CH 17

Merrick II [Romance]

{Shuten POV}

Rudius · Fossalena · Grand Galea.

The Crown Prince of the Kingdom, and their strongest knight…yeah, it was written in the game manual like that as his introduction for Grimoire Lancer II.

…However, even though he is one of the heroes of this world he is still growing with a low level and has not yet reached the realm of the strongest. He was one of the weakest comrades in the beginning of the RPG when he first joined the group.

Putting all this aside, that Prince Rudius was standing in front of me. In this late-night hour, he was alone from his companions.

A cool breeze brushed past our faces as we stood on the roof.

“…How is your recovery going?” (Shuten)

“Oh, fine, thanks to your help.” (Rudius)

As I asked after him, Rudius’ eyes widened in surprise and he nodded. Was he thinking that a demon like me wouldn’t say that kind of thing? Or was it for some other reason? Hm.

“Should I leave you two alone?” (Hiragi)

“…Sorry. I would be grateful if you could do that.” (Shuten)

“…Then, Shuten, I will be going down in a bit. Let me know if you need anything.” (Hiragi)

“Yeah, Yeah~” (Shuten)

There should be no problem as long as she stays in the neighborhood. After raising my hand in goodbye to her, Hiragi turned to leap off the roof.

“Shuten.”

“Hmm?”

“Thank you”

“Mhm.”

Thinking about how she quickly disappeared after saying such a thing, you could say that she flew away.

I do not remember doing anything that would cause her to thank me so seriously, but it’s fine. I suppose I am a bit pleased that we are getting along better now.

I look forward to levelling alongside her next time.

For now, Rudius seems that he has something he wanted to tell me.

“Oh well, have a seat. There was was something you wanted to talk to me one-on-one about right? It would be lonely sitting by myself.” (Shuten)

“…Yes, sorry…ah, please excuse me” (Rudius)

I moved to the top of the roof, where the main beam was, and sat on the opposite slope from Rudius.

“Well, even without bringing alcohol, there’s a nice breeze right now.” (Shuten)

“Should I have brought some?” (Rudius)

“Oh no, that’s not the case. In this kind of situation I just thought it would be stylish to be sipping Sake while talking, but I wouldn’t want to bother you since you are a little young to be drinking. So you don’t need to be so stiff?” (Shuten)

“…I see, stylish is it?” (Rudius)

Rudius once again looked out over our surroundings, where no building was tall enough to block the view. In this city crowded with little houses, starlight is the only reliable light source. The beauty of the starry sky that I look up at every day is certainly not bad. It is a normal scenery in this world, but that doesn’t make it any less beautiful. Recognizing beautiful things whenever you see them is not a sensibility that should be thrown away.

“…Shuten, was it?”

“Hmm?”

Rudius’ words faded out as he hesitated.

Perhaps he was trying to chose his words, or maybe he didn’t know what kind of topic to start with in the first place. I don’t know, but he can’t just stay silent in front of me like this. I cannot read minds. Unlike that tomboy goddess.

“I was truly saved by you. I know that as a prince I shouldn’t lower my head so easily, but…I want to thank you as just Rudius…Thank you very much.” (Rudius)

“Oh no…No, in the end it was mostly Yatano-chan’s doing.” (Shuten)

“But still, if you hadn’t come, then we would have died…but because you were there we were saved.” (Rudius)

“I see” (Shuten)

His tone is not one of an embarrassed Prince. Rather, through his eyes and attitude I can see that there is no despair in him but complete sincere gratitude. This kind of atmosphere makes me feel like he is not a loft noble-born, but just a normal guy.

I think it is good to convey your feelings like this…although politicians use polite language it is clearly not them expressing sincerity. I saw it in the game while playing the protagonist, but…it is great how not just the hero is cool but so are his friends.

“…I would like to thank you for being more helpful than me. Although I currently have nothing to give you since I am in the middle of a journey, but when I return to the Kingdom I promise to do something for you as thanks.” (Rudius)

“Are you serious? Well only one…” (Shuten)

“If you have something, then I will do whatever is within my power to do. But before that, will you answer some of my questions?” (Rudius)

“Hmm?” (Shuten)

I thought this was the kind of flow where I would be able to ask 1 unreasonable favor, but my joking was brushed off so easily. Even though I am a demon, why is he treating me more like a friend?

“……Do you think we can win against the Demon King?” (Rudius)

“You can’t do it right now, though?” (Shuten)

“…Sorry, I phrased that badly. Do you think if we work hard we would become strong enough to defeat the Demon King?” (Rudius)

“Ohh, so that’s it.” (Shuten)

Yes, I was completely playing dumb.

