Two days passed in the blink of an eye.
There didn't seem to be any aftereffects from the lightning strike.
Good. If he'd remained unconscious in critical condition, I wouldn't have known what to say to Ginger.
Right after that whole ordeal, he'd been talking with Kishirika about something.
I'd been wondering what they were discussing, but apparently she'd bestowed a reward upon him.
A reward from Kishirika.
Namely, a demon eye.
The demon eye Cliff received was the "Identification Eye." As long as it drew from Kishirika's knowledge, it could identify any object he looked at.
He'd apparently chosen it himself, wanting to be prepared in case something similar happened again.
Cliff-senpai is always so manly.
That manly facade was currently struggling, though, since he couldn't control his demon eye.
Names and description text seemed to float above everything in the world.
A world overrun with text.
For now, he couldn't even walk without Elinariette guiding him by the hand.
But someday he'd master it and earn the nickname "Know-It-All Cliff."
Until then, an eyepatch would have to do.
--- Now then, regarding
The tea leaves we'd brought.
After brewing them and having her drink for a while, Nanahoshi reported needing the restroom.
After that, she was escorted to the infirmary by Yuruzu — well, for her dignity's sake I'll spare the details, but apparently it was a great relief overall.
"How are you feeling?"
Nanahoshi was still in bed.
Her complexion had improved considerably, but she still looked thoroughly exhausted, and she was visibly thin.
Apparently, she'd need another month of rest.
"I'm feeling much better."
Her mood, at least, seemed good.
That usual tense edge was gone, replaced by a drowsy, just-woke-up expression.
On top of that, her hair was a mess of bedhead.
I'd always assumed she lived an unhealthy lifestyle, but apparently she'd been combing it every day.
"Thank you so much for everything this time."
She held her cup of Sawkas tea to warm her hands and bowed her head to me.
It was rare — she was speaking politely.
"You went out of your way to go get medicine in a dangerous place. So... thank you."
It was kind of unsettling hearing this guy use formal speech.
No, she was probably just feeling weak in body and therefore weak in spirit.
"Don't worry about it."
"You helped me last time too, and... I said some really terrible things to you back then... yet you came to my aid without a hint of resentment, and I don't know how to thank you..."
Nanahoshi looked truly apologetic.
This was the most humble I'd ever seen her.
When Yuruzu used Atonement, did she transfer not just physical stamina but personality traits too?
"Come to think of it, even though you're older than me,
"That's fine. I'm still only eighteen in this world."
"How old were you originally?"
"Thirty — no, let's not go there. Let's drop the age talk. And while we're at it, drop the polite speech too. Let's go back to how we were before."
"Okay."
Nanahoshi sipped her Sawkas tea slowly, one sip at a time.
The way she drank, you'd think she was trying to prove it cured diseases.
"I'm sure you've heard, but your illness..."
"It can't be cured, apparently."
Nanahoshi's mana deprivation disease couldn't be fully treated.
Sawkas grass could temporarily flush mana from her body, but if left alone, mana would eventually build up again.
Maybe it was because she wasn't originally from this world, and her body couldn't develop an immunity.
As long as she drank Sawkas tea regularly, she wouldn't develop the disease.
But even small amounts of mana could have adverse effects on her body.
There was no telling when or what strange illness might strike her next.
And there was always the possibility that the illness could be something ancient — something even Kishirika didn't know about.
Living in this world meant there was no avoiding contact with mana.
It permeated the air, the food — everything.
"Nanahoshi. You have to go back. You cannot die in a world like this."
"...Yes."
"I'll help in whatever way I can. Until we find a proper solution."
"But I..."
"You don't need to thank me or anything. But if I run into trouble along the way, you can return the favor by helping me out then."
"..."
When I said that, Nanahoshi's nose crinkled and she started crying.
Through her stifled sobs, I could hear her say "thank you."
I waited quietly until she finished.
After crying for a while, her eyes were red and swollen, and she spoke in a nasally voice.
"But I am going back."
"Yeah, you must want to go home soon..."
"No, that's not what I meant. I mean... I won't be able to repay you fully before I leave."
Oh, she was planning to repay me before she left.
Surprisingly conscientious.
"Don't overthink it. It's not like I haven't received anything from you."
"What I gave you was just thanks for helping with my research."
"Then I'll consult you about small things."
"Small things? Like what?"
"Like what girls my age want, for instance.
My married life with
We're married and she's given me children, but honestly, I don't really understand what girls that age are thinking.
You're close to her age, so maybe you'd know?"
"...Sylphie's thoughts?"
