Akatsuki Translations

Three days later, at the rear of Dragon-Devoured Uuga, the loading entrance.

When boarding Uuga, its “tail” serves as a ramp for the entrance and exit.

First, Uuga itself sinks into the ground, becoming half-integrated with the earth. Then, its tail also burrows into the ground, creating a path to the living quarters inside Uuga. This structure was similar to the mobile fortress 【Island-Eating Turtle】 of the City of Sin, Greed. In fact, according to Kalkara’s explanation, the heretics had partially referenced it.

However, the scale was different. Uuga’s tail, which was thrust into the ground, was like a large, gently sloping mountain. It was so large that not only horse-drawn carriages but even small mobile fortresses could easily pass through.

“Actually, that’s what they had in mind. Aesula,” Echelle muttered softly in front of the entrance to the living quarters at the base of the tail. Waiting to greet them, she was not wearing the Sun Knight armor she had always worn before, nor was she in casual clothes, but rather in ceremonial attire for priests.

While a bit flashy for a priest’s uniform, it maintained an air of elegance. In order to greet the higher-ups, she needed to pay attention to her appearance at the very least, resulting in her current attire. Her makeup was not excessively heavy like before, but rather settled to give a slightly mature impression for her age.

“Is this outfit okay for me?” In contrast, Ur was wearing his usual armor. The parts that were damaged in the battle with the Slime King had been properly repaired, so it didn’t look bad, but being too normal made him feel unsettled instead.

Echelle looked at Ur and nodded. “Mithril armor is sufficient. The Sun Knight’s armor is also made of mithril.”

“What about the eye patch? Doesn’t it look too grim?” -Ur

“It’s considered bad manners to reveal any kind of magic eye in public, so I think it’s fine.”

“I see… But well, I’m not familiar with etiquette. Don’t expect too much from me.” -Ur

“As long as you don’t overdo it and don’t lose your manners, I think that will be enough,” Shizuku said, providing support. She was wearing a white robe that completely covered her head. It seemed like it would get dirty quickly if used regularly, but this time she deliberately chose it from the items stored in Uuga.

It had a plain design with little skin exposure. When together with Echelle, it was a choice made so that her appearance wouldn’t stand out too much.

Even so, it was troublesome how it conversely exuded a mysterious atmosphere.

“You look good in any outfit, Shizuku.” -Ur

Shizuku smiled, hiding her mouth. “I’m just putting on appearances.”

“It doesn’t look like that at all…”  -Echelle

“Echelle-sama, unlike me, you need to be a little more dignified in front of the people we’re about to greet. After all, you are the master of this place now.” -Shizuku

At Shizuku’s point, Echelle’s shoulders slumped. A self-reproachful smile appeared on her face.

“I put up a false front as much as I could when bringing everyone here, and now I’m completely drained. Although I was just shouting and screaming loudly… I don’t even know how I was able to do that…” -Echelle

Her heart, which had been broken and shattered countless times and finally saved, had become quite rounded. However, as a result, some things were lost. At the temple in Lust, she wielded her authority as a Sun Knight, and while reckless, it could be said that she had guts.

The current her probably wouldn’t be able to do the same. She wouldn’t even try.

But now is a time when a bit of that recklessness is needed.

“You don’t need momentum. Just the form is enough,” Shizuku said, touching her shoulder and making her stand up straight. She then moved behind Echelle.

“The simple trick to lying to the other party is to stick out your chest, maintain good posture, and smile without feeling anything.” -Shizuku

With each gentle touch on her back and shoulders, Echelle’s posture naturally improved compared to before. As if she were a puppet, Shizuku’s hands moved Echelle.

“Do I not need to think about anything?” -Echelle

“You need to think. But don’t feel.” -Shizuku

“You’re saying something difficult.” -Echelle

“It’s surprisingly easy. It’s a defense instinct that everyone has.”  -Shizuku

“Defense?” -Echelle

When Echelle looked puzzled, not understanding, Shizuku gently touched her cheek from behind and whispered in her ear.

“Echelle-sama, have you ever experienced something so painful in your life that you wanted to die?” -Shizuku

“…T-That, I have, but…” -Echelle

“Remember how you endured it.” -Shizuku

After a while of being told that, the expression vanished from Echelle’s face.

There was no anger or sadness. There were no emotions like pain or suffering. All emotions disappeared from the outside and were pushed inward. Shizuku touched that stone-like face.

“If you detach your emotions and just put on a facade, the other person will misunderstand on their own.” -Shizuku

When Shizuku removed her hand, a woman with a meaningful smile was born.

