It would be better to leave this perverted old man behind.
With a wonderful uppercut by Liliyn, the perverted old man’s head buried itself into the ceiling.
(This place is definitely chaos) (Hiiro)
The butler in particular……
(There was no way someone who’s at Level 148 would be taken out so easily by a guy.) (Hiiro)
She would definitely turn the tables on that person.
Liliyn dusted off her hands (Pan-Pan) and continued.
“The Red rain has weakened. It is likely that it will cease tonight. We should be able to depart so make your preparations. Also, that person (Silva) is abnormal. Shamoe, please crush his bones and grind it into bird feed.” (Liliyn)
“Eh, Ah, Yes! … Ah, no, I mean…” (Shamoe)
The maid was unsure as to what she should do. The butler had his head buried in the ceiling. The little girl who only moved straight towards her goals.
(Going on a journey with these people……it’s depressing.)
When he went to Liliyn’s room, no matter whether the permit was real or fake, this would still be the result. Even if it was fake, he would have to no choice but to take the permit to the [Demon Continent, Xaos] to complete the deal.
Also, even if it was real, he would not be able to use the permit without her presence. He could do something with [Word Magic], like copy the permit. However, it would be suspicious for a normal person to have such a permit in the first place.
He could disguise himself as Liliyn and use the permit. However, if the permit was fake, he wouldn’t be able to do anything. He thought of lots of other things on his mind, but he would only use force if all else failed.
As she was so interested in him, Hiiro determined that she could either restrain him or accompany him on his journey. The possibility of either was quite high. Hiiro had made preparations as he heard Silva say that Liliyn excelled in brute force. (TL: Heelllp!) (E: Something like this?)
From the deal last night, he understood why she wanted to go on a journey with him. Also, if she went with him, it was clear that the other two would follow as well. That was because, for some reason, both Shamoe and Silva relied on her.
Three more people would become troublesome. Hiiro liked journeying alone. However, since coming to this world, he thought that travelling with others were not bad at all.
Arnold, Muir, and now Mikazuki. Although it was certainly good to travel alone, it was definitely more interesting to travel with another person.
There are a lot of things that Hiiro didn’t know about the Demon continent. Liliyn and the other two would probably know a lot about the continent. Learning about them during the journey would become major a.s.set later on.
(If something happens, I can always use the word [Transfer] to escape right away.) (Hiiro)
[Word Magic] had a wide range of applications.