Book 3: Chapter 9

Book 3: Chapter 9

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Chapter 9 I Tried To Relax And Enjoy The Night

We headed in the opposite direction of the sea to the southeast of the city.

We climbed up the slope, which was illuminated by a madder red light.

Then we saw a magnificent brick building.

Is that the inn?

Probably, yes.

I turned my eyes to the sign on the building while I was listening to Iriss words.

Landscape Pavillion.

No doubt about it. This is where we will be staying tonight.

The place was located on top of a small hill, and when we stopped in front of the building and looked behind us, we could see the cityscape of Fort Port spread out below us.

Hey, Kou, theres an observation deck over there.

Iris pointed to a large wooden deck that extended out toward the ocean. Its sunset now, and it would be a good time to take in the view.

Lets take a little detour.

Looking out from the observation deck, the sun was setting over the horizon.

The ocean reflected the sunlight and sparkled.

Its beautiful!

Wow! The ocean is so bright!

Lily and Surara both exclaimed in admiration.

Incidentally, the wooden deck was surrounded by railings, so Surara couldnt see anything from his line of sight.

Perhaps because of this, Lily placed Surara on top of her own head.

She held him firmly with both hands to prevent him from accidentally tumbling down.

Lily-oneechan, are you sure Im not too heavy?

Its fine. The sea is beautiful, isnt it?

Yes. It looks delicious, like tomato soup!

Delicious?

When I tilted my head at the expression that was too unique, Leticia, who was right next to me, said with a wry smile.

Perhaps Surara-sama is hungry.

Oh, I see.

Surara is quite a glutton, and when he is hungry, its probably inevitable that all he can think of is food. Perhaps.

By the way, what is Leticia doing?

Ive been inspired, so Ive been scribbling a little.

I looked at Leticias hand and saw that she was running a pencil through her sketchbook at great speed. She was using only a graphite pencil, but she had managed to capture the colors of the sunset with just the right amount of shading.

Youre very good at it.

Thank you very much. Please let me paint your portrait one day.

It would be boring for you to draw me.

No, of course not. You have a very attractive face.

Im sorry, but your flattery will get you nothing.

Ara, I am only giving you my honest impression.

Leticia gave a devilish smile and went back to her sketches.

Geez, you gotta stop teasing an adult. I shrugged my shoulders and left Leticias side to stand by Iris.

Iris was leaning against the railing of the wooden deck, quietly looking down on the city.

Her crimson hair and eyes sparkle like jewels in the evening sun.

I admired her figure for a while.

Whats wrong, Kou?

Oh, no nothing.Alll latest novels at novelhall.com

I came to my senses when Iris spoke to me.

I was just a little hazy, thats all.

Maybe youre tired from defeating the pirates?

Maybe.

Kuo, youve been very active this time, havent you? Shall I rub your shoulders?

No need to go that far. Ill just take it as a compliment.

Oh, thats too bad.

Iris said this in a joking tone of voice and turned her gaze toward the sea again.

Beyond this sea is the royal capital, isnt it?

Its a five-day boat ride away, I think. Its pretty far, isnt it?

Yeah, it is. I guess Kous hometown is probably even further away.

Well, yeah.

I havent told anyone that Im from a different world yet.

However, I have known Iris for a long time, and I think she would understand.

Maybe Ill find an opportunity to explain it to her at some point.

Hmm?

I suddenly noticed that Leticia was looking at us with an unusually warm gaze.

Whats the matter?

For some reason, Leticia nodded deeply with a satisfied look on her face and raised her sketchbook above her head.

There were not drawings but words written on it.

Was it a message to me?

Im sorry to disturb you two, so well go into the inn ahead of you.

No, there is no need for you to be so concerned about it.

Weve enjoyed the view, and its time to check-in.

When I entered the lobby of Landscape Pavillion through the main entrance, I saw many employees lined up in a row.

It looked like a department store just after opening.

Welcome, Kou Kousaka-sama and his party. Welcome to Landscape Pavilion!

