59 Episode 59 "Wardakumi Priestess, Hero and Slave Connection Experiment".txt

Once back on the ground, we entered the dungeon again, this time with the whole party and Iris.

This time the whole party and Iris were with us.

There were no more demons, so we arrived in the innermost hall in no time at all.

I asked Rita and Rafilia to guard the passageway, and me, Cecil and Aine decided to be Iris' bodyguards.

However, the demon sweeping is already done.

So as soon as Iris re-creates the wards in the center, the quest is over.

But first, I want you to take a look at this.

I pointed to the floor of the hall.

I pointed to the floor of the hall, where icy limbs and dismembered crystals of magic power were lying around.

These are the remains of an ice golem.

When we arrived here, this golem was still alive. It was trying to pry open a door to the center. We managed to defeat it, but it took three of us to do it.

Iris listens dumbfounded as I explain.

"Has Iris had any idea who this guy is?

'None!　This kind of magical creature couldn't possibly be in the Sea Dragon Sanctuary!

That's right.

To begin with, this big thing can't even pass through the dungeon's passages.

That's why someone got in here and created it with magic.

Also, this fell out. I think they were probably inside the golem.

I handed Iris the ring I'd picked up earlier.

The name is engraved on the inside. Do you know someone named 'Marchioness Eterina Hersburg'?

Iris's eyes widened.

Oh, you know what I mean.

And you look very uncomfortable.

'My brother is a woman who is obsessed with Chikaori: ......

Iris's brother?

'Yes, sir. The Marquise is a traveler from the royal capital, and she lives in the villa district of Irgafa. Her brother often goes to see her, hoping to use her as a stepping stone for his own advancement into the center.

Does Iris recognize this ring?

None, but the master craftsmen of the Ilgafa Lords excel at engraving patterns. But it's engraved with the patterns of the master craftsmen of the House of Ilgafa, the master craftsman's favorite.

Sounds like a good gift for a woman, doesn't it?

It's going to be about 400 arsha.

It's the same as my initial deposit. Oh, my God.

Last question. Can anyone besides Iris open the entrance gate to this dungeon?

''I have a spare key in the house. It's in the treasure room, but ...... if you're from the lord's house, you can take it out at the drop of a hat. ......

Apparently, Iris manages everything related to the Sea Dragon Festival, but she was out of town until the other day.

It's not impossible to take the key out of that gap and get into the dungeon.

'The conditions are right: ......

So here's the thing.

The only people who can open the gates of the dungeon are those of the Ilgafa lord's family.

This is where Iris's brother's - a ring engraved with the name of a person who seems to be her lover - fell.

So, according to Iris, her brother was pressing her to have the dungeon attack "through him to the Order of Divine Life". But then, he's coming in person now.

Yup. Doubtful.

"Iris will confront her brother!　If my brother is involved in this matter, I will punish him under the laws of Irgafa!

Iris grabbed the hem of her dress and looked up with a clink.

Her dress was bathed in seawater and the smell of the tide seeped through it. But Iris didn't seem to care about that. Nor did she care about the green scales peeking out of her bare shoulders before she knew it.

It's all Iris's fault. If anything had happened to Souma and the others, the consequences would have been irreversible. You are a dear friend ...... no, you are more than that, and yet ......

Iris took my hand in hers and bowed deeply.

You're serious, Iris.

She's smaller than Cecil and her real age is just as I saw it.

'It's part of the job for us, so don't worry about it.

No!

At my line, Iris shook her head.

'We'll pay you extra!　Mr. Souma and his team did their job perfectly. And they gave me all the valuable information. Iris is deeply grateful. I don't even know how to respond to this trust.

That being said, I'm embarrassed ...... or rather, I want to guilt you.

I'm hiding things over here.

The whole time we were here, we were using Cecil's "light" to keep Iris from noticing the mural in The Legend of the Sea Dragon, and only illuminating her feet. But four of us were walking along the wall and blocking the mural so that he couldn't see it.

I don't think it's a good idea to mention The Sea Dragon Warrior now.

About Iris's brother, the golem - the situation is very complicated now. If you add the matter of the Sea Dragon Warrior to this, the story will become even more complicated.

It's a good idea to pretend not to know what's going on. I know.

I can't stand it anymore, so I'm saying it!　In fact, Souma-sama is a 'Sea Dragon Hero'!

You know, we haven't even been paying attention to you yet.

It came out of nowhere.

Iris grabbed my hand and declared once and for all, ''Of course, the wise Souma-sama, you already knew that!

''Of course, since you are the wise Souma-sama, you already knew that!

No, I have no idea.

'You were so concerned about Iris that you kept quiet!　That's great!

Iris looks at me with rapt attention.

"You know, Iris,

Yes, my hero.

...... Can't we give away the rights of the sea dragon's bravery to someone else?

You're right. If the 'Sea Dragon Maiden' doesn't recognize the 'hero' by all means, her rights will be lost, but if not, she'll be certified as a hero for the rest of her life.

So, if I were a brave sea dragon, Iris...

