30-Episode 28: Are You Seeking Peace?
After the battle at the fortress line was over, the second year and fourth class of Kamishiro High School would be welcomed once again by Knight General Carol. As the chairman of the committee, Ryuzaki was once again thanked for delivering Serena to safety and for helping to fight the defense of the fortress as a result. When Ryuzaki, as a representative of the class, approached them about the means of returning to the original world and discussing future cooperation, the entire 2nd year class 4 was taken straight to the royal capital for some reason.
Why not? It's only natural. They saved the life of the First Princess Serenade and defended the fortress line, the keystone of the Western Protectorate. It seems that Her Majesty wishes to personally offer her thanks.
It was decided to leave the goblins, skeletons and Zeku by the side of the fortress line for the time being, but a total of thirty-seven people, from number one, Asuka Redi, to number forty, Washio Haruka, were invited to the royal capital.
And now, Kyousuke is at the royal palace with Ryuzaki. The passing servants and knights of the Kingsguard are looking at the dragonoid and skeleton with great interest.
Ryuzaki was stiff and nervous. It was even surprising that Ryuzaki Kunihiro, who was known as the King of the Rear, would show this kind of attitude.
''Please, Utsurugi.......! All you have to do is stand next to me. You're a skeleton chief of staff, aren't you!
I still don't recognize that name like that big evil executive...
The Demon King's Committee Chairman Ryuzaki is now preparing for an audience with His Majesty the Queen. Even Ryuzaki, who is a commie as expected, or maybe it's because he is a commie, but he is freaking out before the audience with the Queen. If you think about it, we haven't heard anything about his character at all, and the only information we have is that 'he was as strong as that General Carroll when he was in his prime', so it may be a no-brainer.
By the way, I wondered what happened to the king, but I heard that he still travels around the world on diplomatic missions. It would have been better if I could have met His Majesty the King, who is apparently Japanese, but it was impossible.
Well, it's better to relieve the tension, so Kyousuke decided to bring up the topic he had failed to ask.
'Ryuzaki, how did you end up making it in time? Thanks for saving my life, though.
It was the recent battle on the fortress line. It was a question for Kyousuke that they had all been attacked more than ten hours before, and that they were all safe, and that they had been able to move the heavy cruiser, which should have taken much longer to complete.
When he asked the question, Ryuzaki seemed to have regained some composure and said, 'Ah,' and scratched his forehead.
'First of all, on the heavy cruiser side, this one really happened to find an engine in good condition. We were able to get it running. Well, the armor and so on are tattered, so if we're going to continue to use it, we'll have to refurbish it again.
'Oh, yes. That's lucky for you.
Kyousuke and the others have been walking for about five days on foot. Even so, it wouldn't be 200 kilometers in a straight line. If the speed of the heavy cruiser is about 40 kilometers per hour, they can reach it in five hours.
Asuka knew where Utsurogi and the others were. Perhaps it's one of the effects of the "blood".
I see...
Kyousuke checks his hands. Would this be one of the bad side effects? If this is the result of not only the location, but also Kyousuke's every move being monitored by Benii, it might not be a good feeling indeed.
But as a result of that, this time it was saved, so that's a good thing. It's also good to risk firing the main gun in the middle of a melee, so I'll leave that as an additional nail in the coffin.
The problem is the next one.
I'm sorry to say this, but I'm surprised you didn't get hurt.
It's just.... There's a lot of things I don't understand, though.
Ryuzaki's mannerisms seemed to be stuck in his back teeth.
When Ryuzaki, who was on the heavy cruiser refurbishment escort, sensed the attack by the red-winged demons, he ran at once towards the base. It is said that the Phase 2 "Complete Dragonization" was first activated at that time, but to conclude, the opportunity to fully use the power that he had activated did not arise at that time.
When I returned to the base, I found Sakuma and the others were in the middle of an engagement with a large number of little demons (Imps) in the passage. Ryuzaki joined them, and after cleaning up the miscellaneous fish, he ran towards the cafeteria. According to Sakuma, one red winged demon (Red Wing) had already broken through them and advanced to the back of the passage. Hearing screams coming from the cafeteria that they might have already been attacked, Ryuzaki ran.
