Chapter 125
Chapter 125
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 125
Chapter Title: 12. Survival Competition (3)
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"Phew. So it ended up like this."
"Since it's the dwarves' territory, I was thinking of asking Mr. Dras."
"No, it's fine. What I thought I'd wrapped up wasn't actually finished after all. Mind if I tag along this time?"
"No reason you can't."
"Appreciate it. Better than me not being there, at least."
I first shared with the cafe regulars everything the palace had pieced together about the situation. I left out the sensitive details, but this time, everyone seemed eager to get moving.
Everyone except Big Sis Cosetica and Riza, I suppose.
Demons. And in numbers big enough to siphon off military supplies? That meant preparing with a full wartime mindset.
From that angle, Big Sis Leimi joining would be a big help.
His Majesty the Emperor seemed intent on using this incident to bolster imperial authority, so the Magic Tower's support would likely be indirect at best. The operation would center on imperial direct forces. They'd need someone to handle their equipment maintenance, and since His Majesty had already seen Big Sis Leimi's skills firsthand last time, we could expect real assistance there.
And I had decided to join because I suspected the demon boss from Ermina's storyline was there. Pushing the story forward would let me deal another blow to the demon cult as well.
"Mind if I ask one thing?"
"Go ahead."
"Aren't things awkward with the other dwarves?"
"It's complicated. I didn't do anything wrong, but that doesn't mean there aren't any who resent me for it."
"Not enough resentment to cause issues at this summit with the dwarves?"
"Nah. Even if there is, it's not the kind that shows."
So, no major problems then, right?
Still, I should inform His Majesty about Mr. Dras in advance and ask him to make arrangements to avoid any trouble if possible.
With that, I handled each of the pre-departure checks and preparations one by one.
We'd been busy coordinating with the palace for a while, and since we might end up staying longer than expected, I told everyone to prepare as thoroughly as possible.
"Phew. Life really is unpredictable, isn't it?"
"Can't argue with that."
"It's been ages since I left home. Haven't kept up with the news, so I have no idea what's going on there now. But in the end, here I am, heading back to do what needs doing."
"If it's something that needs doing, is it like a duty?"
"Yeah. Dwarves are different from humans—we select our leaders purely on merit. The most skilled dwarf becomes king. Of course, even the king can step down freely and return to commoner status anytime."
"No way."
"Exactly what you're thinking, Shopkeeper."
He always carried himself with a certain gravitas, so I'd suspected as much. Turns out he'd once ascended to the throne as king... and stepped down.
"I thought I'd done my part and was done with it... but looks like there was still a duty left for even someone like me."
"Honestly, I don't think you have to go."
"True. Maybe not. But imagining the guilt if something happened because I didn't go? Can't even picture it."
"Can't argue with that, then."
With that, Mr. Dras wiped the usual laid-back smile from his face and headed back to his workshop.
Yeah. I wouldn't want something blowing up at the academy while I'm away either. I don't want to go back, but if it led to someone getting hurt or killed? I'd lose my mind.
How much more so for Mr. Dras, who'd served as king—however briefly, or maybe longer than expected?
I didn't think it was right for me to presume or judge.
"Shopkeeper."
"Ah, yes, Big Sis."
"Hate to say it myself, but my room's a total mess."
"Still is, huh."
"...I clean it sometimes, okay? Anyway, that's why."
"Yeah?"
"Can you help me pack?"
"Me?"
"Leimi. Enough."
"Eek."
Big Sis Leimi got dragged off by Big Sis Mina. Lately, Big Sis Mina's interceptions had gotten intensely aggressive. She'd switched to full-on mode managing everyone around me.
That had probably been Big Sis Leimi's own approach just now, but it got shot down clean and she was hauled away.
According to Big Sis Mina, even if more women showed up, she'd maintain top priority control. This might be part of that.
Strength-wise, Big Sis Mina overwhelmingly outmatched her, leaving Big Sis Leimi to be dragged off in mild embarrassment.
"Everyone headed home early today."
In the end, I was the only one left. Might as well use the alone time to start prepping for departure.
I didn't have much personal gear, so like last time heading south, I'd pack light.
Weapons first. Grabbed my main twin swords. The right one was wrecked from forcing that magic circle engraving for the sealing last time. The left had become a holy sword, making it too cumbersome to swing freely now.
Though I'd check it out anyway.
The left sword turning into a holy sword was a net gain, sure. But the right one? I'd had no choice catching Svetlana after she'd tormented the Lebedevs for so long, but it ended up a total mess. Kinda awkward to turn it in now.
Since it'd be dwarf central, maybe they could fix it.
Next, clothes... but I rarely went out, so I didn't have many. Nothing low-quality enough to embarrass me in public, but since I hadn't geared up with combat in mind from the start, I lacked proper battle armor.
No helping it. Gotta buy some.
I was jotting it down in my notepad when the communication orb started flashing.
"Yes. Got it."
『Ah, can you talk now?』
"Yes. What's up?"
『Hehe. Just had something to ask.』
"Go ahead, anything."
『Wondered if you had any formal suits or something for important occasions.』
"Nah, I left most behind or tossed them ages ago."
『Then could you come here via the transfer gate? Possible?』
"What's this about...?"
『No questions. Just answer.』
"Any alarms or anything?"
『All cleared.』
"So, you mean now."
Staring at the transfer gate blatantly humming and flexing its presence, I scratched the back of my head, closed and locked my packing bag, and stepped onto it.
Mana circulated once, the familiar dizzying shift of vision hit, and I arrived at the imperial palace.
The palace I hadn't properly seen since childhood. Dropped right into a private chamber, I came face-to-face with the Emperor immediately.
"Hmph. I had them prepare formal attire suited for a man ahead of time."
"You called me to the palace just to give me clothes?"
"Of course. We're duty-bound to warn the dwarves of the demon threat and act as their allies. What would it look like if you showed up to propose cooperation without proper attire?"
"...Just leave me as the muscle, yeah?"
"No. You'll need to play partner this time too."
"Haaah. Even if it's the west, with imperial folks there, me showing my face officially might be..."
"On that front, swear one thing to me, and I'll guarantee your status."
"...What condition?"
"Don't leave. Stay by my side."
Those words left me speechless. Not out of dislike or revulsion—I could tell what was behind them.
A human I could trust as a human.
Someone who understood my thoughts without me saying a word.
Probably because she saw a glimpse of what she'd sought her whole life in me.
That's why she dropped even her imperial tone, looking straight into my eyes as she spoke.
Objectively, it wasn't a bad deal. As a person, Alina wasn't malicious. All in all, she was a good woman.
But could I, who still didn't know love for another, answer rashly here?
"You."
As I hesitated without replying, the Emperor smiled and continued.
"I know you had no one around you to trust. No one to love you, no one for you to love. Maybe for reasons different from what I know, you never even had a first love. So take your time answering. I'll be right here."
"Your Majesty, I can't offer you much."
"It's fine. Not something to brag about, but I'm an emperor whose vassals know has a rotten personality. If importing a husband strains relations with the kingdom, I'll sigh a few times and move on."
"What if."
"Hm?"
"What if I say yes here, then run off later? What's your plan then?"
She blinked at my words for a moment, then smirked and replied.
"I'd chase you to the ends of the earth until death."
Her chilling words didn't sound like a joke at all, so I quietly began selecting formal wear.
I couldn't just laugh it off with her arms wrapping around me from behind, giggling.