Akatsuki Translations

Shizuku woke up effortlessly, or perhaps shamelessly, and sat up. Ur let out a deep sigh at her. This woman has a look on her face as if to say, “Oh, did I just wake up?”

“Scared of that old man, Heavenly Fist?” -Ur

“What are you talking about?” -Shizuku

She tilts her head adorably, as if puzzled. Ur gave up pointing it out.

“…So, do you have any injuries or feel sluggish?” -Ur

“No problem.” -Shizuku

Shizuku smiled.

Pretending to be asleep was one thing, but it was true that she had lost consciousness. The battle with the dragon had been so intense that it seared into her memory, but even before that, in the fight with the omen bird, she must have almost completely used up her magical power. Ur couldn’t move, Rock had spent almost all his energy, and Lynne was focused on the White King formation. In other words, she had almost single-handedly made up the front line.

Her face, illuminated by the light of the magic lamp, was pale. Ur touched Shizuku’s cheek. There’s no heat. It’s cool to the touch. Ur then laid her down on the bed, who was still sitting up.

“Don’t lie as easily as you breathe.” -Ur

“I don’t feel any pain in my body, okay?” -Shizuku

“Do you feel cold, have difficulty moving, or feel sick?” -Ur

“It’s not as serious as your injuries, Ur-sama.” -Shizuku

“Stop evading the question so skillfully… How about your appetite?” -Ur

When asked, Shizuku gently rubbed her stomach and looked a bit embarrassed.

“I want to eat meat.” -Shizuku

“Me too… Maybe I’ll ask someone who’s a healer.” -Ur

Saying this, Ur got up from the bed and was about to leave the room, but before that, Shizuku gently grabbed his right arm with both hands.

“Is your arm okay, Ur-sama? And your eye?” -Shizuku

“Well, it’s not okay.” -Ur

Ur, with solemn black bandages wrapped around his eye and arm, honestly answered her question. It would be strange to say he’s fine in this condition. The change before and after the omen bird subjugation was too drastic. However,

“Well, probably, most likely, it won’t have a major impact on life or my adventuring.” -Ur

His vision is fine, and for now, he can freely move his right hand as his own. He worried whether he might accidentally strangle Shizuku, but so far, there’s no such tendency. It’s hard to say without actually moving his body.

“That’s good, very good.” -Shizuku

Shizuku gently released Ur’s right hand. Ur turned to face her. The silver-haired girl, illuminated by the light of the magic lamp shining through the window, was beautiful. But her voice, which should be expressing happiness at Ur’s safety, lacked emotion.

“I’m sorry, Ur-sama. I have involved you in my problem.” -Shizuku

Saying this, Shizuku bowed her head and looked at Ur. Her eyes still lacked emotion. Like the calm surface of water, her silvery eyes did not waver. Ur was somehow reminded of the night in Greed. The core part of her he glimpsed after rejecting Shizuku’s temptation.

Pure, cold-hearted, twisted, a young girl.

“…I heard you’re a follower of an ‘evil spirit,’ a spirit banished by the One True God. And you were to slay the dragon for that spirit. So, why did the dragon attack you?” -Ur

He had heard about her circumstances only once, on that night, and he remembered the details clearly, but he hadn’t delved any further. However, now that things had come to this, he couldn’t help but ask.

The fact that they hadn’t died this time was just luck. Ur was convinced there wouldn’t be a second time. Hence, he needed to firmly understand the cause, or they might die next time.

Shizuku, to Ur’s question, after a slight pause, opened her mouth.

“I am an ‘anti-dragon weapon.’”   -Shizuku

“…Weapon?” -Ur

Ur frowned at the term, which seemed unfitting to describe a person.

“For the sake of the spirit we worship, to regain its power, I was created as a countermeasure against dragons. That dragon must have sensed a part of that power.” -Shizuku

“And Shizuku’s chant, which at that time, stopped the dragon’s movement is also?” -Ur

“A part of that power.” -Shizuku

There were many questions he wanted to ask, like how could she do such a thing, who were the followers of the evil spirit who created her, and ultimately how would they regain the spirit’s power?

But the problem was elsewhere.

“Is there a possibility that dragons will target that power in the future?”  -Ur

“Considering what happened this time, it’s possible.” -Shizuku

“Is there a way to avoid it?” -Ur

“I don’t know. I also can’t grasp the sensory abilities of dragons. Even this time, I didn’t anticipate being noticed and attacked.” -Shizuku

“Will only you be targeted?” -Ur

“I don’t know that either. Depending on the dragon, it might destroy everything completely.” -Shizuku

Ur methodically confirmed each point. The facts that became clear were rather desperate: they didn’t know when, where, or which dragon might target them. After the questions ended, silence returned. Ur pondered in silence. Shizuku waited quietly, almost like a criminal awaiting judgment.

