CH 368

“Yotto …… It’s still quiet.”

“They’ll be working early, but it’ll be a little later. So let’s get inside quickly.”

At dawn, when the sun was almost up, we made our way back to the village. Even though it was dimly lit, the moment we landed was easily seen, so we carefully landed on the roof and headed back to the village chief’s house.

“Fuh, I used too much magic power ……”

“You’re a freak because you’ve done so much, including failures, and that’s all that happened. But as a teacher, it’s worthwhile and easy! Ha-ha-ha! How’s it going over there?”

“It’s not so bad here either. It’s the first time we’ve done one-on-one in a place this big, but I think I caught a glimpse of the true value of Makina’s [Kaiser Knuckles]. It looks like her “Thunder Fang” is okay now.”

“Yes! I’ve been training to keep Lightning in place for a while now, and it paid off! I did it, Lars!”

“I saw it. It was amazing how the lightning shattered the rocks you destroyed.”

“Thanks for working with me to train Lars to keep the magic in place♪.”

Makina must have had a lot of fun, because she kissed me on the cheek in front of Fath-san and Dibit-san. Normally she would be too embarrassed to do this and giggle.

“Now, it looks like they don’t have a bath, so let’s go to bed. Are you sure you don’t want to use the second floor?”

“Yeah, even though it’s the village chief’s house, it’s almost like I built it, so take your time.”

“Thank you. By the way, did Ornob-san, Yukuta-san, and the others get another house?”

“Well, they’re going to live here, so I left it up to the village chief. I thought they’re one family, but turned to be not, which was interesting. Well then, I’ll go over here, see you tomorrow.”

At the village chief’s house, Basleigh-sensei, Ash, and Sephiro were taken care of, while the horses, Schneider, and Radia were resting in the stables. However, it seems that one by one, the Ornob-san and the others who decided to stay in the village were able to get a house.

In the midst of this conversation, Dibit-san went back to his room, and we went to the room we were assigned.

“Fuah …… I think I’ll get up before noon and take a walk around the village. It’s a pretty big place, so let’s take a look around and see if there’s anything strange.”

“You’re right. Huh? Is Master over there? I don’t think there are two beds ……”

“I’m fine on my own. I’m fine on my own. The old lady has to take care of herself once in a while. But I’m too tired to do anything, though ……”

Fath-san opened the door of the room laughing and said something outrageous in the dark. After a few moments, Makina noticed and blushed.

“G-Geez, seriously, Master ……”

“Well, our time together is important, after all. For now …… Fuah, I’m sleepy, so let’s go to bed.”

“Y-Yeah!”

When I entered the room with Makina, I found Ash and Sephiro lying in the middle of one bed. Sephiro seemed to be awake, but Ash seemed to be sound asleep.

“Zzzz ……”

“Ahaha, he’s tossing and turning. It’s so cute.”

“…… It would be a pity to wake him up, so let’s sleep together.”

“What!? N-No, I smell like sweat right now ……”

“Well, this is the magic for times like that .”

“Oh, I see! …… I’m clean now, toh!”

Makina took off her gear and dove to the bed. I, too, cast Purify on myself to clean myself up, and climb into bed.

“Ehehe …… We might be closer here than in our home …… Afuh ……”

“Let’s do our best in our training.”

“Yeah …… Lars is awesome, so …… you’ll quickly ……”

“Transfer magic is very useful, so Makina can go home anyti– Oops.”

“Zzz ……”

As soon as I said that, Makina started sleeping. My mouth naturally dropped open and I closed my eyes. As I stroked Makina’s hair, I felt sleepy too–

◆ 　 ◇ 　 ◆

When Lars and the others returned from their nighttime training, there was someone watching them. It was the Gospel’s Descent, Aiatsubus, and his aide, Darva.

“I guess they were training at night. Well, at this time of night, the valley would certainly be less conspicuous …… I suppose the unlucky thing for Dibit was that I was here. And unlucky for me was that the other three who were training …….”

“What? What are you talking about? Dibit was there, won’t you want to get rid of him already?”

“As much as I would like to, the other three. The presence of that thing is troubling, it gave us a chance to find Dibit, but the couple and that old lady? The way I see it, they are quite formidable. I’m afraid …… I can’t do it alone!”

“What are you talking about!? What do you think I paid a high donation for! Stop whining and get on with it.”

Although his hooded face prevented him from seeing his expression, Aiatsubus clearly saw the difference in his abilities. But although he said it was impossible, there was no sense of sadness. Darva was furious at his attitude, but Aiatsubus lowered his shoulders and opened his mouth.

“Now, now, I’ve heard that you’re good at wits. Do you have any good ideas? As you can see, I’m [unstable], and the only way I can do this is to take a hostage. I’m thinking of that well-dressed woman or child.”

“Hmm ……”

He’s the one who can defeat Dibit, and he know what he’s capable of. And then Aiatsubus said, albeit jokingly, that he couldn’t do it, and even said he’d take hostages. The power of the visiting people from other countries is unknown …… and then Darva mentioned a plan.

“All right, then, we’ll take our comrades and go to the castle. If we don’t make a move on Dibit, he won’t even know we’ve attacked the castle. If he does notice and makes a move, get in his way. If that buys us some time, it’ll be fine. Even if we don’t win, you can hold them off, right?”

“Oh, I like that. Then it would be better if I stay behind to monitor. I’d be more than happy if you leave one or two people behind as a stopping point.”

“What an extravagant guy …… Well, whatever. Then, we’ll be going? From here, it is about a week to the capital of Sandiola. Then, in a matter of days, we will invade. I’m counting on you.”

“Yes, yes, I will work hard for my donation.”

Darva looked uneasy, but since he was one of the few people who could fight Dibit, he didn’t mention it and left the Gariada Valley.

“…… Well, then. Let’s get my extra bonus, shall we?”

Licking his mouth from his hood, Aiatsubus chuckled–

Now, it’s time to mingle! Next time, that man will stand!

Thank you for reading!

[Afterword Theater]

“What a flashy guy. I don’t even know what gender he is.”

That’s something to look forward to next time! Makina will do her best too!