226 Episode 226 "Extra Edition 17" Experiment of Gifts from Saints by Nagi and Letizia "".txt

The day after we met up with Rita and Leticia.

I decided to check the effects of the items that the saint gave me.

...... It's really OK for me to get the item from the saint ......?

'The saint said, "For you, Letitia,"' she said. See, there's a letter attached.

I handed Letitia a rolled up piece of parchment.

It's the one I was told to give Leticia when I saw her.

'...... "Dear Mr. Letitia, I give this to you." ...... It's true.

Letitia opens the parchment and sighs, huffing.

Then she hugs it to her chest and closes her eyes.

'Thank you, Saintess ...... for that. I will use this item to do justice to this Letitia-Milfe ...... saintly woman's expectations.

Good for you. Letitia.

The saint said, 'I was disappointed that Leticia-kun easily conquered the dungeon, so I decided to strengthen her on the contrary' - but she didn't seem to write that in her letter.

...... Let's keep quiet. I'll keep it quiet.

"What the saint gave me was a sword and shield, right?

Leticia took out the items in the bag.

The sword has a plait pattern.

The saint said it was to make it lighter, but it's strong and solid. As expected.

The other is a circular shield (round shield) with a chain attached to it.

Letitia has a cheat skill with the shield, you know. I guess she's taken care of it.

''Well then, Nagi-san. Would you be willing to accompany me for an experiment?''

Then Letitia looked at me.

I have realized after this event that I need to be stronger. I need to be stronger.

"...... Huh?　Letitia slipped out of the mansion easily, didn't she?

Yes. We were able to get out of the mansion with no problem. Even when Tanaka-Coga and the others attacked ...... I honestly thought we could win. But if it hadn't been for Mr. Cutlass, I think it would have taken us longer to get out of there.

Letitia said as she stared at the saint-sama's sword.

''If we had taken the time to deal with Tanaka-Coga, the pursuers from the mansion might have come. Of course, Rita-san would have defeated them all together, but ...... your precious "spirit link" opponent can't be put in danger.

So you want to be strong?

I'm not your slave, you know. I want to take advantage of every chance I get to be strong. I want to make the most of every opportunity I have to grow as a nobleman.

Saying that, Leticia held the sword in offering.

It's as if he was swearing to a saint who isn't here.

...... It's still amazing. Letitia is.

I understand. Let's try the item experiment. I'm curious to know what kind of sword and shield the saint gave me.

''Thank you. Let's see... ...... The instructions say that it's recommended to check your sword's abilities first.

Letitia replied, looking at the parchment.

So it has instructions. That's great, saint-sama, your attention to detail is perfect.

''I heard this sword's name is called 'Boost Sword'.

So, given the name, it's a sword with a lot of power, huh?

Touch it and see for yourself.

"...... is it okay for me to touch it?

'Yes. It says in the manual, 'This is an unexpected ability even for Nagi-kun. If you can guess what it's like, Delilira-san will praise you!

I wonder what the saints are fighting against: ......

Just do as your saint tells you, okay?

'This sword doesn't belong to me, so I don't understand the concept when I touch it.

Anyway, I got permission to touch it.

The hilt is braided, as you can see. In the middle of the blade, there's a strange pattern painted on it.

The knitting somehow reminds me of the 'thread of magic' that I always use.

If I apply the effect on a hunch...

A sword for storing magic?

...... How did you come up with that?

The braided part looks like it would be easy for magic to pass through. Also, the character in the center of the bag was a lump of air that looked like an indicator of the amount of magic power. I thought that the saint would consider Letitia's magical energy and make something like this.

...... The instructions say, 'Ke, the sword was made with common sense by Delilira-san!　I don't regret having my powers guessed!　The shield is a more challenging item, you know!'' It says.

'So what is the saintly woman fighting against?　I mean, it's a hit!

Next time you see the saint, shall I tell you that Nagi's predictions were off: ......?

'Saints, you've had skills at detecting lies before.

............ well, and let's experiment anyway.

............ let's do that.

For now, we shelved the problem and decided to experiment with the 'Boost Sword'.

At first, Leticia grasps the hilt of the sword with both hands.

When she closes her eyes and puts in her magic power...

Whew!

The words engraved on the sword blade began to glow in order from the bottom.

''Ooohhhhhh!

I couldn't help myself.

It's still amazing. Saint. I couldn't make something like this.

That's the great Saint Delilah!

The position of the light on the blade indicates how much magic it has left. Hmmm, it's also possible to hide the light.