Nanahoshi propped her chin on her hand and stared intently at a spot on the blanket.
She was taking it seriously.
How conscientious.
"Not right now. Just, if we ever have an argument or something, maybe you could help smooth things over."
"...Understood."
Nanahoshi nodded earnestly.
Even if their ages were close, she was still from another world. How could she understand the feelings of a married man?
I didn't understand what people my age were thinking either.
"All right, then. You're still weak, so take care of yourself."
"Thank you. I really appreciate everything."
I left the room.
If we spent too long alone together, Sylphie would get jealous again.
A jealous Sylphie was cute.
But I had no interest in making my wife anxious for fun.
I wanted Sylphie to feel loved by me without any worries at all.
That it had become only a feeling — that was my shortcoming.
--- Walking down the corridor, I caught sight of a beautiful sunset through the window.
And beyond it, the vast gardens bathed in its glow.
Sunsets were beautiful in every world.
I wasn't particularly fond of heights.
But I wanted to see the sight of a sunset above the sea of clouds from these beautiful gardens.
Every so often, I wanted to indulge in a bit of romantic sentiment.
Thinking that, I stepped outside the castle.
Meticulously trimmed hedges and flowers I'd never seen before.
All of them bathed in the light of a sunset sinking into the clouds, creating a fantastical scene.
What if I whispered words of love to Sylphie in a place like this?
Knowing her, she'd flush crimson, look down, and squeeze my hand tight.
She'd definitely be adorable.
Right. Once Sylphie recovered, I'd try it.
I'd like to try it with
Knowing her, she'd probably keep a completely calm expression and say something like, "You don't need to say such cheesy things, you know?"
What she really meant, of course, was whether tonight's bedtime plans were still on the table. She could be surprisingly blunt about such things.
But that wasn't it. I didn't just want lewd things — I wanted normal, playful flirting too.
I wanted to see Roxy blush when I said "The sunset is beautiful" and followed it up with "But you're even more beautiful."
Well, she wasn't here, so that wasn't possible.
"Hm?"
Lost in those thoughts as I walked, my eye caught the far edge of the garden.
There, a white table had been set up, and three people were seated around it, engaged in conversation.
"That was Master's magic. The purple mana released from Master's right hand scorched Atrophe's body and sealed her movements."
"Oh? So it was his magic that weakened Atrophe that much?"
"Rudeus-sama's magic truly knows no bottom."
The three talking around the table were Zanoba, Ariel, and Pergius.
They seemed to be enjoying their conversation in the glow of the sunset.
Though not participating in the conversation, two more figures were visible.
Luke standing behind Ariel, and Silvarill standing behind Pergius.
The two were standing, making it a total of five people listening to Zanoba's account.
"I and Lady Elinariette were caught in it as well, but that magic is something that, in all the vastness of this world, probably only my Master could cast."
"It sounded quite similar to Raito... but to immobilize Atrophe, it would require that level of power."
"And then, what happened afterward? The outcome of the battle?"
"Well, that's the thing — I lost consciousness right there... Ah, speak of the devil."
Zanoba's gaze turned toward me.
No use pretending I hadn't been spotted.
I gave a small bow and approached the group.
"You've all been working hard. Having a tea party out here?"
"That's right, Master! Lord Pergius expressed a keen desire to hear about the battle with Atrophe, so I was explaining it all in detail."
"I see."
I looked at Pergius.
He seemed even more cheerful than when we'd met in the audience chamber.
"I heard, Rudeus. The reason Atrophe was so weakened was apparently thanks to your magic."
"No, it was only possible because Zanoba held her in place. If I'd just cast it outright, she might have deflected it."
"I see, I see... Heh heh. Even now, the memory of her state brings a smile to my face."
Pergius's mouth twisted into an unpleasant grin.
He must really have hated Atrophe that much.
In any case, he was in high spirits.
"You seem to be in a good mood."
"Indeed I am. To think I'd get a chance for revenge against that man who made me swallow my pride time and again — I never expected such a thing here."
"Revenge?"
"That's right. A grudge spanning many years."
What followed was the story of the war four hundred years ago.
During the war four centuries ago, a still-young Pergius had fought on the human side as one of many adventurers.
On the front lines.
Commanding the demon forces at the forefront was Atrophe.
Pergius had clashed with Atrophe on the battlefield multiple times.
But back then, with his combat ability still lacking, he could never defeat her and was nearly killed time and again.
Each time, he'd been saved by elder-brother figures like the Dragon God Urpen or the North God Karlmann, forced to gnash his teeth in frustration.
