Mushoku Tensei (WN) - Volume 18 - Chapter 187

Mushoku Tensei:Web Chapter 187 Preview - Baka-Tsuki 
 
Be warned that the degree of translation error may be higher than usual due to the translation method employed. 

10 days have passed since Darius was defeated. 

Defeating Water God Reida, defeating Auber, overthrowing Darius, and Perugius coming to the Asura Kingdom were enough to overwhelm Grabell. 

Philemon was stripped of his position, and now he is under house arrest in his territory. 
Luke became the family head, and Luke’s big brother seems to fill the role of his assistant. 
Luke’s brother is sociable, from that they can expect a smooth way in the political war. 
He’s the one who practically makes decisions instead of Luke. 

Initially, Ghyslaine was still hostile towards Philemon. 
But, Luke’s brother who is praising Eris, going as far as making a marriage proposal to her, helps dissolve the tension. 
Like a dog being happy praised by its master, she looks somewhat proud. 
By the way, Ghyslaine is still working as Ariel’s escort. 
She has already became a permanent employee now. 

I don’t know what her true feelings are, but let’s say she is good at this point. 

Let me talk in order about what happened in the 10 days after “venue”. 

First Day, The matter with Orsted. 

After that, our return from the party venue was triumphant. 
As expected from Ariel, I was very tired and returned into my room, 

Even if I say that, bringing myself into the room, I fully remembered how Sylphy openly confessed her love to me by saying “ I choose Rudy” in public. 
Honestly, because I was dumped in the diary, I was feeling a little anxiety. 
For her to proudly choose me in front of so many people. 
She’s a better girl than I deserve. 

However, Sylphy also seemed tired, at the end of the game without having to rush the second round. 
Sylphy fell asleep peacefully. 
I bathed with cold water to cool myself. 
On the way back, Eris was bursting into me with rough breaths and still in battle excitement, admiring me wildly. 
I think, Eris is a wild young lady who has learned to control her malice. 

The next day, my spirit was so wasted I even felt like I didn’t want to breathe, and shriveled up like a dried fish. 
Then a maid came, giving a letter addressed to me. 
Rather than with a sender, the letter was sealed with a crest of dragon. 
No doubt, it's an office memo. 

The content of the mail was brief, worrying of my injury, and the location of today's meeting was written. 

The conference room was a cemetery. 
On the edge of the lined noble residence zone, it's a cemetery for employees. 
Not only is it not famous, it’s also wide, and a lonely place, like the island of the town. 
The tomb is further in the basement. 
This seems like a place that would be filled with the undead at night. 
There, one who is more frightening than the undead lurked. 

"Have you come, Rudeus Greyrat?" 
"Yes, I’m here!" 

Sitting on the coffin, Orsted was waiting with one hand on his chin [1] . 
What he’s doing now is disrespectful towards the deceased. 
I can not bring myself to sit on the coffin, so I begin making tables and chairs with earth magic and set up a candle that was brought. 

"Please." 
"Oh, pardon me." 

Under invitation from the chairman, I also sit after him. 
Well, it's the start of the meeting. 

"First of all, let me congratulate your hard work, Rudeus. 
Now, Ariel becoming king is confirmed " 
"Can’t it not be confirmed till the previous king’s death? Or has it already been established?" 

I heard that in his old age, the King is infected with incurable disease ...... but, there is still time until his death. 
During that time, Grabell’s faction will definitely try to struggle to return their former glory, and not just once or twice. 
We can’t be off guard yet. 
We still need a talking session with Ariel. 

But there are still uncertainties. 
Water King Isolte whose teacher was killed in front of her eyes. 
Boreas who was sticking to Darius. 
I should be very careful to these two. 

If it comes to it, they will use all means to search for me. 
I thought this ... but. 

"Oh, Ariel had already become king when she got Perugius’ backing, defeating Darius was only a matter of time" 

Orsted seems confident. 
For me, I won’t be sure yet, but it seems all is already set in stone. 

"You look confused, Rudeus Greyrat." 

Oops, it looks like it’s come out on my face. 

