231 Episode 231 "We have decided to investigate important points, so we got along well and prepared together.".txt

"May I ask, my lord?

What is it, Lord Death?

Didn't I say earlier that I heard voices coming from inside the arena?

Yes.

"My lord and you have told me that you will investigate the voices I have heard.

Yeah. I'm going to.

"How can you do that for me, that I can't?

On the way back from the "arena".

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

I am a newcomer, that I am. I don't know enough about it to get credit for what I've seen and heard, that I haven't done enough for you to care about it. ......

You'll get the credit for it.

I said.

"Lord Death is part of the party. If you have any concerns, you should get them settled.

"My lord: ......

'Besides, the voice Lord Death heard might be related to the 'Demon King's Identity'. That's also why I'm curious.

Lord Death──the official name "Demon King Armor Death Catastrophe" is literally an armor made for the Demon King.

Perhaps it has the ability to communicate with the Demon King and so on.

And Rita said, "There's an altar in the 'arena' and preparations are being made for the ritual.

I think it's worth looking into.

'But I'm curious. Nah-kun.

''The 'martial arts tournament' is to counter the Demon King. The fact that there is a Demon King involved in that venue is a strange feeling .......

'Aine, Cutlass. Calm down and listen to me: ......

This is something I've been thinking about for a long time.

I didn't say it because I thought that no matter how many nobles would do it, they wouldn't go that far.

Without the Demon King, there would be no need for brave men and heroes.

"......

''To be exact, though, it's 'Demon King Slayer Brave or Hero'. So if you want to be that kind of thing, you need a demon king to be there.

In the story, the theory is that after the Demon King ceases to exist, the heroes have to walk away somewhere.

So if you want to keep being a hero or a brave person, the Demon King has to continue to exist.

That's why I think that they will call up something like the Demon King in some ritual or make it up.

So that's why...

Okay. It's amazing.

I'm still not sure. ......

Cutlass shook his head.

'It's unbelievable, sir. I can't believe someone needs a demon king to become a brave or hero: ......

...... I'm not so sure about that either.

I don't think I'd go that far, I think.

Or rather, I want to believe it.

In such a world, I wouldn't be very happy if we could achieve a life where we don't have to work.

That's why I want to see it for myself.

"I would like to listen to you for your information, that I do.

Yes, Lord Despicable?

''If you summoned something related to the Demon King, what do you think the brave man will do after defeating it? If the Demon King is gone, there will be no need for the brave man, won't there?

It's okay. Then we can just make up The Great Demon King.

"'...... I see!'

Aine, Cutlass, and Lord Death spoke up.

''After the 'Great Demon King' is defeated, the 'True Demon King' will be there. After defeating it, there will be a 'Super Demon King'. After that, if we make up 'Choumaou', then those who want to be brave can continue to do the same thing for a hundred years or so, right?

...... It's a scary story.

"...... It's a parable, isn't it?　Please say so!

...... Yeah. A parable.

I mean, the only basis for the existence of something related to the Demon King is the testimony of 'Lord Death'.

Without actually checking it out, it's hard to say for sure.

For now, before we sneak into the arena, let's do some research.

I said to Aine and Cutlass.

'So, do Cutlass a favor.

Yes. Yes, sir.

This evening. Would you like to accompany me to the 'arena' one more time?

A security check, I understand.

Yeah. And I'd also like to get some help from Fynn.

Hey, Nannaa-kun. What do you want me to do, Aine?

'Aine, tell me more about 'the arena'. As a former local,

I know.

So we went back to the inn, but...

It's not fair, brother!　Let Iris do her job!

'Why is everyone so hard working!

I don't have to work until Iris.

"We're just going to sneak into the 'arena' through a security breach, okay?　It's not that I'm looking for a fight, I'm just trying to confirm the identity of the voice Lord Death heard, so Iris can rest, okay?

You're just going to sneak into the ...... 'arena'?

Yeah, yeah.

So, Iris should gather information from the merchants about the security situation?

