57 - CHAPTER XXVI -- THE WISH OF LEEWE

--Then he slept for two whole days.

He finally woke up on the third day and was able to speak properly on the fourth day. It was on the seventh day that he somehow managed to move his body in bed.

Compared to the reckless act at the Ratestwood capital, it should have been a much lighter burden, but it seems to have been a reckless act to continuously invoke the secret of the secret from a state where one's life force was reduced to half.

Perhaps this is the result of the debt incurred from the many factors such as working through the night day after day, mental overwork due to the heavy burden suddenly placed on his shoulders, fatigue from the unfamiliar travel route, and his days in the SEALS where he was kept on his toes.

Despite the uproar that followed, Helian and the others somehow managed to join up with Galdi and returned to the ground. And Zion and the others who had completed the ceremony were also able to complete their entire journey without missing a single person. Although there were some troubles, they were able to accomplish the request of the frontier count without any problems.

With the labyrinth (dungeon) stabilized and the situation declared over, the residents who had taken refuge in the labyrinthine area, which had been temporarily sealed off, returned. The Labyrinth Runaway "Dungeon Stampede" was treated as a minor incident, and the border city of SEALS is returning to normalcy.

And Helian is now looking at the in the that he has opened on his bed.

"............"

With a wrinkled brow, Helian reads the over and over again.

When he was sure that he had read the log correctly, he opened the and muttered a spoken command.

"Teleportal: set up (locate)."

In response to the murmur, a ball of faint light was generated.

The ball of light of the created teleportal is floating next to Helian, who is lying down.

When he touches it, a list of possible destinations, such as Agartha, the capital of Alkimaira, and the home country of Rattestwood, are normally displayed.

"......Successful installation of a teleportation gate, huh?"

A corner of Helian's vision, muttering with a stunned expression on his face.

In the which was showing the events during the labyrinth search, the following information was recorded immediately after the defeat of the blue knight.

--Succeeded in destroying the symbols in the territory.

--Succeeded in completely destroying the first force in the territory.

--The dominance of the territory exceeds the standard value specified in the small territory rule.

--Release of territorial authority: The installation of a teleportal in the territory in question is lifted.

There was almost no change in the distribution of [Dominance] in the entire SEAL region, except for the labyrinthine areas. However, the fact that Alkimaila holds more than 50% of the control in the Labyrinthine District was noted.

This is not the result of the citizens' appreciation of their activities in the labyrinth runaway "Dungeon Speed" or in the search for the labyrinth.

It was necessary to treat it as a minor event, and the achievements of the Hellians were not widely publicized, and to begin with, there was no way that they could suddenly gain more than 50% of the [ruling power] with that level of achievement.

And this percentage of more than 50% is almost exactly the same as the percentage of the first group, which was confirmed after the business meeting the other day.

In other words, as shows, Alkimaira took it.

They have destroyed the first force, and have taken all of the power that the first force possessed.

And by the first force, I do not mean the Frontier Count Glen Gardiner, as I had guessed beforehand, but the blue knight whom I suddenly encountered in the labyrinth.

Given the circumstances, it was probably the second force, which controlled 40% of the [controlling power], that was the frontier count.

Thus, Alkymaira - even though it was limited to the labyrinthine area - gained a large amount of control through a method that was not originally planned.

This means that from now on, it will be possible to move personnel from the Alkimaila homeland in an instant, and vice versa, to bring corps leaders back to the homeland.

The import and export of goods has also become easier, and this is a major step forward in establishing a base of operations in the human domain.

"......What in the world was that blue knight?"

The image of a supernatural knight in blue armor comes to mind.

Once again, I think it was an alien existence.

Even though he was a close combatant, he possessed abilities unknown to Helian, such as being able to perform powerful magic without chanting, and reviving people by means other than friendly revive.

There are several similar examples, such as Leifa, who manipulates a unique summoning magic that has never been seen before, and the existence of a frontier count who possesses high combat power even though he is a who is said to have no combat ability.

So it is a little late to talk about this, but it was quite a surprise to learn that he also possessed the fighting ability of a corps commander.

As for his true identity, I have no idea.

Even after thinking about it calmly, it seemed to be a unique individual in this world, similar to the Tactics Chronicle.

The boundary city that protects the human realm, and its guardian, the Holy Sword Count, is of a lower rank (minus) B.

And even the Fairy Dragon, which was said to have been deployed in a battle against the , a common enemy of the human species, was ranked B in strength.

But still, the peace of the human realm is maintained. For the past several hundred years, mankind has maintained its prosperity by its own power.

It is against this historical background that the Blue Knight, a mythical class (SS) threat (rank) exists.

