“A mission?”
“Excuse me, heroes. I, Kuriha the maid, bring a request from the king.”
It was shortly after lunch. With a sidelong glance at Fio, who was being punished for changing spearheads into dried sardines by sitting seiza style on the floor, I was face to face with Bardi as we thought of new battle formations. Bardi had suggested coordinated drilling, and he was asking me to help provide some insight into how to put that into practice.
He was unusually serious about it, so I found myself really getting in to the discussion. If only he was normally like this, I felt like I would be much more comfortable around him.
That was when a cute visitor knocked on the door to our base. It was Kuriha the maid.
It wasn’t as though her coming here was unusual. The king’s, or maybe I should say the government’s, detailed messages and requests almost always went through her. It seemed like this was yet another request.
“Okay, Kuriha. We’ve got some time now, so we’ll listen to what you have to say.”
“Thank you. Well, this time the request is for three members. The exact three of you here now -- Bardi, Root, and Fio -- have been requested to search for ‘a certain person.’ There is no time limit, but ideally it would be handled as soon a possible.”
“Search? Is somebody missing?”
“Yes. That is correct. Furthermore, the missing person is powerful enough to influence the future of our kingdom. Root, with your ability to guide spirits, the kingdom needs your help.”
“Ah, well it seems like I should go then. We’ll take on that request.”
This request is for the three members present. The four women aside from Fio do not like being separated from Art, so out of necessity this team formation has become common.
Having said that, it was the first request in a while for three heroes that wasn’t an expedition or a fight. Just who exactly is this missing person? Fio got up from sitting seiza style on the floor and joined the rest of us as we sat circled around the table.
“Thank you very much for accepting the request, Bardi, Root, and Fio. Well then, allow me to explain in detail.”
“Well, it’s not like you all give us the option to decline.”
“Bardi, shut up! Sorry Kuriha, please continue.”
“... Yes. As I said before, the other day we learned that an important person had gone missing, so we would like to request for you to find them. Root’s navigation will likely be very critical for this request.”
“So my wind reading will be the main component then. Bardi will act as our guard, so what is the reason for Fio coming?”
“We hope that Fio can also help provide guidance in the search. The reason is that the missing person is somebody that Fio likely knows a lot about. It is the ‘Meteor Shrine Maiden.’”
The Meteor Shrine Maiden. Bardi cocked his head, indicating he had never heard of her before, but I had an idea who she was.
“If I’m not mistaken, Fio’s hometown...”
“Yes, she is from the village of Mikuaru.”
The Meteor Shrine Maiden is the one who legend says stopped the secret weapon of the demon king’s army -- the great “Meteo” spell -- all by herself. The “secret art of controlling meteors” has been passed down generation to generation through her descendants, and the very existence of this individual acts as a restraint against the army of the demon king.
The story goes that the “village of Mikuaru” has been responsible for the protection of those descendants since ancient times. When I was younger, I learned a bit about the village of Mikuaru through my own experiences, and that included some information about the Meteor Shrine Maiden.
“Huh, as usual Root knows all about it. I’ve never heard of it, so fill me in.”
“Rather than asking me, it would be faster to ask Fio. After all, the legend concerns her hometown.”
“Oh yeah. Fio, talk to us.”
Despite knowing a bit about it, my knowledge had all come from books. Fio, who had actually lived in the village of Mikuaru, would surely know much more about the situation.
The problem was that, ever since first hearing about the disappearance of the Meteor Shrine Maiden, Fio had a concerned look on her face as she sat with her eyes closed lost in thought. As somebody who had lived in the village, she understood more than anybody just how serious this was.
Nevertheless, the rest of us needed to know more about it.
“Fio, you can think more about it later, but first off could you explain to us in detail about the legend of the Meteor Shrine Maiden?”
When I asked her that, she had a serious look on her face as she slowly raised her head, then she started to speak slowly.
“... What exactly is the Meteor Shrine Maiden again?”
Without a word, Bardi gave Fio a slap.
“Kuriha, please tell us about this shrine maiden.”
“Uh, yes. Excuse me, but I too only know what I have read about it.”
