Akatsuki Translations

Lautaro Magic Academy

In a room on the sixth floor of the boys’ dormitory, a floor for the advanced students of Lautaro

“Thank you for a delightful time, Thomas-sama.” -Shizuku

Shizuku, who had been invited as a guest, bowed gracefully with a gentle smile. Behind her stood an armored knight, seemingly out of place in a house of magical learning, quietly standing. He appeared to be her familiar.

Despite the unusual appearance, it had become a familiar sight.

“No, the pleasure is mine. Thank you for taking the time to come.” -Thomas

Thomas Gran Dunrant returned her smile warmly. His attendants were busy behind him, clearing up after the tea party. They had just enjoyed a pleasant tea party together, discussing lessons learned, developments in new magic, or some silly student jokes that had nothing to do with either — it was truly just enjoyable small talk.

“It’s a shame that there’s a deadline approaching, as I would have liked to talk more.” -Shizuku

“You don’t plan to continue as a student, do you? You would easily pass the special entrance exam.” -Thomas

Typically, it’s difficult for adventurers to demonstrate their abilities within a month of special admission and be officially accepted into the academy. Most adventurers who have fought their way up and learned magic don’t have the necessary foundation to study further. Many clash with this gap, leading to either failure or starting their studies over to try again.

However, Shizuku has shown her extraordinary talent at this academy. Her knowledge is lacking, but her ability to grasp magic is innate. Magic is a skill, and anyone can learn and practice it to acquire proficiency. However, the speed of acquisition varies depending on aptitude and talent. She was overwhelmingly gifted.

She quickly digested and absorbed the magic she learned. She had no weaknesses or strengths related to attributes.

Moreover, her ability to transform learned magical formulas and forms into her own unique magical constructs was exceptional.

Streamlining of spells, efficiency, creation of new magic.

All the instructors were confident in her abilities. If Shizuku desired it, she would undoubtedly be admitted as a student. However, Shizuku shook her head.

“I’m sorry, but there are things I must do.” -Shizuku

“That’s very unfortunate… I enjoyed our conversations.” -Thomas

“Perhaps another time――” -Shizuku

With those words, Shizuku gently leaned against Thomas’s body. Her soft hair lightly tickled Thomas’s nose. Thomas slightly narrowed his eyes as he embraced Shizuku’s body.

“May we talk again sometime?” -Shizuku

“…Yes, of course. You would always be welcome.” -Thomas

With that, Shizuku’s face beamed with a full smile. She bowed once more and left the room with her knightly companion.

“………………………Phew.” -Thomas

“Good work, Thomas-sama.” -Maid

After seeing her off, a small sigh escaped from Thomas as his attendant gently spoke to him. When he turned to look at her, the head maid, his face softened a bit. His expression was one of relief, as if a tension had been lifted.

“Are you alright?” -Maid

“Mm, yes… I suppose so. That was a bit dangerous… Could you pour me some tea?” -Thomas

“It’s already prepared.” -Maid

When he returned to his private room, he took a sip of the amber-colored tea that had been prepared in his cup. As the warmth settled into his stomach, Thomas let out a sigh of relief.

“How was she?” -Maid

“A lovely lady. Above all, ‘the kind of talent I want’… but,” -Thomas

For Thomas, the eldest son of a family holding a Temple position, life at the academy was also a time to recruit personnel for his future role as a priest. The work of a priest involved faith and the management of the city, the “protection” of the world of men.

The higher the office, the broader the role and scope of protection becomes.

For the lowest rank, “Nuu,” it’s about managing a minor Temple and such, but surpassing “Gran” means vast responsibilities. The area of city management expands, rights increase, but so do obligations. It’s too much for one person to handle alone.

Therefore, he is always in need of excellent personnel. When he eventually graduates and takes over his father’s duties, he can never have too many capable people to help him.

In that regard, Shizuku was very appealing. As a magician, her abilities were raw yet extraordinary, and she also excelled in appearance. Her conversational skills were smooth, and she was easily liked by anyone, regardless of gender or species. Moreover, she even possessed an adventurer’s ring. Most importantly, she had no inconvenient ties due to her origins as a Nameless.

She could be said to be an extremely valuable talent.

However,

“Let’s not pursue her.” -Thomas

“I agree.” -Maid

The master and head maid had reached the same conclusion. Hearing those words, one of Thomas’s maids, a recently employed beastperson who was new to his service, looked surprised.