It is unthinkable under normal circumstances. It is clearly different. It is completely out of place in the context of the historical background and situation as far as we know. It even felt like a "foreigner" to this world.

--It is. Like us in this world.

"Mr. Helian. The tea is ready."

As Helian was sinking into his thoughts, Levee's cool voice reached his ears.

Before he knew it, she was standing by the bed. Helian turns off the teleportal and tries to raise himself up.

"Oh, please stay where you are. Let me help you.

Levee put the tea set on the side table in her hand and immediately put her right hand on Hellián's back.

The act of helping the subject to sit up without putting any burden on the subject seems to be a simple one, but it should require some expertise.

There should be no such skill as assistance, but this may have been interpreted as an extension of the skills of etiquette and serving. I am not quite sure how it works. It may be that this is a result of Lieve's loyalty, though.

"...... smells good."

"Yes. I brewed a pot of Houlumi tea today. It is very effective in relieving fatigue and has a refreshing flavor. I hope you will be satisfied.

While explaining the situation, Levee pours the tea in a steady motion. Behind her, a silver tail wagged. She is now in her demon form.

This is the result of Rieve's direct request that Helian be allowed to stay while she is unable to move, in order to be fully alert to the surroundings.

It would be a little awkward if other guests or employees saw her, but Rieve would not make such a move. Personally, I gave her permission to do so as it would make it easier for me to read her emotions.

"Thank you for your patience.

A tea set is placed on the side table next to the bed.

Helian took the finely gilded cup and sipped it.

The flavor that wraps around the tongue and the moderate heat that falls down the throat is irresistible.

As I tilt the cup, I look at the tail wagging behind Levee's back.

"Your tea tastes good as always," he says.

"Thank you."

Rieve bailed with a blank expression, but the speed of his tail's back and forth increased by 20%.

As a result, the movement goes from being a swinging motion to being a shaking motion.

Despite the will of the host with a clear face, the movement of the tail faithful to the instinct is a sight that cannot help but evoke an emotion akin to a smile.

Perhaps the effect of the tea has eased his nerves, but even in front of Lieve, the king's mask has loosened and he unexpectedly smiles.

"----"

As I was trying to tighten my expression, Levee let out a muffled voice.

For some reason, her cheeks seemed to be slightly flushed.

I asked her if there was something wrong, but she answered blankly, "Nothing.

Her attitude seemed somewhat curt, but I guess she was not offended, since her tail did not change its movement.

Helian continued to savor his tea and asked casually

By the way, what happened to Gardi and Ceres?

He is on his way to receive a reward for his search of the labyrinth. It is located on the main street leading to the central district, and it seems to be a very nice place.

"Oh. A prestigious location in front of the main street. I look forward to seeing it in person.

A quest to explore a labyrinth requested by a frontier count.

In accepting the request, I requested a facility to hide the teleportal--a storefront that would ostensibly be treated as a store.

It is said that it was originally a house and needs to be remodeled into a store, but it is said to be as big as a small mansion. At least, it is definitely too luxurious a building for a new merchant to set up his store.

Anyway, with this, we have already achieved our immediate goal of installing a teleportal and obtaining a facility to hide it. This is a great accomplishment, and a great advancement of the plan, since we had expected it to take a month at the earliest, or at least half a year in the normal course of things.

However, the result is not so good, and the process is not satisfactory.

The plan, which we had worked out in our heads, stumbled from the beginning, and it was difficult to revise it.

The result is only the result of the unplanned events, the choices we had to make many times, and the way we managed to balance the accounts by being flexible (improvising) each time, which was probably helped by luck.

At the very least, it is unlikely that I can boast of having accomplished this by my own strength.

But still...

"There is no reason why you have to achieve everything by yourself. The important thing is to take responsibility for the results. ......

Muttering in a whisper, I recall the words that Leifa had given me.

In retrospect, I may have been a little too uptight.

Ever since I came to this town, I don't think I've had the luxury of time.

Or maybe it was before I left my country.

I've been telling myself that I'm carrying my country on my shoulders, that I have to take care of things on my own, that I have to do my best even if I have to do it alone.

I was obsessed with the idea that I must continue to be a great king so that I would not be betrayed by my men.

......This is no laughing matter at all.

He laughs at himself for not taking advantage of the advice given to him by Leifa and for taking on everything on his own. Even if the labyrinth runaway and the labyrinth search had not happened, it is not hard to imagine that I would have eventually gone bankrupt because I could not bear the weight that I was carrying.

It's a ridiculous story, even if I say so myself.

I think so from the bottom of my heart when I see Levee standing next to me.

Because there was a person who was so straight and loyal to me right next to me.

It would be nothing but an insult to the person of Rieve to think that I am alone, that I can't rely on anyone, in front of her.