“That’s fine. Kuriha, you are sure to be more helpful than this idiot who doesn’t know a thing.”
“Well then...”
The story that the maid told was a fairy tale that has been passed down in our world.
The “Meteo”spell that was cast by a individual in the upper echelon of the demon king’s army required an enormous amount of magic, but its destructive power was tremendous. It contained enough destructive power to destroy a kingdom in a single act.
Once the demons developed this magic, the human side was powerless as several kingdoms were destroyed. However, finally, a powerful sorceress from a certain village created a spell that could control the path of meteors.
The demons continued to use “Meteo” like before, but unlike before they found meteors raining down upon them. The demon side had already spent their magic on the “Meteo” spell, and they were unable to defend themselves as they were quickly annihilated.
That powerful sorceress who saved humanity was called the “Meteor Shrine Maiden,” and that secret art has been passed down to today.
“Hmmmm.”
“That story is pretty much all I know as well.”
“Ah, I’ve heard that fairy tale before.”
Kuriha’s information matched with what we knew. If that “Meteor Shrine Maiden” or whatever had gone missing, that was surely a serious matter. We did not know if the demon who used “Meteo” was still alive, but now with the Meteor Shrine Maiden missing, there would be no defending against it.
“In preparation for the worst case scenario, we have asked the village of Mikuaru to pass down the secret art of controlling meteors to the next generation. However, if possible, we hope to find the current shrine maiden.”
“I see. That all makes sense. Well, can you tell us when and where the Meteor Shrine Maiden went missing?”
“Yes. As for the question of when, we have heard that it happened approximately two weeks ago. Detailed information has not yet reached the capital, so we would like you to visit the village and ask about it there.”
So the disappearance happened about two weeks ago, eh? We might not make it in time. We’ve got to hurry.
“Ah, I almost forgot. While I cannot do much, I will accompany you to provide whatever meager support I can.”
“Oh, Kuriha is coming with us? Great. This will be a fun trip.”
“Uh, that’s great, isn’t it, Fio. I’m fine with whatever, and her rack’s as big as Fio’s.”
“... Hey, first off, when talking with a woman, you really need to stop staring at their chest. That’s unbelievably rude.”
So Kuriha is coming along, eh? That’s great. The downside to a hero party having a lot of strong members is that they tend to be pretty hard to deal with. That is particularly true for the two people in front of me right now. Having somebody like her with good sense around will be good for my mental wellbeing.
“Well it seems like we should get going on this request right away, so let’s leave first thing tomorrow morning. You two, let’s get going on travel preparations.”
“Well then, I will have a wagon ready by daybreak tomorrow, and I’ll see you all then.”
“Thank you, Kuriha. In that case, meeting adjourned.”
In that manner, it was decided that we would travel to the village of Mikuaru. It was a grave situation, and I knew that it was unprofessional, but a part of me was excited.
Maybe I’ll see that person again. The hero who saved me and my family when I was little.
It was my guiding light when I was little, and it was what set me on the path that made me the person I am today. If I were able to see them again now, I’m sure it would be a wonderful thing.
“I have an early morning tomorrow, so I’d appreciate if you would take your hands off me.”
The young girl dressed as a maid grumbled uncomfortably
The heroes had been given the request from the king, and they were on the road back to the capital. The unhappy girl was being enveloped by the strong man, and she was being led by force down a side alley.
“Did I do something to upset you?”
The difference in physical stature night and day. While she didn’t stand a chance against his brute strength, she stood her ground and appeared unconcerned. Her attitude was likely the result of the strong character that she was born with.
However, her attitude caused nothing but trouble. When he heard her reply, there was a change in the man’s eyes. Kuriha, who was dressed as a maid, was roughly dragged down the side alley, and she was grabbed by the shoulder and thrown against the wall.
“... Did you think I wouldn’t notice?”
“Notice what?”
The powerless and unable to resist girl was met with the murderous glare of the man who was called the strongest human alive.
“I am often teased for being slow, but my sixth sense at least is as sharp as a tack.”
“As I said, I do not know what you are talking about, Hero Art.”
