chapter 1

Part 1

I was responsible for creating this situation, but what should I do?

This was a small, new café outside Axel City.

And now.

Chris was before me with a smile frozen on her face… No.

“What are you doing here, Lady Eris?”

The Goddess Eris was before me with her identity exposed.

—The second day after I gallantly saved Darkness from being forcefully married out of a sense of responsibility, Alderp, the lord of Axel, suddenly vanished.

At the same time, many hidden evidences of corruption were discovered. Alderp’s evil deeds were exposed.

In the end, Alderp’s assets were confiscated and transferred to the next governing lord of this city.

The next lord of Axel was Darkness’ father.

At the same time, the debt that I paid on behalf of Darkness and the other funds… For example, the repair fees for the city district that was damaged during the defense against Beldia and the repair fees for the lord’s mansion that was destroyed during the threat of the mobile fortress Destroyer. All these money were returned as a special exception.

Alderp’s son Walther, who once had a marriage interview with Darkness, was spared from taking responsibility since he was unrelated to his father’s crimes. He would be helping Darkness’ father from now on.

Currently, Darkness was taking on the temporary role of lord on behalf of her father who had not recovered yet. But perhaps she was dissatisfied with the new nickname I gave her, that willful lady shut herself in the house and refused to come out.

I was here to report the situation to Chris who just returned to Axel City, but…

“—I’m not Lady Eris. I’m Lady Chris, okay?”

I thought that Chris and Eris might be the same person, so I casually put it to the test. Chris continued to have that frozen smile on her face as she said such ridiculous things.

I said to Chris— no, Eris in her current state.

“No, no, no. I have been noticing this since some time ago. Lady Eris, in your current state, you would only use honorifics with addressing your senior Aqua, right? You always call Darkness and Megumin directly by name.”

“…… Because I’m a faithful and chivalrous thief who donate the stolen money to the church. I cannot call the arch priest Lady Aqua by name.”

Eris’ eyes wandered. She scratched the scar on her cheek as she explained it away with a lame excuse.

“When Lady Eris was troubled, she would habitually scratch her cheek too.”

Hearing this, her finger that was scratching the scar stopped.

“Let me ask again— What are you doing here?”

I asked Eris again as she became silent.

“… Haha, well done, Mr. Kazuma. No, I should say, well done, Mr. Assistant.”

After standing up suddenly, Eris was like a criminal who was exposed by a detective. She gave up and started a monologue.

“You’re right. It’s as you thought. Sometimes adventurer, sometimes chivalrous thief, and sometimes Darkness’ friend… But my real identity is…!”

“You’re unexpectedly enthusiastic, Lady Eris.”

“… Mr. Kazuma, you’re unexpectedly calm… Since my cover was exposed, it can’t be helped. I will explain everything here—“

Eris said and sat back down. She changed her usual manner and said with a serious expression.

Her serious expression made it difficult to think of the big boss I am so familiar with. The current her was Eris, the most respected goddess in this world.

Facing her like this, I…

“But I really didn’t think that boss would actually be Lady Eris. After all, your personalities and mannerisms are different. Oh, let me apologize. I’m really sorry that I stole Lady Eris’ panties when we first met.”

“… …”

I didn’t care about the serious mood and apologized for my misdeed during our first encounter.

Eris made a troubled expression as if she wanted to say something, but stopped herself from doing so.

“Now that I think of it, there were other hints too. When we went to clear the Keele’s dungeon and when boss taught me the thief skills, you said such things before. Something like ‘Because a senior who once took care of me was making unreasonable demands, I became really busy.’”

Now that I thought of it, the reason for her suddenly becoming busy was clear.

“You were busy dealing with the aftermath because Aqua forcefully revive me after I was killed by the Winter Shogun, right? … Ah, I must apologize for that too. I’m very sorry for randomly groping you when I caught you infiltrating into the mansion.”

“Stop! Whatever is fine! Or rather, stop reminding me of them!”

Eris blushed and knocked on the table repeatedly to interrupt me.

Then, she sighed softly, observed the surrounding, and whispered to me.

“In this situation, don’t call me Lady Eris, Mr. Kazuma… no, Mr. Assistant. Watch your mannerisms too. Instead of a reverent tone, you should speak to me in your casual tone as before. Please treat me as Chris.”

“… Chris. If you say so, I don’t mind. Then, let me ask some questions. Why are you in the mortal world? Why is a goddess stealing? Also, which of your mannerism and personality is the real you?”

“Wa-Wait. I can’t answer if you ask so many questions at once!”

Chris looked around again, coughed, and said seriously.

“Seriously… One of the reasons I’m in the mortal world is to find divine relics.”

Divine relics.

Those were powerful cheat items given to people who were sent to this world.

