I get the feeling that this is the first time in a while that I’ve seen what’s called lightning.
Of course it isn’t my magic, it’s real natural lightning.
The cannonade of rain striking against the mansion’s window is timed with an unexpectedly proper rules based rhythm.
This is a world without television or internet so, I can’t think of an amusement within the mansion and I’m bored.
……A lifestyle satisfied with television and the net is the pinnacle of bad health though.
「……」
「Ano, ojousama, it’s hard to sleep while being watched so ardently……」
Ilya murmured while laying on the bed.
To describe myself, I’m fixedly staring at that Ilya.
Fixedly, enough that it already appears resentful.
As expected even Ilya might be feeling a sense of pressure as she seems to be short of breath.
And so her eyes are swimming.
「Since……I’m anemic.」
To the level where I’d collapse if I stand from my chair.
But wait, it’s not that day in particular.
It’s different.
The me just now was softly bit by Ilya who sucked and drew in my blood.
In the manner of a vampire.
「……I have no excuse, it was too delicious so……I was about to suck it dry.」
「……」
Since I’d die okay?
Is this the time for your face to go red, Ilya.
The fact that she seems to have somehow continued sucking on instinct without working her rationality, has now been established.
Because of what Ilya did I who had underestimated the situation, was a hair’s breadth from crisis.
「Well it’s fine……is the contract safely completed with this?」
「No, that was no more than preparation. A step so as to grow used to ojousama’s magic power. Even so my body rather enjoyed it.」
Fu～n, and I heal the vestiges from Ilya’s canine while nodding.
When I was bit, it strangely wasn’t painful.
Rather than that, there was a bit of pleasure……kind of……no was it my imagination?
Should I suppose the method of sucking really does activate some sort of aphrodisiac effect?
Since being bitten normally just hurts right.
However, regardless of whether it was my imagination I feel like my neck muscles were licked……
「The body’s fluids have high purity magic power imbued in them. Even more so for blood.」
「It’s the case that there’s such a game like element isn’t there.」
「Game?」
「No, speaking of magic power exchange, is it not that sort of thing? That is, that sort of……」
Aah, and Ilya smiled.
「Of course, there is that sort of method isn’t there. I’m not completely prepared though.」
「Muu.」
I’m being made fun of aren’t I, and with a sharpening of the lips she smiled more.
「……So, what’s necessary after this?」
「A phylactery is necessary. To be precise a path for magic power to pass between ojousama and me, it’s an intermediary so as to connect a path.」
「Phylactery? Where would we obtain that?」
「Anything will do for the phylactery itself. Something ojousama regularly wears on her body, something managed preciously within the mansion, anything can be used.」
「Fu～n? But since it will alwa～ys be with Ilya after this, will it be troubling if it’s a brittle object?」
It’d be troubling if it broke and the contract was rescinded wouldn’t it.
「Such a thing doesn’t happen. The phylactery itself is only necessary for the contract’s beginning so, after that’s finished the path stays connected until one of us ceases to be……That is, excepting if ojousama considers me to be unneeded and closes the path on her own though.」
「That won’t happen okay.」
Since there’s no reason to throw away an eternity of time together……and above all I love Ilya.
「Then something like this ring, wouldn’t it be just right? Since I’m always wearing it.」
I look at the ring on my left hand that I received from Till and, Ilya reservedly shook her head sideways.
「Let’s stop with that, I feel it’s a very precious item.」
「That’s why I was thinking it would be good though.」
「Fufu, I’m honored but……I have one suggestion.」
Ilya faced me with unusually serious eyes.
Nn? I tried tilting my head.
「……Ojousama, please complete your 3rd job change next. What number would the current ojousama’s level be?」
「It’s gone up considerably you know? I’ve always been in fierce battle so……I might be LV10 now, as a Wizard.」
「Then raise it up until LV15, and job change.」
「I’m, fairly strong even now you know?」
Enough to defeat the Yamata no Orochi.
「No……Most likely, I feel that I’d end up sucking the current ojousama’s magic dry. Even your life……」
Haha～n, the reason Ilya was alwa～ys hesitant about the contract was, as expected this.
But to suddenly become another 5 higher, will this mean Till’s hellish special training again……
Since my wisdom is 7 with the correction factored in, given that isn’t this considerably severe.
Where could the numeric ceiling of this talent be?
Might it be 10?
「It’s said that the wisdom of those who contract with a dragon, is at least 5.」
Eh, we can do it then.
Seeing me make such a face, Ilya smiled apologetically.
「There are various types of dragons. I suppose that with ice dragons or fire dragons or flame dragons or the like that would be okay……However.」
「On that note I haven’t asked but, Ilya is……an ancient dragon, was it?」
I feel like Till among others said that?
「Hai……」
The being called an Ancient・Dragon right.
Shouldn’t I suppose that’s the highest rank even within the knowledge I know of.
If Ilya’s wrath seriously moved her the world’s destruction would……
Thinking that I get the sense that I’m expecting too much of her.
A sense of anxiety came……
「There were people who made a contract in the past, right?」
「I have heard as such. To begin with for a high ranking race such as us ancient dragons, a contract with a person is not fundamentally necessary though……」
A dark shadow descended on Ilya as she spoke with a self demeaning mood.
When she remembers back to something, Ilya makes a painful seeming face.
Mo～ this child can’t be helped caan she.
I try stroking her head with a yosh yosh.
She laughed like it tickled.
I gripped her hand along with that.
「……Fufu, you are unfair, ojousama.」
「That so?」
Since when I use skinship to obfuscate things or the like with Eclair she gets angry doesn’t she……
But people’s bodies are strangely calming aren’t they.
