Intermission: Tenion Head Miko [First Part]
"Head miko-sama! It's
terrible!"
Mou, what a hopeless child. To lack composure when he's going to be 40 like that, I think it's a bit problematic. Maybe I should better give him some stern advice now?
<TLN: The head miko talks like a playful woman in Japanese.>
"What's wrong, head priest. You are higher than me in the temple, so you shouldn't use 'sama' to call me."
"I'm sorry, head miko-sama. No, this isn't the time to talk about that!"
"Calm down. What's happened?"
"Miko-dono of Parion temple, and even of Garleon temple have been kidnapped by someone."
My, such thing.
Kidnapping the miko of oracle in the middle of demon lord season like this.
There are seven miko who have received oracles in this duchy capital. They are Sera and me, head miko of Urion temple and Zaikuon temple, the apprentice miko of Heraluon temple, and the two kidnapped miko.
Normally, one would have sufficed, but last month, by duke-sama's order, every temple was to undertake an oracle for hints of the demon lord revival. Yet, instead of narrowing down the possible revival location, each temple received different response. Although it's normal for the details to be different between people who receive oracles depending on their gods, this is the first time the difference is this much.
My oracle points toward the duchy capital. If possible I want it to be a miss, but it's the same place as the prediction of the location of the demon lord revival 66 years ago. There is no mistake that the demon lord will be revived here. Before, there was a hero near me, but that person has left us, and gone back to the original world. No good aren't I, wishing for something that doesn't exist.
The oracle that Sera's received points to another continent. Even though our oracles are from the same god, I wonder why do we receive different ones. For me to try guessing what the god is thinking, it's really not clergy-like at all isn't it.
Oh right, Sera!
This isn't the time to get lost in thoughts.
"Head priest, check the place where Sera is."
"Yes, head miko-sama!"
I admonish the head priest who have begun to run in a hurry to make him order other people for it. Mou, what are you doing being the gofer yourself. I ask the head priest to contact his excellency the duke if sera's whereabouts can't be confirmed. Since this child is flustered like this, he looks like he'll just collapse.
◇
Even though the priests have looked everywhere, Sera's whereabout is still unknown.
The matter about the three kidnapped miko have reached his excellency the duke too, and his knight and guard subordinates are searching the duchy capital even now. Although I haven't got the report from the bell tower, since I can see that the lights from the ships outside the harbor aren't moving, the harbor is probably blockaded. That's relieving.
However, since the opponents have defended against our detection magic, it looks like they have a powerful magician that can use advanced level magic, or a person who holds powerful artifacts. I wonder if it's that group who were spreading rumors about the end, [Wings of Liberty], that the priests had been talking about.
Sera, please come back safely.
I take the resurrection artifact that's hanging on my neck on my palm, and pour mana into it, even though I know that this is for nothing but a peace of my mind.
Not good, it's impossible to pour mana into the artifact when my heart is disarranged.
This isn't because I'm bad at using magic tools at all, but one needs delicate mana control to pour mana into an artifact. Like putting a thread to the pinhole of a needle on the ground from the top of a tower, that is how precise yet with a far off mind the work is. Having a disturbed mind is like sending wind to the hanging thread. There's no way the thread can get through the pinhole.
I'll use the forbidden mind magic to put my mind back at ease.
Tenion-sama, please give your protection to your believer.
◇
I woke up in my room that's begun sinking into darkness.
Looks like I've fainted.
It can't be helped with my age right. To faint while I was pouring mana into the resurrection artifact like this.
Fainted?
Losing consciousness in this consecration?
I can't believe it.
This place is near the sanctuary where ritual magic is held, and is filled with divinity. Even for an old woman like me, I'm just like a young woman--that's too exaggerated isn't it. Although I can move as well as a youngster, fainting in such place like this, maybe I don't have much time left.
I'm already 80 years old after all. It might be a good time to soon go on a journey to where my friends who had died earlier went.
I didn't notice it before when I was lost in such thought, but there's no shaking today is it. I'm glad that the tremors that had been assaulting the duchy capital for the past several days is gone. It was troubling to deal with nobles who came almost everyday while asking "Is it going to be alright?" you know. Though since they're donating, the head priest doesn't seem like he has any complaint. I'd like to entrust the admonishment job to the high priest soon.
◇
I wonder if I'm really going senile.
There were many assassins who had intruded upon this sanctuary before, but this is the first time one has gotten so close. Wonder if my crisis perception skill is getting rusty?
While feeling dubious with the lack of thirst of blood from the intruder, I take the initiative to greet him.
"Ara, the assassin tonight is quite excellent."
The one who appears from the shadow as if gliding on the ground is a young boy wearing a white mask. There are two wrapped clothes in his shoulder--are those people? Is he an assassin who also happens to be a kidnapper I wonder?
I could see with [Status Check], but I couldn't see his name. Since I could see the name of the two people on his shoulder, it wasn't like the skill wasn't invoked. The two are the miko of Parion and Garleon who have been kidnapped together with Sera.
His level is 70 like the hero of Saga empire, but his title is [Saint]. He can't be called anything but abnormal to have such level at his age even though he's not the summoned hero of Saga empire.
