Mushoku Tensei (WN) - Volume 18 - Chapter 186

Mushoku Tensei:Web Chapter 186 Preview - Baka-Tsuki 
 
Be warned that the degree of translation error may be higher than usual due to the translation method employed. 

The party venue had regained its composure. 
The people that remain in the venue, are mostly the major senior aristocracy and nobility of Asura Kingdom. 

Greyrat, Bluewolf, Purplehorse, Whitespider, and Silvertoad. They’re families that have served Asura Kingdom since eons ago. 
In order to witness the ?Result?, they chose to remain in the venue instead of running away even after Orsted left the place. 
Of course, the party didn’t resume. 
What happened so far is hard to ignore. 
Darius’ downfall and Perugius-sama’s appearance. 
With these two impacts, Ariel instilled a strong impression to nobility that she is the one who will become next king. 

Of course, regarding Orsted that appeared abruptly, made many of them puzzled with their own questions. 
However, since Ariel,host of this venue, was calming them down, the other nobles that still remained began to relax. 

"......" 

The nobility felt fear within their hearts. 
That man, whose body emitted fear, suddenly appeared and save Ariel. 

That man and Ariel are accomplices. 
Thinking that, even the nobility will distrust Ariel. 

At least that was what Rudeus had thought. 

However, the actual situation is a little different. 
The man appeared only for a moment, killed Reida, and left without even giving his name. 
Thus, Orsted was dubbed ?Perugius's Underling? in the eyes of the nobility. 
After all, they share the same hair, eyes, and have similar appearances. 
He reminds them of Perugius, who has the stature of a king. 

Perugius has an underling who can beat the Water God in one blow. 
Everyone there put their trust in Perugius. 
Memories prior to that were forgotten. 

(If you disobey, then you’re the next victim) 

With that thought, the nobles could only bow their heads to Ariel. 
No one dared to pry further into the matter. 

Ariel has returned to Asura. 
Darius has fled, possibly already dead. 
Ariel will kill all those who get in her way. 
Everyone there thought so ...... even the First Prince Grabell. 
Orsted’s curse wielded enough power to do so. 

Everyone, except one. 

Because he knows Ariel better than anyone else. 
Because he has been informed of Orsted by Hitogami. 
Because he, even after being persuaded by Ariel, still didn’t fully trust Rudeus. 

That person is Luke Notus Grayrat. 

Luke was thinking. 
Really, what good can come from an evil man like that; the man whom Rudeus calls boss. 

Luke feels alarmed. 
And what will become of someone who ascended with their help? 
In this case, even Darius is still a better choice. 

Hitogami came out in his dream. 
Radiating a divine aura, its appearance can be called godlike 
He gave Luke advice, going into great detail. 
What he must do in order for Ariel to become a King, and how Rudeus has been tempted by Evil. 

Ariel had lectured him before. 
His God is evil. 
She said his advice will lead Luke into a trap, with himself gaining benefit from their fall. 

Indeed, if you compared Hitogami’s prophecies with how evens actually unfolded, there were many lies. 
No, rather than a lie, he should say it’s his own mistake in many cases. 
He himself misunderstood the advice and took a wrong step. 
He feels that way. 

Luke is Ariel’s knight. 
If his lord said so then he must believe her, more than the mysterious God. He’s going to believe in his lord. 
Even in that matter, for example. 
Following his lord’s path blindly, live together, and be ready to die together. 

But when he came here, Luke was forced to recognize only a little. 
Looking at Orsted, he was forced to recognize. 

Luke only has good eyes for looking at women. 
On the other hand, he can’t discern the true nature of man. 
He’s aware of it. 

But, he still knows. 
That Orsted is evil. 
He is not someone whom you want to associate with. 
He is a false god that will lead humans to their ruin. 
Ariel is wrong. 
And, Rudeus was probably fascinated by that false god. 
He thought so. 

Then, 
Then, what should I do? 
When it’s become clear that my lord is walking the wrong path, what should I do? 

State his opinion? 
It would be nice. 
But, to whom? 
Orsted has already moved. 
And he already gave his aid. 
In this situation it can be said that Grabell and Darius are the losers, Ariel has taken the kingship. 
Isn’t it too late? 
With my pitiful sword and magic skills, what can I do? 
Even if I did something, will there be a meaning in that? 

(I'm powerless.) 

Just as Luke was about to give up. 
One person suddenly entered his field of view. 

Moving in front of Ariel quickly, that person performed a kowtow kneeling. 