To recover the divine relics which lost their masters and then give them to the people who would come to this world.

This probably was the main reason she was in the mortal world.

“I see. That’s why you took the thief job since it would be more convenient to recover the divine relics. Unlike a certain goddess who only eats and sleeps, you are really serious and responsible… You said this was one of the reasons. What are the other reasons?”

Hearing my question, Eris’ serious expression softened slightly.

“Also, it was to be a friend to a certain noble lady who wished to have companions…”

She said and smiled shyly, scratching the scar on her cheek.

Darkness’ father mentioned this before.

Before she became an adventurer, Darkness used to visit Eris Church daily to pray that she could find adventuring companions.

Then, one day on the way back from church, she met Chris.

“… What can I say? I feel that Lady Eris is really a goddess.”

“I told you not to call me Lady Eris! … No, but I actually enjoyed adventuring with Darkness. My real identity is a secret between just the two of us, okay? Especially Darkness. Don’t ever let her know, okay?”

Chris said as she shyly look away and scratched her cheek.

Perhaps because Eris was inside that body, every movement made by her seemed very cute.

This must be the enhancement of a goddess.

But to guide the dead, find divine relics, and even befriend her own worshipper… She really loved working.

I wished the other goddess, who was still eating snacks when I died, could learn from her example.

“Then, for my last question, which mannerism and personality is real?”

Eris made a naughty expression as if she was about to pull a prank.

“Between Chris and Eris, which one do you like?”

“I like both.”

“Uh… Oh… Is it? I wasn’t expecting you to respond without hesitation. I thought you would be… How should I say this? … the kind of person who hesitates at saying this confession-like words.”

Chris’ eyes wandered uneasily as she suspiciously opened and closed the salt bottle on the table.

“No. I wasn’t confessing. It’s just stating my plain preference… The tomboyish boss and the soothing Lady Eris. I felt neither should be given up… Ah! If Chris and Eris could be swapped back and forth daily, it would be like dating two people at the same time! That’s Lady Eris for you. You’re so awesome to be able to make a solo harem. Please go out with me…”

“You are the worst!! You really are a scum! Also, I told you not to call me Lady Eris!”

I caught the salt bottle Chris threw at me and felt relaxed at our conversation.

For some reasons, once I knew she was Eris, I could easily say that I liked her and asked her to go out with me.

Was it because she was an untouchable existence, the goddess Eris whom I admired?

Or was it because she was my friend Chris who did stupid things with me, like forming a thieving band?

I didn’t know what was the reason, but such subtle connection gave a soothing feeling.

“Sigh… Really. A climatic scene like revealing my secret identity was ruined…”

“I have nothing else but bad premonitions— Are you going to make me find divine relics for you?”

Facing the cautious me, Chris grinned widely.

“You caught on quickly, Mr. Assistant! The divine relic this time is the Sacred Armor Aigis. It was a set with the Sacred Shield Aegis, but we just need to find the armor this time…”

“I’m not listening. I’m not listening! I don’t want to head down such dangerous roads anymore! Recently, my relationship with Megumin is pretty good. Darkness seemed to be somewhat interested in me too! And after receiving the large amount of money, there was no need to work. I want to spend my decadent life with everyone affectionately!!”

“You just asked me to go out with you! What are you saying now!? I can entrust only you with this job! Ah, hey, don’t cover your ears. Aren’t you going to obey your big boss’ orders!?”

Chris shouted and shook me as I covered my ears and lay my head on the table.

Several customers and staff took notice of our disturbance.

Maybe she realized their gaze, Chris finally quieted down.

I thought she had given up, but she slowly lifted her head…

“Mr. Satou Kazuma. Please… For the sake of this world, can you please help me…?”

The goddess Eris took a beseeching pose before me… No, before me was Chris who wore the expression of the melancholic Eris.

……That’s unfair, Lady Eris.

TL Note: Insert Image –http://i.imgur.com/AdMRbuN.jpg

Part 2

—After the above incident, I accepted Chris’ request. Some time after that. In the living room of my mansion.

“Everyone. Humans art a species capable of conversation. Let us talk this through.”

With both hands bound by powerful magic ropes, Vanir said as he kneeled in the living room.

Aqua and Wiz separately squatted on either side of him. They frowned and stared at Vanir so closely that they would touch his face in a few more millimeters.

Darkness finally came forth from her home. She was now standing before Vanir, frowning and crossing her arms.

Darkness had returned safely after being coerced into marriage by Alderp. The lost funds were also returned.

For me, this was a happy ending, but…

“You are the one who profited most from that disturbance, right? It’s so good to be able to buy the rights to various products from Kazuma so cheaply… I heard about it. You resold Kazuma’s product rights at high price and earned a huge profit. You are so clever, so there must be other solutions besides such indirect ones? Tell us the truth, okay?”