...... Does that happen?

It happens.

Iris shook her head vigorously.

''Iris and the others are coming to this town as a tour organized by the Ilgafa lord family, right?　　It's not just Iris not doing her job in response to what happened there: ......

What does that mean?

...... later, when we talk about the memories of the trip, only Iris will have trouble getting in.

Is that why?

'Yes. It's better to have as many bedtime stories with your brother as possible.

A bedtime story.

Anyway, Iris is the only one who doesn't want to be left out, and she doesn't want to be alone.

Okay.

Well, in that case, yes.

All right. Well, Iris, why don't you get the information from the merchant?

Very well. There is a merchant in this town who is closely related to the port city of Irgapha, so I will hear from him.

Iris pinched the hem of her clothes and bowed.

'This is a relief. Iris, you will not be left out.

'You don't have to worry about it that much, do you?

It's your brother's fault.

Is this my fault?

Iris is comfortable with her brother and all of you, and she's ...... tempted to do things with you. So I think it's my brother's responsibility to put Iris to work.

Is that how it works?

It's just the way it is.

Don't be a loner, don't be a loner.

Yes, I don't want you to be alone and left out.

...... kohon.

I heard a coughing fit.

I turned around and saw Letitia.

'...... If you're going to gather information, Iris-san, don't you need an escort?

Letitia glanced at me with a sidelong glance.

''Hey, I was just wondering if I could have a hand. Do you mind if I act as your bodyguard?

Letitia?

This time, I was inadvertently trapped in the Viscount's house. The reason I was able to escape is because of Nagi-san's support.

Letitia said and nodded.

'I am in debt to Nagi-san and the others. Please let me at least escort you.''

But Letitia's face is known to the nobility, isn't it?

...... sure.

As a merchant, you're in good company with the nobility. That's where the location of Letitia could be discovered. I'm the best choice to be your bodyguard.

No, I think a disguise will do the trick.

Iris said.

''I was just researching a new way to use the 'illusionary space'. Let's let Letitia-sama try it out.

...... Mr. Iris.

We can't exclude Lady Letitia from our ranks.

...... No, that's not what I'm talking about, though.

You won't be alone, will you?

'It's ....... Why do you have such kind eyes, Nagi, for that matter, ............?　There's a difference. Don't get me wrong!

Let's leave the reddish-blue Letitia out of it for now.

We decided to begin our investigation into the arena.

That night, Cutlass and I decided to begin our investigation into the arena.

Cutlass and I were in the vicinity of the arena that night.

The city was dimly lit, with only the moonlight shining on it.

The arena looks like a black object in the dim light of the city, with only the moonlight shining on it.

A bonfire is lit at the entrance of the arena.

A few guards guarded the entrance to the arena.

"I guess it's hard to approach it from the front?

And there are security guards on duty at this hour, aren't there?

I was looking out at the arena from the shadows of the alleyway.

I'm sure you'll be able to find a lot more information on the subject. I'm sure you'll be able to get a good idea of what you're looking for when you see it.

The site is quite large.

There is also apparently an accommodation for participants on the north side.

By the way, the main gate is on the south side, and that's where we're hiding - and that's the information Aine and Leticia gave us up to this point.

I'm sure you'll be able to find it. You know a lot about it because you're a local.

In the old days, Aine was so busy that she rarely came here.

In those days, Aine was ...... working 24 hours a day.

He says that it's been reduced to less than a third since you served him.

The aim is about a twelfth of a percent.

That's an order of magnitude more ineffectiveness than you've ever seen before, isn't it?

''I'm going to introduce a 'food and sleep day' on a monthly basis once I'm done investigating the 'martial arts tournament'.

We have just introduced the 'Day of Sleep for a Day' the other day. Arujidono.

You can't help it. We're all hard workers.

As we talk, I'm getting information from Rita, who we've connected with through True Consciousness Shared Mind Linkage True.

Rita is a little far away, guarding our backs.

