Published at 8th of August 2021 8:12 am

Chapter 301: Party Disband Crisis

This chapter is updated by NovelFree.ml

“Lucy and Sa-san are…in bad terms?” (Makoto)

I couldn’t understand the meaning of Prince Leonard’s words.

Those two who are always together?

No no no no no.

That’s impossible.

“T-There’s no way that’s the case! Laphroaig has requested Lucy-san and Sa-san to subjugate monsters countless times! The two have been together all the time, and they are always in sync!” (Furiae)

Furiae-san shouted flustered.

“I have the same opinion. Lucy and Sa-san have been together the whole time since I returned to the present, and I have not seen them at odds even once.” (Makoto)

I say this, but Prince Leonard shook his head to the sides as if sad.

“…The two of the Crimson Fangs are girls and the top adventurers of the Water Country. Adventurers that admire them are aplenty. The majority probably don’t have any doubts that they are super close friends.” (Leo)

“That’s right! Honestly speaking, when we were adventuring the four of us together with My Knight included, Lucy and Sa-san were so close to each other that I felt slightly estranged—” (Furiae)

“Eh? Really, Princess?” (Makoto)

I thought for sure those 3 girls were all getting along.

“Cause you know, Lucy-san and Sa-san are always sticking to each other, right? Even when sleeping, they are together.” (Furiae)

“Aah, now that you mention it, that’s true.” (Makoto)

Saying that those two of all people are on bad terms?

There’s no doubt it is a misunderstanding.

But the expression of Prince Leonard was still sad.

“Makoto-san, Queen Furiae…let me ask one thing. Have you seen how Lucy-san and Aya-san are when it is only the two of them alone?” (Leo)

Furiae-san and I looked at each other at the question of Prince Leonard.

“The times when those two are alone?” (Makoto)

“There’s no way we have seen that.” (Furiae)

Furiae-san and I shook our heads to the side.

Cause you know, if there’s other people, then the two of them wouldn’t be alone, right?

“The Rozes Adventurer Guild makes requests to the Crimson Fangs a whole lot. Lucy-san is a rare Teleport user, and Aya-san is the only Orichalcum Rank adventurer of the Water Country. We have been requesting the two of them when it comes to Calamity Designation Monsters. The two of them also accepted them amicably…” (Leo)

I do have an idea of what he is saying here.

Just the other day, the two got an emergency request and had to depart after all.

“That goes for Laphroaig as well. The two accepted all requests and helped us out greatly. It seems like they were doing those requests together, so they aren’t on bad terms at all, you know?” (Furiae)

Furiae-san states firmly.

Prince Leonard slowly opens his mouth here.

“This is a report from the Adventurer Guild to the Water Country’s King, but…Lucy-san and Sa-san don’t say a single word to each other when in the waiting room of the guild.” (Leo)

““…….Eh?””

Furiae-san opened her mouth wide.

It was a goofy face to make for a beauty, but I couldn’t say anything about others.

I was as surprised as her.

“No way… That’s…” (Makoto)

“I-Isn’t that just a coincidence? There’s days like that, you know.” (Furiae)

The voices of me and Furiae-san were trembling.

“Sadly to say, a skilled spy of the royal family with outstanding Stealth investigated this. There’s no doubt about it. More than dozens of times, Lucy-san and Aya-san have not spoken to each other once when in the reception room of the guild.” (Leo)

Prince Leonard declared.

Or more like, they even used spies to investigate this?

But if that’s the case, then there’s credibility in that story.

Lucy and Sa-san don’t speak at all to each other when they are alone together?

Really?

Even though they seem to get along so well when I am there?

No, now that I think about it…in my previous world, they said that the veteran entertainers that showed up on TV acted as if they got along when in front of the camera, but there are apparently pairs that don’t speak to each other at all in the dressing room.

Also…at the emergency request of the Water Country the other day…

After they defeated the monster, they ended up fighting, right?

The two were actually all beaten up.

Eeh…then, they are thorny when it is only the two of them?

The current Lucy and Sa-san…the Crimson Fangs are veteran adventurers.

They are always under the attention of the adventurers.

Even if they don’t get along, it is possible that they are acting as if they get along on the surface.

…But……that’s something I don’t want to imagine is happening.

