QualiA – Chapter 27: Seeking the last fragment… ②

☆☆ ★★ ★★ ★★ ☆☆  

The girl that is looking at the evening sky had a fleeting gaze with tears at the corners of her eyes. She didn’t wipe them off, and looked at the boy at her side.

At the top of hill where they could look down the cityscape that was dying red, the girl holds the hand of her loved one, and speaks.

“Hey, Makoto.”

“What?” (Makoto)

The boy knew what the girl wanted to say. If possible, he wanted to cover her mouth, however, the boy -Makoto- knew full well that, even if he were to do that, it would be pointless.

“This will be…the last time, right?”

“Don’t say things like ‘last time’.” (Makoto)

It was so painful.

Lauded as a hero, slaying many monsters, saving many people; that’s Makoto. However, he was in a dilemma where the person he truly wants to protect, the girl by his side, is the one he can’t save, and that was crushing him.

(Why…)

No matter how many times he asked himself that, the answer was always the same.

“…Esthella.” (Makoto)

Because she is the Demon Lord.

“Demon Lord-sama, it is time.”

“…Understood.” (Esthella)

An old gentleman was standing by her side at some point in time, bowed once, and after glancing at Makoto, he showed pitying eyes. He is one of the people that knew that his master only had little time remaining, and he is also one of the people that cooperated with the boy in order to fulfill the wish of his master.

“Makoto, the next time we meet…will be the last.” (Esthella)

“……”

“Geez, don’t sulk like a child.” (Esthella)

Esthella laughs with a troubled expression, and Makoto forcefully smiled with a face on the verge of tears, as the both of them look at each other’s face and laugh.

“Shut up. I am still 16 years old. I am a legit child.” (Makoto)

“In this world, that’s considered an adult already.” (Esthella)

“In mine, 18 is an adult.” (Makoto)

“…It truly is a peaceful world.” (Esthella)

Harmless talk. However, this conversation is one that has been repeated many times before.

“I want to see it… The world that Makoto was born in.” (Esthella)

That is a dream that couldn’t be fulfilled.

The Demon Lord and Hero…this boy and girl that have been made to shoulder the destiny of killing each other; a story where their love will never be fulfilled.

“Makoto…even if I am gone, don’t forget  …” (Esthella)

Wiping off the tears that were streaking down, the girl that smiled feebly had her life burn out a few weeks after.

It was under a heavy rain.

☆☆ ☆☆ ★ ☆☆ ☆☆

The next day…

I won’t say something as delicate as not being able to sleep because my bed has changed. In the first place, this is my seventh parallel world, so this is a petty problem.

However, the dream was the worst.

“…Hah, damn it.” (Makoto)

I don’t know why I saw that dream, but I can still see her face vividly in my mind.

My conversations with her, her gestures, her last moments…I can’t forget anything. I really am emotional. Even though I have learned to push away the other things without care, why is it that I can’t take one step, no, I can’t even take half a step away from her?

…How pathetic.

With a self-deriding smile naturally surfacing, I change gears.

Right. I wonder if Erin is properly working; is Toto properly eating its food; while thinking those kind of things, I walk in the main street, and head to the guild.

“How lively.” (Makoto)

The adventurers were walking the main street, and the calling shouts of the merchants there were echoing the place, making the Rosuha Town overflow with energy.

The time was a bit after 9 o’clock. This should be the time when the requests carried over from yesterday as well as giving out the rewards of the requests have finished. This is according to the experience I have gotten from the worlds I have been before though.

…Now then, I pray nothing happens.

While regretting the fact that I thought of such a flag-like thing, I open the swing-door of the guild, and head to the counter.

Of course, I am going to the counter where a beastkin is, but now that I look better, everyone is a beastkin.

Dog ears, cat ears…those are fox ears.

…Nice.

This is truly a beast ears paradise. ‘I want to take permanent residence here’, is the secret ambition I had inside of me as I stand at the counter and speak.

“Good morning.” (Makoto)

“Good morning. What business brings you here today?”

The dog ears of the receptionist shake and she tilts her head.

Her small puppy atmosphere somewhat reminded me of Erin, so maybe she is a kobold.

“I want to ask about the Paralysis Lizard…” (Makoto)

“Paralysis Lizard? I am sorry but, for what reason are you searching for it?”

