Chapter 80

Chapter 80 – Hidden Blade, Ice Claw

“Uuh…” (Melissa)

Was Melissa unable to stand up due to the shock? She slowly falls on her backside by sliding down, while leaning her back against a wall .

Despite being dumbfounded, she produced mumbled groans .

“Melissa, you aren’t injured are you?” (Shuuya)

“Hiiii…” (Melissa)

When I approach her, she screams .

Oh, shit, her abdomen is wet due to the shock…

It doesn’t look like she has an injury, but her state is slightly weird .

“Melissa, oi, what’s wrong? … No good, huh? Rollo watch her . ” (Shuuya)

“Nya . ” (Rollo)

Once the black pantherRollodeen hears my words, she swiftly moves her limbs and draws near to Melissa in large strides .

Since it turned dark after the magic lights created by the enemies naturally went out one after the other during that time, I had to create lights from my ring with its matching triangle on level surfaceTriforce for Melissa .

Although Melissa has her face looked at by the black catRollo, she’s still in a blank state . I’m worried, but there’s nothing I can do . I will prioritize the interrogation for now .

I move over to the guy who is crawling in order to try escaping with his injured legs .

“Guaaaaa . ”

“Oii, how about I stop stepping on you if you talk about what you were asked?” (Shuuya)

“I-I got it it . Please remove your foot . ”

I was stepping firmly on the injured part but took my foot off him .

“So, on whose orders did you target me?” (Shuuya)

“… Oze-san and Jane-san . ”

Again those names, huh?

“Those two are leaders of 【Owl’s Fangs】, aren’t they?” (Shuuya)

“Yea, it’s as you say . Oze-san and Jane-san are responsible for 【Demonic Steel-City Holkerbaum】 . ”

“There’s also a boss who controls the leaders, right?” (Shuuya)

“There is . The boss is President Bill Sokuudo-sama . He should be in the 【Labyrinth City Pelneet】 . ”

The wire-puller is in Pelneet?

“Did you buy my information from Belgart?” (Shuuya)

“That’s right . ”

“I see . Well then, let’s have you tell me what amount of information you obtained about me?” (Shuuya)

Did the member of 【Owl’s Fangs】 resolve himself? His mouth gets going after he nods .

“… In the beginning it started with the unit, which had chased after 【Scales of Gaia】, being annihilated as if they had vanished all of a sudden . … Oze-san knew that there’s no way for the enemy forces, which were missing Strong Arm Deyma, to have such level of spare power . “It’s definitely odd”, is what he said in a strong tone . Similarly Jane-san asked “Was there a master bodyguard who was hired by the enemy?” That was the occasion when we noticed it first . ”

From that time, eh?

【Owl’s FangsThese guys】 apparently still don’t know what happened to the guys who hired Mysty and attacked the caravan .

“And, after obtaining information from the thieves guildhyenas several times, Jane-san mentioned that you, the spear user, are suspicious . Then, freely using our own information network, we observed you . Jane-san, who confirmed that you stayed at a high-class inn, had an interview with the boss of Belgart and the matter with the feudal lord, judged that you are no ordinary person . ‘After the all the possibility of you being a bodyguard, who was hired by 【Scales of Gaia】, is high’, she said . That’s why we chased after the back of the spear user after receiving the order to do so . ”

He leaked a variety of things .

I haven’t been officially hired by 【Scales of Gaia】 yet though .

Well then, let’s run a little experiment…

I concentrate thick mana little-by-little in the magic spear I held in my right hand while controlling the mana minutely… Ripples of mana are visible on the surface of the magic spear .

Those clung to the surface of the violet metal for a moment and the small bloody dirt fell off .

However, what I’m trying to do is something else . It’s about gathering and minutely controlling the mana towards the magic dragon gem which looks like a large, blue, clean crystal that is located at the spear’s end .

The deliberate manipulation of mana… made the mana permeate into the crystal . At that juncture the the mana makes the crystal’s body glitter with a blue colour and it shines strongly as if it obtained a soul, in the the small circle-like compass which is located in the centre of the crystal’s body . Making an ice spear, just as I have imagined, grow from the tip of that bluely shining crystal body, I formed a broadsword of blue ice which is enveloped by a thin white mist on its surface .

