CH 1

Gelberic Harbor [Preparation for First Sailing]

AN: Volume 3 Start!

TL: This took me much longer than I had hoped. In any case, enjoy the chapter!

Imperial Academy headquarters.

The silver of magical steel and the black of the lacquered wood contrasted beautifully. This big building that sits behind the palace boasts the largest building in Gransil in both area and volume. This was because it was originally the palace royal quarters belonging to the Emperor, and with additional remodeling as a military facility it had now become the largest building. On the top floor of this majestic building, there was a meeting room for the Imperial Academy’s strongest who controlled the Empire itself. Around a long table sat ten people.

At the direct center and at the head of the table were dips holding a magic crystal. This pair of crystals was part of a magic tool which allows a voice to reach from one mediating crystal to the other, making it considerably useful for long-distance communication.

One of these was the Marshall who rules over the Imperial Academy, and the magic librarians who are its best fighting units, both of which are using this meeting room…so at the head are the first and second seats, the First Seat also represented by a crystal.

In addition were the lower seats of magic librarians, including the third seat, along with leaders who gathered at the large conference room from the research institute, intelligence agency, and chairman of the Commerce and Industry Association.

However, the atmosphere of this meeting was ominous.

This was because of the Marshall’s scandals that occurred a few days ago. The country was considering an exclusion, as he had not only used the magic librarians to abduct a certain demon in order to acquire it, but consequently the headquarters of the Imperial Academy which is the symbol of “Power” for the Emperor was destroyed. This was something that could not be ignored.

Therefore, this conference was mainly a hearing focusing on the investigation of the Marshall.

[I was just trying to fulfill my wish of a hundred years…] (Talos)

[This was a situation that rocked the foundation of this nation, though what are your thoughts Marshall?] (First Seat)

[…] (Talos)

[We are not going to lose what we have built up just so you can play around. What were you thinking? Marshall, you are the head of the Academy. Do you not understand what it means to expose the country to such pests?] (First Seat)

[Bu…!! You! I am Talos II! The Emperor! What kind of words are you saying to this great person…!] (Talos)

[You have misunderstood. You are the Marshall of the drawing room. Did you think you would be totally forgiven just because you are the second generation of the royal bloodline? It is not a decoration. If you cannot understand your position as the top of the proud Empire…then just silently retire. Even if you sit on top, you are only being a nuisance.] (First Seat)

[You $%$#…!] (Talos)

To the conversation between the crystals, the people in the academy listened silently.

One was Talos II, or, the Marshall. The other person, whose mysterious voice could be taken as either male or female, was the person who was the First Seat magic Librarian of the Imperial Academy.

“Since we exposed your corruption in this case, isn’t it fine to think about retirement?” (Third Seat Yatano)

[Third Seat…!! Who are you to say that when you are also doing selfish things!?!] (Talos)

The girl in a kimono sat in the first of the lower seats after the crystal holding the First Seat’s voice.

“I may be selfish, but I am doing my job.” (Yatano)

[You sound like you are making a mockery of me…!!] (Talos)

“Oh, is that so?” (Yatano)

As she looked at her nails, the Marshall’s words turned into a vague mumble. Although her only response was that she gazed at the crystal with condescending smile.

“Is that what you thought of my words?  Perhaps, you were absorbed in your work until a fox’s tail caught your eyes? Those who chase rabbits say that if you try to chase two then you cannot even catch one, but to try to chase women and work, isn’t it kind of funny?” (Yatano)

[Third Seaaaaaaatttttt!!]

“Oh, is it that there were too many tails to keep track of? In that case there can only remain…disappointment.” (Yatano) (それは随分とまた……残念な感じですね)

“Leave it at that Yatano.” (Desiree)

“Oh Desiree, have your words distorted in his favor?” (Yatano) (あらデジレ、口元が歪んでいますよ？)

“I promise that is not what I was saying.” (Desiree)

[No way…!!] (Talos)

Next to Yatano was the Fifth Seat, also known by his blue hair by the young demon. His words caused the Marshall to suddenly realized something and panic, leaving him speechless.

There were no allies in this meeting room.

Rather, it was full of people ready to expulse the Marshall.