Even to Ur’s eyes, who had seen the change up close, it didn’t look like a girl writhing in agony, digging up her old trauma. He felt as if she understood everything, as if she could see right through him.

“…Um, is it hard to keep doing this all the time?” -Echelle

“Eventually, you’ll be able to do it without bringing out unpleasant memories.” -Shizuku

When Shizuku stepped away, Echelle let out a sigh and her expression returned. After that, she touched her own face and moved her body many times. She seemed to be practicing her posture from earlier.

“You don’t have to try to do it perfectly right away. Let’s just focus on your posture today. Even that alone will change the impression.” -Shizuku

“Where did you learn this technique?” -Ur

When Ur asked, Shizuku showed a meaningful smile.

Ur pinched Shizuku’s cheek.

“Ow, ow, ow.” -Ur

“What’re you dumbasses messing around for?” -Jain

At that moment, Jain arrived. He was also wearing armor. Instead of his usual practical armor, he was wearing brand-new armor that prioritized appearance.

“I mean, why do I hafta greet ’em too?” -Jain

“Without you, the only ones here are two copper-rank adventurers and one young girl who survived being expelled from the Caraleigh family. It’s not enough of a bluff.” -Ur

In that regard, Jain, a silver-rank adventurer of the 【White Serpent】, is a well-known adventurer. Since he mainly operated around Gradol, his reputation should be good. In addition, just having an experienced adventurer on Echelle’s side would ease Echelle’s own tension.

“You guys are going to become silver-rank too, right?” -Jain

“We haven’t received any communication from the Adventurers’ Guild yet. Also, we simply wanted someone older.” -Ur

“Who are you calling an old man, huh?” -Jain

“I’m saying you’re reliable, so give me a break.” -Ur

While being poked by Jain, Ur turned his gaze outside of Uuga. Jain’s attention was also directed there. And suddenly, he looked up at the sky and narrowed his eyes.

“They’re here.” -Ur

Ur nodded. Even while talking to Jain, he gradually heard the “vibrations and sounds.” Multiple giant shadows were approaching 【Dragon-Devoured Uuga】 sitting on the plain where the threat had disappeared after defeating 【Blood Emperor Rose】.

“That’s【Garuda】. Messengers from the【City of Sin, Envy】.” -Jain

In the direction where Jain was looking up at the sky, there was a mass of giant magical machines fluttering as if to cover the sky. The giant flying fortress 【Garuda】 that dominates the sky, moves freely, and transports various things.

Ur had no idea at all how it was flying through the sky based on his knowledge. The mechanical wings that moved without relying on the power of spirits flapped gracefully as if they were alive and landed next to Uuga.

“…And the one coming by land is the 【Albion Steed】. It’s a mobile fortress from 【City of Sin, Gradol】.” -Jain

From the front, giant white horses were running on the ground. Several beautiful, pure white horses, each probably over ten meters long, were pulling a carriage even larger than them. It’s a dedicated mobile fortress that only the Shinra of Gradol is allowed to use, aside from them. There are rumors that if they run seriously on the ground, they can cross the Isralia continent in a day.

“【Envy】 and 【Gradol】… What about 【Sloth】?” -Ur

“What do you think? Can they even come with something like a mobile fortress in the first place?” -Shizuku

“Maybe they broke their promise.” -Ur

“That’s possible, right? Honestly, I’d be grateful for that.” -Jain

Unfortunately, that probably won’t happen.

There was a definite premonition among everyone present that it would be the case.

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆

“Hey, Ur, it’s been a month… You look incredibly tired.” -Diz

The first one to appear from the carriage as the Albion Steed boarded Uuga was Diz, who had been away from Ur and the others for a while, working in Gradol. Originally, Ur’s contract with her, the escort request, had been temporarily suspended, and she had been running around to settle the chaos in Gradol. She hadn’t changed much from when she was in Gradol.

However, the armor she was wearing was different.

It was breathtakingly beautiful armor. At first glance, it seemed too flashy and lacking in practicality to be considered as mere armor. However, when the hero Diz wore it, it strangely seemed to suit her well.

“It’s been a while, Diz. Your presence is like a breath of fresh air.” -Ur

“Just to remind you, I’m the woman who holds your sister’s fate and demanded 1,000 gold coins from you, remember?” -Jain

“I forgot.” -Ur

《Don’t forget!! 》-Akane

Akane pounced on his face.