Moreover, that [Saint] title. Although there are other people who have [Saintess] title like me, there shouldn't have been anyone with [Saint] title for the last 100 years here. I wonder who. I'd have consented if he had the title of hero instead.
"Nice to meet you, Yu Tenion Head Miko-dono. I am Nanashi."
"Hey, Nanashi-san. Won't you show your face. It's hard to talk with that mask."
I endure hard not to let my voice trembles.
Hey, what about Sera?
I want to ask that.
However, my intuition as a miko has told me. That child is already no more.
"Hey, Nanashi-san. Don't you know the whereabout of our kidnapped miko, Sera."
"I knew."
Ah, as I've thought.
That child has died isn't she. I can't, it's still to early to cry, for that child's sake. As a miko, I have to ask him now.
"Was the one who deprived Sera's life the humans of 『Wings of Liberty』? or-- the demon lord. That's right isn't it, Sera has been sacrificed for the demon lord."
"That's right."
Ah, I can't hold back my tears.
Even though I have to ask for the deployment of the saga empire hero, and even though I'm not sinking in sorrow, I can't stop my tears.
"Is that so, that child wasn't able to go against her fate."
Nanashi-san takes out a handkerchief out of somewhere and wipes my tears with it. Although he's wearing a strange mask, he's a gentleman isn't he.
I talked to him about the catastrophe that would befall this land while crying. In order to pull him as a war potential before the hero arrives here. He gave indifferent replies when he heard the story about the demon lord revival. Does it not feel real to him? Or perhaps--he has already exterminated it?--That can't be right.
◇
"Yu Tenion head miko-dono, are you able to use resurrection magic?"
"Yes, I'm able to."
I answer Nanashi-san's sudden question.
He probably wants to bring me to where the Sera's body is, and use resurrection magic, but that's impossible. This resurrection artifact hasn't been filled with enough mana to be usable.
"What, that sort of things huh."
Nanashi-san took the resurrection artifact from my chest, and began to dazzlingly pour mana into it.
It's an unbelievable sight.
Doing the precise mana filling just like that. Normally you'd need one hour just to adjust the mana before you even begin to fill it.
However, he still has the body of human after all.
The amount of mana isn't something that can be filled by a person alone. While this is happening, the 30 minutes after-death condition becomes the shackles and resurrection will be impossible.
"Excuse me for a bit."
Nanashi-san takes out a holy sword just like when he took the handkerchief earlier. It's accompanied by brilliant holy light that brighten this room as if it's daylight. Even though it's this bright, it a gentle light that doesn't hurt my eyes. I've never seen a holy sword with this much overflowing power. I can feel an order magnitude different in strength compared to the holy sword that my hero-sama wielded, Joyeuse.
But, what is it for?
I don't think that it's to hurt me. Just what on earth--
"I'll fill it up right away, so please excuse my discourtesy."
--Nanashi-san is absorbing the holy light from the holy sword as if pulsing. And then Nanashi-san pours mana into the artifact without looking agitated, like he's just breathing. Don't tell me, he's using his own body as an intermediary to transfer mana from the holy sword to the artifact?
Such absurd method doesn't exist even in fairy tales you know?
While I was taken aback by that absurdity, the mana filling on the artifact was over. Completing a process that'd have taken several years in just 10 minutes, I am speechless.
He's done so much already, I'll show him that I'll run fast to where Sera's body even if I have to whip out this old body.
As if ridiculing that determination, Nanashi-san summoned Sera's body right in front of me. He doesn't have summoning skill though? Did he summon without the skill I wonder. Maybe he used the infinite stowing (Inventory) like the hero.
No, he said that it's only been a few seconds since the death of Sera's body. Time passes even for the hero's Inventory. Perhaps it's fixation magic? No, that shouldn't be able to be used on living things or corpses.
Don't tell me, time magic? Even though it's a magic that only appear in fairy tales, it's mysterious that I feel that Nanashi-san could possibly use it.
The body of Sera which has appeared in front of me is beautiful without a single wound.
Nanashi-san who has noticed that the body is naked puts a cloth on it.
Rather than that, I have to concentrate now.
It'd be a disgrace as a woman if I wasted the miracles that Nanashi-san had created.
Mou, what a hopeless child. To lack composure when he's going to be 40 like that, I think it's a bit problematic. Maybe I should better give him some stern advice now?
<TLN: The head miko talks like a playful woman in Japanese.>
"What's wrong, head priest. You are higher than me in the temple, so you shouldn't use 'sama' to call me."
"I'm sorry, head miko-sama. No, this isn't the time to talk about that!"
"Calm down. What's happened?"
"Miko-dono of Parion temple, and even of Garleon temple have been kidnapped by someone."
My, such thing.
Kidnapping the miko of oracle in the middle of demon lord season like this.
There are seven miko who have received oracles in this duchy capital. They are Sera and me, head miko of Urion temple and Zaikuon temple, the apprentice miko of Heraluon temple, and the two kidnapped miko.
Normally, one would have sufficed, but last month, by duke-sama's order, every temple was to undertake an oracle for hints of the demon lord revival. Yet, instead of narrowing down the possible revival location, each temple received different response. Although it's normal for the details to be different between people who receive oracles depending on their gods, this is the first time the difference is this much.
