When we entered into the room, it was a fairly plain room with little decoration and there was a table large enough to hold about 30 people. On the upper seat of the table sat a man, the Emperor of the Hoelscher Empire, Gaharudo D. Hoelscher, who had a fearless smile while resting his chin on his hand. There are 2 people behind him, they had a keen air about them in the sense of āWeāre capableā as they stood waiting.
And, although we couldnāt see their figures in the room, there was also 2 more people on the other side of the wall, 4 people in the ceiling, and Hajime also felt 2 people soundlessly outside the closed door they came though. It wasnāt only the 2 behind Gaharudo, the other hidden men seemed to have been considerably skilled as well.
[So, are you Hajime Nagumo?]
When Hajimeās group entered, Ririana also introduced them, while completely skipping the greetings to Kouki who was the hero, Gaharudo released pressure while looking at Hajime with a piercing gaze.
It was pressure from the overpowering man who ruled over several hundred thousands of people who were wild and strong and believed in the nature of power. It was no joke. Ririana who was also in a royal family voiced a small groan from the stifling pressure, Koukiās group backed away instinctively.
However, from such overpowering pressure, these 5 people, Hajime, Yue, Shia, Teio, and Kaori, were calm. In the first place, even Kaori who had little experience survived from the attack of an immortal monster thats been alive since the ancient times at theĀ [Merujine Undersea Ruins].
So although the Emperor had an overpowering pressure, when compared to the monsters in the great labyrinths, it was nothing more than a soft breeze.
Gaharudoās mouth lifts up more and more in interest when he sees that Hajimeās group is unphased, then Hajime answered.
[Yes, Iām Hajime Nagumo. Its an honor to have been known by you, your Majesty the Emperor]
[ [ [ [ [!?] ] ] ] ]
While placing his hand on his chest and lightly bowing, Koukiās group looked at Hajime with astonishment at his words.
Their eyes opened wide and clearly conveyed, [Who are you!]. Especially Ririana who was shaking in unease. While receiving Gaharudoās overpowering pressure and raising a small groan, though her expression hardly changed, it wasnāt able to conceal that she was staring at Hajime with an aghast expression.
Hajime also knows of the TPO*Time, Place, Occasion*. However, he was always just ignoring it.
But, because he had business in the Imperial castle this time, he didnāt want to be thrown out because he disrespected the Emperor. Since he shouldnāt believe in God anymore, the title of āGodās Apostleā is probably not effective anymore. The only way to pass is with the title of Hero. Thats why, he judged that he needed to at least use the bare minimum amount of etiquette. Although the changed person was definitely still Hajime.
[Kukukuā¦..I never even considered this. What happened to your usual arrogant attitude? N? Itās quite different from the cries of a certain princess somewhere?]
However, Gaharudo only makes fun of him while laughing.
Hajime glanced over at Ririana. [Princess~, You, just how much did you unnecessarily talk about, Ā A~a?] Ririana who was receiving Hajimeās glance, ~Pui~! looked in another direction. When Gaharudo asked what kind of person Hajime was, she unintentionally yelled and complained a great deal about her treatment.
[ā¦ā¦.Ha~a, thatās right. hm then, as usual]
[Kuku, then itās fine]
Though they were surprised of Hajimeās sudden change, they sat down in order.
Finally after Gaharudo removed his gaze off Hajime, he noticed Yue and them who took up their positions by Hajime and observed them interestingly, his eyes seemed to significantly glance at Shia in particular. Following that, he turned his gaze towards Koukiās groupā¦..he looked at Shizuku who was next to Kouki and a grin appeared on both his lips and eyes.
[Shizuku, itās been a while. Have you finally decided to become my wife?]
[O, oi! Shizuku already declined before!]
Kouki reacted to Gaharudo before Shizuku did. Gaharudoās glances over at Kouki for an instant, then back at Shizuku and started laughing hysterically. Kouki had the āI donāt careā attitude but veins were appearing on his forehead.
While sighing at the 2 people, Shizuku had a clarified face and answered.
[I have no intentions to take back my previous words. Iāll have to decline your Majesties offer]
[Quite heartless. But, it wouldnāt be interesting otherwise. More than the world, allow me to tell you itās good. I await the day when that clarified face is dyed in red from longing for me]
[That day will never come throughout all of eternity. ā¦..Or rather, donāt you already have an Empress?]