The gentle atmosphere made a sudden change and she directs me a dangerous gaze.

Oh my, how scary. It is cute compared to Niva-san, but the other receptionist that was listening to our conversation was looking over here with an interested gaze.

Well, it does have a deadly poison, and the uses to it are limited after all. It can’t be helped that I would be suspected.

“In order to make medicine.” (Makoto)

“…Medicine?”

“Yes. I may look like this, but I am actually an alchemist.” (Makoto)

Perception varies between people, but I also called myself an alchemist at the bar, so let’s just have continuity to it.

“You are an alchemist? That’s why you want to find the Paralysis Lizard…”

“Yeah… And so, do you have any information about it?” (Makoto)

“No, there’s no noteworthy information about the Paralysis Lizard.”

The Receptionist-san shakes her head and makes an apologetic face.

“I see. In that case, I heard that there’s an alchemy teacher here. Is it possible to meet her?” (Makoto)

“In order to meet Laryujia-sama, there’s the need to have an appointment beforehand.”

Viva, government jobs.

It is a pain, but even if I complain, I can’t do anything about it, so let’s just step back obediently.

“Then, when is the soonest I would be able to meet her?” (Makoto)

“Let’s see…If it is tomorrow afternoon, Laryujia-sama’s schedule is open, so it should be possible.”

“Understood. In that case, at that time—” (Makoto)

I was about to say ‘please’, but I saw a small shadow of someone walking the corridor.

“I heard my name mentioned.”

“Ah, Laryujia-sama.”

An old lady was approaching with her black tail waving, small cat ears, and a bright smile.

When her figure was in view, the receptionists all stood up, and lowered their heads. This old lady is the alchemy teacher and the grandma of Mijuru -Laryujia-sama. She looks small, but I can sense the scent of a powerhouse.

“This person was seeking a meeting with you, Laryujia-sama.”

“Fumu… I still have time until Amalietta comes, so if it will be wrapped up quickly, I don’t have any problems with keeping you company right now.” (Laryujia)

“L-Laryujia-sama…if you were to do something like that, it would be a bad example for others.”

“No point worrying about something like that at such a late point in time.”

What an open-hearted cat ear Oba-san. The dog receptionist-san is flustered by this, but Oba-san simply laughed and the surrounding people were showing weary faces.

“So, what business do ya have?” (Laryujia)

“I want to ask about the Paralysis Lizard.” (Makoto)

“…Are ye an alchemist?” (Laryujia)

“Yes. My name is Makoto. I may be inexperienced, but please instruct me.” (Makoto)

This is the second time I have done this exchange today.

“Is it possible…last night you were in the bar close by here?” (Laryujia)

“Yeah, your granddaughter helped me out a great deal.” (Makoto)

“Ooh, so you really were. It was unusual for her to talk about a customer, so I was interested in it. Fumu…come here for a bit.” (Laryujia)

“Ah, okay.” (Makoto)

Oi, Mijuru-chan, what did you put into the head of Ba-san?

She beckoned me over, and I follow the back of Ba-san that was walking ahead. The dog receptionist-san is saying something, but please give your complains to Ba-san.

While thinking that, I follow Ba-san, and walk the corridor.

☆☆ ☆☆ ☆☆ ☆☆ ☆☆

The cat Ba-san brought me to the deepest room.

I take a seat one of the sofas with a table in between them, in this room that is filled with the scent of medicinal plants and is surrounded by tools.

The smiling Ba-san had poured tea for me.

“Go ahead, drink.” (Laryujia)

“Thanks.” (Makoto)

Receiving the teacup offered to me, I take a slow sip of it.

“…Tasty.” (Makoto)

“Hoho, tasty, huh.” (Laryujia)

“Yeah. There’s sweetness within the bitter taste, and the aftertaste is refreshing.” (Makoto)

“Hoh…You are quite familiar with your tea.” (Laryujia)

I am the type that prefers tea over juice after all.

“It is just until Amalietta comes, so I can’t spare too much time, but what is it you want to ask about the Paralysis Lizard?” (Laryujia)

“In order to make a medicine, I need the liver of a Paralysis Lizard. If you have one, can I have it?” (Makoto)

“The liver of a Paralysis Lizard, ya say? …You, are you really planning on making medicine?” (Laryujia)

“Yeah. In order to save an acquaintance of mine, that’s necessary no matter what.” (Makoto)

“…I see. In that case, do something about your way of speaking. It is kind of disgusting.” (Laryujia)

Oh my, what a rude way of putting it.

