Tate no Yuusha no Nariagari - Chapter 198

Purpose

Well then, let's bear witness to this public execution. How good of a fight Female Knight can put up against Ren corroded by the curse. For now let's try analyzing.

Of course, I have taken shelter. What is happening with the current Ren's status I wonder?

From Greed, the sword transformed. Looking carefully, there are various ornaments on the sword. On the sword guard is a dog-like being...a fox? In addition, something pig-like is on the handle. But...Ren's manner of speaking became strange after the transformation. Obtain everything and consume, huh.

Presuming from this, changing to consume, the possibility that he has also awakened Gluttony exists. There is a chance that the curse increases if one is easily defeated. I must be cautious if a chance to fight Itsuki comes.

Motoyasu? I don't want to get near that guy. It has been peaceful lately because he has not appeared. At that time, he will probably be chasing Firo.

...An intensely pointless thought. Let's concentrate in front of me now.

"I, will become the strongest! I'm growing even in this instant, gaining strength eternally from the future, watch me defeat someone like you and consume the EXP!" (Ren)

Raising the great sword overhead, Ren broke into a run. His movements have gotten quite fast yet not stiff. Just like Gaelion said, that he's stronger than before can be seen. In these circumstances, I probably can't use Portal Shield because of the effect of Gaelion's magic. For now, let's retreat and gather more people.

"Rishia, Gaelion, Taniko. Bring Atla. We're backing off further" (Naofumi)

I carried the fainted Atla like a princess in my arms.

"Bu, but..."

"Like you'll hit. Though the sword contains power, swordsmanship with no depth is like having no intent to hit" (Female Knight)

I don't know Female Knight's status, but it might be unexpectedly high. She is dodging with no wasted movements.

"Why is it, why can't I hit!?" (Ren)

"Shut upppppppppppppp!" (Ren)

If it was Raphtalia or Firo, how would they deal with it I wonder? Maybe instead of avoiding with paper-thin margins, dodge simply with speed? Let's ask their fellow student Rishia.

"Hey Rishia. What's your impression?" (Naofumi)

"Hoh-..." (Naofumi)

Well, I guess so. It does have speed, but even I'd probably be able to dodge it. He is swinging his sword that simply. Basically, he is only using vertical and horizontal slashes. They sometimes bend to a right angle, but it's completely obvious. My eyes are good from training with the troops so I know. Atla's good too.

The genius Atla's attacks have an instinctual depth, so even I have difficulty avoiding them. Rather Atla is the one who becomes stronger every time she fights. I have not seen anyone visibly grow stronger in the middle of a fight like Atla. In the way not relating to status.

Earlier, she probably lost to Female Knight due to lack of Class Up and level. Thinking about it, it's not likely a knight-like person would be below level 40. Atla has not gotten a Class Up yet, and has only fought monsters up until now. She's fought with me, but it'd be more correct to call that training.

Compared to that, Ren's current attacks amount to child's play. Rather wasn't he stronger when there was depth, before he was corroded by the curse? He's only gotten stronger status-wise right? I thought it meant something else.

"Well then, is your seriousness only to that extent? Then I will have my turn" (Female Knight)

...It's a match for Gaelion's showy magic if judging by appearance.

"An opening!" (Female Knight)

Female Knight struck at Ren's shoulder. Raising a thunk sound, the attack resounded fruitlessly.

"Kkukkuku...the sword I am currently using has the effect of Self-Recovery(Large). There is no meaning to your meager attacks. Obediently admit your defeat" (Ren)

Ren laughed evilly. His eyes are shining. Ah, he's laughing since he's figured that Female Knight can't deal a decisive blow.

Why was it explained? Well even my armor has a Self-Recovery effect.

"Fumu...you are soft compared to Iwatani-dono, but instant recovery huh. How troublesome" (Female Knight)

Female Knight muttered while looking at the tip of the sword.

"Obediently accept your defeat and become EXP! Instant - Meteor Sword!" (Ren)

That again! Maybe because it's great sword, the scope of flying black meteors is bigger now. In the midst of all that, Female Knight...becomes a blur while avoiding.

"Th, that's one of Peerless Transformation style's evasive techniques, Heat Haze!" (Rishia)

...Yeah. Female Knight's chuunibyou percentage is no different. And Rishia, stop with explanation character. Even if you say that, "What!? That's!", is all we'll really get. Also, it'll feel like we're weak if you say that from the backline so stop.