[What about it? Are you dissatisfied as a concubine? Fumu, there are a variety of problems when you become the legal wifeā¦ā¦]
[I didnāt mean it that way! Youād place your hands on other woman other than the Empressā¦..]
[What are you saying? Iām the Emperor? 10 or 20 concubines are normal]
[Gu~ā¦ā¦thatās right. A, anyways, I will not become his Majesties. Please give up]
[Ma~a, since you wonāt be returned by God anymore, youāll probably be stuck in this world for a while, I suppose I should take my time to convince you. Kuku, prepare yourself, Shizuku]
It appears that Gaharudo really likes Shizuku. As expected of a greedy Emperor, he wonāt give up even when heās been refused. His sharp eyes were completely locked onto Shizuku. Though Shizuku looks away with an expression that seemed to hate him from the bottom of her heart, she also seemed to not care at all.
Then, at that time, the direction that Shizuku looked in, by chance, aligned with Hajimeās sight. From Hajimeās glance at that time, [As expected of the worldly-wise man (laughs)] a color of amusement and interest was clearly included.
The angered Shizuku just used her finger to play with the sugar cubes that were prepared for her tea. Although it wasnāt as strong as Hajimeās, the sugar cube flew with excellent power, itās aim was accurately flying towards Hajimeās hateful faceā¦ā¦
However, it wasnāt a direct hit, it flew into Hajimeās mouth and was caught. ~Mogo Mogo~ Hajimeās mouth moved around with an air of flamboyant pride, after the sweetness of the sugar cube was firmly satisfied, he swallowed it. Shizukuās face was mortifying, however Hajimeās was clarified.
When Gaharudo saw her in such a state, he turned his sharp glance back at Hajime. It seemed to convey a variety of things.
[Fu~n, this is quite the interesting situation. ā¦ā¦Hajime Nagumo. Though I have a mountain of questions that I want to ask you, first of all, answer this]
[Ah? what is itā¦ā¦.]
[You, have you already embraced*sex being implied* my Shizuku?]
[ [ [ [Bufu~uā!?] ] ] ]
To Gaharudo who abruptly asked such an unexpected question with an eager expression, several people including Shizuku blew out air.
Even the guards that were waiting behind Gaharudo, [Your Majestyā¦ā¦the first thing you wanted to ask, was thatā¦ā¦] with a pained expression. They also seemed to be worldly-wise men.
[Wai-, your Majesty! Just what are you suddenly sayingā¦.]
[Shizuku, you remain silent for now. Iāll hear it from Hajime Nagumo right now]
Naturally, although Shizuku tried to burst Gaharudoās bubble with a tsukkomi, Gaharudo turned his eyes to Hajime, ignoring it. On the other hand, Hajime had an amazed expression.
[What did you think about to reach that conclusion]
[It appears that Shizuku has the heart to forgive youā¦ā¦Judging from that manner, itās not impossible, so just in case]
[Ha~a, thereās no way that would happen]
[ā¦ā¦Fumu, thatās not a lie right. Then, what do you think of Shizuku?]
To that question, all the glances in the room turned to Hajime. Eyes conveying various meanings from Yueās group and Koukiās group pierced him.
Hajime let out a sigh about why the first question asked by the Emperor after meeting him was about his relationship with Shizuku, anyways he turned his gaze over to Shizuku. Shizukuās expression was supposed to be extremely amusing. Hajime looked at Shizuku who was inclining her neck.
It appears that Shizukuās ears began to slightly reddenā¦..
For the time being, the answer (real intentions) was given.
[ā¦ā¦Sheās like a mother]
[OK, that fight youāre looking for, youāve won it. Get off the table, Nagumo-kun]
a young 17-year old girl was being held down, of all the things to say, why was it āSheās like a motherā, is what Shizuku who was still sitting on her seat and was getting up was conveying with hatred in her glare at Hajime. The delicate atmosphere from a while ago had already disappeared. Suzu and Kouki who were next to Shizuku were panicking and desperately tried to hold her down.