I don't want to hear the word "temporary" anymore.

Fluffy.

A small body falls toward me.

I relax my entire body, so much so that I plunge head first into the floor.

Abandonment.

Reflexively, I was pulling Iris' body closer to mine...

............ Hmmm. Do you know how many times Iris has fantasized about these situations?　Probably enough to make even Soma-sama don't like it?

Iris smiles at him.

So that's the kind of line you can say, "Priestess of the Sea Dragon".

I knew he was a waste of talent to keep locked away.

In my arms, Iris is thumbs up and proud of her victory.

Her scales were glistening with pearls.

'Iris has been saved by Souma-sama twice. I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work. If it wasn't, you wouldn't ...... be taking a bath with him or anything like that, would you?

You're doing a lot of things, Iris.

What can I do?　Because Iris is basically a caged bird. I just had to read the book and think about the outside world. It's okay to get a little evil, right?

What are your favorite books, by the way?

The Legend of the Sea Dragon in 5 Minutes, The Complete Edition, The Book of Awakening the Brave in Just Reading, The Princess of the Tomboy, Exploiting the Insensitive Hero, The Basics of Ship Trading and the Pursuit of Profit, Easy Plotting, and The Lords Theory. My recent favorites are "A Book to Read the True Feelings of the Men You Care About from Their Expressions". I'm also fond of "The Art of Living Alone by a Runaway Girl".

Then he smiles wryly again.

If you run away here, I'll use my schemes and connections to go after you. I'll even run away from home, you know?　I heard that's what it means.

Isn't this "Hero of the Sea Dragon"?

I had decided not to be a hero.

I'm a harbor-town-only hero, so it's better that I'm not told to defeat the Demon King.

Since Iris will keep the secret, I'm sure she'll keep the fact that I'm certified as a "Sea Dragon Hero" between us. Well, this may depend on the negotiations.

''I understand. I'll just say I'm certified as a 'Sea Dragon Hero'.

'Then let's make a 'master-servant' contract. Please be master of Iris, Master Souma.

No, that's not how it works.

If you make a priestess and enslave Iris, the daughter of a lord, the daughter of a lord, the whole of Irgafa will be in an uproar.

For a man, wouldn't he want to turn the world against him for love?

If that's the kind of guy you like, I think you might want to look elsewhere.

No, I don't want to deal with someone like that, and neither does Iris.

Then don't say it.

I let go of Iris's body.

She coyly strokes her pearly scales.

'Let's get the story straight,'

Yes, sir.

"I'm supposed to be a sea dragon hero if I beat the sea dragon's natural enemy without knowing it.

'Yes. I'm sure of it.

'So, Iris wants a connection with me in order to step down from her role as a priestess. Because in the presence of 'Kerkator the Sea Dragon', a deep connection between the priestess and the hero can recreate the legend. That way, the 'Sea Dragon Festival' won't have to be done until Iris dies, right?

You will.

'But you don't have to be connected by a 'master-servant' contract, do you?

That would be the quickest way.

Iris said, pinching the hem of her dress and bowing.

The 'soul engagement' and 'spirit link' rituals have long since fallen by the wayside, and there is no one who knows the exact rituals. In fact, if someone were to recreate them, they would be legendary. That's a mysterious existence that surpasses even the bravest of heroes.

Go to ..................

Unbeknownst to him, I've apparently transcended a lot of things, too.

''So, what are the chances of me and Iris making a 'master-servant contract' and Kerkator the sea dragon admitting that it's a ritual reenactment?''

Fifty-fifty... maybe less.

Iris slumped down and sighed, huffing and puffing.

'But Iris doesn't want to be like this anymore. She doesn't want to be kidnapped, conspired against, or put her friends in danger ....... Iris wants to be a nobody .......

And I want to be in love ......, mumbling in a small voice, Iris turned her back to me.

''── Anyway, I'll go into the center first and rebuild the wards. Except for Nagi-sama, you should be able to get out of the corridor. If we go outside the great hall, the influence should diminish.

With that, Iris put her hand on the door at the back of the great hall.

The door, which hadn't been shaken even when the golem hit it, began to move easily when Iris pulled on it.

If you stay here, don't take a direct hit from the pressure of the divine realm.

I looked at Cecil and Aine, who were waiting in the corner of the great hall.

''Then Cecil and Aine, go outside.

'I am where Nagi is, and I am where I belong.

It's impossible for Sis to not be next to Nei-kun.

Let's listen to what people have to say.

'If we stay here, though, we'll be experimenting with the effects of the pressure of the divine realm.

Experiment?　Okay? Yeah. I don't mind.

Oh, I see. Then feel free.

I pulled Cecil and Aine close to me.

As it is, I wrap my arms around them with both of them, squeezing them.

It's just right.

The last time I opened the central door, Cecil and Rita reacted differently. I wanted to find out why.

I like .......

Iris was staring at us like that.

"What?

Hey, it's nothing. I'll open the door.

A creak, there was a sound.

A huge door at the back of the hall opened.

Beyond it was a glowing white room.