It seems I been affected by staying in Anti-Demon territory for so long, and finding it was easier to act more submissively.[1] You could even say, subservient. The submissive idiot Shuten. Woww!

…Well, that’s just how things turned out.

Rudius’ eyes were trembling.

I know what he means. In other words, the problem is that the Heavenly Demon Lord that they encountered recently was too strong for Crane and the kids. That’s why their worry is so obvious, because more than just their level being not high enough, they couldn’t compare to Braument boosted by the pearl piece.

The original Braument of “Reason” was supposed to fight them in the plains beside the Holy Capitol, the City of Eden. It was supposed to be a scenario where he then disappeared leaving clues about Reckless the Demon Lord of “Balance,” but Braument had not only suddenly appeared on the Wagonless Road but also had an abnormal strength.

In addition, there was my existence and the appearance of Veloche. I was originally a mid boss that appears a bit later, and she is a strong character that should not appear until the very end. To top it all of they encountered Yatano who does not appear at all in the second game, and had collaborated with Desiree earlier.

For these young heroes who had not even changed their classes, opponents with a vastly different grade from them have appeared like a boss rush. Even I would have been unable to take it and would have lost my confidence.

“….Crane is a terrible guy…He always looks forward and believes that he will definitely win, he always aims for the top while undergoing trial and error….I-I am not as bold as him.” (Rudius)

“How surprising, I thought you were more confident than him.” (Shuten)

Rather than thought, it was the case.

“I cannot have confidence when I don’t consider myself as having enough ability. I have met so many people so much stronger than myself on this journey. You are no exception…No, you were the biggest turning point.” (Rudius)

“I’m sorry, but I haven’t really done much with you besides when we met in the Alfan Ranges?” (Shuten)

“Well, around that time there was an extreme case when we were in the Empire. I saw you fighting with the Magic Librarians face to face and I could no longer be confident in myself.” (Rudius)

“……” (Shuten)

“It was not a bad thing, knowing how big the world is and realizing my own desire for strength, but…the unknown of the situation makes me uneasy.” Rudius said so while clenching his fists and staring at them.

I never knew they were undergoing such troubles, but why consult me of all people?…Somehow this seems an important detail.

In the RPG, a scene like this would probably be considered a cutscene. Or maybe this is something where the player is unable to intervene and would be a side-story? Either way, I guess that it has already affected them quite deeply. I can no longer say I am unrelated to them…I don’t think anyone would believe that.

“…So, is this a consultation? Or complaints?” (Shuten)

“Consultation. Will we…ever be strong enough to fight against the Demon King’s Army…” (Rudius)

“You will.” (Shuten)

“Wha…!” (Rudius)

He responded immediately with surprise. Then he looked at me with a slightly suspicious expression.

“That, what is the basis of that?” (Rudius)

“I cannot say the finer details, but only Crane can defeat the Demon King. You are unable to give the finishing piercing blow, but…your upper level limit is still far ahead…You can become even stronger…….The story is still in its early stage.” (Shuten)

“….The story is still in its early stage…?” (Rudius)

“Well, originally you were not even supposed to hit a enormous obstacle such as Veloce right now. There should still have been a grace-period where you would have the time to become stronger. Oh yeah…if you have some extra time, go to the Giant Wall dungeon in the east of the Principality. If you hunt a monster called Tebenne[2], you can get surprisingly strong quickly.” (Shuten)

“….Giant Wall….Tebenne….” (Rudius)

It is a common hunting ground for grinding experience. The Tebenne monster drops double the experience compared to fighting ordinary monsters and demons. As such, there are few reasons not to go.

“…Thank you. I will head to the principality once Justa’s matter is resolved.” (Rudius)

“Oh, that’s right.” (Shuten)

“What?” (Rudius) Rudius tilted his head with a calm expression.

Scratching my head, there is something that is a little hard to say due to some of my complicated emotions on the subject. However, I can’t not say anything about this, though Rudius does not seem to realize that I am dealing with these kind of emotions.

“You had better go to the Holy Capitol City Eden quickly. Crane’s hometown is in serious danger.” (Shuten)

“What!!” (Rudius)

Although Rudius gasped in disbelief, this is a fact.