If that’s true, it would be possible for the party to disband.

I don’t want that…

I hope this is some sort of misunderstanding.

“T-There’s no way that’s possible… Those two… I absolutely won’t believe this!” (Furiae)

Looks like Furiae-san thinks the same as me.

“The two of the Crimson Fangs have been of terribly good help to the Water Country. Normally, I wouldn’t want to talk about something like this, but…Makoto-san will be fighting against the strongest Demon Lord, the Ancient Dragon King. I thought it would be better to not leave this matter vague…” (Leo)

Prince Leonard explained painfully.

Looks like this was a mortifying decision for the prince as well.

“I understand the situation now.” (Makoto)

“This must be a misunderstanding of some kind.” (Furiae)

“…Then, let’s check the state of those two.” (Leo)

Furiae-san and I silently nod at Prince Leonard’s words.

◇◇

Furiae-san, Prince Leonard, and I return stealthily to the guest room in the Highland Castle.

We would encounter patrolling knights a number of times on our way, and when they saw the Moon Country’s queen and the Water Country’s prince, they would call us to a stop.

“Uhm…Queen Furiae and Prince Leonard, we have not heard about plans for your visit though…”

“It is okay, just let us pass. Please?” (Furiae)

Furiae-san does a light ‘Charm Wink’ and the patrolling knights would go ‘…Yes, Furiae-sama’ and would easily let us go.

The charm magic of Furiae-san is working greatly today as well.

…Is the security here okay?

“Your charm really is handy, Princess.” (Makoto)

It is splendid that we can solve things peacefully with it.

“The Charm of Queen Furiae…is really astounding.” (Leo)

Prince Leonard was also impressed by it.

Furiae-san placed a finger on her cheek and made a thinking gesture.

And then, she must have thought of something, she slid her way to my side.

“…Hey, My Knight, what do you think of me?” (Furiae)

Furiae-san with her eyes shining golden gently caressed my cheek.

It is ticklish.

“It is ticklish.” (Makoto)

I told her what was on my mind.

“Is that so.” (Furiae)

Furiae-san made an unamused face.

“Boring. My Charm Magic has gotten stronger than before, and yet, it doesn’t work on My Knight at all.” (Furiae)

“You don’t have to Charm me.” (Makoto)

“…Hmph.” (Furiae)

Furiae-san snorted lightly.

While we were chatting like that….we arrived in front of the room.

Lucy and Sa-san were inside the room.

I normally don’t do it, but this time around I used Stealth, and only opened the door of the room slightly.

I should be able to hear the talking of Lucy and Sa-san…but…

I couldn’t hear anything.

I gulp.

I could hear Furiae-san by my side gulping too.

I peek inside the room.

I thought that maybe the two were sleeping, but they were both awake.

Sa-san is preparing for the journey of tomorrow, or more like, readying my luggage.

Thanks.

I should thank her later.

As for Lucy, she is cleaning her staff she uses in battle.

A seasoned adventurer doesn’t slack in their maintenance of their tools, and it must be the case for Lucy too.

I also want to wipe the dagger of Noah-sama clean, but because of the magic on the dagger or something, even without doing anything, it is all sparkly.

“““…”””

Furiae-san, Prince Leonard, and I continue watching the state inside the room in silence.

Lucy and Sa-san aren’t saying anything.

Sa-san was busily going around the room doing the packing.

Lucy was polishing her staff, and would sometimes make small fireballs to do adjustments to her staff.

It is a situation where you would normally have some sort of conversation already.

But the two aren’t speaking to an abnormal degree.

As if they were ignoring each other.

“How is it, Makoto-san, Queen Furiae?” (Leo)

“…It is as you said, Prince.” (Makoto)

Being shown something like this, I can only agree with Prince Leonard.

“……Wuuh.” (Furiae)

Furiae-san, who has been watching that state of theirs, muttered something.

“Princess?” (Makoto)

“I can’t take it anymore!” (Furiae)

Furiae-san opened the door while making a really loud bang sound, and entered the room with noisy steps.

Prince Leonard and I followed after her.

“Oh? Welcome back, Makoto…and Furi and Prince Leonard?” (Lucy)

“That’s a rare combination.” (Aya)

Lucy and Sa-san welcomed us with a smile.