“Wh-why? She seemed like such a nice person.” -Beastperson Maid

“The very fact that someone like you, who barely spoke with her, views her in such a way, is the answer.” -Maid

The head maid sharply reprimanded her subordinate. Thomas sighed.

“She is a ‘temptress.’” -Thomas

Without using magic, with just a conversation and a smile, she had an enchanting allure that captivated people and made them her captives. Once ensnared, one might even offer up their body, heart, and soul. She belonged to that category.

Furthermore, she was aware of it. She understood just how attractive and beautiful she was and used it as a weapon. It was far too dangerous to deal with such an individual as a talented asset.

“If there were reins to control, it would be different… but I don’t have them.” -Thomas

She was “Nameless.” As a priest with the title of Gran, he could grant her the rights of a city dweller, but even if he tried to entice her with that, she was not interested. What she desired was advancement as an adventurer and, above all, the enhancement of her own combat abilities. And not just a slight increase in strength, but she aimed for gold rank within the adventurer’s guild—a considerable goal.

Of course, he could support her. She was very pleased with the magic accessories he gave her within a reasonable range. They must be effective, to some extent. But support to reach gold rank is a different story. To put it simply, it’s bottomless. There is no end, and even generous contributions wouldn’t suffice.

Gold, status, power—none could reach her. That’s what the gold rank of the adventurer’s guild is.

In other words, Thomas didn’t have the means to fulfill her wishes. Not even the head priest of a City of Sin would. In fact, no one does.

“I have no interest in continuing to pour money into an insatiable well.” -Thomas

At most, he would maintain a connection as a sort of sponsor, supporting her within reasonable limits and keeping a safe distance. Any more closeness or support would be dangerous. Shizuku also seemed to understand this caution and kept her contact with him moderate and not excessive. She did not often direct her formidable demonic allure towards him.

“There seems to be a man who is doing just that, though.” -Thomas

“Oh… him.”-Maid

Prompted thus, one individual came to mind.

Medal. A man born into a higher-ranking family than Thomas, yet living a life of decadence, complacent with his status. Thomas knew him well. After all, Medal, despite being lower in rank, did not like that Thomas was recognized as more competent by many, and he frequently picked fights with him.

It seems that Medal is currently smitten with Shizuku. His lack of discretion with women is well-known, and that itself is not surprising. But, oh well, of all people, it had to be her—this was Thomas’s thought.

“It seems the two are quite close.” -Maid

“I see. It might be problematic if she were to be taken. I’ll be cautious.” -Thomas

“Is that possible?” -Maid

“The caprice of spirits can occur at any time.”  -Thomas

At the head maid’s remark, Thomas answered with utmost seriousness. Anything can happen in this world, the garden of the gods and the playground of spirits. The mindset that something might occur is essential for a priest who serves the spirits. Therefore, there was no deceit in his response to her.

One can never categorically deny that something will absolutely not happen.

No matter what kind of miracle it might be.

“Besides, I’m not in a position to comment on the affairs of others.” -Thomas

“My apologies.” -Maid

“Once we’ve had tea, it’s time to prepare for tomorrow. The unveiling of the new magic for the inviolable territory development, and explaining it to the old folks is looking to be a lengthy affair. Have the documents ready.” -Thomas

“Understood, Thomas-sama.” -Maid

Pleased with the head maid’s usual crisp reply, Thomas savored the aroma of the tea before taking a sip. By the time he had finished his cup, the matter of the Medal had vanished from his thoughts.

　　　　　　　　　　　　◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆

“Where… where did she go, THAT WOMAAANN!!!” -Medal

There was a crashing sound of something breaking.

Medal was in a dreadful mood. Why? Because Shizuku wasn’t by his side.

Now that she wasn’t beside him, now that she wasn’t his, just that fact made Medal’s mood terrible. Her mere presence by his side made Medal’s heart flutter, and her absence irritated him to no end. He lashed out at others, unable to bear it. It was nothing less than dependence.

He wasn’t sure when it had started.

At first, he was content just to treat the beautiful girl as an ornament. It was no different from how he treated other female students. A new prize he had acquired. That was Shizuku to Medal.

But then, he realized something had changed.

He was captivated by her profile, tickled by her clear voice, his skin bristled when she touched him, his brain swayed with the scent of flowers passing through his nostrils, and he trembled with joy when her fingers touched him.

It was strange, clearly becoming strange. But he didn’t notice. Or if he did, he ignored it. Even if his daily life revolved around Shizuku, even if all his actions were controlled by her, even if other women had disappeared from around him without him noticing, he ignored all these abnormalities.