Aqua said as she carefully hugged the egg named Emperor Zell.

“Mr. Vanir. What have you been doing behind my back? You resold the product rights you got cheaply from Mr. Kazuma? Unbelievable…! Ah, what should I do!? To think those money in the vault came from blackmailing Mr. Kazuma…! I want to return it, but the money has already…!”

Wiz covered her face and apologized guiltily.

Looking at her as she said, “My house’s Vanir has troubled you. I’m sorry, so sorry.”… I started to feel sorry for her instead.

“Calm down, gangster girl and destitute shop owner. Although there art other ways to… solve this… problem…? … Wait. Thou disaster of a shop owner, what didst thou just say? What happened to the money moi left in the vault? That isn’t an amount that could be spent so easily.”

Vanir, who was trying to placate Aqua and Wiz, stopped.

Wiz, who was covering her face with her hands, lifted her head. Her expression brightened up.

“About that— praise me, Mr Vanir. Actually, while I was tending the shop, a regular patron of mine brought a lot of manatites. He said he would sell them to me at half price, so I used all the money in the vault to buy them! I really bought some good stuff this time! Based on my evaluation, those were definitely high grade manatites!”

Manatites were one-use items that could provide magic power for magic which were affiliated with the crystals.

They were expensive and could only be used once.

Therefore, in this city where most adventurers were rookies, there was no demand for such high grade manatites.

I felt pity for Vanir who was hearing this.

I casually asked Vanir.

“Forget it. I didn’t think you would do that much. But I will ask you this. According to Aqua, Darkness’ father was under a devil’s curse… And you are the only devil in this city.”

That was right. This was the reason Vanir was considered the prime suspect, but…

“Hahahaha. Moi would never use a curse that could kill the victim! The one who placed the curse was a arch devil with strange mannerism and a screw loose in the head.”

“Isn’t that you?”

Aqua and Wiz heard that and tightly grabbed Vanir’s shoulders. Darkness, whose father was cursed this time, took a step forward.

“Wait. Dost thou think that a gentleman like moi would be a broken devil with strange mannerism? Come on, let’s be reasonable! Moi admit that moi did a lot of circuitous matters this time. Moi admit that things developed so moi could taste the negative emotions of the lord after his bride was snatched away. But moi wished thou would listen to moi explanation. Especially thou, who has been staring at moi since earlier, who developed strong feelings for that guy over there after this incident, who changed all the clothes thou wear in the house to thin, flimsy material…”

“Ahhh! For killing my father!!”

“Hey, don’t break my mask! Don’t intentionally break my mask! And your father is not dead!”

Darkness suddenly shouted and rushed at Vanir, who was pinned by Aqua and Wiz. She attempted to break his mask.

Megumin pulled on my sleeve as I watched the scene.

“Kazuma. It seemed Vanir is confirmed to be the mastermind behind the incident. I think I can go outside the city for my daily explosion now. Kazuma, if you don’t mind, can you come with me?”

“Fine. This doesn’t seem like it would end soon anyway, so I will go with you. When we return, they should have calmed down by then.”

After saying that, I casually geared up and left with Megumin.

Part 3

“—By the way, I haven’t thanked you yet.”

A short while after leaving the city. On the way towards the hillside where there were a lot of boulders.

Megumin, who was walking beside me, suddenly said.

“Thanks? What for? … Ah, is it for apologizing to the parents after you made their kid cry? That was in the past. But from now on, don’t bully a kid just because he calls you names, okay?”

“N-Not that pathetic matter! And I wasn’t in the wrong then. It was that kid’s fault for looking down on Crimson Magic Clan!”

As Megumin became agitated, we arrived at the site for explosions.

Recently, we came here every day, since Megumin seemed to like it here.

I didn’t want to know what exactly she liked about this place, but there were a lot of boulders around.

Anyway, instead of using Explosion magic in a random location, she probably wanted to satisfy her destructive impulse by smashing those boulders.

I originally intended to earn some experience points by killing monsters along the way, but the monsters didn’t appear at this time.

“I want to thank you for saving Darkness.”

Megumin casually found a large boulder by the hillside. She knocked on the boulder to check its state as she said that without turning her head.

It seemed she found today’s target.

“That incident huh? Darkness owed me too much. I won’t let her leave the party so easily. Besides, it wasn’t the first time I wiped your asses. There’s no need for thanks at this point.”

I shrugged casually and said to Megumin, who was distancing herself from the boulder.

Megumin smiled and answered happily.

“Even so, it is still necessary. I said this before back in the Home of the Crimson Magic…”

She turned her back on me and raised her staff—

“You complain a lot, but in the end, you will still help everyone. I truly like you the way you are.”

