188 Episode 188 "The Circumstances of Mermaids and the Great Treasure of" Clothing, Food, and Housing "".txt

The Labyrinth of Saint Delilah, the Pool Room.

...... Who is that, sir? ......?

The mermaid, Sonia, looked at me and said so.

Her tone was lisping.

This is Saint Delilira's labyrinth. The pool room at the back of it.

In the thin, bright water, a little mermaid was watching me.

Her name is Sonia, and she's less than ten years old. Her age is less than 10 years old.

She has long light blue hair wrapped around her body, and she looks a little frightened.

Her lower body is a fish. Her light blue scales glisten in the light of the room.

Faint ripples on the surface of the water are caused by Sonia's trembling.

Maybe she's scared of me, the first time we've met.

I know that ...... is the same human species that drove the mermaids out of their home.

I'm not going to be able to get it right. Mr. Sonia.

Iris, sitting by the pool, shook Sonia's hand.

'This is Iris's beloved, gentle master, you know.

...... easy, people?

Yes, he's very kind to me.

Then, with her little finger, Iris pressed her lips together.

'Iris has gotten used to it lately, so ...... you can make it a little harder, though.

Hey, hey, hey.

What are you talking about, blushing? Iris.

"...... kind, human.

Sonya's trembling stopped.

It seems that interacting with Iris makes the mermaid Sonia feel at ease.

I'm sure she is a descendant of the sea dragon Kerkator. I'm sure you'll be able to find out more about it. So maybe we have something in common.

I'm sure you'll be able to find out more about this. The brave shama.

This time I'm just here to support you. You were assisted by my friends and Lady Delilira.

'Well, you know. Delilira-san is an 'attentive saint', you know!

Right above the pool, the ghost saintess threw out her chest with an "eh".

She was worried about the mermaid, Sonia, and she's been following her for a long time. She's really a nice person. She's a good person.

Well, she was so attentive that she couldn't quit her job and died prematurely.

'Rest if you're aware, Your Highness.

The people here are me, Iris, the saint, and Sonia the mermaid.

Sonya gets nervous when there are too many people here, so we decided to have everyone wait outside.

By now, we should be at the entrance of the labyrinth, drinking tea and taking a break.

So, Sonya. If it's okay with you, you can tell me what happened on the beach.

I said.

At the same time, I sent the situation of this place to Cecil and Aine by "Consciousness Sharing (Mind Linkage) - Revised". It's the usual information sharing.

''...... hui,''

I'll start by telling you what happened when my people found you.

The mermaid, Sonia, nodded, so I continued.

'At the time, one of my companions was on a quest to investigate a river,' she said, 'a very talented beastman girl was there. A very talented beastman girl was there.

The girl used some kind of power and found you lying deep in the water source. In order to save you, the knight girl's twin sister, who had special powers, flew through the air with her powers and pulled you out.

Then, along with you, appeared the saint Delilira in the form of a bird.

So you're saying that Iris's people used their magical powers to help Lady Sonia out.

'Don't let him get into the details. Sonia,

............ yeah.

The mermaid, Sonia, half-sunk her face into the water and replied.

'You know what? Sonya believes in the Iris shama. When Iris Shama is by her side, she feels at ease. The mermaids know about the saint Delilira-chama. So... ...... Is the Brave Shama your favorite person?

My beloved.

He's like a student who can't be ignored.

So long, then.

Chappu, kicking the water, Sonia comes close to me.

"Sonya swears her allegiance to the brave girl .......

You don't have to swear an oath of allegiance. I just want to know what's going on in your neck of the woods.

It's all in your mind.

Sonia stepped back, and with a crunch, she tapped the surface of the water with her tail and bowed.

Then she closed her eyes and began to speak slowly.

──────────── ...

It was just as the saintly lady had said that mermaids were sub-humans who lived along the coast.

And it was just as I had expected that Sonia and her friends lived near the Land of the d*mned.

"For generations, Sonia and her friends have purged the curse by singing and dancing happily.

The mermaids don't know when the place became the 'Land of the d*mned'.

But there was a legend.

A long time ago, the human king committed a great crime against the dragon that lived on the earth.

The dragon's anger was so great that he was furious with the dragon for that crime.

This anger would not subside, even after the death of the dragon.

It is said to destabilize the minds of those who approach the land.

"The curse doesn't work on mermaids," she said. They don't suffer too much.

Doesn't bother you?

'Yes. If it's not life-threatening, I'll forget about the bad stuff in about three days.

So what's the threat to your life?

We'll deal with it. If that doesn't work, we'll just give up and run.

""...... I see."

That's a way of life that can be done because we are a species that lives freely in the sea.

Mermaids don't have a civilization or even a home.

If humans did the same thing, it would be a hassle to get rid of them afterwards. ...... But I like ....... That way of life, too.