But when he reached the cafeteria, Ryuzaki saw that every single one of his classmates had fallen unconscious and fallen to the ground.
And in the middle of them was the figure of a red-winged demon that had been gutted out of its heart and disappeared into ashes.
''Eh? I mean, what does that mean?
Kyousuke asks in confusion.
'You mean someone defeated the red winged demon, right? One of my classmates. Was that guy down too?
'Maybe, but that guy was pretending to be unconscious. If someone in the class beat Red Wing, that means he's marginally stronger than a full cross of Utsurogi and his friends, right? And the fact that no one has ever shown any pretense of that before means they're hiding their power.
If so, what would be the benefit of doing so? Did he not want to be discovered as powerful and stand out? It's not quite clear to me. But there's no need for Ryuzaki to lie here, he should be saying the truth as he sees it and thinks it.
As Kyousuke ponders, Ryuzaki says something even more surprising.
'Maybe Sakuma and Inugami realize who it is.
Eh....
So, if those two are aware of it, then it's Asuka in all likelihood. But I can't be sure.
That lazy queen of the class, Asuka Benii, the lazy queen of the class. It's Beni Asuka, the one who shared her blood with Kyousuke and saved his life.
Her inherent ability, the strength of the Bloodline Corps (Bloody Corps), is something Kyousuke understands. With Benii, there's nothing to wonder about, even if she has that much power.
'Come to think of it, it's just Beni and Inugami. They haven't changed their appearance.
Yeah. Doesn't that seem strange to you?
Speaking of strange, it's certainly strange in many ways, but.... I'm not sure what exactly is strange about it.
'Yes..... I guess so.
Ryuzaki held his forehead and sighed. Apparently, the source of the Demon King's committee chairman's troubles had increased again.
Speaking of strange.
That red-winged demon had uttered 'Kung Fu Movie Gokko' when he saw Kyousuke's Jeet Kune Do stance. That man has knowledge about the world of Kyousuke and the others. Are they themselves transplanted to this world like Kyousuke and the others?
I don't know. Anyway, the mystery is only getting deeper.
'Well, don't make a big deal out of the fact that Asuka is hiding her power. It might get you in trouble.
I don't mind, but it's going to be hard to go against Beni.
'Not really. Even if you hide your power, Asuka is your classmate, she's one of us. I'm not going to be able to say that I'm not going to be able to do that. I'm going to make Asuka listen to what I say, and also...
And?
I've recently learned that if you go after Sakuma, Asuka will have a hard time saying no.
It seems that this Ryuzaki, too, has learned a lot about how to move humans.
It's not that they aren't human, but Kyousuke stopped himself from putting in a tsk tsk tsk that they aren't human. She remembered Rin's words. She clearly said 'I'm human' in response to those words Kyousuke spat out.
The standard joke of 'I'm not human, but' and 'I'm not human,' could have been a resignation to the situation and a cover-up of embarrassment that was just uncool. Kyousuke recalled. Rin still hasn't given up on being 'human' even after having gone through so much thought and being able to imitate so much.
If that's the case, even Kyousuke has to be like that, I suppose.
''Ryuzaki-dono! Thank you for your patience. I will take you to the audience chamber!
A bald-headed old man, who seemed to be the Prime Minister, walked towards us while fugazing. He was accompanied by two heavily armed knights behind him. Ryuzaki straightened his back with a pinch.
''I'm sorry for being so stuffy. I know the two of you are not bad people, but...''
'No, it's like holding an unarmed sword. It's a necessary step.
Ryuzaki smiled at Ikemento lizard face and said with a smile.
You bastard. Where did the tension from earlier go?
Nevertheless, they had followed him to the royal palace. Kyousuke was led by the old man along with Ryuzaki. As they walked on the bright red carpet, a massive door opened and two thrones were lined up a few steps higher at the back. One was empty, but on the other sat a blonde woman in a blue dress. A short distance away from there stood Serena.