[ā¦ā¦I didnāt think it would be such a boring answerā¦ā¦ma~a, fine. Shizuku, donāt go accidently falling in love now? Because youāre mine]
[Iāve already said this but, I have no intentions of being his Majesties and Iāve also not fallen for Nagumo-kun! Just stop with the nonsense and get back to the main subject]
[I get it, I get it. Donāt get so angry. An excessive denial will only be taken as a positive one?]
[Nuguu~uā¦ā¦]
Shizuku instinctively tried to raise a groan in objection to Gaharudo but decided to sit down loudly. Suzu calmed her with a wry smile, however for some reason Kouki was glaring at Hajime.
[Hajime Nagumo. You as well, donāt go placing your hands on Shizuku?]
[Be relieved, I donāt have the faintest interest in doing that. Rather, if youāre only going to idly chat, Iād like to leave now?]
[Our chit chat was unneeded huh. Itās a talk about a new concubineā¦ā¦or Empress that may appear you know? It even involves the Empireās futureā¦..ma~a, what I wanted to talk about certainly wasnāt about Shizuku. You should already know right? Itās about your abnormality]
Gaharudo bought time by starting with Shizuku to observe Hajime, he judged it was the proper time and slowly the entire atmosphere changed. It was different from the playful atmosphere, it was now one filled with ambition, it gave off a radiance of a sharp blade.
Gaharudo cut to the chase and asked the biggest reason for meeting with Hajimeās group.
[Iāve heard about it to some degree from princess Ririana. Youāre someone whoās made it to the end of the great labyrinths and obtained the ability to create artifactsā¦ā¦completely repelled the Majinzokuās army, and was able to travel the distance which would normally take 2 months in less than 2 days, such an artifact. Is it true?]
[Ahh]
[And you have no intentions of sharing those artifacts with neither the Kingdom nor Empire?]
[Ahh]
[Fu~n, one person monopolizing that powerā¦ā¦.do you think weād allow such a thing?]
[Whose permission is required? If Iām not allowed, what exactly are you going to do about it?]
Gaharudo steeled his eyes to Hajimeās response.
The Emperorās ambitions increased even more, Ririana began gritting her teeth and was worrying nonstop. The bodyguards behind Gaharudo began to release bloodlust before Gaharudo did. In contrast, the presence of the people who were hiding in the room began to diminish even further. It was exactly like a touch-and-go state.
Towards the tensed air Koukiās group had stiff faces and steeled themselves for battle.
However, Hajimeās group completely warded off the breeze-like bloodlust with their own heavy bloodlust which could be felt sticking onto their skins, then calmly reached out for the tea cups. At that instant, he glanced at the locations of where the hiding peopleās hidden presences were. [Have we been noticed?] they said.
did they notice properly, their presence that could be felt shook slightly.
[Hahaha, stop, stop it. We were completely seen though. This guys a genuine flesh and blood monster. If we fought now, weād be completely annihilated!]
Gaharudo was laughing hysterically and hid his ambitions. The surrounding people who had dangerous airs also matched it accordingly.
[Why do you look like youāre enjoying this so much?]
[Oi, oi, Iām the head of the āEmpireā you know? When you meet a strong guy, itāll be a lie to say that your heart doesnāt dance around right?]
Koukiās group, although they couldnāt understand what was going on, they let out relieved breaths because the atmosphere was less tense, Hajime also tsukkomied the unusually happy Gaharudo. Gaharudoās answer was definitely one of those who believe in the abilities reign supreme policy.
[Even so, those women youāve got there are quite outrageous. Oi, where did you find them? For there to be women of this caliber, I want to ask you a request directlyā¦..allow me to have one of them, Hajime Nagumo]
[Donāt say such foolish things. Youāre in over your headā¦..no, it might be fine if itās Teio]
[~!? Wh, what did youā¦ā¦say, master casually wants to sell mistress to another man! Haa~ Haa~, being treated soā¦..I canāt get enough of it. Haa~ Haa~]
[Thereās a slight problem, though sheās a great woman appearance-wise]
[Sorry, even the Emperor has his limits. As expected, a girl dripping with pervertedness is too much]
[Th, this guy, to say it right in front of the person being talked about! Kuu~uu, N~, N~, surely, after this Iāll be forcefully taken by his Majesty, messing up mistress right before masterās eyesā¦.Haa~ Haa~ā¦..N~~ā¦ā¦..I need to change my underwear]
Even Gaharudo and them could only stare dumbfounded at Teioās strangely refreshing expression. Then they turned their gaze to Hajime who traveled with such a perverted woman. Gaharudo changed the mood by clearing his throat.