Everything else was trivial compared to her presence. Everything had become trivial.

“Ah, Medal-sama, are you alright?” -Shizuku

And today, as always, she came to drive him mad.

“YOU!!” -Medal

Medal hurled a cup that was at hand towards Shizuku. The cup, thrown directly at Shizuku’s face, was effortlessly caught by the knight in armor behind her. She did not seem particularly surprised by Medal’s violent action.

“WHO’S! WHO GAVE YOU THE PERMISSION!! YOU!!!” -Medal

“Please calm down, Medal-sama.” -Shizuku

She smiled. Gently, ever so beautifully. Just that was enough to deflate Medal’s bravado. His mental state was already in Shizuku’s hands. Even if his emotions reached a boiling point, they were all controlled so as not to spill from her palm.

But today was different.

“Medal-sama. I am going to hunt down the bounty head tomorrow. Regardless of the outcome, I will leave this city afterwards.” -Shizuku

“WHA――――” -Medal

For a moment, Medal’s breath was caught. He fell silent as if he had lost his words, and then a few moments later, he exploded. His face turned bright red as the blood returned, and he ranted and raved. At first, it was unclear what he was saying due to his excitement.

“DON’T JOKE! DON’T YOU DARE JOKE! WHAT PERMISSION DO YOU HAVE! TO DECIDE ON YOUR OWN! YOU!!!” -Medal

Gradually, his words became coherent, though his expression grew more twisted. There was a slight hesitation, but then in the next instant, he drew out a magician’s staff.

“LISTEN TO ME!!!” -Medal

Shizuku’s expression didn’t change. She maintained her smile. And instead, the knight behind her stepped forward.

『There’s a limit, lad. Are you aware that you’re pointing a sword at someone? 』-Rock

“I already know about you! You’re just an undead soldier, right!! You’re nothi――” -Medal

He probably meant to continue, but he never got the chance to finish. Rock’s blade flashed, and in the blink of an eye, it sliced Medal’s staff in two. Medal only realized what had happened when the broken half of his staff fell to the ground in vain.

“—eh?” -Medal

『Master, is a magician useless without their staff? 』-Rock

Holding the useless handle of his staff, Medal ignored Rock’s question to Shizuku. Shizuku thought for a moment and then responded,

“A magician’s staff is just an aid, so they can still be dangerous.” -Shizuku

『I see… perhaps I should cut out the tongue as well. 』-Rock

“Let’s not go that far—He’s pitiful as is.” -Shizuku

At the moment he heard those words of pity, Medal’s already simmering brain reached boiling point. His expression twisted demonically as he raised his hands in front of him.

“【Come forth, O Magic/Come forth, O Magic/Come forth, O Magic】”  -Medal

The thrice-repeated incantation echoed. It was the parallel magic inherited from the White Witch. A unique magic that dispatched multiple spells simultaneously. The technique, developed to protect the world of man, was now being shouted by him, frothing at the mouth.

But they were all,

“【【【O Chant, be Quite】】】” -Shizuku

erased by a single phrase from Shizuku.

“…What!?” -Medal

The layered, many-layered “chant” obliterated all of Medal’s magic.

“…Dispel magic… that, and” -Medal

“Thanks to seeing your parallel magic, I was able to create an interesting construct. Let’s call it 【Reverberation】.” -Shizuku

Shizuku smiled brightly, clearly amused. Medal had not revealed the Lustania family’s secret, parallel magic, to Shizuku. No matter how morally deficient Medal might have been, he was not foolish enough to freely disclose his family’s secrets to someone else.

But he had proudly demonstrated it over and over again, up close. His pride assured him it could never be stolen, his overconfidence stemmed from the fact that until now, no one had been able to replicate it, and the pleasure of being begged by Shizuku caused him to show it off before her repeatedly.

As a result, she stole the Lustania technique and rewrote it as her own.

She created magic that could erase even the original 【parallel magic】.

“Your unique chanting technique was very easy for me to learn from as I manipulate chants, and it was very helpful.” -Shizuku

“You… you’ve just… my family’s, without permission…” -Medal

“That’s why ‘it’s okay now.’ Thank you, Medal-sama.” -Shizuku

Implicitly, she was saying, “I don’t need you anymore.” Those words made Medal feel as though something cold was poured into the pit of his stomach. His anger gradually subsided, and anxiety rapidly spread.