Thank you very much for defeating the pirates!

All of us here at Landscape Pavilion are truly honored that the famous Dragon Slayer has chosen to stay with us. Please come this way.

Receiving an enthusiastic welcome from the employees, we headed to the reception area at the back of the lobby.

We asked about Leticias accommodation, and fortunately, a room of the same grade as ours was available.

How about this room?

Yes, that will be fine. Thank you.

Very well, then. I will show you to your room.

Our rooms were all on the top floor of the inn.

The room assignment was one for me and Surara, one for Iris and Lily, and one for Leticia, making a total of three rooms.

After a short rest in the room, we would gather in the lobby for dinner.

I understand. I have to get ready, so how about thirty minutes later?

Thats fine with me. How about Lily and Leticia?

No problem.

Im fine, too. What about Surara-sama?

Im full of energy 24 hours a day! Full Power Slime!

Well then, Ill see you in the lobby in thirty minutes.

I said that, wrapped up the conversation, and went into the room with Surara.

It was a suite of rooms.

It has not only a bedroom but also a kitchen, a parlor, and even a shower room.

Incidentally, the inns open-air bath is on the roof and seems to offer a panoramic view of the entire city.

Im curious to see what kind of view it has, and Ill have to check it out.

With this in mind, I lay down on the bed in the bedroom.

Fuh

As I lay on my back, resting, Surara jumped on my back with a plop.

Master-san, Im going to give you a massage!

Can I ask you to do it?

Yes, Ill take care of it! Ill do it!

Suraras voice sounded full of enthusiasm, and he began to rub my shoulders.

Whoa!

Crack! Crack crack!

Crack! Crack!

A cracking sound, no longer human in level, rings out from my shoulder joints.

I had been massaged by Surara in Toue before, but the sound was more intense than that time.

Perhaps the intense battle after the intense battle had exacerbated the stiffness in my shoulders.

Master-san! You should have this done not only on your shoulders but also on your lower back and your whole back!

Can I have you do that as well?

Of course! Helper energy, at full throttle!

Whooaaaaahh!

My back, no, my whole body is about to fall apart

But strangely enough, it didnt hurt. Rather, it felt good.

The blood circulation improved as the stiff muscles relaxed, and the body felt warm and fluffy.

It felt as if I was under a blanket, even though I was not covered with a futon.

Fuwahh

A yawn leaked out involuntarily.

Thank you, Surara. Im feeling much better now.

Wow! Im so happy!

Surara was innocently pleased and continued to speak.

Master-san took me out of the underground city! Im just returning the favor!

Surara is a magical creature created by the technology of an ancient civilization and was originally not allowed to go outside the underground city.

But after I rewrote the system, the restriction was lifted, and we are now traveling together.

Master-san. I have a lot of fun every day! Today I saw the ocean for the first time in my life, and its not just water! It was so beautiful, glistening in the sunlight!

Thats the ocean in the daytime. At night, its a different scene.

Wow, thats amazing! I want to go see it!

Well, shall we go to the harbor for dinner?

Yes! Im so excited!

Surara seemed to be excited and began to rub my body even more enthusiastically.

I felt as if my whole body was melting away, and before I knew it, I was asleep.

Master-san, Master-san!

Ummhhh.

Its time to go. If you dont wake up, youll be late.

Hmm?

Surara shook me awake.

The time to meet up with Iris and the others were approaching, according to the clock.

You slept so well

I had only been asleep for a short time, but the feeling of fatigue had completely disappeared.

My body felt light. I feel ten years younger.

Thanks to Suraras massage. I feel much better.

I patted him with gratitude.

Hehehe! Master-san praised me!

I left the room with Surara, who was in a good mood.

I went downstairs to the lobby on the first floor and found Iris, Lily, and Leticia in the lounge area.

All three were sitting on the sofa, chatting happily.

What a gorgeous scene.

Oh, Kou. Over here, over here.