「In any case, it should be alright for a while now because of ojousama’s blood. During that time please change jobs……obtain more power.」
「You won’t push yourself such that you cause worry again?」
「I promise, it is alright.」
It really doesn’t seem to be a lie.
「……Un, I understand! I’ll show, the 3rd job change be mastered!」
Yossh.
It’s the last chapter, on my road to the strongest.
Exultantly standing from my chair――it became pitch black in front of me and I fell onto the bed as such.
「Ojousama, I’m truly sorry……」
「……Un, I forgot.」
The anemia……
◇■◇■◇
While I kind of don’t know which number it is, it’s an emergency Alice house meeting.
All of us are gathered in the dining room.
The absent member is Ilya, since she’s sleeping.
The agenda is the sort of matter of how I should act so as to bring about my 3rd job change.
First LV, there’s nothing except to receive Till’s special training, over.
Next is the place to job change.
To complete the 3rd job change, it won’t happen without going to a place related to your race……apparently.
「Is it no good if I don’t go……to the elf village?」
I try murmuring in the dining hall and, an extremely gloomy atmosphere drifted in.
I haven’t particularly been ostracized from the village but, I’ve lost the opportunity to admit the truth haven’t I.
Hiding things eventually causes matters to run off in strange directions you know.
It’s troublesome you know.
「……Nnn, if I’m deeply covered by a hood or something, won’t I not be found out?」
Eclair came to break the silence while clearing her throat.
「It’s not related to your true identity or the like. The elves shouldn’t readily invite in those from outside the village, are you an idiot. Kua.」
Everyone, gathered their gaze on the elf in question.
「Kyuii!」
「Want at it, you fox cub.」
「Gyu……」
It wouldn’t become a fight, it seems its wild instinct told it as such.
Kyuu slipped into my clothes hiding its body.
I’m getting a fluffy sensation……
「……Then how about saying we’ll accompany Till back to her home village?」
「That would be my village? It’s a little far. It’s not realistic when considering the dragon girl’s bodily condition. Be that as it may it would mean another village and……elf villages are distinct in their own ways, since they have their customs and independence you see.」
I see, Till has properly thought it through like this but, her behavior is that of a person who doesn’t get things done.
These sorts of people exist don’t they.
But at this point I really don’t feel it’s strange whatever behavior Till has.
「Where would that make the closest elf village from here?」
「Fumu……the southern great forest, the village of the Forest of Ash I suppose.」
「Forest of Ash you say!?」
Shion-san let out a loud voice.
「Uhyaa!? ……Excuse me.」
……I also let out a loud voice.
No, even though it’s a serious conversation, since Kyuu licked my navel so……
And why is Saira going I understand! by facing me with a face like that.
Does she want her navel licked……?
For the nonce, I took hold of the Kyuu who was up to mischief and, hand it over to the Rin-chan who seemed bored.
As Rin-chan, having been playing with blocks on the adjacent seat, was tired of playing inside however I looked at her, I pointed out the window when she took Kyuu.
「It’s okay to go play outside!?」
「Though the rain is strong enough for thunder to cry out……」
「I want to play in the mud, deshi!」
「I wonder why she’s eager to do things I wouldn’t want to do, is it something to do with her period of age……」
I being sweet toward Rin-chan nodded reluctantly.
I have a maid-san accompany her with the role of looking after her for me, and I see Rin-chan off after giving directions to have the bath prepared.
Perhaps Kyuu dislikes the rain, that tail is hanging enough to reach its stomach.
It was taken away while acting like it was being led to slaughter.
「Kohon, I’m returning the conversation. Is the Forest of Ash dangerous?」
「Those who do not have magic power weaken. Since the forest’s magic power is too strong. Because of that monsters and changed entities are plentiful, I suppose there is danger.」
「Heiー」
「The Elves of that forest are famous as being especially exclusive, they’re a good example of how living in a remote area twists even your personality.」
I wonder if there are dislikeable people or the like there?
But contrary to the magic sealing forest, if it’s filled with magic power then magicians would be in their best condition.
……Till, Eclair and I would be.
「Muー insolent, Alice!」
「I’m, I’m sorry.」
Shion-san inflated her cheeks like a child……
This person, since she’s an adventurer down to her roots, she wants to go to unknown places and it can’t be helped can it.
And in the end we weren’t able to go to Ashitaka kingdom together……
It seems like a tough place for the Shion-san with no magic power though, what to do.
「Before that Alice, it’s about time you confessed your home town. Wouldn’t it be fine to go there?」
「……Ehh?」
Everyone’s gaze stabbed in as if to say, on that note.
「……」
Wha, what should I do?
I’m filled with a sense that it’s too late for this so I’m also bewildered.
And if I say something like, I’m from another world, it seems like they’ll think isn’t this person weird in the head.
And if I say something like, I’m a former male, it seems like they’ll think this child is a little pitiable.
No wait?
I try looking at Eclair for some reason.
「Wh, why are you looking over here.」
An Eclair-san with a dubious face.
「This is if, possibly okay?」
「Wha, what……」
「If I said…………I was a male, what would Eclair do?」
The dining room became silent.
Ah, un.
Due to that sort of sensation oneechan moved out first.
「I suppose it really is the Forest of Ash then.」
「Wait wait! Please don’t suddenly sweep it away!」
Even though I thought I’d make an important confession after this!
Isn’t Oneechan in particular like, ah, same person as always is it!?
Furthermore, ehー, you’re continuing with this conversation? Like that!
I can tell from your expression you know, because of the expression!
I’m not being an imouto for show you know!?
