Chapter 97.1

Chapter 97.1 \n<h1>Chapter 97 Secret</h1>\n\nTop floor of 《First Step (Footprint of the Beginning)》 Clan House. I was looking down at my desk while grinning in the Clan Master Room, where among all Clan Members, only clerks and Clan Master are allowed to enter. 

On my desk, a scene with five small humanoids of about five centimeters in length running around was unfolding in front of me. 

The small humanoid was so elaborate that you could think that it was a human being reduced to that size.Each of their appearances was divided to look like a Mage, a Monk, a Swordsman, a Thief and an Alchemist. I cheated a little bit on the details for their robes and armors but it was so well done that I feel like complimenting myself.

While rubbing the hot bracelet, I let the humanoids walk around the edge of my desk.They aren’t real dolls but they come from the Relic I had just obtained ―― They are illusions I created by using 『Mirage Form』. The border lines and small mountains reflected on my desk are also an illusion.In the beginning, I couldn’t set the shape and the coloring very well but over my last few days of practice, I have managed to create a rather successful vision of my small humanoids.

Most likely, the Relic itself may have a function that complements the image I have to some extent.However, even with this, it is still very fun to practice forming an image like this. At first look, it does look mundane and regardless of whether it is useful or not ―― If I use it as a pastime, there probably isn’t another Relic as fun as this one.

At the same time as I poke one of the illusions with my finger, I make it move as if something pushed its waist. I make the other illusions act like they were protesting against me. Everything was operated by me but it is as if I am interacting with small spirits. I can’t stop *niyaniya* 1 grinning.

I want to show it to someone but I can’t do it because if it becomes known that I am playing with small dolls like this, my image of being a badass would collapse, it is a pity.

Next, I try to add an additional small dragon of the size of my hand. It isn’t just one or two, three, or even four as it keeps on increasing. Of course, each of their colors are different.When I was still going around with my Party, I had many encounters with dragons. The details are a little off but there isn’t any shortage of illusions to make up for it if it is just approximate.

A dragon is flapping *patapata*2 above me and spinning around me. I concentrate and try to find a more realistic way for it to fly.

The only weakness of this Relic is its limited range of one meter and twenty centimeters. If it were a little wider, my range to play would have spread way further. I am curious if there is a superior Relic available with a configurable range.\n

As it is an illusion it isn’t affected by physical objects. When I operate the dragon to fly out of the window, it became out of range and disappeared by melting out of thin air.

“What a weak dragon.”

Weeell, it isn’t the fault of the dragon though.Suddenly the door of the Clan Master Room opened while I was grinning and playing with the flying dragon. I spontaneously jerk my body. It is Eva.I have no immediate work to do but it is embarrassing to be seen playing in such a childish way. I hurriedly erased the dragon that was flying.

Perhaps I made it just in time, behind Eva’s glasses, her eyes are wide open.

“!? ???? Wha, what was that, just now?”

“… It was nothing. I was just surprised because you came in so suddenly.”

I am used to Liz suddenly jumping in but it is rare for Eva to not knock.Eva mysteriously blinks when she hears my words.

“Eh…? I have knocked though.” 

… I was so busy flying the dragon that I didn’t notice it at all. After all, this playing shouldn’t be done in this room.

Needless to ask her what her business was. There is an unpleasant amount of letters on the hands of the now approaching Eva.Initially, 《Strange Grief》 had less contacts from nobles than other High-Level Parties but for some reason the number of letters addressed to me has increased since I was involved with Gladys-kyo3 at the auction.Mysteriously, it seems there is a rumor about me saving Éclair-jou4 in the neighborhood. I wasn’t the one who saved her, it was Ark…\nAny Hunter who is seeking for a status or is looking for a connection will gratefully accept a letter sent from nobles. Unfortunately for them, I am in the category of Hunter who wants to retire. I will just politely refuse the letter. 

In reality, I also plan to escape from Zebrudia if it becomes really dangerous.

 

As I rest on my chair and calm my breath, I suddenly notice Eva’s line of sight pointing at the direction of my desk. If I am more specific ―― It is pointing at the small humanoid I had forgotten to erase.Eva raises her face and looks at me. It was as if she was suspicious of her own sanity.

The small humanoids run across my desk in a hurry and jump down from my side of the desk. I clear my throat a little and lean back on my chair with my legs crossed.

“… So, what do you want?”

“??? Do you think you can deceive me with that? What was that just now!?”

Eva goes around me and looks under my desk but the small humanoid has already disappeared. There is no way you can find them.I decided to aim to be a mysterious  being while also being badass. I cross both of my arms and make a nihil smile.

“Fuh… Even I have secrets, you know.”

“That… I already knew but…”

Eva repeatedly tilts her head but nods strongly as if to convince herself.

\n*Niyaniya*: Japanese sound for smiling. When something is between asterisks it will be the Japanese sound of the action. *Patapata* Wings flapping sound Kyo: Japanese suffix meaning Lord Jou: Japanese suffix meaning Miss Ano: it means something like excuse me