He couldn’t realize that this was the fear of “being discarded.” He had always been the one to discard; the fear of being discarded was unknown to him.

“Wait, wait a minute! Are you really planning to become an adventurer?” -Medal

“Yes, as I’ve been saying from the beginning.” -Shizuku

Medal’s face crumpled in disgust.

“WHAT’S SO GOOD ABOUT BEING AN ADVENTURER! SURE, THE MAGIC STONES THEY GATHER MAKE THE WORLD GO ROUND, BUT IN THE END, THEY’RE JUST PROSPECTORS! I, A PRIEST WHO CIRCULATES THE MAGIC STONES, MANAGES THE PEOPLE, AND OPERATES THE CITY, AM PART OF THE RULING CLASS!! I CAN GRANT CITY CITIZENSHIP THAT THEY RUN AROUND THE DUNGEONS FOR THEIR ENTIRE LIVES, WHENEVER I WANT! WHAT’S THERE TO BE DISSATISFIED ABOUT!!” -Medal

He bellowed, shouting as if he had probably lectured Shizuku countless times before. The words about the supremacy of the priests, the city’s privileged class, and how fortunate he was, were correct. At least if Ur had been there, he would have agreed with Medal’s words.

“…you’re going to throw away the privileged choices you were blessed with, just like that idiot Leyline!” -Medal

But naturally, none of this reached Shizuku. With a gentle expression, she stepped closer to the ranting Medal and gently placed her hands on his cheeks.

“Medal-sama dislikes adventurers, doesn’t he?” -Shizuku

“Of course!! Such vulgar, lowly laborers! There’s nothing to like about――” -Medal

“―――― In actuality, you wanted to become an adventurer, didn’t you?’” -Shizuku

“…huh?” -Medal

A voice leaked out as if the air itself was puzzled, escaping from Medal’s throat. His eyes were wide, and he croaked. It meant that he couldn’t understand the meaning of Shizuku’s words. It was like an animal writhing in agony, unable to move because it had been shot through the core.

“You wanted to become an adventurer, didn’t you, Medal-sama? Deep down, you admired adventurers and wished to be one. Like a little child.” -Shizuku

Shizuku was smiling. Narrowing her eyes. Then she casually dropped some documents in front of him. Documents Medal recognized. The “adventurer’s guild registration form” that he had kept at the back of his desk.

Why, how did she have it? Before he could find an answer to his question, Shizuku touched his cheeks with both hands, whispering so he couldn’t escape.

“But you weren’t allowed. You couldn’t abandon your family’s position as priests, the heir that you are couldn’t choose such a path. Your dream was crushed, and your mother became harsh against adventurers to ensure you wouldn’t become one.” -Shizuku

“shu-shut up, it’s not true, n-not true, NOT TRUE!!” -Medal

Ignoring his desperate denial, Shizuku tapped the core of Medal’s heart with her fingertips. She played and sang the tune of Medal’s screams as if playing an instrument.

“That’s why you became aggressive towards Leyline, who, despite being a priest like yourself, didn’t give up and continued to strive as an adventurer. Even more, you disliked her because she didn’t give up, and you, having given up, became increasingly miserable.” -Shizuku

“It’s not true, I’m telling you it’s NOT TRUEEEEEEE!!!” -Medal

Medal screamed. It was a blood-curdling cry, a desperate roar to drown out Shizuku’s voice. His fists swung wildly towards Shizuku, cutting through the air. Shizuku had already stepped back. Medal fell forward, hitting his face.

Blood spurted from his nose, but he kept muttering ‘it’s not true, it’s not true’, sounding like a dying man. Shizuku gently embraced him, whispered into his ear.

“You cannot do it.” -Shizuku

Medal gasped for breath. He twitched. Shizuku did not let him go.

“Perhaps you could become a prospector who only seeks stability. But you cannot become what you desire.” -Shizuku

He tried to shake her off, to escape. Shizuku did not let him go.

“You lack willpower. You lack decisiveness. That’s why you can’t abandon something as ‘trivial’ as your blood-related parents or give up your position as a ‘mere’ member of the ruling class. You can only miserably lash out at others.” -Shizuku

He writhed like a dying insect. Shizuku did not let him go.

“You cannot become a challenger who faces danger. You cannot become a pioneer who ventures into the unknown. You cannot become a hero who slays the wicked dragon. You are,” -Shizuku

Shizuku did not let him go.

“not cut out to be an adventurer.” -Shizuku

And with that, Medal stopped moving entirely.

