Chapter 165: Tomoe, the Victory Celebration Party and Mio (1/2)

The Dragon Knights are the core of the Lorel Union’s military power.

As their name suggests, they are soldiers mounted on dragons. The difference in size between a dragon and a person is huge. As a result, the Dragon Knights are treated very differently from regular knights.

The ones who mainly do the fighting are the dragons themselves, so the abilities expected from these knights also differ from those expected of regular knights.

The ones who brought supplies to Rotsgard are units that soar through the sky on flying dragons, though there are apparently also units on the ground riding earth dragons.

They can travel on the ground and in the air but, perhaps because there aren’t many oceans, there aren’t any units using water dragons.

I heard that the flying dragon units have the advantage in the air for both attack and defense.

As long as the ace that is the Dragon Knights exists, Lorel’s defenses can be described as an iron wall.

I can definitely feel their confidence, as if it is overflowing from their bodies.

No, I should say “was”.

I can see the Dragon Knights sensing something unusual and looking worried for their dragons, while the dragons themselves are standing at attention (though I’m not sure I should call it that).

「Haah... I was looking forward to seeing how amazing these Dragon Knights are, but... Both the riders and the dragons are second-rate.」(Tomoe)

「I get that you’re in a bad mood, but show some restraint!」(Makoto)

「Leaving Waka and Shiki aside, all I did was split the earth. Rather than sulk, why not simply accept the credit for it as Waka’s own ability?」(Tomoe)

「... You’re being unreasonable.」(Makoto)

This person is the cause of that.

When we went back to the academy to deliver our report on the incident involving the mutants, Tomoe discussed something with the country leaders who were still in academy city.

I think that the various leaders were among them, like people from the temples and Sairitsu-san from Lorel, but Tomoe was exerting an extraordinarily unsettling presence.

As soon as we entered the academy, as if he’d received some kind of message, Shiki said he’d go to undo the students’ barrier and went in another direction. Now that I think about it, that might have been his sixth sense at work.

On the surface, it seemed that Shiki felt regret over the short sword being broken, but in reality, it could be assumed that the outburst of fake anger directed at Shiki was the cause.

While I was delivering my report to the headmaster, I also had to go through the futile mission of trying to calm Tomoe down.

While talking to Sairitsu-san, the topic of the Dragon Knights came up, so I half-forcefully dragged Tomoe out since she had shown some interest in them.

「But they are such opponents that even Mio could toy with them...」(Tomoe)

「Didn’t you announce that you were aiming to introduce the four seasons to Asora?」(Makoto)

In reality, that needs a little more work, though.

「This is just a vague feeling that I have, but it seems that the rewards are lacking.」(Tomoe)

「Why don’t you drink a bunch tonight? And then we’ll enjoy the four seasons. We’re releasing the Japanese alcohol, too, right? I’m looking forward to it!」(Makoto)

I’ve hardly drank before, so I barely know the taste of Japanese alcohol or whatever.

But as long as it’s alcohol that the people of Asora find delicious, I think it’ll be fine to say that it’s “Japanese alcohol”.

「Now that you mention it, what should we do about the alcohol’s name? We should, of course, name it?」(Tomoe)

「Why don’t you give it a name? You’re the one who’s been the most serious about it.」(Makoto)

「No, I would definitely like to leave this to you, Waka.」(Tomoe)

「Well then, I’ll think of a name by tonight.」(Makoto)

It’s a cheap price to pay to improve her mood even by a little.

「I will be awaiting it in anticipation. Hmph, I do pity Shiki since he is always being treated poorly, so perhaps I will be satisfied with the fact that we have been able to obtain the four seasons. Having him so anxious to please me has probably gone too far.」(Tomoe)

Tomoe’s expression held no trace of her bad mood as she spoke.

From my experience of having sisters, I know from this expression that her bad mood had not disappeared for good, but only temporarily suppressed.

... I guess putting it off till later is fine.

I’ll just let time take care of it.

「That’d be great. Anyway... Even though there’s only about twenty of them, the dragons have quite a different presence to them, don’t they? They brought quite a lot of supplies with them for everyone, and I’m sure they’ve made a good impression on the townspeople.」(Makoto)

Riding on dragons.

It seems I’m not the only one who thinks that’s cool.

Probably just because they’re rare to see, there are quite a lot of people watching the Dragon Knights from afar.

They’re presumably people who are looking out for the safety of those nearby.

The city’s reconstruction might begin as early as tomorrow, or maybe even today.

「My opinion on them will not change. A few of them are worth looking at, but most of them are nothing out of the ordinary.」(Tomoe)

「That might be the case by your standards.」(Makoto)

「Before you arrived, Waka, I was quite cautious about those men in regards to the future of the company. I would be far more useful than they, who are merely second-rates putting on an act!」(Tomoe)

What did they say with that dangerous atmosphere.

