68 Episode 68 "Extra Part 4" The Wishes of the Liberated Priestess and the Encounter with the Master "".txt

'Goodbye Father.

Thank you for raising a monster like Iris to this day.

Iris will go to her beloved. The role of a priestess is no more, and there will be no more use for Iris. There will be no end to the remnants, but please be well .......

"Wait. No, wait. Please wait!　Let's talk about it. Hey, Iris. Iris...!

Oh, what is the matter with you, father?

You are clinging to your prized chair and are about to collapse.

Is there something wrong with your body?

'Ha, I don't see the story at all, Iris. When did that happen?

"Didn't Master Darus, the regular captain, explain to you?

It was only the day before yesterday that Iris finished the central ceremony with Souma and the others.

After that unforgettable moment, Iris returned to the city.

Then, the whole town was in an uproar.

For the first time in decades, the sea dragon, Kerkator, had appeared in front of everyone.

But because he was offshore, he looked like a small shadow.

''Changing the form of the festival.''

In a voice that echoed throughout the town, the sea dragon said.

''Ask the priestess for details. She will not be needed from the next festival. The re-enactment of the ritual has been done.'

That was it.

As expected of God. How confusing.

Thanks to that, Iris had to guide all the regular soldiers to the dungeon the next day, two days in a row. Souma-sama---Soul brother would have blurted out in a wonderful voice, 'You're working too hard! Iris also wanted to laze around with her brother. Souma-sama said it's okay to call me 'big brother'. ......

So, after arriving at the far end of the dungeon, Iris made the regular soldiers wait outside the great hall and opened the central door.

''Oh my goodness, there's a message from the sea dragon in a place like this!

What?

Darus, the regular soldier commander, shouts. He's in a good mood.

When you open the central door to its full extent, you can see the back side of the room from the great hall.

Even the regular soldiers in the corridor to avoid the influence of the Pressure can read the text that the sea dragon carved if they have good enough eyesight.

'Sea Dragon Kerkator writes.

From now on, there will be no need for a festival through a priestess. The blessing is guaranteed for 100 years.

If the priestess does not leave any offspring, the lord shall take over the festival.''

I didn't notice it at all. And yet, the only person who can do this is Kelkator, the sea dragon.

'Very true, Mr. Iris!　Report to my lord immediately!

With that, the captain, Darus, immediately drove his men to his father's side.

And here we are now.

''Kerkator the Sea Dragon clearly said, 'There is no need for a festival by priestesses. In other words, there is no need for Iris in the Ilgafa lord's house.

'So why!　I've heard that's what happened!

Your father raised his eyebrows and scowled.

It can't be helped.

If he was convinced by this, we would have talked about it sooner.

'Actually, Iris appealed to the sea dragon. That you have a loved one .......

Iris told her father straight away.

'And I also told him about the recent events. That there has been a conflict because Iris is a priestess. And that it has provoked an incident between your brother and the Marquess as a result.

All of this is Iris's, immorality. ......

You don't have to say that!　Iris!　You are a man!

With a bang, your father banged on the desk.

'Enough with the hubris!　You have no right to do this!　You were only created for the ceremony!　How dare you...!

But Kelkator, the sea dragon, understood Iris's feelings. That sentence is proof of that.

''Guh!''

Your father looks as if he has swallowed something bitter.

Iris continues.

The sea dragon directly informed the townspeople of the change in the form of the ceremony. You know that, don't you, Father?　Everyone in the town must be wondering about it. As a family of lords, I think we should give our people accurate information.

'That's for me to decide. In due time, I'll just give you the information you need: .......

'But it seems to have already become a rumour among the people -?

Iris cuts off the words and makes a listening motion. Your father can't help but imitate her.

You hear voices outside the window, around the mansion. It's like a bard. I'm singing in a beautiful voice.

'But Kerkator, the sea dragon, is merciful and will not show a new way to the suffering priestess.

Like the daughter of the sea dragon, who abandoned her dragon status and lived in love.

He told her to renounce her position as a priestess and live in love.

After saying this, the sea dragon was inscribed with the words on the door.

I will tell you those amazing words on my song.

How did you get this information?

Rumor has it that a copy of the words carved by the sea dragon is circulating in the Bard's Guild.

This is the reason why my brother blurted out, "You work too much!

