Konjiki no Moji Tsukai

Haah, please go easy on me, Shishou (Arnold)

My bad, my bad. In exchange, make me some snacks, kay? (Rarashik)

..yes, yes. (Arnold)

Arnold rubbed his temples as he helplessly agreed, because defying her was dangerous. At one point, there was an incident where he had promised to make her snacks, but had forgotten to do so. At the time, her eyes had lost all light as she proceeded to spend half a day masquerading her one-sided beating of him as if it were actual combat training.

Arnold also helped tidy up her room. After finally making it somewhat tidy, he asked Rarashik.

By the way, you told me to wake you up at this time, but is there something you need to do? (Arnold)

No, not really. Its just that this tsukemono tastes best when eaten around this time (Rarashik)

As she said that, she took out a small jar from the alcove slab.

I was planning on having a drink with this! (Rarashik)

.um, Shishou? (Arnold)

What is it? (Rarashik)

Didnt your head hurt in the morning because of hangovers? (Arnold)

Hmph, dont speak so foolishly Arnold. Did you think that something like a hangover could stop me from drinking alcohol? (Rarashik)

Although she said those words as though they were final with a dangerous glitter in her eyes, Arnolds face simply cramped in exasperation.

Deciding to himself that there was no point in arguing any more, Arnold feigned laughter. At that moment, he heard the sound of knocking coming from the houses door. The three of them tilted their heads simultaneously.

The reason for their surprise was that for the past half-year, nobody had ever to come visit them. Rarashiks interactions with her neighbours were simply that lacking.

Below this house was an enormous space that Rarashik had created, within which there were numerous rooms established. Arnold and Muir lived within one of those rooms, but this was the first time they had ever heard knocking like this.

Mu.somehow I have a bad feeling (Rarashik)

Rarashik spoke while scowling. As she did so, Muir narrowed her cute large eyes, while the ears on her head stood up attentively.

You shouldnt say something like that Oshishou-sama. It is our first guest in a while after all (Muir)

After saying that, Muir replied to the knocking with a, Ha~i. Her beautiful silver hair fluttered as she headed towards the door. Seeing that, Rarashik and Arnold quietly watched her.

Excuse me, but Rarashik-dono should be here, correct? (???)

On the other side of the door was a beastman with wings growing out of his back. Muir figured that he was a Birdmanbased on his appearance alone.

Hm? This voice. (Rarashik)

Rarashik murmured in a low voice as her eyes narrowed and gazed over at the person standing in the doorway to confirm their identity.

Ah, yes. Um.. (Muir)

Muir moved her body to the side so that Rarashik could to see the visitor.

Hou, this is quite the unusual guest. To think that the famous Thunder LordBarid-san would step into a civilians house like this (Rarashik)

Responding to Rarashiks words dripping with sarcasm, Barid dropped his shoulders with humility.

Please stop. Compared to you, someone like me is still the same as some youngster. Although I may have risen in status, that is simply because you trained me, is it not? (Barid)

Muir approached Arnold and asked who their guest was.

That person is a member of the Three Warriors, Barid-sama, who holds the second title of Thunder Lord (Arnold)

Th-th-th-th-Three Warriors!? Th-then isnt he an important person! (Muir)

Young lady, why are you surprised? Isnt the one over there clearly a great person? (Barid)

Muir was not surprised at Barids words. This was because she was aware of how great a contribution Rarashik had made to the beastmen. After all, the invention ofBindingwas praised as one of the beastmens greatest, most historic achievements.

That is exactly why we prepared a dwelling much more suited to someone of your stature, as opposed to this kind of tiny place. Even now, I still dont understand why you didnt accept any kind of honour or status, you know? (Barid)

Hmph, why do I have to justify anything to you? I like this place. Glamorous jewels or lavish honour and statuses wont fill up your stomach at all (Rarashik)

Ah, but if its alcohol, then youll accept it right? (Arnold)

Of course (Rarashik)

Readily nodding at Arnolds comment, Rarashik ate the tsukemono and proceeded to chug down alcohol. Thinking that she somehow resembled Hiiro after all, Arnold gave a wry smile. Especially in how she was faithful to her own desires.

Rather, you came to talk about stuff like that Barid? Actually, arent you in the middle of a war right now? What happened, did you lose? (Rarashik)

Seeing her talk indifferently as though it were someone elses affairs, Barid let out a sigh.

actually, its about that war. Right now, the King has returned to the castle (Barid)

Unless that was the case, there wouldnt likely be any other reason why the King would return during wartime. Naturally, if they had won, they would have returned in a much grander manner while notifying the entire town of their success.

No, we havent lostyet. (Barid)

Yet? .you mean that even though we formed an alliance with the Humas, the situation is still bad? (Rarashik)

Itd be fine if the situation was just bad. After calmly analyzing the situation, at this rate well definitely be defeated. No, weve actually already been forced to retreat once. (Barid)

Rarashiks eyes widened with surprise at Barids words.