“Long time no see, Akane. Was it tough?” -Ur

《I had it easy. The Temple guys looked like they were about to die. 》-Akane

“I bet.” -Ur

The temple in Gradol must have been hell. Ur had also occasionally shown his face in Gradol during these two months, but each time, the priests and servants had a fatigued and dangerous look on their faces. Some glared at him with resentful eyes, but Ur couldn’t help it. If anything, they were the victims.

With Akane clinging to Ur, Diz shifted her gaze to Echelle, who was standing next to Ur looking a bit nervous, and smiled.

“It’s been a while, Echelle. Were you okay?” -Diz

“Y-Yeah, I’m fine.” -Echelle

“Kalkara will be coming later, so don’t worry.” -Diz

“Got it.” -Echelle

The relationship between Echelle and Diz had been improving since the incident. However, they had almost no contact, and even then, it was a one-sided confrontation from Echelle’s side, and it was out of concern for her family. Now that it had disappeared, there was no way it could get worse.

Echelle probably remembered her own words and actions, so she seemed a bit awkward, but she would naturally be able to interact with her eventually.

There was no problem with their relationship. But in the first place, the main character this time was not Diz.

“Hero, it’s troubling if you go ahead. How about being considerate to your elders?”

The mature woman who appeared following Diz was the new Shinra of Gradol, Lacretia Shinra Gorian. She was at the center of this event and one of the problems. Ur heightened his sense of tension.

“You’re not that old, are you, Lacretia-sama? You need to train your legs and hips.” -Diz

“Mind your own business.” -Lacretia

At first glance, she was a short, middle-aged woman of common people, clad in a priest’s robe. Apart from her attire, she gave the impression of a refined woman you could see anywhere in the city.

However, as expected, there must be a reason she was chosen as the Shinra to lead Gradol in the midst of unprecedented chaos. Even when descending upon the unprecedented familiar Uuga, she showed no signs of agitation at all. Her escorts, the Sun Knights, seemed more bewildered than her. It didn’t seem to be simply because she had a strong connection with the spirits.

“Echelle, it’s been about a month, hasn’t it? Thank you for coming to greet us.” -Lacretia

“Not at all, Lacretia-sama. I received a lot of care at the Gradol temple. It’s only natural.” -Echelle

Even now, while exchanging words with Echelle, she continued to observe the entire Dragon-Devoured Uuga, directing her gaze towards it. It was clear that she was trying not to miss even the slightest bit of information. When that strong gaze was turned towards Ur, his spine trembled a little.

“I should say it’s nice to meet you, Ur. I’ve seen you a few times at the temple, but this is the first time we’ve exchanged words directly. I’m Lacretia Shinra Gorian.” -Lacretia

“My name is Ur. It’s a pleasure to meet you today.” -Ur

“And you must be Jain of the White Serpent. I’ve heard rumors about you. I would like to express my gratitude once again for your cooperation in reclaiming Uuga.” -Lacretia

“It’s only natural as someone living in Gradol. It’s an honor to meet you, Shinra.” -Jain

Jain exchanged greetings with surprising fluency. As expected, he was used to it. Ur thought from the bottom of his heart that it was a good thing he had come.

As for Shizuku, she stepped back even further from Ur and the others, erasing her presence as if she were just one of the guards. She was also out of Lacretia’s awareness. As expected, she was attentive.

Lacretia didn’t particularly direct her attention to Shizuku either. She took a step back and bowed respectfully, placing her hand on her chest as if to say “once again.”

“Including those who are not present here, I would like to express my gratitude once again from Gradol. Thank you very much for reclaiming this satellite city from the hands of those abominable heretics. The current safety of Gradol is all thanks to your efforts. You have our gratitude.” -Lacretia

The Sun Knights who followed her murmured a little at the fact that their new queen had bowed her head even to the Nameless. However, Ur and the others understood the meaning behind her words.

Keep in mind that this whole incident was “entirely” caused by the heretics.

It was another warning. It was a confirmation that had been repeated countless times when visiting Gradol, but it was probably the final nail in the coffin. Ur took it to heart.

“Well then, I’d like to get started right away, but there are other guests coming, right?” -Lacretia

“Yes, they should be arriving soon…” -Diz

As they were talking, another group of visitors was climbing up from Uuga’s tail to the boarding entrance. It was a carriage adorned with the blue and white colors of the Envy Knights, which had probably been stored inside the Garuda.

And from the carriage, the notorious Strike Force unit appeared.

“Excuse me, it’s a pleasure to meet you for the first time, new Shinra of Gradol. I am Gloria, the captain of the Envy Knight Order Flying Strike Force.” -Gloria

The one who emerged was an elf clad in knight’s armor.