After that, Pergius had intended to get his revenge someday, but the North God Karlmann and the Deathless Demon King Atrophe had become a pair, and when Karlmann died, he'd forbidden Pergius and Atrophe from killing each other, so Pergius never went to the Demon Continent, and the opportunity never came.
He'd been on the verge of giving up when, at an unexpected moment, he'd gotten the chance to beat someone senseless one-sidedly.
That had apparently made him extremely happy.
"I owe you my thanks. Well done."
"Weren't you bound by a promise with the North God Karlmann?"
"What Karlmann forbade was 'killing each other.' Beating someone who can't fight back? I'm sure he wouldn't object."
Beating a defenseless opponent by twisting logic into knots was barbaric.
But the grudge must have run that deep.
"I seem to have been somewhat mistaken about you. This calls for a reward of some kind."
"A reward is... not necessary."
I didn't need rewards right now.
That sort of thing was fine.
I wasn't seeking power.
"All right. Once Nanahoshi recovers, I shall personally teach you summoning magic."
"...This won't involve being unable to go home for ten years or anything, will it?"
"Do not compare me to Atrophe."
If I could still go home, there was no reason to refuse.
Especially since I wanted to learn summoning magic and teleportation magic well.
There was no guarantee something like this wouldn't happen again.
Maybe I should learn combat magic too.
I was no good at fighting, but living in this world, it was better to have enough power to get through a crisis.
I'd thought I had enough strength to protect my family, but against things like the Hydra or this latest situation, I always came up short.
I didn't expect to fight at that level again... but if something happened, it'd be too late.
"Oh, Lord Pergius. After the summoning magic lessons are done, would it be possible for you to also teach me some form of combat training? Sparring, or something similar?"
"Hmph. Were you inspired by Atrophe? Or did getting a decent fight against her make you hungry for more?"
Ah, he'd gotten a little sulky.
Not good, not good.
"No, I just thought that if I ever ended up in a similar situation again, I'd like to handle it more gracefully."
"...In that case, I'll give you a tool for contacting me. Silvarill."
So saying, Pergius gave Silvarill a nod.
Silvarill produced a flute wrapped in the shape of a coiled dragon from within her robe.
"If you use that somewhere connected to me, the Thunderclap Clarion Knight will hear it, and Almannfi will come to retrieve you."
I accepted the flute and tucked it into my robe.
The way the conversation had flowed, he'd given me the flute so that he could help if I ever ran into trouble.
Result: a complete win.
"The sun has set?"
Glancing up, the sunset had fully faded, and the night sky was visible.
Yet the surroundings weren't dark.
The table and the flowers around it were giving off a pale blue glow.
"This table is made of mana-illuminated stone. Take a seat — let's talk a bit longer."
At his invitation, I sat down as well.
--- "As I suspected, the crafts of the Coal-Mining Tribe are finest from the period just before the Second Human-Demon War."
"Indeed. If only that war hadn't destroyed the Coal-Mining Tribe's homeland, they'd be producing even more magnificent works by now."
Pergius turned out to be a surprisingly interesting person to talk with.
His knowledge ran deep, and he loved art.
He was also a man of culture, with a solid understanding of creative pursuits.
"But the Coal-Mining Tribe isn't extinct. They're a dexterous people, and eventually skilled artisans will emerge once more."
"Come to think of it, you've been raising an artisan of your own, haven't you?"
"Yes. My Master, despite appearances, has deep knowledge of dollcraft. If I can drill that into him, perhaps new horizons will open up."
"I've seen the dolls Rudeus made — quite fascinating. Abstracting a person's features into something clear and recognizable. Truly impressive."
The two were enjoying their conversation.
I was somewhat lacking in knowledge and couldn't quite keep up.
But even just listening, it was an intriguing exchange.
"It's really not that impressive."
"Don't be modest."
"Indeed, Rudeus-sama's skill is well known to me through Sylphie."
This tea party.
There was actually one more participant.
For a while now, she'd been trying to jump into the cheerful conversation with things like "Oh, that reminds me" and "Speaking of dwarves," but to no avail.
She was like a girl left out of the group.
Like me, the subject matter was too deep and niche to follow.
"Rudeus-sama, who has such deep expertise not only in magic but in the arts, is truly a remarkable person."
"Thank you, Lady Ariel."
Ariel Anemoi
Listening to her sugary words, I couldn't help but smile wryly.
She'd been reduced to nothing more than a nodding puppet for the past while, offering agreement and encouragement.
She wanted to earn Pergius's cooperation, but she had no idea how to get on his good side.