Even with the alliancewe still had to retreat? After going all the way to invade the Demon Continent? (Rarashik)

Barid then spoke as he gave a bitter smile.

Yes. An unbelievable irregular appeared, and everyone was toyed with by that one person (Barid)

That person? Oi oi, dont tell me that you were all cornered to the point of retreat by a single person? (Rarashik)

..precisely. (Barid)

The room fell silent as though time had stopped. Arnold too was astonished after hearing that story. The war in which they should have had an advantage was overturned due to a single person. After finding such a thing out, anyone would doubt its authenticity.

However, upon seeing Barids expression, it was hard to think that he was exaggerating or joking around. Everyone in the room understood that he was sincerely speaking the truth.

Fu~n, and? Did you come to tell me to lend a hand cause things got bad? (Rarashik)

. (Barid)

.haa, you know, Barid. Arent you aware that I hate being used like this in wars? (Rarashik)

I am aware of that (Barid)

Then you know that my answer wont change no matter how much you beg, right? (Rarashik)

Yes. However, I would like for you to at least speak with the King once (Barid)

Its a pain, so I dont wanna (Rarashik)

As expected, after seeing Rarashik deny the Kings request for such a frivolous reason, Arnold chilled with fear.

This time, the war has moved in an unforeseen direction. All because of that irregular. (Barid)

Nahaha, for them to make you guys that confused, they must be quite the individual. (Rarashik)

Seeing her smile as though she were having fun, Barid became slightly sullen.

Is there something amusing about this? (Barid)

It simply means that theres always someone better. After obtaining Bindingyou all seemed to be happy, but after this time, you guys understood, right? Even if you have power, opponents against which that power doesnt work exist (Rarashik)

Thats.. (Barid)

Just why do you think I developed Binding? It wasnt so that you guys could wage war. (Rarashik)

I understand that, but- (Barid)

You dont understand. Do you remember what you guys first said while celebrating when you finally obtained power? (Rarashik)

. (Barid)

You guys said, Now we can finally defeat the Evilaand Humas (Rarashik)

Probably because it was the truth, Barid didnt object.

Thats why I quit being a military instructor and distanced myself from you guys. Simply put, I became disgusted with your remarks and compliments (Rarashik)

I-I understand that..but please, at least this one time, please speak with the King! (Barid)

As he said that, Barid politely lowered his head. Seeing one of the top members of their country, Barid, the leader of the Three Warriorslower his head so easily made both Arnold and Muir want to disappear as they fidgeted restlessly.

go back Barid (Rarashik)

Nevertheless, Rarashik struck him with chilling words.

Rarashik-sama! (Barid)

Its the war that you guys started. Whether you win or lose, wipe your own asses (Rarashik)

Kuh.. (Barid)

Deciding that it would be useless to say anything more, Barid turned his back to the three of them while grinding his teeth. Rarashik said one last thing as she saw that he was about to leave.

Now that I think of it, at least tell me about it. What kind of guy was that irregular? (Rarashik)

..I do not know. All I could conclude was that they were simply an abnormal existence. They were a Humasthat used a strange magic (Barid)

Hou, a Humasbeing the ally of the Evila? Thats quite the strange situation. But more importantly, what do you mean by a strange magic? (Rarashik)

They used transformation, healing, explosive, and other magics whose origins we couldnt figure out (Barid)

At Barids words, Arnold and Muir twitched.

They were able to withstand the Kings attack unharmed using a wall of light, destroy a bridge in a single breath, and even fly in the air. (Barid)

Hearing such a joke-like story, Rarashiks face cramped. However, Arnold was-

(I-it couldnt be..) (Arnold)

At the answer that had emerged within him, his body involuntarily became hotter.

Based on appearance, they were human. Based on what the King said, they had black hair and eyes, and wore glasses as well as a red robe (Barid)

(Hiiro!?) (Arnold)

Arnold screamed within his heart. Meanwhile, next to him Muir may have also reached the same answer as him, as her expression was warped with surprise.

Both of them then glanced at each other in assessment.

Ah, he also said that he was a boy with an incredibly arrogant attitude (Barid)

(Its decideddddd!) (Arnold)

The two of them were certain within their hearts. That the irregular existence that he had spoken of was the Hiiro Okamura that they knew.

Arrogant? Red robe? Hm? Wait..a moment? (Rarashik)

Rarashik also became taken aback as she looked at the faces of the two. And as the three of their eyes met, they nodded in assent: their answers matched.

Thats all the information I have. Now then, I will be.. (Barid)

Then, just as he opened the door dejectedly-

Wait Barid (Rarashik)

He was called out by Rarashik, and froze.

Wh-what is it? (Barid)

Unable to comprehend why he had suddenly been stopped, Barid looked blankly as he asked. As he did so, the corners of her mouth rose as she grinned-

Ive changed my mind a bit. Let me meet the King, Barid (Rarashik)