My oracle points toward the duchy capital. If possible I want it to be a miss, but it's the same place as the prediction of the location of the demon lord revival 66 years ago. There is no mistake that the demon lord will be revived here. Before, there was a hero near me, but that person has left us, and gone back to the original world. No good aren't I, wishing for something that doesn't exist.
The oracle that Sera's received points to another continent. Even though our oracles are from the same god, I wonder why do we receive different ones. For me to try guessing what the god is thinking, it's really not clergy-like at all isn't it.
Oh right, Sera!
This isn't the time to get lost in thoughts.
"Head priest, check the place where Sera is."
"Yes, head miko-sama!"
I admonish the head priest who have begun to run in a hurry to make him order other people for it. Mou, what are you doing being the gofer yourself. I ask the head priest to contact his excellency the duke if sera's whereabouts can't be confirmed. Since this child is flustered like this, he looks like he'll just collapse.
◇
Even though the priests have looked everywhere, Sera's whereabout is still unknown.
The matter about the three kidnapped miko have reached his excellency the duke too, and his knight and guard subordinates are searching the duchy capital even now. Although I haven't got the report from the bell tower, since I can see that the lights from the ships outside the harbor aren't moving, the harbor is probably blockaded. That's relieving.
However, since the opponents have defended against our detection magic, it looks like they have a powerful magician that can use advanced level magic, or a person who holds powerful artifacts. I wonder if it's that group who were spreading rumors about the end, [Wings of Liberty], that the priests had been talking about.
Sera, please come back safely.
I take the resurrection artifact that's hanging on my neck on my palm, and pour mana into it, even though I know that this is for nothing but a peace of my mind.
Not good, it's impossible to pour mana into the artifact when my heart is disarranged.
This isn't because I'm bad at using magic tools at all, but one needs delicate mana control to pour mana into an artifact. Like putting a thread to the pinhole of a needle on the ground from the top of a tower, that is how precise yet with a far off mind the work is. Having a disturbed mind is like sending wind to the hanging thread. There's no way the thread can get through the pinhole.
I'll use the forbidden mind magic to put my mind back at ease.
Tenion-sama, please give your protection to your believer.
◇
I woke up in my room that's begun sinking into darkness.
Looks like I've fainted.
It can't be helped with my age right. To faint while I was pouring mana into the resurrection artifact like this.
Fainted?
Losing consciousness in this consecration?
I can't believe it.
This place is near the sanctuary where ritual magic is held, and is filled with divinity. Even for an old woman like me, I'm just like a young woman--that's too exaggerated isn't it. Although I can move as well as a youngster, fainting in such place like this, maybe I don't have much time left.
I'm already 80 years old after all. It might be a good time to soon go on a journey to where my friends who had died earlier went.
I didn't notice it before when I was lost in such thought, but there's no shaking today is it. I'm glad that the tremors that had been assaulting the duchy capital for the past several days is gone. It was troubling to deal with nobles who came almost everyday while asking "Is it going to be alright?" you know. Though since they're donating, the head priest doesn't seem like he has any complaint. I'd like to entrust the admonishment job to the high priest soon.
◇
I wonder if I'm really going senile.
There were many assassins who had intruded upon this sanctuary before, but this is the first time one has gotten so close. Wonder if my crisis perception skill is getting rusty?
While feeling dubious with the lack of thirst of blood from the intruder, I take the initiative to greet him.
"Ara, the assassin tonight is quite excellent."
The one who appears from the shadow as if gliding on the ground is a young boy wearing a white mask. There are two wrapped clothes in his shoulder--are those people? Is he an assassin who also happens to be a kidnapper I wonder?
I could see with [Status Check], but I couldn't see his name. Since I could see the name of the two people on his shoulder, it wasn't like the skill wasn't invoked. The two are the miko of Parion and Garleon who have been kidnapped together with Sera.
His level is 70 like the hero of Saga empire, but his title is [Saint]. He can't be called anything but abnormal to have such level at his age even though he's not the summoned hero of Saga empire.
Moreover, that [Saint] title. Although there are other people who have [Saintess] title like me, there shouldn't have been anyone with [Saint] title for the last 100 years here. I wonder who. I'd have consented if he had the title of hero instead.
"Nice to meet you, Yu Tenion Head Miko-dono. I am Nanashi."
"Hey, Nanashi-san. Won't you show your face. It's hard to talk with that mask."
I endure hard not to let my voice trembles.
Hey, what about Sera?
I want to ask that.
However, my intuition as a miko has told me. That child is already no more.
"Hey, Nanashi-san. Don't you know the whereabout of our kidnapped miko, Sera."
"I knew."
Ah, as I've thought.
That child has died isn't she. I can't, it's still to early to cry, for that child's sake. As a miko, I have to ask him now.
"Was the one who deprived Sera's life the humans of 『Wings of Liberty』? or-- the demon lord. That's right isn't it, Sera has been sacrificed for the demon lord."
"That's right."
Ah, I can't hold back my tears.
Even though I have to ask for the deployment of the saga empire hero, and even though I'm not sinking in sorrow, I can't stop my tears.
"Is that so, that child wasn't able to go against her fate."
