CH 253

Staying behind Three Musketeers

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He killed three high school girls with magic, and killed three people, including a police officer, with his bare hands.

The incident caused by Fujii was widely covered by overseas media.

A security camera in the crepe shop filmed the high school girls being dismembered by wind-attribute magic, and was repeatedly reposted on video posting sites around the world.

Videos of Fujii slaughtering passers-by one after another with his bare hands had been posted from various angles, and the Japanese government was being pressed for an explanation.

From the forensic autopsy and belongings, it was determined that Fujii's rampage was due to the abuse of pills made from powdered magic stones.

When I asked Reinhardt, he told me that it may have happened while he was losing his ego just before he became monster-fallen, not while in a state where he had completely become monster-fallen.

Naturally, the research institute that proceeded to have him take the magic stone powder without confirming its safety was criticized by the mass media and the public at once.

"Hey, Reinhardt, wasn't this magic stone dissolved in water used in the riot in Barshania?"

[ Kent-sama, magic stones don't dissolve in water. ]

"Ehh, because Kajikawa-san reported that it was a drink with dissolved magic stones ..."

[ In that world, magic stones will collapse if left unattended. Is it not the same regarding water. ]

"I see ... So it doesn't dissolve in water in this world."

The air and water in this world probably contained a saturated amount of magic essence.

But, was there some kind of difference between the magic essence contained in the magic stones and the magic essence floating in the air.

[ If they dissolved in water, just by throwing a magic stone into a well, many people would become monster-fallen. ]

"Is that so. Then, if the turmoil in Barshania wasn't because it was mixed in the water ... what caused it?"

[ Who knows, even I can't figure it out that far. ]

At the same time as the research institute was being criticized, the public eye also turned to the returning classmates.

Those who had their attributes stolen and returned to Japan via the shadow world had to reveal the process of their return and claim that they were safe.

It seemed like I was criticized for the method of stealing the attributes, but I'd like them to consider I did it with Oda-sensei, too.

And the problem was the classmates who returned due to the repatriation technique.

The Hikarigaoka Junior High School building, which I had been attending until now, was completely destroyed by the summoning, and construction had just begun.

For this reason, classes were held in elementary school buildings that were no longer used due to consolidation.

Classes for some of the returned students had just started to resume at that school building.

In addition to the mass media, a suspicious citizen's group was barging in on them, and it seemed that the returned classmates were notified to stay at home.

The return work from Volzard, which had begun to get on track, would also be postponed for a while.

As for the government, as was in this case, as long as you didn't overdose on magic stones, you wouldn't be able to use magic, and they had issued a notice prohibiting the administration of magic stone ingredients to the human body in the future.

However, through some researchers, it was reported that a considerable amount of magic stones had already been brought to Japan, and that if left unattended, they would collapse and be released into the atmosphere.

In fact, even if all the magic stones brought in were released into the atmosphere, the returned classmates wouldn't be able to use magic freely.

However, the media overreacted again, writing in the tone that monsters would appear if the magic in the stones flowed out.

If we proceeded with the repatriation in the current situation, it would only provoke public opinion, and it was decided that many people would be needed to protect the returned people.

Naturally, the turmoil spread among the classmates who stayed behind in Volzard.

It seemed that many people were worried that they would not be able to return home with peace of mind in the current situation, and that even if the disturbance subsided, they would be exposed to prejudice and discrimination.

I didn't know what Fujii was thinking when he went on a rampage, but it was a story that no one could welcome ... Or so I thought, but some people had benefited.

"It is unknown what will happen from now on, so I was told that I didn't have to go back until the situation calms down."

"Right, right, so please introduce me to some delicious work."

"Hey, you ... If it's a job, go to the guild and look for one. Besides, Fujii is dead, isn't it a little imprudent?"

On the other side of the table, Nitta Kazuki and Furuta Tatsuya, the old and new duo, were smiling broadly, and Kondo Joji was smiling wryly next to them.