[Yatano Fuso ArcLight, Desiree McRein. Let it go at that. There is currently no difference between you two here at the meeting place. Especially you, Yatano, you should have pride as an upper ranking magic librarian]

“Oh, no, it is because I am aware that I am a magic librarian that I can live freely?” (Yatano)

[Then, it is time stop playing and fooling around] (First Seat)

“I was not meaning to fool around, but…” (Yatano)

[That obliviousness is not good] (First Seat)

“Oh…” (Yatano)

The man in a monocle nodded his head vigorously in agreement, but Yatano ignored it.

Aside from that, it should be obvious that the current situation is tough for the Marshall.

[Y-You…!! Don’t you understand!? The Imperial Academy could not have been established without the power of the emperor! It is only because of the blood of the Emperor that this place exists!!] (Talos)

From the beginning, the people of the Imperial Academy knew of his obsession with that demon which was sealed for a hundred years. No, it was probably around that time that his blood became his only shield. To think that his only defense was his inherited blood. On top of that, the Marshall did not even notice he was being rejected by everyone around him.

Although the other demon was unexpected, there was originally a plan to eliminate the Marshall under the pretense of it being the Nine-tails.

Even now, the Third Seat was still smiling at the thought of what had happened.

[Aah, its fine. The nephew of the current Emperor, Greseles, will be taking over the position…Do you understand Marshall? You are already finished.] (First Seat)

[You %$&#…!! To think that you guys…!!] (Talos)

[Oh, that’s right. Since an irregular Oni appeared, let’s just say the Marshall was killed by that. Mysterious demon and Marshall-murderer. I think those two would be pleased with the title, the demon should also be pleased as well.] (First Seat)

[You…are going to k-kill me!? This great me!!] (Talos)

[I would have to say that’s been the plan for awhile now…Yatano Fuso ArcLight] (First Seat)

“Eh, you want me to do it?” (Yatano)

With a grim expression, Yatano moved towards the crystal. The crystal which represented the First Seat answered lightly.

[Since you had some complaints for him in regards to demons? Then you should do it] (First Seat)

“Oh…” (Yatano)

Yatano’s eyes narrowed. There was a cold murderous intent dwelling in them.

Instantly, the executives not familiar with battle stood up. Those who were able to keep a calm face were those like Desiree. But even in regards to Desiree, his internal instinct was trembling in alarm from the bloodthirst.

“…Then, goodbye. Marshall” (Yatano)

Directing her umbrella at the crystal, her words were saturated with impatience.

[S-stop…it! I am Marshall…! The Emperor, Talos II…!!] (Talos)

He already knew. If it is Yatano Fuso ArcLight, she can kill people even through the mediating communication crystal.

However, the First Seat’s voice intervened mildly, interrupting Talos’ words.

[Aah, it is the Emperor Talos II. Unfortunately, there are not many people who know this fact.] (First Seat)

[S-stop it…!! Please stop…!!] (Talos)

“Do you remember that day when the demons who were enslaved pleaded with tears…You laughed in mockery and used them for experimentation. Those people who cried out in pain and appealed for mercy…were deliberately teased.” (Yatano)

[Hiiii…!?] (Talos)

Yatano’s umbrella aimed at the crystal.

Looking at the Marshall’s crystal her gaze darkened. There was no longer a sparkle in her eyes.

“So, since you smiled and laughed while killing…since you’ve stolen a lot of lives, you have no complaints, right?” (Yatano)

[Ah…ah…!!] (Talos)

Smiling sweetly, something sinister hung at the corners of her mouth.

It was then that something pale was thrown from behind the umbrella. Flying from beside Yatano, it was a naginata.

In an instant it broke the crystal of Talos II.

Like Yatano’s umbrella, that large naginata had a piercing ability. Talos II would quickly be traveling to the other world.

For a moment silence reigned in the meeting room.

“…Desiree?” (Yatano)

“…what are you looking at $%#*?” (Desiree)

What was he saying? Yatano blinked her eyes.

Though in a moment it seems like she realized something.

She put a hand on her cheek and smiled.

“Oh my. Could it be that you think of me as a comrade?” (yatano)

“I have never thought of this %$^#^ as a friend.” (Desiree)

“But it seems like when you heard my words, you thought of me and acted, right?” (Yatano)

“This #@#$& hag.” (Desiree)

*Huhu* Yatano smiled a little before looking at the broken crystal.