Nanashi-san takes out a handkerchief out of somewhere and wipes my tears with it. Although he's wearing a strange mask, he's a gentleman isn't he.
I talked to him about the catastrophe that would befall this land while crying. In order to pull him as a war potential before the hero arrives here. He gave indifferent replies when he heard the story about the demon lord revival. Does it not feel real to him? Or perhaps--he has already exterminated it?--That can't be right.
◇
"Yu Tenion head miko-dono, are you able to use resurrection magic?"
"Yes, I'm able to."
I answer Nanashi-san's sudden question.
He probably wants to bring me to where the Sera's body is, and use resurrection magic, but that's impossible. This resurrection artifact hasn't been filled with enough mana to be usable.
"What, that sort of things huh."
Nanashi-san took the resurrection artifact from my chest, and began to dazzlingly pour mana into it.
It's an unbelievable sight.
Doing the precise mana filling just like that. Normally you'd need one hour just to adjust the mana before you even begin to fill it.
However, he still has the body of human after all.
The amount of mana isn't something that can be filled by a person alone. While this is happening, the 30 minutes after-death condition becomes the shackles and resurrection will be impossible.
"Excuse me for a bit."
Nanashi-san takes out a holy sword just like when he took the handkerchief earlier. It's accompanied by brilliant holy light that brighten this room as if it's daylight. Even though it's this bright, it a gentle light that doesn't hurt my eyes. I've never seen a holy sword with this much overflowing power. I can feel an order magnitude different in strength compared to the holy sword that my hero-sama wielded, Joyeuse.
But, what is it for?
I don't think that it's to hurt me. Just what on earth--
"I'll fill it up right away, so please excuse my discourtesy."
--Nanashi-san is absorbing the holy light from the holy sword as if pulsing. And then Nanashi-san pours mana into the artifact without looking agitated, like he's just breathing. Don't tell me, he's using his own body as an intermediary to transfer mana from the holy sword to the artifact?
Such absurd method doesn't exist even in fairy tales you know?
While I was taken aback by that absurdity, the mana filling on the artifact was over. Completing a process that'd have taken several years in just 10 minutes, I am speechless.
He's done so much already, I'll show him that I'll run fast to where Sera's body even if I have to whip out this old body.
As if ridiculing that determination, Nanashi-san summoned Sera's body right in front of me. He doesn't have summoning skill though? Did he summon without the skill I wonder. Maybe he used the infinite stowing (Inventory) like the hero.
No, he said that it's only been a few seconds since the death of Sera's body. Time passes even for the hero's Inventory. Perhaps it's fixation magic? No, that shouldn't be able to be used on living things or corpses.
Don't tell me, time magic? Even though it's a magic that only appear in fairy tales, it's mysterious that I feel that Nanashi-san could possibly use it.
The body of Sera which has appeared in front of me is beautiful without a single wound.
Nanashi-san who has noticed that the body is naked puts a cloth on it.
Rather than that, I have to concentrate now.
It'd be a disgrace as a woman if I wasted the miracles that Nanashi-san had created.
Intermission: Tenion Head Miko [Latter Part]
"Head miko-sama, I'm
home."
Sera enters the sanctuary while looking livelier than ever. This child always looks happy, but it's rare for her to be this cheerful.
"What's happened Sera. Did you meet your lover?"
"I, it's not like that! Chevalier-sama isn't my lover."
This child is really bad at lying.
Since I was a bit interested, I asked about that chevalier person.
"There's this chevalier-sama who helped me with the food distribution, it felt like I had met him mysteriously, it's been on my mind. Right, he's a person with similar atmosphere to head miko-sama, tender, or rather, flexible, how should I put it--"
While hearing Sera speaks fondly of her love, I've had my suspicion that this chevalier person might be Nanashi-san from the other day, even though it's unfounded. I wonder if it's because I've been thinking about Nanashi-san all the time lately.
It's not a love at old age you know?
I received an oracle from the ceremony that I did at the dawn of that time that the demon lord who was supposed to revive in the duchy capital had been annihilated. Of course I immediately sent a messenger to duke-sama, but it can't be announced publicly yet since there are other temples' honors to consider. Of course, the king had promised that he would definitely announce it, so the announcement about the annihilation of the demon lord would probably be told during the kingdom conference in the spring.
"Head miko-sama, you look really happy about something you know? Did you get a lover?"
"Ufufu, I was just engrossed with thoughts about Nanashi."
It looked like she wanted to counter, but she's still soft huh. To be so upset about my joke. Ufufu, her heart is restless like she's really in love. When the demon lord season is over, it might be a good time for me to retire from head miko position soon.
I don't think that Sera will forget her duty, but let's give her a warning to keep the relationship at healthy scope just to be sure. A miko won't be able to receive oracles if she loses her virginity. It might be cruel for a teenage girl, but she has to wait until an oracle that states the demon lord season is over descends.
◇
I met Sera's lover--it might be better to call him a candidate of one--in the duke castle. He's really popular, and surrounded by girls. Ara ara, oh Sera. If you have such face, he'll laugh at you you know?
Still, what a nice smell. It's not just sweetness from sugar. I know that it's out of stock.