「Anone Alice? Eclair also thinks you’re poorly developed but……that is, I can’t see you as a male and, in truth……etto……」
Don’t speak unintelligibly, Eclair!
However much it’s after Rin-chan isn’t with us anymore this place will become awkward!
Somehow, I’ve become worried whether Eclair would come to love that which is me even if I was a male.
That’s the same for Kran though.
「Was Eclair androphobic? Did Leoneil do something to you?」
「There’s no way he’d do something right!? Because he’s my brother.」
「But surely a brother who has a cute imouto like Eclair, just what thoughts could he be living with right?」
It’s a topic I should try thinking super seriously on isn’t it……
「……At the least, shouldn’t I suppose he wasn’t thinking something amusing like you.」
Nn?
This is unrelated right now but, to be sure did Leoneil say he was the second royal child?
Does Eclair perhaps have a second oniichan?
「As expected does a real imouto not generate that much interest, oneechan?」
「Don’t switch the topic to me almost as if I might have a strange habit.」
Maa, I guess an adopted imouto isn’t put in the category of a real imouto.
「Well it’s fine, let’s return the conversation again.」
「We’re returning here……」
Shion-san became narrow eyed.
「Kohon, either way my hometown isn’t a place that can be gone to with a bit of ease.」
「Is that so.」
Till replied vaguely while seeming uninterested with her chin supported in her hands.
She’s that Till who doesn’t move on trifling matters.
Since the period when she’d roll on the floor laughing if you dropped your chopsticks ended more than 2 eras ago didn’t it.
「Then our destination is decided is it. We’re short on time, after Alice’s bodily condition recovers we’ll train while heading toward the Forest of Ash, is it fine with that?」
「Acknowledged!」
It’s been a while since I’ve received training directly from Till hasn’t it.
I’ll have her see my developed self so, it’s exciting isn’t it!
◇■◇■◇
Striving to recover my bodily condition, the day after beginning preparations for our journey.
The town with traces remaining from the previous day’s stormy weather has puddles here and there.
The smell of rain is still strong.
The sun’s rays are strong though.
「Puddlesー!」
「Hyaa!?」
She jumped in!?
She jumped in there!?
I’m a little wet from the flying water droplets……
This intrepid girlー.
「Deshi, rain boots are amazing!」
Don’t happily go around making splashes.
「The damage to the surroundings is grave you know……」
I can’t be angry looking at that sparkling smile can I.
It makes me think back to Makina’s matters and it makes me sad doesn’t it……
「Kyahaa, what, deshi?」
I picked up that which is Rin-chan from behind.
It’s already a great effort to lift her with my power.
「Rin-chan is taking care of our home this time right?」
「Mu～, I understand that okay! So give me something sweet!」
「Hai hai.」
Pleasing 5 year old children is difficult you know.
Since with this Rin-chan is already, a splendid girl isn’t she.
「I want to always be with, deshi and oniichan.」
She says strange things every so often though.
「…………」
But it seems pitiable doesn’t it?
I can’t say what it is that seems pitiable though.
Surely kurozukume hasn’t had one or two affairs at this point riight.
Since that guy, looking closely he isn’t not cool?
His expression is poor though.
「Nee Rin-chan, do you think oniichan has fallen for someone in the mansion?」
He seems like an unsociable person but, since it doesn’t seem like he dislikes women either.
Since that guy occasionally looks at that which is me doessn’t heー.
Or rather not just kurozukume, I’m showered with significant attention even walking through town right now and, I’ve become strangely used to gazes haven’t I.
I was extremely concerned in my first town though.
「Nn? Someone?」
It was a disarrayed voice.
「Right, someone. Eclair for example……No, in that case, I’ll be angry though.」
Imagining that my anger simmered.
「Ekurea? I think he doesn’t～, Ekurea’s pretty and kind though!」
Since those two don’t have a point of contact I suppose.
「Then could it possibly be, Ilya? I absolutely won’t allow it though.」
「Iria is, beautiful and fun but, I don’t think so!」
Ooh, does Rin-chan understand amour better than me?
There’s a strange persuasiveness here isn’t there.
「Oneechan is……just imagining it makes my murderous desire.」
「Shion is cool and cute but, he doesn’t you know.」
Hou hou, while oneechan is cool, she actually has cute aspects as well?
Rin-chan’s precise opinions are incredible aren’t they……
「Saira is?」
「Saira, being with her is very calming! Love! But he doesn’t～」
U～n, certainly even I would be lenient for the amount of falling for someone among the maid-sans okay?
If it becomes like that it’s basically fine though.
「Shishou is you see～, she acts like she’s always asleep but, it seems there’s a lot to her! But there isn’t a romance～」
……Who is she?
My eyes have already been dazzled you know?
Is this power of insight the secret to her future strength?
Little girls can’t be underestimated……
「Is that so, I suppose Kran is impossible so, is Aim also nil?」
I became a little relieved.
「Nn?」
The Rin-chan still within my arms, is looking up at me and making a full faced smile.
Maa?
Good smile.
「Deshi is you see～」
Ah, there’s also me?
I becoming a little excited.
「Strong～ kind～ smells good～ soft～ fluffy～ the world’s most beautiful～ so, Rin, it’s enough to make my chest go tight, I really really rea～lly love you!」
Isn’t it too cute over there!
「Mo～～u!」
「Kyahaa」
Before noticing it our cheeks were rubbing up against eachother as we embraced.
I’m also healed from her kyahaha and happy smile……
「I also, rea～～lly love Rin-chan you know.」
「Oniichan also, loves that which is deshi!」
「Is that so is that so, regarding that which is Solt-san I als……no wait a moment.」
「?」
There’s a curious young girl.