[As for me, Iām quite more interested in that Usagininzoku there? Iāve never seen an Usagininzoku with that kind of hair before and she completely disregarded my bloodlust as well. That mental attitude reminds me of the toyās that I caught a while ago, how about that one?]
Towards Gaharudoās word āToyāsā, Shiaās eye twitched for an instant in reaction. Yue who was next to her, clasped her hand quietly underneath the table.
[Even if you tell me about your toysā¦..]
[You canāt think of anything, you mean? Do you want to go check them out later? Actually, I still have more(. .)animals, although theyāre a woman and a child, theyāre quiteāā]
[Iām not interested]
Gaharudoās words were a bluff. Through Cam, itās been confirmed that all the people caught were already rescued. Heās probably trying to ask baiting questions. Compared to that, Hajimeās answer was only a line.
However, Gaharudoās attack wasnāt over yet.
[Ho~o, those fellows had special short swords and equipment on the 5-star level, even then youāre not interested, Synergist(. . .)?]
[None]
[ā¦..I see. By the way, yesterday, there were some people who managed to break out of the prison in the dungeon, the Imperial castle was easily invaded and they escaped, that kind of thing could only be done with a special artifactās(. .)magic, do you know anything about it?]
[I donāt know]
[ā¦ā¦Ha~aā¦ā¦then itās fine. This is the last question I want to know ofā¦ā¦.what do you think of God?]
[Iām not interested]
[Ah~, I get it already. Jeez, youāre such an unsocial brat]
Gaharudo was cursing as he scratched his head ~Gari Gari~. However, he still had a somewhat happy expression. He seems to favor the other party who he argued with. From what he soaked in from the exchange, Gaharudo probably guessed Hajimeās was connected with the Hauria tribe, he noticed that the prisonbreak was through Hajimeās guidance.
And he seemed to understand Hajimeās stance on this worldās problems from his short answers. At least, it seems like they wonāt be facing off against Hajime. After all, not being chased out of the Imperial castle is already great evidence.
Then the time came, one of the men waiting in the back quietly whispered into Gaharudoās ear, Gaharudo slowly left his seat.
[Ma~a, I heard the minimum amount that I wanted to hearā¦ā¦rather, I already understood, so all is well. Ah, thatās right. Tonight, weāll be holding princess Ririanaās welcome party. By all means, please attend. Itāll also serve as my son and the princessās engagement party. Even though the truth is different, if you didnāt know of it, the blessings as a āHeroā or āGodās Apostleā would be good. Iām begging you here? Heroās only of form?]
Gaharudo ignored Kouki and their dumbfounded looks when they heard the explosive remarks suddenly dropped into their ears, and provocatively stared at Hajime with a fearless smile, he then gallantly left the room.
The door sounded out in a slam, As a result, Kouki and them regained their composure and quickly questioned Ririana.
[Ririi, whatās this about an engagement! Just what exactly happened!]
[Thatāsā¦.for example, besides the mad Gods, if the Majinzoku attacks us then thereās no choice but to retaliate. The king of our country has died, the successor is still only 10 years old, itās not enough to steer the country, then, itās necessary to strengthen our relationships with an ally]
[Thatās why Ririi is getting engaged with the prince?]
[Yes. My partner is the crowned prince. There have always been many discussions about engaging us beforehand. He was practically already my fiance, Itās just that itāll be finalized at this party. Exactly because weāre shaken up by the devils invasion, is what I mean]
[What about the Kingdom? You donāt have to consult this with them?]
[Thereās already been a majority that consented to it before, so there shouldnāt be any objections. To begin with, it was that kind of story. Besides, right now the most substantial person in the Kingdom is me. Randell is only in form, because mother isnāt a person to step up into the front. Therefore, there are no problems. Right now, quick decisions are necessary]
Ririana said with a resolute expression. Koukiās group had their jaws opened, then they closed it with a sour look on their faces.