"Ariel-sama!" 

Philemon Notus Grayrat. 
Luke’s father. 
While giving a nasty smile, he lifted his voice to Ariel. 
To be heard to the many surrounding nobles. 

"Congratulations! 
This Philemon, awaited impatiently for this day so much! " 

Saying happily, Philemon looked up at Ariel. 

"In order to block Grabell’s faction, I pretended to change sides. 
Oh dear, now that I think of it, I really did not need to do that. 
Ariel-sama truly. It seems you’ve grown quite mature in a foreign country!" 

Although these would normally be considered noble words, but in the current condition they are the words of someone who want to get a position. 
He is the one who in order to get Grabell’s trust, sent his own soldier to assassinate Ariel. 
They saw Philemon with contemptuous eyes that said "How dare he say that now.". 

"Philemon-sama ......" 
"No, no, Ariel sama, you do not need to say it in front of everyone. 
I had few allies, so my actions may seem like a stab in the back. 
However, all that I have done was for Ariel-sama’s sake. 
Now that we’re here, let’s go back to the way we were. 
I’ll be the backing of Ariel sama??" 

Ariel did not hear his words till the end. 

"Philemon Notus Greyrat!" 

Her roar drowned the words that Philemon just said. 

"So what about your House! 
So what about your position! 
In regards to that betrayal, just say the reason was because I was weak! " 

Philemon wide-eyed, looking at Ariel. 
This may be the first time Ariel shouted at Philemon in this way. 

"However, have pride to the last minute if you betray one's ally. 
After having lost and reconciled, to even seek a position. 
Know shame! " 
"Ha......Hu...... " 

Philemon looks in shock, start stammering. 

"Ah. I don’t mean, no..." 

Looking at Philemon’s state, sound of laugh leaks from the nobility. 
Philemon was looking down with a bright red face. 
But Ariel’s anger hasn’t finished yet. 

"I’ve already planned for your betrayal, so your house could survive. 
I will give the position of family head to Luke, and you can retire in your territory, 
I did not intend to pursue the matter any further! 
But this! 
You betrayed your ally, and yet after that you still tried to cuddle with the one you betrayed! 
Such shameless action, even I am speechless! 
I’ve already made the decision that I won’t harm anyone, even the ones that didn’t side by me! " 

Philemon’s face becomes pale. 

"Apologize and face death!" 

Hearing that, Luke realized that this was a farce. 
From the beginning, Ariel had anticipated that it will become like this. 
No words as for now, but he won’t be executed. 
For the appointment with Ghyslaine, it’s just verbal promise. 
Underside, it may be that she was going to help Philemon. 

And Philemon, for Ariel, was the biggest ally. 
Although nowadays, he’s become somewhat humble, 
It is no exaggeration to say before they ran away to Ranoa, Ariel’s faction revolves around Philemon. 
He cannot be considered capable, yet. 
Still Ariel, she was indebted to Philemon. 

The one who made arrangements for Ariel to escape to the north was Philemon. 
The one who gave numerous help to Ariel was also Philemon. 
Ariel being alive now, can be said is thanks to Philemon. 

She won’t forget that favor. 
But, just because he was forgiven after the betrayal, he wants to come back again. 
It will become a bad influence in Ariel’s political activities in the future. 

“Enough, if you don’t retract what you just said, I can’t hide what happened just now, thus execution.” 

"Luke! Lend me your Sword! 
At the very least, I'll personally perform the last rite for him." 

Listening to her words, Philemon saw Luke with a fearful look. 
His eyes ask for help. 
Eyes that seek something from him. 

Luke was lost in response to that gaze. 

--- Luke point of view --- 

I knew that my own father was a subservient and timid person. 
However, I also know there is no way it could be made known. 
He became a lord at a young age, but my father’s job performance is palliative, even from his son’s eyes, a coward, he was dull. 
His decision as lord, if compared with grandfather, the results was discouraging, or beaten by saying "If only you were like Paul......" even as a vassal. 
When I was at home I was witness to this many times, such a sight. 
My father would be troubled by his father, and I would suffer as a result. 

Now, such father is about to be executed in front of me. 
It’s inception, but father reaps what he sowed. 
The promise with Sword King Ghyslaine is also involved. 