Certainly I don’t dislike him either.
However there’s a psychological sense of pressure such that I can’t answer that I love him.
Yosh I’m still normal today.
「Ah.」
Given that, he’s here isn’t he.
Speak of a rumor and its shadow will fall upon you.
Suddenly coming across him by coincidence at the street corner, perhaps he heard the entirety of the conversation just now.
With his face displaying a bad expression like always, he has his gaze averted as if he’s sulking somewhere.
「……Hello.」
This is awkward.
「Ah, oniichan!」
「……」
And so there’s a strange silence.
「Don’t misunderstand……」
「Ah, hai.」
What?
And as it wasn’t enough to ask he ended up nodding for the moment.
Doing that his gaze unnecessarily sharpened didn’t it.
Scratching as his head became irritated――or so I thought!
「Wawaa!? ――Is that not dangerous!」
Suddenly being pulled into a back alley, I was pushed up against a wall.
Oww!
Do you want to be sent flying!?
I was taken by surprise and lost my breath a little you know.
「Are you, going somewhere again……?」
「Eh? Aah, hai……」
That’s something you hear from so close, by pushing people up against a wall?
You’re close close a little close.
You’re passing into personal space!
I slightly averted my face.
「You’re……dangerous.」
「……Nn, I’m somewhat self aware, of my troublesome aspects.」
Why am I being cornered and given a lecture?
「……」
「……」
「……」
「……」
Eh, somehow it’s best if I connect the conversation?
「……I’ll go as well.」
When I thought that kurozukume finally opened his mouth.
「On a journey? What about Rin-chan?」
「Rin, will be watching over the mansion with the maid-sans!」
Ooh, a very reasonable reply from within my arms.
……Why all of a sudden?
「It’s fine so be mature, let yourself be protected, by me.」
Kurozukume’s back is high so, his arm is placed on the wall such that it covers me.
As such inevitably, my form became such that I’m looking up at kurozukume.
And so to mention that kurozukume’s present face, is pure red up to his nose to an extent that wouldn’t be expected of a male……
「Ano……」
Is it possible that his normal brusqueness is the reverse side of his fear of people?
Assuming that, it might be that how he’s currently approaching someone to this degree and making conversation is a painful exertion.
「……Do your best do your best!」
「……」
I tried supporting him and, kurozukume had made, a strange face like his bite crushed a bitter tasting bug.
U～～n……!?
「――tsu」
It’s the anemia, I’m aware of this.
But, saying thus there’s nothing I can make of it.
It suddenly went dark in front of me and, I fall forward.
Ton, and my head hit an unexpectedly tough chest.
Without any power in my arms, I was dangerously close to dropping Rin-chan but, tempered arms that enveloped my arms along with my whole body prevented that.
I grasped the symptoms so, I’m calmly taking deep breaths while working toward recovery.
「You’re always there within my arms……」
「…………Nn, fuu……mou……I’m okay.」
After leisurely letting Rin-chan down, I put my hand against kurozukume’s chest and separated.
Huh?
I suppose he’s a little forceful, oi, let go idiot!
I managed to lightly pinch his chest area from above his clothes.
I was somehow released.
Looking up kurozukume is as always……Huh!?
He’s not glaring!
He normally has an expression like a saint that’s been pushed past his limit but, currently it’s almost like he’s truly reached enlightenment!
「Is something, the matter……? Is it going to snow or something……」
No before that was something said, by this guy?
My head was dizzy so, I feel like he said something in a mutter.
Maa, I guess it’s alright? I suppose I did say as such though.
My head still hasn’t settled and it’s lost in a daze～～～and while staring at kurozukume’s head, kurozukume turned his face away with such fervor that a sound came out.
What is this all of a sudden.
Ah, even his ears are red.
「……If your bodily condition is poor I’ll carry you, get a rest.」
「Nn? Nn～～」
Looking at Rin-chan, it can’t be helped can it～I guess we should go back, and for some reason she firmly nodded in an obediently reasonable seeming manner.
Rin-chan gallantly turned her heel toward the mansion having cleanly given up on the sweets shop.
……And so the one she’s raising a fuss about is, kurozukume.
「Oniーchan, that part is incompetent!」
「……」
On the way back, Rin-chan’s lecture began for some reason.
「Being pulled around by the man is important but, there are also people where pulling isn’t necessary!」
「……I’ll take this as a lesson.」
「Force your way in!」
「No, that’s……how is it.」
…………Are they discussing a crime?
Don’t become a stalker, since you truly are scary.
「It couldn’t be, is it possible, is this love talk?」
「Noisy.」
「Really? Who is it?」
「You, why are you this dense……is it purposeful?」
「What are you saying, I’m, adept at following discussions of amour between men and women!」
I’ve already made achievements since coming to this world by joining Takeshi and Kenji’s love talk, though my recollection is vague……
But it can’t be said that I’m a person who seems to think nothing of romance and thus, has almost no awareness of it.
「It’s fine so be quiet.」
「Mu, arrogant aren’t youー」
「You’ll understand, eventually.」
「Is that so is that so, it’d be best if you conveyed yourself wouldn’t it.」
Looking up as if gazing in toward the kurozukume walking beside me, a kinder than expected gaze came back.
「Fu, I suppose so.」
「……」
Fu～n, this guy……he’s capable of such a face.
It’s a bit of a new discovery or rather, it’s surprising isn’t it.
Falling in love, really might change people……
Well it’s fine.
This guy, isn’t a bad guy so I’ll support him.
「But Ilya, Eclair, oneechan, and Saira are off limits, that’s okay right?」
「Be quiet!」
We returned home while engaged in random chat.
