CH 65

Ryo and the others at the moment. And…

(Ryo POV)

“Even at this time of year, it’s scorching in this country…”

“Yeah.”

“It’s hot…”

“Well, it’s located further south than our country. It is no wonder.”

We are currently in a certain country in South Asia. Since the latitude is lower than our country, the temperature is high and hot despite the fact that the season is winter. Even so, while the lack of chopsticks and the constant serving of curry are acceptable, the number of Demon Kings is so prolific, probably owing to the large initial population, making the frequency of battles unbelievable.

Now, the four members of our party who are here now are myself, Houki, Izumi, and Mugi. As for Aria? She was summoned by Kurokiri from the north, and we parted ways when we returned to “White Fog and Black Swamp Forest”. For the record, Chirito also split up with us at that time.

Although there are some members who have joined us since we went to the continent, they are not here now.

And then, Kurokiri instructed me and Houki to search for Ichiko-san, who was my bodyguard during my human days, and who had been transported to somewhere in this world after joining up with Izumi and Mugi.

“Nevertheless, I wonder where on earth Ichiko-san was sent to.”

“If I recall correctly, she was the former bodyguard of Lady Ryo, wasn’t she? I don’t know her very well, since she was always guarding you from the shadows.”

“Even I hardly know her, except for her name and the fact that she’s a brilliant woman. Well, she is the kind of person who saves those whom she can save, no matter what it takes. If only she was still around, I think she would be as famous as we are.”

Houki and I are having a meal and trying to figure out what kind of person Ichiko-san is, whose face and age we have no idea about.

Well, the information is too scarce to grasp anything.

Furthermore, after leaving the country and entering the continent, I have been reluctantly cooperating with the Demon Kings who are cordial with the humans as well as engaging in battles with the hostile Demon Kings. Even under these circumstances, for various reasons, I have come here as a bodyguard for those who are engaged in trade, thus gaining daily sustenance and information. To put it simply, I am a mercenary. I suppose it fits in well with the world we live in now.

So, the largest job I’ve ever had would be… well, you know.

In China… no, formerly China, we were requested to rescue the people of a village who were under attack by an army of Demon King (more than 1,000 of them, from small fry to powerful enemies), followed by escorting them to safety. At that time, there was another movement simultaneously to conquer the dungeon reigned by the Demon King, and as a consequence of the Demon King’s attempts to take on both sides, the Demon King was outnumbered and vanquished.

Well, I suppose a detailed account will be discussed at another time.

By the way, we earned the title of ≪Mercenary of the Fog≫ with this request. Mugi was somewhat displeased though.

“At the very least, since Izumi and I fought together for a short time, we do have some knowledge of combat techniques.”

“…”

“Huh? What’s wrong, Izumi?”

“…Nothing.”

Then Mugi attempts to recollect Ichiko-san, but it doesn’t seem to be yielding favorable results.

In contrast, Izumi seems pensive and turns away when I speak to her.

Nonetheless, I wonder what on earth this child is thinking. According to what I have heard, she became a Kirijin with Ichiko-san’s help, and even now she can barely speak due to the after-effects of that time, but regardless of how deeply she is wounded, no blood is spilled, and she can heal on her own. On top of that, she creates weapons out of her own body. She is like a puppet, and I don’t truly understand her.

(Izumi POV)

On that day nine years ago, when Ichiko nee-chan vanished, she also disappeared partly within me and Mugi onee-chan.

Even though Kurokiri nii-chan didn’t say anything, I’m positive that whoever sent Ichiko nee-chan away that day must have done something to me and Mugi onee-chan as well.

No, not only that. It is not limited to me and Mugi onee-chan. Ryo onee-chan and Ichiko nee-chan were not so distant from each other that Ryo onee-chan couldn’t even remember her face. Moreover, Houki, who was Ryo onee-chan’s attendant, also claimed that she had no acquaintance with Ichiko nee-chan.

The identity of this someone is unknown to me. Kurokiri nii-chan must be aware of this, but he did not disclose it to me. It must be a hazardous opponent if we found out about it.

That is why even though I know that there is something wrong with everyone’s memories, I don’t point it out to them. It is doubtful that the current us could overcome an opponent whom Kurokiri nii-chan refrains from facing.

“Even so, the cuisine here is too spicy even for me who has a sensitive nose[i].”

“Then perhaps it’s time to start moving on to the next country.”

“So I guess we should proceed as usual, guarding the appropriate human beings and earning some traveling expenses.”

Mugi onee-chan and the others are discussing the upcoming affairs.

Although I have no particular complaints about departing this country, I also feel as if I’m traveling.

Ichiko nee-chan… Where are you now…?

(Ichiko POV)

A little over nine years ago.

“This place is…?”

I, Ichiko, have been converted into a Half-Demon King by the God of Calamity and transported to an unknown place.

It is a world of snow, ice, and boulders.

Even the sun is almost directly next to me.

“! How freezing!”

A slight wind sweeps across me. But the wind is so frigid that it feels as though it is slicing me.

“I can’t… communicate with Kurokiri huh?”

I attempt to communicate with Kurokiri in my mind, but the connection is not working.

Then the piercing wind hit me once more.

“Ugh… I have to hurry and search for a safe place somewhere…”

And I begin to wander around the empty horizon.

A/N:

From this point on, the story will be done in order after Ichiko is transported away by the God of Calamity.

The presence of Kurokiri fades away again~

T/N:

[i] Actually, here is just saying Mugi has a good nose but I don’t really understand what does having good nose has to do with being good at eating spicy food. So I change it to sensitive nose but both don’t make sense to me anyway. Or maybe that’s something like a Japanese difference like how we will say take medicine, in Japanese it is “drink” medicine regardless of the substance