I would be lying if I said I didn’t think about the possibility that father is involved in the "Execution of Sauros Boreas Grayrat". 
Father’s and Sauros’ relationship was bad. 
Or rather, I would say grandfather and Sauros had a good relationship. 
The Head of Boreas House and the previous Head of Notus House are like brothers. 
But Sauros did not like Philemon. 
Even after saying clearly "He's like a pea" to father before becoming a lord, became lord ...... he sent a complaint everyday. 

So when Sauros was in trouble. 
I do not think it strange at all if my father had his hand in Sauros’ execution. 
If it was father, he would do it. 
Well, although I was upset when I heard it, that was due to Hitogami’s lie. 

When I see father’s face after eight years. 
He’s aged much more than the father in my memory, and the father that I met for first time in eight years looked small. 

"......" 

Suddenly, I wanted to try to talk man-to-man with father. 

I was young, I had a lot to talk about with my father. 
In retrospect, it seems father also seems to favor my brother. 
As the second son, I have considered this. 
My father does not discuss important things with me, but, if he had consult me, it was me saying without any bad intention. 
I did not know anything, and my father told me the wrong thing as well, but still gave me the answer. 
Not least also be was said to “Think on your own”, but still showed us the way. 
He is still my father. 

My father is always right. 
Clumsy, also always making mistakes in his decision. 
Such a father as well, was always working hard for Ariel. 
The time we were back to Asura Kingdom, when you tried to make Ariel so she will become king, it's me struggling in as an enemy. 
The reason is that I would have been intended to be selfish. 

I refer to the selfish, but father was serving as a family head, there is a duty to protect the house. 
After Ariel who disappeared from the city became king, he was forced between a rock and hard place, carrying an undue burden. 

He even sent his soldiers to that ambush, in order to protect the house. 
So he could gain Grabell’s faction’s trust, father was desperate. 

"Ariel-sama, please listen to my request." 
"What is it, Luke?" 
"Will you please forgive my father?" 

Ariel is facing here. 
Her eyes are cold. 
Recently these kinds of eye are visible more often. 
Particularly, from the day she knew that my father has betrayed her. 

"......I cannot do that." 
"Is this because of the promise with Ghyslaine?" 
"No, this is because I cannot afford to allow betrayal." 

That’s right. 
Father and Ariel, no matter how much they were in friendly terms. 
My father betrayed in a major way, and he even sent his soldiers to kill Ariel. 
If she allows this, she can not maintain her face. 

Such a thing, I also know. 
However, after struggling, will a man named Philemon Notus Greyrat get such an end? 

I do not know what that false god did to them. 
Rudeus and Ariel also might have been deceived. 
But, my father defected. 
In fact, if he goes back to the original faction, he will have defected twice; saying it’s a shameless action is true. 

But I. 
I don’t want this. 

"......" 

I pulled out the sword. 

"...... Luke?" 
"I'm sorry." 
"What?" 

I did not know myself, why I came to such action. 
When I notice it, I was hugging Ariel from behind. 
While pressing the body of the sword at her neck. 

"...... Luke. What do you think you are doing?" 

Sylphy noticed immediately. 
She is glaring towards here with a stern expression, I can even feel her murderous intent. 
This is the face that she absolutely never lets Rudeus see. 
On her hand is a wand for an apprentice magician. 
A small staff just like the one I used when I started to learn magic. 
However, I know that it can fire magic even on par with the best of Asura’s Court Magicians. 
Such a thing is directed at me. 

"Sylphy, you do not think it’s strange?" 
"I think the strange one is you! Who do you think you are turning the blade to?" 

I'm aware that this is strange. 
It’s more like I do not know what I want to do now. 

The line of sight of the nobles are stuck here. 
Nobles, they are also wearing a face that doesn’t know what happened. 
...... Is this it for me? 
Em, is this right? 

"Sylphy, do you really believe that man?" 
"That man? You mean Orsted? 
What are you talking about suddenly? What does that man have to do with this situation?! " 
"Answer me honestly!" 

To my strong tone, while holding her staff, Sylphy replied in a low voice. 

"I do not trust him." 
"Then why? Why do you follow Rudeus’ word? 
However because of you, he became that devil’s subordinate like that! " 
"It is because I believe in Rudy." 

I do not know the meaning of her words. 

"Rudeus has become Orsted’s subordinate. 
Did his behavior change, after he came under the control of Orsted? 
Is he not deceived by Orsted? " 

Honestly, it is not like I want to draw Sylphy to this side. 
However, I think since the time Sylphy got together with Rudeus, she no longer thinks too much. 
I think that's due to Rudeus, because Rudeus has said, it’s as if she no longer has her own opinions. 
The one who taught her this was me. 
Listen in silence what your husband said, and get to love that way, he taught that to his wives. 
...... At least, because my mother did not do so. 
She didn’t love my father, which has led her leave the house. 