Does the power of your sword increase when you have magic?

''Yes. It seems that you can use the magic power you've accumulated for your skills. I'll give it a try.

Leticia took a deep breath, swooshing as she gripped the sword.

The indicator on the sword gradually went up.

When it reached the top, Letitia opened her eyes──and

Activate 'Mandatory Etiquette'!　Hello, I'm Leticia-Milfe!

He turned to the window in the room and bowed his head.

'Nya.' 'Nya, nya.'

A cat walking on the next wall bowed his head, "Well, well, well, be polite.

The magic power used was...

About a third of the way through.

It's a cat.

''If you're dealing with humans or demons, it's probably half the time. If you store your magic power in your sword beforehand, you'll be able to use your 'Forced Civility' more often.

And it's so cool to hold your sword in front of your body in a bow, like a knight in shining armor.

I know what it is. It is an aristocrat's etiquette to hold a sword in one's hand in greeting, although it was originally done with the scabbard and the hilt facing the ground. Normally, the sword is sheathed in a scabbard and the hilt is held toward the ground.

So that's what you're going to do now?

'Yes. We might as well try it.

I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work.

I'm also a member of a noble family. I'm sure you'll be able to find out more about this. It's hard to show an embarrassing appearance in front of others.

...... I could ask Letitia to teach me some manners too.

It seems unlikely that I'll ever be in a social setting myself.

But it wouldn't hurt to learn some of the etiquette of this world. You might need that kind of knowledge for some time.

Fine, but my education is pretty strict, isn't it?

I'm ready.

Hmm. Then I will show you how to do it, if you have a chance. I will show you what I do, and then I will teach you how to do it. It is important for a nobleman to behave in a polite manner.

Laughing, Leticia picked up another item.

It's a circular shield (round shield) with a chain.

It's large enough to be held with both hands. But it's quite light.

It's made of silvery metal, with a light blue pattern in places.

The part that touches your body seems to be made of that light blue soft material.

What ability does that shield have?

So let's take a shot at it. I think I'm a shield that comes back to life when I throw it.

Oh, I see. It's because it has a chain. Then I'll use an item that turns into a giant magical shield when wielded.

'You're gripping the chains and turning them round and round. I'm sure the saint would make something like that too.

So, what's the right answer?

One moment. Uh, .......

Letitia unfolded the parchment on the shield.

The name of the item written in the manual was──.

"Bioneer Armor Shield.

............ Yes? ............ Huh?

Me and Letitia's eyes are dotted.

Letitia is staring at the instructions with a bright red face.

It's like she's reading it over and over again. But the content remains the same.

The name of this shield is 'Bikini Armor Shield'.

Its ability is .......

''They say that by chanting a certain word, it transforms into 'Bikinia Armor' .......

'Wait a minute. Why would the shield be 'bikini armor'?　What's the meaning of the chains!

Chains are used to hold the parts of the body that are covered with them together. So they're used to tie bikinis together.

It's too unexpected!

In the middle of the message, there's a message from the holy woman. I'll read it to you...

'Hmmm. This must have been unexpected. Nagi-kun. After all, I came up with it by putting words together at random. I made a plate with each letter carved on it and pulled it out over and over again until it became the ...... word. It was a lot of work.'

Are you sure you're not going about this the wrong way, saint?

''I did my best just to take Nagi-kun by surprise this time. Nagi-kun wouldn't expect this shield to transform into bikini armor, would he?

I don't think so. In fact, I'm rather impressed by how oblique it is.

'Of course I added the best features. I've added the ability to convert the wearer's charms into defensive powers!　Great?　Is it great, Delilah? Oh no, meh.''

'It's great, but saint, Letitia's lines are getting more and more barbed: ......

Please tell me how to use it later. I'll be waiting for you forever, Diririra-san! I'll be waiting for you forever, Derrilla-san. ......

............

............

When had I cornered the saint before I knew it?

I feel very, very responsible.

But ...... the one that comes to mind is the saint with a smug look on her face.

You're right, this "Bikinia Armor Shield" is not what I expected. It's amazing, Your Highness.

I'm going to wear this 'Bikoniah Armor Shield' ......

Letitia declared, with determined eyes.

'I don't think you need to push yourself. You could just use it as a normal shield, I suppose.'

No, sir. No, that saint made it for me. I won't be happy if I don't make sure it works in every way!

That's right. Saint Delilira-sama is something Letitia admires.

Then I'll be in the other room. Call me when you're done.