"There's still more! Chain Bind!" (Ren)

"As expected...if a point is used, even firm chains can easily be broken...simple compared to Iwatani-dono's prison" (Female Knight)

You dare say so even when you destroyed it so quickly.

"There's still more! Try receiving my certain kill skill! Hide Sword!" (Ren)

Ren's form vanished to darkness with a yuraa-. You...your attacks are getting repetitive. What happened to Handlet Sword and Thunder Sword? If you had countless methods of attack, even Female Knight would lose without tactics.

"How lukewarm. Even when Raphtalia becomes invisible, her ki cannot be tracked" (Female Knight)

Female Knight swung her sword with a supan-. With just that, Ren's concealment skill was erased, revealing him. Is Ki...possibly that power flowing out from Ren?

...Oi. Somehow, I've started to understand ki or whatever.

Wh, what is this? I'm getting stronger by watching others fighting! Do you think I'd say that, idiot.

...Have I gotten strange from being poked by Atla and Female Knight too much? I've become unable to understand myself.

In any case, immediately seems unreasonable, but with training I can probably get countermeasures for defense penetrating attacks. What's essential is creating a flow from the magical power within the body. Not softly and not shittily. It's fine to just place the flow of magical power before an opponent's attack grows violent. Making a soft portion would be the method for beginners. That Old Lady, trying to tell me something so hard to understand....

It's likely that the Peerless Transformation style uses this power to attack and sense. While Female Knight has been dodging, she probably does not use ki for defense. That might be why the Old Lady couldn't teach me.

Speaking of things I get now, the flow of my ki is strange because of my extreme defensive power. This is like saying please aim here. Ki, can also be called the flow of magical power.

I see, I understand a bit of what it means to be called strong now. Three more times. I'll understand if I receive that attack two, three more times...I think.

I say, this'll be useful in the future if grasped. The extent of Female Knight's talent is unknown, but though just the sword, it was learned in two weeks, could the village guys learn with a month? No, seriously trying to learn the Peerless Transformation style, even Rishia touted as a hundred years' rare talent is taking a month. Even Raphtalia who has been pursuing knowledge since very early on, has still not completely learned it.

I got a late start from half doubting. Offense being essential to martial arts, I thought it was unrelated my defense-focused self. There seems to be merit in learning this. Since such a rule like "heroes should not learn martial arts", does not exist.

Anyways, not matter how you look at it, the best plan is to have the fellows with high status learn this style. Not only martial arts like Female Knight and Rishia, I'll take them in if they are useful. Let's enquire Rishia or someone after getting back to the village.

Incidentally besides me, there is another fellow with a strange flow of ki here.

Hero of the Sword, Ren.

It might be the influence of the Curse Series, it is clearly different. If Motoyasu and Itsuki were also different, then it would be that heroes possess a special factor.

Hm? Rishia is...very difficult. So I say, but there is no flow of ki. No, not that there's none but...thin. What's going on?

But the Old Lady happily called her a rare talent, so why? There is too little to compare with. Let's confirm back in the village.

"That attack is for when the opponent can't be sensed. Hiding is futile" (Female Knight)

While I was thinking hurriedly, Female Knight turned her sword towards the detected Ren. She's putting up an unexpectedly good fight. Though she doesn't have a decisive attack.

"Well then, let's have you receive from me as well" (Female Knight)

Female Knight stooped low and dashed, aiming a thrust towards Ren. Ren that guy too, thinking defense is unnecessary...no, he quickly jumped far backwards.

"Futile" (Female Knight)

Faster than the retreating Ren, Female Knight came to Ren's chest.

"Four Cross!" (Female Knight)

The attack that knocked Atla out was used on Ren.

"Fu..."

Female Knight's attack landed on Ren. It somehow looks like some kind of light passed through Ren's body. But the wound healed as damage was dealt, Ren stood up as if nothing happened and smiled.

"To hit me with an attack, you are pretty good. I'll be your opponent a bit seriously" (Ren)

...What's he saying? That Ren, even though he's had a hard time despite fighting with his all, is he acting?

By no means, how many times were you defeated. Running away after not defeating me with a certain kill skill, and completely losing to Gaelion. Then standing up with the Curse Series, you're receiving attacks again. Rather, is Ren not affected by the Curse Series' curse? He's just moving around like normal.

Chuunibyou is also a power or something? "The curse doesn't affect me, the curse itself is my power", is what he'll probably say so I won't delve.