I get the feeling that this is the first time in a while that I’ve seen what’s called lightning.
Of course it isn’t my magic, it’s real natural lightning.
The cannonade of rain striking against the mansion’s window is timed with an unexpectedly proper rules based rhythm.
This is a world without television or internet so, I can’t think of an amusement within the mansion and I’m bored.
……A lifestyle satisfied with television and the net is the pinnacle of bad health though.
「……」
「Ano, ojousama, it’s hard to sleep while being watched so ardently……」
Ilya murmured while laying on the bed.
To describe myself, I’m fixedly staring at that Ilya.
Fixedly, enough that it already appears resentful.
As expected even Ilya might be feeling a sense of pressure as she seems to be short of breath.
And so her eyes are swimming.
「Since……I’m anemic.」
To the level where I’d collapse if I stand from my chair.
But wait, it’s not that day in particular.
It’s different.
The me just now was softly bit by Ilya who sucked and drew in my blood.
In the manner of a vampire.
「……I have no excuse, it was too delicious so……I was about to suck it dry.」
「……」
Since I’d die okay?
Is this the time for your face to go red, Ilya.
The fact that she seems to have somehow continued sucking on instinct without working her rationality, has now been established.
Because of what Ilya did I who had underestimated the situation, was a hair’s breadth from crisis.
「Well it’s fine……is the contract safely completed with this?」
「No, that was no more than preparation. A step so as to grow used to ojousama’s magic power. Even so my body rather enjoyed it.」
Fu～n, and I heal the vestiges from Ilya’s canine while nodding.
When I was bit, it strangely wasn’t painful.
Rather than that, there was a bit of pleasure……kind of……no was it my imagination?
Should I suppose the method of sucking really does activate some sort of aphrodisiac effect?
Since being bitten normally just hurts right.
However, regardless of whether it was my imagination I feel like my neck muscles were licked……
「The body’s fluids have high purity magic power imbued in them. Even more so for blood.」
「It’s the case that there’s such a game like element isn’t there.」
「Game?」
「No, speaking of magic power exchange, is it not that sort of thing? That is, that sort of……」
Aah, and Ilya smiled.
「Of course, there is that sort of method isn’t there. I’m not completely prepared though.」
「Muu.」
I’m being made fun of aren’t I, and with a sharpening of the lips she smiled more.
「……So, what’s necessary after this?」
「A phylactery is necessary. To be precise a path for magic power to pass between ojousama and me, it’s an intermediary so as to connect a path.」
「Phylactery? Where would we obtain that?」
「Anything will do for the phylactery itself. Something ojousama regularly wears on her body, something managed preciously within the mansion, anything can be used.」
「Fu～n? But since it will alwa～ys be with Ilya after this, will it be troubling if it’s a brittle object?」
It’d be troubling if it broke and the contract was rescinded wouldn’t it.
「Such a thing doesn’t happen. The phylactery itself is only necessary for the contract’s beginning so, after that’s finished the path stays connected until one of us ceases to be……That is, excepting if ojousama considers me to be unneeded and closes the path on her own though.」
「That won’t happen okay.」
Since there’s no reason to throw away an eternity of time together……and above all I love Ilya.
「Then something like this ring, wouldn’t it be just right? Since I’m always wearing it.」
I look at the ring on my left hand that I received from Till and, Ilya reservedly shook her head sideways.
「Let’s stop with that, I feel it’s a very precious item.」
「That’s why I was thinking it would be good though.」
「Fufu, I’m honored but……I have one suggestion.」
Ilya faced me with unusually serious eyes.
Nn? I tried tilting my head.
「……Ojousama, please complete your 3rd job change next. What number would the current ojousama’s level be?」
「It’s gone up considerably you know? I’ve always been in fierce battle so……I might be LV10 now, as a Wizard.」
「Then raise it up until LV15, and job change.」
「I’m, fairly strong even now you know?」
Enough to defeat the Yamata no Orochi.
「No……Most likely, I feel that I’d end up sucking the current ojousama’s magic dry. Even your life……」
Haha～n, the reason Ilya was alwa～ys hesitant about the contract was, as expected this.
But to suddenly become another 5 higher, will this mean Till’s hellish special training again……
Since my wisdom is 7 with the correction factored in, given that isn’t this considerably severe.
Where could the numeric ceiling of this talent be?
Might it be 10?
「It’s said that the wisdom of those who contract with a dragon, is at least 5.」
Eh, we can do it then.
Seeing me make such a face, Ilya smiled apologetically.
「There are various types of dragons. I suppose that with ice dragons or fire dragons or flame dragons or the like that would be okay……However.」
「On that note I haven’t asked but, Ilya is……an ancient dragon, was it?」
I feel like Till among others said that?
「Hai……」
The being called an Ancient・Dragon right.
Shouldn’t I suppose that’s the highest rank even within the knowledge I know of.
If Ilya’s wrath seriously moved her the world’s destruction would……
Thinking that I get the sense that I’m expecting too much of her.
A sense of anxiety came……
「There were people who made a contract in the past, right?」
「I have heard as such. To begin with for a high ranking race such as us ancient dragons, a contract with a person is not fundamentally necessary though……」
A dark shadow descended on Ilya as she spoke with a self demeaning mood.
When she remembers back to something, Ilya makes a painful seeming face.
Mo～ this child can’t be helped caan she.
I try stroking her head with a yosh yosh.
She laughed like it tickled.
I gripped her hand along with that.
「……Fufu, you are unfair, ojousama.」
「That so?」
Since when I use skinship to obfuscate things or the like with Eclair she gets angry doesn’t she……
But people’s bodies are strangely calming aren’t they.