But that looked abnormal to me.

Why did you two not say a single word until now?

“Lucy-san, Aya-san! Since when did you become like that?!” (Furiae)

Furiae-san complains in a loud voice.

“Eh? What are you saying, Furi?” (Lucy)

“What’s the matter, Fu-chan?” (Aya)

Lucy and Sa-san tilt their heads in confusion.

“You don’t have to fake it anymore! We know that you two are on bad terms already!” (Furiae)

Even so, Furiae-san still continues.

But Lucy and Sa-san simply looked at each other in wonder.

“Me and Aya?” (Lucy)

“What do you mean by bad terms?” (Aya)

“Don’t try to play it off! Why are you acting in front of me too?! We are comrades, right?!” (Furiae)

Furiae-san questions them, but it looks like they are going to keep playing dumb till the end.

“Prince Leonard.” (Makoto)

“Yes, Makoto-san. I will explain this.” (Leo)

Furiae-san doesn’t seem to be calm, so I decide to leave this to the Prince.

After that, Leonard explains what happened here, and Lucy and Sa-san’s faces steadily get serious.

“And that’s how it is. Lucy, Sa-san, what’s the truth?” (Makoto)

“Why?! Even though I admired relationships like the one you two have!” (Furiae)

Looks like Furiae-san liked the relationship Lucy and Sa-san had.

She must be losing her cool after learning it was a lie.

“Wait wait! It is a misunderstanding, Furi!” (Lucy)

“That’s right, Lu-chan and I have been super friends since forever!” (Aya)

Lucy and Sa-san hurriedly deny those accusations.

“But that state you were in just now…” (Leo)

“Isn’t it weird that you don’t speak at all?” (Makoto)

Prince Leonard and I say.

But Lucy doesn’t seem to be that agitated about it, and scratched her cheek.

“I didn’t expect it to become this big of a deal. The reason Aya and I don’t talk to each other when we are alone is because of this magic tool.” (Lucy)

What Lucy showed me was a matching bracelet that Sa-san has too.

“This is?” (Makoto)

“A magic tool that has the Thought Transmission Spell -sold to us by Fujiwara-kun.” (Aya)

“When we have these bracelets on, we don’t need to speak out loud.” (Lucy)

“Why do you have a magic tool like that on?” (Makoto)

Is that true?

I understand the logic, but I don’t understand the reason.

“Aya and I have been adventuring together, right? When fighting strong monsters, talking with our voices is inconvenient.” (Lucy)

“Or more like, Lu-chan’s magic is so flashy that it kills all other sounds.” (Aya)

“So, after we consulted with the Fujiwara Company, we were introduced to this magic tool.” (Lucy)

“We were using it only in battle at first, but it slowly became a pain, and we just kept it on the whole time…” (Aya)

And so, at the times when they are alone, they use thought transmission to talk.

“By the way, what conversation were you having just now?” (Makoto)

I asked just to confirm.

There’s the possibility that they are simply trying to match their stories here.

““……””

Lucy and Sa-san look at each other.

Is it something they are uncomfortable saying?

“Can’t say.” (Lucy)

“Secret.” (Aya)

“…Suspicious.” (Makoto)

The two avert their gazes.

Why can’t they say it?

“Then you really don’t get along and are hiding it… At worst, it could lead to a party disband…” (Makoto)

Lucy and Sa-san must have heard my mutter, their faces changed.

“No disband! I will tell you!” (Lucy)

“Uuuh…what we were talking about in our thought transmission was…” (Aya)

I waited for their next words with anticipation.

“We were talking about how to overlap with Makoto.” (Lucy)

“I was talking with Lu-chan that ‘maybe I should tie the knot with Takatsuki-kun~’.” (Aya)

“……Aah, I see.” (Makoto)

Of course they wouldn’t be able to say it.

My tension went away in an instant.

What a conversation to have.

Also, what kind of face should I make here?

Prince Leonard had an awkward look.

“…Then, you two aren’t really on bad terms?” (Furiae)

Furiae-san asks hesitantly.

