Chapter 188: Second Meeting
Link: https://ncode.syosetu.com/n7583de/
Author: Hirukuma
Translated by Zzonkedd
Edited by Gumihou
“That is… my island…”
The giant clam parted just enough for a hand to come out and pointed at a faintly visible island in the distance.
Size-wise, it was not particularly large. Just about the size of a high school field with trees covering half of it while the half was taken up by a flat land and a single lonely log cabin in the middle.
“You live in a place like that?”
“What about food?”
Hevoy and Shui asked, but Pitee had already closed herself off firmly. Still, it was just a physical distance since an answer came from within the clam. I tried to hear what she was saying, but Mishael spoke, “Master Hakkon, look over there.”
I looked at where Mishael was pointing and saw a boat docked on the beach.
The boat was considerably smaller than ours. Probably a total of five or six adults could get on it.
“Does that boat belong to Pitee or…”
Pitee’s voice came through the shield, “Pitee uses… shield as boat…”
“I guess that means that boat must belong to Leader. Right, stay alert everyone,” said Hyurumi.
[1] In short, we could assume that only Leader Keyroil would have reason to take a boat to this place. Seeing how the boat was still here, there was a possibility that we would be facing them again. After the way we had parted last time, it was difficult to know just what to say to these people now.
“I’m going to attempt some little tricks. Let’s park our ship next to that one. Captain? Would you?”
“No problem,” said the captain.
Once the boat was docked next to the smaller vessel, we disembarked and went on shore. Leaving the captain and his crew behind with strict instructions not to move the ship unless we arrive. However, they were also told to prioritize their lives should Leader threaten them.
“Miss Pitee, if you do not wish to walk, you can enjoy your shoes within the comforts of your home,” [2] said Hevoy with a smile.
[2] I have a feeling that he was trying to be nice to her, but it still came out creepy.
“I will… walk…”
[2] Well, it looked like Pitee was creeped out enough to want to walk on her own. Except, she kept her two shields over her head, like some ancient raincoat or a bivalve that had grown legs. Anyone looking at her would be forgiven for thinking they had spotted some new species of monster.
We all followed our walking bivalve guide in a single line.
A little way up the sandy beach, the terrain became a little rocky. Soon, we came to a set of crudely made wooden stairs that led up to a small hill where the house was situated.
There was no fence around the house, just cultivated fields. Colourful flowers surround the house instead.
“It’s actually really pretty and charming,” said Ramis.
“It won’t be too bad to retire to a place like this. Especially with Hakkon around to sort out the food,” Hyurumi agreed.
Well, I don’t think I mind such a life either.
“In that case, might I move in as well when Master Hakkon does?”
“Hoho, I’ll quit as Director and live here too!”
“I’d like to live here if Hakkon is around. Do keep a room open for me-su!”
Somehow, the conversation ended up being all of us living here. This place was lovely and charming and our imaginations are getting ahead of us.
“This place is… for me and… my love…” Pitee sounded like she was about to burst into tears.
Sorry, sorry, we’re just talking nonsense, so please don’t be sad, Pitee.
“Enough with the banter, do be quiet now,” said Hevoy. [1]
Mishael was our alert system since he has the keenest senses. However, since he had no reaction, it was possible that Leader Keryoil had already left.
But then, what about that ship?
“I’m back…” Pitee muttered as she twisted the doorknob and pushed the door open.
“Ou, finally back, eh?”
Pitee automatically retreated at the answer. She was soon followed by Leader Keryoil, and Vice-leader Felmina followed by the Red and White twins.
Everyone’s expression stiffened as they got ready to draw their weapons.
“Goodness, here I was, worrying about you sinking into the bottom of the sea somewhere. Well, who are these people behind you?”
Although the four of them looked wary, they did not recognise us.
That’s because Hevoy had used an illusion to cover us, making us look like complete strangers. I had also transformed myself into the much smaller <Cardboard Vending Machine> and was made to look like ordinary luggage being carried under Ramis’ arm.
“With the… sea monsters more active, I… hired some… guards…”
“Well, that makes sense since you’re not good at attacking. Good job. I shall compensate these people myself.”