"You, did you even think about it? That even Rudeus can make mistakes." 

Sylphy was incensed. 

"I know that! 
But Rudy is moving with the thought of protecting us! 
For us, to not hold our head down and appreciate his efforts, is like exposing our ugly side! 
I do what I must do, rather than saying anything that would annoy him or cause any misdirection, I said the opposite opinion, 
Because I will support him from the shadow! " 

Sylphy answered clearly. 
The idea of Rudeus subject only. 
In the last few years, I think she seems to change quite a lot. 

"In that case, does Ariel-sama still matter to you?" 

But to say so, I pressed the sword into the scruff of my lord. 
What I’m pressing is the body of the sword. 
After this, I will be executed as a traitor, but I can not afford to scratch Ariel-sama’s skin. 
The skin of a woman, should always be beautiful there. 

"How dare you!" 

That's really true. 

And, in my sight, I saw Rudeus’ figure coming from the entrance. 
Looking at this place, he opened his eyes. 

"Hey, Sylphy. 
You’re respecting Rudeus opinion, even if that opinion comes from that evil Orsted " 
"...... It is, I will always believe him" 
"In other words, it is to this situation." 

I see the figure of Rudeus. 
He’s trying to understand the situation, he is overlooking the surrounding restlessly. 
Looking at a certain point he sent some glance, but turned away soon, looking disappointed. 
In his glancing direction, is Perugius. 
Despite being in such a situation, he sits on a chair at the head table. 
Watching here, with mirth increase the height,. 

"If you want to help Ariel-sama, then kill Rudeus." 

Sylphy’s eyes was wide open. 

"If I said that, what would you do?" 

Sylphy is not looking back behind. 
Behind her is Rudeus, she should not have noticed. 

"If you had to choose between them, who will you choose?" 

Even if I do say so myself, it is a nasty question. 
I wonder why such a question. 
It’s off topic. 

"I choose Rudy." 

Sylphy didn’t hesitate with her answer at all. 
At a rate that can almost be called an immediate answer, she answered yes. 

"I know it’s a bad choice for Ariel-sama, but if I’m forced to choose, I cannot turn my back against that man or my child." 

Just a little bit, it is a lonely answer for me. 
Also for Ariel, it would be so. 
Rudeus, he is posing like "incredible", holding his mouth with both hands. 
Arriving late is frustrating indeed. 

"I will follow Rudy. 
I do not know what the result will be. 
We fall into some serious problems, and may also be killed by Orsted... but. 
Even at that time, I'm going to support Rudy. 
That we will remain married for life? " 

The words, was through my consciousness like bow and arrow. 
Oh, there are things like that, something fell to the bottom of my stomach. 
Lost in my own, I felt that one answer came out. 

"......Haa." 

A small sigh came out. 
Really, I wonder what I’m doing. 
Did I made a mistake, and put Ariel in danger? 
I also, even if she did not like that, wanted to be there for Ariel. 
As her knight, that is not unlike being married for life. 

Because Orsted is called the false god. 
Between Hitogami and Orsted, Hitogami is certainly more believable. 
However, between Ariel and Hitogami, who’s more believable. 
It goes without saying. 

It's fine to just watch over Ariel's choice, obeying her words, and if anything went wrong I would protect her without caring about myself. 
I was fine with that. 
Ah, all my words are coming back to me. 

"So, Luke." 

Finally Ariel can be heard. 
She has been silent all this time until she heard my sigh. 

"In the end Sylphy chose Rudeus over me, will you cut me down then?" 
"What?" 
"If so, I want to talk to my little brother before I’m cut down. 
Can I at least ask for safe passage for Sylphy and them out of the country, please? " 

Ariel, said so in a low tone. 

"Are you not going to ask me why?" 
"Yeah." 

I was saddened. 
After everything that happened, it can not be an excuse, but she, Ariel thought that I’m betraying her. 

The me that was together with her as long as I remember, 
The me that have served her so much, 
The me, which has been used to throw myself, 
Until now, the first one that I thought of was always Ariel-sama. 
She thought that he is a guy that betrays at the last minute. 

However, with her following words, that idea was disappeared. 

"Just one thing, Luke." 
"......?" 
"I am your princess." 