As if dead, he didn’t stir or make a sound. Shizuku gently moved away from him, and then touched the back of the man she had torn to shreds with her words.

“―― but if it were me” -Shizuku

“Leave it at that.”

A voice echoed through the room. Sharp as a blade through the darkness, it was a voice that pulled Shizuku away from Medal. Shizuku stepped back gently, and suddenly there was a man standing between them. Tall, with an imposing appearance, his distinctively high ears were the mark of an elf.

“My, Professor Krolow,” -Shizuku

“I can permit you to ‘crush’ this man, but not to dominate him.” -Krolow

Shizuku raised her voice leisurely. Rock stepped forward to protect her. Krolow narrowed his eyes, which were as cold as ice in their deep green depths.

However, Shizuku faced that power without showing any particular fear.

“It’s alright to crush him?” -Shizuku

“This priest’s son has been a problem for a while now. He’s gone too far. Therefore, it’s about time for a ‘correction’ by breaking him. That’s when you came along, trying to win over Medal.” -Krolow

And so, he left it to her.

With a snap of his fingers from Krolow, several small wooden golems wriggled out from underfoot. They lifted Medal’s body with an unseen strong force and carried him away, leaving the room with him.

“If a teacher of the academy, especially an elf, were to injure a priest’s successor, it would be problematic, but if it’s a fight between students, the problem is smaller. Moreover, you will be leaving this academy soon.” -Krolow

“Do you not know what I will do to him?” -Shizuku

“I said as much. But the ‘headmaster didn’t think so.’” -Krolow

― If I were to win someone over like Medal-san, I would do it like this.

Breaking his pride and completely crushing him, then gently guiding him. In other words, without such tactics, complete domination is not possible. Hence, it would be alright to leave him be.

And if one did resort to such tactics, one could pick up the pieces of Medal “after” he’s shattered.

“My, such a kind-looking old lady she is, yet she says such frightening things.” -Shizuku

“That’s right. And it’s because you truly took those scary measures that things turned out this way.” -Krolow

Krolow looked at Shizuku with a gaze as if he were seeing something unforgivable. It was rare for him to make such a face, and the only other person he had made it for was the head of this academy, Neite Loine Arnaude, something Shizuku in front of him had no way of knowing.

“So, will I be punished?” -Shizuku

“What punishment is there for interactions between students. It was Medal who often caused violence, not you.” -Krolow

“That’s good to hear.” -Shizuku

“But―” -Krolow

Krolow quietly pointed his long, slender, elven finger at Shizuku. An immense magical power dwelled at its tip.

“This is ‘her garden.’ If you go too far on your own, I may have to remove you.” -Krolow

In this world, where various races such as humans, dwarves, hobbits, beastpeople, and more dwell, the elves are the most beloved by magic, considered the closest to spirits. The overwhelming magical power, born within members of this race, now targeted a single girl.

『―Nu』-Rock

Rock poised with his sword, but his presence was unlikely to be an obstacle to this elf. The magic power capable of obliterating both of them was contained in that finger, without the need for any magical tools or anything of the sort.

In response, Shizuku

“Thank you for the warning, Professor Krolow.” -Shizuku

Smiled gently and softly as she bowed her head.

“I have learned much magic here. I do not intend to ask for more.” -Shizuku

“What about Medal?” -Krolow

Asked, Shizuku looked down and shook her head. Her sorrowful gesture, which would stir protective instincts in anyone, caused Krolow to frown in displeasure.

“Medal-sama seemed to be in so much pain that I intervened a little, but if the headmaster says she will save him, then I have no intention of causing further trouble here.” -Shizuku

“Medal? In pain?” -Krolow

“Yes.” -Shizuku

For the man who had just thrown a childlike, disgraceful tantrum, and who had finally unleashed uncontrolled murderous intent with his magic, she spoke from the heart. “He is pitiable.”

“He suffers from the disparity between ideals and reality, gasps for air in jealousy, lashes out in anger at those around him, and yet despairs at the unchanging reality. He is a very sad person.” -Shizuku

Ah, she looked affectionately at Medal as he was taken out of the room.

“I wanted to help him.” -Shizuku

It sounded like a wish from the bottom of her heart. There was no lie or deceit in her voice, no mockery or contempt in her expression, just pure benevolence. She had wished to save his deeply troubled heart.

Even if it meant destroying him, by any means necessary.

Krolow, who faced her, felt a chill pass through his own heart.