The power of imagination is important .

It has a name like Ice SwordFreeze Sword .

However, my opponents should pay attention the red axe blade of the red spear, which is my standard weapon, in the beginning .

The bottom end of the ice broadsword is said to be retractable and you can call it a hidden bladeIce Claw .

If it’s possible to use it like a gimmick, it will probably be usable for feints .

However, as there are peculiarities in mana control, I have no other choice but getting used to it by practising with it little by little .

“… Ahnn, w-what’s that? Won’t you please save me?”

“… Who knows, I asked about what I wanted to hear . Wouldn’t it be for the best if you prayed to some god?” (Shuuya)

“G-God-shaamaa, heeelpp . ”

“Well, such a convenient god— doesn’t exist though!” (Shuuya)

I swing down the magic spear, which has grown the hidden bladeIce Claw, as a farewell gift with an arched smile .

The double-edged blade of ice was absorbed by the chest of the crawling man without any resistance while making a crunching sound .

“Gahaa . ”

Once I ceased the release of mana, the hidden bladeIce Claw, which popped out from the bottom end of the magic spear, vanished in an instant . Just the chest wound was left .

Blood spilled from the cut without stopping, and only cold air and the stench of blood wafted about .

Well then— now that it has come to this, it would be better to directly contact 【Scales of Gaia】?

But, that’s for tomorrow and after that .

If I don’t go to the headquarters of Belgart now…

I store away the magic spear while spinning it and look at Melissa’s condition .

As she was apparently still mentally slow, she stared blankly into empty space .

Still no good, huh?

If it’s a state of losing your mind for a long time like this, a simple psychological trauma and stress syndromePTSD seems unlikely… anyway, I will have her return to sanity in a slightly forceful manner .

“Melissa, Melissa, oi, wake up!” (Shuuya)

“Nya, nya . ” (Rollo)

I shook both her shoulders vehemently .

Rollo extends her tentacles and joins in shaking her .

“… Y-Ye-Yes…” (Melissa)

“Great . Did you come to yourself? Can you stand?” (Shuuya)

“Y-Yeshh . … A, n-no, it looks hopeless…” (Melissa)

It seems to be completely hopeless for Melissa as her hip has given in and her feet are staggering .

Although she is in a Jovi Jova* stateammonia smell, it can’t be helped . (T/N: じょびじょば – only found Jovi Jova for that one . It’s a J-Pop band that performed comedy acts, acted on television and sang songs consisting of 6 people . I think they are famous for their silliness? No idea, I didn’t research them much more than reading the Japanese wiki about them xD)

“Got it . In that case—” (Shuuya)

I hold Melissa forcibly in my hands .

I end up holding her in a princess carry .

“A-Au, that’s not allowed—” (Melissa)

“Look, it’s alright now . So I wonder if we shall go to Belgart’s headquarters, but… Melissa, are you okay with such a pose?” (Shuuya)

“Eh? Eeeh…? T-This is, umm, unpleasant… Sorry . I smell, right? This…” (Melissa)

Once she realizes that her lower body part is stained with pee and in a Jovi Jova state, he cheeks are dyed red and she shrinks her body . Is she embarrassed?

“I don’t mind . Shall we return to the inn where I’m staying at for now?” (Shuuya)

“N-No . Ah, my home is around this neighbourhood . Can you please take me there?” (Melissa)

“Understood . Please tell me the route . Rollo, come . ” (Shuuya)

“Nya!” (Rollo)

“Yes . ” (Melissa)

We are guided through small alleys while being verbally instructed by Melissa .

Being carried in my arms, she is somewhat embarrassed .

Most likely she is minding the ammonia smell which stinks with a *phoo* .

Rollo, who goes ahead, turns around and waits for me who is carrying Melissa who stays small and quiet . She advanced ahead once again swinging her tail when we caught up .

For a while I proceed through alleys according to Melissa’s voice while watching Rollo’s appearance from behind .

“Ah, here we are . It isn’t locked . ” (Melissa)

“Roger . ” (Shuuya)

We arrive at Melissa’s home .