It would be nothing but contempt for a great king when he has not even found the ideal king to aspire to.

"...... Herian-sama?"

"Never mind. I'm just talking to myself."

I reply to Lieve, who tilts her head lightly.

I looked at her and saw that her head was very close to mine, as if she was trying to hear my voice.

If I reach out my hand, I can reach her.

This reminds me of a scene in my bedroom one day.

And then, as if to reproduce the action of that time, her right hand moved.

The palm that had been placed on Levee's head without thinking stroked her silver hair as if it were a hand that praised a pet dog.

"---- what?"

With a voice like that, Levee stiffened.

Her head, limbs, and even her tail had stopped moving.

She must have stopped thinking as well.

He must have stopped thinking.

At the same time, Helian also came to himself.

He looks directly at his right hand, which is placed on top of Levee's head, and is petrified.

There was a silence that is hard to describe.

"........................"

--Oh, no. Oh no, oh no, oh no, oh no, oh no, I've totally f*cked up.

Perhaps because my head was in such a good position, or perhaps because the situation reminded me of an earlier scene in the bedroom, I patted Lieve's head without warning.

In modern Japan, this would be like a schoolboy touching a nurse.

It's out of the ordinary.

In the bedroom right after the uprising, I had a terrible s*xual harassment, and now this situation is just a step ahead of that. We must do something to fix the situation. Otherwise, Rieve will be very angry with me. However, no excuse suitable for the occasion can come up on the spur of the moment.

Even so, my mouth moved of its own accord as I felt the urgent need to say something.

"Well, come to think of it, I should give you a reward for this. Your work this time was truly outstanding. I would like to reward you for your work.

He could have just let go of the hand, but he said it while keeping his hand on top of Levee's head.

And once he started speaking, he lost track of when to let go.

As a result, we have the ridiculous scene of the king talking about his prize while placing his hand on his subordinate's head, but he can't stop now.

I feel like a sinner awaiting trial, and wait for Liewe's answer, almost in tears because of my own clumsiness.

"...... No, no. No, no, I did not protect you during the rebellion, and I do not deserve any reward. ......

Levee lowered her gaze with her head still fixed and spoke these words in a somber tone of voice.

Helian tilted his head.

"What?　What are you talking about? I'm sure you've already settled that."

"............ eh?"

"It was your wise decision that saved my life in the Noblewood affair. I also appreciate the fact that you have continued to work in all areas of the King's inner circle since the transition to this world. The mistakes you made during the rebellion have long since been erased."

When he told her, Rieve's amber eyes widened.

I wondered if she still cared about the ...... incident. If so, I am sorry. It was a normal thing in my mind, but maybe I didn't convey it properly to Rieve.

I reflect on this and say a few words to Rieve.

"And this time, your achievement was especially significant. We have achieved a great victory in defeating a mythological threat. It would be more than a little narrow-minded for a king not to reward him for this. Whatever. Whatever you want.

Rieve rarely makes requests.

Considering that, this is in a way a perfect opportunity.

I wanted to reward her in some way for all she had done for me.

Well... What does Rieve want?

A weapon, an armor, or some other magical tool?

We can simply offer her a reward, or we can grant her a long leave of absence if she so desires.

If she wants a reward that would be a blow to our domestic affairs, I will give it some thought, but I will do my best to accommodate her for all the work she has done so far.

"Well, is that ............ anything, sir?"

Fearlessly, Rieve says.

Well, there's no mistaking what he says.

Whatever the request, we are willing to do our best to fulfill it.

I responded with a nod of the head.

"Really, you are willing to ...... do anything!

Rieve looks up from her prone position.

For some reason, her cheeks were flushed.

In addition, she was staring at me.

Her eyes, like the eyes of a cornered hungry wolf, caught mine and wouldn't let go.

"......Ummm... I'm only as good as I can be.

I resent my chicken-shit attitude of taking precautions here.

But I think I can't help it if he comes at me with an impish look on his face.

No, his expression is as expressionless as ever, but his amber eyes speak eloquently of his intention.

There was even a glint of determination in his glazed eyes.

"So,...... that,...... Ceres said that she had made some purchases at a stall,......."

"...... ah, ah."

I bought ten bundles of mysterious herbs.

What does it matter?

I gulp and swallow at the mysterious preamble.

He gulps, and while Helian braces himself for what kind of crazy idea is about to come his way,

"So, the next time you go to the stalls, ......--would you take me with you?

and .

The First Corps leader, who had defeated a mythological threat single-handedly, expressed such a wish.

"...... is ?"

The only thing that came out of Hellian's mouth was a word of doubt.

It was so unexpected that he was astonished.