It seemed that the three of them would be able to stay in Volzard for the time being after their parents gave them permission to stay in Volzard.

By the way, Yagi also got permission from his parents, but it seemed that finding a job as a journalist was not resolved, so he seemed to be out looking for stories today.

"But, it's not uncommon for people in Volzard to talk about the death of an acquaintance."

"Things like they went into a dungeon and didn't come back, or they lost an arm after being attacked by a monster."

"That may be true, but ..."

"I was surprised to hear that my classmates died, but it's not like we were particularly close."

"We were never in the same class, so it doesn't really click."

Certainly, I had classmates whose names I didn't even know, and I only knew Fujii because of the Griffon matter, so I wasn't shocked enough to just stay in bed.

"Maa, I understand what Kokubu is saying. We should try to find a job by ourselves, right?"

"If you know, then don't do it."

"However, making the most of your connections is also the real thrill of being an adventurer, isn't it?"

"Haaahh ... What real thrill. If you want me to introduce you so much, how about I introduce you to the Bakkenheim cave survey?"

"Ohh, what's that, is it profitable?"

"Or, is it that? Is it possible to get acquainted with a beautiful Onee-chan?"

When I told the old and new duo who leaned forward about the cave where Flamme came out of, they changed their complexions and shook their heads.

"If we entered the cave where a Salamander was, wouldn't we die instantly?"

"Rather, a distortion of space-time? If you're not careful, you'll be sent to another continent, won't you?"

"Maa, maa, everything is an experience ..."

"Are you trying to kill me!"

It seemed that the three people who would remain had also looked for work in the guild.

However, the only quests that could be accepted by F-rankers did not include adventurer-like work such as subjugating monsters or procuring materials.

In other words, since they were able to remain in Volzard, they seemed to want to imitate being an adventurer.

"Even if you say that ... I've never done a normal adventurer-like quest."

The only job I did was to escort the Volzard Family from Bakkenheim, but the contents were completely unordinary, so I couldn't use it as a reference.

"Speaking of which, what about Takayama? Isn't he with you?"

"Aahh, Takayama ... He's like the Hope of the ramparts building."(TN:Compared to Gilik being called the Hope of the novice adventurers.)

"Besides, since Celia-chan came here, he hasn't wanted to associate with us ..."

According to Kondo, Takayama was doing self-training for physical strengthening while working on the ramparts.

He seemed to be trying to extend the time he could continue by controlling the rate of reinforcement and the parts to be strengthened.

In other words, it was an application of Lau-san's teachings.

"Rather, you introduced Takayama to an escort job, so please introduce us to something."

"Right, right, is there something wrong? Collecting medicinal herbs is also fine."

"Ahh, collecting medicinal herbs, huh ... Aahh, I forgot."

"What is it, do you have a good job?"

"Hmm ... If you don't mind buying a grudge from Gilik, it's not like there isn't one."

As soon as Gilik's name was mentioned, the old and new duo looked at each other.

Those two seemed to have followed Gilik when they came to Volzard, but they haven't been on good terms lately.

"What should we do, Kazuki."

"No way ... When you talk about collecting medicinal herbs concerning Gilik-aniki, I can somehow understand."

"Heeh, you can imagine the contents of the work. It's a little surprising."

"Kokubu, bastard, we're not stupid."

"Are you going to tell us to protect Muell-oneechan?"

"Heeh, you understand that much, that's even more surprising."

"It's not surprising or whatever."

When the old and new duo came to Volzard, they tried to accompany Muell-san, but were refused.

"In case of emergency, it's of utmost importance to defend Muell-anesan, we can't even defend ourselves ... We were told such a reason ..."

"That is, don't disturb our time together ... That's what it means."

Because of the Marcel-san shop matter, there was a time when those three were also forced to work, and they seemed to be keeping their distance from Gilik now.

"Heeh, is that so. So, what are you going to do?"

"What are we going to do, you say, you, are you seriously thinking of getting rid of Gilik-aniki?"

"I mean, Muell-san is worried about Gilik's current situation ... Something like that?"