It was Kyousuke and the others who didn't know how to be polite. For starters, just before entering the audience room, they stopped at the entrance and bowed. It looks like a kendo or judo class. The woman sitting on the throne looked puzzled for a moment, but she quickly stood up and returned the same bow to us.
That's Serena's mother. Very similar, Kyousuke thought. I was more than a little giddy at the sword being placed next to the throne.
'Welcome, welcome.'
With a soft smile, the queen utters that with a soft smile. Unlike Serena, this one is neatly drifting with a royal grace.
I'm not sure what makes me happy about Serena, who is standing a little bit farther away, waving her hand and so on to us.
''It's a pleasure to meet you. Her Majesty the Queen. The second year and fourth class of Kamishiro City High School. I'm the chairman of the committee, Kunihiro Ryuzaki.
Oh, um. My chaperone, Kyosuke Soraki.
Seeing Tatsuzaki speak clearly and clearly, word by word, I wondered if there was no need for me to follow him.
'Kunihiro and Kyousuke........ Ah, it's just as I heard from Serena. Kyousuke 'reverently saves' and Kunihiro........"
"Baku" meaning "territory" and "erudite" meaning "knowledgeable. "Your Majesty.
'Oh, I see.'
Smiling, the queen nodded.
Well, I received a letter of inquiry through Serena beforehand. To summarize it simply, 'Can you return to your home world?' and 'Can you establish a partnership with our country in the future? Since I have the authority over the internal affairs of the country during the King's absence, I will answer these questions in my capacity as the chief executive of this country.
Saying that, the Queen receives a letter from Serena. From the looks of it, it wasn't parchment or anything else, it was made of fine looking paper.
''First question. ''Can you return to the original world?'' I wouldn't say it's impossible, but it would be quite a challenge.
Really?
It's not impossible. I didn't expect to be able to pull those words out. Ryuzaki's voice was excited.
However, Her Majesty's expression was a bit harsh.
''Because even in this world, the research on otherworldly summoning and repatriation is progressing. These days, the space-time boundary plane has become unstable for the first time in 20 years, so it won't be difficult to make a hole in it. However....
Sir?
Even if we succeed in repatriating you, we will not be able to return you to your original state.
The queen easily but cruelly confronts the reality.
Apparently, this is the first case of transferring to another world by changing one's form into a monster, even from the queen who has seen a number of trippers. Even if they performed the repatriation ritual as is, Kyousuke would still be a skeleton and Ryuzaki would still be a dragonoid. If I can't return to human, there's no point in returning to the original world. That means is useless.
Ryuzaki's face falls down in frustration. Kyousuke can understand how he feels. It feels as if the hope that was just about to come into view has been crushed.
''It's too early to be discouraged, Ryuzaki-san!
Serena said, clenching her fists tightly. The Queen glanced at her and said
'Serena wants to explain, so I'll let her do the rest.
You're in charge!
Unlike Her Majesty the Queen, Princess Serenade, who is not at all like royalty, comes in front of Ryuzaki and the others with a snort. From behind her, several knights brought in a desk. On the desk, they spread out a map.
It is apparently a map with details about the continent, that is, the sphere of human activity inscribed on it. Ryuzaki and Kyousuke look at it together.
At the westernmost point of the map, Serena placed a mark. Apparently, it seems to indicate the location of this country.
''On this continent, there is an eminent wizard known as the world's three greatest wise men.
The word "fantasy" pops up in the air in a very fantastical way.
'Would those three wise men be able to turn us back?'
'You are impatient, aren't you! You're concluding quickly! Well, yes!
'In this context, I think so...'
Serena said, pointing to a singularly large country in the middle of the continent.
'So, one of the three great wise men, Master Carola! She lives in the Imperial City and even holds an Imperial title! But even if you all go to the Imperial City, you will only be attacked if you're not good at it, so no!
Aren't they going to let me have a charter or something?
''Your mother will talk to you about that later. Also, Master Carolla seems to be very fussy about the magic that was in his lineage, so he may not be that familiar with the magic that brings you all back down.
I'm not sure why I'm naming such a person first, but anyway, that Master Carola, it seems, is a no-no.