“Of course not. Aya is my super friend.” (Lucy)

“I like Lu-chan a whole ton~.” (Aya)

“Right~, Aya?” (Lucy)

“Right~, Lu-chan?” (Aya)

Lucy and Sa-san slap each other’s shoulders and laugh heartily.

They are more lively than usual.

Furiae-san, Prince Leonard, and I look at each other.

The story makes sense at least.

It bothers me that they are overreacting a bit here though.

Is it not acting?

Those doubts must have been transmitted.

“It kinda feels like…we are being doubted?” (Lucy)

“Yeah. Then, let’s show that we get along with each other.” (Aya)

“Aya? How are you going to show—” (Lucy)

“Lu-chan! Ei!” (Aya)

Sa-san pushed Lucy down onto the bed.

“Kya! Wait, Aya—Hn?!” (Lucy)

“Chu~♡” (Aya)

Sa-san kissed Lucy while still down.

“Geez…Aya, you are so pushy.” (Lucy)

Lucy hugs Sa-san with a wry smile.

And then, she kissed Sa-san back.

The two kissed each other several times just like that.

“““…”””

Furiae-san, Prince Leonard, and I fall silent.

Oi oi…this is…

What are these two doing?

When I take a look at the surroundings, I notice that there’s an emptied wine bottle lying around.

Looks like the two were drinking even after the party was done.

So they were high-strung because they were drunk, huh.

“Geez, Lu-chan, you pervert.” (Aya)

“Aya, too… Your face is cute.” (Lucy)

The two were flirting on the bed.

Are they lovers or what?

There’s no need to doubt anymore.

They get along super well.

“Princess~, looks like the two are nice friends. Relieved?” (Makoto)

“…Is this friendship?” (Furiae)

Furiae-san was making a really complicated expression that was different from the one before.

“Ahahahaha… No way… Between women…” (Leo)

Prince Leonard had a bright red face.

Looks like it was too stimulating for a child.

(…Aren’t you a bit too calm, Makoto?) (Noah)

Noah-sama retorted.

They have been yuri-like since before, but it seems like their relationship has upgraded after adventuring.

“Hey, Makoto, what are you watching for?” (Lucy)

“Takatsuki-kun, come here.” (Aya)

“It is because of you that it ended up like this with Aya, just so you know.” (Lucy)

“Takatsuki-kun is making us wait too much~.” (Aya)

Could it be that it was my fault?!

No…it is not ‘could it be’.

I left the two and went to the past.

I did something bad to them.

Lucy and Sa-san had intoxicated eyes.

Eyes of people in heat.

(They are calling for you. Show your guts, Makoto.) (Noah)

Noah-sama fans me.

No, I shouldn’t.

At this rate, it will be bad for the education of Prince Leonard.

“For now, I will have them sleep. [Sleep Curse].” (Furiae)

Furiae-san had them forcefully sleep.

What a truly handy spell.

“Kuuh…”

“Zzz…zzz…”

Lucy and Sa-san fall asleep while still hugging each other.

“““…”””

An awkward atmosphere took over between me, Furiae-san, and Prince Leonard who were left there.

“Sorry about that. Because of my misunderstanding…” (Leo)

Prince Leonard apologized, but everyone makes mistakes.

“No no, it can’t be helped.” (Makoto)

“I now know the reason. I am refreshed…” (Furiae)

“Yes, well then, sorry for all the trouble.” (Leo)

The Prince left with a red face.

The only ones left now are me and Furiae-san.

“Haah…I worried pointlessly. Well then, I will return to my own lodging. My Knight…be careful in the Demonic Continent.” (Furiae)

“Yeah, thanks, Princess. Need me to accompany you back?” (Makoto)

“I have bodyguards waiting, so it is okay……. Uhm…” (Furiae)

Furiae-san was about to leave, but she stopped, wanting to say something.

“What’s the matter?” (Makoto)

“No, nothing. I don’t think it is related to you, My Knight, but…” (Furiae)

“It is okay. Tell me.” (Makoto)

“The Moon Goddess has been showing up often in my dreams recently.” (Furiae)

“Eh?” (Makoto)

The Moon Goddess, Naia-sama.

In this world, it is the Goddess that rules over darkness and curses.