The maid was in distress. She had no idea what caused the sudden outburst. At least, not until she heard what he said next.
“Do not mess with Fio. Do you understand my meaning, Kuriha?”
The maid’s face changed.
“... I am sorry, I do not understand wha--”
“I noticed. That’s what I’m saying, maid.”
“You noticed, what exactly? I never intended to do anything to cause her harm--”
“Shut your mouth before I get upset and rip your head off. I noticed. That’s what I said, right?”
The Hero Art quietly increased his strength as he gripped the maid’s shoulder. His entire body gave off an aura of bloodlust that was almost visible.
He had seen right through her. The maid suddenly decided that continuing to feign innocence would only make things worse.
“... Uh. Well then, are you going to kill me?”
“That was my plan. But a wrench got thrown in the plan when there was no indication of anything happening at the rendezvous with Fio yesterday. There isn’t enough of a reason to kill you yet.”
“Ah, so that thing yesterday was a trap? Well that change in plans looks like the correct decision.”
The maid took a breath. However, the gears in her head were furiously turning to try to find a way for her to stay alive. At the very worst, if she revealed that she was Bardi’s younger sister, then the strong sense of camaraderie in the Hero Art would probably stop him from killing her.
However, if at all possible, she would like to keep that fact hidden. She wanted her brother himself to realize it, making for a dramatic reunion. If she had to reveal it in a situation like this, her brother might end up hating her.
“Relax. I currently have no intention of killing her, Hero Art.”
“Yeah? And how am I supposed to trust those words? After you acted in such a murderous manner, all of a sudden you want to be trusted?”
“So you noticed that as well? However, yesterday, I did not actually do anything. Despite the opportunity.”
“It wasn’t simply that you noticed that I was on guard?”
“I had no idea that you realized it. The thought never even occurred to me.”
Despite that, given the situation, it would not be at all surprising if she were decapitated here and now. Even if it did not actually happen, she had planned to assassinate a hero, and she had been found out. The maid knew this was a do or die situation, and she summoned all of her resolve.
“Hero Art, I will make a promise. As long as you do not let her go, I will not lay a finger on her.”
“... What are you planning?”
“Do you not understand? I am simply saying that, if you are going to become engaged to Lady Fio, then I am your ally.”
Having said that, Kuriha gave a bold smile. Art strengthened his grip a bit, threatening to twist off her head.
“Hero Art. Make sure you take good care of Lady Fio.”
“I don’t need to hear that from you.”
“Oh? Well then, shouldn’t you hurry off to see her now?”
“... No way, you bitch! Are you saying you sent other assassins!?”
“Not at all. As I said, I currently have no plans to kill her.”
As she said that, the maid looked concerned and shook her head. She did not show the slightest trace of wilting in front of Art, the strongest man alive.
“The cheek still shows a slight trace of red. It is only reasonable that she would be angry over what happened yesterday.”
“Uh... I was only pretending to give you an opening to lure you in.”
“Even so, I think that was a mistake, Hero Art. I think you should go apologize right away.”
... After last night’s slap caused this man to fall flat and be depressed, the maid could not really be that afraid of him.
“My purpose in joining this trip is not to cause harm to Lady Fio. So, please rest assured.”
“... That’s not a lie?”
“With so much faith your sixth sense, how can you ask that?”
“... I believe that it is not a lie. However, there’s no way that you aren’t up to something, right?”
“Of course. Yes, I do have a separate motive in joining the trip.”
“Got it. However, if anything should happen to Fio during the trip, if I decide that it was because of you, I’ll kill you, bitch. I will do whatever is necessary to protect Fio.”
“How violent... I get it, so please don’t act so bloodthirsty. It’s bad for your heart, you know.”
“After you were going to kill Fio, how can you say that? Go. Make your preparations.”
“As you command.”
Brushing aside the hero’s hand on her shoulder, the maid gave her silver hair a shake as she turned away.
“I wish you well, Hero Art.”
The maid said that with a smile, then she slowly walked away from Art.
Though her insides were churning like a waterfall of cold sweat, Kuriha maintained a calm composure as she safely made it back to the road.
When she finally returned to her room, she all but collapsed.
