177 Episode 177 "The item" rebuilt "as a measure against heroes reassured the girls of the lord's family.".txt

After returning from the Hidden Market, I decided to immediately "reconfigure" the items I had obtained.

The first thing I did was to check the concept of the other two items in my living room.

...... Yeah. I can use it.

I put the two items on the table.

I heard that they are both failures made by a deplorable alchemist, but if you "rebuild" them, they will become powerful weapons.

I have to thank Maryse for being our guide.

I'm sure this Tantoo can be used against "visitors" as well: ......

I took the copper-colored dagger in my hand.

It was about the length of my elbow to my fingertips. The hilt is engraved with the words 'Safety First' in this country's language.

It's a single-edged dagger, and the blade seems to have magic on it. But it looks like a paper knife, and it doesn't seem to be very sharp.

To begin with, this is not a weapon for fighting, according to Maryse, the guide, though.

It's called "Mumei" (safety sword).

A short sword whose blade becomes smaller with each swing.

A short sword that shrinks with each swing.

The tip of the blade is also smashed, so it does not pierce the blade even if you poke it.

It is a short sword that can only be used to push pressure points on limbs, where safety comes first.

The Mumei was made by a lowly nobleman to hand over victory to his opponent when he was challenged to a duel by a superior nobleman.

However, its creator, an alchemist, was so proud of his work that rumors began to circulate that dueling with this dagger was a race against time, so it is no longer used. ......

"Te.

I wielded the 'safety sword' to try it out.

Shukon.

The blade became smaller.

It's amazing. It doesn't retract but magically shrinks?

I wonder how it works. ......

'Is that what you bought in the 'hidden market'?　Big brother.

I heard a voice.

I turned around to see Iris standing behind a chair, peering at me.

'Welcome home, Iris,'

Yes. Iris-Hafeumea, I'm back!

Iris shook her green hair and chuckled.

'Are you done with the Lords' house?'

I've calmed down. We are currently investigating the 'New Lords Recruit Training'. The assistant has told me a lot of things about the 'Konzaru Tanto' that I recommended for the training.

We have no idea who it is yet?

Yes. He was introduced to you by a merchant's acquaintance who was also an acquaintance of his. The person who served as an intermediary was an assistant who was an old friend of his and couldn't refuse him.

I hope it's not a 'visitor' thing: ......

The 'visitors' and people who want to be brave have to have cheat skills to deal with it.

There are people in this world who like "Black Training" as well, so let's hope they're related to that world.

Because if possible, I want the people of this world to solve the problems of this world alone.

''Speaking of which, the next lord, Royeld-san, is safe, right? How do you think things are going after that?

'...... yes. I have no problem with Royerd's but ......

Huh?

Why are you stammering, Iris?

The maid attached to Royeld has become quite depressed.

The maid?

'Yes. ''Am I worthy of being the next lord's maid? Apparently, she regrets not being able to protect Royeld during her 'rookie training'.

The incoming lord had someone like that too: ......

'It's a maid Royeld brought in from her parents' house, and they've been together since they were little, like childhood friends.

...... childhood friends.

That's good. That sound. I kind of want to support you.

'He's a little older than Royeld and a really good maid. Although I am a little too concerned about him, Royeld trusts me as well. I was sent to the lord's house by the branch family to help him, you know.

Iris nodded, with a serious face.

''It's just that she──Dorothy didn't think that Royeld would be the next lord of the 'Sea Dragon Town of Ilgafa' ...... and she's worried that he's gone far away. Besides, because of this incident, he's thinking of quitting his job and going back to his parents' house.

It wasn't the maid's fault this time, was it?

'But still, sir. Royeld must mean so much to Dorothy. Because Royeld once said of Dorothy that she was 'like a worried family member'.

So the family's got their "worry" mixed up. It's not easy. That's the hard part.

Iris also doesn't want her loved ones to go away, so I understand ......

For a while, Iris and I nodded our heads in agreement.