That's the kind of life that mermaids live in. ...... A frightening person came ...... to live with such a mermaid.

Sonia began to tell the rest of the story.

────────────

A few weeks ago, a ship came to the mermaid's realm.

In addition to the sailors, there were two humans on board the ship - a swordsman and a wizard.

The two men announced to the mermaids: "The time has come to open this land.

'The time has come to open this land. We will find someone who can resist the curse and fulfill the ancient oath.

And...

And so they began to attack the mermaids.

The mermaids do not have the ability to fight. The best that can be done is to sing a song that has a 'purification' effect.

I'm sure you'll be able to find out more about this as well.

What happened after that ...... Sonia doesn't even remember exactly what happened.

She desperately fled to a secret escape route - an underground water vein.

The reason there was a 'Horned Serpent' with her was because those guys had been defeated by swordsmen and wizards.

The underground water vein was flowing fast, and after hitting the rocks several times, Sonia lost consciousness.

Then she realized that she was in the saintly lady's labyrinth.

──────────── ...

...... It was a very frightening experience. The eyes of the people on the boat were ...... as if they weren't looking at anything, as if they weren't subhuman or demonic, but ...... as if they were the sea Float, like a disturbing driftwood ...... magic, releasing ...... magic, using the big demon, ......

The pool ripples.

Because the body of the mermaid Sonia is trembling.

That's how scary it must have been.

The scariest part is that I don't know why they did it. Mermaids are ...... purifying the land, and they're just doing it for the fun of it. Mermaids get tired of it and go far away. They didn't attack humans and they didn't hate ...... them.

...... Dear Sonia.

If it weren't for the help of the heroic Shama's friends, ...... mermaids (Sonia) would have hated ...... humans. ......

Sonia reached out and grabbed the hem of my pants and squeezed.

'Thank you ...... brave man, shama.'

I'm sorry I had to remind you of something horrible.

The same thing happened with the "Wise Goblin" that attacked the beastman's village, but why are there people who do unnecessary things in this world?

The mermaids continued to cleanse the "cursed land".

I heard that fishermen traded with them, so the place must have been cleaned up enough for a few people to enter.

But the 'rookie trainees' ruined it.

I guess that's what the people who took the training are going crazy about, in other words.

I wonder why they would do that." ...... I have no idea, Delilira, I just don't get it.

Iris, too. If you want to 'train the new guy', you should do it in the middle of nowhere.

I'm with you on this one.

'So, Nagi-kun, how did you analyze what you heard, Sonia?

...... Right.　

From what Sonia said, I'm guessing that .......

'In other words, the mermaids lived in that realm in order to purify the ancient curse. The curse is most likely the curse of the dragon ...... that dwells on the earth, or the 'earth dragon'. The one who drove out the mermaids was probably a person with a different power. I'm sure you'll be able to find out more about this in the future.

They are conducting a 'rookie training' there. The purpose is to find people who are resistant to the "curse". Thus, they're trying to find the source of the curse, the Dungeon of the Demon Dragon. That's what the 'Quest for the Brave' in 'The Visitor' is all about. The Marquis is cooperating with ...... it, no, don't make a quick decision. More information: ......

Brave boy, you're catching on too quickly!

We've done some research beforehand. We know who's doing the 'rookie training'.

We know how they treat people, me, Leticia, Cutlass, and Rafilia have experienced it too.

And the purpose of 'Newcomer Training' is not to train people, but to find people who can withstand the extremely black environment of 'Curse'.

There are few people who can nullify the "curse".

Even in our party, only Cecil, Rita, Aine and Iris have resistance to the curse.

I'm not going to be able to get close to that "cursed land", of course. But ...... I have a feeling it's not good to just leave it like this.

And also I want to return the mermaid to her original sea.

It's a black world, so it's good to have a race of carefree, singing and laughing people.

''Well, I was going to go explore the 'Demon Dragon Dungeon' anyway.

We are deeply involved with sea dragons and celestial dragons.

If there is a demon dragon, a ground dragon, I want to make sure that I know what it is.

I'm also the 'Otosan' of the 'Young Living Body of the Heavenly Dragon'.

''Saintess. Do you have a question?

Yes, Nagi.

"The only reason people who are taking 'rookie training' are meekly following it is because they are mentally unstable because of the 'cursed land'.

'Yes. Delilira thinks so.

The Ghost Saintess nodded.

The so-called 'cursed land' is a place where the anger and sadness of a giant being - in other words, big emotions - remain. Even the strongest of people would be mentally unstable if someone was standing next to them in a constant state of anger, wouldn't they?　That's what I mean.

With Her Ladyship's 'Silver Plate of Purification', you can bring everyone back to their senses.

'Yes. But with a strong curse, it may take some time to cleanse it. If you hit them with a huge 'divine power', you can bring everyone back to their senses in an instant, but I'm sure there's someone who can do that...