And casually said such words…

“… Hey, I’m serious. Don’t say such things so casually. I don’t know whether to take it seriously or not. I remembered you said this before, but don’t say you like me so casually. I will take it the wrong way. What does it mean? Should I take it as a serious confession?”

To prevent her from noticing the stirring in my heart, I pretended to be calm about it.

“Who knows about that sort of thing? You can interpret it whichever way you like.”

Megumin kept her back turned and said, laughing.

… This girl was being serious?

Or was she fooling me?

No, wait. Think about it, Satou Kazuma.

Since the beginning, Megumin would always seem restless around me and had an aura of good feelings.

I didn’t know why she would affirm her good feelings towards me now, but the only reason I could think of was the incident where I saved Darkness.

It was a bit embarrassing to say it myself, but at that time, I was probably really cool.

Yes. I was like the protagonist of a romance novel.

That night after saving Darkness, I was shivering beneath my blanket, worrying over if I would be executed for that exaggerated event. However, when I thought about it now, I was practically the hero back then.

… Besides, we were living in the same house for quite long now.

It wouldn’t be surprising if someone developed affections towards me. Or rather, it was strange that I still did not have a harem after living among the girls for so long.

Say it. Say it, Satou Kazuma. The success rate is high. Don’t be afraid!

There wouldn’t be rejection or being kept at a distance! … Probably not…!

Re-Really not?

Okay, I was ready. No problem. Be courageous!

From today on, I would be a normie!!

“About that… Megumin, I’m very happy about your feelings. Actually, I’m also…”

“Explosion—!!”

Part 4

“What happened to you? What are you being annoyed about?”

Since I started carrying her on my back, Megumin was grumbling non-stop like a dense protagonist.

I didn’t actually think much of Megumin, so even if I was interrupted, it was fine.

Right. Her looks were not bad, but she was a weirdo who only knew explosions and more explosions.

I was nearly taken along by the mood, but I wouldn’t be tricked so easily.

“Kazuma. When I was casting Explosion magic, did you say something? I didn’t hear anything because of the explosive noise, but I felt you were saying something important.”

“Nothing! I feel nothing about Megumin!”

“What are you being annoyed about? You are even being coy. You should keep such bad tempers in check. When we get back home, I will give you one extra pudding that I bought last time.”

“… I’ll forgive you if you give me two more.”

I said to Megumin as I placed my hand on the main door.

Then the door was opened.

“I can’t give you two more. Including Aqua’s and Darkness’ share, there was only one extra. If you get two more, someone will have nothing to eat…”

Megumin stopped talking midway.

… Of course, I was stunned too.

Back in the house, before us was…

“Give it back! Quickly give it back! Give my cute Emperor Zell back to me!! Wah! Give it back!”

“Hahahahaha! You deserved it, you cuckolded goddess. Your precious pet… Haha… Damn it, hey! Go away, bird. Go back to your owner!”

Before us, Aqua was wailing and pounding on Vanir’s back.

… Wiz and Darkness were on the carpet with their eyes rolled up.

Wrong. Wiz was so translucent that she was about to vanish.

And the most important thing was probably the cause of Aqua’s wailing.

At the feet of Vanir, who was being pounded by Aqua…

“Chirp.”

That was definitely a chick.

That chick was pestering Vanir’s feet.

“—So what is going on here?”

I put Megumin down on the sofa and made Aqua and Vanir sit up straight before me to explain matters.

I didn’t know the details yet, but for Wiz to be near the vanishing point and for Darkness to roll back her eyes, these two people must have done something.

Darkness wouldn’t be hurt by Aqua’s attacks. Vanir’s attacks wouldn’t cause Wiz to vanish.

The two people who were kneeling on the carpet pointed at each other.

“It was this person…” x2

The two people who said exactly the same thing glared at each other at a very close distance.

Aqua frowned and clenched her teeth in rage.

It was difficult to see Vanir’s expression because of his mask, but his mouth was twitching.

There was a yellow fur ball on Vanir’s legs.

… The situation was so messed up. What should I do?

At a loss, I decided to listen to them one by one.

“Listen to me! Listen to me, Kazuma! When we were interrogating this weird masked guy, he suddenly attacked us! He even shouted Vanir-style whatever! I deflected it with magic, but it hit Darkness and she collapsed. I counter-attacked with purification magic! Then this guy used Wiz as a shield and caused her to nearly vanish! When I decided to destroy this guy…!”

I see.

I couldn’t understand.

“Hahaha. Thou only mention the things beneficial to thyself, ye insidious woman! This woman, along with that muscle woman and that traitorous shop owner, declared the innocent moi to be guilty! Moi could not possibly accept a judgment without a lawyer, so I acted in self-defense by attacking with my Vanir-style Killer Ray. Then, this fellow reflected moi ray to that muscle woman. Then, this unreasonable woman used magic on moi in revenge. Moi promptly used the shop owner as a shield to ensure my safety. When moi decided to settle it all at once…!”