"Her──Dorothy's worries are so-called 'unwarranted' and 'overthinking', so I want to do something about it... ......

It's not something you can honestly agree with when someone else says, 'It's okay.' ......

'I suppose 'worry' has been running through my head. I know, I've been there with Iris, so I understand. In Iris's case, though, I'm talking about your job.

If you're worried about your job, I had mine. I mean, it's back in the old world.

You can't quit your job because you're worried about your life in the future.

You want to solve the problem, but your mind is so occupied with worry that you don't have time to make a decision.

I'm sure it would be better to clear your head first and then think about it. ...... It's not always easy to do that.

Oh, excuse me, brother.

Suddenly, Iris put her hand over her mouth.

'I have told you of Iris's troubles. The slave Iris shouldn't have embarrassed her brother with her personal business (my business).

'That's fine. It's better if you talk to me the other way.

...... Is that right?

'You mean the Lords, right?　If the port city isn't stable, we can't live in peace, either. If there is something we can do, we will do it. Besides, sometimes we get good ideas while we're talking.

...... Yes.

Iris smiled softly and nodded.

By the way, is your brother in the process of appraising the items purchased in the 'hidden market'?

'I'm 'rebuilding' to be exact. I'm going to turn this dagger into a cheat item that can take on 'visitors' as well.

I picked up the Mumei, the safety sword on the table.

And also check the "concept" inside me.

I still have some left over from when I made the Telescopic Spear. I think we should use it this time.

Since we're going to be using it this time, you can keep an eye on Iris. I was wondering if you could give me some ideas on what to do with the "rebuilt" items.

'I understand. I'll figure out a way to use the item in lieu of this life!

That's why you're too serious, Iris.

With a bitter smile, I activate the skill.

''Activate 'Fast Rebuild 'Quick Structure'!

And the items we've "reassembled"...

Kokoro Yasumaru

The dagger that 'worries' become 'smaller' every time you swing it

Every time you shake it, you can reduce the amount of 'worry' that occupies your mind.

The problem will not disappear, but the burden on your mind will be reduced and you will be able to cope with things in a calm manner.

The ability is activated by the person you want to reassure, or by touching the person you want to reassure after you shake it.

Note: Be careful not to use it too much.

'I knew it was going to be a comforting item after all.

The enemies I've fought so far have all been obsessed with the obsession of 'becoming a hero' and 'making a difference'.

If that's the case, if they could reduce their worries, they would be able to have a decent conversation.

Maybe we wouldn't have to fight.

The question is, will they have a chance to take advantage of it?

The 'visitors' all have powerful cheat skills.

In order to hit these daggers, you must dodge their skills and approach them.

In order to do so, Iris's 'Genso Kukan' is still effective. It's because it can distract the opponent.

Then, the best strategy would be to combine with Iris.

So, Iris, I'd like to hear your opinion on the effectiveness and use of this item.

I love you. Big brother.

It came out of nowhere.

Iris walked around to this side of the chair and knelt at my feet.

''I can't believe you even thought of a way to solve the troubles of the lord's maid. Indeed, the next lord of the lord's family - and by extension, the relationships within the lord's family - are a matter of security for the port town. The 'Sea Dragon Priestess' Iris-Hafeumea was unaware of her brother's thoughts to that extent. ......

'That ...... Iris. What are you talking about?

'What?　Didn't your brother 'rebuild' the magic item for the maid with Reuerd who is bothered by the 'worry'?

No, no, no, no, no, no. I told you it was a 'visitor' measure.

He said he'd do what he could for the House of Lords and the port city.

I told you.

'It's your brother, so you didn't say it out loud, but Iris made you aware of it, didn't she?

I'm not going to go around that much.

I mean, Iris, you're kidding me too much.

But ...... is certainly a good place to start. I'm sure this short sword, Kokoro Yasumaru, can cure that maid's 'anxiety'.

We all get stuck thinking about it too much and worrying about it, because we all get stuck in our heads.