Then Ur exhaled, as if deciding.

“At least, I must explain this to Lynne. Keeping silent to her would be too discourteous. And to Rock as well. And inevitably to Diz.” -Ur

“Yes.” -Shizuku

“Also, to the Adventurers’ Guild and the Temple. They will question us, inevitably, but it’s better to be prepared.” -Ur

“Yes.” -Shizuku

“The worst-case scenario might become a citywide problem… Well, if we really can be attacked anywhere, even being in the city is dangerous… But that’s not for us to decide.” -Ur

“Yes.” -Shizuku

“That’s all.” -Ur

With that, Ur stopped speaking, and silence fell again. Shizuku blinked in surprise, a slight emotion finally showing on her face, a stunned, bewildered look.

“Ur-sama?” -Shizuku

“What is it?” -Ur

“I think it would be better if you abandoned me.” -Shizuku

Shizuku’s words were strikingly direct. And they were a reality.

There was a possibility of being attacked by dragons. It was an unpredictable disaster, encountering it could completely derail one’s life. Keeping a woman who attracts such a being by her side is frankly insane.

She was speaking the truth. Ur nodded.

“That’s true. But I won’t do it.” -Ur

Silence fell again. Ur shrugged his shoulders, indicating that he had nothing more to say. It was now Shizuku’s turn to ponder. After a while, she tilted her head, thought, and then looked at Ur again.

“Ur-sama.” -Shizuku

“What is it?” -Ur

“I am a promiscuous woman.” -Shizuku

“Okay.” -Ur

“I actively seduce men.” -Shizuku

“I know that.” -Ur

“I play with and break their hearts with ease.” -Shizuku

“Rock told me.” -Ur

“I am a liar.” -Shizuku

“That’s true.” -Ur

“I think I should be abandoned.” -Shizuku

“Do you want to be abandoned?” -Ur

She wasn’t expecting to be questioned about herself. Having spoken fluently about her misdeeds, she fell silent again. She was probably gathering her thoughts. It took her a considerable amount of time to organize her thoughts.

Shizuku, who could easily manipulate and control the emotions of others, was utterly indifferent to the nuances of her own feelings. This hadn’t changed since Ur first met her. Ur waited quietly as Shizuku confronted her own heart.

After a few minutes, Shizuku spoke in a slightly uncertain voice.

“I want to be with you to fulfill my ‘mission’.” -Shizuku

“I see.” -Ur

“But it’s unacceptable for you to be hurt or to die.” -Shizuku

“I see.” -Ur

Shizuku fell silent. She seemed like she wanted to say something more, but before her thoughts could form into words, they dissipated. Ur organized the words she was trying to say and confronted her.

“Shizuku’s priorities are, first, the ‘mission,’ then others apart from herself, and lastly, herself, right?” -Ur

“Yes.”  -Shizuku

“Then, among the two reasons you mentioned earlier, the mission takes precedence. That’s fine, right?” -Ur

Shizuku remained silent.

Logically, that was correct.

Regardless of Ur’s intentions, from Shizuku’s perspective, there was no disadvantage in affirming her stay with Ur. That’s how it should be.

But,

“…for you…” -Shizuku

In front of Ur, who was watching, Shizuku’s expression seemed unchanged. It appeared unaltered, but Ur saw in her eyes the vulnerability of a child lost in an unfamiliar city.

“…My mission is the most important thing for me. I care about ‘everyone,’ but I can’t exchange them for my mission. Therefore, Ur-sama, too—”  -Shizuku

Her words stopped again, but this time with a firmer tone,

“—for the mission, I will have to use you too, Ur-sama.” -Shizuku

She finished her statement and looked sad. There were no tears to shake a man’s heart, no clinging pretentiously.

Just a sad face, looking down slightly.

Ur gently touched Shizuku’s shoulder.

“…I’m sorry.” -Ur

Ur realized he had made her say something dreadful.

She was twisted, somewhat insane. She wouldn’t choose means for her goals. However, that didn’t mean she was devoid of emotions. Just because she had clear priorities didn’t mean she could coldly and mechanically detach herself from them.

She could laugh and be happy. Ur should have known that.

Pushing her away because her priorities are set that way is not an option.

He had made a contract with her. She was Ur’s possession. It was a ridiculous contract made in haste, but Ur had no intention of disregarding it. If she was his possession, then it was also his duty to protect her heart.

“—You don’t need to feel guilty. I joined hands with you of my own will.” -Ur

“But initially, when we made the contract, you didn’t know that I would suddenly be targeted by a dragon, right? Do you still feel the same now?” -Shizuku

“It hasn’t changed. This time was just bad luck, a major accident, but it also taught us something. Dragons are too dangerous.” -Ur

The first encounter with a dragon species was during the necromancer subjugation.