“Emperor Zell was born.” x2

I see.

I couldn’t understand.

Part 5

—Kingsford Zeldman.

The one chosen by the water goddess out of a clutch of eggs was basically a normal chick.

“The name isn’t bad. It is a name full of majesty. No wonder it wants to stay close to moi.”

“Of course it is good. Who did you think gave its name? Although it’s unacceptable for it to be close to you, this kid was chosen by a goddess like me. It is destined to become the emperor of dragons.”

Kneeling on the carpet, Vanir and Aqua argued over this, while the chick was completely unconcerned.

Its appearance was no different from a typical chick in Japan.

As a weak newborn, it was not afraid before a goddess and a devil. It even stood majestically upon the legs of the greater devil and stared at the devil.

Kingsford Zeldman.

It bore the hope of becoming the dragon king and had the nickname of Emperor Zell.

I casually picked up Emperor Zell from Vanir’s legs and said.

“… So what should we do about this thing? How about fried chicken?”

“No way! Kazuma, I always felt you are inhuman! Sometimes, I feel that this masked devil has more humanity than you!”

“Don’t be rude, cuckolded goddess. This man’s evil is unmatched in Axel since the disappearance of the evil lord. Don’t compare him to moi, who is popular for patrolling the area when children go home from school.”

Could I cry?

… But I roughly understood the situation.

While Aqua and Vanir were arguing, Emperor Zell hatched. Since it saw Vanir first, it acknowledged Vanir as its parent.

Megumin, who was resting on the sofa, looked at Emperor Zell in my hands with admiration and interest.

She probably wanted to touch it.

I passed Emperor Zell to Megumin and took care of Wiz and Darkness, who were still on the floor.

“… Why is a newborn so cute? Is its cuteness a defense mechanism against predators?”

Megumin looked at Emperor Zell as she held it gently in her hands. I came next to the collapsed Wiz and Darkness.

… Wiz’s body was still almost transparent. This was beyond me.

So I lifted up Darkness from the carpet and patted her face, but she did not wake up.

“In any case, you are hindering Emperor Zell’s education, so get lost. I will let this kid receive elite education… Look at Megumin’s decadent expression as she looked at Emperor Zell. She’s totally seduced. Emperor Zell is born a lady killer. It was said that beautiful women are weak against a heroic male. His future is bright.”

“Hmph. No need for ye to say. Moi will be leaving anyway. After all, the money moi earned have all been turned to rocks by that liability of a shop owner. Then, goodbye, humans. Please patronize Wiz’s Magic Tool Shop again when thou saved some money!”

Vanir said and grabbed the collar of Wiz, whose body had turned translucent.

“Hey. Sorry, but can thou give moi some sugared water? Left alone like this, this undead lich will become a dead lich. Let her regain some nutrients, give her some sugared water and she will revive like a bug.”

What was Wiz’s usual diet?

Vanir said and walked towards the kitchen…

“Ah!? Wh-What is it, Emperor Zell!?”

Megumin was shocked when Emperor Zell suddenly started struggling in her hands. She put it gently down on the carpet.

What was this? Even Megumin called it Emperor Zell normally. Wasn’t there a sense of wrongness?

This is a chick, after all.

Even though it is a chicken, its name was the most impressive among us.

“… Hm?”

Before everyone, the yellow fur ball with impressive name walked unsteadily over to Vanir’s feet and rubbed its body against Vanir’s shoe.

After seeing this, Aqua pestered me.

“Wah—! Emperor Zell has been stolen! Kazuma! Kazuma! Please, destroy this masked devil and return Emperor Zell to me!”

“No. Why should I do it? You are capable of dealing with Vanir. Anyway, it is just a chick, not a dragon. Why can’t you accept this?”

Aqua reached for Emperor Zell who was next to Vanir and lovingly carried it to her bosom.

“If I destroy the masked devil, Emperor Zell who is close to him would hate me… Maybe the blind Kazuma cannot distinguish it, but this kid is a rare breed of dragon with fur, the shaggy dragon.”

“I understand why you do not want to admit that you were cheated, but give it up. This guy is definitely a normal chick.”

I looked at Aqua who was covering her ears and ignoring me. Then, I said to Vanir who was showering Wiz with sugared water.

“Hey, Darkness shows no sign of recovery. Is this a problem?”

Vanir listened, looked at Darkness in disbelief, and said.