It's because during the night, I made a copy of the text that the sea dragon left behind and scattered it around the town before dawn. Especially carefully to the Bard's Guild. Yes, we also distributed them to the Adventurer's Guild, so there are probably rumors about them outside the town by now.

That's a good thing.

Oh, the regular captain is trying to get rid of the bards. He looks very angry. "Yeah, yeah, yeah, no, no, no..." "So, this is all bullshit!　I can't allow it (glancing at me). After the lord has allowed it, though! And... You can't hide anything, can you?

"Kairon says. "Let Iris' love for her beloved live on. He considered it a 're-enactment of the original ritual'. And as proof of that, he gave me this.

Again, Iris continues to explain to your father.

As he spoke, I noticed that he was touching the collar with scales around his neck - a collar with scales.

A shiver ran down my spine. I felt a connection with my brother.

From deep within, courage seems to rise up.

'Who is that person!　'Iris!'

Do we need a name other than 'one recognized by the sea dragon'?

I'm your father.

'If the family was truly trustworthy, there's no way Neuer-Hapheumea would try to kidnap Iris, would there?　'Never let your emotions get the better of you and miss an opportunity' - wasn't it your father who taught you this proverb?

This is the crucial moment.

Iris looks back at her father from the front.

Ever since he was a little boy, his father never looked at Iris.

The one who, like Noiel-Hafeumea, called Iris a 'scaled monster' and treated her only as a tool for the festival.

And now, he is much, much frightened.

Is he scared of Iris? Or is it the sea dragon that is backing him?

If you insist, can you make a 'contract' with me, father? In exchange for Iris speaking about that person, I will not do anything to harm him. He will not divulge any information to anyone else without permission.

Slowly, I will tell you. Every word, no mistake.

My little body trembles.

Why is it that Iris is so tiny?

If she were as big as Rita and Aine, she wouldn't be scared to be alone.

The person that Iris loves is the one that the sea dragon Kerkator has recognized. If your father hurts that person, Iris will punish him in the name of the sea dragon!

That's what you say to your lord?

''Iris has a say in the ritual. And until it's the one the sea dragon approves of, it's a ritual for Iris!

Iris takes out The Medallion of the Covenant.

Your father responds ...... reluctantly, but he complies.

'Iris will tell you who the 'loved one' is. Your father will not do anything to harm that person. He will not divulge information to others without permission. I promise not to hold him in bondage - that's fine.

"Okay, ...... 'Contracts,'

"'Contracts'

Kachin, Iris and the others hammer the medallion.

Iris breathes a sigh of relief so that she won't be noticed.

I had a meeting with Souma-sama - big brother about the flow up to this point.

He told me that he would accept Iris without any questions.

But his brother's house is next door. Even if Iris were to change her appearance and move there, the members of the lord's household would still find out about it someday.

If the adventurers kidnapped the priestess and used her as a slave, it would be a problem for my brother.

Besides, Iris doesn't have the fighting skills that the other slaves have.

As it is now, she will be a liability. That would disqualify her from being a slave.

So I have decided.

Iris will stay in the lord's house and support her brothers in their lives.

When the lord family no longer needs a priestess or anything else, she will start living with her brothers again.

That would be the best Iris could do to repay the debt of gratitude that she can now.

Of course, she's already decided to maintain her connection with her brother, though.

'What Iris loves is the adventurer who saved Iris from almost being kidnapped.

So Iris can face her father with confidence.

'He accompanied me to the rituals of the festival. And Kerkator, the sea dragon, gave him his approval. That he would perform the rituals with Iris. And so it was recognized as a 'reenactment of the original ritual'. Hence, the sea dragon was deemed to have no need for future rituals.

"...?

In other words, the person Iris loves is the one recognized by the sea dragon as the 'Sea Dragon Hero'. You know what would happen if you messed with that person ...... your father would know what would happen?

Oh, and you loved the adventurer?　And he responded to you, and the sea dragon acknowledged it?

"Yes, before the eyes of the sea dragon Kerkator, Iris and him have proven their love.

!

He came straight into the deepest part of Iris's (heart).

!!!!????

'He gently held Iris as she wept over the pain (of past memories). I felt that man come into the deepest part of Iris. It was hard, but in the end ......, Iris was able to accept that person.

I was able to see a lot of shame (in my brain's image) ....... Both Iris in her natural form and Iris indulging in her wrongful thoughts. Iris can no longer be that person's ......