When she was about to say it, the saintly lady said, "Haha," and held her mouth.

''-You don't say that, do you? Anyway, the moment Delilira-san said that, Inochiki master Nagi-kun said, 'Okay, let's use that one! Hmmm!

Why are you sulking, saint?

No, there are certainly ways to purify, though.

Please don't sulk before you say it, Holy Lady.

''In that case, we'll first weaken the 'curse' and return the people receiving the 'training' to their senses. The only thing left to do is to deal with the giant demon that attacked the mermaid's territory. Do you have any information about that?

Yes, you're right. ......

The mermaid, Sonia, nodded her head.

'As I recall, it was called ...... 'Summoned beasts that were 'inspired' by Hydra'.

Inspired by ...... Hydra.

...... That's the hydra that attacked the resort the other day.

I don't want to have to refer to ...... for that kind of stuff.

Me, Iris, and the Saintess sighed.

Then we got some information about the Inspire Hydra from Sonia.

We also checked the terrain and made a plan.

Confirm the area affected by the curse from the saint.

Think of this as a quest for Saint Delilira's request.

The saintly lady clapped her hands together with a snap.

''Protecting the recreational area is what Delilira-san 'wants' to do. The reward is...''

Excuse me. The mermaid has a hidden treasure: ......

The mermaid Sonia interrupted the saint's words and said: "I would like to ask the elder to give it to you.

I would like to ask the elder to give you ...... it.

Are you sure?

I feel kind of bad about getting a reward from a little boy.

As long as we get a lot of 'Horned Serpents', that's fine.

Is that so?

'Yeah. Aine was ...... my sister wanted it. And Cecil, too.

""...... uh,"

What's wrong with you, Iris? And you too, Saint.

Why do you two look so clueless?

All right, I will give you the Horned Serpent, a specialty of mermaids. I'll give you the Horned Serpent, a specialty of mermaids. But I'd like you to accept the treasure as well. I'm sure it will be useful to the hero.

Really?

Well, since mermaids are a non-working race, they have the three treasures of clothing, food and shelter.

...... Yeah.

It's like a talisman for mermaids who live by singing and playing. It's a good idea to have that treasure, so at the very least, you won't go hungry and you won't lose your livelihood. If the brave shaman will give you back the dwelling place of Sonya and the others, you can have it.

...... Oh.

I heard a strange voice.

Before I knew it, I was holding my heart.

My ultimate goal: the skill of living without working.

I never thought I'd find that tip here.

'I see, ...... mermaids are professionals who don't work and live: ......'

Instead of having nothing, they live by singing and dancing.

They were like seniors to me as I tried to live without working.

Can I call you ...... senpai, if you don't mind.

"What do you mean, brave boy?

Sonia, the mermaid, is startled.

I kneel by the pool and take her little hand in mine.

'Anyway, I'll take the 'Saintess Quest' order. I'll do everything I can to help us.

"............ Oh, brave shama.

''I'll stop the annoying 'rookie training' and get rid of the giant demon. By the same token, I'll find out what the 'curse' is.

I'm getting motivated.

The dubious 'Newcomer Training' and the 'Demon Dragon Dungeon' are both a passing point.

In order to achieve our ultimate goal of 'living without working', we'll save the mermaids.

Of course. Take it easy.

I'll do whatever I can to prevent anyone from getting injured.

That's all the information I have.

I send a word to Iris and a message to Cecil and Aine, who were connected through 'Consciousness Sharing and Reforming'.

The reply came right back.

Everyone agrees on 'I want to save the mermaid'.

We all sympathize with Sonya, but our main motives are different...

Rita and Iris 'want to save (little) (sea friends)'

Cecil, Aine, Reggie and Fynn said, 'We want to get the Horned Serpent. It will make me feel so much better.'

Raphilia, Letitia and Cutlass are 'No Evil Allowed! It was.

────────────

Then we went back to the entrance of the labyrinth to finalize our plan.

This time, we decided to divide the party into three groups.

Me, Cecil and Rita are to purify the curse and locate the location of the Dungeon of the Demon Dragon.

Aine and Iris, you're going to back us up.

Leticia, Raphilia and Cutlass (Fynn), stay outside of the range of the Curse. We decided to cause a commotion as soon as the quest started and get people to come to us.

'Letitia keep Leggy. Raphilia take care of White.

I handed Leticia the Magic Sword Reggie and Rafilia the soft golem 'Ritogon' with the 'Armband of the Heavenly Dragon (Shiro)' attached to it.

I told Leggy to follow Letitia's instructions. You can use both Slime Bringer and Condition Changer.

...... With Nagi, I feel like my 'chii and abilities' increase like I'm breathing.

It's all in your head.

Don't let that stop you!

Besides, I think Letitia would be able to use Reggie's spiky abilities to her advantage.

