Chapter 181: Devised Decision, the Desert’s Dream (1/2)

Chapter 181: Devised Decision, the Desert’s Dream

Translator Note:

Almost didn’t make it in time! This one was longer than usual. I will be going back to regular schedule. Every 3 days there will be a new chapter.

Also, I will be implementing a sponsored chapter system. The past release spree to thank donations was way too haphazard, so this one will be a lot more comfortable and actually reliable, lol. Sponsored chapters will be marked as so and will be released on Sundays.

With this, I can properly thank donators! Thank you for all your support everyone.

Enjoy the chapter!!

“Next time, I am looking forward to the discussion on setting up a stall.”

“I will think about it. I do consider Lily-sama as an important customer after all. Today I don’t see the hero-sama though. Well with this, I will be taking my leave. Thank you for inviting me.”

“I will believe in those words.” (Lily)

I return the greetings of Princess Lily who went through the trouble of seeing me off at the teleport formation, and announce my departure.

From what I have seen, I don’t feel like putting a store in the Empire, but I didn’t voice out my rejection.

After giving the egg of Lancer to Grount who was rampaging and had to calm down, I returned to the capital when evening had come.

I didn’t expect a superior dragon to get angry when touching the topic of age. Because you know, they are dragons that have been living for hundreds to thousands of years, and reincarnating. In essence, they live forever, so I thought they had lost the concept of age already.

Its blaze, roar, tail, and the magic that utilized the advantageous desert terrain; she rampaged quite a lot.

After I incapacitated her, I was finally able to speak with her.

I apologized to Grount-san once again, and when I spoke with her, I learned that she is actually a dragon with an age comparable to that of an adult woman.

When living for long, their personality stops changing at some point in time depending on the person, probably.

If things like Oba-san, or Oba-chan which are related to age are not mentioned, she is actually quite the gentle one.

Regarding my studying of the dragon society Root mentioned, I thought he was referring to the Sand Sea.

Its appearance was a mystifying white desert, and that sand must have drunk quite the amount of blood from people as well, so it is some kind of stage where the history of hyumans and dragons has developed.

The other superior dragons have kindreds or people that serve them, so Root probably intended to show me those kind of things.

I wasn’t the only one who thought that his actions were of bad taste; Grount was also angry at Root.

It is great that nothing serious happened.

By the time I returned to Ruinas it was already dark, but Tomoe and Shiki had finished packing and were waiting for me. And so, we were now returning just as planned.

Tomoe and Shiki who were mimicking me by lowering their heads, lift them up the moment I lift it as well.

Now then, let’s head back.

“When you have any business, please contact Rotsgard. If there’s something our side can prepare for you, we will happily do so.” (Makoto)

“Please do give us a call. Well then, take care in your journey.” (Lily)

I couldn’t see any expectation from Princess Lily’s face.

I think she had some sort of reason when she had me meet the hero, but…Tomoki is not here right now. I just can’t read the actions of Gritonia.

They probably have some sort of complicated objective that isn’t related to defeating the demon race in the war.

When that time comes, it will be made clear.

At the very least, I slightly understand how the Empire views us, so the standing I will be taking has been decided.

In that point, I think it is a high plus for me in coming to the Empire.

Enveloped by the teleportation light, the scenery changes.

Let’s quickly move and leave Robin. If we do that, we can return to Asora without worries.

When we return to Rotsgard, next will be the place of the Demon Lord-sama huh.

I will be going to Kaleneon for a bit and meet with Rona, was it.

Tomoe knows the meeting point.

Talk about Kaleneon will definitely come, so it seems I will have to put that into order as well.

For me, that’s a desirable outcome.

Anyways, it was a tiring visit to the Empire.

I want to quickly go back and sleep.

◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆

“I see. In that case, you don’t know what business Raidou had in going to the Sand Sea, right?”

“Sorry. He traversed through the desert at a baffling speed, so I was unable to follow him…” (Ginebia)

“I don’t think Grount will do anything, but the connections of Falz are really a mystery. To think that he is acquainted with a superior dragon. He told me that he had some business in the Sand Sea, so let Raidou do as he wishes, but for him to take such actions was outside my expectations. I have been one-upped.”