Next, Serena directed him to a city slightly to the west, not far from the central Empire.
''Next, based in the magical city of the Empire, Master Jaroly! She basically travels all over the world, so you won't see her first! No!
.........
He's a leading expert on otherworldly summoning and repatriation, but I've heard that all he's done in the last 20 years is research on large-scale attack magic.
Finally, Serena moved her finger wide to the easternmost point of the continent. The country Kyousuke and the others were currently in was almost in the opposite direction from the country they were in, across the Empire. Serena's fingertips finally stopped in the middle of the forest, not far from the small duchy.
''So, the most reliable sage you all should rely on would be Master Majina, who resides in this eastern forest...''
Is the man normal?
I heard that he's hardly a normal person, but well, as long as you load up on money, he'll listen to most of your requests. Also, since he does a lot of weird research, I think he has the most hope for a way to return to his original form...
But it's far. It doesn't seem to be a distance that can be reached in a day or two, even with a land-based ship going straight through.
Besides, that's not the only concern. Next to Ryuzaki, who is pondering with a difficult face, Kyousuke says in a whisper, "I don't have any money.
''I don't have any money, but...''
Let's get that one out of here.
Her Majesty the Queen spoke so easily that Ryuzaki and Kyousuke couldn't help but look up.
''Is it okay?!''
'Yes. And then we'll go straight to the questionnaire, 'Can we build cooperation?'
The desk is once again removed by the knights. The Queen, unfolding the letter, said clearly
'In conclusion, this one is not possible.
Uh.....
No, I wouldn't say it's impossible, but.... I have to say that it's still extremely difficult. One reason is the repair of the currently devastated western fortress line, but even more so than that...
The queen raises her face. The meek smile from earlier had disappeared from her face.
''We have received reports that raids by a strange form calling itself the Red Moon Blood Tribe (Red Moon) have been occurring frequently in the Imperial and former Imperial territories.
Ryuzaki and Kyousuke gasped. It is because there is no doubt that they are the companions of those red-winged demons.
During the raids on the fortress line, they were leading the monsters called small demons (Imps) and corpse demons (Ghouls), but apparently they were not the only monsters led by the individuals that appeared in various places. Many of the smaller nations were devastated, and the Empire has already called on the genus nations to cooperate.
Apparently, the delay in the king's return is due in part to such circumstances.
It was said that the Red Moon bloodline, led by a leader called the Red Moon King, was repeatedly attacking the human forces.
''If I were to put it simply in your world, it would be the Demon King.
At this point, the reason why the queen said she couldn't cooperate was becoming clear.
A veritable "Demon King's Army" led by a variety of monsters was beginning to threaten the human race. It would mean that one country could not support an army of forty monsters. From what I've heard, this country is also a member of the Central Empire.
I can't even let them have the edict to enter the Imperial City.
It can be said that this country's cooperation with Kyousuke and the others is the best that they can do to prepare the funds to load up on Master Majina and the like.
''However, our country is a rural one.
The Queen said gloomily.
It's not so difficult to hide 40 monsters in the countryside. If you all insist on staying in the country until things cool down, we'll provide you with a decent place to live.
.........
Ryuzaki falls silent. Kyousuke was also left to ponder.
The proposal brought by the queen seemed appealing. This world is now about to be plunged into war. The queen will do everything in her power to keep us out of that war. Fortunately, the supreme leader of the country understands. As a monster, the humans may look at him with a blank stare, but it will be a much easier life than surviving in that base dungeon.
However, even if the Red Moon King was defeated, there was no telling how long it would take before the vigilance of this continent, especially the Empire, would be lifted. Just sitting still until the heat of the moment cooled down was a daunting prospect.
Besides.
There's also the matter of Koganei.
'I can't say for sure until I talk to the class.
Ryuzaki finally told him so. Apparently, we need to hold a third otherworldly class meeting.
''I understand. It's necessary, you know.''
The queen said just that and didn't make any pretense of jumping to conclusions. She just opened her mouth as if remembering, 'Oh.
''Yes. I'm sorry to be an afterthought, sir.''
What is this?