...... woo.

Letitia had a difficult look on her face for a while with the magic sword Leggy in her hand though.

I understand. Nagi-san's 'Aiken', I'll keep it for you.

"It can't be helped. If my lord commands it, I shall be with a noblewoman this time.

A figure-sized Leggy came out and climbed onto Leticia's shoulder.

This is a good opportunity. It's a good opportunity for you to learn about the right way to be a girl. Hmmm, hmmm.''

Yes, you do. Miss Raphilia.

'Yes!　Then I'll show Letitia and Cutlass how cute Reggie-san is!

I'm looking forward to it!

When did you guys collude on ──────?

Leticia, Raphilia and Cutlass look at each other and laugh.

Reggie is squirming, holding his reddened cheeks.

At this rate, I hope Reggie will listen to what everyone says.

Since Laetitia and her friends don't have an immunity to the curse, they'll have to support us from afar.

I've already checked the 'curse affected area' and 'safe area' with the saint.

I'm worried about doing separate quests, but Rafilia and Reggie have new skills. Combined with Cutlass's Telescoping Spear, they'll be able to counter most enemies.

Iris and Aine, you're going to be back up while we're doing the purification. As soon as the effects of the curse fade...

I know, sir. Brother!

Iris, dressed in her swimsuit, shouted out as she wiped her wet hair.

'I'm aware of the plan, sir!　To Iris, whose 'Dragon's Blood' has had a great awakening, 'The Cursed Land' doesn't matter to her!

I'll be fine. I'll just run to the ocean if I have to.

If you're alone, Lady Aine, Iris can swim with you!

Iris pauses in her gut with a "mmmm".

Aine looks as calm as ever, but I can see it in her eyes. Aine, she's very motivated.

Maybe she's remembering something from the past.

Aine was doing voluntary black labor in the 'common man's guild' in the commercial city of Metecal. Maybe she's comparing herself to the people who are forced to 'train new recruits'.

But what's with the little voice mumbling 'Horned Serpent' and 'Mujinto'?

'Anyway, Aine and Iris, don't take it easy. If you think you're in danger, send a message right away. Good.

"'Yes!　Nah-kun (big brother)!

And I will be using the Grand Magic with Cecil and Rita.

How are you two feeling?

No problem. Nagi-sama. It looks like you can use great magic with ease.

Cecil comes up next to me, shaking his silver hair.

In fact, ...... I've recently had Nagi-sama's magic power pass smoothly through my body.

Really?

'Ha, yes. Its ......

Cecil's cheeks were stained, and his hands were pinched together with his index fingers.

I think my body has been ...... changing in many ways to fit in with Nagi's ...... body. I'm going to be able to get a lot more than just a few of the things I've been looking for.

............ wow.

Flap, flap, flap.

Without a sound, Rita came around behind me.

Flap, flap, flap, flap.

Her wagging tail was stroking my back. When I turned around, her white skin was bright red down to her neck.

...... Um, Rita.

............ the same.

What?

I'm just like you, Cecil.　That's why you should go to .......

............ Yeah. It's easier for my magic to get through.

Well, that should do it.

Well, I'll be back. You take care of Sonya, okay? "Saint.

You know what, Nagi.

The Saintess floats near the ceiling of the labyrinth with a difficult look on her face.

'Delilira-san was going to continue to exist as a ghost and look for the demon city, but seeing ...... you guys made me change my mind about ...... something.

Is that so?

...... I'll try my best to be reborn. And then Nagi would take me in and I'd become your child.

'It's nice. Sounds like fun.

"Quickly?

'What?　Because then we can be with Our Lady forever, can't we?

Originally, we're an odd party, each with a master-servant contract included (with an exception), each with a different race.

We have visitors and demons and beastmen, nobles and sissies, dragon bloodlines and replicas of ancient elves, and a hidden princess of the royal family. A demonic sword and a larval body of a celestial dragon.

It doesn't matter if you have a 'reincarnated body of a saintly woman' among your relatives.

'What would happen in that case?　I guess the saint will be reincarnated as a child somewhere and then I will take her in?　But since she is a saint, she's going to make a 'sign' to her mother-to-be. I'm sure you'll get the consent to become my child at that time. ...... What do you think?

...... pfft.

The saint erupted.

Huh?

'Moo!　You're no match for him!　Nagi-kun!　Moo Moo Moo!

Excuse me, saint?

Just go!　If anything happens, Delilah will save you!　You guys are going on a quest!

Why are you losing your temper while laughing, saint?

'We'll talk about this later!　Anyway, Delilira is taking care of little Sonia, so you guys take care of yourself and go. If you think you can't, come back and ......, does this go without saying?

I understand.

I reached out and shook hands with the saint in the air.

''I'm going on a 'Saintess Quest', safety first.

So we waved to the saint and set off on our "Saint's Quest".