Is my polite speech that weird? I think I am quite the good young man, though.

“Hah…Then, this good?” (Makoto)

“Kuku, that’s how it should be. Fumu. With this, it matches the man that Mijuru spoke of.” (Laryujia)

For some reason, I feel sad.

“And so, about the Paralysis Lizard’s liver, I have the actual thing. If yer okay with it being in its powdered state, that is.” (Laryujia)

“No problem with that.” (Makoto)

“I see. However, I don’t know anything about ye.” (Laryujia)

What is she trying to say with that?

“In other words, ‘tell me about your origins’?” (Makoto)

“Asking something like that ain’t fun. I won’t be able to tell if yer a trustworthy person after all.” (Laryujia)

“What should I do then?” (Makoto)

The cat Ba-sama laughs at that question.

“Ya understand negotiations, huh.” (Laryujia)

“You are one ill-natured old lady.” (Makoto)

Looks like it would be better to stop the gamble of beating around the bush with this ill-natured Ba-sama. It would only worsen her impression of me after all.

“…Is that so. Then, can ye tell me who yer using that medicine on?” (Layujia)

It is natural to have a question like that.

“Sorry but…I don’t have the authority to answer that.” (Makoto)

“…You, what country did ya come from?” (Laryujia)

“Secret.” (Makoto)

“I will ask once more. You, what country did ya come from?” (Laryujia)

I shrug my shoulders lightly at Ba-sama who glared at me sharply, and return a wry smile.

“Hah…No need to worry. I am from a friendly country. His Majesty has been helped by this country after all.” (Makoto)

“…I see. In that case, the one who needs that medicine is…that boy?” (Laryujia)

“You know him, Ba-sama?” (Makoto)

“I know him since the day he was born. The ‘Battle Idiot’ too.” (Laryujia)

Mijuru did say that she worked for the imperial court, but from how she is speaking, I can tell that she was from quite the high standing.

There’s most likely not many who can call the current king of Motoyasu as ‘that boy’ after all.

“Then, that means that boy is not afflicted by an illness, but by poison.” (Laryujia)

“Yeah. In order to cure him, there’s the need for the Paralysis Lizard’s liver.” (Makoto)

“…Do you have proof that you are from that country?” (Laryujia)

Proof, huh. I was just summoned to this world, so there’s no way I would have something like that. But, I incidentally do.

“Wait for a bit. Hmm…it should be around here…” (Makoto)

I feign as if I were looking inside my pocket, and from the Item Box, I bring out the Lukewarm Dagger -it is already a cold metal dagger though- and put it on the table.

“This is…” (Laryujia)

“You can hold it.” (Makoto)

“That so. Then…” (Laryujia)

Ba-sama takes the dagger, and was carefully inspecting it, but she suddenly narrowed her eyes, and lets out a small sigh.

“I see… You are an envoy of the Queen, huh.” (Laryujia)

“Well, something like that. So, have my origins been proved?” (Makoto)

“No complaints. This is what I sent the Queen to congratulate her on her marriage after all.” (Laryujia)

Ara, what a coincidence.

“The world is small.” (Makoto)

“Truly so.” (Laryujia)

Ba-sama lets out a ‘kukuku’ laugh and her eyes narrowed in amusement, showing a wide smile.

“What are you plotting, Ba-sama?” (Makoto)

“I am not plotting anything. I just have a small favor to ask.” (Laryujia)

“…Favor?” (Makoto)

“That’s right. If you do that favor, I will give you what ye want. No, ya might even be able to obtain what you want by yerself.” (Laryujia)

Oi oi, my bad premonition really did hit in the mark.

“You do remember I am an alchemist, right?” (Makoto)

“You may be an alchemist, but ye at least have experience in battle, right?” (Laryujia)

“Well, I do, but having Poison Lizards as my opponents when they are propagating abnormally…I think that’s pushing it a bit.” (Makoto)

If I take the terrain in consideration, I can’t just throw a high power spell and destroy everything. Also, if the Paralysis Lizard were there and ends up getting caught in it, that would be a waste. Even so, it would be a pain to take my time killing them one by one.