"I ~~ee, I was wondering, Orsted-sama. There are still some parts that I can’t make sure" 
"............" 

Orsted is staring at me. 
Honestly, is my saying means that I don’t trust my president? 
However ... I just want to say that it’s not over yet. 

"Iya~, look, Orsted-sama, are you sure that you didn’t miss anything? Maybe now it’s the end, but we can’t make sure that Hitogami didn’t leave anything behind as parting gift right? " 
"So, there is no reason to say that this is already over." 
"......" 

So to say, I’ve no choice but to stay silent. 
Orsted is still hiding something from me. 
Surely, he never tells me what it is. 

"I’m formerly Hitogami’s apostle anyway, you don’t need to tell me........ " 

Those words came out clearly from me. 
Words that I did not intend to get out. 
A slip of the tongue. 
Hearing that, Orsted rises. 
Observing me with his tremendous power. 

"Iyaa, I, I'm sorry, I didn’t mean that... It’s not like I’m unhappy with things that you didn’t tell me" 
"Certainly, Rudeus Greyrat, I did not trust you completely." 

While fully opening my foresight eye, I’m looking for a way to escape. 
It is useless, I’m surrounded by Orsted shadow. 
When I run away, he will catch up to me immediately. 
It can not be helped, showing my belly is the only way [2] . 

"This time, the likelihood of you betraying me was also taken into account, I was constantly monitoring you." 

Monitoring. 
Well, I can believe it. 
Orsted’s mood, even Auber, everybody, seems to have watched me managing all that matter that took in place. 

"But, it’s revealed during this time that you’re not a man that’s just all talk, you can be trusted." 
"......" 
" I also must apologize to you, Rudeus Greyrat. I have lied to you." 

Saying so, Orsted sat back on his chair. 

"You lied?" 

When I ask again, Orsted is showing a scary face. 
Well, he has a difficult face. 
This man, I think he must put a little more time to practice his smiling face. 
Smile is a cornerstone of communication. 
I’m also not good at it very much. 

"Yeah. Before, I told you, didn't I? That in exchange for obtaining the power to see fate using the secret technique created by the first generation Dragon God for the sake of fighting Hitogami, I'm separated from the principles of the world." 
"Yes." 

That was how he can see the rough future of those who he saw. 

"Half of it is a lie. I don’t have any power to see the future." 

Hmm ...... 

"So, the part about being separated from the principles of the world is true, right?" 
"Yeah. But, Rudeus Greyrat. 
What do you think it means to be separated from the principles of the world? " 

And, what I also said. 
I wonder if there is a hint somewhere. 
For example, the curse. 
Orsted has been cursed to become hated. 
No, it does not matter. 

"The slow recovery of magic.. is a side effect, I suppose." 
"Yeah, the magic recovery is significantly slow, in exchange Hitogami can’t interfere with me. 
But, did not you think it’s strange? 
Hadn’t you thought why the first generation Dragon God included a disadvantageous trait like that in his own secret technique? " 

And why even if you said. 
In order to avoid the interference of Hitogami, weren’t you left with no choice but to include such disadvantage. 
But, no, me who’s wearing Orsted’s bracelet didn’t have such a disadvantage like that. 

"The first generation Dragon God devised a secret technique to win against Hitogami with complete certainty." 
"......" 
"That secret technique sacrifices my mana recovery rate in order to, no matter when and where I die, let me redo things from the beginning with my memories intact." 

Redo. 
In other words, Orsted really is... 

"The beginning refers to winter of Dragon Armor Year 330. The north part of the central continent, inside a nameless forest. My time extends for about 200 years. Once I've exceeded that time, if I haven't killed Hitogami, I'm forcibly "returned" there. Even if I die along the way." 

Time leap. 
I thought that it was possible, but... 
To think that was really the case. 

"You who have already witnessed the time teleportation ought to believe it." 
"Yeah, true..." 

The future me, got the inspiration to travel through time from a Dragon Race ruin. 
The Dragon Race had arcane magic that could reincarnate one into the future from the past. 
In that case, the Dragon God being capable of time leap magic, is not strange at all. 
Anyway, It could summarized into something like that. 