It’s a small house which was built with a wooden framework in a grid pattern .

I immediately open the entrance door while holding her in my hands .

“Huh? Onee-chan?”

A girl, who wore a plain one-piece, stood there .

“Ah, Erika, this person is a guest . I got his help . Let’s talk later since we will head inside now, okay?” (Melissa)

“Eh? Y-Yea . ” (Erika)

Her younger sister? She resembles Melissa a lot .

“Shuuya-san, the inner part is that way . ” (Melissa)

“Aah, okay . ” (Shuuya)

Leaving behind her younger sister at the front door, I was led to a small room and we entered it .

Since there are woman-like accessories here and there, this place is probably her room .

While being slightly nervous, I gently put Melissa on top of her bed .

“Can you move? Are you alright?” (Shuuya)

“Yes . I’ve calmed down for the most part . ” (Melissa)

Certainly, she appears to be relieved .

Her swollen cheeks look a bit slack .

“That’s how it seems . Is there anything I can help you with?” (Shuuya)

“It’s fine . ” (Melissa)

“Well, then I will leave the room . ” (Shuuya)

“Ah, yes . ” (Melissa)

Once I exited the room, her younger sister came to see me .

“Ah, hello . ” (Shuuya)

“Yes, good evening . ” (Erika)

“Your elder sister is inside her room . ” (Shuuya)

“Yes, looks like it . Are you by any chance onee-chan’s boyfriend?” (Erika)

“Umm, it’s different . I was rejected? That’s the feeling, I guess?” (Shuuya)

“Oh my, is that so?” (Erika)

At that point Melissa jumped out from her room after having finished changing .

“E-Erika~ Don’t say odd things to Shuuya-san!” (Melissa)

“Ah, Onee-chan . Just now you said that he had helped you though…” (Erika)

“Yes . That’s true . You know about my job, right? Therefore, it’s related to that . ” (Melissa)

“I see . It’s enough already . Since 【Belgart】’s work is dangerous, it would be best if you stopped it . ” (Erika)

“Er, well… there’s no way I can do such thing . Even though I’m experiencing risky ((situations)), there are people who are saved by my information after all . ” (Melissa)

“… Haa, that’s the usual . Even though I could calm down and feel relieved if you had powerful physical strength…” (Erika)

“Fufu, Erika . Thank you . ” (Melissa)

Saying that, she hugs her younger sister closely .

“Ah, onee-chan… mmh, does something smell like pee?” (Erika)

“Eh? Ah! T-There’s no such thing . You are imagining it . ” (Melissa)

“Reaally?” (Erika)

“Nya?” (Rollo)

At that point Rollo peeked at our situation from below while looking very interested .

“Waaaaah— How cuteee . ” (Erika)

Erika showed an innocent smile, caught Rollo with childish, quick movements and hugged her .

“That cat’s my partner . Her name is Rollodeen . Please call her Rollo . ” (Shuuya)

“Hee, Rollo-chan . That’s lovely . ” (Erika)

“Nnn, nyanya . ” (Rollo)

Rollo meows displeased and escapes Erika’s embrace by twisting around .

She ran away in a dash .

“Aah, Rollo-chan, that’s too soon . ” (Erika)

Erika chases after Rollo .

“Fufu, jeez, Erika . ” (Melissa)

“Ahaha, Rollo has become desperate . ” (Shuuya)

Melissa regained her smile .

Some time ago I was worried…

I think there’s some kind of reason for her to leak pee and to be befuddled though .

However it’s a topic that’s difficult to ask…

“… Melissa, umm, why did such thing happen some time ago?” (Shuuya)

“It makes you wonder, doesn’t it? I will explain the reason . Please come inside my room . ” (Melissa)

My hand was grabbed by her and I was taken into her room .

Having closed the door with both her hands across her back, Melissa cast her face down .

From that behaviour and her expression I got an inkling that she’s trying to talk about something important .

She lifts her face, puts strength into her eyes by apparently mustering her courage and moves her lips .

“I have… for me to have reacted in such a way…” (Melissa)

Melissa takes off her clothes while while talking with a feeble voice similar to the grazing of a bird’s feather .

Her laying her upper body half bare exposed a certain fact .