“A mission?”
“Excuse me, heroes. I, Kuriha the maid, bring a request from the king.”
It was shortly after lunch. With a sidelong glance at Fio, who was being punished for changing spearheads into dried sardines by sitting seiza style on the floor, I was face to face with Bardi as we thought of new battle formations. Bardi had suggested coordinated drilling, and he was asking me to help provide some insight into how to put that into practice.
He was unusually serious about it, so I found myself really getting in to the discussion. If only he was normally like this, I felt like I would be much more comfortable around him.
That was when a cute visitor knocked on the door to our base. It was Kuriha the maid.
It wasn’t as though her coming here was unusual. The king’s, or maybe I should say the government’s, detailed messages and requests almost always went through her. It seemed like this was yet another request.
“Okay, Kuriha. We’ve got some time now, so we’ll listen to what you have to say.”
“Thank you. Well, this time the request is for three members. The exact three of you here now -- Bardi, Root, and Fio -- have been requested to search for ‘a certain person.’ There is no time limit, but ideally it would be handled as soon a possible.”
“Search? Is somebody missing?”
“Yes. That is correct. Furthermore, the missing person is powerful enough to influence the future of our kingdom. Root, with your ability to guide spirits, the kingdom needs your help.”
“Ah, well it seems like I should go then. We’ll take on that request.”
This request is for the three members present. The four women aside from Fio do not like being separated from Art, so out of necessity this team formation has become common.
Having said that, it was the first request in a while for three heroes that wasn’t an expedition or a fight. Just who exactly is this missing person? Fio got up from sitting seiza style on the floor and joined the rest of us as we sat circled around the table.
“Thank you very much for accepting the request, Bardi, Root, and Fio. Well then, allow me to explain in detail.”
“Well, it’s not like you all give us the option to decline.”
“Bardi, shut up! Sorry Kuriha, please continue.”
“... Yes. As I said before, the other day we learned that an important person had gone missing, so we would like to request for you to find them. Root’s navigation will likely be very critical for this request.”
“So my wind reading will be the main component then. Bardi will act as our guard, so what is the reason for Fio coming?”
“We hope that Fio can also help provide guidance in the search. The reason is that the missing person is somebody that Fio likely knows a lot about. It is the ‘Meteor Shrine Maiden.’”
The Meteor Shrine Maiden. Bardi cocked his head, indicating he had never heard of her before, but I had an idea who she was.
“If I’m not mistaken, Fio’s hometown...”
“Yes, she is from the village of Mikuaru.”
The Meteor Shrine Maiden is the one who legend says stopped the secret weapon of the demon king’s army -- the great “Meteo” spell -- all by herself. The “secret art of controlling meteors” has been passed down generation to generation through her descendants, and the very existence of this individual acts as a restraint against the army of the demon king.
The story goes that the “village of Mikuaru” has been responsible for the protection of those descendants since ancient times. When I was younger, I learned a bit about the village of Mikuaru through my own experiences, and that included some information about the Meteor Shrine Maiden.
“Huh, as usual Root knows all about it. I’ve never heard of it, so fill me in.”
“Rather than asking me, it would be faster to ask Fio. After all, the legend concerns her hometown.”
“Oh yeah. Fio, talk to us.”
Despite knowing a bit about it, my knowledge had all come from books. Fio, who had actually lived in the village of Mikuaru, would surely know much more about the situation.
The problem was that, ever since first hearing about the disappearance of the Meteor Shrine Maiden, Fio had a concerned look on her face as she sat with her eyes closed lost in thought. As somebody who had lived in the village, she understood more than anybody just how serious this was.
Nevertheless, the rest of us needed to know more about it.
“Fio, you can think more about it later, but first off could you explain to us in detail about the legend of the Meteor Shrine Maiden?”
When I asked her that, she had a serious look on her face as she slowly raised her head, then she started to speak slowly.
“... What exactly is the Meteor Shrine Maiden again?”
Without a word, Bardi gave Fio a slap.
“Kuriha, please tell us about this shrine maiden.”
“Uh, yes. Excuse me, but I too only know what I have read about it.”