He wondered if he had heard it wrong, and even suspected that his ears were malfunctioning.

Because the wish is too modest.

After fighting so hard until they were beaten to a pulp, after having accomplished the feat of defeating a mythological class threat single-handedly, and after having been pressed so hard by him....

And then he finally said what he wanted, just to be an escort for shopping?

...... what's that?

"---- No, no. I stand corrected. Next time is fine. Next time, continue with Ceres. I'll be careful."

How she received our silence, Levee moved her hand and said something apologetic. She seemed to have grown impatient with the fact that we did not respond at all, and her eyes shook with agitation as she continued.

"How about ......, then, how about the next one? She is not as good as Celes, but she has some skills in tool appraisal. Also, she can offer a different point of view from the one who always accompanies her. And, let's see, ......, she is as good as Celes when it comes to escorting. We are confident that we can offer you a perfectly safe shopping experience.

They came up with some kind of concession proposal.

And with the added bonus of sales talk.

When she does not respond to this, Rieve gradually lowers her eyebrows.

After that, Rieve continues to make various advances, but her tone becomes weaker and weaker, and her suggestions begin to sound somewhat like pleas.

But she still can't seem to drop her request to go shopping with her, and she tries to get her request through somehow, even if it means postponing it.

--It's just too funny.

--Even though he has done so much for me, his request is too small.

--He's like a child before being scolded.

--And yet it's like a loyal dog waiting to be praised.

--And the head on which my hand is resting shows no sign of moving.

So, oh, my God...

"Kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk!　Bwahaha, ha, ahahahahahahahaha--!"

I was at my limit.

I mean, I can't do it anymore.

I can't take this.

It's an impossible task to ask you to endure it in the first place.

I mean, at all, this guy... this guy...!

"Ha-ha-ha, shopping!　You've come to shop!　Yeah, that's good!　No problem, no problem!　I'll go out with you as much as you want, if that's what you want!　As soon as my body is healed, let's go to town!　Kuhahahahahahahahahaha!"

Laughing to the point of tears, he strokes Levee's head.

There is no longer any remorse in his touch.

He ruffles her silver hair, and in no time at all, her normally beautiful hairstyle is shaggy.

But when it came to Levee, she was looking at me with an expression I had never seen before, but her tail was wagging assertively and wildly.

"Come closer, come closer!　I'll do this, I'll do this, I'll do this!　Ahahahahahahahahahahaha--!"

"Heh, Helian-sama ......!

They patted, smothered, and stirred him up, regardless of the fact that he seemed to have finally come back to consciousness. She even holds her small head on her chest and strokes it down.

She writhes and thrashes around in her chest, but in fact, she is so amused by the hundred faces of Levee who is being left to her own devices without any resistance at all that it's almost unbearable.

And where is her usual iron skin? There was the first subordinate, his cheeks flushed vermilion and flustered, not even looking at his tail or ears any longer.

--Oh, yes. Oh, by the way, he's a cute guy...

Before he was appointed to such a prestigious position as a member of the king's entourage.

Remembering the image of Levee when she was just a little girl, Hélian decided to keep her occupied until she ran out of energy.

With a childlike smile on his face, he thinks of the future he should aim for in a corner of his mind.

Tsukasa Misaki (Helian) does not have the charisma and fighting ability of Glenn Gardiner.

It is impossible for him to be a leader like him.

He does not have the conviction and pride of Leifa Lim-Lattwood.

It is impossible to be a leader like her.

Therefore, he is not sure what he should aim for.

And I am not even human, I am the king of demons.

I did not know what kind of leader I should be.

But now, at least I know what kind of king I should aim for.

--Lieve.

I should continue to be a king who can stand tall in front of her.

I do not know exactly what kind of king I should be.

I have many decisions to make, few people to talk to, and I am often at a loss to decide.

I wonder if this is the right thing to do. I wonder if this is the right thing to do as a king. And am I right as a human being? Such anguish continues day after day.

But when the time comes to make a big decision that will decide our destiny.

You must ask yourself if you can be proud of your decision to Levee.

Ask yourself if you can stand tall in the face of the Eyes of Alkimaira.

I don't think it will be the answer to all events, but if you can't shake your head at least at that point, then it's not the path you should take.

The road ahead is very difficult.

We have not found the means to return home yet, in fact, we have almost lost our lives in the investigation of this world and even in the preliminary work.

And yet, there are so many lives entrusted to us.

The pressure we bear is so heavy that it crushes us, and this world is harsh.

But let us not give up and keep on trying.

The world is so harsh, but there is no need to despair that you are alone.

Because you (Helian) have such a dependable and trustworthy servant (Frekiwls) by your side...

- End of Chapter 2