"Um, then, about how many times has Orsted-sama already ‘resetted’?" 
"I stopped counting after 100 times." 

Orsted hatefully spits out words like those of Rashou. [3] 
Well, that's 100 times 200 years, 20,000 years. 
He’s been continually looping for more than 20,000 years? 
It feels like I’m getting dizzy........ 

"However, in these hundreds of loops, I've seen the battle of Grabell and Ariel many times. 
Who is necessary, who is unnecessary. 
What is needed for Ariel to win, what is needed for Grabell to win. 
And at this stage, Grabell can’t make a comeback. 
Ariel’s victory is guaranteed." 
"Is that true even if Hitogami is involved?" 
"Yes. Because Hitogami doesn’t carry over his memories, he doesn’t know that I ‘reset’, 
but I know of his existence, and ever since I began fighting him, I’ve participated in battles like this many times. 
And in all of those patterns, at some point Hitogami ‘backs away’." 
"And you’re saying this point is one of them?" 
"That’s right." 

I get it. 
Orsted’s explanation sounds convincing, it was something that comes from hundreds of experiences till now. 

Then there may be exceptions? 
There is also a place where I think, when put in the exact same situation, all people take the same action. 
No way, such as exactly the same, but the possibility of an "exception" is low, I can also see that. 

"So, you can be at ease. If we’ve already brought things this far, Ariel will be king." 
"I understand" 

If you're saying that, Ariel will become king. 
Having too much anxiety will only make Orsted continue to lose. 

"Orsted sama. Can you really win against Hitogami?" 
"Yeah, I’ll win. I’ve already established what’s necessary and what preparations are required to defeat him. You’re here this time too. Only one step away. " 

Then, I will believe those words. 
Although it looks like Orsted sees the future, and it looks like he has resetted many times, it doesn’t matter. 
Because I have no choice but to do this. 

Let’s do my best. 
In order to protect my family. 

Day 3. 
Isolte came to visit the mansion we’re staying in. 

By the way, Ariel gave me this house. 
It is one of Ariel’s private houses, it's smaller, but about two times larger than my house. 
It even came with a full set of employees to manage the household. 
As a villa in the Asura Kingdom, it looks good and feels free to use. 

The house is good. 
But Isolte. 

Did she come to see Eris. 
Or is it revenge. 
Casting skeptical gazes at me to be so vigilant, she received a polite hospitality. 

With a greeting to the maids, she is passed under Eris’ guidance, to the living room. 
Eris asked for a maid to bring the tea, Eris’ attitude towards Isolte was very friendly. 
For I am a gentleman. 
When in my house, stiff shoulders never happen. 
Aisha is a maid, but not a servant. 

Isolte seems interested in what is inside my room. 
To be vigilant, we have bowed. 

"Nice to meet you, my name is Isolte Cruel. 
Me and Eris became acquainted in the Holy Land of the Sword. 
Please treat me well even after this " 
"Thank you very much, my name is Rudeus Grayrat. Husband of Eris." 

When greeting so, she blatantly frowned. 

"So...... it’s you." 

Yes, it is me. 
It seems that I’m quite hated, I knew it from the greeting of the other day. 

"...... Yes, I’m Rudeus" 
"The one who ditched Eris, and also married another two wives after that?" 
" ............ Yes." 

This feeling, I know it. 
It is the same feeling with Cliff. 
A newcomer to the Millis congregation! 

"Surely, I had mistaken you with that womanizer knight named Luke." 
"Well, I didn’t mean to lie?" 
"No it’s fine, because I just misunderstood." 

Isolte was smiling and looking quite glad. 

"Nevertheless ...... You cherish Eris more than I thought, don’t you?" 
"Does it seem like that?" 

I was told that word abruptly, shake one's head. 
I do not know whether it is to cherish Eris, but it is important to Eris. 
However, I do not think to exchange up to now, is that there has been such an element. 

"Water King Isolte came to see us. 
Disciple of the Water God Reida who was killed in that venue. 
Possibly, she might be the enemy of Princess Ariel. 
Possibly, she might have come for revenge. 
Possibly, Eris might pull out her sword. 
I need to protect her. I need to fight with her…... 
That’s what’s written on your face." 