“No… I don’t want people who… enter my house… without permission… Leave…” Pitee’s tone changed the more she spoke. It looked like she was truly angry about her love nest being intruded upon.
“Sorry about that, we only made use of the living room and bathroom and didn’t touch anything else. I swear that we never even enter your room.”
“Indeed, I kept a close eye on these idiots, you can be sure of that.”
“If we had gone looking through your underwear, we’d be dead by now. Eh, White?”
“Exactly, Red was thrown into the sea for attempting that.”
Just what were the Red and White twins up to anyway?
Also, should I look back on our past relationships fondly, or should I refrain from listening to my enemy’s nonsensical words?
While we may be adversaries now, I was still unsure how to treat them. It would be easier if I could just consider an enemy of the dungeon inhabitants and end it that way, but the months we spent together as well as the emotions we shared… none of it would allow me to dismiss them so easily.
“Please, we would be most grateful if you would lend us your strength. the quest to conquer the dungeon hasn’t been going well. It would go a lot better to have a defence specialist like yourself with us.”
“I am waiting… for that person, so… I can’t…”
“I can help you find him, you know? Please assist us. At this rate, the others will catch up with us. If you help us, you may do as you like with Red.”
“Eh? Shouldn’t it be White!!?”
“Nope! I can only get excited for boobilicious types. Pitee is too flat- oww!!”
Vice-Leader Felmina’s staff smashed into White’s head, leaving him writhing on the floor. Red howled with laughter at the sight. These people still act as usual, even under such circumstances.
“Do consider it, Pitee. Once the dungeon is conquered, we shall support your mission with all our might.”
“You all… value that child over… the people in the dungeon?”
“Ah, indeed. Is it not the same for you? Everyone has a single person who is most precious to them. Still, it’s not like we want to sacrifice the lives of the people here.”
Leader Keryoil was not lying. The fact that they chose to actively beat the monsters instead of collecting monsters to attack the residents. Moreover, if one were to believe their words, it felt like they planned to backstab the Ruler of the Netherworld.
“Where is… the white person… who was here before?”
“Sulrim? She’s out on a stroll. She has a tendency to make the room too cold when she’s inside.”
So, that woman’s on this island. Was she somewhere inside the forest? Since there was no way to know when she would turn up, let’s get ready to activate the <Barrier> anytime.
“We don’t have much time either, so this would be our last attempt. Will you join us?”
“No… I can’t… Not with… you…”
Pitee’s eyes drifted over to me for a brief moment and I saw determination in her eyes. Well, it looked like she had made up her mind.
“Haaahhh… well, I had thought it would be impossible. It can’t be helped, eh?” Leader Keryoil sighed gustily as he ran his fingers through his hair.
Vice-Leader and the Red and White Twins appeared to have expected this response as they just shrugged at it.
“Well, shall we take this outside? We certainly don’t want to ruin Pitee’s house with our fights. Right, Hakkon?”
“Welcome”
As expected, the jig was up. He totally saw through the illusions. Leader Keryoil’s <Shattering Eye> was totally overpowered.
“Eh, Hakkon?!”
“Wait, these guys are…”
“I see, is that how it is…”
Well, it looked like only Leader Keryoil saw through us. The twins were pointing at us and making confused noises.
“Ou, it looked like everyone’s here. Even the Director of Scorching Sand. <Shattering Eye>!”
Leader Keryoil’s eye flashed red and the illusion that had been hiding us was lifted.
The Leader’s skill was certainly convenient, as it could make any future combat easier. However, they were an inconvenient skill for enemies to possess.
We distance ourselves from the cabin, followed by Leader Keryoil and his party.
Finally, we stopped at an area that was thick with undergrowth just at the edge of the forest.
“Now, how about a little chat over drinks? It’s been a while since I had Hakkon’s food.”
“I seriously miss the Karaage and fizzy drinks, ya know?”
“Ahh, I want me some fizzies too~”
“It really does bring up some wonderful memories,”
Please don’t look at us with such placid eyes.
We are enemies after all.
[Gumihou: I think these people are not right in the head…]
[1] Avoid repetitiveness, ugh. Adjust detail
[2] The line is unclear, just make it Hevoy creepy as usual.
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