She'll be using her presence to see if anyone comes near me and Cutlass.

Let's go around to the side of the ...... 'arena'. I'd like to check the security there as well.

Yes, sir.

Cutlass and I moved down the alleyway to the west side of the arena, where there were many soldiers.

There are a lot of soldiers.

...... Why are there so many of them?

There's ...... now in the middle of the night, isn't there ......?

In the dark. Soldiers in armor are walking around.

We can see their location because their armor reflects the moonlight.

I heard that the guards on this side of the room have pretty good armor.

...... I want security in the north quarters.

...... The Earl of Kervis is in his quarters.

...... One shift. Don't let up until morning.

...... No one would be naive enough to say that two shifts are better than one.

Soldiers are walking around and talking about such things.

...... Count Kelvis?

That guy is the boss of the 'Original Heroes Guild' that values swordsmen. And he's also Yamazoe's employer.

I'm not sure I'm going to be able to find that person in the inn of the arena.

............ wonder what he's doing there.

I don't think we can get any closer: ......

There are too many guards now.

It's because the person called Count Kelvis is in the 'arena' and there are a lot of soldiers to guard the important people.

There's also the possibility of using cheat skills to do something about it, but... it's difficult.

If you use your flashy skills in town, you'll be too obvious.

If I can find out what Count Kelvis's schedule is, I'll be able to deal with it. ......

'We've come all this way. Let's explore the interior from here.

Yes, sir. Now....

Yeah. Can you get Fynn for me?

Yes, sir!

Cutlass put his hand on his chest.

He touched the sacred object (artifact) 'The Breastplate of Balluar' and declared.

'I want you to come, sir. Another Boku...... Feen!

You wanted to see me, sir? Arujidono!

From the "Breastplate of Valhalla", magic power softly floats up from the "Breastplate of Valhalla" - it takes the form of a girl with the same face as Cutlass, Fynn.

You can't do the job that only I can do, can you?　'I know,'

Feen, the magical body, floats fluffily and looks into my face.

''Yes. I want you to explore the inside of the arena with Fynn's 'sacred artifact searcher, artifact searcher, modified'.

The "Sacred Artifacts Search, Revised" is a skill that was awakened by me, Cutlass, and Fihn when we linked our spirits together.

This skill allows you to find sacred artifacts nearby and assess their abilities.

The area of effect is a few dozen meters in radius. Therefore, it should be able to reach the 'arena' from here as well.

''Do you think it might be the 'Sacred Artifact' that you were calling out to Lord Death?'''

I nodded at Fynn's question.

It was the Ancient Elf that created Lord Death.

That 'Ancient Elf' created items and facilities and left them to this era.

That's why I thought my call to Lord Death might have something to do with it.

I actually wanted to get closer to them and use my skills.

'I understand. Aruji-dono. See you at .......

Fynn's body floats up.

As it is, it sticks to the building and goes up.

Cutlass explains. Right now, Fynn is lying on his stomach on the roof of the building.

In order to avoid being seen by the soldiers, I get as close as I can to the building, and then I activate "Sacred Artifact Searcher Artifact Searcher" - Revise.

And then...

I'm back.

Fynn came back to us, safe and sound.

"Let me conclude. "In the arena, there is a kind of 'sacred artifact' - a 'sacred artifact'.

...a kind of 'sacred artifact'.

'It was close to that. Also, I could read the language skills and even the will to speak. But it seemed to react a little differently to ...... normal 'sacred artifacts'.

...... Arujidono. The troops are beginning to gather, sir.

Cutlass murmured.

When I look, I see more and more soldiers patrolling around the 'arena'.

They don't seem to have noticed us, but it's dangerous to stay ...... long.

We'll have to do something about the ...... guards to get in.

Count Kervis has been in the arena.

Apparently, that's why the guards are increasing in number. This thing is impenetrable.

It's a dead end. Let's get out of here.

We left the place.

It's a town centre. Let's be discreet in our investigation.

Anyway, what's this ...... Count Kelvis guy doing here at this time of night?