Receiving a report that the Kuzunoha Company had begun their teleportation, Lily called Ginebia to her room and asked about the details of the situation.

Even so, she only added a bit of information on top of what she had already reported when she returned. So the gist of it didn’t change much.

She lost Raidou at the desert and doesn’t know what he did after.

At the long distance, a loud sound rang out but it soon calmed down, and Raidou returned after a few hours.

Just in case, they are already trying to make contact with Grount and confirming her safety.

It was an abnormal situation.

“Tomoe and Shiki; those two followers of his were also lost from sight near the castle. The other party was not Limia or a demon race but a company, and yet, they really played us good.” (Lily)

“… Lily-sama, what do you think of them?” (Ginebia)

“The Kuzunoha Company? Right… they are an unknown factor. A bunch that I can’t tell whether they are allies or enemies. Regarding Raidou, from what Tomoki-sama says, he is a Japanese; in other words, an otherworlder.” (Lily)

“An otherworlder?! T-Then, is that person also a hero like Tomoki-sama?!” (Ginebia)

Ginebia was chanting her disbelief with an expression that didn’t hide her shock.

“It’s not sure. Tomoki-sama and Limia’s hero Hibiki appeared after receiving an oracle from the Goddess. But there have been several number of otherworlders that were not the case as well.” (Lily)

“This is the first I have heard of this. To think that there were people like that.” (Ginebia)

“Lorel has been hiding them from the foreign countries after all. It seems like they have taken in their customs you know? Have you heard about the Wise?” (Lily)

“Wise? If I remember correctly, it is a special rank in Lorel for people that possess special knowledge.” (Ginebia)

“Is how the foreign countries take it. In reality, it is Lorel giving special privileges to the otherworlders. That’s a Wise. Right now there’s not a single one, but there have been descendants from them, and that special knowledge is made as knowledge unique of that country.” (Lily)

“…”

“Anyways, Ginebia, good work today. You can leave now. Get a good rest.” (Lily)

“Understood… Excuse—” (Ginebia)

“Ah, you can’t go to Tomoki-sama’s place today either, got it? Please let him be alone for now.” (Lily)

“?!! U-Understood.” (Ginebia)

Seeing off Ginebia, the smile of Lily’s face was erased.

She was able to call Raidou and central people of the company to the Empire, but the objective they were aiming for was practically a blank.

For her, this is not a pleasant result.

Lily didn’t think that with just this conversation she would be able to take in Kuzunoha Company. But even so, she wanted to get information about them, and if possible, she wanted to attract at least one store from Kuzunoha Company into their Empire.

If she could make them place a store, they would be able to analyze the products, and it would make it easier to make contact with them.

To go to Rotsgard every time there’s business is something not that desirable for Lily. Also, currently the chances are low, but if Raidou closes the store in Rotsgard, they would have to go to Tsige which is an outrageously remote region.

They may pick up when contacting them, but it is certain that it will be inconvenient.

(The most that was accomplished was… Tomoki meeting with Raidou huh. In that point, it resulted just as planned, and the part about Raidou being an otherworlder was unexpected, but a favorable result. Otherworlder. Even so, I don’t feel the power of the Goddess from Raidou. It might be related to why he is not a hero.) (Lily)

In this occasion, Lily learned that Raidou was an otherworlder, a Japanese.

That forced deduction of Tomoki that was almost like a false accusation was easily proved right by Raidou himself.

(An unsightly appearance uncharacteristic of hyumans, and he is not a demi-human. Tomoki probably said this haphazardly with this as basis, and yet… I see, that his close aides were not flustered by this, it is possible that this may be a lie. It is certainly true that there’s few plusses in revealing his own background at that moment. Tomoe and Shiki have quite the sharp minds after all. But…is there a merit in lying about being Japanese? If his relationship with Tomoki is just as I predicted, then it is safe to assume that Raidou has no will to be taken into the Empire.) (Lily)

“Fuh…”

A small breath leaked out from Lily’s mouth.

Walking, she had left her room, and was now heading to the room of Tomoki.

After the talk with Raidou, Tomoki had shut into his room and was alone without even taking his meals.