“Well, her wound should be healed by the goddess over there. But it is amazing to still be alive after receiving moi Vanir-style Killer Ray. True to its name, the ray kills anyone it hits. Moi wants to know why she is not dead yet. Perhaps her magic resistance is ridiculously high… But this incident will hurt moi reputation as a harmless person. After that woman wakes up, ask her for moi, ‘How thick are thy muscles?’”

“I will get beaten up for that… Forget it. So what should we do with this thing?”

Vanir lowered his head to look at the yellow fur ball which refused to leave his feet.

TL Note: Insert Image –http://i.imgur.com/s52OkXe.jpg

I felt it wasn’t a problem if Vanir took it away.

“Well. It can’t be helped to fall in love with moi who art an idol in the eyes of women. But the difference in species between birds and devils is simply too great. Although moi feel sorry for Emperor Zell, he just have to give up on moi.”

“No, it evidently considers you as its parent.”

Vanir crooned softly.

“… It can’t be helped then. Hey, where is Emperor Zell’s nest?”

Aqua wordlessly pointed to the sofa in the living room.

No. Don’t make that place into a nest.

Vanir took a look and carried Emperor Zell to sit on the sofa.

Emperor Zell was obedient only when carried by Vanir.

This fellow truly treated Vanir as its parent.

Vanir lowered his body with Emperor Zell within both his hands…

“Shred!”

After a sound, Vanir split into two.

Emperor Zell was being carried by Vanir’s clone, so it couldn’t see the second Vanir.

After leaving an empty shell to carry Emperor Zell, the devil seemingly capable of doing anything waved and said.

“Then, moi will be leaving.”

“I think that I’m now familiar with the creatures of this world, but you are the wackiest of them all.”

Part 6

On the second morning after the birth of my home’s mascot.

“… Hey, Kazuma. Can you not eat eggs in front of Emperor Zell? I feel that the kid is shivering as it looks at you.”

Aqua said to me as she fed bread crumbs to Emperor Zell.

“Isn’t it a dragon? If so, it has no reason to fear someone like me… Rather, can you do something about Vanir’s empty shell? Its sense of existence is too strong. I can’t eat at ease while that thing is staring.”

I used my chopsticks to point at Vanir’s empty shell, Emperor Zell’s substitute nest, currently seated next to Aqua.

Although there was nothing inside, its exterior looked like Vanir himself, so it had a strong sense of existence. Even without moving, it made people uneasy.

“This can’t be helped. After all, Emperor Zell likes this… Anyway, what’s up with that kid now?”

After being pecked painfully by Emperor Zell, Aqua looked at the corner of the room.

“It looks like it is afraid of this yellow fur ball.”

In the corner, Chomusuke was curled into a ball, maintaining vigilance against Emperor Zell.

I was worried that the yellow fur ball would be eaten by the black fur ball, but I didn’t expect it to be like this.

“Probably because of magic power.”

Megumin stared at Emperor Zell as she ate her toast and said.

“Magic power?”

“Yes. Magic power. I can sense great magic power from Emperor Zell.”

… From this fur ball?

“It was probably because while the egg was incubating, it received magic power from the most magically powerful people in this city, namely Aqua, Vanir, Wiz, and myself. When a dragon incubates its eggs, it would channel magic power into them to keep warm, allowing the baby dragons to hatch with great magic power. It is a famous legend, but it is surprising that the same phenomenon happened with a chicken egg. This may be a good news to the people who rear dragons.”

Which meant what exactly?

Could this chicken become a powerful fighting force like Aqua said?

“Then, if we take care of it, it could eventually become a trump card against the devil king…”

“Nope. It’s just a chicken after all. It can’t use magic, can’t use magic power to fly like a dragon, and can’t exhale dragon breath.”

…….

“Then would it awaken great power one day? Its magic power could induce it to become a chicken with super physical attributes…”

“That’s impossible. Magic power can control aging and extend one’s lifespan, but this kid is just an ordinary chicken. It won’t awaken any special power. At most, it could use its vast magic power to frighten off wild monsters.”

What a waste.

“Ah! Right. Then, I can use Drain Touch skill to use fellow as a substitute manatite and replenish magic power.”

“That won’t work either. It’s just an ordinary chicken. If you are not careful, you can drain its life force and it will die.”

What was the use of this thing?

“… If I eat this fellow, will it instantly boost my magic power?”

“… I don’t know. I don’t really want to do that since it’s cute, but if it can instantly increase magic power, it might be worth a try.”

“If you are going to look at my kid like that, get lost! Darkness, you must protect Emperor Zell from these two people!”

Darkness gracefully drank black tea after breakfast, and lightly laughed as she watched our exchange.

“… Haha. Looking at you people, I feel like I have really returned. Kazuma, Megumin, don’t bully Aqua too much. From now on, we must live together peacefully. No more quarrels. Let’s be together harmoniously.”