I think we all sleep at night. ......

'Yes. But I'm tired today, so let's go to bed normally.

Yes, of course, of course, Mr. Yuji.

Fynn said, floating fluffily with his hand on my shoulder.

Then we went back to the inn.

I told them to get some sleep, and I went to my room to think up a plan, but...

For now, I'm going to rub Aruji's shoulder.

I'm going to have to lean on your leg.

...... No, I told you to go to sleep.

You didn't say 'where'!

Stop playing alliterative tricks on your master.

But perhaps because of the improved blood circulation, I came up with a few strategies.

For now, I sent it to Aine and Iris with the "True Consciousness Sharing Mind Linkage True"...

Me, Cutlass and Fynn slept on the river.

The next day, Iris and Letitia...

I see. Now, in Metecal, the prices of weapons and food are rising.

Iris was visiting a merchant who had dealings with the port city of Irgafa.

A disguised Leticia stands next to him. She is Iris's bodyguard.

'............ disguise is an unsettling thing, isn't it?'

Letitia touched her golden hair.

It felt soft and fluffy.

And it was a vertical roll.

Her eye level remained the same as usual.

No matter how much you disguise yourself, it's difficult to change your height. When your vision changes, your movements become slower. That's because it won't be an escort.

When I lowered my gaze──I could see a large bulge in my chest.

That's why you can't see your feet.

This is what Rita, Aine and Rafilia are looking at──that's what I thought, and I was almost moved by it.

............ It's really unsettling.

Letitia looked at the mirror in the room.

It was the reflection of a big breasted young lady with blonde hair and vertical rolls.

Let's go to the 'Genescape' and disguise Iris so she won't be recognized as Letitia-sama!

Before getting off the carriage, Iris had said something like that.

Iris's skill 'Illusionary Space' can create a three-dimensional illusion.

Using that, Iris put an illusion of the 'Blonde hair vertical roll lady' on Leticia's body.

In addition, Iris added the Dragon's Blessing (Dragonic Breath) to the illusion.

The 'Dragon's Blessing' can give a 'physical enhancement' to anything created by a skill.

Therefore, Leticia's current form even has a physical touch.

(...... Touchable phantom, that's scary.)

Moreover, Iris's imagination is perfect.

The current Letitia was a 'blonde hair vertical roll lady' from all angles.

''I'm sorry to be so busy. Meridia-sama.''

The person in question is Iris, who is answering the call with a cool face.

As expected of Nagi-san's daughter-in-law──Letitia thinks that she is indeed Nagi-san's wife──.

It would be easy for Iris, who has worked for the Ilgafa lord's family at the age of 12, to talk to you while using her skills.

''I'm sorry for taking the time to talk to you. My father - the lord asked me to check the prices and market prices of Metekal.''

'No, no, the Lord of Ilgafa has always been a great help to me.

The female merchant, called Meridia, smiled softly.

'Besides, I too have a lot of admiration for 'Kerkator the Sea Dragon'. You're always welcome to join us, Iris-sama the maiden.

The price of weapons and food is going up, which means ...... business opportunities, right?

As you may have guessed, Mr. Iris.

'I believe there is some produce in the port city of Irgafa that has arrived by shipping. If you need it, we can write to the lord's house from Ilis. I was hoping that Lady Meridia would be willing to step in between.

That's very helpful.

As for the reason for the sudden need for weapons and food, is it because of the 'martial arts tournament'?

Iris said in a childish tone.

'Is Iris still inexperienced or is she ...... just a bit naive about the world. After all, when it's a big event, you'll need food. I can see why the guards would want weapons for security purposes.

(...... brilliant storytelling.)

Letitia murmured softly.

Iris's eyes sparkled with curiosity.

But it's probably an act - Letitia nodded, thinking that - and nodded.

Because Iris' expression is much, much harder than when she is in front of Nagi.

I know that the 'martial arts tournament' is a fishy thing.