Because he himself wished to do so, his party members were unable to enter, and Lily also prohibited it.

(First I have to confirm with Tomoki huh. And with that, I will know what Raidou did. I might also be able to tell the depth of his power.) (Lily)

*Knock* *knock*

After a gentle knock, Lily confirmed that there was no reaction.

“… Tomoki-sama, it is Lily. The Kuzunoha Company has left. Please tell me about what happened the other day.” (Lily)

“Lily, right now I can’t meet you. Please let me stay alone for a bit, just a bit more.” (Tomoki)

A weak voice.

“Just what in the world happened? They are guests I invited. If Raidou did something, that is my sin as well. Tomoki-sama, I implore you, please let me into the room.” (Lily)

After that, Lily flattered Tomoki and thoroughly comforted him.

That state of self-depreciation from Tomoki is a state that Lily is familiar in dealing with.

After a while passed, the door that silently opened was proof of her expertise.

“… Please enter, Lily.” (Tomoki)

“Tomoki-sama… just what in the world happened? Being this depressed!” (Lily)

Changing her Noh mask expression into one on the verge of crying, Lily shows Tomoki worry with her whole body.

Entering the room, Lily sits beside Tomoki who is sitting at the bed. She kindly listened to the story between Raidou and Tomoki while giving signs of comprehension.

Being attacked by surprise, he tried to fight back, but being unable to, he received his threats and violence, is what Tomoki said. That he was unable to obtain Tomoe.

(Tomoki says this. In that case, not only did the valkyries not pose any threat, Tomoki himself was completely defeated by Raidou. The attack that made Sofia retreat can’t be used indoors, and his combat equipment was at its minimum at that moment, so it can be one of the reasons. Just that, Raidou himself didn’t seem to have anything resembling a weapon. Maybe he is a magician, or it might be that he has trained as a warrior. From what I hear of Tomoki, it might be reasonable to consider that it can be both of them. A magician with a trained body huh. A troublesome type. Also, even if he wasn’t at his best, to be able to overwhelm Tomoki, he is a more troublesome existence than I originally thought.) (Lily)

Lily analyzes Raidou from the story of Tomoki while chipping off the dramatized parts.

Contrary to her action of holding Tomoki’s hand gently, her mind was cold and composed.

(Adding to that, he has Tomoe, Shiki and Mio. His three close aides have out-of-boundaries strength. If only they had the thought of slaughtering the demon race, it is at a level that I would want to abandon this thing and change it for him. Is it because my patronage is weak? No, that’s not it. I don’t think that Hibiki will move according to my plans at all, and looking at Raidou’s behavior towards demi-humans, my hopes of pulling him in are thin. Doing war is actually the best situation. Because we can go around killing without any hesitation after all.) (Lily)

Lily was thinking about pulling in Hibiki or Raidou, but she soon erased that thought from her mind.

Even if it’s possible, it would still be an hindrance in her own plans.

“Tomoki-sama, Raidou is the owner of frightening power, right? What should we do? Should we try pulling him into being our comrade? If Tomoki-sama so wishes, I…” (Lily)

“That guy Makoto… are you telling me to lower my head to him?” (Tomoki)

“… It is only for your sake, Tomoki-sama. If he turns into an enemy, it might turn everything into a mess. If it is okay, Ginebia, Yukinatsu, Mora, and I can endure a bit of the burden.” (Lily)

She doesn’t know if Raidou wishes for women.

No, since he directly spoke with Tomoki, she understood that the chances of that are low.

If she were to think about it calmly.

“Lily…” (Tomoki)

“Also, if we bring Kuzunoha Company to our side, as a result, Tomoe will be brought to our side as well. It will also grant your wish.” (Lily)

“Tomoe!” (Tomoki)

“Yes. Then, I will quickly send a subordinate to—” (Lily)

“You can’t!!” (Tomoki)

Tomoki shouts at Lily who was about to stand up.

“Tomoki-sama?” (Lily)

(Right. There’s no way you would be able to stomach something like that. As a hero, you wouldn’t be able to stomach the existence of Raidou. If it’s Hibiki, it would be possible to do it with a smile though.) (Lily)

Lily laughs from within.