Mu, such long sentences are written on my face? 
Recently, my face has become easy to read. 
Should I keep practicing my smile again? 
Well, it is good. 

"You’re saying that’s related to cherishing Eris?" 
"If you didn’t, you would leave her alone. She’s your third wife, after all." 

I want you to not say too much in front of Eris such as third. 
Because I have decided to disregard the order. 

"Honesty, I've been thinking, Eris is said to be neglected more. 
Usually only strengthening arms, body, and sword. Not a good talker, her circumstances are........." 

Like a dominant husband. 
Yes, Eris is not very talkative. 
There isn’t much talk from her side, and when it’s night she requests my body...... a....re? 
A dominant wife? 
No, rather than she does not want to talk, we have something to do together such as training. 

"That Eris is happy, I was relieved a little " 
"If you are so, then I am also happy." 

When I say so, Isolte laughed. 
It's a crystal clear smile. 
Though it looks neat and clean, I can feel her sex appeal. 
She’ll become very popular some day, but still in budding form. 
After she married, it will become a flower. 
That's the charm of married woman group. 

E, Eris-san. 
It is painful if you’re stepping my foot. 

"So, what are you here for? 
Rudeus is mine, so I won’t give him to you." 

Eris showing an honest attitude as usual. 

"I don’t need something like that." 
"Then what, a duel?" 

She called me “something”. Disheartening. 
Isolte had a troubled face. 

"Nevertheless, there is also teacher’s last will, 
Ariel-sama also didn’t make many fuss about the Water God Style incident. 
I will never turn into her enemy. " 

As scheduled, as soon as the period of apprentice knight ends, Isolte, I hear she was going to be recruited as knight. 
She will replace her master as the fencing coach. 
A title might be possible as well. 

"Master, there are also many who sympathizes with her in the royal palace. Princess Ariel herself, didn’t want to turn Water God style into her enemy." 
"Well, isn’t that so." 

What could I say, swordsmen in this world are monsters. 
But they still avoid and don’t dare to make an enemy with a person with higher standing. 
A person who is strong at fighting is better as an ally. 

"With that, we could escape from the fate of having our dojo demolished, I'm fine with it." 

The scenario was that Reida was the sole perpertuator. 
A single crazy person after Ariel’s head. 
Even in place filled with political strife, it’s unbelievable that an assassin acts so brazenly. 
An assassin that attacks in public will have no where to run. 
In short, we can bear witness to the truth, but with the truth comes also blame. 
When it comes to Grabell, Ariel, and Darius, it seems I want to be erasing your blame to some extent. 

This time, Ariel also did not want to exact revenge to Water God Style sect, 
Against Water God Style, I want to avoid fights I don’t have a sure chance of winning. 
In a mutually beneficial arrangement, no one will be blamed for this. 

"It was a shame that Master died, but at least she was able to die a warrior’s death, even in peace time. It was what she wished for. As for me, I was more shocked because I wasn’t informed.” 

Says, it seemed Isolte wasn’t seriously concerned regarding Reida death. 
and say either This feeling, might be close to the adventurer. 

"Certainly, ... even if I want to exact revenge, the other party has Ghyslaine and Eris. I’m also lacking against Rudeus-sama, so it’s pointless." 

Isolte was likely feeling a little regret. 
I wonder are you a little regretful, that you did not chase Orsted in that place. 

"I don’t mind going solo." 
"Please do not make that kind of joke, Eris. Now I have a duty to protect the dojo. If I’m fighting another crazy swordsman like you, I might get permanent damage." 

Crazy. 
It is a word which fits Eris. 

"Dojo, It is just a stupid thing" 
“Can you say that because you abandoned your house’s status and obligations?” 
"......" 

Eris was silent. 
With an uncomfortable expression. 
Isolte said so with mischievous eyes. 

"Well, it hasn’t been a year yet since our parting, 
let’s enjoy the moment together and strengthen our bond " 

"Yeah, Yeah!" 