Besides, it's strange to suddenly need weapons and food, no matter how big an event it is.

Even though Iris is only 12 years old, she has been handling the finances of the port city of Ilgafa.

On top of that, she is as talented as Nagi at 'evil tricks'.

Even now, he still speaks, choosing his words one by one, in order to get information out of his opponent.

(That being said, I'm tempted to tell them why the town needs weapons and food.)

Actually, between you and me at ......

It was just as Letitia had read.

Meridia, the merchant, kept her voice low and moved her face closer to Iris.

''There are rumors (rumors) that the 'Demon King's Army' is planning to invade the human world.

"...... 'Demon King's Army'?　Not the Demon King, I suppose?

''It's an army controlled by the Demon King's men, not the Demon King himself. Because of that, the demons have been activated, and they'll probably come to town sooner or later.

Everyone seems quite relaxed about it, don't they?

That's just a rumor.

Meridia, the merchant, clapped her hands with a bang, as if to dispel the dark air.

''There is a continuation of the rumor. ''The strongest of the 'martial arts tournament' (tsutsumono) will show their strength and vanquish the demon king's army. Then they will show themselves to be the brave ones.

It's a common phrase.

So I'm not worried about it. But we'll just gather some weapons and food, just in case. That's the atmosphere.

I suppose reading the air is a necessary skill for a merchant.

You're very good, Iris. You know what you're doing.

I'm sure you must be a fine person to be organizing that 'martial arts tournament': ...... I've lost track of your name.

Count Kervis. He's the lord of the northern town of Hamilton.

It was. I'm sure you'd like to meet him.

"I'm sorry, but they're currently selecting the general participants for the Martial Arts Tournament.

Oh, dear.

''It's a 'martial arts competition' to determine the bravest person. Preliminary interview. General interview. A nobleman's interview, it seems to take a lot of work.

It must be hard to get to the interview room.

He's staying at a dormitory near the arena.

(...... so there must have been county soldiers around the 'arena')

Letitia remembered the information Nagi had told her.

Nagi had said that there were too many soldiers and it was difficult to get close to the 'arena'.

That means that if they can pull the Count away from there, they should be able to create an opening for security.

(...... Oh my goodness, Iris-san!)

When I looked at her, I saw that Iris's lips had taken on a faintly smiling shape.

She seemed to have noticed the same thing as Letitia.

''I see, I see that Count Kervis-sama is interviewing you every day for an overnight stay.

Iris said, covering her mouth with her hand.

'I admire your enthusiasm.

We are the customers who buy our products, though. That's why we are currently lacking in weapons and skills for combat. If you can send them to us from the port city of Irgapha, I'm sure we can sell them to you at a very high price.

Then would you be willing to act as an intermediary?

Iris said.

'I would like to see Count Kervis in person and find out how many weapons and provisions he needs. Then we can arrange for what we need in the 'port city of Irgafa'.

'Oh. I wish it were true!

Meridia, the merchant, leaned forward.

'I have met Count Kervis many times in the trade of goods. Please allow me to mediate.

First of all, I wonder if you would be so kind as to ask what the Count's schedule is.

Iris exchanged a glance with Letitia before saying so.

You're going to be able to get the best out of it. I'm not sure if there are any free time ...... interviews that don't take place and the count can return from the "arena"?

''I think we can find out from the merchant guild. Let's check it out.

A short time later, Meridia, the merchant, returns.

I soon found out what Count Kervis's schedule was.

He has a scheduled meeting with the merchants tomorrow night. I had Iris incorporated there as well.

This means that at that time, Count Kervis will not be in the arena.

The soldiers escorting him were also to be withdrawn.

''Thank you. Then, goodbye.''

Saying that, Iris stood up from her seat.

Leticia, who was waiting in reserve as an escort, also bowed lightly.

''I hope the deal goes well. Iris-sama.

'Iris just makes sure we know how much we need. My father is the one who actually makes the deal.

'But it's going to be one of the biggest deals I've seen in a long time. I'm excited about it.