When that happens, it's better to stop thinking at once. ...... If you can do that, you won't have any trouble.

But with the use of this "Anshinanmaru", the worries that occupy your mind can be reduced.

It's a great way to put distance between you and your friends.

The problems won't disappear, but you will be able to deal with them in a calm manner.

'All right. Then I'll give this to Iris.

'Thank you!　After all, it wasn't a mistake for Iris to kneel to her brother, was it?

Iris kneeled on the floor and stretched out her chest, ahem, with her knees on the floor.

Then, as if she remembered something...

Come to think of it, Iris has her own 'concerns'.

Iris, for some reason, shyly put the fingers of both hands together with a peck, and said

'...... Iris accepted ...... and ...... her brother ...... ......

I'm home. Nagi-sama! I'm home.

Huh?

I heard Cecil and Aine's voices from the doorway, and Iris hurriedly moved away from me.

Come to think of it, Cecil and Aine were out shopping for dinner.

...... Iris, now.

'Nothing, sir, nothing!　No, it's not something I'd like to announce in public!

It's not a bad idea to have a good time.

So, now, I'm going to borrow this "Anshinto Kokoro Yasumaru".

Okay. But there's a caveat.

I held out the Kokoro Yasumaru, which I kept in its scabbard, to Iris.

"You can only use it three times for one person. After that, it's best to give it a break for a day or so.

This is my own sense of 'reimagining' the item.

It's something that touches people's hearts. You'd better use it carefully.

''I understand. I'll follow my brother's orders.

Call me when you need help. My skill 'Heart Healing Hug' can eliminate the effect of 'Shinanmaru'. Nice.

Yes, brother!

Iris nodded once and for all.

And then he returned to the lord's house with "Kokoro Yasumaru" in his hand.

That night, at the House of the Lord of Irgapha.

Miss Dorothy. Please bring a change of clothes to Mr. Roild.

This is the work room of the lord's house.

Holding the clothes she had finished ironing, the maid-dressed Rafilia approached her colleague girl.

''Ha, yes. ''Yes, sir.''

The chestnut-haired, petite girl nodded and accepted a nightgown for Royeld.

There was no power in her voice.

I guess I haven't been sleeping well. He has dark circles under his eyes and a slightly pale complexion.

'Are you okay?　Miss Dorothy.

...... May I bring this to you, Mr. Royeld?

Of course it's good!

Rafilia raised her voice at the line of her timid colleague.

''Everyone in the mansion knows how relieved Royeld-sama looked when Dorothy-sama came to this mansion!　From the time you were at the branch house, Dorothy was the sister to Master Royeld, wasn't she?

'Yes, but also at .......'

I saw that, right?　When Dorothy knocked on the room, Master Royeld immediately said, 'You must be Dorothy. Come in. I can see that they really have a heart-to-heart communication. It's only been a month since you came to the house. That's why we need Dorothy-san's help!

But ...... I couldn't do anything about it when Mr. Royeld was in danger. ......

'Get a grip!　Miss Dorothy's dream must be to have Master Royeld's face voluntarily nuzzled into her bosom!

How did you know that?

You mentioned in your sleep the other day, when it was your idea to take a nap at the Lord's House of Lords, that you were talking in your sleep.

...... ugh.

Dorothy, the little maid, held her chest.

...... After all, I'm not worthy of being Master Royeld's maid. It would be better to go back to my parents' home ...... oh, but I'm worried about Master Royeld if I leave.

'Mmmm...... after all, you're right, Mr. Iris: ......

Lady Iris'

No, no, no. It was more of a conversation.

Raphilia waved her hand in a deceptive manner.

Then she gave a cursory glance.

Would you like us to perform a spell on you, then?

Rafilia held up her index finger with a snap.

'...... spell, is it?'

Dorothy, the maid girl, nodded her head curiously.