Iris noticed me and raised her right hand lightly.

Sorry, did I keep you waiting?

No, its fine.

Iris shook her head, and in her hand was Leticias sketchbook.

I was just looking at Leticias drawings with Lily.

That looks interesting. Can I take a look at it too?

When we were in Aunen, we used to go on quests and have meals and such together every day.

It was like going back to those days.

Compared to when we started this trip, there are a lot more of us now, arent there?

Dest, Surara-chan, Lily-chan, Leticia

Iris narrowed her eyes as she muttered Leticias name.

She turned her gaze toward the sea and sighed a little.

There was a hint of melancholy in her expression. She seems to be trying to hide it, but I can tell.

Is something bothering you?

No. Its nothing serious.

Iris shook her head and drank the rest of the wine in her glass. The amount was quite large, but I wonder if it is okay.

The alcohol seemed to have started to turn, and her cheeks had a faint vermilion color.

Well, you see

After saying that, Iris fell silent for a while. Her crimson eyes were looking back and forth between me and the view beyond the window.

It was as if she was searching for the next words to say.

If its something you dont feel comfortable talking about, you dont have to.

Iriss mouth relaxed as I told her this.

Kou is very kind.

I dont know. Im just trying to be nice to Iris.

Fufu, thank you.

Iris slowly turned her gaze to me and said.

I was a little envious of Leticia after todays pirate subjugation.

Jealous?

She and Kou went on that ship together, didnt you?

Iris pointed out the window with her right index finger.

There, the Orichalcum Rox floated silently.

Smashing the turrets, taking command of the pirates with [Domination] Shes been very active, hasnt she?

Yeah. She was pretty determined.

Compared to that, I wasnt much help to Kou this time.

Help to me?

I didnt expect my name to be mentioned here, so I was a bit confused.

Iris blinked a few times, swayed her long eyelashes, and continued to speak.

I owe a lot to Kou. I told you before; I was so happy that you came to my rescue when the Black Spider tried to kill me. Before that, I thought there was no one in this world on my side.

How do you feel now?

Im not as hopeless as I used to be. Because there is someone here who is like the hero of the story.

Iris glanced at me sideways.

A hero, huh?

Its a little embarrassing to hear her say that face-to-face.

I picked up my glass and downed the rest of the wine, trying to hide my embarrassment.

The back of my throat was burning.

I sighed unintentionally.

Iris said as she watched me.

It wasnt just during the Black Spider. Kou helped me many times and gave me many things after that. Im also very grateful to you for being with me and giving me a place to stay. So Id like to return the favor in some small way, but Kou can do everything on his own, and thats kind of difficult to do.

Iris lowered her eyes and gave a small slump of her shoulders.

This may be the first time shes shown me her weakness like this. In a way, it may be a sign that she is opening up to me.

How should I respond?

I am sure Iris is not looking for superficial words of comfort.

Rather, it would be better to express my honest feelings.

After thinking for a while, I slowly opened my mouth.

Iris is very helpful. This time, too, you were a great help.

Is, that so?

Iris asked me as if she couldnt believe it.

I looked her straight in the eye and told her.

If Dox and his men start to attack the city, the barrier will prevent them from doing so. Knowing that, I was able to attack them aggressively.

You mean you were relying on me?

Yes. Not only this time. Even at the time of the Black Dragon and the Gluttonous Dragon, it was Iriss presence that allowed me to survive and protect the city. I am grateful to you for everything. I appreciate it.

I see.

Iriss mouth relaxed as she sighed.

Am I really helping you?

Of course you are.

Im glad to hear that.

Muttering reassuringly, Iris raised her empty wine glass.

Can I have another glass?

Of course.

I took the wine bottle with my right hand and poured it into Iriss glass.

By the way, my glass was empty too.

Shall I pour?

Yes, please.

Iris poured out about half of the wine in my glass.

Is this about the right amount?

Yeah, thats about right. Well then, lets have another toast.

Yes, cheers.