However, this voice.
It's exactly like Nanashi-san though. I wonder if he's his twin brother?
His level is half of Nanashi's, and even his skills composition is different after all. The things that are the same are his age, voice, and hair color, I guess his height is about the same too.
Since I was together with old acquaintances from Parion and Garleon temples who I had happened to meet across when I was congratulating Tisrad-sama for his wedding, I whispered him (Satou) leading words directly, but rather than getting shaken, he was perplexed instead. Looks like I was mistaken.
I might be thinking about Nanashi-san too much.
Ufufu, I shouldn't be one to make fun of Sera. I look like a maiden in love.
◇
"Good evening, head miko-sama."
He's really elusive isn't he.
How did he invade I wonder? I didn't feel feedback from space magic, so I think it's not that.
"I've come here today to ask about the oracle regarding demon lord."
"Ara? You've annihilated it right?"
"It must have been defeated by a passing hero."
He wants to play dumb that it's not him to the end huh.
"You won't announce that the demon lord has been defeated?"
"I've told his excellency the duke directly, but the 『Annihilated』 oracle haven't come to the other temples, so we can't announce that the demon lord has been annihilated from Tenion temple alone."
Each temple is most likely questioning whether the [Each of the foretold demon lord] is annihilated, not the one in the duchy capital underground.
In other words, the demon lord season this time is not over yet--in that regards, the fact that the duchy capital is already excluded from that might be a small blessing. Thanks to Nanashi-san.
Just in case, I tell Nanashi-san about that, but he too has already expected it. He simply murmured, "So, it's like that after all." His atmosphere is like, "It's just demon lords, they can come at me no matter how many ." It's very fun to guess the invisible expression behind that mask.
Nanashi-san put the filled resurrection artifact on my neck. It's really amazing. I wonder if it's the prejudice of old age which make me thinks that the labor of nearly 20 years is fruitless.
"Thank you Nanashi-san."
However, I mustn't forget to thank you.
Although I asked him about chevalier Pendragon, he only replied, "That young noble who they call miracle chef right.", and he didn't seem to know the detail. I wonder if it's just my imagination that his "don't know" manner looks exactly like him (Satou's).
The [Indulgence] that I've prepared will become a waste if he (Satou) really is an acquaintance of Nanashi-san.
I wonder what'd happen if that third prince meets Nanashi-san?
I can't help but feel a bad premonition. I had hoped that the king didn't send such troublemaker during this difficult time.
It's not that is it.
That king shouldn't have been one to do such mistake. That unbending king should be able to predicts three moves ahead for sure.
I see, he's getting rid the nuisance the prince.
The king has predicted that the demon lord will appear on the labyrinth city. To push aside the prince to the uncertain element, the duchy capital. I have to complain directly to the king.
I don't know whether he'll accept it or not, but I will hand over the [Indulgence] to Nanashi-san in case he eliminates the third prince by mistake.
I actually wanted to give him the bell of Tenion, but I couldn't bring myself to since I was afraid I'd incur his displeasure. It's a bit unlike me isn't it.
◇
The world crisis came unexpectedly early.
Despair? I think that word is more hopeful than the scene right now.
At the duke castle seen from the sanctuary, the great monstrous fish (Tovkezeera) emerges from the huge summoning circle nearby. It's the incarnation of destruction that brought about the deaths of many countries during the time of Yamato-sama. The aerial fortress that the great demon lord employed. I can't see the status since it's too far, but I can't let out words from its overwhelming presence.
Thinking that it'd be fine as long as Nanashi-san is here might be too optimistic of me.
I collapse on the sofa without even having the margin to worry about Sera who has gone out.
Several of the monster that can destroy the duchy capital alone appear from the summoning circle and swim to the arena.
Seven great monstrous fish.
Far from just Shiga kingdom, all the countries on this continent will disappear.
Ah, wonder if I have no choice but to call the heavenly dragon even if it means destroying the kingdom. It's the friend of Yamato-sama who's living on the range of mount Fuji. There's no choice but to use the dragon summoning crown (Fellow Crown) shining on the king's head that can be used to summon the dragon just once.
It's as if seven demon lords have appeared.
I want to rush to the arena to support them, but I have to be here. Since Nanashi-san most likely has filled the resurrection artifact as an insurance in case his friends die.
I watch over the end of duchy capital while patting the head of apprentice miko who are frightened. There's no meaning in taking shelter underground if it can cause damage over the defense magic of the sanctuary.
That is a flash.
When the light subsides, there are figures of severed great monstrous fish. Those are also dissolved as if the sky wipes them off. No, maybe I should say that they disappear.
The sudden attack on the duchy capital disappear more abruptly than when it arrived.
It'a all too soon, no one even falls victim.
Nanashi-san, is that you I wonder.
I was convinced that was it as if I received an oracle.
Ah, Tenion-sama.
Thank you very much for sending that person to this land.
Sera enters the sanctuary while looking livelier than ever. This child always looks happy, but it's rare for her to be this cheerful.
"What's happened Sera. Did you meet your lover?"
"I, it's not like that! Chevalier-sama isn't my lover."
This child is really bad at lying.
Since I was a bit interested, I asked about that chevalier person.