Tears almost came out. 
For me, that word was enough. 
Even now, Ariel is still thinking that I’m her knight. 
She didn’t think I want to betray her. 
She thinks that I absolutely won’t betray her. 
This, in a situation with a sword pressed to her neck, 
And she did not think that I wanted to betray her. 

"......" 

Discarding the sword, I released Ariel. 
The tense atmosphere immediately relaxed with the dry clang. 

I knelt and looked up at Ariel. 
Eyes frosty as ever, she looked down at me. 

"Luke, what are you?" 
"I’m your knight." 

Ariel smiled softly. 
Looking at that smile, I bowed my head, it was a pose to show the neck by dividing the hair. 

"So, please cut the neck of this traitor." 

I still don’t want to die. 
I still have many thing I want to do. 
But, it is good. 
I’m satisfied. 

"......" 

Ariel picked up the sword, and lifted it heavily with one hand. 
She strikes my head with the blunt side of the sword. 
Dull pain courses through my brain. 

"Luke. You, the “woman lover", unable to endure your sudden urge, hugged me and groped my body." 
".....?" 
"Originally it is an act that is not allowed, but given I was also horny, I'll forgive you." 

I looked up at Ariel. 
Smiling mischievously, she gave me a wink. 
Oh, it was a smile I hadn’t seen in a long time. 
That smile is one I haven’t seen for a long time. 
Nowadays, she only carries a fake smile. This is the smile from her younger days. 

"Haha." 

I was forgiven. 
Even though my speech and action was a betrayal, I was forgiven. 
I was not blamed. 

"Well, then." 

When I take a breath, Ariel turned around to my pale father. 
In response to her line of sight, my father was in plain clothes and hat in hand. 

"What is the situation?” 

My father’s judgement. 
By forgiving my betrayal, the air in the place has changed a little. 
Generosity seems to be in the air. 
However, my father’s crime is heavy. 
It's aimed betrayal, to life. 
If you try to cook up something, you will not be forgiven as I did. 
Something without reason. 

While I was in thought, Rudeus approaches us and speaks. 

"Earlier, Darius had blurted out. That Sauros sama’s execution is his own doing. Philemon-sama didn’t participate in it " 
"......What happened to Darius?" 
"Dead ...... I killed him." 
" ...... Is that so, then let’s put all the blame on Darius." 

To say so, Ariel sends a look behind me. 
Unaware, Eris and Ghyslaine are already behind me. 
If Ariel has remained caught by me, I might have been slashed from behind. 

"Ghyslaine, is that alright with you?" 
"I......" 

Ghyslaine has a dissatisfied face. 
Does she want to cut off my father’s head so much? 
And, there is Eris pulling Ghyslaine’s tail tightly. 
Ghyslaine surprised and trembled to that sensation. Eris is seen. 
When she released her hand, Eris raised her chin and folded her hands. 

" Ghyslaine. My grandfather’s enemy, endure him a while longer!" 
"............ If lady Eris says so." 

At those words, Ariel turned towards my father with a satisfied look. 

"So that’s how it is, Philemon-sama. 
You’ll receive judgement at a later time." 
"Ha ...!" 

Certainly my father, he was prostrating on the floor. 
You will not go without blame, but at least your life would have been spared. 

"Luke...... I'm sorry......" 

The voice sounded small, I felt his warmth. 

I look around. 

While saying something, Sylphy is clinging to Rudeus who was patting her head. 
With her face down embarrassed, altogether Sylphy’s appearance doesn’t look so bad. 

Eris is talking about something with Ghyslaine. 
I heard her voice because it’s loud, but she is talking proudly,"Rudeus was saying before, this is what I call reading the atmosphere.” 

Perugius is unchanged. 
From what I can see, his face has changed to an amused one. 
In the exchange just now, I wonder if there is something amusing for Armored Dragon King sama. 

My father leaves with plain clothes. 
The figure, it is still small, but it seems to be somewhat neat. 

And crying on the dead body of the Water God, is apprentice knight Isolte or something. 
There is no sign of her coming towards us. 

Darius seems to be dead. 
Losing a large backing, Grabell sits on a chair exhausted. 
Nobles are flocking to his surrounding, but they will not be able to much longer ....... 

Nobles from Ariel’s faction are looking here with a puzzled face. 
Among them, there is Tris standing with her parents. 

There are no more enemies. 

Thus, the curtain falls on the battle for Asura Kingdom.