"You jest, to hold back against your opponent in actual combat, there is a limit to discourtesy. Don't try to act composed, fool! Iwatani-dono came seriously to kill! Receiving my thought out certain kill attack, he just had a slightly pained face! How many years do you think it took to think that up!" (Female Knight)

Oi, isn't that a complaint towards me?

Anyways, Female Knight can see right through Ren. He has speed, but everything's seen if he's just fast. Like that, there's no meaning in speed.

However, Female Knight also has a problem with offensive ability. The defense penetration attack like with me, cannot be used unless there is an extremely high defensive power. She's excelled at swordsmanship since the beginning, but it's difficult with a curse corroded hero as the opponent.

Moreover, there is something unnatural about that skill that seems anti-Hero of the Shield. I don't know where the Peerless Transformation style was born, but if it was Melromark, the technique might have been created for anti-Hero of the Shield purposes. It might have another side. Let's seriously think up countermeasures.

It's a relief I can come up with countermeasures because I've understood the general idea of ki. Couldn't this be used for something besides defense penetration?

"My attacks consume everything. Yes, even your EXP!" (Ren)

"Annoying! Don't compare Ren to me for every little thing!" (Naofumi)

My scream did not reach. Oh? Ren is a bit flustered.

"I..." (Ren)

"For this foolish sinner, the punishment I have chosen is consumption by God's name! I offer the power of my acquired lands to shred that one with decay, and consume!"

"Like I said, annoying! Don't bring up comparisons!" (Naofumi)

Ren's attack was avoided by the way.

"I wonder. But it seems dangerous to touch it" (Naofumi)

For now, it's probably still okay since there's distance, but the ground is dissolving into mud. Stuff like mushrooms or mold began growing around the affected area, giving off a dreadful stench. That decayed land, sea of rot...formed into a fly monster-like organism.

It's a parade of curse skills. Female Knight seems to be the only target. Before long, the fly monster headed incessantly towards Female Knight.

"Decide your aim. And the attack's readiness is lacking. The similar attack used by Iwatani-dono was more brutally powerful. I...thought that attack was coming, you could say I was disappointed" (Female Knight)

Female Knight quickly, regarding the fly monster...unexpectedly climbed over it from the front and stood before Ren. The fly monster who lost it's direction soon crumbled and disappeared almost tragically. Ah-...hasn't it become awfully polluted around here? No matter how, he'll cause damage to people huh.

"Oi" (Gaelion)

Gaelion whispered close to my ear.

"You have a face like it's none of your business, but your curse's flames also polluted the earth" (Gaelion)

I don't know. That's something time can solve.

"Well then, I will inquire once again. After becoming the strongest, what do you desire?" (Female Knight)

"That's right. You were aiming to be the strongest right? What will you do with that power?" (Female Knight)

"Don't speak of things given by other people here!" (Female Knight)

Female Knight cut down Ren's reply with a zuba-.

"If you don't want to admit it that much, I'll personally tell you" (Female Knight)

"U..." (Ren)

"Sh, Shut up!" (Ren)

"Shut uppppppppppppppppppppppppp!" (Ren)

Ren brandished his sword toward Female Knight in a big manner. It seems to be barely dodgeable, but if I don't do anything I can't give a debt.

"Sh, Shut upppppppppppppppppppppppp!" (Ren)

Ren does not stop even with that, turning his sword to Female Knight.

"I will wield my sword in place of those who died while believing you until the end!" (Female Knight)

Female Knight lifted her sword to her chest and used a technique.

"Peerless Transformation sword technique! Multilayer Crumble Attack!" (Female Knight)

The barrage Female Knight had used on me was now pouring towards Ren. Receiving that many defense penetrating attacks is not something that can be accumalated. The chill going down my spine tells the story.

"Gaha!" (Ren)

"U..." (Ren)

In his collapsed state, tears shed from Ren's eyes. Is he unconscious? Other than that, he did not even twitch. Then, the great sword returned to normal. The ominous look is also gone.

"Did you take care of him?" (Naofumi)

"What an unpleasant way to put it..." (Female Knight)

He actually wasn't defeated physically, after all.

"Iwatani-dono has not run away from his own crimes" (Female Knight)

"No! Without running, you continue to knowingly add to your crimes. Even more than the Hero of the Sword, a difficult nature" (Female Knight)

"Rehabilitate? For what?" (Naofumi)

"What do you mean promise. You just set me up!" (Female Knight)

"Don't laugh!" (Female Knight)

Meanwhile, Atla finally regained consciousness. Honestly, what an unreliable fellow. Saying you want to become my shield is just a dream within a dream.