Tomoki who can’t stomach having someone above him, would never be able to allow Raidou to ‘come’ to the Empire.

Then, what should she do?

That’s Lily’s objective.

Using Raidou, she will lead Tomoki into reaching a decision he once hesitated to take.

For the current Tomoki, this will probably look like the web of a spider suspending in hell, is what Lily imagines.

And that image was not that far from the truth.

“I don’t need someone like that. I am a hero. I will bring down the demons and the Demon Lord; an existence that reigns over the world. It doesn’t matter if he is Japanese as well. Like hell I will rely on that guy.” (Tomoki)

The hero’s duty-or at least that’s the title the Goddess has given to them-was to defeat the demon race, that’s all.

The last part about reigning was something that Lily had taken her time to imprint in Tomoki’s mind.

“… But he is strong. At this rate, he might become an obstacle.” (Lily)

After this, she only needs to slowly lead him into it.

Lily was calmly leading him into a decision.

“Then I just have to get stronger. Right, there’s no need to hesitate huh. That’s all there’s to it.” (Tomoki)

“No way. Tomoki-sama is even using that power that chips away your very life to fight against the demon race. Just what other kind of power are you aiming to have in that body of yours?” (Lily)

The new power that Tomoki obtained.

Lily heard that this is a powerful magic that can defeat in one hit the person considered the peak of this world, the Dragon Slayer.

It has quite a large range, and without any decay in strength, it activates at its highest output; a shining flame. Moreover, if by chance the target survives, it will inflict a special poison. In a war, it is a power that is scarily effective.

It has the price of chipping off Tomoki’s life, so it is something that can’t be abused, but Lily is sure that he would be able to use it without hesitating when in need.

For Lily, this new power of Tomoki gave her incredible joy. But because of this reason, she was troubled by the possibility of Tomoki obtaining a new power. No, accurately speaking, she was scared of the risk that comes from the acquisition of a new power.

He has obtained a spell that shaves off his own life, so she is most likely scared of the possibility of gaining another power that might affect his life.

“Lily, about what you said before leaving to Rotsgard, you can still prepare it, right?” (Lily)

“… Tomoki-sama, that’s poisonous to the body. It is something involved with the Empire’s research team that does body modification to go against the demon race. I think that there’s no need for Tomoki-sama now that you have obtained such a splendid power.” (Lily)

“No. In the end, even my charm was useless with Tomoe. But… if it’s not enough, I just need to increase it. She is a dragon. Then if I get a dragon element in me like Mora and make it one with my power, I will be able to obtain a charm power that even she can’t go against! Also, if I obtain the aptitude for more powers, it will also affect my attack power. Any elements that will make me stronger, place them all in me!” (Tomoki)

“Tomoki-sama, you can’t! Even if you defeat the demon race, what would be the point if you don’t have life remaining by the time you will reign? Please take care of your life.” (Lily)

“… I will win. At the war and everything else. If it doesn’t end in my complete win, there’s no point. I don’t want to live by lying to myself anymore. I…will do whatever I wish and live without any regrets! I will crush Raidou and the demon race. I will make Tomoe mine. Like hell I will give up!! Lily, if you are not going to cooperate, I will do that method even if it’s without you. I will definitely reach it!!” (Tomoki)

The eyes of Tomoki were filled with a dangerous light.

“For you to be…this cornered…” (Lily)

Lily faces away and trembles as if overcome with emotion.

“Please. I know it is conceited of me after rejecting it once already, BUT please lend me your strength! I wish for power. This is the first time I have tried so hard. I don’t want to give up!!” (Tomoki)

“…”

“Lily!” (Tomoki)

“Under…stood. Please rest for today. I will do the preparations.” (Lily)

“Thanks! Thanks, Lily!” (Tomoki)

“If you feel anything out of order in your body, definitely tell me please. Okay?” (Lily)

“Got it. I will show you that I can definitely bring victory to the Empire!!” (Tomoki)

“I will be waiting for that day with my whole heart. Well then, please rest Tomoki-sama.” (Lily)

Receiving the words of Tomoki with her back, the princess that had an expression as if resolving herself to a heavy decision, turned around and lowered her head.