In the game, thanks to chasing Justa, they were in time for the invasion of the Demon King’s Army to the Holy Capital City Eden, where they would then fight Braument. I had not read much of the paper for the Demon King’s Army when I had come across the playful article “Invasion Festival of the Holy Capital City Eden,” but if “Imperator” decides to participate I might have to join in. At this time I do not know what Veloce will do.

“…that’s right, you were…” (Rudius)

“Hmm?” (Shuten)

“No, it’s nothing, I understand, I will keep that in mind…You certainly brought me some clarity. It was a good idea to talk to you.” Rudius will chuckled with a relieved expression.

“Alright, anything else?” (Shuten)

Sitting straight up again, he opened his mouth to reply.

“Well then, speaking of earlier, let’s be sure to reward you when you come to the kingdom. What do you want?”

“Oh, I know. Just show me around the royal city for free.” (Shuten)

“…What are you…?” (Rudius)

“Don’t worry, I don’t need to stay in the King’s castle. I just want to go sightseeing.” (Shuten)

I have to see the Kingdom! It is part of my sacred pilgrimage! I cannot say that out loud though.

“……” (Rudius)

“Rudy?” (Shuten)

“Well…Hahaha! Sightseeing is a good idea! This second Prince Rudius Fossalena Grand Galea will show you around! Really…Shuten, you are a really funny guy.” (Rudius)

Would it have been better to have said I wanted half of the world? Rudius laughed cheerfully in amusement. I laughed with him, though you could say mine was a little dry. No, could I just say this is a special event that occurs in the Kingdom regarding the royal prince, Rudius? I want to see it.

“Hahaha…ha.” (Rudius)

It seemed he was satisfied after laughing, as Rudius turned towards me with a small smile. However, his expression soon became serious and wary, and he seemed to be more reserved. His next words removed any kind of intimidation though.

“It’s a deal. I promise I will take you sightseeing….We’ll say that covers the reward, but will you let me ask one more question?”

“Hmmn?” (Shuten)

“You are a demon. You are also a high ranking demon, an Oni. Yet, you did not join the Demon King’s Army and instead helped us. I would like to ask you a further question…..Are you our ally?” (Rudius)

The question has come. That is, ‘Can I believe in you?’

I’ve talked about it before, but it seems kind of wrong to me that a random side character is gaining credit with the main characters. The story has no doubt gone astray. Just because one person from another world had come, how had the world changed so much? Sigh.

The question of whether I am an ally of theirs makes it seem as if the words that I would speak next are the only ones that would have any meaning and considered true.

Then, with my own sense of responsibility, I must decide how I am going to live from now on. Certainly, I don’t know what will happen from here. But there is something I want to say. And I am confident that it is the answer to what Rudius is asking.

Looking at Rudius, he seemed to be waiting seriously. Oh yeah, I cannot give him an ambiguous answer here. Since that’s the case:

“Until the day Crane Fafnir defeats the Demon King, I will not be your enemy no matter what I become.” (Shuten)

Laughing a bit with a grin while I said that, Rudius seemed slightly shocked. He then then began to laugh showing his teeth. Such a laugh suits this cool guy.

“That….Oh, I’m relieved. I believe you.” (Rudius)

“Please do.” (Shuten)

“…Everything that was burdening me feels like it has melted and disappeared after talking to you. It’s a refreshing feeling.” (Rudius)

Even if you ask, I do not know how many times I saw today Rudius’ gentle relaxed expression.

“The night is running in to dawn now…Isn’t this a lovely scenery?” (Shuten)

A morning glow that shows all the problems with one piece and growing greatly on the roof.

For a while Rudius stared at the sunrise. He then slowly turned his gaze towards me.

“When we next meet, let’s talk about a variety of other things. I wonder if you would become a knowledgeable King’s retainer after this is all over?” (Rudius)

“Impossible, that is impossible for me. I, yeah, I am pursuing my Romance. That is, traveling the regal roads, finding elegant tastes or cooking along the roadside, that is my romance. That is my origin, and my goal.” (Shuten) [3]

“Is that so …… Romance?” Rudius laughed happily.

The two people watched and enjoyed the morning sun idly.

Translator Notes

どうも魔族アンチの環境に居すぎたせいでいささか卑屈になっていたようです。ええ、卑屈ですよ。Tebenne (テベンネ) or possibly Tevenay/Deben’nae. Looking up the japanese writing I get a pokemon? I don’t have any idea what this monster is even supposed to be or look like, so I guess we’ll see laterSo, in other words, his ‘Romance’ is to travel the world for the lovely scenery and of course, the food. Haha. Also, I almost feel like “Tourist” would really be a good title for Shuten.