I don’t think these guys would do anything bad, but I’ll ask about it later.

「... Ah, I see. Well no, I have no intention of comparing you to those guys.」(Makoto)

「Hmm?」(Tomoe)

Did she really think I was comparing her to the dragons that the Dragon Knights are riding?

Isn’t Tomoe a little emotionally unstable today?

...

Since we’re in this crowd, I doubt anyone is listening.

「Even if there were a hundred, or a thousand of them. You’re better to me, Tomoe. So don’t sulk like that.」(Makoto)

I wouldn’t normally say something like this, though.

「... Sometimes you are an incredible trickster, Waka.」(Tomoe)

「That’s not my intention. I know that you’re always concerned about me, Tomoe. I’m grateful for that.」(Makoto)

Expressing your gratitude so earnestly is a bit embarrassing, isn’t it.

「R-Root also said this. This is what you call, taking a closer look at things!」(Tomoe)

「I’ll keep relying on you from now on. Though I’m sure there will be more troublesome things to come.」(Makoto)

「I will be in your service.」

Root, huh.

That’s likely, too.

But I intend to pay off my relatively large debt.

Using that, I think I can probably get Root to approve the fact that Kaleneon didn’t disappear.

When the other countries discover the existence of Kaleneon later, the Ansland sisters who are its representatives, Eva-san and Ruria, will probably start leading it.

For now, we’ll be supporting them, but they won’t last unless the hyumans and demi-humans cooperate.

They’ve even lost their faith in the goddess, so it will be the first country to be built from such a mess.

I’m actually looking forward to how it’ll turn out.

They’re dependent on us for now, but I don’t intend for that to continue for long.

I don’t intend for the Kuzunoha company to belong to any one country, either.

I’ll think about that more later on.

For now, I’m just glad that Tomoe’s mood has improved.

Next is Mio.

I guess I’ll just talk to her at the party or something.

◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆

「So with that. From tomorrow or the day after, the four seasons will begin in Asora. I think there’ll be some inconveniences with this as well, but let’s all work together to deal with them.」(Makoto)

It’s evening.

I’m not used to this kind of thing, but I just gave an opening speech for the party.

I’ve told everyone about the battles that took place last night - our involvement in the Rotsgard’s restoration and the revival of Kaleneon. After that, I just warned them about the possible effects of the four seasons beginning here.

All eyes are on me as I raise the cup in my right hand.

「Cheers!」(Makoto)

『CHEERS!』(Everyone)

With those words, the seal on the alcohol is quickly broken and everyone gathers towards the plates of food.

I sit down in my own seat, which is slightly elevated above everything else, and start eating.

The drink that’s being poured is the Japanese alcohol made in Asora by Tomoe and the others.

Its taste and feel is similar to that of the Japanese alcohol in my distant memories.

I don’t know much about Japanese alcohol so I wasn’t much use in its reproduction, so from here on it’ll probably get milder or stronger depending on Asora’s tastes.

I congratulate Tomoe on completing the alcohol, and join her in a toast as she enjoys herself.

… My drink is poured into a large cup that’s more like a tankard, and it’s somewhat different from how I expected it to be. I can’t get away from the smile that is covering her entire face, so I’m stuck drinking this.

I’ll be honest.

I’m not sure if I can drink it all.

This Japanese alcohol is actually pretty strong, too.

No, just for today, I’ll somehow force myself to drink it all.

There are some tough guys already pouring themselves another.

But as for me…

「This is a wonderful celebration, is it not, waka-sama?」

Before long.

Kakun-san, the winged people’s elder has come to my seat.

This is it.

Since an important person from an important group of people has come, not finishing my drink is not an option.

So I think I’ll be able to finish this one tankard - no, I’ll be forced too.

It’s a weekday tomorrow and I’m worried I’ll have a hangover...

To think that I’d be having an office worker’s problems in my teenage years.

「On this occasion, everyone worked considerably hard. So this is just my way of thanking you all.」(Makoto)

「Because we helped in Kaleneon, our efforts were also acknowledged. Thank you very much.」(Kakun)

「I have been making my judgments based on the battles I have been involved in, but I think I will start taking into account the results of practice battles with the other groups. I apologize for having such biased views up until now.」(Makoto)

「... Not at all, Waka-sama. Either way, we will have our abilities acknowledged, even in practice battles with you. Also, please speak at ease, as you do with Ema-dono.」(Kakun)

「To treat me with such respect, thank you. No, I will do my best. Today, we have the drink made by Tomoe and the food made by Mio, so please enjoy them as you like.」(Makoto)

「Yes, the Japanese alcohol is popular with everyone. Of course, including myself. Ah, if I continue being the only one talking to you, that would cause problems for the people behind me. As such, I will now excuse myself.」(Kakun)

「Eh, I think I can spare some time while I’m in Asora so please feel free to come to me.」(Makoto)

The Highland Orcs, the four Arke, the Misty Lizards, the Gorgons.