She had the elegant appearance characteristic of elves. She had a smile on her face, but the impression she gave was somewhat cold. Her words were polite, but her gaze was sharper than Lacretia’s, staring at Uuga. Ur thought it was the look of a beast in front of its prey.

“Despite the sudden request, I am deeply grateful for your understanding.” -Lacretia

“I don’t think we had the right to refuse when you brought up the name of the 【Seven Heavens】.” -Gloria

“This is also the duty of the 【Seven Heavens】, for the peace of the entire world. Please understand.” -Lacretia

“Not for the sake of pleasing that magic-obsessed person?” -Lacretia

“If our master, the 【Heavenly Demon】, were to hear you call them magic-obsessed, they would be delighted.” -Gloria

Already, sparks were flying between Gradol and Envy.

It was clear that the relationship between Gradol, who wanted to somehow utilize Uuga, and Envy, who wanted to take control of Uuga for the sake of the 【Heavenly Demon】 Greylei, was openly hostile, but it seemed to be even more heated than expected.

If it was like this from the beginning, Ur was feeling depressed about how much trouble he would have to go through in the future. Then, Gloria’s gaze turned towards him. More precisely, towards Echelle, the master of Uuga.

“Nice to meet you, Echelle-sama. Thank you for inviting us to Uuga today.”  

“N-No, I’m just someone entrusted with management by Gradol, nothing more.” -Echelle

“However, I heard that you led the adventurers and successfully protected Uuga when it was about to be taken by the heretics.” -Gloria

Saying that, she held out her hand to Echelle. Echelle also held out her right hand in response. Gloria stared intently at that right hand. She thoroughly confirmed the “right hand with no control seals engraved” and shook hands.

“I would be delighted if you could share that heroic tale with us today as well.” -Gloria

“I’m not sure if it will be a heroic tale, but I think I can talk about my reliable companions.” -Echelle

Gloria smiled, and Echelle returned it with a smile, following Shizuku’s example.

Ur approached Shizuku so as not to seem out of place and touched her with the adventurer’s ring. He activated the direct communication magic.

《She was searching for the 【Control Formula】, right? 》-Ur

《Yes, it’s a good thing we ‘applied makeup.’》-Shizuku

《Was it better not to use magic? 》-Ur

《I thought it would stand out more that way. 》-Shizuku

The movement of trying to find the key to operating Uuga, the Control Formula, was ominous.

They probably weren’t crazy enough to suddenly attack and try to steal the Control Formula, but it seemed that it was better to be cautious.

“Oh my, you didn’t shake hands with me, but I guess elves really do prefer ‘young girls,’ don’t they?” -Lacretia

It was said that elves stay young and vibrant by sipping the living blood of young women.

Using one of the rumors from the era when vampires, a subspecies of the undead, were equated with elves, Lacretia sarcastically remarked on Gloria’s behavior. It seemed that Lacretia had also noticed Gloria’s probing. Even the unflappable Gloria’s expression stiffened a little at that sarcasm.

“You’re bringing up quite an old superstition. I could say it’s similar to Gradol to still clinging to honors from hundreds of years ago.” -Gloria

“Oh, my apologies. It’s just the idle chatter of a young girl in her mid-50s. Did I say something rude to someone hundreds of years my senior?” -Lacretia

The two smiled at each other. However, the hostility that couldn’t be hidden was blazing up to the point where it was almost comical that they were still trying to maintain appearances with smiles.

《…Lacretia-sama is pretty good at this. 》-Ur

《Diz-sama said that she’s quite the militant type. 》-Shizuku

It was surprising to see this side of her, as she had been relatively considerate to Ur and the others in Gradol. However, if a battle were to start here, the conversation wouldn’t progress. As he was thinking about what to do, help came from the Envy side.

“Captain, please calm down. Lacretia-sama, I apologize. Due to our position, we can’t help but be sensitive when it comes to magic.”

The one who stepped forward to appease both sides was a man who seemed to be Gloria’s deputy, who had descended with her. He was a human youth with a gentle smile that suited him. With a soft voice that calmed the atmosphere, he dissipated the air that was about to explode at any moment.

He calmly stepped into that battlefield of flying sparks and instantly brought back the atmosphere. Ur, who had been watching with admiration, thinking it was impressive, suddenly noticed something.

《Nii-tan, that’s… 》-Akane

“Ecks…?” -Ur

Akane, who was hiding in Ur’s arms, muttered softly, and Ur also noticed.

