Volume 3 - CH 24

Volume 3

Chapter 24-Warmth along with self-satisfied planning

(TL:By Rafael)

Leaving Prince Rahuma and his cronies completely demoralized, I headed for the Mastoma mansion and was taken straight to the Mastoma's private room on a face-pass.

Just to be sure, I reported and apologized for Prince Rahuma's case and he replied,

"Leave it.Next time, you may kill him"(Mastoma)

After receiving his endorsement, I speak up about the results of our speculation and discussion about the "tower."

"I see. ...... Still, it's a little far to go back from here, isn't it?"(Mastoma)

"Yes."(Yuki)

I replied shortly, and the corner of my mouth turned up slightly.

Prince Mastoma raises the corner of his mouth, turns his narrowed and sharpened gaze on me, and cocks his chin as if to invite my opinion.

"What are you holding back? You and I are the only ones here. Tell me what you're thinking."(Mastoma)

As a good politician, he is also a good observer.

I didn't mean to hide anything from him, but it seems I was a bit careless.

"If that thing leaking out of the Temple of the King is really the Colorless Darkness, then I should be able to go anywhere I want."(Yuki)

"Didn't you felt that pain once again?The Red Mage Warlock."(Mastoma)

I replied with a wry smile to Mastoma, who asked me with a scowl.

The relationship between me and Mastoma and the "Colorless Darkness" is deep.

Rain challenged him to a bet, and it was only with Mastoma's cooperation that I was able to return.

"But I see your point. The explorer's compass, the Sicard Compass, right?"(Mastoma)

"Yeah. It's hard to ask for the loan of such a national treasure,  magical artifact, so lightly."(Yuki)

"I'm not going to hold back now. So ......, what are the odds?"(Mastoma)

"I think it's 50-50, so I'm the only one who's going to go in there."(Yuki)

Mastoma raises his eyebrows at my words.

"It would be dangerous, wouldn't it?"(Mastoma)

I say what I've been waiting to say.

"As a matter of fact, ...... I have the blessing of the evil gods of the other world."(Yuki)

"That's new news to you, isn't it?"(Mastoma)

"It's not something to be talked about, except with those closest to you."(Yuki)

It was a bit excessive lip service, but I also meant it.

If I am going to be reckless, I need to be open and honest in my own way.

"I don't know if it has anything to do with the "colorless darkness," but thanks to this, I'm sensitive to the presence of the "tower". I have a connection with that place. So, if I have the [explorer's compass, the Sicard compass], I think I can get to the bottom of it and solve the problem."(Yuki)

"Good grief,......, for a man who says it's a 50-50 proposition, you're awfully systematic."(Mastoma)

Prince Mastoma releases small sigh of exasperation and averts his eyes.

"Yuki, I'm inclined to go along with that idea of yours. If we are talking about possibilities, your idea has the highest probability. Therefore, I am willing to lend you the "Explorer's Compassion."(Mastoma)

After saying that, Mastoma stared at me.

"But first, you need to talk to your friends about it."(Mastoma)

"......."(Yuki)

I gulped as he hit me right where it hurts.

Mastoma, who lightly raised the corner of his mouth to me, looked straight at me and opened his mouth.

"Yuki as I am not an adventurer, so I have to rely on your wisdom. But as a married man, as a patriarch, and as a superior, I have more wisdom and experience than you."(Mastoma)

'I bet. I'm not a husband, and I'm not ready yet."(Yuki)

"You may mock yourself, but you should be aware of yourself."(Mastoma)

"Myself?"(Yuki)

The unexpected words are mildly confusing.

"I wonder what kind of life you lead that you would have such excessive modesty. ......You have the qualities to attract many people, and you have the luck and ability to guarantee their expectations."

"Oh, no, I... ......"(Yuki)

"Well, listen. At this point, it doesn't matter whether you are aware of it or not. The fact is that you are an A rank adventurer with a proven track record, and you are a "brave warrior" who has fought off the world's elimination."(Mastoma)

When you put it that way, I couldn't even breathe a word.

It is true that not everyone who wants to become an A-rank adventurer can become one, and even though it is the result of a series of coincidences, I have fulfilled my duty as a "brave" adventurer at least once.

However, I am not so proud that I can boast of my abilities.

"Everything I did was just barely enough. I did the best I could, and it all worked out as a result."(Yuki)

"Who was behind it?"(Mastoma)

"The girls from ...... Clover."(Yuki)

"Right?"(Mastoma)

I nodded at the Mastoma's words.

"Then you shouldn't decide alone. Even if you go alone, you will have to convince your friends to go like that, or you will be out of line."(Mastoma)

"Yes. I think I got a little overzealous."(Yuki)

I know it's a bad habit.

"You are a brave man, a red mage warlock, and if you are going to risk your life, then you must risk your life but If you are going to risk your life, do not neglect those who stand by you. Just as you are prepared to risk your life for your mission, there are those who will risk their lives to be by your side. Like your young wife there ......."(Mastoma)

Mastoma's gaze passes over my shoulder.

I look back at the gesture and see Rain standing quietly at the entrance of the room.

"Rain? For how long have you been there?"(Yuki)

"For a little while."(Rain)

Rain's face looks somewhat angry as she replies in a familiar manner.

No, it is natural to be angry if you listen to what I say.

"Thank you, Your Highness."(Yuki)

"What, I've been a little too nosy, haven't I?"(Mastoma)

"No, it's not that, I just don't have many male friends."(Yuki)

It was a very touching remark, but it was also true that I had no other friends of the same sex with whom I could have such an in-depth conversation.

If it weren't for Mastoma, I would have gone off on my own again.

"Yuki, I'll give you a sermon when I get back, okay?"(Rain)

"...... yes."(Yuki)

I reply with a wry smile to Rain, whose cheeks are puffed out.

"You've got a good woman for a wife who understands you well. You'll have to talk to her about it."(Mastoma)

"Oh, I'll do that. Thank you, Mastoma."(Yuki)

"Yuki, I do not want you to die. But there are times when a man must gamble with his life. If you go, I, too, will be ready."(Mastoma

"...... Oh."(Yuki)

I smiled at  Mastoma and stood up.

I then picked Rain up and left the room.

"I'm sorry, Rain."(Yuki)

"Yeah."(Rain)

Suddenly scared of my own death and separation being so close by, I feel the need to touch her.

Rain gently cradled my head and laid her cheek against mine.

"I'm with you. So don't be afraid."(Rain)

I tried to hold back the tears that threatened to well up in my eyes as I walked quickly down the path to Ferdio's mansion.

TL Note- To be honest, Leaving the main cast aside I felt Mastoma was the best character.