'I think it was the day after the first attack on the fortress line. I happened to be staying there, too, and I met an oga that spoke the same language as you guys.
Really?
Ryuzaki involuntarily gasped. Ooga speaking words. Perhaps it was Goubayashi.
'I arrived at the fortress line in a rather handcuffed state. Carol was against it, but we treated his wounds and hid him in the fortress line for a few days.
'Was it just the ogre? What else....
He was the only one. I heard he got separated from his companion.
By "companion", I mean Kaoruko. It's not peaceful to hear that she's been separated from him. Was it due to an accident or an incident? The fact that Goubayashi himself was injured, requiring several days of medical attention, also accelerates the buzzing in Kyousuke and the others' hearts.
Had they also been attacked by the Red Winged Demon?
''So, that guy........''
After letting the injury heal, I trained him for a few more days as he requested, and then I headed south.
South....
Ryuzaki ponders.
'If you all don't want to stay in the kingdom and aim for Master Majina's place, I would still recommend that you take a detour once to the north or south.
The Queen announced and had Serena unfold the map again.
If they were to go straight east from the kingdom, they would have to go through a large city road. On the way, they would bump into the Empire and other large nations and cities, and there was a chance that they would be attacked as an afterthought.
This kingdom, the westernmost point of human life, is surrounded by steep mountains to the north and south. He told me that the relatively safer route would be to bypass this side or head to the east side of the continent through the sea and other areas that were difficult for the Empire to reach.
''I understand.''
Ryuzaki got down on one knee again and bows his head to the queen. Kyousuke hurriedly followed suit.
''Thank you for your repeated kindness. Your Majesty the Queen.''
Whatever you choose to do, I wish you all the best of luck.
Kyousuke and Ryuzaki left the audience room, bowing directly to Serena as well.
It seems that a weekly bazaar is held in the royal capital. Organized by the continent's merchant guild, it was said to be lined with things not often seen in this country located in the continent's countryside... Classmates of the second year and fourth class were allowed to go out to that grand bazaar under the condition of being supervised by a knight.
With nearly forty monsters rushing out, the fright of the citizens was considerable. It seemed to be an enormous disruption of business, but once it became clear that there was no harm in it, the bazaar gradually came to life.
Once Kyousuke and the others left the palace, they too headed to the bazaar. Everyone in the class received some pocket money in the name of gratuity for protecting Princess Serenade; the students were quite excited about their first 'shopping' in over a month.
''Inugami-san, what are you looking for?''
...underwear. It's a pain in the ass to take them off when you're changing.
'And I don't think they have any underwear...'
This is a conversation between Sakuma and Inugami. There is no sign of Beni here. She is going around the bazaar with her cronies, including Harui (Harpy) and Snakezuka (Lamia). The girls were getting very excited about the rare perfumes and cosmetics from this world. The burly merchants of the Chamber of Commerce Guild continue to do business without backing down from their monsters.
What Sugiura (Scylla) is looking for is still unusual ingredients and new cooking utensils. There's a limit to the number of pots and knives that can be substituted for the pots and knives that have been unearthed in the dungeon. Hanazono (Arraune) is looking for plant seeds and seedlings, and Spider Saki (Arakune) is looking for clothes.
"Hey, Salmon. Look at this. It's a Japanese manga...
That's right. It's been translated into our world.
The boys are more free-spirited. They find things that are just unusual or unexpected and giggle. It's completely like a school trip in the groove. Well, if you look at it differently, being in this different world is just like a school trip.
A student who was trying to buy some glossy spring paintings and other delicacies such as alcohol and cigarettes was being chased around by Kenzaki (Dullahan), the windbreaker who had just bought a wooden sword.
He hasn't returned, but he seems to be having his first human-like time in a long time.
'Yay, Utsurugi-kun!
Rin comes to Kyousuke's side while doing up and down movements.
It's a good idea. What did you buy?
I bought some cool rocks from a guy who sells them. Look, it's so cool!
You're not afraid to throw your money away...
Kyousuke feels lukewarm as he looks at the badly cool stones that Rin proudly holds up, which could be picked up at a riverbank around the corner.