Eh…? Ah, that’s how it is?

I comprehended after looking at her upper body half .

There are terrible scars on her chest and one breast was missing .

There was a fake item, in order to pretend it being a breast, embedded into the clothes she took off .

“… It’s because of this injury . In the past I was kidnapped by the religious fanatics Totogudius, 【Apostles of Blood Mark】, and in a ritual of sacrifice… I was told that it was for the sake of the King of the 10-Layered Hell, Totogudius, and my chest was pried open to steal my heart . I was rescued by the boss of a thieves guild in the middle of that ceremony . My life was saved with healing magic, but since then—” (Melissa)

I didn’t want to make her talk to the end .

I pick up the clothes which fell to the ground, place them on Melissa’s body and hug her over her clothes .

“I got it, thus wear these clothes . ” (Shuuya)

“Y-Yes . ” (Melissa)

Melissa, who was hugged by me, returned the embrace by burying her face in my violet armour and placing her arms around my waist .

“… However, bit-by-bit, please let me talk to the end while staying like this . ” (Melissa)

“Okay . ”

“Since my life was saved by magic, I’m absolutely bad with seeing blood and being approached by men . I end up feeling excessive dread… me being mentally slow and incontinent some time ago is a consequence of that . ” (Melissa)

Huh? Just now…

“However, I seem to be mysteriously alright now . I’ve been embraced closely by you like this, Shuuya-san . It looks like it’s fine if it’s you, Shuuya-san… though my chest is throbbing…” (Melissa)

Even if she says that, her body is trembling slightly .

Do I make her show courage?

“Are you okay? If you are fine with me, I will help you practise hugging whenever you want . ” (Shuuya)

“— Really? My chest is…” (Melissa)

Melissa looks up at me while looking insecure .

The boob research society is an infinite garden . It accepts everything .

Despite the smell… let me show my courage as well .

“… Idiot, such things don’t matter at all . I will embrace your heart . ” (Shuuya)

“Shuuya-san…” (Melissa)

Sexual passion dwells inside her eyes .

“Melissa…” (Shuuya)

Our gazes turned towards each other’s lips . I naturally lift up Melissa and steal her charming upper lips while indulging in the gap that’s located on the surface of her soft lips .

Entangling and overlapping out tongues, we exchange saliva… of course I hugged Melissa’s body closely .

“— It hurts . ” (Melissa)

Damn! I got too excited .

I separate my face in a hurry . A thread of saliva is drawn from both our mouths .

“S-Sorry . ” (Shuuya)

While apologizing, I lower her, whom I held tightly to lift her up, to the ground and separate from her .

“Fufu, it’s fine . Please hug me gently this time…” (Melissa)

“Yea . ” (Shuuya)

At such good time—

“Onee-chan~, what about our guest?” (Erika)

“Aua!” (Shuuya)

*startle*… which reminds me, there was a younger sister .

“Erika~, wait over there . ” (Melissa)

Melissa puts on her clothes in a hurry to keep up her appearance .

Once she wore her clothes, she opens the door after sending a lovely wink and revealing a smile towards me .

Behind the door was the cock-blocking* Erika who held Rollo in her chest . (T/N: originally hindering/nuisance/obstacle as verb but I consider my term more appropriate in this situation)

“Ehehe, I caught Rollo-chan~” (Erika)

Rollo looks completely exhausted with her whiskers hanging down and her red eyes being dilated .

“I see . Good work, Erika-chan . ” (Shuuya)

Saying that, I grabbed Rollo at the scruff of her neck and placed her on top of my shoulder .

Was Rollo finally liberated? While completely exhausted, she dives inside my hood .

“Dear guest, your name is Shuuya-san?” (Erika)

“That’s right, please take care of me, cute Erika-chan . ” (Shuuya)

“Yes, best regards . ” (Erika)

“Erika, it’s not allowed to bully Rollo-chan? As a matter of fact she is a very powerful familiar . ” (Melissa)

“Eeeh? Really?” (Erika)

“Correct . And I’m an adventurer . ” (Shuuya)

“Hee, an adventurer, huh? Shuuya-san, you give off the feeling of being strong . How cool—” (Erika)

Saying that, Erika came to cling to me .