Iris also touches the collar that the sea dragon has decorated for her.

It is like one of Iris's organs. When you let your fingers cross the collar, you feel like you are being hugged by your brother, and you feel a sharp, wistful feeling deep in your heart. Iris presses down on her heated cheeks.

I'm going to leave the house. Your father would be better off without a monster like Iris. It seems that there is no longer any need for a priestess, and I will leave the affairs of the house to you and your sister and your branch of the family. Goodbye, Father!

'Wait!　Wait for me, please!　That's right!

I've never seen it before.

Your father bows his head to Iris.

''This house is in turmoil because of Noel. On top of this, if you're gone too, the Ilgafa lord house will lose its authority!　The regular soldiers and the ones in the mansion will be in an uproar. Besides, what am I going to explain to the ...... people!

'Iris was only here to fulfill her role as a priestess. There is no need for her to be here as her mission is no longer necessary. Isn't that what ...... your father has said many times before?

All Iris wants to do is to wear normal clothes and live by the One she loves. If that isn't allowed, then Iris will have no choice but to abandon the Ilgafa lord house!

Give me some time at ....... Iris.

What came back was a short word and a long sigh.

'We will receive Noel's replacement from the branch family until he is settled in this house. No, just until your sister returns from the academy. Stay in this house ...... please.

Do you intend to imprison Iris like all the priestesses in history?

'I didn't mean to!　The sea dragon must have recognized you and your adventurers!　Besides, if there is no longer a need for maidens, there is no need to spend a budget on imprisonment, and if you guys get in the way, the blessing of the sea dragon is ...... No, it's not. It's past time to imprison the miko!　I'm not gonna keep you locked up when I don't need you anymore!　I have no intention of disobeying the will of the sea dragon!

So will you grant me my freedom?

I can't believe it. Your father is about to accept Iris' proposal.

...... By the way, did I mention that your brother said.

'The two biggest fears of a black employer are being consulted by a third party who has the power, and for us to have a way out. If you have both of those things in place, it's easier to get concessions.

That's exactly what happened.

You are indeed the master of Iris.

'Will you allow me to walk out freely, dressed so plainly that I can't recognize you as Iris?

What about the ...... escort?

'I will hire a maid of Iris's choosing. She is a skilled adventurer.

...... You're all set up for it already, aren't you?

The Festival of the Sea Dragon has changed its shape, father.

Your father's shoulders slump in disappointment at Iris's words.

'I'll do as you wish, ............ unnecessary priestess, Iris-Hafeumea.

It's like carrying a huge burden.

It would be.

The message of the sea dragon says that if the priestess does not leave any offspring, the lord should take over the festival.

From now on, the lord will have the same responsibility as the miko, because the lord will have to bear the same responsibility as the miko.

' ...... At least let me hear the ...... name. The names of those you love.

It's Soma Nagi.

The words flowed out naturally.

''I'm the adventurer with 'Chitty Chara' in tow, and I'm Iris' 'soul brother', father.

Thank you for your help.

An hour later, an elf in a maid's outfit came to Iris.

She has beautiful cherry colored hair and a leather collar. She looks soft and gentle.

Her name is Raphilia-Grace.

She is Iris's slave companion who was given to me by Souma-sama as a liaison and bodyguard.

I'm Rafilia-Grace, who will be working in this mansion from today. I'm going to work hard as Iris-sama's maid, so I'm counting on you.

I mean, that's a front, isn't it?　Mr. Raphilia.

This is Iris's own room, so she doesn't have any reservations.

"Lady Rafilia and Iris are equals. They are both slaves to their brother.

Yes. But I'll get my reward from the Ilgafa lord's family, so I'll keep my manners as a maid.

Then Raphilia laughed.

Iris laughed, too.

It's strange. I feel so much calmer when I'm with my brother's friends.

It's as if I'm a child my age.

I volunteered for this role. I'll do the work, accumulate the rewards, and then the master will free me from slavery!

Is that so?

I thought that the slaves of my brother's brother would love to be with him.

Isn't Rafilia-san also in love with her brother?

'Yes, sir. So, for whatever reason, I'm going to have you sign up as a squire again!

...... Yes?

What is it? That's an amazing double-take, or maybe it's a hardship.

How is it that Raphilia-san closes her eyes and sends shivers down her spine?