"Fuee...what are we doing from here?" (Rishia)

Rishia asked while looking at the rotten sea that was once burnt ground.

"Of course, we're escaping" (Naofumi)

"What do you want me to do? The one who did this is that Hero of the Sword over there. You are Ren's patron right. Take responsibility!" (Naofumi)

"Why do you sound so self-important, Iwatani-dono!" (Female Knight)

目的

　あのカースに浸食された錬を相手に女騎士がどれだけ善戦できるか見ものだな。

　今の錬の状態は、どうなっているんだろう？

　強欲のまま、剣が変化した。

　鍔の部分は犬っぽい生き物……狐か？　他に豚っぽいものが柄にあるなぁ。

　全てを手に入れてクラウか。

　ここから察するに、喰らうと変換すると、暴食も覚醒してしまった可能性がある。

　樹とかと戦う機会があった場合は注意せねば。

　元康？　アイツには近づきたくない。

　一方その頃、フィーロが追いかけられているかもな。

　……激しく無駄な思考だ。

　動きがぎこちないがかなり早くなっている。

　今の状況だと、ガエリオンが放った魔法の影響で俺もポータルシールドが使えないんだよなぁ。

「今のままじゃアイツも戦いづらいだろ？」

　口から出任せだが、実際援護するだけならもう少し離れても問題無い。

「でりゃあああああああああああ！」

　錬が大剣をがむしゃらに振り回し始める。戦いの型も糞も無いな。

　子供のチャンバラ攻撃のような予測が付き辛い斬りをよくもまあ見切れたものだ。

「わかった」

　谷子もリーシアも頷いて俺の指示通りに下がった。

「当たるものか。そんな力の入っていない剣の太刀筋、工夫の無い攻撃など、当てる意思が感じられないのと同意義だ」

　女騎士のステータスは知らないが、案外、高いのかもしれない。

「……何故、イワタニ殿が盾の勇者なのだ？　私が見るにイワタニ殿に剣を持たせた方が良いぞ」

　あんな紙一重で避けたりせず、単純な早さで避けるかな？

「ふぇえ？　えっとですね。剣の勇者様の攻撃は全て単調です。あれでは戦闘慣れした者なら誰でも避けれると思います」

　それくらい、単純に剣を振り回している。

　兵士と稽古していると目が肥えてくるからわかる。アトラも然りだな。

　天才肌のアトラの攻撃こそ、本能的な工夫があって、俺も受け流しが難しい。

　アトラこそ、戦いの中で目に見えて強くなっていく奴はいない。

　良く考えれば騎士をやっている様な人物がＬｖ４０以下とは考え難い。

　俺とは戦ったが、あれは戦ったというより、訓練と言った方が正しい。

　それに比べれば今の錬の攻撃は子供のチャンバラ程度だ。

　強くなるってステータス的にだろ？　意味が違うと思うのだが。

「さて、お前の本気とはその程度なのか？　では私からも出させて貰おう」

　あーそういや、錬のやってたＶＲＭＭＯは盾職が死んでいるんだったな。

　回避前提とかも言っていたが……なんか怪しい。

　古来ネットゲーム関連で、防御職が存在する意味なんて対人に関わってくるものが多い。

　もちろん、奴等の言葉通りのゲームであるのだろう。だけどこの世界では違う。

　その切っ先が地面に触れた瞬間。地響きと共に地割れが発生した。

　……ガエリオンの見た目だけ派手な魔法も良い勝負だよな。

「隙あり！」

　女騎士が剣で錬の肩目掛けて突く。

　ああ、女騎士に決定打が無い事を理解して笑っているんだな。

　なんで、説明口調なんだ？

　大剣だからか、範囲が大きくなった飛び散る黒い星。

　後リーシア、説明キャラやめろ。

　後、外野がそういう事言っていると俺達が弱くなった気がするからやめてくれ。

「まだだ！　チェーンバインド！」

「やはりそうか……強固な鎖、防御も点を活用すればいとも容易く砕ける……イワタニ殿の檻に比べれば容易い」