"There's this chevalier-sama who helped me with the food distribution, it felt like I had met him mysteriously, it's been on my mind. Right, he's a person with similar atmosphere to head miko-sama, tender, or rather, flexible, how should I put it--"
While hearing Sera speaks fondly of her love, I've had my suspicion that this chevalier person might be Nanashi-san from the other day, even though it's unfounded. I wonder if it's because I've been thinking about Nanashi-san all the time lately.
It's not a love at old age you know?
I received an oracle from the ceremony that I did at the dawn of that time that the demon lord who was supposed to revive in the duchy capital had been annihilated. Of course I immediately sent a messenger to duke-sama, but it can't be announced publicly yet since there are other temples' honors to consider. Of course, the king had promised that he would definitely announce it, so the announcement about the annihilation of the demon lord would probably be told during the kingdom conference in the spring.
"Head miko-sama, you look really happy about something you know? Did you get a lover?"
"Ufufu, I was just engrossed with thoughts about Nanashi."
It looked like she wanted to counter, but she's still soft huh. To be so upset about my joke. Ufufu, her heart is restless like she's really in love. When the demon lord season is over, it might be a good time for me to retire from head miko position soon.
I don't think that Sera will forget her duty, but let's give her a warning to keep the relationship at healthy scope just to be sure. A miko won't be able to receive oracles if she loses her virginity. It might be cruel for a teenage girl, but she has to wait until an oracle that states the demon lord season is over descends.
◇
I met Sera's lover--it might be better to call him a candidate of one--in the duke castle. He's really popular, and surrounded by girls. Ara ara, oh Sera. If you have such face, he'll laugh at you you know?
Still, what a nice smell. It's not just sweetness from sugar. I know that it's out of stock.
However, this voice.
It's exactly like Nanashi-san though. I wonder if he's his twin brother?
His level is half of Nanashi's, and even his skills composition is different after all. The things that are the same are his age, voice, and hair color, I guess his height is about the same too.
Since I was together with old acquaintances from Parion and Garleon temples who I had happened to meet across when I was congratulating Tisrad-sama for his wedding, I whispered him (Satou) leading words directly, but rather than getting shaken, he was perplexed instead. Looks like I was mistaken.
I might be thinking about Nanashi-san too much.
Ufufu, I shouldn't be one to make fun of Sera. I look like a maiden in love.
◇
"Good evening, head miko-sama."
He's really elusive isn't he.
How did he invade I wonder? I didn't feel feedback from space magic, so I think it's not that.
"I've come here today to ask about the oracle regarding demon lord."
"Ara? You've annihilated it right?"
"It must have been defeated by a passing hero."
He wants to play dumb that it's not him to the end huh.
"You won't announce that the demon lord has been defeated?"
"I've told his excellency the duke directly, but the 『Annihilated』 oracle haven't come to the other temples, so we can't announce that the demon lord has been annihilated from Tenion temple alone."
Each temple is most likely questioning whether the [Each of the foretold demon lord] is annihilated, not the one in the duchy capital underground.
In other words, the demon lord season this time is not over yet--in that regards, the fact that the duchy capital is already excluded from that might be a small blessing. Thanks to Nanashi-san.
Just in case, I tell Nanashi-san about that, but he too has already expected it. He simply murmured, "So, it's like that after all." His atmosphere is like, "It's just demon lords, they can come at me no matter how many ." It's very fun to guess the invisible expression behind that mask.
Nanashi-san put the filled resurrection artifact on my neck. It's really amazing. I wonder if it's the prejudice of old age which make me thinks that the labor of nearly 20 years is fruitless.
"Thank you Nanashi-san."
However, I mustn't forget to thank you.
Although I asked him about chevalier Pendragon, he only replied, "That young noble who they call miracle chef right.", and he didn't seem to know the detail. I wonder if it's just my imagination that his "don't know" manner looks exactly like him (Satou's).
The [Indulgence] that I've prepared will become a waste if he (Satou) really is an acquaintance of Nanashi-san.
I wonder what'd happen if that third prince meets Nanashi-san?
I can't help but feel a bad premonition. I had hoped that the king didn't send such troublemaker during this difficult time.
It's not that is it.
That king shouldn't have been one to do such mistake. That unbending king should be able to predicts three moves ahead for sure.
I see, he's getting rid the nuisance the prince.
The king has predicted that the demon lord will appear on the labyrinth city. To push aside the prince to the uncertain element, the duchy capital. I have to complain directly to the king.
I don't know whether he'll accept it or not, but I will hand over the [Indulgence] to Nanashi-san in case he eliminates the third prince by mistake.
I actually wanted to give him the bell of Tenion, but I couldn't bring myself to since I was afraid I'd incur his displeasure. It's a bit unlike me isn't it.
◇
The world crisis came unexpectedly early.
Despair? I think that word is more hopeful than the scene right now.
At the duke castle seen from the sanctuary, the great monstrous fish (Tovkezeera) emerges from the huge summoning circle nearby. It's the incarnation of destruction that brought about the deaths of many countries during the time of Yamato-sama. The aerial fortress that the great demon lord employed. I can't see the status since it's too far, but I can't let out words from its overwhelming presence.