'Dorothy-sama, you said before. You said before, Dorothy-sama, that you wanted me to teach you an elf's 'comforting spell'. I have found it, would you like to try it?

'Yes, sir!　By all means, please.

Now, come to the corner of the hallway, please. No, step back. Don't look behind you, ...... and squat there. With your back to the corner. Okay?

Now ...... spell, I'll do the spell, okay?　Yes, sir. You have agreed to that, haven't you?

Then, Mr. Yes!

Pan. Pop.

After making sure that the maid girl Dorothy nodded, Rafilia clapped her hands.

Taking that as a cue, Iris, who had been hiding in the corner of the corridor, swooped in and advanced.

Then she swung the dagger in her hand and placed its peak (Minne) on the shoulder of Dorothy, the maid girl.

(Whispering) Activate. It's called 'Kokoro Yasumaru'.

Bam.

A small spark flashed on Dorothy's neck.

At the same time, a hazy thing emerged from the back of her neck and ...... disappeared.

''What do you think? Dorothy.

I have to go to .......

Hugging her nightgown, Dorothy, the maid girl, stood up.

She straightened up and straightened her spine, and with her lips tightly knotted, she seemed to be a different person than she was a moment ago.

...... What was I wondering about? I've come to this mansion to help you, Royeld-sama!

Whoa!

Raphilia couldn't help but exclaim.

She could certainly see the glittering eyes of Dorothy, the maid-girl, gleaming in the air.

'I have no time to worry about it!　This time, I'm going to serve you because I couldn't protect you this time, Mr. Royeld. I can't stand still for even a second. Now ...... to Roiild-sama...

Dorothy, the maid girl, runs off at a snail's pace.

Raphilia and Iris (who had been hiding in the hallway) sneak after her.

As they watch, Dorothy runs up the stairs and knocks on Royeld's door, out of breath.

'Dorothy?　Come in. You are out of breath...

Forgive me, Lady Royeld!

As soon as she opened the door, Dorothy, the maid-girl, exclaimed.

'I'm sorry I couldn't be there for you when you were scared!　Dorothy is, Dorothy wahhhh.

A maid's instinct, or perhaps it was the maid's instinct, Dorothy entered the room, put her nightgown together and put it on the bed.

Then, murmuring in a tearful voice, she knelt at Royeld's feet.

'Next time, I will be Royeld-sama's shield. Therefore, ...... let me stay ...... at your side.

What are you talking about, Dorothy? I can't use you as a shield: ......, Dorothy, you ......

Royeld rises from his chair and reaches out to Dorothy.

And just before the door closes -.

Dorothy reached out and saw him put his hand around Royeld's back.

...... Hey, hey, hey. This isn't our home, okay?　What if someone sees you?

...... reueld-samaa.

...... I can't help it. Dorothy is at .......

Whisper.

After confirming that the door was closed, Iris and Raphilia crept away.

After turning down the corridor and coming to the front of their room──.

Pow, pow, pow.

"It's a success!

The Master's items and Master Iris's plan are perfect!

Iris and Raphilia raised their hands and high-fived each other.

Iris, as one of her employers, and Raphilia, as a colleague, were worried about Dorothy, the maid girl. Dorothy hadn't been eating well lately and hadn't been sleeping at night. Her 'worrying' nature couldn't be helped by words.

That's why when Nagi told her about the 'Safe Sword', Iris was 'pinged'.

Iris herself had experienced that Nagi's 'Cheat Skill' could save people's hearts.

Even she had broken out of her panic with the "Heart Healing Hug" when she was in the "Holy Land of the Sea Dragon".

Both Iris and Rafilia believed that the item Nagi had created to save her heart would definitely help Dorothy. And they were right.

I guess Dorothy's thoughts were going around in circles in the same place, wanting to know if Royeld needed her ...... but not wanting to burden her with it.

I'm glad you're such a good man, Mr. Royeld.

Iris and Raphilia looked at each other and laughed.