"Aahh, I see ... Hey, Tatsuya, listen to me for a minute."

"Ou, what is it?"

The old and new duo turned their backs to me and began a mumbled consultation, but their voices were so loud that I could hear everything.

Yup, the odds of you guys being able to win over Muell-san are close to zero, but if you can get rid of Gilik, it's possible that it will go up somewhat.

After the consultation, the two of them gave a thumbs-up together for some reason.

"Let's do it!"

"Are you stupid? It's not let's do it, it's please let me do it."

"I understand. Rather, will Gilik-aniki be satisfied with us being escorts?"

"If Muell-san is OK with it, it has nothing to do with Gilik, right."

"No, it's not that easy. I won't allow someone weaker than me to be the escort ... Rather, he'll definitely say that."

"It's just as Kazuki says. He has a large figure, but he's considerably childish."

It seemed that since he was hanging out with the old and new duo, when Gilik got kicked out of Corey-san's shop along with them, he seemed to have become very upset.

If you don't want to be kicked out, then you should be able to do at least a decent job as a shopkeeper.

"Hey, I don't get what you're talking about, please explain."

"Ahh, I see, Kondo doesn't know."

I explained to Kondo, who was left out, about the relationship between Muell-san and Gilik, and described the situation where it would be good if the dependency were resolved.

"I see, I understand the story, but I feel that the fundamental problem has not been solved. In the first place, are we supposed to be escorts?"

"That's impossible."

"Kokubu ... Don't say it so easily."

"Eh~h, because none of the three of you have ever done anything like subjugating monsters."

"Maa, on the way to this place, I used magic to shoot Lizardmen, and then the Goblins from the maximum outbreak."

"As for the old and new duo, is it to the extent of starting with Goblins?"

"Hmm ... That's right."

"If that's the case, it's impossible to be an escort."

"Nope, impossible you say, Kokubu is trying to make us do it, aren't you. What are you going to do?"

"Maa, I'll ask my genus to help with that."

There was a certain amount of anxiety about having the escort for Muell-san be just these three.

Of course, I planned to deploy my powerful genus to create an excessive amount of fighting power.

However, Kondo didn't seem to be satisfied with the placement of my genus.

"Are you dissatisfied with my genus?"

"No, the ones who helped us from Lastock in the first place were Kokubu's genus. There can be no complaints."

"But, you don't seem convinced."

"There's no problem in terms of strength, but if that's the case, we won't be able to gain experience as escorts."

"Aahh, I see ... That might be true."

"So, Kokubu, you should come too. If you can't do the return work anyway, you'll have free time, right?"

"No, I don't have that much free time, and even if I go, I can't teach how to escort."

"I don't expect that. If Kokubu is coming, the Skeleton Knights will be coming with you, right? I'll have them guide us, so please translate."

"I see, I'm a bonus ... Rather, hey!"

"Also, though we'll be together, you can act together with Muell-san for a day."

"Muu, it's not like I really want something like that ..."

In any case, it would be out of the question if Muell-san didn't agree, so I left the three of them at the lodgings and visited Corey-san's shop.

When I opened the door of the store, I found a useless guard dog.

"Tch, what do you want."

"Hello, Gilik-san. Today, I have something to talk about with Muell-san ..."

"Go home! Myuu-ane has no business with you!"

"No, at the end of last year, Muell-san asked me to have a consultation with me."

"Consultation ...?"

"Yes, I was asked to help her to keep away the man who clung to her ..."

"Bastard ... You really have the nerve to speak and make fun of me."

"Muell-san will get angry if you act violently here."

"You bastard ..."

Gilik glared at me from behind the counter, gritting his teeth.

I felt like his eyes were dying a bit, did I tease him a little too much.

While I was glaring at Gilik in a tense atmosphere, Corey-san came out from the back.

"Are you guys trying to destroy my store? Customers will run away if you glare at each other like that."

"Hello, Corey-san, I look forward to having a good relationship with you this year too."