[Is everything fine now? Yatano, Desiree] (First Seat)

“How would I know?” (Desiree)

“I am…eh, well it’s fine like this isn’t it?” (Yatano)

Although she had intended to take revenge.

She had certainly felt like this would have been the best time to kill that person. (確かに、あまり気分の良くない殺しをするところではあった)

“Though in a moment I’ll wish I had been the one to erase him.” (Yatano)

[Your feelings have been acknowledged. Now] (First Seat)

The crystal in the first seat flickered, allowing the reverberating voice to refocus the gathering.

[The things seen and heard here will not leave this room. From now on, the magic librarians will have sovereignty. Agreed?] (First Seat)

To the words of their leader, the rest of the members in the conference room could only nod.

There were only two murmurs of discontent; each person rebels in their own way.

Suddenly, Yatano remembered.

“By the way, are you going to hunt Shuten and kill him like the Marshall?” (Yatano)

“I will definitely kill him.” (Desiree)

“So Desiree has agreed to take on this assignment. Hehe, with this it’s become interesting hasn’t it?” (Yatano)

The era was changing.

The changes that visited the Imperial Academy has made it easier for the magic librarians to move.

Even Shuten would not know how this would affect the world. (それがどうこの世界に影響を及ぼすのかは、シュテンさえ知る由もない)

(Shuten POV)

The sound of waves hit the shore in a rhythmic pattern, the striking call of seagulls assaulting my eardrums. As the ocean breeze caressed my cheeks, my nostrils caught the smell of seafoam. It was a world of blue for all of my senses.

“Ah~…I’ve arrived…”

“Why are you groaning like that?”

“I’m not groaning.”

Over the past seven days we traveled west from Mermila to the port of Gelberic on the western end of the Empire. It was the only place that interacted with other countries, and within the town itself military buildings and Imperial Academy staff were scattered.

Rather than a fisherman’s town, the port of Gelberic functioned more like a fortified city. In case of emergency, they had ships to attack large monsters in the sea, and so the number of staff from the Imperial Academy was high.

“Well…obviously I can’t just enter normally.” (Shuten)

“You want to? I mean you could practice to somehow hide your presence.” (Hiragi)

“Even though you say that so easily, you don’t understand how tough it is. It’s not that noticeable.” (Shuten)

This conversation was held while hiding in the trees next to the road that led to town.

No but, in the end do you know what I mean by Spiritual Energy? (TL: or 覇気 which is “haki” and literally translates to ambition or will-power, but can also refer to spiritual energy. What should I call it guys? In previous chapters I’ve generally ended up with “presence” or “power” due to context, like right above)

Because I can’t control it, I can’t carelessly enter the city. Even though it’s like a mountain, I want to do something about it. However, the only method I know about is Yatano-chan’s and I am not in a position to get in touch with her.

Well, that’s why we are stuck on the side of the road like this.

“So, is the thing you are looking for here?” (Hiragi)

“No, I need to cross the ocean from here.” (Shuten)

“Is there a ship going to the Professor Country from the Empire today?” (Hiragi)

“Hmm” (Shuten)

Although it was something I wanted to see from the game…it probably exists in this world as well, it is seen from a distance when the protagonist Crane approaches this place. The ferryboat.

In any case, we will not be able to board using decent means.

*Whoosh!* It’s time to stowaway!

“Even though I could swim to the Professor country, you probably couldn’t?” (Shuten)

“In a kimono!?” (Hiragi)

“Well yeah, I swam from Jappon to the Principality. No, but I was tired until almost exhaustion last time. (いや疲労よりも飽きが先にくるんだよね) I guess I could try a breaststroke.” (Shuten)

“I don’t know what kind of swimming a breaststroke is, but this time it’s three times longer than from Jappon to the Principality, so wouldn’t you get tired and drown?” (Hiragi) (TL: currently, the countries from right to left are the island Jappon, ocean, then the Principality, and then the Empire)

“Obviously I’m not stupid enough to throw away my life!” (Shuten)

What is this useless tail saying?

“And that’s why we need to find a ship going to the Professor Country and stowaway on it. I hope we can find the ship.” (Shuten)

“But it’s a lot more difficult to stowaway with another person. Wouldn’t it be faster to seize it?” (Hiragi)

“You really are a natural delinquent, aren’t you?” (Shuten)

“What, that’s not an accurate judgment.” (Hiragi)

Well, I guess that’s true.