We need only do business in moderation. There's a saying: "Never chase a school of fish so far that you forget where you are on land.

Iris smiles and tells him.

A ship that is overloaded will be slow. It doesn't matter how big a load you have, it won't do you any good if the ship sinks. The deal with the Earl of Kervis is just one of many. I think so, sir.

...... your honorable mention. I shall follow your example.

Here you go. Take care of yourself. See you at .......

Iris and Letitia left Meridia the merchant's mansion.

After getting into the carriage, Iris sighed, "Huh.

It's Rita sitting on the gohja stand.

She covered her face with her hood and began to slowly drive the carriage when Iris and Leticia signaled her to do so.

''As was the case in the 'port city of Irgapha', I'm nervous to deal with a merchant with a reputation.

Really?　Miss Iris. You did an excellent job of getting the information out of me.

Letitia looks into Iris's face.

'You sprinkle in words that make them want to answer. It was really a brilliant way to talk.'

My brother doesn't understand this.

Really?

'Yes. I'm trying to find out how you and Cecil and Rita love each other: .......

You'd be scared to answer that question.

Lady Rita and Lady Aine are just a little further along.

...... You are indeed Mr. Iris, who worked for the Lord's family in the 'port city of Irgafa'.

'No, it's not. When I'm with my brother, I can't help but be ...... picky.

Really?

"So I always tell myself, 'Don't chase a school of fish so much that you forget where you are on land' - don't just spoil it. Iris is your brother's slave, so don't forget to be ...... useful, too.

Wasn't that advice for the merchant?

'Yes. It's something I tell myself all the time, so it just came out.

Iris held her cheeks in embarrassment.

'I suppose tomorrow night would be a good time to sneak into the ...... 'arena'.

...... If it's that day, the Count, the host of the Martial Arts Tournament, is not present. If you don't have any guards, you won't be found.

Iris is going to try to meet Count Kervis in person.

Okay. I'll stay with you and keep you safe.

Please. Lady Letitia.

By the way, ......, is it time for you to get rid of this 'blonde vertical roll lady' illusion?

Letitia pointed to her face.

Still, Iris's 'illusory space' was still being activated. The vertical rolls swaying by her face were getting annoying by now.

'Since we're here. Why don't you have your brother take a look at it?

Nagi?

Yes. I don't know if my brother can recognize his best friend, Lady Letitia.

Since you're with Mr. Iris, shouldn't you be able to recognize me at a glance?

You might not understand if you're a sleepy brother?

...... Isn't it?

Wouldn't you like to show your brother how you dress up once in a while?

That's not the kind of relationship I have with Nagi: ......

After being told, Leticia recalls.

Change of clothes──fashionable.

Come to think of it, when she was in the Viscount's family, she had made Rita wear her own dress.

I had her strike a cute pose and sent it to Nagi.

Rita is not used to wearing a dress, so Leticia changed her clothes in front of her and posed for her--

And then I sent it to Nagi through True Consciousness Sharing...

But "True Consciousness Sharing" is a skill that sends Rita what she sees - and Leticia's changing scene and the way she's posing in her dress...

──────!

What's wrong, Lady Letitia? Are you all red?

...... just reminded me of my own mistakes.

Would you like to see Iris?

"......, and between you and me?

Letitia told Iris what had happened at the Viscount's house.

After hearing the story, Iris nodded repeatedly.

Then - in a position where Letitia couldn't see her - she smiled fearlessly.

'I understand. I understand very well what Lady Letitia said.

Don't say a word.

Of course. I won't tell anyone. I won't.

Iris took Letitia's hand.

''I'll keep this story in Iris's chest. Also, once this case is solved, let's come up with a plan for Iris to use against her brother so that Letitia-sama's record won't be a concern.

...... Mr. Iris.

Leticia's eyes were glazing over as she stared at her younger friend.

So──.

............ Ilis, are you up to something?

He didn't recognize Rita's voice that came from the Gosha-dai.