"I ask you for your kind regards as well. Please buy more this year. Hii hii hii ..."

"Umm, is Muell-san here?"

"Aahh, you're talking about getting rid of Gilik, right?"

"Baba~a, you bastard are also an accomplice!"

"Don't yell at other people, just take a look at yourself in the mirror and see how pathetic you are."

"Damnit ..."

Gilik pushed Corey-san aside and went into the back of the store, and immediately after that, I heard Muell-san's voice.

"What's wrong, Gilik? Hey, what, let go, Gilik!"

The sound of the door opening was heard, and the footsteps of the two faded away.

"Haa ... It's no good, aarya ..."

"Could it be, he escaped through the back door ... is it?"

Corey-san nodded with a sigh of exasperation.

"So, what are you going to do? Aren't you going to chase after them?"

"Hmm ... Even if I go, I feel like the conversation would get even more complicated ..."

"Then, until Muell comes back, please be the talking partner of this old lady. Anyway, let me brew you a cup of tea ..."

"Thank you very much."

Corey-san withdrew once to the back of the shop and came back with a teapot in one hand.

After adding dried medicinal herbs from the medicine cabinet in the store, she returned to the back of the store.

Umm ... She was going to treat me to tea ...

As I waited anxiously to see what kind of thing would come out, Corey-san returned with two mugs with lids.

"Be careful, it's hot."

"Yes, thanks ... Fuwaa, the scent ..."

Just by lifting the lid a little, steam and a refreshing scent rose up.

It was certainly a scent that was more appropriate to call it tea than medicated water.

A complex mixture of citrus-like freshness and cinnamon-like scent.

When I put it in my mouth, the right amount of astringency and sweetness spread on my tongue, and the scent left my nose.

Besides, as the tea went down my throat, it warmed my stomach.

"It's amazing ... I've never had a tea like this before."

"Hii hii ... I see, drink it slowly."

Even though she asked me to talk with her, Corey-san was silently drinking tea.

In other words, she wanted me to quietly enjoy this tea.

I felt sleepy as my stomach warmed up.

The tense feeling of glaring at each other with Gilik gradually loosened.

"So, what are you going to do with that hulking, rambunctious kid?"

"Huh? Ahh, umm ... I'm thinking of assigning a different bodyguard to Muell-san ..."

"Do you think he'll be satisfied with that?"

"I wonder ..."

Even when I explained the content of the strategy that utilized the three people who were staying behind, Corey-san's reaction was not very good.

"Is it not enough?"

"Well ... It's probably better than doing nothing, but if it would be solved with just that much, he would have already become independent ..."

"Aahh, now that you say so, you're right."

According to Corey-san, there had been people other than Gilik who had served as escorts in the past, but they couldn't come to an agreement due to financial issues, and the operation fell through.

"I see, it's meaningless if I don't keep him away from her for a long time, and if that happens, would she be unable to bear the cost of hiring them."

"Muell doesn't dislike Gilik either, but it doesn't seem possible for him to be a lifelong companion."

I wondered if Muell-san saw Gilik as a troublesome brother.

Come to think of it, Gilik called Muell-san Myuu-ane.

Not seeing her as a woman, a man who called her as an older sister couldn't be the object of her love, right.

While I was dazed by the effect of the tea, I heard the sound of the back door opening.

Yup, it sounded like the footsteps were angry.

Muell-san came out into the store with her tail swinging wildly.

This, it looks like a big deal.

"Haaah ... Mou, no more, acting so spoiled, I don't care anymore!"

"Want a drink?"

When I held out the half-drunk cup, Muell-san gulped it down without hesitation, then let out another big sigh.

"Haaah ... So, what are you going to do?"

"Yes, my classmates, Kazuki and Tatsuya, as well as another person will be assigned as an escort."

When I talked about what I had discussed with the three people who were staying behind, Muell-san replied with an OK immediately.

It wasn't that there wouldn't be problems with long-term continuation, but for the time being, starting tomorrow, we would begin a strategy to make Gilik stand on his own.