It’s not that easy to steal something like that. Hiragi puffed out her cheeks, but is this girl even thinking about what would happen if we failed to seize the ship?

“Specifically, how would you seize a ship?” (Shuten)

“Well, if you use burning charcoal effectively, and take a passenger hostage, then beat up the captain with the large axe it could be done pretty easily.” (Hiragi)

“I see.” (Shuten)

Getting charcoal while there is probably plenty of security (perhaps even a magic librarian from the Imperial Academy), taking a passenger hostage (with the obvious dangers of being misunderstood because of the kimono), and attacking the captain (an important person connected to the Professor Country and the Empire) with a large axe?

Thinking of such risky plans, there must be a limit.

“Somehow you seem to be giving me an annoying look right now.” (Hiragi)

“Having such risky thoughts, this tails-thing is really something.” (Shuten)

“Who is a tails-thing! This funny guy I’ve met recently is too brutal! Even though I’m a nine-tails I’ve been considerably weakened you know!? Why do I have to be treated like some kind of small fry!?” (Hiragi)

“A toast to Hiragi-chan, who seems to think trying to attract the attention of the country makes her less of a funny guy!” (Shuten)

“Ughh…T-that may be so, but…there is one thing I don’t understand…” (Hiragi)

‘I’mma nine-tails ya know…I’m strong ya know…’ The spoiled-tails standing next to me grumbled  while spitting curses under her breath.

At least it’s been a week since I went on a rampage and destroyed the Imperial Academy headquarters. If we were found like normal then they would be informed immediately, and there is unfortunately a high chance that a magic librarian will come out. There might even be multiple.

“The possibility they know we have gone to Gelberic itself is highly likely, which means an appearance of that high-ranking baldy. But if we manage to stowaway successfully then we can move more freely.” (Shuten)

“You may be hoping for too much after destroyeing their headquarters.” (Hiragi)

“Even so, I still want to stowaway successfully.” (Shuten)

Hmm.

“How about you pretend you are cosplaying as a demon, and that you are a human who collects those mass of tails as a hobby.” (Shuten)

“You are an incredible idiot!!…the quality of them will be recognized as holding magic (それに魔力の質でバレるわよ). That is the cutting-edge magic of the Empire.” (Hiragi)

“That is a problem.” (Shuten)

What’s the problem?

There is a way to jump on the ship as it pulls out, but as soon as we dropped down the control tower would know and a message would be sent to the Imperial Academy. At that time it will be checkmate if a girl with a lovely smile comes to take on the assignment.

I also thought about the possibility of a smaller Professor Country vessel being willing to carry us, but all of them are anchored in the Empire. So if it is known to the Empire that a demon was allowed to board their ship, in a matter of time it could develop into an international problem.

Because it is no different from bringing a demon into the Empire that practices demon exclusion.

If it’s the Empire, I guarantee you that they will jump at the opportunity to use it as justification for themselves. (TL: in other words, the Empire using an illegal demon smuggling as an excuse to possibly invade the offender)

“I mean, did you really come to the harbor without thinking about it?” (Hiragi)

“I thought I could come up with a good idea while we were walking, but I was wrong.” (Shuten)

“That’s some really optimistic thinking.” (Hiragi)

Hiragi is dangerous, but I mustn’t forget that her ideas are terrible. Anyway, how can I continue without losing my head…Hm?

“Hey Hiragi” (Shuten)

“What…?” (Hiragi)

You can peek through the trees into Gelberic harbor. Seeing people carrying cargo, I came up with an idea. No, I should say that I found a convenience entrance from the cargo being carried by people.

Turning her gaze towards the harbor, Hiragi also seemed to see what I had found. Then, turning back to me she had an expression of disbelief as if saying ‘no way.’

“You, that’s impossible.” (Hiragi)

“It may be impossible for ordinary people…However, we are demons. Even if you don’t have a compass, it’ll be fine.” (Shuten)

Two men who seemed like fishermen were carrying a wooden crate onto the ship I pointed at.

“Wouldn’t it make for a fun date?” (Shuten)

“A date…I’m think this would span many days though.” (Hiragi)

“It should take about five days on a ferry…well we will probably arrive within four days.” (Shuten)

“Why is it faster than the ferry…?” (Hiragi)

That’s right.

Because we are demons.