Chapter 33

33 – A Black Sorcerer who Appears to have Trouble with Work, Invited to the World’s No.1 Ranked Party…? (Part 1)

The Storm Hero Aerial is a man in the prime of his life at forty-two years old.

However, his toned body is still youthful and he gives off the impression that he’s full of vigor.

Yet his attitude is soft. He is a superior being who is highly valued regardless of his age.

Like Fenix, he is one of the two people of this era who have formed a contract with one of the Four Great Spirits.

For a moment, I was befuddled by his words, but soon after, I hastily expanded my magic.

This was because I knew that the surrounding patrons and the waitress who walked nearby to take an order were thinking「Huh? Isn’t that that Storm-」.

I didn’t read their thoughts, I could see it in their facial expression and body language.

In the thoughts of the people who took notice, I slip in a blank space, causing Confusion without a moment’s delay.

Those men and women forget who they were thinking of just moments ago, crane their neck back and then each one of them goes back to their seats or return to their work.

…It would have been trouble if we caused a commotion here.

Milla is here and it’s also the long-awaited Reemployment Celebration that Blitz wanted to give me.

「My, my…as I thought.」

Noticing what I had done, Aerial rubs his chin as his interest grows.

「It has been a while.」

「Mm. Oh? Have you gotten a little burlier?」

「I hope so.」

I raise my hand and shake his hand.

There exists only two people who made contracts with the Four Great Spirits. The roles of the Water Hero and the Gaia Hero are still vacant.

Since Aerial is also a Four Great Spirit contractee, he looked after Fenix.

It’s through that relationship that I became an acquaintance.

Alba is the only one who would openly mock me in front of Fenix, most people don’t comment on「The Flame Hero’s best friend」right in front of him.

But the words they didn’t say, showed clearly on their faces. They probably said it when Fenix wasn’t around. Of course, they spoke ill behind my back. Although technically, if I can hear them, is it really talking behind someone’s back?

Among those people, Aerial’s party was kind.

They didn’t notice my abilities but I can say that they were all decent people.

Although…I think Aerial might have had his suspicions.

「So…about what you said a moment ago.」

Aerial ordered a beer from a waitress who is only able to see him as「a middle-aged man with a great physique」. With my permission, he sat on a vacant seat.

In the time that the waitress left, I started the conversation but Aerial put up his hand.

「Yes, but please wait a moment. I apologize for the late introductions, you two. I am Aerial. For the time being, I am an Adventurer.」

With a wry smile, I wondered what would happen if I were the no.1 ranked in the world.

This attitude of his gave me a good impression. You could say that I respect him.

There are many whose rank is a little high and have an attitude that screams「Everyone knows about me, right?」. Whether consciously or subconsciously, most of them do think that.

But Aerial always thinks that the person he talks to might not know him and so he introduced himself.

Not as a famous adventurer, but as a human being.

As a matter of fact, I think that’s really cool.

「Are you a friend of Lem’s?」

「Uh, y-yes! Uhm, I…I’m a fan! So uh, right…could I have your autograph?」

Blitz…?

「Ah, of course. I am often asked of this, which I am thankful for, so I always carry a pen with me. Well, where shall I sign?」

Blitz took off his coat and asked Aerial to sign the back of his undershirt.

「Lem…I’m so happy I became your friend!」

Me too Blitz. Although, I think I’d be more emotionally moved if you hadn’t said that in this situation…

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「Hahaha, what a pleasant friend you have, Lem! I’m glad you were able to make friends other than Fenix. It would appear that you have been blessed with good encounters when you came to this town.」

「Yes, I suppose so.」

Aerial shook the hand of an excited Blitz.

And then he turned to look at Milla.

Milla jolted.

「Hmm…this young lady is a vampire, no?」

As expected of a first ranker, huh? He saw past her skillful disguise in an instant.

「…Yes.」

Milla wasn’t able to hide her wariness, so Aerial gives her a cheerful smile.

「What a wonderful woman, Lem. In order to spend time with you, she is willing to hide her racial features. Which means that she thinks that a moment with you is worth all the trouble. Just where did you meet such a lovely lady?」

Milla’s mouth was agape.

Yup, that’s the kind of guy he is.

Among Adventurers, there are those who bluntly hate Demi-Humans, but he is different.

「Judging from how you two were a moment ago, are you two lovers?」

「We are more than friends. Nay, our connection far transcends that of lovers.」

Milla…? Anything higher than lovers would imply that you’re my wife or something. Answer him seriously…

While I’m playing the straight man in my head, my heart is beating like a drum.

「Ah hah hah. Lem is a strong man with a kind heart, I can see why you would be attracted to him.」

I think one of the amazing things about Aerial is how he praises people naturally.

For example, if he had said「What? You like this dead duck of a Black Sorcerer?」, nothing would be out of the ordinary. But instead, he praises you based on your personality rather than your Job.

But maybe he might judge you based on your ability…no, I haven’t fully understood everything yet.

Take the good with the bad.

「When I heard that you withdrew from Fenix’s party, I was worried. But after seeing you enjoying drinks with wonderful friends, I see now that I had nothing to worry about.」

「No, I am glad to hear that you were concerned about me.」

This is the truth.

Not in my wildest dreams had I thought that Aerial would be worried about me.

「Now you two, may I have a word with Lem? Of course, there is no need for you to leave your seats. That is, if it is alright with you, Lem?」

「It’s not a problem.」

「I will be by Lem’s side.」

「Hmm, as long as it ain’t somethin’ that I’m not supposed to hear, I’ll just sit here and not get in your way.」

Hearing each of our answers, Aerial gave a single nod and turned to me.

「Well then…I hope you don’t mind me asking but what are you working as right now?」

I can’t say that I’m working as the Chief of Staff for the Demon King Army.

「Well…uh, not as an Adventurer, I guess.」

「Ah, but you are working, yes? You certainly bounce back quick. I am nothing short of impressed by your mental fortitude.」

…Well, it’s because I’m a Black Sorcerer whose been beaten up together with Fenix by society for seven years. I’m sure society thinks of me as someone with a lot of nerve.

I laughed vaguely, because I understand that Aerial does not speak with irony or sarcasm.

I have no idea what kind of face to make when the world’s No.1 compliments you so straightforwardly.

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「Now, I heard rumors that you were searching for a new party to join?」

Were searching. Past tense. Also, that is correct.

Since I left the party, I had been looking for a new one. If I hadn’t met Milla, I would probably still be searching to this day.

「Yes, that is correct.」

「Well, if you are still looking, why not come join us?」