The other party must have noticed too. Ur saw him glance at him and give a small nod.

《Do you know him? 》-Shizuku

《He’s an old friend. Well, we can talk about that later. 》-Ur

The vice-captain of the Envy Strike Force Unit, Eckstein, managed to calm the situation. However, the atmosphere was still not good. Influenced by their respective leaders, the Sun Knights of Gradol and the Knights of Envy were glaring at each other.

Ur had considered the possibility of Uuga becoming a tug-of-war between the two countries, but the situation was more blatant than he had imagined, causing him to break out in a cold sweat. As he was feeling depressed about the prospect of guiding them around Uuga in this manner, he suddenly remembered.

“…In the end, the Lust group still hasn’t arrived.” -Ur

Ur said that out loud to disperse the atmosphere.

At Ur’s remark, Lacretia frowned as if remembering something she didn’t want to remember. On the other hand, Gloria gave Ur a suspicious look.

“There’s still another force coming?” -Gloria

“Due to the short notice, we didn’t have time to inform the Envy Knights, but just like you, there’s someone who has decided to visit…” -Echelle

Echelle explained. However, there was no sign of the Lust group. If they were using a mobile fortress like the two forces, their presence could be immediately sensed even from a distance, but there was none of that.

“…Maybe they stood us up?” -Ur

“That would be the best.” -Jain

Jain snorted at Ur’s words.

“In the first place, outsiders who weren’t even scheduled are still outsiders. It’s no trouble at all.” -Jain

“Well, that’s certainly true.” -Ur

Unlike Envy, who had a clear objective of Uuga itself, their objective was even more dubious. It was too much of a hassle to deal with.

“Maybe they mishandled the fuel and it rotted. In the first place, it’s questionable whether they even have the brains to handle it…” -Jain

“Hey, hey, don’t say such rude things, Jaaaaain.”

Suddenly, without any warning, a hand was placed on Jain’s shoulder.

Of course, it wasn’t Ur who was next to him. Between him and Ur, there was one more person. A huge, pitch-black beastperson was standing there. Despite being next to Jain, who should have a giant body, he looked smaller, but his presence was so intense that it overshadowed his physical size.

Jain’s eyes widened. Ur was the same. There was absolutely no sign of him until just now.

“…You.” -Jain

“Hey, it’s been 28 years, Jain. Back then, you were a cheeky little brat with a fierce look in your eyes, but you’ve grown big. This old man is happy.”

Lacretia and Gloria also twisted their faces in astonishment upon seeing the man. The knights and Sun Knights protecting the two of them immediately entered a combat stance. It was the kind of wariness they wouldn’t show even when confronting a monster.

However, even when faced with countless hostilities, the man didn’t seem to mind at all and casually waved at the two women accompanied by their knights.

“Hey, the youngest daughter of the Gorians still looks as wise as ever, huh?”

“…I’m not at an age to be called a young miss anymore, you know.” -Lacretia

“It’s been 50 years since I last saw Glo, right? You used to be so cute, but now you’ve become quite fierce.”

“…You haven’t changed at all, in a horrifying way. You seem to age even slower than elves.” -Gloria

And with that, his gaze shifted to the side. To the golden girl, Diz, who had naturally moved to the position where she could best protect Lacretia beside her.

“Hey, Hero. Still as cute as ever. The other Seven Heavens aren’t bullying you, are they? If things get tough, I’m here to listen.”

“Even if I had worries, you’re the only one I couldn’t consult with.” -Diz

“Hey, hey, that’s harsh. I’m known for being a gentleman to women, you know? Even someone like me.”

Laughing it off as a joke, his gaze finally shifted to Ur.

A face with a luster that didn’t seem elderly at all. A sweet scent tickled the nose, perhaps from the use of perfume on his distinctly black fur. Both eyes were black, just like his hair color, with what looked like a cross-shaped mark engraved deep within them. It was unclear whether they were magic eyes, but looking into them, one felt like they could be drawn in. Those two eyes stared intently at Ur and then laughed.

“【Slime King Exterminator Ur】. Nice to meet you. Pleased to make your acquaintance.”

【Gold Rank】

【King】

【Conqueror of Sloth】

Black flashed a friendly smile at Ur.

“…Nice to meet you too. Please take care of me, Black-dono.” -Ur

An old man who seemed like he would be a pain in the ass to deal with had appeared.

Ur greeted him with a strained face.

An illustration from the light novel of Ur and Shizuku’s fight with the Great Boar has been released on Twitter!