It was the greatest pleasure for Rafilia to be a squire. I will never forget that feeling. I'll never forget the feeling I had when a pleasant vibration arose from deep within Raphilia and I was ...... convinced that she was born to be the Master's. Raphilia was born to be the Master's. ............

Watching Raphilia speak enthrallingly about ...... made me feel somewhat thrilled.

It's a great idea. I'm sure this is what mature women are all about.

I'm sure you'll be able to find out more about this in the future. After all, in order to be loved by your brother, you have to be this mature. ......

'I'm kind of sorry for Raphilia ....... It's a good thing that you're so devoted to your brother that you asked to be Iris's maid.

He's a fella while he wants to be with his master all the time.

Chitty-chitty, Rafilia-san waves her finger at you.

''The more difficult it is to meet someone, the stronger the feelings become.

You're an adult.

This is commonly referred to as 'leaving it alone'!

"Isn't that too much to ask?

No, I'm not sure what you mean, though.

I'm not sure what I meant by that, but seeing Rafilia wiggling around, I feel like it's wrong.

''So, Iris-sama is hiding the fact that she is a slave to her master?

'Yes. Since Kerkator, the sea dragon, decorated the collar that way.

It's nice. I'm jealous.

'Yes. Iris is also grateful to Kerkator, the sea dragon. ''I can be normal like this without bothering my brother.''

That's right.

The daughter of the lord, who is respected by everyone, is actually a slave. The daughter of the lord, who is respected by everyone, is actually a slave. I think it's a wonderful situation to imagine in her mind that she is delighted when she is favored by her master.

I didn't hit him!　I didn't do that!

Iris is a delusional person, though!　I've been giving my brother a lot of bad fantasies.

My fellow slave Rafilia, however, murmured a little, "I love it! I'm sorry," her fellow slave Rafilia murmured. She seems to be thinking about her brother. It's as if he's always next to you, even when you're far away.

Is this what being an adult is all about?

If you think about it, elves have a longer life span than humans. This means that Raphilia must have more life experience than you can imagine in Iris.

...... I'm sure we can learn a lot from this person.

'Get yourself together, here's what's to come.

Yes, sir.

We will be serious about each other.

This is going to be our base of operations from now on to help your brother.

That's why you have to be strong, Iris.

I will continue to serve as Iris's maid of honor, guardian and liaison to the master.

Rafilia-san holds out her hand.

Iris squeezes his hand in a firm grip.

"Iris promised your father that she would stay here until the lord's house settles down.

Of course, if your brother is leaving Ilgafa, I'll follow him, no questions asked, right?

''Since you can now go out freely, I will ask Rafilia-san to be your escort for that time. Other than that, I'll be responsible for giving you information about the town and quests so that my brothers can live in peace in this town.

If it were true, it would be better if Iris could move the budget of the lord's house.

Other than festival-related matters, Iris doesn't have that much authority.

Well, I'm supposed to help the Lord's family with their work as it is, so I'll try to move things around a little by little to make things work in my brother's favor.

''So, regarding the request from the master, ...... what happened to 'her'?

Raphilia's tone becomes serious.

'I've made a little work of the changeover time for the prison guards, creating a fifteen-minute gap.

Iris replies. 'This is very important.

'So, the Masters will be moving in the meantime.

''She'' will be sent to a prison in the magical research city the day after tomorrow. Contact will be made by then.

Yes, sir. Let's have a meeting with the master later.

'Later.' ...... Lovely words.

Iris is now free to leave the mansion.

It's like my life has just popped open right in front of me. I've never done that before.

Being a miko has been hard on Iris, though.

If I wasn't a maiden, I wouldn't have met my brother - Soma-sama .......

For that, I want to sincerely thank Kairyu for that.

...... Then, I have a favor to ask Rafilia-san.

Now, you are going to be a normal girl.

As a senior slave, could you tell me what your brother likes to wear?

Iris opened the closet.

I don't have that many clothes. There are a few dresses for ceremonies and going out, and the rest are just loungewear.

Since going out is basically a sneak peek, I can't wear a dress. It's too conspicuous.

Here, we should have Rafilia-san, the senior slave, pick out an outfit that won't be rude to go out in front of her brother - preferably one that will say 'cute' - and have her pick it out for us.

'...... It's not right. They are in the wrong order. Dear Iris.

But Miss Raphilia shook her head.

She looks at Iris with a stern face.

You don't think ...... Iris has made ...... some terrible mistake?