Thinking that it'd be fine as long as Nanashi-san is here might be too optimistic of me.
I collapse on the sofa without even having the margin to worry about Sera who has gone out.
Several of the monster that can destroy the duchy capital alone appear from the summoning circle and swim to the arena.
Seven great monstrous fish.
Far from just Shiga kingdom, all the countries on this continent will disappear.
Ah, wonder if I have no choice but to call the heavenly dragon even if it means destroying the kingdom. It's the friend of Yamato-sama who's living on the range of mount Fuji. There's no choice but to use the dragon summoning crown (Fellow Crown) shining on the king's head that can be used to summon the dragon just once.
It's as if seven demon lords have appeared.
I want to rush to the arena to support them, but I have to be here. Since Nanashi-san most likely has filled the resurrection artifact as an insurance in case his friends die.
I watch over the end of duchy capital while patting the head of apprentice miko who are frightened. There's no meaning in taking shelter underground if it can cause damage over the defense magic of the sanctuary.
That is a flash.
When the light subsides, there are figures of severed great monstrous fish. Those are also dissolved as if the sky wipes them off. No, maybe I should say that they disappear.
The sudden attack on the duchy capital disappear more abruptly than when it arrived.
It'a all too soon, no one even falls victim.
Nanashi-san, is that you I wonder.
I was convinced that was it as if I received an oracle.
Ah, Tenion-sama.
Thank you very much for sending that person to this land.
SS: Arisa and The Devil Box
Today we're having [Barbecues] on
the courtyard of the mansion.
"Kuh, I can't have enough of the burning smell of the meat."
"Tarararari~""No desu!"
Tama-chan, I wonder if she was so happy, she couldn't say "Tamaranai". It sounds a bit like she's singing, it's really cute.
However, Liza-san who seriously watches over the meat with bones that are being grilled is a bit scary.
Since master had prepared a lot of meat skewers, everyone ate to their heart's content.
◇
Today's prototype is pudding.
It's very delicious, but since master keep getting dissatisfied with the [Caramel Sauce], he's having a hard time.
"U~n, no good. It's just sweet, there's no bitterness at all."
"Deliciouss."
Even though Mia-chan and me think that it's delicious, master and Arisa are still not satisfied. Oh Arisa, even though she's complaining, she still eats it all. Didn't she just have a showdown with Pochi-chan and the others with [Fried Rice] which she heavily consumed?
Since she's in her growth period, her appetite is big, but I wonder if it's fine to eat that much?
◇
I got praised by master when he saw the kombu that I had bought from the grocery on the downtown. I was hesitating since it was a bit pricey, but I'm glad that I've bought it. I will give my thanks to the shopkeeper who's recommended it.
I mean, master not only praised me with a smile on his whole face, but he also [Hugged], and patted my head.
Ehehehe~, I won't wash my head in the bath today.
"Crab nabe is the best after all~ but, how'd you get this crab fork."
"Ah, I've made that one just now."
"Kuu, dang you cheat, but, you're forgiven. It doesn't feel right to eat crabs without this after all~."
Just as Arisa's said, it's easy to take the crab meat with this fork.
The crabs are delicious, but everyone is quiet. Mia-chan looks a bit lonely, but she's steadily eating the [Pilaf] that master has exclusively made for her.
"Mia, let me try a mouthful of the pilaf."
"Arisa, overeating."
"It can't be helped right, I have to with all these delicious things~♪"
Isn't she really eating too much?
◇
When Arisa sees the magic tool with a round board connected to a wooden box by a pole that master is carrying, she runs away from the room in full speed.
I was surprised. That Arisa can move so quick.
Pochi-chan and Tama-chan whom master had ordered came back to the room after they caught Arisa. To make Arisa become that unwilling, I wonder what is that magic tool? Since it's something that master's brought, I think it's not a bad tool.
"Then, Pochi is next."
"Yes, nano desu."
When she gets on that board, it looks like the needle on the disk moves. Master scolded Tama-chan when she was going to touch the needle.
"It's a bit heavy, but I guess it's within the standard range. Since her race is different, there's no meaning to BMI, but I have to write down the body weight and the change."
Body weight is it? I had never heard that word, but for some reason I took a step back as as soon as I heard it.
"Lulu, you're next."
"Y, yes."
I hesitated for a little, but then I jumped on it decisively.
"You don't have to be so forceful, be more gentler okay."
"Yes, I'm sorry."
"There's no need to apologize. Lulu is slightly lighter than the standard huh. I guess it's better if she eats a bit more meat and dairy products during meals."
I'm relieved that it looks like I've passed judging from master's expression.
"No~, I've promised my dead grandmother to never get on that devil instrument again~"
I thought Arisa's grandmother-sama had died even before she was born though?
Even though master has said, "Resign yourself and get on it", she's still resisting. In the end, master gets on the tool while carrying Arisa, checks the number, and puts Arisa down, then he gets on it again and checks the number.
At first I thought what is he doing I wonder? I've thought such thing, but master is amazing, I've noticed that master is trying to find out the difference between the two measurements to get Arisa's body weight.
"Arisa."
"Uu, I've been sullied..."