「In any case, it should be alright for a while now because of ojousama’s blood. During that time please change jobs……obtain more power.」
「You won’t push yourself such that you cause worry again?」
「I promise, it is alright.」
It really doesn’t seem to be a lie.
「……Un, I understand! I’ll show, the 3rd job change be mastered!」
Yossh.
It’s the last chapter, on my road to the strongest.
Exultantly standing from my chair――it became pitch black in front of me and I fell onto the bed as such.
「Ojousama, I’m truly sorry……」
「……Un, I forgot.」
The anemia……
◇■◇■◇
While I kind of don’t know which number it is, it’s an emergency Alice house meeting.
All of us are gathered in the dining room.
The absent member is Ilya, since she’s sleeping.
The agenda is the sort of matter of how I should act so as to bring about my 3rd job change.
First LV, there’s nothing except to receive Till’s special training, over.
Next is the place to job change.
To complete the 3rd job change, it won’t happen without going to a place related to your race……apparently.
「Is it no good if I don’t go……to the elf village?」
I try murmuring in the dining hall and, an extremely gloomy atmosphere drifted in.
I haven’t particularly been ostracized from the village but, I’ve lost the opportunity to admit the truth haven’t I.
Hiding things eventually causes matters to run off in strange directions you know.
It’s troublesome you know.
「……Nnn, if I’m deeply covered by a hood or something, won’t I not be found out?」
Eclair came to break the silence while clearing her throat.
「It’s not related to your true identity or the like. The elves shouldn’t readily invite in those from outside the village, are you an idiot. Kua.」
Everyone, gathered their gaze on the elf in question.
「Kyuii!」
「Want at it, you fox cub.」
「Gyu……」
It wouldn’t become a fight, it seems its wild instinct told it as such.
Kyuu slipped into my clothes hiding its body.
I’m getting a fluffy sensation……
「……Then how about saying we’ll accompany Till back to her home village?」
「That would be my village? It’s a little far. It’s not realistic when considering the dragon girl’s bodily condition. Be that as it may it would mean another village and……elf villages are distinct in their own ways, since they have their customs and independence you see.」
I see, Till has properly thought it through like this but, her behavior is that of a person who doesn’t get things done.
These sorts of people exist don’t they.
But at this point I really don’t feel it’s strange whatever behavior Till has.
「Where would that make the closest elf village from here?」
「Fumu……the southern great forest, the village of the Forest of Ash I suppose.」
「Forest of Ash you say!?」
Shion-san let out a loud voice.
「Uhyaa!? ……Excuse me.」
……I also let out a loud voice.
No, even though it’s a serious conversation, since Kyuu licked my navel so……
And why is Saira going I understand! by facing me with a face like that.
Does she want her navel licked……?
For the nonce, I took hold of the Kyuu who was up to mischief and, hand it over to the Rin-chan who seemed bored.
As Rin-chan, having been playing with blocks on the adjacent seat, was tired of playing inside however I looked at her, I pointed out the window when she took Kyuu.
「It’s okay to go play outside!?」
「Though the rain is strong enough for thunder to cry out……」
「I want to play in the mud, deshi!」
「I wonder why she’s eager to do things I wouldn’t want to do, is it something to do with her period of age……」
I being sweet toward Rin-chan nodded reluctantly.
I have a maid-san accompany her with the role of looking after her for me, and I see Rin-chan off after giving directions to have the bath prepared.
Perhaps Kyuu dislikes the rain, that tail is hanging enough to reach its stomach.
It was taken away while acting like it was being led to slaughter.
「Kohon, I’m returning the conversation. Is the Forest of Ash dangerous?」
「Those who do not have magic power weaken. Since the forest’s magic power is too strong. Because of that monsters and changed entities are plentiful, I suppose there is danger.」
「Heiー」
「The Elves of that forest are famous as being especially exclusive, they’re a good example of how living in a remote area twists even your personality.」
I wonder if there are dislikeable people or the like there?
But contrary to the magic sealing forest, if it’s filled with magic power then magicians would be in their best condition.
……Till, Eclair and I would be.
「Muー insolent, Alice!」
「I’m, I’m sorry.」
Shion-san inflated her cheeks like a child……
This person, since she’s an adventurer down to her roots, she wants to go to unknown places and it can’t be helped can it.
And in the end we weren’t able to go to Ashitaka kingdom together……
It seems like a tough place for the Shion-san with no magic power though, what to do.
「Before that Alice, it’s about time you confessed your home town. Wouldn’t it be fine to go there?」
「……Ehh?」
Everyone’s gaze stabbed in as if to say, on that note.
「……」
Wha, what should I do?
I’m filled with a sense that it’s too late for this so I’m also bewildered.
And if I say something like, I’m from another world, it seems like they’ll think isn’t this person weird in the head.
And if I say something like, I’m a former male, it seems like they’ll think this child is a little pitiable.
No wait?
I try looking at Eclair for some reason.
「Wh, why are you looking over here.」
An Eclair-san with a dubious face.
「This is if, possibly okay?」
「Wha, what……」
「If I said…………I was a male, what would Eclair do?」
The dining room became silent.
Ah, un.
Due to that sort of sensation oneechan moved out first.
「I suppose it really is the Forest of Ash then.」
「Wait wait! Please don’t suddenly sweep it away!」
Even though I thought I’d make an important confession after this!
Isn’t Oneechan in particular like, ah, same person as always is it!?
Furthermore, ehー, you’re continuing with this conversation? Like that!
I can tell from your expression you know, because of the expression!
I’m not being an imouto for show you know!?