Eris cheeks flushed, looked as if she seriously thought so. 
However, Isolte expression is completely opposite. 
Geez, you have the face to me, I'll limit it to keep giving the meat to the dog. 
She is good at handling people like Eris. 

"The main reason I came today is to see Eris. 
Because it came long-awaited, I will guide you through the Imperial City " 
"Yeah. It's the place where you were just to leave! Let's go!" 
"Rudeus-san, please go along with us." 

She might end up quarreling with Eris somewhere. 
And its possible that the conversation until now was a lie. Eris may be led to a place where many Water God style disciples lie in wait, so I should go with her. 

".....Then, allow me to tag along." 

With that said, we started exploring the Imperial City along with Isolte. 

Despite my worrying, she guides us around the town normally, Isolte had spent her and had fun with Eris. 
Already becoming like this just a few days after her master died, 
It may have been her personality. 

Fifth day. 
A Dinner invitation came from the Boreas home. 
For two people, me and Sylphy. 
It's invitation to dine in without Eris. 

Or is it poison? 
That it was received while fully vigilant, goes without saying, 
The contents of the story, was something that they wanted to get close to Ariel through me. 

They didn’t call Eris, because they still feel wary. 
It seems to be they have a little grudge toward Eris, but they just let it go for now. 

Eris and Boreas already opposing each other, 
It would be annoying if Eris even came back to Boreas this late. 
Eris is mine. 

At that dinner, I gave some vague answer. 

Day 8. 
Let me recount the state of things afterwards. 

Tris has returned into the aristocracy. 
Her standing is the same with such servant like Elmore, and Kleene. 
Ariel seems to think that back door with the thieves group is available, 
she is trying to use Tris moving behind the scenes as deal maker with them. 

Luke and Ariel are moving energetically toward their respective future, there is likely no spare time. 
Darius died, causing a little confusion in the Royal Palace, 
it’s not like that is important, Ariel is steadily getting ready to become a king. 

Leaving one subordinate behind in the castle, Perugius went back into the Sky Castle earlier. 
When I sincerely gave my condolences about the two subordinate that were slayed, I got the reply that they could be revived in the air fortress. 
Familiars sure are convenient. 

As you said Orsted, it's really okay. 
It looks like there is nothing left for me to do anymore. 
My work was over. 

So let’s go home soon. 
Telling that fact to Ariel, I was called immediately the next day. 

At Night. 
Ariel’s Boudoir in the Royal Palace. 

Accompanied by Sylphy, I want to avoid being suspected of cheating on my wives as much as possible, by visiting Ariel with her. 
I wasn’t asked to come alone. 

Ariel’s boudoir was ultra-luxurious. 
Of course, it’s part of the royal palace, but it’s as big as a house. 
The furniture’s fluffiness is in highest grade. The sofa feels like it will be melt. 
Shining brightly despite not being metallic, this is probably because it is top class of this world. 

Usually this room would be crowded with maids. 
But it seems that for today, she told them to let them be alone for now. 
In the cold and young scene lined with luxurious furniture, Ariel poured wine to me. 

"Please." 
"Thank you." 

Purple liquid is filled into the golden cup. 
Or wine. 
I wonder if it’s high quality. 

"So you also came Sylphy." 
"Yeah, because if Rudy is meeting alone with a beauty in the middle of night, a strange rumor might spread." 
"Well. Certainly, I don’t know what will happen in a private meeting." 

Ariel laughs, but Sylphy is not laughing. 
I wonder if she thought that this isn't a joke. 

"If it's Rudy, it will somehow really happen." 

There is no trust in my lower body. 
Well, there is no way there is. 

But, I have confidence in Sylphy. 
That time she said that she’s prepared to pick me over Ariel. 
Honestly, my heart skipped a beat then. 
But it seems to Sylphy that Ariel is a praying mantis that wants to eat me. 

"Now then." 

After having finished pouring the wine, Ariel also sat on her seat. 

"Rudeus-sama. I would like to say my thanks again. 
Thanks, for what you’ve done so far." 
"No, it is the result of your efforts Ariel-sama." 

Ariel’s personal connections in Ranoa kingdom are moving well. 
Filling the hole left behind by the deceased Darius. 
To replace the aristocracy from the Grabell faction, 
she promoted talented people to important posts. 