She said and smiled peacefully at us.

“… You shut yourself at home earlier. Now that you have come out, your mood has improved. After being abandoned by that lord old man, is your emotional scar really healed? But I feel that a used woman who is still a virgin is quite new and refreshing. It’s not bad for you to keep accumulating attributes.”

“I wasn’t abandoned. The lord went missing because he escaped after his corruption was exposed! … And I’m not a used woman. My family registry is still clean and pure.”

Darkness said and smiled fearlessly.

“…? …Ah! You used the privilege of nobility to tamper with the records! Hey, Megumin. Look at what she has become. She acted cool before by saying that Dustiness family would not abuse its political power, but the moment there’s trouble, this is what she does.”

“Darkness has truly changed a lot since then. She is no longer stubborn and inflexible. Her brain has softened probably because she is being influenced by Kazuma.”

Darkness blushed after her actions were exposed.

“Both of you, stop it! Actually, Darkness is a very dreamy girl, okay? She likes cute dresses even though she says they don’t suit her. She likes dolls too. She is good girl who will take note of when nobody else is around so she can secretly play with Emperor Zell! Such a pure and lovable Darkness merely tampered with her family registry a bit… Ah, what are you doing, Darkness? I was defending you!”

At the moment when Darkness tearfully attempted to pounce at Aqua and cover her mouth.

There was a knock on the main door, followed by the sound of the door opening.

“Sorry to intrude… Everyone, it seems rather joyful today too?”

The one who entered through the door was Chris, who smiled bitterly while looking at our usual selves.

Part 7

“—That’s how it is. I requested Mr. Assistant’s help previously. But if possible, I hope everyone can help find the divine relics.”

Chris explained the situation. She continued to consciously stare at Vanir’s empty shell that was Emperor Zell’s nest. She sighed.

After Chris finished explaining, Darkness frowned with an apologetic look.

“I would like to help you… But sorry, Chris. Because the lord is currently missing, I must perform the lordship duties on behalf of my father who has not recovered yet. Therefore, I can only help out after my father’s health has recovered…”

“No problem. After all, your work is more important. I’m happy that you wanted to help me. Thank you, Darkness.”

Chris smiled and said to Darkness, then looked expectantly at the other two people.

“I’ll help if I can, but my capabilities are very limited, okay? If those divine relics are in the hands of villains, I can help you to threaten them with Explosion magic.”

“Th-Thank you, Megumin. If there’s a need to trouble you, I will ask for you then. Uh, then…”

Chris looked expectantly at Aqua. Aqua, who was cuddling Emperor Zell, plainly rejected.

“It’s regrettable. I can’t help.”

Perhaps surprised by these words, everyone was looking at Aqua.

“Other than feeding the chick, you are just idling away, right? You are the most idle out of everyone here. Go and help her.”

Aqua hugged Emperor Zell and merely smiled at my words.

It was infuriating, but the conversation couldn’t go on if I made her cry.

As if the tiny wings of Emperor Zell felt good in her arms, Aqua kept stroking it and said in satisfaction.

“Kazuma. Do you understand a parent’s feelings?”

“… What are you asking all of a sudden? If I understand such things, my online friends won’t call me Mr. Kazuma Who Made His Mother Cry.”

“Yes, that’s true. That’s Kazuma for you. You just play games every day without going to school. You just ignore any attempt to urge you to go to school. So hopeless… But even a useless son like you is adorable in a parent’s eyes.”

If Aqua was talking about me, I would give her a whipping.

“Hopeless kids are cute. I know that, but I want this kid to become stronger than everyone, become the most respected dragon! Elite education is a necessity for it to rise to the top of the dragon world… So the clever me thought of this. Look, people say that kids grow up watching the silhouettes of their parents, right? So I intended to let this kid see how powerful and respected I am.”

I asked Aqua, who was serious like never before.

“What exactly do you intend to do?”

“I think that my current power is slightly insufficient to defeat the devil king, so that will be the last resort.”

“…… I don’t know what kind of power you have that is slightly insufficient to defeat the devil king, but didn’t you originally intend to use this chick as a fighting force against the devil king? It seems your premise has changed.”

“Kazuma, what are you saying? How can I let my cute kid do such dangerous things?”

“You are the one talking nonsense.”

Did this fellow awaken her motherly instinct while incubating the egg?

“But letting it witness my power can wait. Compared to that, currently there is an even more important event.”

… Important event?

Aqua looked around at us.

“Has everyone heard of Goddess Eris Thanksgiving Festival?”

She suddenly said such things.

—Goddess Eris Thanksgiving Festival.

That was a festival whereby people joyfully give thanks to the goddess of luck Eris for passing a year safely.

It was reportedly a customary event that happened around this season annually in this world.