Even sitting together like this, she didn't seem to be part of any meaningful conversation.
Well, she had a long road ahead.
"Oh, that reminds me — Lord Pergius, I'm planning to bring a certain doll to market soon. Would you be willing to give me your candid opinion?"
Zanoba suddenly spoke up.
And from beside his feet, he produced a box.
I recognized that box.
"Oh..."
Pergius looked at it with interest.
But when Zanoba opened the box, his expression sourd visibly.
"A doll of the Spell Tribe."
"As expected of Lord Pergius — identifying this doll at a single glance."
"..."
What emerged from the box was a Luijeld doll made by
A dynamic, beautifully designed piece.
But Pergius was clearly not pleased.
"You do realize I despise demons, yes?"
"Y-Yes, of course, but that's..."
Pergius glared at the Luijeld doll as though it were something to spit on, and said dismissively: "Selling something like this... don't."
So it was no good after all.
Pergius harbored a hatred for demons.
He was tolerant to a degree, but of everyone I'd met, he was the most prejudiced.
Showing a Spell Tribe doll to someone like that would only leave a bad taste.
Zanoba should have understood that much.
What was he thinking?
"No, no, Lord Pergius. You yourself owe a debt to the person who was the model for this doll."
"A debt?"
Pergius furrowed his brow, then his eyes suddenly went wide.
"Could it be — this doll is Luijeld Spelladia?"
"Exactly so. The very Luijeld who, as you once told us, fought alongside you during the final battle against Laplace."
Zanoba rattled off this explanation smoothly.
Without my realizing it, Zanoba had been having these tea parties with Pergius regularly.
And he'd apparently seen his opening.
This could work.
"I am fully aware of your hatred for demons, Lord Pergius. But if my Master's technique were to reach the world, it would set off a whirlwind of new art. Wouldn't you like to see it? A world overflowing with dolls, brimming with artistic creation."
"Mmm..."
Pergius looked conflicted.
Was it almost there? Should I chime in?
"I despise the Spell Tribe, but without Luijeld's aid, I would not be alive."
"Lord Pergius. Luijeld regrets what he did."
"Regrets?"
At the sudden words, Pergius tilted his head.
How should I explain it?
"Yes. He was deceived by Laplace."
"Laplace, you say..."
Pergius's expression twisted.
So that was the right direction.
"Yes. He was given a berserker spear, manipulated, and dishonored his own clan — worse still, he killed members of his own family... He is ashamed of what he did and despises Laplace."
"..."
"He's been traveling the world trying to restore his clan's honor. This project is meant to help with that. I owe Luijeld a debt as well, but if you too feel grateful toward him, wouldn't granting permission be a way of repaying that debt?"
Hearing that, Pergius crossed his arms, closed his eyes, and knit his brow.
After a moment, he murmured: "I couldn't care less about the Spell Tribe's honor... but debts must be repaid."
"Oh, so...?"
"...Do as you like."
Pergius didn't look particularly happy about it, but he'd said it.
This meant we could sell the Luijeld dolls without Almannfi showing up to demolish the shop.
In fact, if anyone else objected, we could say we had Pergius's permission.
I wasn't sure how far Pergius's name carried, but the influence of a famous person should be considerable.
Still, Zanoba was really something.
He must have read the winning odds from the conversation.
Zanoba had been truly shining lately.
I needed to learn from him.
"Your consideration is much appreciated."
I bowed my head alongside Zanoba.
The sales plan had taken one more step forward.
Wait for me, Luijeld. I have no idea where you are, though.
"Oh, Master. Why don't you demonstrate that technique for Lord Pergius?"
Zanoba clapped his hands together.
"That technique?"
"You know — creating a doll from nothing, your specialty."
I looked at Pergius, who slowly nodded.
"I'd like to see it. I'm interested in your magic."
And so, I set about demonstrating doll-making.
The process was the same as always.
I used earth magic to shape the clay, then carved and refined each part individually.
This time, I'd make something about the size of a Needloid.
At this size, it was easy for me and quick to produce.
The quality wasn't the highest, but the parts were simple.
This time, I made the face into a bird mask.
A Silvarill doll.
"...This is Silvarill? Quite skilled."
Pergius watched the process intently.
With keen interest, he carefully observed my hands.
Could he see the mana?
Even if not, he probably understood what I was doing.
After all, he was a legendary figure.
"To think someone would use earth magic for this. Remarkable."
"If you'd like to place an order, I can make anything."
"Very well. If you create something fine, bring it to me. I'll buy it."
I'd gained a loyal customer.
Since I didn't know where Bardiguard was, it was important to secure routes like this.