If I go by that speculation, Ariel will be able to dominate the Asura kingdom completely. 

"Giving me advice to convince Perugius-sama, advice for the trip, advises for some cases. 
If I didn’t get your advice at time, Rudeus-sama, 
I would still be frustrated now " 
"I’m feeling embarrassed now." 
"Really, like Sylphy said. It might be good to spend one night together." 

While saying that, Ariel sent a bewitching glance to me. 
My eyes also wandering wildly to some places, such as Ariel’s nape, 
But being glared at by Sylphy, I hurriedly hung down my head... 
Ariel also returns a smile. 

"Well though I was just joking, the part about my thanks is true." 
"Your gratitude is, well......" 

Because of that incident, 
I got a house. 
That house, is probably good to use as my vacation home in the future... 

"Is there anything you want? 
You promised in front of Luke that you wanted neither a title nor land but, is there 
anything unusual that I may freely provide? " 

I have indeed said so. 
What I can obtain from Ariel… 
Basically anything. 
When it comes to Asura Kingdom, it is full of many things. 
Maybe magic manuals? 

Oh, no. 
There was one. 
One thing to ask. 

"There is one thing, at first this will take some time, 
I already thought about it, please set up and put up for sale this figure and book set. 
It is in the image of the Magical race, but if I have Royal family authorization it will be more easier to accept" 
"Oh, is that what you were talking about with Perugius-sama?" 
"Yeah, is that difficult?" 

In Asura kingdom, the Millis religion is popular. 
Even with permission from the royal family, to sell images of a magic race. 
it’s possible to cause some friction. 

"It is not that difficult. It's important to prepare workshops as well for mass-producing." 
"What about the Millis doctrine, will they be all right with it?" 
"It is all right. That sort of thing can be solved with money." 

O~h, the power of money! 
That's good. 
Becoming the Asura Kingdom King was the same as becoming the richest man in the world. 

"So, if there is progress after returning" 
"Yes, I will wait" 

I got a studio and sponsors. 
After that it’s growth depends on Julie. 
It certainly was written in the diary, when I make a picture book and sell it. 
......also, I must find a painter. 
To get someone to read to as many people as possible, the best is still a picture book. 
There are many people who can’t read, but picture books can be viewed by anyone. 

While I start to see dollar signs, 
Ariel straightened her sitting posture, and turned to Sylphy. 

"Sylphy, thanks for the hard work." 
"...... yeah. Ariel-sama, also cheers for your good work." 

Yesterday, Sylphy officially quit from her job as Ariel’s escort. 
It seems the takeover procedures were also finished yesterday, she spaced out a lot yesterday. 

"The other, I think there is no need to me?" 
"Yes. It is all right now. Thank you very much for a long time. " 

To say so, Ariel deeply bowed to Sylphy. Really deeply. 
That scene where Ariel lowers her head, is unusual. 

"Ariel sama, please raise your head" 
"But, I do not want to lie to you, I really can’t think of any reward for Sylphy. This feeling is the only thing that I could give you. 
I want to tell you, with my feelings and words. 
You’ve helped me very much." 
"It’s okay, because we’re friends, of course I’ll help you." 

While saying so, Sylphy continued to grip Ariel’s hand. 
A friendship of ten years, right? 
It’s nice, a relationship like this. 

"But Sylphy, I’ll come to play some time " 
"Yeah, well, if you have any errands towards the Ranoa… I doubt it’s a place we can just show up at." 
"Well, when I’m a guest at Ranoa Castle. At that time, I will send the invitation." 
"Haha, that's like a VIP guest." 

Then, Ariel and Sylphy was talking, laughing between just them two for a while. 
listening to them, I was reminded of when I met Sylphy for the first time. 
It is a figure of Sylphy who was walking all alone. 
The Sylphy that got pelted with mud balls by other children, failing to offer any resistance. 
The Sylphy of the old day, now talking, and laughing with the princess of a country. 

Such a thing, was somehow, quite the happy scene. 

Then, the day I leave Asura kingdom came.