MV – Chapter 172: The Minor Villain Laughs After the Tanabata Festival Ends

Cracks began to form in the world created by Botis. Pieces of the space fell away bit by bit like shattering glass, returning everyone to the original world.

“It seems defeating the demon lets us return to the original world…but what was all that?” (Lanpeach)

Lanpeach exhaled deeply and released his Divine Fusion, then tilted his head, frowning as he wondered if this was an ability of Botis. If it was a power typical of high-ranking demons, it would be an exceedingly troublesome one.

“Yeah, I’m curious about that too. I’ll ask Mira about it later.” (Libra)

“Hmm, so you’re not planning to investigate it yourself, Libra-san?” (Lanpeach)

“The knowledge stored in the Space Library is vast, you know! There’s no way I’d do something so annoying. Geez, Soldier. If it were about finding a delicious sweets shop, I’d go all out though!” (Libra)

Libra landed lightly on the ground after defusing with Lanpeach, and smiled brightly. Her unclouded smile was dazzling, so much so that Lanpeach briefly wondered if it would be acceptable to punch her. However, her presence seemed to soothe his heart…probably. The throbbing vein on his forehead was just his imagination.

Lanpeach decided to give up on Libra’s support with a resigned sigh, and returned to the original world…only to be met with a scene of devastation.

The battle had already ended, leaving only traces of what must have been a fierce fight. A shattered chandelier lay on the floor, most of the bamboo stalks for the tanzaku strips were burned, a long table was split cleanly in two, and chairs lay in fragments scattered across the floor. Corpses of monsters were strewn about, wounded people crouched in pain with pained expressions, and the medical team was working frantically to treat the injured.

A black-haired beauty knelt, mourning in silence with an air of grief. Perhaps she lost a comrade in arms; her tear-streaked figure was pitiful, cloaked in an atmosphere that discouraged anyone from speaking to her.

“…I’m sorry I couldn’t save you, Gari-san.”

Was there someone named Gari?

“Pickled ginger-san, sour-sweet pickles-san… I’m sorry. I had to prioritize saving others. But thanks to that, the curry and sushi are safe.”

Looks like the mourned ones were food. Side dishes, no less. Well, let’s not dwell on it. The rabbits carrying tupperware with tired expressions say enough.

“Hey, is everyone okay?” (Lanpeach)

Lanpeach ignored the grieving Mira by the table, and called out to Chihiro and the others. Noticing him, they brightened up and rushed over with smiles.

“Lan! Thank goodness you’re safe. We were worried!” (Chihiro)

“Papa-shan, did you beat the ghosht?” (Koume)

“Did you defeat the scary scary-deshu ka? It was a ghosty like Botis-deshu!” (Mei)

Lanpeach opened his arms, and hugged all three gently and smiled.

“Yeah, she was a pretty dangerous terrorist, but I took care of her. She called herself Big Plate Okiku or something. Probably a fake name though.” (Lanpeach)

Botis? Never heard of them. If it were Botis, my kids would’ve known. It’s probably just a misdirection.

“Your clothes are dirty, and there are bloodstains… Lan, are you hurt?” (Chihiro)

“It’s just splattered blood, so I’m fine.” (Lanpeach)

He patted Chihiro’s head, smiling warmly. Being worried about felt unexpectedly nice, and as he basked in that gentle feeling, a notification popped up.

[Cleared: Defeat the Terrorist at the Tanabata Festival! Gained 30,000 EXP.]

[Cleared: Defeat Botis and Save the Manipulated People! Gained 50,000 EXP.]

[Cleared: Boss Battle, Defeat Botis. Gained 10,000 EXP.]

(Wow, that’s a ton of experience points. Adding in the unused points, I’ve surpassed 100,000. This opens up a lot of possibilities.) (Lanpeach)

Lanpeach secretly rejoiced.

“Papa-shan defeated the ghosht~! He’s my Papa-shan, you know~!” (Koume)

“Father beat the ghost~! He’s my father-deshu yo~!” (Mei)

The two little girls swung their tiny hands and wiggled their hips, dancing in celebration in their father’s stead. Lanpeach’s own happy dance wasn’t needed.

“And the terrorists… They’re encased in ice.” (Lanpeach)

Looking at the Baphomets, now back in their human forms and partially encased in ice, Lanpeach stared with a sharp gaze.

“Aah, it was the magic of that girl over there. A powerful ice spell like none I’ve ever seen, freezing not just their bodies but also reverting their transformations. As expected of someone from the Underground District.” (Bacchus)

Bacchus, carrying Aegis, spoke in an impressed tone. Looks like Bacchus had thoroughly investigated the situation around Lanpeach. Mira must have copied Botis’s ice magic via Lanpeach’s perspective. Truly, an overpowered girl.

Lanpeach thought ‘that’s so nice’ like a true minor villain. He ignored his own power-up features, typical of someone who always desires what others have.

“But how did she revert their monster forms?” (Lanpeach)

“The drugs in their system was frozen and expelled. It seems those drugs had a very short effect duration. If left as they were, their bodies would have collapsed from the side effects, so I’d say it’s fortunate.” (Mira)

And then there’s Mira who can use copied abilities better than the original. Her calm explanation, delivered as if it were the most natural thing, earned her nothing but respect.