[ā¦ā¦Does Ririi like that person?]
[Itās not about liking or disliking. This is to build a connection between countries. Itās just that, the crown prince already has many mistresses, the amount of people would cause you to become offended and hurt your stomach*I think?*. My position aside, we cannot balance out if Iām married to the other princes, thereās no helping itā¦ā¦]
[Wh, why, how can you be fine with it! Even though you donāt like him, to be marrying that kind of man is strange!]
[If you look at it, that may be what it looks like, because Iām a princess from the royal family. Since birth, this was natural]
[Natural you sayā¦ā¦even Ririi is a girl. Donāt you want to marry someone that you actually like?]
Kouki couldnāt understand and yelled, Ririana could only reply back with a troubled smile.
Ririana was certainly a girl. She became especially close friends with the women that came from another world, If itās about Koari and Shizukuās girls talk then, naturally she yearns for a romantic love.
To Ririana who was wryly smiling, Shizuku stopped Kouki whoās arguing became increasingly wild. Inside where the delicate atmosphere flowed, Hajime slowly left his seat. And tried to leave the room as if nothing happened. To that, Kouki let out his feelings that had nowhere else to go.
[Oi! Nagumo! Do you think nothing of this!]
[Ha~a? What do you think I can do about the princessās engagement? More so, this is a form of politics taking shape as a marriage? Rather, this isnāt something an amateur can even intervene in]
[Gu~, bu, butā¦.]
[More importantly, there are things that we have to do. If you do something rash and end up obstructing us, Iāll knock you down flat alright?]
After Hajime said that, Yue and them also quickly left. While calming down the riled up Kouki, depending on the results of whatāll happen in the near future, the engagement talk may be scrapped, Shizuku looked up towards the ceiling with some tiredness.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hajime and them who exited, after Shizukuās group talked with each other for 2 or 3 stories, they returned to their rooms arranged for them by the attendant maids because Ririana had to prepare for the party at night. For such an occasion, itās mainly dresses.
[Ma~a, itās wonderful, Ririana-sama!]
[Reallyā¦ā¦you look exactly like a flower fairy]
[Surely, his royal highness would be pleased a well!]
One of the dress candidates was chosen in the end after trying on dozens of others, to Ririana who turned around in front of the full-length mirror, the entranced blushing maids surrounding her let out compliments. Although shew as only 14-years-old she had an exquisite charm as a woman, combined with the light pink dress only amplified itās effects to the maximum. Just like one of the maids had said, she had the loveliness of a flower spirit.
[Thatās, right. Shall we go with this. Next is the accessoriesā¦..]
Ririana herself seemed to consent with a nod.
No matter how much this was a political marriage, the crown prince was an extreme ladies man who resembled his father, Bias D. Hoelscher, when they met several times in the past, he looked at Ririana with indecent eyes when she still hadnāt even reached the age of 10, that scums actual ability wasnāt half-baked, he called a lower class knight for āpracticeā while at the Kingdom to show off his strength as he teased the knight, however the fact that he will become her husband wonāt change.
As so, Ririana couldnāt bring shame to her partner, since itās their engagement party, Ririana intended to dress up to her maximum potential. Shaking away the word āliked personā that Kouki said from her head.
Ririana was also a woman. She was also popular with many other talented women of the Hairihi Kingdom, so she had yearnings to be a normal girl as well. When sheās in a pinch, the prince who she dreamed of would appear, then theyād be attracted to each other from their chanced meeting, sheās even dreamt up stories of overcoming multiple obstacles in their reach for love together.
But, itās an impossible future. Because Ririana was intelligent, she accepted that she would be called for on a mission since she was young. Thatās why, even if she feels repulsed by the other partner from the bottom of her heart, her feelings of wanting to be an excellent wife is true, she was determined to magnificently serve the crowned prince after the party.
Then, at that time, suddenly, the outside of her room became noisy. Ririanaās door was flung open without knocking, and a large man without hesitation, rudely entered the room. Though he stopped as the knights of the Imperial guards*the Kingdoms* ran up to Ririanaās side, the man didnāt particularly care.