There was a lake and an altar in the center. That is the heart of this dungeon. This is the heart of this dungeon and the place to meet the sea dragon Kerkator?

''It won't take long, just wait and see.

The door is closed.

'Well.

"Cecil, Aine. Are you two okay?

'Oh, yes. That ......?

Cecil's red eyes widened and he cocked his head in a gesture of disbelief.

'It's funny. I don't feel anything that scares me.'

What about Aine?

It's okay to be a good boy, it's okay to be a good boy, it's okay to be a good boy. I can't let her show her body in front of you. It's not a big deal, it's all right to be a big deal, it's all right to be a big deal.

wobbling

The chestnut-haired maid was clinging to me with tears in her eyes.

'I'm sorry. I guess I couldn't do it after all.

It's okay. It's okay that Aine belongs to you. The fact that it's your own, it must mean something. I don't do things like this for no reason.

Well, yes.

By the way, did you and Iris take a bath together, Naya?　Why?　Aine insists on washing your back.　It's a funny glue lady. I'm so scared I feel unreasonable.

trembling with excitement

Aine's trembling hand grabbed me by the collar.

'God is angry with me. Aine forgives everything about Nai-kun, but it's like God is angry with her. I'm afraid of the gods. I don't know what to do," she said. Aine, I'm so scared that I don't know what to do. I just can't stop thinking about the fact that Nah-kun took a bath with Iris.

Please calm down, Miss Aine.

Kun Kun Kun (Cecil points to himself and Aine and then nods)

Mmmmmmmm (Aine nods after pointing at me and Cecil)

Slurp, slurp (like tying someone up)

Ssssssssss (body washing pose)

Kukku kukku, kukku kukku.

Gash.

Aine, who is still blue-faced, and Cecil, whose cheeks are red, hold each other's hands firmly in front of me.

...... I wonder what they were convinced of.

It's a good thing that you're not the only one. What is the reason for you to hold us in your arms?　No, I don't need a reason. I'd rather have a reason, but...

"I wanted to see if the pressure of the divine realm and 'Engage' were related.

I kept my voice down and started talking.

'This is about party secrets,' he said.

'...... 'soul-about', is it?

The reason I'm okay with it is because I'm a certified 'sea dragon hero'. And when I opened the door earlier, didn't Cecil and Rita react differently?　Cecil was less affected, but Rita was in a ludicrous state.

'Oh, yes. I certainly do.

'I figured it was Cecil who blew up the Leviathan, and that's why he's certified brave. ...... Then it's weird that he's under pressure in the first place, right?　So I figured that means that being in close contact with me in a 'soul-concerned' state must have increased your tolerance.

'You're holding Aine-san in your arms to see if the 'master-servant contract' connection makes you more tolerant?

That's what I mean. I'm sure Cecil calmed down earlier while he was sticking to me. I know it was a bad idea for Aine.

...... It's okay.

Aine shuddered a little bit and put her cheek on my shoulder.

'Because everything about Aine belongs to Nay-kun.

Thanks. So, back to the topic at hand.

Iris said earlier that if you made a 'master-servant contract', the sea dragon Kerkator would recognize you, right?　But now I know that the connection of the 'Master and Servant Agreement' is weaker than the 'Soul Agreement'. The fact that the resistance due to the 'Heroic Recognition' hasn't been transmitted to Aine, you know.

"So, you're saying that making a 'master-servant' contract with Miss Iris won't give her what she wants?

Maybe.

The gods that come to the center of the city on the day of the festival will probably recognize them at a glance.

In other words, in order to fulfill Iris's wishes...

"You have to make a 'master-slave' contract with Iris and then you have to 'engage'

Can you do it?

I guess it's hard .......

The 'Engage Soul' ceremony is quite difficult. It's so difficult that even Rita failed.

I've made a 'master-slave contract' with Iris all of a sudden - then I'll make a 'soul contract' - but I don't think the ritual will succeed.

''The only way to fulfill Iris's wish is to connect with her outside of the 'master-servant contract' or convince Kerkator, the sea dragon.

If only there were a better way.

As I was talking about this, the gap in the central door glowed, softly.

A green light floods out and the air in the dungeon changes.

Earlier it was stagnant, but now it looks like the air purifier is in full operation.

It seems that Iris's warding revival ritual was a success.

After a while, Iris emerges from the door - and Aine clings to me again.

I told her to go outside.

''I made a small connection with the sea dragon Kerkator. The other side must have noticed something strange in the dungeon as well. I could feel their anger──and sadness.

Iris announced, squeezing the hem of her soaking wet dress.

'If the dungeons are raided any more, they probably won't be back this year.

Master!　It's a message!

It was out of the blue.

Raphilia appeared from the entrance of the great hall.

''There was a response to Rita-sama's 'presence of mind'. It's an intruder!''

We just put the wards back up.

The intruder is human!　A man with gray hair and blue eyes and a man with gray hair and blue eyes and... and...

Raphilia looks deeply disgusted and tells him.

'There are a bunch of masked people with us. There are twelve of them. ''It's the Order of Divine Life!''