"If that's the case—"
At that point, Ariel tried to join the conversation.
"Our Kingdom of Asura also has exceptional stonemasons."
She extolled the virtues of Asura's stone artisans.
She even went so far as to declare that when she became queen, she would commission a statue of Pergius himself.
Pergius listened to all of it with an expression of annoyance, and finally said dismissively: "Asura's stonemasons — isn't that craft made solely for the vanity of nobles? There's nothing interesting about it whatsoever."
"...Wh-What?"
As Ariel stood speechless, Pergius pressed on.
"If you've become queen, shouldn't you have more pressing matters than making a statue of me?"
"That... well..."
Pergius drove the point home.
"Or perhaps, in your mind, a king is someone who uses the people's taxes to indulge in luxury?"
"...N-No. I... I'm terribly sorry. It was an overreach. Please forget I said anything."
Ariel lowered her gaze and attempted to withdraw.
She stood from her chair and gave a small bow.
From her posture, you'd never imagine the usual charismatic Ariel.
This was too much — wasn't Pergius being excessively harsh?
Did he dislike Ariel that much? Had she said something that grating?
"Wait, Ariel Anemoi Asura."
Pergius stopped Ariel as she turned to leave.
He looked down at her imperiously.
"What does it mean to you, to be a king?
What do you think a true king represents?"
"That would be... someone with knowledge, who listens to the counsel of ministers, and carries the self-awareness of a ruler..."
"Wrong."
Pergius cut her off and shook his head.
"The Asura King I knew was a true king, but he was nothing like that."
"The Asura King that Lord Pergius knew?"
"That's right. Gaunis Frian Asura — the friend who became king after the Laplace campaign."
I'd heard a little about King Gaunis.
The last surviving member of the Asura royal family from the Laplace campaign.
A great king who had held together the Kingdom of Asura, battered and broken by war.
Asura was the sole kingdom that had ruled the western lands for four hundred years.
That no civil war erupted after the conflict was largely thanks to his leadership.
"I've heard that King Gaunis was a great ruler. Hardly something I could hope to emulate."
Pergius shook his head once more.
"He wasn't great.
He was a coward. He disliked fighting. Always running away.
He couldn't study, had no talent for martial arts, and would sneak out of the palace to drink at taverns, making eyes at the barmaids.
Of course, he never harbored any ambition to become king.
But he possessed the most essential quality a king could have.
That is why I consider him a true king."
"The most essential quality..."
"If you can say it from your own mouth, I'll lend you my aid."
Ah. I see.
This was a trial.
Ariel was being tested.
Whether she was worthy of receiving Pergius's support.
"The most essential quality of a king..."
Ariel rested her chin on her hand and stared intently at a point on the table.
She was probably recalling anecdotes about King Gaunis that she knew.
Still, King Gaunis sounded like a total buffoon.
Or maybe... Oda Nobunaga?
"Rudeus. Do you have any thoughts?"
While I was mulling this over, Pergius directed the question to me.
"Well, I'm not royalty, so I'm not sure I can answer."
"How boring. Just say whatever comes to mind."
That was easier said than done.
A king... what even was a king?
In fantasy stories from my previous world, what did kings actually do?
An important person. The head of the country.
Basically a prime minister, right?
In my previous life, I'd had almost no interest in politics.
I'd only ever looked at online reactions about politicians and made snide comments.
So I was drawing a blank.
"...Maybe someone who thinks not from their own ability but from the perspective of the country and its people? I'd be happier if someone like that became king."
"Oh?"
At my safe, diplomatic answer, Pergius let out a sigh of admiration.
"Ariel. This man gave a better answer than you."
"...But one cannot rule a king considering only the people."
"Indeed. Gaunis didn't only think of the people either. But those around him lent him their strength, and Asura was unified."
"Then is it ability? Is it that a king doesn't need ability?"
"Do you think not? Would a kingdom headed by an incompetent king truly be a good kingdom?"
"..."
Ariel's expression was a mixture of sorrow and frustration.
I couldn't quite tell what Pergius was trying to get Ariel to say.
Well, maybe it was fine if I didn't understand. I had no intention of becoming a king anyway.
Perhaps Pergius simply wanted to know Ariel's resolve and character, and there was no right answer to the question.
Still, a king.
Was that really something worth striving for so hard?
"Think on it, Ariel Anemoi Asura... Well, it's gotten dark. Time to head back."
With Pergius's words, the day's tea party came to an end.
Ariel, shoulders slumped, and Luke trailing behind her with heavy steps — the sight was surprisingly striking.