[Ho~o, is that the dress for tonightā¦ā¦itās about average I guess]
[ā¦..Bias-sama. Suddenly breaking into a ladyās room isnāt an admirable act]
[A~a? Iām going to be your husband? why are you talking back at me?]
[ā¦ā¦.]
The person warning Ririana with a gloomy expression is, Bias D. Hoelscher, whom she is to be engaged to. The same as several years ago, he carried a rude tyrannical atmosphere, he continued to look at Ririana from top to bottom indecently. A chill ran through Ririanaās spine.
[Oi, everyone leave at once]
Bias with a grin on his lips, suddenly ordered all the maids and knights of the Imperial guard to leave. He ordered again threatenly for those that were puzzled, the maids left the room panickingly. However, the Imperial guards, naturally hesitated. Ririana notices that Biasās eyes were becoming dangerous, unsure of what to do she ordered the guards to stand down.
[Fu~n, when disciplining your dogs, make sure to do it firmly]
[ā¦ā¦They are not dogs. Theyāre my important vassals]
[ā¦ā¦Rebellious as ever I see? Kuku, still the same brat that hasnāt even reached 10 years old, it was worthwhile being glared at with that hateful gaze of yours. At that time, I already decided that you were going to be mine someday]
When he said that, Bias had a disgusting smile on his face while watching Ririana who had stiffened up from the bottom of her heart, suddenly her breasts were grabbed at.
[~!? No~! Ouch!]
[Even still, youāve grown up. Itās still not enough though, however that in itself is appetizing]
[St, stop]
Towards the violent action, Ririanaās expression distorted into pain. When Bias saw the expression, his laughter became much more excited, he then pushed down Ririana onto the ground. Although Ririana was screaming, the Imperial guards outside didnāt seem to notice.
[You can cry as much as you want? Because this room has a special mechanism in place, sound cannot reach the outside. Ma~a, even if those dogs entered, they canāt do anything against me because Iām the crowned prince. After all, do you want those fellows to see your virginity being taken away? Ku, Hahahaha~]
[Whyā¦ā¦this kind ofā¦ā¦.]
Ririana became pale when she thought of the things that will be done in the future, she courageously glared at Bias.
[Itās those eyes. Those rebellious eyes, painfully, despairing, I want to turn those into eyes of pleasure. Above all else, I love teasing defiant people into submission. People who are struggling desperately, thereās no higher pleasure than to have them kneel down and lower their heads. If you taste this pleasure even once, you canāt live without it. Ririana. When I first met you who was courageously judging me with your eyes, I thought that Iād want to mess you up at some point]
[People like youā¦ā¦]
[Na~a, Ririana. Rather than after marriage, if you lose your virginity before the engagement party, what kind of face will you have at the party? While enduring the pain from your groin, what kind of expression will you have in front of the people? A~a, I just canāt wait to see it]
For example, even if she feels disgust towards the other party, if she properly supports him as a supportive wife, surely, eventually he will become a splendid emperor, No, the heart that Ririana steeled up had already started cracking.
Ririana realised. In front of her was a grinning man who wanted to see the enduring Ririanaās tears fall out desperately, in another sense, he was definitely the āCrowned Prince of the Empireā.
The dress that she chose in order to not shame Bias, was torn by his hands. The skin of a stainless gem was exposed, Ririanaās face blushed in shame. Both of her hands were suppressed above her head, she wasnāt able to conceal herself with her legs.
Bias while smirking, possibly attempting to kiss her, his face was slowly coming closer to Ririana. Almost like, Ririanaās eyes remained opened wide full of fear. Ririana couldnāt turn her face away because her chin was held in place, unknown to herself, tears began to flow from her eyes due to the fear and shame, then she thought.
I prepared myself for the marriage, but as expected it was impossible, this is too much. In reality, she wanted to dedicate her body and heart to the person she liked and wanted to become happy with them. That was her sincere feelings as a woman that leaked out from the concealed armor called a princess.
And, the stories of Kaori and Shizuku were recalled. Appearing at the time of a pinch, attacking and bringing down the unjust, it was said to be rescued from a swamp of danger, exactly like a fairytale story.
If she prayed for it, would she be saved. Ririana laughed at herself for thinking such foolish thoughts, still, her heart wished for it despite so.
In other words,
āāSave me
Then.