N, ooh, this child has a splendid chest . Erika-kun! You are great . You smell nicely too!

“Oh my, what a delighted expression…” (Melissa)

It was a dry voice .

“Haha… guess so . ” (Shuuya)

I smile while pretending to be calm . And I looked at the owner of the dry voice .

— Hiiya, chilled air is drifting about where Melissa stands .

Although she’s smiling, she has an expression that doesn’t smile .

“Shuuya-san, just now you told me that you will hug me whenever I want to, but are you actually hugging whoever?” (Melissa)

“No, this now is something inevitable . ” (Shuuya)

“Hu~mph . ” (Melissa)

“Huuuh? Fufu, onee-chan, are you angry?” (Erika)

Since Melissa has puffed up her cheeks to some extent, it’s completely obvious .

“I-I’m not particularly a-angry . ” (Melissa)

The younger sister Erika is revealing a somewhat triumphant look…

“Is that sooo? I wondered whether you might be jealous . ” (Erika)

Uhaa, though it’s somehow hot, the looks of the elder sister and the younger sister are clashing against each other .

Let’s do a follow-up at this point .

“Heey, it’s almost night . Wouldn’t it be better for the two of you to go sleep?” (Shuuya)

“Ah, yea . That’s right . ” (Erika)

Erika separates from me obediently like a child .

“Erika, go back to your own room . ” (Melissa)

“Yea . Shuuya-san, will you come with me?” (Erika)

Erika tempted me by switching from the expression of a child to that of a woman .

“Hey! Erika, don’t get cocky!! That’s not allowed . ” (Melissa)

“Hehe, I understand . I will go to my room~” (Erika)

Erika skips towards the neighbouring room after sticking out her tongue .

“Haha, a lively younger sister, isn’t she?” (Shuuya)

“Eeh? Yes, indeed . ” (Melissa)

Melissa nods with a smile .

… However, I ended up involving this woman who is able to enchant someone with her beautiful smile .

If I recall it now, I did something horrible at the beginning .

If I don’t apologize…

“Melissa, I must apologize . I’m very sorry . ” (Shuuya)

“Huh? What’s it all of a sudden?” (Melissa)

“It’s from the time we first met . When we exchanged information, I took out a weapon and scared you by getting close to you, Melissa . I’m sorry, okay?” (Shuuya)

I became engrossed in the bargaining to extract information .

Were her eyes wet or wasn’t she just close to crying completely…? I want to hit the me from that time .

“… Aah, it’s about that time? Well, I don’t mind it . It’s fine . Like this I was saved in “various” ways . … Danger is an unavoidable part of working for Belgart . ” (Melissa)

Melissa swings her slender hand left and right . Good grief, she was able to reply with “I don’t mind it” while smiling .

“You being able to say that makes me happy, but there’s also the matter of me having dragged you into a dispute between dark guilds, Melissa . ” (Shuuya)

“It can’t be helped . I’ve told you many times, but it’s my “job . ” However, saying such thing, am I in the wrong? After all it’s “me” who spread your information through Belgart in the beginning . ” (Melissa)

She, who scowls and produces a stern expression, decides to show a self-satisfied look .

In the end she smiled pleasantly though .

“Haha, that’s true as well . In that case we are of equal status in this regard?” (Shuuya)

“Fufu, seems so, doesn’t it?” (Melissa)

“However, it’s probably for the best to inform your boss Dino-san about you being attacked, right? Besides, if you befriend me, it will result in you being targeted by 【Owl’s Fangs】 . ” (Shuuya)

Melissa nods meekly and ponders about it .

“… Yes, I will report it tomorrow . Certainly, your information can’t be distributed carelessly anymore, Shuuya-san . If it’s about the annihilation of a 【Owl’s Fangs】 unit, we can circulate it though . ” (Melissa)

“If you do such thing, won’t 【Belgart】 itself end up getting dragged into the dispute?” (Shuuya)

“I think this much is alright . If 【Belgart】’s headquarters got attacked, the personnel would go into dormancy while hiding . Above all, there are also other dark guilds who are fighting against 【Owl’s Fangs】 . Not to mention that if they attack 【Belgart】 which isn’t a dark guild, they will just create enemies and get entangled in various complicated situations, and that will cause their own reputation to take a hit . ” (Melissa)

The possibility of Belgart being attacked is low, huh?