“I’ll take my leave now, Krolow-sama. If I survive the battle with the omen bird, I will come to greet you again.” -Shizuku

After finishing her brief farewell, she turned her back on Krolow and left. Rock, her servant, did the same. Krolow aimed his magically charged fingertips at Shizuku’s back. Whether it was to protect the peace of the academy, or because he harbored concerns for “her” safety, he did not know.

“….” -Krolow

But in the end, he did not release his magic, and she left the room. Krolow stood alone, staring through the closed door at her departing figure, as if regretting having let something vital escape.

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Ever since human habitation has been limited to the areas within the Sun God’s barrier, human construction technology has grown vertically rather than horizontally. Consequently, technologies to alleviate the burden of these heights have also developed.

In the continent’s premier magic academy, various solutions were chosen for this problem. One such solution is the 【Inverted Earth-Sky Tower】constructed to penetrate high residences. By manipulating the earth’s power through a large magic circle engraved in the depths, movement through the tall building, up to ten floors high, became possible.

Blessed with high-level magic unparalleled in the continent, Shizuku and Rock slowly descended the tower. Feeling a strange sense of floating, both of them spontaneously began to speak.

『I thought I was a goner. 』-Rock

“I really thought I was going to die.” -Shizuku

Neither Shizuku nor Rock were so dim as to misjudge their own abilities. Professor Krolow was undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with, and even though he wasn’t an adventurer, his combat abilities were overwhelming. Unlike Medal who foolishly exposed his weapon to a swordsman, they knew that the slightest movement would result in them being incinerated by magic.

They would have been obliterated instantly at the whim of that man.

“We were saved by the ring, weren’t we?” -Shizuku

Shizuku gently caressed the “Adventurer’s Ring” on her index finger. It was her only proof of identity, a symbol of her affiliation with the Adventurer’s Guild. Her existence was guaranteed by the guild, and they were her protectors. Even a renowned magician or a teacher at the continent’s top magic academy couldn’t harm a guild member without cause.

『Even without that, you’d have managed somehow, master. 』-Rock

“You’re giving me too much credit.” -Shizuku

『Not at all. 』-Rock

Rock scratched his helmet, covering his bones.

『What a pity, master. We couldn’t win over that boy, HAHA. 』-Rock

Rock laughed, his bones rattling. For him, the man destroyed by Shizuku was of little consequence. He disliked necromancers like the one who created him and wasn’t kind enough to show mercy to those who would harm him or his companions. He thought his master could destroy and brainwash Medal as she pleased.

But apart from that, Rock wanted to understand her “true nature.”

After all, she became his master after a somewhat forceful contract. Though she agreed in the end, it was human nature – or rather, skeleton nature – to want to know what one ought to know.

『That boy, if we could have used his position as a priest, we would have been able to do as we pleased, right? 』-Rock

Walking out of the inverted tower towards the guesthouse, Rock observed her while posing the question. Whether she realized his gaze or not, Shizuku tilted her head in slight confusion.

“Indeed, it’s unfortunate we couldn’t win him over… but” -Shizuku

『But? 』-Rock

“If the headmaster can save his troubled heart, then that’s a good thing.” -Shizuku

Rock scratched his forehead, understanding.

『So, you really wanted to help that man. 』-Rock

“Of course, why wouldn’t I?” -Shizuku

There was no deceit in her smile. There was only the smile of a girl, seemingly puzzled by being asked something so obvious.

“It’s dangerous,” Rock thought, without saying it aloud.

He couldn’t imagine what kind of being she would become, trying to save the person in front of her without any of the unconscious brakes that arise from the ethics and values that every human possesses. What kind of entity would she become at the end of her journey, and what would she accomplish?

Could she become a great saint whose name would be etched in history, or perhaps…

“―However, as for myself, I do think it was ultimately good that our interference was cut off here.” -Shizuku

Huh? Rock tilted his head at Shizuku, who was speaking a bit more nobly than before. It wasn’t like him to know her so well yet.

『Well, anyway, we’ll be moving out of this city soon, so it might have been an unnecessary burden. 』-Rock

“No, that’s true, but…” -Shizuku

Shizuku hesitated, her words suddenly muffled and lacking in clarity. As Rock leaned in to look at her face, Shizuku, unusually for her, had a face like that of a girl her age – a little relieved.

“I won’t end up getting scolded by Ur-sama.” -Shizuku

That day, Rock had the biggest laugh of his life since being reborn as a skeleton knight.