“…By the way, you…” (Laryujia)

“Hm?” (Makoto)

“Yesterday, did you see a Dragonewt woman at the bar, young brown haired human.” (Laryujia)

I changed the color of my hair from black to brown with magic power just in case, but she is probably referring to me. The Dragonewt woman must be referring to Amalietta. It wouldn’t be strange for this former imperial court Ba-sama to be connected to her in some way.

“I did see one but, are you referring to Amalietta?” (Makoto)

“So it really was you. Mijuru said that she met someone that didn’t know who Amalietta is.” (Laryujia)

“It can’t be helped. I simply didn’t know.” (Makoto)

“Kuku, it is a lot better than idiots that feign knowing. So, the reason why Amalietta went to the bar was to search for a companion to bring in her request -by my instruction.” (Laryujia)

“You did?” (Makoto)

“Amalietta says she can handle it on her own, but…this time around, the numbers are way too abnormal, so leaving it to that girl alone would be a bit worrying, ya know.” (Laryujia)

A person that enters the top five in this nation, and she is calling her ‘that girl’.

“And so, I was thinking about having ya accompany her. If it is you, she will accept ya.” (Laryujia)

“Can I refuse?” (Makoto)

“If you refuse, it will simply mean that the Paralysis Lizard’s liver will be flying the sky.” (Laryujia)

“Don’t spread poison, damn granny.” (Makoto)

“Kukuku…to call me ‘damn granny’. Yer the second one after His Majesty.” (Laryujia)

I apologize for saying that reflexively, but…what’s with that weird compliment? It doesn’t make me happy.

“As expected of someone that she can’t ‘see’. Most people that hear my name would freeze and run away.” (Laryujia)

“Seriously? Or more like, what’s this ‘can’t see’? Am I a ghost?” (Makoto)

“No, that’s not what I meant. That girl is the holder of magic eyes. Hear the details from her.” (Laryujia)

“Okay…” (Makoto)

The second one after the Queen, huh. And from the way Ba-sama said it, the magic eyes of Amalietta are most likely the same support type like the Queen.

I truly have bad compatibility with support type magic eyes.

“Hah…Got it. I just have to accompany her, right?” (Makoto)

“Ooh, yer gonna do it? With this, one worry is gone.” (Laryujia)

“…Oi, there’s more?” (Makoto)

Ba-sama was in a good mood, and mine was plummeting. On top of that, she speaks as if there’s still more, making me feel dizzy.

“No, ya see, I am not too sure about this one.” (Laryujia)

“Don’t beat around the bush. The validity of information can define life or death, you know?” (Makoto)

“True. Sorry about that. Well, that’s also a reason why it was judged that she would be the best for the job, though.” (Laryujia)

It was as if she had something stuck between her tongue. What an hesitant granny.

“…There was a sighting report of a dragon.” (Laryujia)

She finally spoke.

“…Dragon?” (Makoto)

“It is not clear information. Dragons are normally living in the Spirit Plane, and it is rare for them to appear in human settlements. The last recorded time was 300 years ago, and since then, no one has seen another one.” (Laryujia)

“Maybe they are shy shut-ins.” (Makoto)

“…Kuku. If a dragon heard that, it would be enraged.” (Laryujia)

“I would turn the tables.” (Makoto)

Like I care for a lizard that can only fly and spit fire. While I was thinking that, someone knocked the door and it echoes in the room.

“Laryujia-sama, it is Amalietta.”

Looks like the person she was waiting for is here.

“Ooh, looks like she is here. It is open. Enter.” (Laryujia)

“Excuse my intrusion.” (Amalietta)

Amalietta opens the door and bows, but when she saw Ba-sama and me sitting at the sofa, she furrowed her brows for a moment.

“Rejoice, Amalietta. I have found a companion for ya.” (Laryujia)

“Laryujia-sama, what’s the meaning of this…?” (Amalietta)

“This Makoto is yer companion.” (Laryujia)

“…Eh?” (Amalietta)

When a person is surprised, they really can’t help leaking out a dumbfounded voice, huh.

Amalietta couldn’t keep up with the situation, and Ba-sama was making a smile as if she were a child that had succeeded in her prank, and I glanced at those two, then placed a hand on my forehead and looked at the ceiling.

It really did turn into a pain…tohohoho…

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