　数秒で破壊した癖によくもまあ言うな。

「まだだ！　俺の必殺スキルを受けてみろ！　ハイドソード！」

　ゆらぁっと錬の姿が闇に消える。

　ハンドレットソードとか、雷鳴剣はどうしたんだよ。

　それだけで錬の隠蔽スキルが掻き消されて姿を表した。

　俺は他人の戦いを見て、強くなる！

　俺は俺自身がわからなくなってきた。

　ともあれ、いきなりは無理そうだが訓練すれば防御比例攻撃の対策が取れそうだぞ。

　柔らかいもクソも無い。

　柔らかい部分を作るのは初心者の方法だな。

　現に女騎士は避ける事はあっても、防御に気を使っていない。

　これでは狙ってくれと言っている様な物だぞ。

　後三回だ。あの攻撃を二、三回受ければ見切れる……気がする。

　こりゃあ、会得すれば今後に役立つな。

　いや、変幻無双流を本気で覚えようとすると、百年の逸材と公言されているリーシアでも一ヶ月掛かっている。

　武術というから攻撃が重要で、防御の俺は関係ないと思っていた。

　勇者が武術を学んではいけない、なんてルールは無いからな。

　まあどちらにしても、ステータスの高い奴にこの流派を覚えさせるのは上策だ。

　ここ等辺、村に帰ったらリーシア辺りに尋ねるとしよう。

　ちなみに気の流れがこの場にいる中でおかしい奴は俺以外にもいる。

　剣の勇者、錬だ。

　カースシリーズの影響かもしれないが、明らかに他とは違う。

　言っては難だが、気の流れが無い。

　どうなってんだ？

　でも、あのババアが逸材とか喜んでいたんだから、どうなんだ？

　案外善戦するな。

　錬の奴も、防御の必要性が無いと思って……いや、咄嗟に大きく後ろに下がる。

「無駄だ」

　下がった錬よりも早く女騎士は錬の懐に入り。

「フォークロス！」

　アトラを昏倒させた攻撃を錬に放った。

「ふ……」

　女騎士の放った攻撃が錬に命中。

　しかしダメージが入ったその場で傷が塞がっていく、錬は何事も無かった様に立っており、笑みを浮かべた。

「俺に攻撃を当てるとは、なかなかやるじゃないか。少し本気で相手してやろう」

　……何言ってんだ？

　俺を相手に必殺スキルを撃って倒せず逃亡、ガエリオンに思いっきり負けてるじゃないか。

　というか錬にカースシリーズの呪いは効果が無いのか？　普通に動き回っているけどさ。

　中二病も力になるってか？

　早くはあるけど、早いだけで見切られている。あれじゃ早い意味が無い。

　しかし、女騎士の方も攻撃力に難がある。

　元々剣術に秀でていたんだろうが、カースに侵食された勇者相手では分が悪いか。

　大体、あの攻撃って対盾の勇者みたいな、不自然さがあるよな。

　何か裏があるかもな。本気で対策を考えておこう。

　気の概念がわかってきた所為で、対抗策が何個も出てくるのが救いだ。

「どんなに強力な攻撃も当てなければ意味が無い！」

　しかし戦況が拮抗したな。

　長期戦になれば女騎士の方が不利だ。

　この勝負、現状錬の方が勝つ見込みが高い。

　ま、仮に錬を倒せても、またカースに覚醒して起き上がってくるかもしれない。

　そこまで来てしまったら、もう戻れないな。

「うるせぇ！　いちいち俺と錬を比べんな！」

　俺の叫びは届かなかった。

「目的だ。お前は何を目指して、強くなりたいんだ！」

　おいおい。そんな質問しても馬鹿な返答が返ってくるだけだろ。

　何か使う気だな。

「だから、お前も、俺が強くなる為の経験値になれ！」

「シュタルクファアファル！」

　錬が大きく拳を握りしめると、全身から蛍火のような何かが漏れ出し、地面に消えて行く。

　ああ、さっきの地割れを起こす攻撃の派生？　詠唱がプルートオプファーと似てたけど。

「だから、うるせぇ！　比較対象を出すな！」

　ちなみに錬の攻撃は避けられた。

　あ、でもちょっと違うみたいだ。

　ドバっと地面から何か、灰色の異臭を放つ物体が吹きつけられる。

　間接的な事実だが、俺の現状を鑑みるに外した

　教皇の時は女王が足止めして、霊亀の時は的が無駄に大きかったから当てられたって事を肝に銘じておこう。

「ふ、ふぇええ……なんですかあれ！？」

　焼け野原になっていた周りにキノコとかカビが生え始め、凄い異臭を放ちだした。

　ターゲットは女騎士だけみたいだな。