「Anone Alice? Eclair also thinks you’re poorly developed but……that is, I can’t see you as a male and, in truth……etto……」
Don’t speak unintelligibly, Eclair!
However much it’s after Rin-chan isn’t with us anymore this place will become awkward!
Somehow, I’ve become worried whether Eclair would come to love that which is me even if I was a male.
That’s the same for Kran though.
「Was Eclair androphobic? Did Leoneil do something to you?」
「There’s no way he’d do something right!? Because he’s my brother.」
「But surely a brother who has a cute imouto like Eclair, just what thoughts could he be living with right?」
It’s a topic I should try thinking super seriously on isn’t it……
「……At the least, shouldn’t I suppose he wasn’t thinking something amusing like you.」
Nn?
This is unrelated right now but, to be sure did Leoneil say he was the second royal child?
Does Eclair perhaps have a second oniichan?
「As expected does a real imouto not generate that much interest, oneechan?」
「Don’t switch the topic to me almost as if I might have a strange habit.」
Maa, I guess an adopted imouto isn’t put in the category of a real imouto.
「Well it’s fine, let’s return the conversation again.」
「We’re returning here……」
Shion-san became narrow eyed.
「Kohon, either way my hometown isn’t a place that can be gone to with a bit of ease.」
「Is that so.」
Till replied vaguely while seeming uninterested with her chin supported in her hands.
She’s that Till who doesn’t move on trifling matters.
Since the period when she’d roll on the floor laughing if you dropped your chopsticks ended more than 2 eras ago didn’t it.
「Then our destination is decided is it. We’re short on time, after Alice’s bodily condition recovers we’ll train while heading toward the Forest of Ash, is it fine with that?」
「Acknowledged!」
It’s been a while since I’ve received training directly from Till hasn’t it.
I’ll have her see my developed self so, it’s exciting isn’t it!
◇■◇■◇
Striving to recover my bodily condition, the day after beginning preparations for our journey.
The town with traces remaining from the previous day’s stormy weather has puddles here and there.
The smell of rain is still strong.
The sun’s rays are strong though.
「Puddlesー!」
「Hyaa!?」
She jumped in!?
She jumped in there!?
I’m a little wet from the flying water droplets……
This intrepid girlー.
「Deshi, rain boots are amazing!」
Don’t happily go around making splashes.
「The damage to the surroundings is grave you know……」
I can’t be angry looking at that sparkling smile can I.
It makes me think back to Makina’s matters and it makes me sad doesn’t it……
「Kyahaa, what, deshi?」
I picked up that which is Rin-chan from behind.
It’s already a great effort to lift her with my power.
「Rin-chan is taking care of our home this time right?」
「Mu～, I understand that okay! So give me something sweet!」
「Hai hai.」
Pleasing 5 year old children is difficult you know.
Since with this Rin-chan is already, a splendid girl isn’t she.
「I want to always be with, deshi and oniichan.」
She says strange things every so often though.
「…………」
But it seems pitiable doesn’t it?
I can’t say what it is that seems pitiable though.
Surely kurozukume hasn’t had one or two affairs at this point riight.
Since that guy, looking closely he isn’t not cool?
His expression is poor though.
「Nee Rin-chan, do you think oniichan has fallen for someone in the mansion?」
He seems like an unsociable person but, since it doesn’t seem like he dislikes women either.
Since that guy occasionally looks at that which is me doessn’t heー.
Or rather not just kurozukume, I’m showered with significant attention even walking through town right now and, I’ve become strangely used to gazes haven’t I.
I was extremely concerned in my first town though.
「Nn? Someone?」
It was a disarrayed voice.
「Right, someone. Eclair for example……No, in that case, I’ll be angry though.」
Imagining that my anger simmered.
「Ekurea? I think he doesn’t～, Ekurea’s pretty and kind though!」
Since those two don’t have a point of contact I suppose.
「Then could it possibly be, Ilya? I absolutely won’t allow it though.」
「Iria is, beautiful and fun but, I don’t think so!」
Ooh, does Rin-chan understand amour better than me?
There’s a strange persuasiveness here isn’t there.
「Oneechan is……just imagining it makes my murderous desire.」
「Shion is cool and cute but, he doesn’t you know.」
Hou hou, while oneechan is cool, she actually has cute aspects as well?
Rin-chan’s precise opinions are incredible aren’t they……
「Saira is?」
「Saira, being with her is very calming! Love! But he doesn’t～」
U～n, certainly even I would be lenient for the amount of falling for someone among the maid-sans okay?
If it becomes like that it’s basically fine though.
「Shishou is you see～, she acts like she’s always asleep but, it seems there’s a lot to her! But there isn’t a romance～」
……Who is she?
My eyes have already been dazzled you know?
Is this power of insight the secret to her future strength?
Little girls can’t be underestimated……
「Is that so, I suppose Kran is impossible so, is Aim also nil?」
I became a little relieved.
「Nn?」
The Rin-chan still within my arms, is looking up at me and making a full faced smile.
Maa?
Good smile.
「Deshi is you see～」
Ah, there’s also me?
I becoming a little excited.
「Strong～ kind～ smells good～ soft～ fluffy～ the world’s most beautiful～ so, Rin, it’s enough to make my chest go tight, I really really rea～lly love you!」
Isn’t it too cute over there!
「Mo～～u!」
「Kyahaa」
Before noticing it our cheeks were rubbing up against eachother as we embraced.
I’m also healed from her kyahaha and happy smile……
「I also, rea～～lly love Rin-chan you know.」
「Oniichan also, loves that which is deshi!」
「Is that so is that so, regarding that which is Solt-san I als……no wait a moment.」
「?」
There’s a curious young girl.