“What is Naia-sama saying? Is she talking about the Great Demon Lord, maybe?” (Makoto)

“No, nothing useful. I don’t know what she finds so funny, but she is simply grinning and chuckling. ‘You people are doing something interesting’, she says. She really is a useless Goddess!” (Furiae)

Furiae-san speaks out insults towards the Goddess she herself follows.

She has left her alone for a long time, so I guess it can’t be helped.

“Why tell me about that?” (Makoto)

“Nothing really. Just that, you can talk with the Goddesses, right, My Knight?” (Furiae)

“I see… What do you think, Noah-sama?” (Makoto)

I called her.

(That’s rare. To think Naia would take an interest in this world. I would say it has been 1,000 years since that has happened.) (Noah)

Is there a reason why?

(I can’t even begin to imagine since I am in the Deep Sea Temple. Try asking Eir next time or something.) (Noah)

Does Eir-sama get along with Naia-sama?

(Naia doesn’t get along with any Goddess. She doesn’t even manage the ones that follow her in the Mortal Realm.) (Noah)

I see…

“Princess, it seems she doesn’t know.” (Makoto)

“Right, I wasn’t really expecting much either. Well then, see ya.” (Furiae)

“Yeah, thanks.” (Makoto)

Furiae-san left with her hair waving.

The Moon Goddess that hasn’t gotten involved with the Mortal Realm until now.

That such a Goddess has suddenly begun showing in Furiae-san’s dreams was bothering me a bit.

◇◇

“Good morning~.” (Aya)

“…My head hurts.” (Lucy)

“…What did we do yesterday?” (Aya)

Not only Lucy, even Sa-san seemed to be in pain in the morning.

Looks like they drank too much.

Before the two woke up, I had gotten an explanation of the ‘3rd Northern Expedition (revised)’ from a person of the Sun Knights.

They told me to greet the people at the frontline base when I arrive there.

Isn’t that way too simple?

Is that all I have to do?

Is what I was thinking, and…

[Pattern 1] In the case Takatsuki Makoto’s Spirit Magic goes out of control…

[Pattern 2] In the case Takatsuki Makoto calls the Great Water Spirit…

[Pattern 3] In the case Takatsuki Makoto uses the Spirit Right Arm…

[Pattern 4] ……

[Pattern 5] ……

On and on. There were around 20 planned moves for each of those cases.

…There were a whole ton of additions to be careful about in regards to me as a Spirit User.

Looks like they were making this the whole night.

This most likely had the Great Sage-sama involved in it.

There’s a whole lot of information that only people close to me know.

(I will try to not trouble them as much as possible.) (Makoto)

I pledged silently in my heart.

◇◇

“Well then, let’s go!” (Lucy)

Lucy readies her staff.

“Counting on you, Lucy.” (Makoto)

“Please do, Lu-chan.” (Aya)

Sa-san and I grabbed the arms of Lucy respectively.

My vision turned pure white.

The landscape changed several times.

A green rural landscape.

Deep green forest.

Dreary wasteland.

Extensive mountain range.

This is something I heard later, but using Teleport consecutively without any breaks is apparently pretty difficult.

A normal mage would run out of mana.

Lucy is using Teleport with an unfazed expression.

“Okay, we are here.” (Lucy)

The next time my vision opened up, there was a giant fortress towering in front of me.

“This is…” (Makoto)

“The frontline base against the demon lord army. The Black Barrel Fortress, Takatsuki-kun.” (Aya)

Sa-san tells me.

Looks like Lucy and Sa-san have come here a number of times.

They most likely forcefully created a fortress from natural hills by using magic.

Rugged bare rocks, and several rustic steel pillars protruding.

And also a thick stone wall that must have been made with magic.

At a glance, it is as if there’s no people, but I could feel sharp gazes from the small peepholes in the stone walls.

They must be observing us.

A heavy atmosphere that I couldn’t feel in the peaceful capital of Highland.

The air of the battlefield.

And in this way, we have arrived at the very frontlines of the war.

■Comment’s Response:

]Alright! If Ira-sama has confirmed it, then I am as relieved as a fami*** walkthrough book! [TLN: probably talking about the famicom?]

→Ira-sama…is being treated as a fami*** walkthrough book. So pitiful. [TLN: Don’t know what this book is, but it sounds unreliable.]

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