“I see . I feel slightly relieved . ” (Shuuya)

“Oh, did you worry about me?” (Melissa)

“That’s natural, isn’t it…?” (Shuuya)

I answered while scratching my cheek with a finger .

“— Thank you . ” (Melissa)

While stating words of gratitude, Melissa suddenly became bright with this and came to cling at me to some extent .

The soft touch of a woman is somehow transmitted even through the violet armour .

… I want to enjoy the sensation, but since I want to get in touch with 【Scales of Gaia】 who is hostile towards 【Owl’s Fangs】, I need information .

“Melissa, I need a few bits of information . ” (Shuuya)

“Eeh, yes . What is it?” (Melissa)

Melissa asks me with upturned eyes while clinging to me .

“Do you know the location of the office of 【Scales of Gaia】, their current headquarters?” (Shuuya)

“Yes . I know of it . ” (Melissa)

“Please tell me . ” (Shuuya)

“Understood . Please wait a moment . I will draw a map on a leather cloth . ” (Melissa)

Melissa removes the hand which hugged me and sits down at a desk located in the living room .

I had her roughly draw the location where 【Scales of Gaia】’ store happens to be .

“Thanks for the map . It’s at the end of a backstreet off the central main street, eh? The last turf in the shopping district’s sphere which keeps being protected by 【Scales of Gaia】 . ” (Shuuya)

“Yes . You are going to head towards 【Scales of Gaia】, aren’t you?” (Melissa)

“Yea, just a bit ago I saved a “beautiful woman” and a “middle-aged, grim man . ”” (Shuuya)

“Those are “Mia of the Fireball” and “Victor the Hammer?”” (Melissa)

Melissa’s look completely shifted into work mode .

Her thin eyebrows are tensely slanted upwards and her blue eyes are shining sharply .

As expected of 【Belgart】, her conjecture is fast .

However, speaking of a beauty, she immediately corresponds to it, doesn’t she?

“… As expected, you know them?” (Shuuya)

“That’s only natural . ” (Melissa)

Melissa starts to speak while putting her slender hands against her hip .

“I won’t ask you what you are going to do . However, I’m certain that I’m participating in the turning of a new page for the underworld of this 【Holkerbaum】 . ” (Melissa)

“… Haha, it ain’t something that grandiose . Well then, it’s already late in the night . I will go back soon . ” (Shuuya)

“Eh? Ah, i-is it wrong for you to s-stay over today?” (Melissa)

Honestly, I want to stay with her, but isn’t her younger sister…

After embracing Melissa, who cast her eyes down looking embarrassed, I whispered closely into her ears,

“Next time I will turn into a wolf . ” (Shuuya)

“— Ah, yes . ” (Melissa)

Melissa has a red face .

I separated from Melissa leaving behind a slight after-taste of my breath .

“Well then, it will be fine if you can guide me to the headquarters of Belgart tomorrow morning . If you are busy, I will patiently wait in my high-class inn while nominating you . ” (Shuuya)

“Okay, as long as my work isn’t hectic, I will head over there once it’s morning . ” (Melissa)

I exit through the entrance door .

“Then, see you tomorrow—” (Shuuya)

In the middle of saying that, I was once again hugged closely by Melissa .

“Really, thank you very much for today . ” (Melissa)

Although it’s through my back, her feelings are properly conveyed .

“Ah, I told you it’s fine . ” (Shuuya)

“Nya!” (Rollo)

It seems Rollo gives an answer after making an appearance from within the hood .

“Rollo-chan, you as well, thank you . ” (Melissa)

“N, nyanya . ” (Rollo)

At that point I reluctantly bid farewell to Melissa .

I follow the path leading back to the high-class inn .

However, although it’s fine that I left the house of the attractive Melissa… I end up getting lost in the alleys even after using <Night Vision> . I try going back and forth on small paths .

At last I arrived at the high-class inn right at midnight in such manner and I was able to return to my room .

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