　行き場を失ったハエの化け物は無残にもそのまま走り抜け、やがて崩れ落ちて消えて行った。

　何処までも人に被害を与える奴だな。

「おい」

　ガエリオンが耳元で囁く。

「他人事みたいな顔をしているが、汝の放った呪いの炎も大地を汚すのだぞ」

　知らんな。それこそ時間が解決してくれる。

「さて、では再度私は尋ねるとしよう。お前は最強になってその後、何を望む？」

「そうだ。その最強とやらにお前はなったのだろう？　その力で何をするんだ？」

　ああ、やっぱりそうか。錬の強欲がなんで弱いと俺も思ったが。

　だが、その先が……錬の強欲には無い。

　俺が強欲に目覚めないのもそれが理由かもしれないな。

　だが、俺に取ってこの世界の金銭はあくまで波を生き残るために必要な物であって、それ以上に興味はない。

　もちろん、贅沢は少しくらいはしてみたいとも思うが、そんな金があったら装備や施設投資に金を掛けたい。

　暴食もそうだな。

　最強になったら満足してしまう。満腹になったら満足してしまう程度の暴食なのだ。

　理不尽に対して気が狂いそうになる程の怒りをその身に宿す。

　終わりの無い怒りに呑まれ続けるのと、手に入れたくても手に入らない最強、どっちの方が強く身を苦しめるんだろうな。

「お、俺は……俺は最強になって……せ、世界を救うんだ！」

「何！？」

　錬の奴、思いっきり目が泳いでいる。

「お前は強くなりたいんじゃない。失ったモノを取り戻したいだけなのだ！」

「お前が愚かにも考えなしに突き進み、失った仲間、人々、信頼、そのすべてを、ただ取り戻したくて、最強と言う目に見えた力を欲しているに過ぎない！」

「そんな事、例え神であろうとも、いや神である勇者であろうとも出来はしないのだ。お前が今しなくてはならないのは最強になる事か！？」

　ギリギリ避けられそうな範囲だが、一発位援護しておかないと恩を着せられない。

　という算段の元、俺は走り出し、スキルの射程圏内に入り。

「エアストシールド、セカンドシールド！」

　バキバキと音を立てて錬の攻撃は止められる。

　決闘に水を差すなってか？

　だが、こうする事によって女騎士による錬への拘束力が緩まる。

　と、煽ったり、錬に説教をしている時も横槍を入れる事ができる。

「う、うるさああああああああああああああああい！」

　それでも錬は止まらず、女騎士に振りかぶる。

「最後までお前を信じ、散って逝った者達の代わりに、私は剣を振るおう！」

　剣を胸に掲げた女騎士が錬に向けて技を放つ。

「変幻無双流剣技！　多層崩撃！」

　俺に放った女騎士の連撃が全て、錬に向けて注ぎこまれる。

　俺の背筋にひやりとしたものが伝う。

「ガハ！」

　まあ腐っても勇者だし、カースシリーズが二種も出ているんだ。

　仮に錬の攻撃を一撃でも喰らったら真っ二つだったんじゃないか？

　後な、かっこつけてはいるが、民衆や、その王である女王が死刑って言ったら意味無いぞ。

　まあ俺はそれでも良いけどさ。

「う……ぐは……」

　その直後、錬は昏倒し、倒れる。

「う……」

　錬が倒れたまま目から涙を流している。

　そして、大剣が普通の剣に戻った。禍々しい様子も無い。

「やったか？」

　だから言ってやった。

「精神攻撃とは、お前も中々やるじゃないか」

「褒めてるのか？」

「知らんな」

　女騎士が思いっきり溜息をした。

「どうしてこんな者が人々を救っているのか……私はイワタニ殿が一番謎で、更生させれる自信が無い」

「……ラフタリアの苦労が身に染みてわかった。すまんラフタリア、お前からのお願いを成就できそうにない……」

　ラフタリア、この堅物に何を頼んだんだ？

　どうせ聞いても碌な事が返ってこないだろうし。

「さて、錬を倒したようだからな、約束は守るぞ。管理はお前に任せるからな」

「ははは」

　まったく、頼りにならない奴だ。

「イワタニ殿！」

「むっ……そういう事になるのか？　はぁ……女王に報告してこの地の浄化を依頼しておく」

　女騎士が頭を抱えて言った。

「任せたぞ」

「責任者はお前だからだ。責任追及は楽しいからなぁ。目覚めた錬にも嫌味を言おう」

　俗に言う中間管理職だ。

　この後、城へ連行するのかは知らないが、錬の意識が戻らないと話にならない。