The heads and leaders of these groups come one after another to have these flattery-laden conversations with me.

There was the battle last night, so I was quite agitated about the Orcs and Lizards.

I’ve tried to fit them into the training schedule and that’ll start tomorrow, so today I’ll show some restraint and let them enjoy themselves.

The Japanese alcohol is quite popular.

But either alcohol percentage is too high or the taste is too strong for me; it’s not the kind of drink that I can just chug down.

However, there are definitely quite a few people that are drinking it as if it’s water.

Well, because of that, there are quite a few people who have already very drunk, having turned bright red.

Mio’s new menu has a lot of things that make good snacks to go with alcohol, so that might be another reason why the alcohol is being consumed at such a rate.

As for its popularity with the hyumans, I have only Lime’s judgment for reference, but… At the very least, since it’s so popular with the demi-humans, I guess I’ll give some thought about whether it can be turned into a product.

「Waka-sama, Waka-sama. Please try this next!」

Mio is bringing dishes of food out one after another.

I’m thinking she should get someone to bring them out for her, but it seems that she wants to do it herself.

She’s bringing the food out on small dishes, so the quantity of each dish isn’t much, but there is an amazing variety.

It’s mostly focused on Japanese food with some Chinese food mixed in, but there’s also some food from this world, too.

It’s really diverse.

At this rate, she'll be able to produce French food, which I was never able to cook.

I have the feeling that some unknown, new cooking will be coming soon, too.

It seems she’s in a good mood for some reason, so I’m just glad that I don’t have to go through all the trouble I did with Tomoe.

「Mio, don’t just get food, eat some yourself. Here, sit down.」(Makoto)

「Ah, yes!」(Mio)

「Good work last night. You fought the enemy general in Kaleneon, didn’t you, Mio? I’m glad you’re unharmed.」(Makoto)

That palm-sized dragon.

I haven’t heard the detailed story yet.

「I’ve released him into the garden now, but that general was quite shrewd, and I admired him for that.」(Mio)

「So that was the general, after all… What exactly was he?」(Makoto)

「His name was Reft, and it seemed he was a demon general or something. Following Tomoe-san’s advice, I stopped him from eating anything and he became that size.」(Mio)

Demon general.

Demon general?!

TLN: The first “demon general” is written in hiragana which conveys only the word's pronunciation, not its meaning. So here he hasn’t yet understood the meaning. The second is written in kanji that contain the meaning, so now he understands.

「You’re telling me there was a demon general in Kaleneon?!」(Makoto)

He was allies with Io and Rona, right?

He must have been.

「I mentioned earlier that it was a coincidence. In the end, I was unable to mimic his clever reflection...」(Mio)

Mio looks a little disappointed.

No, that’s not the important thing.

「W-why is that dragon behaving itself now?」(Makoto)

If it was originally a demon general, it’s probably not even really behaving itself right now.

But I saw it several times yesterday, and it seemed well-behaved.

「He lost his sanity partway through the battle, and began to just mumble to himself. After that, he began innocently chasing after a butterfly. He is quite adorable.」(Mio)

I see now.

I don’t know what kind of person he was before, but it seems Mio toyed around with him and broke him.

He’s still alive, and he’s apparently a demon general, so we should give him back when we meet the Demon Lord.

Yes.

「I-I see.」(Makoto)

「More importantly. Waka-sama, do you remember the promise from the other day?」(Mio)

「Promise?」(Makoto)

I try to think back.

Umm, it’s probably from her contest with Shiki.

「Ah, the one where I said I’d listen to one request?」(Makoto)

「Yes! That one, exactly!」(Mio)

Mio quickly brings her face closer.

But right now, the other leaders are having conversations nearby.

「I remember it. Once the party becomes quieter, I’ll listen to you, okay?」(Makoto)

「Yes! Then I will go to check if the food is being made well. I will be back soon, though.」(Mio)

「Okay, thanks.」(Makoto)

Now, I wonder what Mio will ask of me.

I said my words of gratitude to Tomoe, and of course I’m also thankful to Mio.

If it’s something I can do, I want to do it for her.

「Eris, and even Akua. I wonder why they’re singing and dancing.」(Makoto)

For a moment, I thought I was hallucinating.

But I blink and the scene hasn’t changed.

The pair of forest onis are doing a flash dance and singing enthusiastically.

When did you guys become artists.

… They’re actually pretty good.

I wonder if they’ve practised it.

Mmm, it’s a good thing, I guess.

「They've gotten themselves into quite a state, haven't they? Those guys.」(Makoto)