“That’s fine. Kuriha, you are sure to be more helpful than this idiot who doesn’t know a thing.”
“Well then...”
The story that the maid told was a fairy tale that has been passed down in our world.
The “Meteo”spell that was cast by a individual in the upper echelon of the demon king’s army required an enormous amount of magic, but its destructive power was tremendous. It contained enough destructive power to destroy a kingdom in a single act.
Once the demons developed this magic, the human side was powerless as several kingdoms were destroyed. However, finally, a powerful sorceress from a certain village created a spell that could control the path of meteors.
The demons continued to use “Meteo” like before, but unlike before they found meteors raining down upon them. The demon side had already spent their magic on the “Meteo” spell, and they were unable to defend themselves as they were quickly annihilated.
That powerful sorceress who saved humanity was called the “Meteor Shrine Maiden,” and that secret art has been passed down to today.
“Hmmmm.”
“That story is pretty much all I know as well.”
“Ah, I’ve heard that fairy tale before.”
Kuriha’s information matched with what we knew. If that “Meteor Shrine Maiden” or whatever had gone missing, that was surely a serious matter. We did not know if the demon who used “Meteo” was still alive, but now with the Meteor Shrine Maiden missing, there would be no defending against it.
“In preparation for the worst case scenario, we have asked the village of Mikuaru to pass down the secret art of controlling meteors to the next generation. However, if possible, we hope to find the current shrine maiden.”
“I see. That all makes sense. Well, can you tell us when and where the Meteor Shrine Maiden went missing?”
“Yes. As for the question of when, we have heard that it happened approximately two weeks ago. Detailed information has not yet reached the capital, so we would like you to visit the village and ask about it there.”
So the disappearance happened about two weeks ago, eh? We might not make it in time. We’ve got to hurry.
“Ah, I almost forgot. While I cannot do much, I will accompany you to provide whatever meager support I can.”
“Oh, Kuriha is coming with us? Great. This will be a fun trip.”
“Uh, that’s great, isn’t it, Fio. I’m fine with whatever, and her rack’s as big as Fio’s.”
“... Hey, first off, when talking with a woman, you really need to stop staring at their chest. That’s unbelievably rude.”
So Kuriha is coming along, eh? That’s great. The downside to a hero party having a lot of strong members is that they tend to be pretty hard to deal with. That is particularly true for the two people in front of me right now. Having somebody like her with good sense around will be good for my mental wellbeing.
“Well it seems like we should get going on this request right away, so let’s leave first thing tomorrow morning. You two, let’s get going on travel preparations.”
“Well then, I will have a wagon ready by daybreak tomorrow, and I’ll see you all then.”
“Thank you, Kuriha. In that case, meeting adjourned.”
In that manner, it was decided that we would travel to the village of Mikuaru. It was a grave situation, and I knew that it was unprofessional, but a part of me was excited.
Maybe I’ll see that person again. The hero who saved me and my family when I was little.
It was my guiding light when I was little, and it was what set me on the path that made me the person I am today. If I were able to see them again now, I’m sure it would be a wonderful thing.
“I have an early morning tomorrow, so I’d appreciate if you would take your hands off me.”
The young girl dressed as a maid grumbled uncomfortably
The heroes had been given the request from the king, and they were on the road back to the capital. The unhappy girl was being enveloped by the strong man, and she was being led by force down a side alley.
“Did I do something to upset you?”
The difference in physical stature night and day. While she didn’t stand a chance against his brute strength, she stood her ground and appeared unconcerned. Her attitude was likely the result of the strong character that she was born with.
However, her attitude caused nothing but trouble. When he heard her reply, there was a change in the man’s eyes. Kuriha, who was dressed as a maid, was roughly dragged down the side alley, and she was grabbed by the shoulder and thrown against the wall.
“... Did you think I wouldn’t notice?”
“Notice what?”
The powerless and unable to resist girl was met with the murderous glare of the man who was called the strongest human alive.
“I am often teased for being slow, but my sixth sense at least is as sharp as a tack.”
“As I said, I do not know what you are talking about, Hero Art.”