I glanced at Chris, who was drinking black tea next to me. She shyly looked away.

“This city will be hosting Eris Festival, right? My village has done it too. It was said that if you dress up as the goddess of luck Eris on that day, you will spend the next year safely until the next festival.”

Eh. Was that really such a good thing?

I sighed and looked at Chris, but she gently shook her head.

It seemed to be a superstition.

“My family participates in Eris Festival annually. Every generation of the Dustiness family have always been respected Eris Cultists. We donate a lot of money every year to the festive event.”

Chris looked embarrassed at hearing this.

“This means we can see people cosplaying as Lady Eris in this city… Hey, I’m somewhat looking forward to this!”

“Is it? I don’t quite like that celebration, because it isn’t just women who dress up as the goddess Eris.”

“That information is unnecessary.”

At this time, Aqua slammed the table and said.

“Everyone, why are you being excited!? I’m not asking everyone to enjoy the celebration! I’m being left aside… Ouch, ouch, ouch! Emperor Zell, why are you pecking me!? What about mommy are you dissatisfied with!?”

Aqua was about to say something, but the slam on the table frightened the chick causing it to peck her hand.

“What are you trying to say?”

Aqua responded to query.

“Since there’s an Eris Festival, it would be unfair not to have an Aqua Festival. Let’s put an end to Eris Festival this year and replace it with Aqua Festival!”

Chris sprayed the tea out of her mouth.

Aqua ignored the coughing Chris and continued loudly.

“Don’t you think it’s very unfair!? There’s an Eris Festival, yet why is there no celebration for Aqua who is Eris’ senior? Isn’t it fine for me to take her place once in a while!? I want to let Emperor Zell see my awesomeness!”

What was this girl saying in front of Eris herself?

“And I don’t know why Eris is so popular! That kid looks very demure, but she’s actually very naughty, okay? And she takes responsibility for many things on her own initiative. She’s a boring girl who tries to do everything by herself. Previously, I helped that immature kid to clean up her mess so many times!”

I moved close to Chris, who was still coughing, and whispered to her ear.

“What is she talking about? Did you really let her help you a lot of times?”

“… Ju-Just once. Because I was continuously doing the work senior pushed to me, my own work began to pile up without me realizing… When I was troubled by this, senior said with self-satisfaction, ‘Really, you are hopeless! Eris just can’t do without me!’ and helped me out…”

Hey, what the heck was that?

Darkness ignored our private conversation and said to Aqua.

“Seriously. Aqua, do you know that you have such bad luck because you always make impertinent remarks to belittle Lady Eris? Aqua’s repeated sufferings are no doubt divine retributions from Lady Eris.”

“What! So when a wild dog I was playing with suddenly chased and bit me, and when my ice cream dropped on the floor, it was all Eris’ doings!? Why is Eris that cute wench like this!?”

I glanced to my side and saw Chris violently shaking her head in tears.

“Uh, whatever it is. Of course I won’t be helping. I said earlier, I have a lot of lordship duties to perform. I won’t be able to find time to be with you during the celebrations.”

“Why! I just joined Kazuma to rescue you from marriage. I even removed the curse placed on your father!”

“Ugh… I-If you say that, I got nothing to retort, but I’m still a devout Eris Cultist…”

Hearing Darkness’ reply, Chris breathed a out in relief.

“Enough. Darkness is a used woman and an abandoned bride!”

“A second-hand good!? Wait, Aqua, this nickname is…!”

“Megumin!? What about you, Megumin!? You will help out, right!?”

“A used woman, an abandoned bride…”

The used woman was on the verge of tears and lowered her head. At this time, Megumin, who was gently caressing Emperor Zell, said.

“I have no problem with that, since I’m not an Eris Cultist. I also know some Axis Cultists, who took care of me previously.”

“!?”

TL Note: Insert Image –http://i.imgur.com/IlAF4Vx.jpg

Darkness raised her head in surprise, while Aqua expressed a naïve sense of joy.

“That’s my Megumin! Kazuma will of course—“

“Not do it.”

“Come and help, you damn NEET! You are sleeping all the time! I say, please. I will let you feed Emperor Zell! Only once!”

“No! Why is feeding that chick considered a reward!?”

“Uh, I kind of want to feed it…”

It seemed it was indeed a reward for most people here.

“Anyway, it’s impossible to end Eris Festival. The Eris Cultists would go berserk, right?”

“Eh… It’s Kazuma’s job to resolve such issues…”

“Are you joking?”

Hearing my retorts, Chris breathed out in relief.

Aqua stood up aggressively and declared.

“Forget it, petty Kazuma! I will resolve everything together with Megumin and Chris!”

“Ehh———!?”

Chris cried out in her loudest voice for today.