''Where's Ei?''
I'm looking for something interesting to read.
Yeah. Well, that's his style.
'You've been to see the Queen, haven't you? How did it go? What did you find out?
Rin asked after she put the stones away in her knapsack. It wasn't like he was carrying a knapsack either, so he wondered if he needed to put it inside, but well, I guess it was just a matter of how he felt about it.
Kyousuke was overwhelmed when he was asked if he had found out anything.
There are a lot of things that we have figured out. But at the same time, there are a lot of things that need to be decided.
'Himemizu wants to go back to normal, right?
Well, yeah. Does it look difficult?
It's not going to be easy, you know.
Tomorrow, it would be told to the entire class again by Ryuzaki's mouth. Kyousuke briefly explained to Rin what he had heard in the audience room. The need to seek the help of one of the three great sages of the continent, someone who would be Master Majina, and how far they had to go to get there. He also touches on the Queen's proposal to live in this country in comfort.
'I see.'
Rin nodded.
'That's going to be a class disagreement.
Right?
But I'm sure it probably wouldn't be safe for you to be hidden in this country.
Her words, uttered clearly, were surprising. Kyousuke tilted his head.
''What makes you think that?''
Because Redwing and his men hit the stronghold for a reason, and that's why we're here.
Even if they were hiding in a safe place inside the country, those red-winged demons would still target the second year and four groups. It was quite possible that they would invade the country disguised as humans, and even if they tried to attack from the outside in a disciplined manner, they could well imagine the heat they would take.
As the battle rages on, if it turns out that they are targeting Kyousuke and the others, the anger of the citizens will turn towards us. There is even the possibility of growing dissatisfaction and distrust of the royal family if they can't afford to shelter an unknown monster.
"Why are they after us in the first place?
I mean, you said you were going to be useful or useless, but...
It's just not working. I have no idea. I can make some predictions, but I can't be sure about any of them.
There was a lot we knew. But there are too many things we don't know.
Well, now is not the time to think about all that stuff!
'Whoa...'
Rin let out a bright voice and slapped Kyousuke on the back. Rin is in a completely normal mode right now, since she drained all the water stored in the recent fight. Still, the force of the slap on the back is quite strong.
''It's no use if we're the only ones who have to worry about it, so we can all share that worry again tomorrow.
'Yeah, yeah.... Well, yeah.....
Hey, that's it! Let's both indulge in the delicious delicacies I've bought!
Cool rocks?
No, that's not it. That's it!
Rin takes out jerky and other things from her knapsack one after another. She seems to have bought a lot of stuff.
Her cheerfulness seemed to have helped a lot. If it hadn't been for Rin, Kyousuke might have been crushed long ago by the weight of the situation. It's not just Kyousuke, either. It's probably the same with Ei. That guy looked like that, too, and he seemed to be deeply grateful to Rin.
It's also the fact that we're all going to push ourselves a little bit too hard.
And also that we're human. That's what she taught me.
'Thanks. Himemizu is awesome.
'What? What? Oi, thank you for that suddenly! Hey ... yeah! You're welcome!
Rin suddenly became confused and repeated her dizzying transformation, but in the end she said it clearly.
'Take, for now, just sit on that bench around here! Let's eat! And I got some juice... oh, I spilled it...
So you're a little marbled in shades now?
Oh, no. Are you letting me melt into you? What do we do? Utsurogi-kun, do you drink...?
You can have a drink, but...
Kyousuke scratches his head with a plop.
'The amount I drank spilled straight out, so it feels like an awful waste.
I'll drink the rest of it, and then it'll be perfect! Wow! We can taste each other endlessly!
''It's amazing that Himemizu can think like that and claim he's human...''
In the end, Kyousuke decided to buy the juice that Rin had spilled again. After this, whether you stay in the country or leave the country, perhaps the time when you can act like a human being in the sphere of human life is not such a long one.
So I thought that I should at least enjoy the time when I'm doing this shopping.
By the way, Rin ended up snatching every drop of the juice I bought and drank.
The Entire Class Transfiguration - Me, who became the weakest skeleton