No.

No!

'This is an item made by Our Lady as a challenge to Nagi!　Mr. Nagi, take responsibility and make sure you have the ability to finish!

Yeah.

'Err, no. Wait a minute!

Leticia ran out of the room, shield in hand.

After a while, I heard a rattling sound from the next room.

It's the sound of a shield transforming. Is that really ...... going to be the bikini armor?

Sorry to keep you waiting at ............

A few moments later, Letitia returns.

She comes in front of me with a shy look on her cheeks.

Her white arms are bare.

A thin chain is attached to her shoulder. It came from a shield. In the shield state it is a thick chain, but it seems to have been made up of many thin chains.

In addition, what looks like a silver bikini is seen under the collarbone.

The area underneath is covered by a white cloth, so you can't see it. Letitia, you have a sheet wrapped around your body.

It's an item made by the saint. Even in this state, you should be able to check your ability.

...... Yeah, right.

Why do you look so far away?　Mr. Nagi?

...... I was actually kind of hoping for a little bit of that.

Quite a few years ago, Rita wore the bikini armor.

That looked great on her, so I wanted to see Leticia wear it too .......

Simply because I thought it would look great on Letitia, too.

...... But I guess it can't be helped. You're right, there's no bikini armor in public.

'I think it's fine, Letitia. It'll be easier to move around with some light clothes on top.

Yes. If this has defense like a normal armor, it's pretty useful.

'You'll be able to move faster, and you won't have to wear heavy armor, which means less energy drained.

''According to the saintly lady's instructions, it can 'convert the wearer's charms into magical power and put up a barrier.' That seems to protect the parts of the body that don't have bikini armor.

Good.

What's that?

I wondered what I'd do if they asked me to touch the part of me protected by the bikini armor to test my defenses.

...... That's not going to happen.

It's ......, right?

"[............]

A silence fell.

We look at each other.

...... I touch Letitia's chest as my best friend ...... that?

I wonder. I feel like I could do it normally.

Laetitia's hand is on her chin and she's thinking about it too. She seems to be thinking the same thing.

"Yeah, more importantly. "Yeah, that's more of a defensive check, isn't it?

'Yes, you're right. Well, then, Nagi-san, you can touch my belly.

All right. You're hungry?

Yes, it's my stomach.

See .......

...... Yes.

I touched Letitia's stomach through the sheets.

It was soft.

"What?

...... Huh?

The defensive barriers have not been deployed?

That's what it means when Letitia's belly is normally soft and Letitia can feel me touching her.

This is ...... maybe.

''Does that mean that I'm not attracted to ......?

No, that's not possible.

...... Huh?

It's not. It just can't happen.

Oh, impossible, Nagi-san!

Well, that's beside the point.

Don't get me started.　Explain it properly!

'It is impossible for Leticia to be unattractive. It is also inconceivable that the saint's items are not capable ...... this means ......

...... Ah, Nagi. You're already in analysis mode.

''In other words, I think this item translates 'Leticia's Charm in Bikinia Armor' into defense, right?

"?　What do you mean by that?

I hate to break it to you, but I think that ...... means you can't cover your body with a sheet.

Oh, .......

Letitia clapped her hands with a plop.

She seemed to understand.

''Indeed, it's an item made by the great saint Delilira-sama. It must mean something to you to be a bikini armor. ......

'Yes. I know that Letitia trusts the saint.

'That's rude. And I trust you, Nagi, too.

No, that's not what I mean.

'Perhaps the saint gave me this item as a test of my courage. To see if you have the courage to expose your skin in front of Nagi-san. It is true that if you can't wear the 'bikini armor' in front of your best friend, there's no way you can become a righteous nobleman.

No, I'm not so sure about that logic.

Please see ....... This is my 'Bikini Armor Shield'!

With a shuffle, Leticia dropped the sheets to the floor.

The bikini armor revealed itself.

It was perfect.

The body of the bikini is made of silvery metal and the part that touches the skin is made of a soft light blue material.

I wondered why it was light blue, but ...... well, it was to match the color of Leticia's hair when she became a bikini armor ....... That's why it's exclusive to Letitia, saint.

The metal parts are smaller, with the chest and waist area somehow hidden.

Each part is connected to a thin chain, so the skin is exposed underneath it.

Every time Leticia moves a little, shiran, the metal parts make a sound.

Indeed, I can understand what it means to replace charm with defensive power.

If I converted Leticia's charm into defensive power with this bikini armor, I'm sure she'd have at least a full plate mail with magic protection.