At that moment, Ririana who was pinned down by Bias saw something approaching from behind him, something like a small spider fell from the ceiling! and she witnessed it land. [Eh?] Ririanaās eyes opened wide in surprise at what was before her eyes, when the spider took 1 step with its foot, it sanked into Biasās neck! the leg pieced though.
[Ow! What? Just now, my neckā¦..]
He felt pain running through his neck, Bias who was about to lock lips with Ririanaās stopped and felt his neck. At that time, the spider had already retreated back up itās string and onto the ceiling.
Ririana watched the scene in amazement, Bias suddenly became sluggish and his eyes were starting to shut, immediately after that, he lost consciousness as is, and fell down onto Ririana.
[Eh? Eh?]
In front of the confused Ririana, again, the spider climbed down itās string onto Bias. Bias is currently still covered on top of Ririana, the spider climbed down to his shoulder which was before Ririanaās eyes. While staring at it upclose, Ririana noticed a strangeness from the spider for the first time.
[ā¦ā¦Metalā¦..spider?]
Right, the spider that was on Biasās shoulder was made of metal. In front of the popeyed Ririana, the metal spider, [Stop~!], said to it, again, ~Pusu~! a different foot from a while ago was thrust into Biasās neck. Despite already losing his consciousness he shook! Bias started trembling. He was still breathing, so it wasnāt meant to be a decisive blow.
Ririana didnāt think itās purpose was to actually deliver the final blow though. And, the girl stared quietly at the spider before her eyes. If Ririana looked closer she noticed that the metal spider had a luster like crystal, it crawled up its string and smoothly returned to the ceiling.
[Ah, wait, please wait! By any chance, are youā¦..]
Although Ririana called out to it confusedly, the metal spider continued on ignoring her, while clinging to the ceiling with its 8 feet, ~Kisa Kisa~ it moved towards the outside wall. Then a slight red light was emitted, it walked out of the room while closing the hole it made through the wall and escaped.
While sitting down, Ririana used the torn dress to cover herself and at last the situation was understood, she muttered to herself while smiling.
[Thank youā¦..Nagumo-san]
Bias was Ririanaās fiance, just now in the place that she was helped, she understood when it patched up the hole. But, still, at this time, having answered her plea for help, she was helplessly glad. She gripped both her hands tightly as she held down the torn dress on her chest, Alternatively, it looked like she was grasping onto something else*I couldnāt tell if this was supposed to be a perverted reference or if this was in the meaning of her heart being taken away*.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hajime and them who left the reception room was guided into another room by the maid attendants. After sending away the maid, Hajime who always had his eyes shut and was concentrating on something, abruptly opened them. Yue who noticed called out to Hajime in fewer words that usual.
[ā¦..How was it? Hajime]
[ā¦ā¦N~, excelent. ā¦ā¦there was something troublesome in the middle of it thoughā¦ā¦60% of the plan was completed]
The voice that answered Yue was slow and was concentrating on something else.
[thatās fast. As expected, are there many traps?]
[ā¦..thatās right. but, thereās no reason to disarm them all]
[Fumu, itās great that thereās a party today. If people gather, itās easier to move around in various ways]
[It seems that people have finally begun to gather at the party hall huh. ā¦ā¦Will it go well?]
Shia said with a slightly uneasy expression.
After all, a once-in-a-lifetime great event thatāll decide her families futures is on the line. It would be weird if she wasnāt tensed. Towards such a Shia, Hajime felt her Usamimiās, Yue caressed her cheeks, Teio was brushing her hair, and Kaori tightly clasped her hand.
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To the smiling companions, Shiaās feelings began swelling up in her throat.
However, tears did not come down. For instance, even if it were tears of joy, itāll be far to early to be crying when nothings even started yet. In its place, just like always, she smiled her bright smile. Iām not alone. My family is here too. Iām blessed to have them, her smile revealed such thoughts. It was the charm that Hajime and them liked about Shia.
Hajime who confirmed that Shia had smiled, is happy to have such a powerful companion and a smile that resembles a childs mischief grin appeared on his face.
[Now then, shall we prepare the stage for the main characters?]
To those words, Shia, Yue, Teio, and Kaori also had a similar smile and nodded powerfully.