“Using drugs to turn people into such monsters…truly unforgivable. Such an act deserves death. We of the Onodera family will take custody of them! They’ll be imprisoned and interrogated until we uncover the truth!” (Bacchus)

Bacchus’s righteous resolve blazed in his eyes, but his shadow betrayed a sneaky smile, as if seeing this as an opportunity for new technology. Is it just his imagination that Bacchus had his tongue out and was laughing like a demon?

“C-Can you please wait? I-I’ve heard the situation from Toko. The Yoroizuka family will take responsibility he—cough cough!”

Aegis must have heard about the situation from Toko as soon as she woke up. She stood unsteadily and tried to show fire of justice in her eyes, but ended up buckling. 

“Aegis! You’re already awake? I was worried about you. Haven’t you suffered significant injuries? You should focus on your recovery and leave the investigation to us.” (Bacchus)

Bacchus called out to Aegis with a face that seemed genuinely concerned, however, Aegis suppressed a cough through sheer willpower, and responded with a fearsome smile.

“Thank you for your concern, Bacchus. Though I feel like your eyes are saying, ‘Why the hell did you wake up so soon?’ But I suppose that’s just my imagination. Anyway, considering how much disgrace has been brought to the Yoroizuka family, it’s only natural that we lead this investigation.” (Aegis)

“You look like you’re about to collapse. Don’t push yourself. Rest at ease -preferably for several months.” (Bacchus)

“You let your true feelings slip there, you damn dwarf! There’s no way I’m handing over such advanced technology to anyone else!” (Aegis)

“Aah, you’re such a troublesome one. It would’ve been better if you stayed in bed longer. Only the Onodera family has the capability to analyze technology of this caliber. The Yoroizuka family should step aside!” (Bacchus)

“That won’t happen. Move these people immediately!” (Aegis)

“Not a chance! You all, take them away!” (Bacchus)

The two glared at each other, sparks flying between them, and the tension escalated. Members of their respective households readied their weapons, and the atmosphere grew dangerously volatile…

“Hold it! The Yarita family is present here as well, so we also have the right to participate in this investigation!” 

“The Tateno family too. When it comes to cutting-edge technology, our Mana can handle it masterfully!”

“This is getting ridiculous! Just haul them away by force! Everyone, get moving!”

“Toko, lead the charge and secure those individuals!”

“Wait! Are you two families planning to take charge by force? We won’t let that happen!”

With such righteous determination in abundance, the venue was once again engulfed in chaos. Explosions and the clashing of swords echoed, smoke filled the air, and screams resounded, turning the scene into a hellish spectacle once more.

“Um… Lan, what should we do? Should we join the fray?” (Chihiro)

Chihiro, visibly taken aback by the supposed “distinguished” Armed Families ruling the Surface District, asked Lanpeach with a strained smile.

“So it seems. What do you think, Mira?” (Lanpeach)

(I’m already exhausted.) (Lanpeach)

“Those people are just self-proclaimed intellectuals from wealthy families who were being manipulated. There’s no point at all in capturing them.” (Mira)

Mira, already aware of their true nature, showed no more interest in them than she would in a pebble, hugging a container like it was a precious treasure. Her demeanor was oddly cute, but the backdrop of explosions and people flying through the air was nothing short of catastrophic.

“Well then, I’ve made my presence known. Time to head back. Dry, make sure the rabbits follow us without delay.” (Lanpeach)

“Mmm, brought the roast beef before it was sliced.” (Dry)

“Nice to meet you. My name is Mira. That’s a lovely accessory. May I take a closer look?” (Mira)

Dry held up an enormous hunk of meat while puffing out her chest, and Mira approached timidly, her eyes sparkling like she fell in love at first sight…and grabbed the roast beef with a firm grip.

“When we get home, Dry will slice it up. Looking forward to it. So let go.” (Dry)

“Understood. We’ll head home right away, Pla-san. I’ve always wanted to reenact an anime scene where they rip into a thick ham! I’ll bite into it and tear it apart with my teeth!” (Mira)

“Oh, I know that kind of scene. It always looks so delicious. Alright, let’s hurry home then.” (Lanpeach)

As Mira, seemingly about to sink her teeth into the roast beef, pushed him forward, he couldn’t help but chuckle at how weak she was when it came to food.

“Papa-shan, carry me! Carry Koume ash we go home!” (Koume)

“Me too! Me too! Carry me too! Carry me home-deshu!” (Mei)

“Mimi will nap on Boss’s head. Good night~.” (Mimi)

“Alright, alright. Come on, climb aboard.” (Lanpeach)

With little girls in both arms and a rabbit perched on his head, Lanpeach left the venue, looking a bit like the Bremen Town Musicians in a comically silly display.

“Well, that was quite the entertaining festival.” (Lanpeach)

“I figured you’d say that, Soldier.” (Libra)

Libra lightly patted his back and laughed, and Lanpeach returned the laugh with a nod. Sure enough, Libra was carrying a stalk of bamboo on her shoulder. Looks like they will be able to hang their wishes with a tanzaku.

(Of course, my wish will be for world peace.) (Lanpeach)

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