The maid was in distress. She had no idea what caused the sudden outburst. At least, not until she heard what he said next.
“Do not mess with Fio. Do you understand my meaning, Kuriha?”
The maid’s face changed.
“... I am sorry, I do not understand wha--”
“I noticed. That’s what I’m saying, maid.”
“You noticed, what exactly? I never intended to do anything to cause her harm--”
“Shut your mouth before I get upset and rip your head off. I noticed. That’s what I said, right?”
The Hero Art quietly increased his strength as he gripped the maid’s shoulder. His entire body gave off an aura of bloodlust that was almost visible.
He had seen right through her. The maid suddenly decided that continuing to feign innocence would only make things worse.
“... Uh. Well then, are you going to kill me?”
“That was my plan. But a wrench got thrown in the plan when there was no indication of anything happening at the rendezvous with Fio yesterday. There isn’t enough of a reason to kill you yet.”
“Ah, so that thing yesterday was a trap? Well that change in plans looks like the correct decision.”
The maid took a breath. However, the gears in her head were furiously turning to try to find a way for her to stay alive. At the very worst, if she revealed that she was Bardi’s younger sister, then the strong sense of camaraderie in the Hero Art would probably stop him from killing her.
However, if at all possible, she would like to keep that fact hidden. She wanted her brother himself to realize it, making for a dramatic reunion. If she had to reveal it in a situation like this, her brother might end up hating her.
“Relax. I currently have no intention of killing her, Hero Art.”
“Yeah? And how am I supposed to trust those words? After you acted in such a murderous manner, all of a sudden you want to be trusted?”
“So you noticed that as well? However, yesterday, I did not actually do anything. Despite the opportunity.”
“It wasn’t simply that you noticed that I was on guard?”
“I had no idea that you realized it. The thought never even occurred to me.”
Despite that, given the situation, it would not be at all surprising if she were decapitated here and now. Even if it did not actually happen, she had planned to assassinate a hero, and she had been found out. The maid knew this was a do or die situation, and she summoned all of her resolve.
“Hero Art, I will make a promise. As long as you do not let her go, I will not lay a finger on her.”
“... What are you planning?”
“Do you not understand? I am simply saying that, if you are going to become engaged to Lady Fio, then I am your ally.”
Having said that, Kuriha gave a bold smile. Art strengthened his grip a bit, threatening to twist off her head.
“Hero Art. Make sure you take good care of Lady Fio.”
“I don’t need to hear that from you.”
“Oh? Well then, shouldn’t you hurry off to see her now?”
“... No way, you bitch! Are you saying you sent other assassins!?”
“Not at all. As I said, I currently have no plans to kill her.”
As she said that, the maid looked concerned and shook her head. She did not show the slightest trace of wilting in front of Art, the strongest man alive.
“The cheek still shows a slight trace of red. It is only reasonable that she would be angry over what happened yesterday.”
“Uh... I was only pretending to give you an opening to lure you in.”
“Even so, I think that was a mistake, Hero Art. I think you should go apologize right away.”
... After last night’s slap caused this man to fall flat and be depressed, the maid could not really be that afraid of him.
“My purpose in joining this trip is not to cause harm to Lady Fio. So, please rest assured.”
“... That’s not a lie?”
“With so much faith your sixth sense, how can you ask that?”
“... I believe that it is not a lie. However, there’s no way that you aren’t up to something, right?”
“Of course. Yes, I do have a separate motive in joining the trip.”
“Got it. However, if anything should happen to Fio during the trip, if I decide that it was because of you, I’ll kill you, bitch. I will do whatever is necessary to protect Fio.”
“How violent... I get it, so please don’t act so bloodthirsty. It’s bad for your heart, you know.”
“After you were going to kill Fio, how can you say that? Go. Make your preparations.”
“As you command.”
Brushing aside the hero’s hand on her shoulder, the maid gave her silver hair a shake as she turned away.
“I wish you well, Hero Art.”
The maid said that with a smile, then she slowly walked away from Art.
Though her insides were churning like a waterfall of cold sweat, Kuriha maintained a calm composure as she safely made it back to the road.
When she finally returned to her room, she all but collapsed.