But at that time, he was almost an outsider, not really understanding what was happening. This time was different. Being a party to it, facing the dragon up close, he clearly understood. Dragons are “dangerous”. They aren’t beings that can be dealt with by simply diving into labyrinths and training one’s body.

Living disasters, curses incarnate. Just encountering them can drive everything mad.

“To become gold rank, I have to defeat it. So, I need power. Not just any power, but something significant. And you have it.” -Ur

If she has the power to even interfere with a dragon of sin, then it should work against other dragon species too. And she, possessing that power, is undoubtedly unique. There is certainly risk, immense risk.

But the fact that he must accept dangerous and reckless challenges that are normally unacceptable was something he learned on that night in Greed.

“So don’t worry about it. I’m using you in my own way, fully aware of the risks. And if you get involved and die because of it, that’s on me. Rock aside, Lynne will make her own decisions and, if necessary, leave. That’s her responsibility to judge.” -Ur

“Yes…” -Shizuku

Shizuku gave a half-hearted response to Ur’s words, which might be considered encouragement. She hadn’t yet come to terms with herself, and her face was pale, more like a ghost than a sick person. Ur was troubled. He thought he had given enough logical explanations, but it seemed that wasn’t what was needed. Merely listing excuses wouldn’t clear her heart. Ur looked up, his gaze wandering the void, choosing his words to empathize with her.

“…Ultimately, I simply don’t want to part with you now. That’s it.” -Ur

Shizuku tilted her head in confusion.

“…Do you want me to love you?” -Shizuku

Ur frowned.

“It’s sad to part with a friend you’ve gotten quite close to. Aren’t you lonely? Don’t you want to be with someone?” -Ur

There must be many who seek Shizuku. As a woman, as an adventurer, she possesses irresistible talents and beauty. If she could hide the risk of the dragon, or even if it was known, people would likely flock around her. She wouldn’t be alone. But this woman gives love without receiving it. She is always giving to others, never seeking for herself. She gives to those around her, never receiving in return. She takes only for her mission, not for herself.

She wishes to be with Ur for her mission

She dislikes the thought of Ur and others getting hurt out of respect for others.

But what does Shizuku herself want?

Just because she puts herself last doesn’t mean she shouldn’t have desires. Or rather, she definitely should have desires. That’s what Ur firmly believed.

“If we both want to be together, then that’s fine. What do you say?” -Ur

“I…” -Shizuku

The silence was long. The woman, usually so eloquent in tempting men, now searched for words with a look of confusion and haste. Ur quietly waited for her to speak.

“………………………I don’t have the right to wish for that,” she replied after a long silence, her voice devoid of emotion. Ur wasn’t surprised by her response, nor did he feel angry. Honestly, it was better than what he had expected because it was almost like she had given an answer.

“Well, fine. Then grant my wish, my possession.” -Ur

“Your wish?” -Shizuku

“Stay with me.” -Ur

Upon hearing this, Shizuku, who had been fluctuating between confusion and emotionlessness, cracked a slight smile.

“Sounds like a proposal, doesn’t it?” -Shizuku

“Quiet. You’re used to hearing that, aren’t you?” -Ur

“If it’s from Ur-sama, I would be happy.” -Shizuku

“I’ll consider it if you become a bit more modest.” -Ur

Ur said it offhandedly, hiding his embarrassment. He didn’t mind spouting a line or two of cringeworthy dialogue if it could heal the woman he had carelessly hurt, though it did cause him an odd sweat. At least it didn’t show on his face.

“…Well, whatever. I’m hungry now. And thirsty from all the talking.” -Ur

Thinking to get some food, Ur tried to leave the bed but felt a tug. It was Shizuku’s hand caught on his.

“Hey, Shizu…hmm?” -Ur

He turned to see Shizuku, but…

“……”  -Shizuku

“…She’s asleep.” -Ur

She was sound asleep. Despite having been awake just moments ago. Perhaps she wasn’t in her best condition, more exhausted from the conversation than actually having fallen asleep. Ur felt a bit guilty for having woken her up earlier.

“…Is she better than before?” -Ur   

Before their conversation, her complexion was like that of a corpse. Now, it seemed slightly better, perhaps softened by their interaction.

“…….Ah, I guess she’s relieved.” -Ur

Ur lay down on the adjacent bed, stretching his arm out so as not to let go of her hand. Despite having many thoughts, for now, it was enough that she was resting.

Satisfied, he closed his eyes, and soon he too drifted into a doze.

Thus ended Ur and his party’s long and arduous subjugation of the omen bird.

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