''How about that?''

Uh-huh. I think it's beautiful.

...... Really?

...... Yeah. Surprise.

............

............

Leticia and I stare at each other in silence. What is this?

"Let's just do an experiment for now.

Of course.

I reached out to Leticia's stomach again.

When I put my fingers close to it...

Thump.

I was hit.

''Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh!''

It was an amazing effect.

If you look closely, you can certainly see a barrier - a translucent protective field - faintly around Leticia.

It's amazing. Saint. It's possible to make something like this.

This is indeed a very impressive defense. Here: ......

You might want to take a look at it with a stick.

Okay.

I moved the handle of the quill pen closer to Letitia.

...... It was still popped.

I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work.

It's amazing. This is the true ability of Bikini Armor Shield: .......

''If I used this, I'd be invincible.

Unfortunately, it seems that creating a defensive barrier consumes a lot of magic. It doesn't consume much, but you can't keep fighting with it forever.

''Since you're a saint, I think you can use the magic power of the 'Boost Sword' for the 'Bikini Armor Shield'.

'...... That's amazing, Nagi. It certainly says so.

'Then it's perfect. Letitia can wear it and fight as a righteous nobleman.

'Yes, Nagi. I am in this form, as a righteous nobleman in the presence of the people: ......

............

............

Me and Letitia looked at each other again.

Then, I looked up at the ceiling and ...... probably imagined the same thing.

I mean...

Letitia in her bikini armor.

Leticia, in her bikini uniform, quickly appears to save the people who are being attacked by the demon.

-Letitia, use your "Forced Etiquette" to stop the demon.

-Bust the demon with the Boost Sword.

Greet the demon in a courteous manner, as if you were a nobleman.

And then I will leave you in a hurry.

I'm going to be in my bikini armor.

I can't do this ────!

Yeah.

"I'm embarrassed to be in front of my best friend Nagi-san, but I'm not going to be able to fight in front of a stranger dressed like this!　There's no way to be polite...!

Maybe it's a saint. I guess I was just thinking about missing my guesses and everything else just slipped my mind.

'It's not the fault of ...... saints. The ability of this item itself is great. The ability itself is ......

Leticia turns her back to me, crouches down, and starts mumbling to herself.

Looking at her back, where you can almost see only the chains, you can clearly see that she is conflicted.

This 'Bikini Armor Shield' is a great item.

It converts charm into defense, so it doesn't consume much magic power. It's the strongest defensive power.

It's just that it's incredibly embarrassing to wear it and go out in public.

''I'll use this ............ in a quest where there's no one around.

...... Right.

I would never go out in public looking like this.

I don't think it's too much to ask for people to see Letitia like that.

............ Really?

Letitia looks back at me.

I nod.

Yeah. I have a feeling that's what it's all about.

Yes. ...... So, I knew this was for a secret quest, with no one but Nagi-san.

Yes.

...... sounds like fun. Nagi.

'No, I'd like to see Letitia in action in that form too,'

Mmm-hmm. Have fun with it.

We should experiment with more defensive barriers. You might even be able to put up a cloak, if you're wearing a cloak.

'Fine. But .......

Letitia held her chest shyly and turned her back to me.

''Well, as expected today, it's time to get out of the way. I'm going to go get dressed.''

Then I read the manual and opened the door...

Hmmm. As expected of a saint. This 'Bikini Armor Shield' automatically reverts back to its shield form, right?

Automatically?

Yes. He says I should say a secret spell. "O robe that wears me, return to your circular form. Return to your circular form.

bang

The 'Bikinia Armor' was removed from Leticia's body.

It fell on the floor.

Ga-chan, ga-chan.

It automatically gathered together and transformed back into a circular shield (round shield).

"[............ ah]

It was like time had stopped.

Letitia is stiff with her white back to me.

Eventually....

Duh! Duh! Duh! Duh!　Snap!

I heard him striding down the hallway back to his room...

When Letitia returned a few moments later, dressed in her clothes...

...... Nagi.

...... Yeah. Letitia.

Leticia and I exchanged glances.

That's my best friend. Somehow, I know what you're thinking.

"Let's start over!

Then Letitia and I started over by opening the saint's luggage.

From the point of view of your name, do you think you'll have much strength?

It's like ...... and it's like nothing happened.

But ......

...... Nagi. Can't you do something about your red face?

...... Letitia is the one.

""............ ugh."

We couldn't help but feel maddeningly embarrassed for each other.