Choosing from the clothes is a silly thing to do. The first thing to choose is the underwear.

?

As a slave, you must be prepared to leave everything to your master. Also, you may have to take your underwear off in front of people. And if you do, you will embarrass your master by wearing disgusting underwear!

You did not?　My brother never forced a slave to take off his pants in public.

There was ..........

When the "Knights of Divine Life" attacked me in the dungeon, Rafilia-san in front of me didn't hesitate to take off her underwear and feed it to the slime.

That was it.

Rafilia-san is a slave to her brother with that much determination.

'...... Raphilia-Grace-san ...... how amazing ......'

He's an expert archer, slime wielder, courageous and titty-boobie-boobie-boobie-boobie-boobie-boobie-boobie-boobie-boobie-boobie-boobie - no, that doesn't matter.

The fact that such a person would help Iris: ......

"May I call you master ......?

Iris couldn't help but mutter.

'Please, Raphilia. Please guide Iris so that she can work for her brother!

Oh, I'm so embarrassed.

Raphilia pressed her cheeks with a bright red face.

Iris had always learned. Her knowledge of being a priestess, of sea dragon legends, of scheming, of accounting, of business administration. I'm good at learning. I'm sure there are things I can learn from him as well.

''I understand!　Raphilia will be responsible for teaching you to be a worthy slave to your master, Iris-sama!

Yes, please!

Then we'll start with the underwear: ...... I was wondering if this would ever happen, and I borrowed Aine's treasured copy of her "Shobutashigi". It's a free size, so please send this to Iris at .......

It's a thrill.

It's as if a new world is opening up to me.

Iris listened intently to Rafilia-san's explanation with shining eyes.

And then──...

'I've come to visit!　Brother... no, master!

Iris visits Souma's house.

Her brother was reading a book in the living room. Aine has just prepared her lunch and Cecil and Rita are helping her.

Iris also tries to help, but she says, "It's okay," she says. Iris, please talk to Naa-kun. I know it's "punsuka" to treat customers, but we'll take your word for it. There are times when I have to talk to my brother, you know.

Sorry to bother you, brother.

Iris bows to her brother in the chair.

I was able to say it without stumbling.

I was worried that I wouldn't be able to say it right, because the moment I saw my brother, my heart leapt in my chest, but I'm relieved. I'm relieved. I hold my chest and sigh. I can tell even I'm blushing.

...... I wonder if my brother has noticed me.

'Welcome, Iris,'

My brother suggests a chair next to me and I sit down.

On the living room wall are my brother's black sword and a leather armor. I heard you don't have any quests planned for today, what's going on?

I'm glad to hear that the lord has given you permission.

Yes, my dear. Dear Mr. Souma. I have an announcement to make.

There's a lot to talk about.

First, let's start with the information about "her". That she's being transferred to the magical research city. Arrangements have been made for you to meet her. Then there's .......

There's so much to talk about, it's mind boggling.

Shall I tell you about your father? How he got forgiveness.　

Or shall we talk about how Iris supports your brother's life?

And then, and then...

Dinner's ready.

You should eat as well, Mr. Iris.

'You can sit on your sister Rita's lap if you want, okay?

Can you do it on my lap, master?

But first, let's go to dinner.

Cecil, Rita, Aine and Master. And of course, my brother, too.

Come to think of it, it's the first time I've ever sat around a table with someone I like.

It's strange. Being with her brother, Iris is full of firsts.

''So, how did your lord react?　Do you think you'll get along with Raphilia?

For some reason, Iris turned bright red at her brother's words.

To the sea dragon, I should have wished for it.

So that I could be with Soma-Nagi-sama forever.

So that I can always communicate my feelings to her properly.

Yes. Rafilia-san has become Iris's teacher.

Sir!

Rafilia-san and I look at each other and laugh.

I'm going to learn a lot of things from Rafilia-san, and I'm going to learn a lot about my brother, and I'm going to do my best to be useful - one day, my brother and .......

But that's still a long way off.

For now, she has a group of kind friends and her beloved brother - her husband.

That's enough for Iris.

Thank you very much. Kelkator, the sea dragon.

The guardian god that should be migrating in the distant sea - the distant ancestors, Iris prays to them today too.

To thank her for making Iris into Souma-sama's, and...

I wish for days like this to last forever. ......

It's the only thing that Iris wishes for next to (next to) her brother.