Royeld and Dorothy, two people of different statuses, but I hope it will work out....... If so, Iris will get a hand in it and make Dorothy the adopted daughter of a great family....... What a story! Meanwhile, Iris and Raphilia returned to their room.

Then Iris started to work on her paperwork and Rafilia went to clean up the dishes.

After a while...

...... Come to think of it, Iris had some concerns, too.

When she was alone, Iris suddenly reached for the Kokoro Yasumaru.

In fact, Iris had used it on herself before she used it on Dorothy.

Iris is also a member of the House of Lords. As someone who stands above people, he can't use a 'cheat item' on a maid without experimenting. Nagi also said, 'Since it touches people's hearts, be cautious' - that's what he said.

Besides, Iris's worries had increased because of what she had said to Nagi earlier. It was just right to experiment with the 'safe sword'.

The thing that Iris hadn't been able to say to Nagi earlier was the worry. That was...

Will Iris be able to properly accept her brother ...... ...... in the deepest part of herself?

Of course, it's all about the soul...

It's the 'soul engagement' that binds a master and his slave.

Because Iris is a 'Sea Dragon Priestess', she has the blood of a dragon in her veins.

She is not a complete human, nor is she a subhuman.

I don't know what shape my soul is in. Maybe it's really the same as everyone else.

And Iris is small, even her body is small. He thinks he's solid, but even his ...... heart is ...... young.

I'm not sure if I'll be able to "engage my soul" in the same way as everyone else.

...... If Iris can't ...... engage with her big brother, she will.

When she thought about it, she couldn't help but feel cold inside.

This is the reason why you should be able to use it.

"Activate - 'Anshinto' - 'Kokoro Yasumaru'.

Tong.

Iris placed the peak of the 'reassuring sword' on her shoulder.

...... Somehow, it felt a little easier.

But I don't know. It's not real. I still feel like it's not enough.

Just ...... again.

Ton.

I activate the item, close my eyes, and look into my mind.

I don't know. Maybe it has little effect on the user themselves.

Maybe I'm not sure when to activate it .......

I don't know ...... did it work?

Iris mumbled as she hugged her stuffed animal.

'I don't know ....... I don't feel like I've changed much.

And I'm starting to feel like I can use this item over and over again.

It's okay. It's going to be okay. ...... You won't have to worry about anything ...... I'm sure.

I'm sure that this is the last ......

And then Iris grabbed the Anshinto and...

A few minutes later, in the hallway of the Lord's house...

'Huh?　Are you going out, Mr. Iris?　What's up with your appearance at this late hour of the night at ......!　Huh?　So, you're going to see the master now?　Okay, but, um, are you sure you want to do this?　　A fantasy space?　From that figure to everyday clothes - oh, he blended into the landscape and disappeared ....... Hey, Iris-sama ────!

A few more minutes later, in Nagi's room.

............chan.

I was asleep in bed when I heard a voice in my ear.

Hmm. Did you want to talk to me, ......?

By the way, my body is still heavy.

Come to think of it, my bed seemed to creak a while ago. ......

...... It's not morning yet, is it? I'm sleepy.

"...... big brother ......

...... Iris?

When I opened my eyes, I saw Iris's face close by.

She's got her green hair tied up in a bun on either side of her head. On the top of her head is an ornament in the shape of a ...... sea dragon.

I'm sure you'll be able to find a tiara for it.　The kind you wear to a wedding or something.

If you look closely, you can see that Iris is wearing a pure white dress.

It had thin shoulder straps and frilled fabric that covered her chest. It's unnaturally puffy, as if it were stuffed with stuffing.

The skirt was short and gathered.

There are many layers of ribbons wrapped around the waist. It's also long and stretched to the point of dragging, as if it were in the shape of a sea dragon.

'Iris ...... have no more fears or hesitations.'

Saying this, Iris crawled her thin hand on my cheek.

''Just like this dress that your mother wore──Iris, please make her your brother's.

With a thorny look in her eyes, Iris said something like that.