"Noisy, you're slightly obese. From tomorrow on, you're forbidden from eating meat, and another helping. Of course snacks and sweets aren't allowed too."
That's why I've warned her that she was eating too much.
I wonder why do Pochi-chan, and even Tama-chan look like their life are over? Even Liza-san and Mia-chan are silently praying for Arisa.
"I'll accompany you with the diet, so let's make the goal to have you go down by five kilograms in one month."
"I, I hate diet~~~~~"
Arisa's sad screams is resounding in that afternoon.
Postscript.
Thanks to the [Non Calorie] dishes that master has prepared, Arisa's [Diet] transitions safely it seems.
I feel that Pochi-chan and Mia-chan who innocently cheer for her have become a bit plump too. I also have to be careful. Let's do the upping and stretching exercises like usual, no three times more than usual today!
"Kuh, I can't have enough of the burning smell of the meat."
"Tarararari~""No desu!"
Tama-chan, I wonder if she was so happy, she couldn't say "Tamaranai". It sounds a bit like she's singing, it's really cute.
However, Liza-san who seriously watches over the meat with bones that are being grilled is a bit scary.
Since master had prepared a lot of meat skewers, everyone ate to their heart's content.
◇
Today's prototype is pudding.
It's very delicious, but since master keep getting dissatisfied with the [Caramel Sauce], he's having a hard time.
"U~n, no good. It's just sweet, there's no bitterness at all."
"Deliciouss."
Even though Mia-chan and me think that it's delicious, master and Arisa are still not satisfied. Oh Arisa, even though she's complaining, she still eats it all. Didn't she just have a showdown with Pochi-chan and the others with [Fried Rice] which she heavily consumed?
Since she's in her growth period, her appetite is big, but I wonder if it's fine to eat that much?
◇
I got praised by master when he saw the kombu that I had bought from the grocery on the downtown. I was hesitating since it was a bit pricey, but I'm glad that I've bought it. I will give my thanks to the shopkeeper who's recommended it.
I mean, master not only praised me with a smile on his whole face, but he also [Hugged], and patted my head.
Ehehehe~, I won't wash my head in the bath today.
"Crab nabe is the best after all~ but, how'd you get this crab fork."
"Ah, I've made that one just now."
"Kuu, dang you cheat, but, you're forgiven. It doesn't feel right to eat crabs without this after all~."
Just as Arisa's said, it's easy to take the crab meat with this fork.
The crabs are delicious, but everyone is quiet. Mia-chan looks a bit lonely, but she's steadily eating the [Pilaf] that master has exclusively made for her.
"Mia, let me try a mouthful of the pilaf."
"Arisa, overeating."
"It can't be helped right, I have to with all these delicious things~♪"
Isn't she really eating too much?
◇
When Arisa sees the magic tool with a round board connected to a wooden box by a pole that master is carrying, she runs away from the room in full speed.
I was surprised. That Arisa can move so quick.
Pochi-chan and Tama-chan whom master had ordered came back to the room after they caught Arisa. To make Arisa become that unwilling, I wonder what is that magic tool? Since it's something that master's brought, I think it's not a bad tool.
"Then, Pochi is next."
"Yes, nano desu."
When she gets on that board, it looks like the needle on the disk moves. Master scolded Tama-chan when she was going to touch the needle.
"It's a bit heavy, but I guess it's within the standard range. Since her race is different, there's no meaning to BMI, but I have to write down the body weight and the change."
Body weight is it? I had never heard that word, but for some reason I took a step back as as soon as I heard it.
"Lulu, you're next."
"Y, yes."
I hesitated for a little, but then I jumped on it decisively.
"You don't have to be so forceful, be more gentler okay."
"Yes, I'm sorry."
"There's no need to apologize. Lulu is slightly lighter than the standard huh. I guess it's better if she eats a bit more meat and dairy products during meals."
I'm relieved that it looks like I've passed judging from master's expression.
"No~, I've promised my dead grandmother to never get on that devil instrument again~"
I thought Arisa's grandmother-sama had died even before she was born though?
Even though master has said, "Resign yourself and get on it", she's still resisting. In the end, master gets on the tool while carrying Arisa, checks the number, and puts Arisa down, then he gets on it again and checks the number.
At first I thought what is he doing I wonder? I've thought such thing, but master is amazing, I've noticed that master is trying to find out the difference between the two measurements to get Arisa's body weight.
"Arisa."
"Uu, I've been sullied..."
"Noisy, you're slightly obese. From tomorrow on, you're forbidden from eating meat, and another helping. Of course snacks and sweets aren't allowed too."
That's why I've warned her that she was eating too much.
I wonder why do Pochi-chan, and even Tama-chan look like their life are over? Even Liza-san and Mia-chan are silently praying for Arisa.
"I'll accompany you with the diet, so let's make the goal to have you go down by five kilograms in one month."
"I, I hate diet~~~~~"
Arisa's sad screams is resounding in that afternoon.
Postscript.
Thanks to the [Non Calorie] dishes that master has prepared, Arisa's [Diet] transitions safely it seems.
I feel that Pochi-chan and Mia-chan who innocently cheer for her have become a bit plump too. I also have to be careful. Let's do the upping and stretching exercises like usual, no three times more than usual today!
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