We raised our glasses to each other.

We were both in a good mood, probably due to the fact that we were now intoxicated.

This is a story about my hometown.

I suddenly realized that I had said something like that.

Perhaps it was the alcohol that made me light-mouthed.

Normally, I wouldnt tell anyone about the past. But tonight, I was in the mood to talk a little.

I was working on some kind of archaeological site system where I lived, where ancient civilization-like technology was commonplace.

The company I worked for was focused on IT-related business, so that shouldnt be so wrong as an explanation. Ancient civilizations are a lot like modern Japan.

I looked at Iris, who was listening to my words with interest.

Thats good.

Apparently, she was not bored.

With a small sigh of relief, I continued my story.

It was a year ago, I think. The people who were supposed to deal with errors in the system were all fired. The upper management thought that since there were no errors, it would be fine if they were gone.

I have a bad feeling about this.

Youre right about that.

I nodded to Iris.

Then, a while later, the system made an error, and the member who was supposed to deal with it was fired, so it took quite a while for things to get back on track. It was a tough time.

So its important to be prepared for emergencies.

Yeah.

I nodded my head.

There are many tragedies in the world that occur because the people in charge dont understand the situation, and this story is a typical example.

In this case, Iris is the contingency plan. Its an important role that can only be entrusted to someone you trust.

Fufu, thank you.

Iris let out a smile.

I hope I didnt make you feel uncomfortable.

Not at all.

I shook my head and looked out the window.

Iris said as she gazed out the window at the gently shimmering nighttime sea.

Its quite unusual for Kou to talk about himself, isnt it?

Really?

Yes.

Iris gave a small nod and turned to me.

Her red eyes sparkled like jewels.

Where was Kou born, how did you grow up, and what did you do? Youve told me very little about yourself until now, havent you?

My life story isnt very interesting, you know.

Iris shook her head.

Thats not the case. I want to know about Kou.

That would be an honor.

I answered shortly and tipped my glass of wine.

The mellow aroma tickled my nostrils.

I wondered if it would be all right if I talked a little more about it.

My hometown is very far away.

You said that before, didnt you?

Iris said with a nostalgic tone.

Maybe across the sea?

No, its much further away.

I sipped a little wine to moisten my mouth before answering.

Beyond the sea, or rather, out of this world.

Out..?

Think of it as a completely different world. There are no monsters, no calamities, no skill or magic. Its a place like that. One day, without any warning, I was suddenly transported to this world. I had the skills before I even knew it. Sounds crazy, doesnt it?

Right. But, I believe it.

Iris turned to me and nodded deeply.

Her red eyes were staring straight at me.

Without averting her gaze, she told me.

Even if everything you just said is a lie, I dont care.

It was like a once-in-a-lifetime confession or a declaration of commitment to life. Iris said this in a tone of voice that had absolutely no hesitation at all.

I am willing to be deceived by Kou.

* * *

I paid the bill and left the bar with Iris. The smell of the sea was wafting in the air.

Iris, thank you for believing me when I told you earlier. I was talking too much because of the alcohol.

Thats not true. I am very happy that Kou is telling me about himself.

Iris replied with a smile that seemed to burst into flames. Iris smiled and looked up at me, which tickled me strangely.

Is Kou planning to return to your own world someday?

No way.

I answered immediately with a shrug of my shoulders.

My place is here. Im not going to go back, even if Im asked to.

Thank goodness.

Iris breathed a sigh of relief.

It makes me sad just to imagine what it would be like if Kou were gone.

Its okay. Ill be with everyone.

We walk together through the harbor under the stars.

I am on the right, and Iris is on the left.

In a moment, the back of my left hand and the back of Iriss right hand touched each other.

..

..

It was already late at night, and there were no other people around.

Its just the two of us.

I looked at Iris, and she looked at me.

Our gazes collided in the center.

Hey, Kou!

Iriss pale pink lips call my name.

And then

Suddenly, there was an earthquake.