Certainly I don’t dislike him either.
However there’s a psychological sense of pressure such that I can’t answer that I love him.
Yosh I’m still normal today.
「Ah.」
Given that, he’s here isn’t he.
Speak of a rumor and its shadow will fall upon you.
Suddenly coming across him by coincidence at the street corner, perhaps he heard the entirety of the conversation just now.
With his face displaying a bad expression like always, he has his gaze averted as if he’s sulking somewhere.
「……Hello.」
This is awkward.
「Ah, oniichan!」
「……」
And so there’s a strange silence.
「Don’t misunderstand……」
「Ah, hai.」
What?
And as it wasn’t enough to ask he ended up nodding for the moment.
Doing that his gaze unnecessarily sharpened didn’t it.
Scratching as his head became irritated――or so I thought!
「Wawaa!? ――Is that not dangerous!」
Suddenly being pulled into a back alley, I was pushed up against a wall.
Oww!
Do you want to be sent flying!?
I was taken by surprise and lost my breath a little you know.
「Are you, going somewhere again……?」
「Eh? Aah, hai……」
That’s something you hear from so close, by pushing people up against a wall?
You’re close close a little close.
You’re passing into personal space!
I slightly averted my face.
「You’re……dangerous.」
「……Nn, I’m somewhat self aware, of my troublesome aspects.」
Why am I being cornered and given a lecture?
「……」
「……」
「……」
「……」
Eh, somehow it’s best if I connect the conversation?
「……I’ll go as well.」
When I thought that kurozukume finally opened his mouth.
「On a journey? What about Rin-chan?」
「Rin, will be watching over the mansion with the maid-sans!」
Ooh, a very reasonable reply from within my arms.
……Why all of a sudden?
「It’s fine so be mature, let yourself be protected, by me.」
Kurozukume’s back is high so, his arm is placed on the wall such that it covers me.
As such inevitably, my form became such that I’m looking up at kurozukume.
And so to mention that kurozukume’s present face, is pure red up to his nose to an extent that wouldn’t be expected of a male……
「Ano……」
Is it possible that his normal brusqueness is the reverse side of his fear of people?
Assuming that, it might be that how he’s currently approaching someone to this degree and making conversation is a painful exertion.
「……Do your best do your best!」
「……」
I tried supporting him and, kurozukume had made, a strange face like his bite crushed a bitter tasting bug.
U～～n……!?
「――tsu」
It’s the anemia, I’m aware of this.
But, saying thus there’s nothing I can make of it.
It suddenly went dark in front of me and, I fall forward.
Ton, and my head hit an unexpectedly tough chest.
Without any power in my arms, I was dangerously close to dropping Rin-chan but, tempered arms that enveloped my arms along with my whole body prevented that.
I grasped the symptoms so, I’m calmly taking deep breaths while working toward recovery.
「You’re always there within my arms……」
「…………Nn, fuu……mou……I’m okay.」
After leisurely letting Rin-chan down, I put my hand against kurozukume’s chest and separated.
Huh?
I suppose he’s a little forceful, oi, let go idiot!
I managed to lightly pinch his chest area from above his clothes.
I was somehow released.
Looking up kurozukume is as always……Huh!?
He’s not glaring!
He normally has an expression like a saint that’s been pushed past his limit but, currently it’s almost like he’s truly reached enlightenment!
「Is something, the matter……? Is it going to snow or something……」
No before that was something said, by this guy?
My head was dizzy so, I feel like he said something in a mutter.
Maa, I guess it’s alright? I suppose I did say as such though.
My head still hasn’t settled and it’s lost in a daze～～～and while staring at kurozukume’s head, kurozukume turned his face away with such fervor that a sound came out.
What is this all of a sudden.
Ah, even his ears are red.
「……If your bodily condition is poor I’ll carry you, get a rest.」
「Nn? Nn～～」
Looking at Rin-chan, it can’t be helped can it～I guess we should go back, and for some reason she firmly nodded in an obediently reasonable seeming manner.
Rin-chan gallantly turned her heel toward the mansion having cleanly given up on the sweets shop.
……And so the one she’s raising a fuss about is, kurozukume.
「Oniーchan, that part is incompetent!」
「……」
On the way back, Rin-chan’s lecture began for some reason.
「Being pulled around by the man is important but, there are also people where pulling isn’t necessary!」
「……I’ll take this as a lesson.」
「Force your way in!」
「No, that’s……how is it.」
…………Are they discussing a crime?
Don’t become a stalker, since you truly are scary.
「It couldn’t be, is it possible, is this love talk?」
「Noisy.」
「Really? Who is it?」
「You, why are you this dense……is it purposeful?」
「What are you saying, I’m, adept at following discussions of amour between men and women!」
I’ve already made achievements since coming to this world by joining Takeshi and Kenji’s love talk, though my recollection is vague……
But it can’t be said that I’m a person who seems to think nothing of romance and thus, has almost no awareness of it.
「It’s fine so be quiet.」
「Mu, arrogant aren’t youー」
「You’ll understand, eventually.」
「Is that so is that so, it’d be best if you conveyed yourself wouldn’t it.」
Looking up as if gazing in toward the kurozukume walking beside me, a kinder than expected gaze came back.
「Fu, I suppose so.」
「……」
Fu～n, this guy……he’s capable of such a face.
It’s a bit of a new discovery or rather, it’s surprising isn’t it.
Falling in love, really might change people……
Well it’s fine.
This guy, isn’t a bad guy so I’ll support him.
「But Ilya, Eclair, oneechan, and Saira are off limits, that’s okay right?」
「Be quiet!」
We returned home while engaged in random chat.
