24 - Blue and Red
A room where I am mentally connected to the Jewel Orb.
It is showing me a dream.
The meeting room inside the Jewel Orb is also a realistic dream world.
In such a room, I was facing the First Generation. Today, the Third Generation was also present.
However, they were merely present and did not seem to participate much in the conversation.
"Is the matter you wish to discuss about Aria?"
『That's right. How do you view Aria-chan's impatience?』
I can understand Aria's impatience.
Because she wants to become a full-fledged adventurer quickly, she is likely spinning her wheels. Unlike me, there is no doubt that she is overflowing with ambition.
As for me now, I do have a feeling of wanting to feel my growth quickly.
However, if asked how I will live on as an adventurer in the future, I am still troubled.
"...She is spinning her wheels. I think it would be better if she could calm down a bit more."
To be honest, I didn't expect that much from Aria as a combat asset.
In terms of personnel, she is excellent, and since I know her background, I feel at ease.
She is not a person who would be harmful to me or Novem.
『I want to resolve that part skillfully. Can I leave it to you?』
"...Eh? Me?"
Being asked if I could do it by the First Generation, I crossed my arms.
Since it concerns a comrade, there is no problem.
If it could be resolved skillfully, I would have been the one to ask. However, the Third Generation looked at me and shook their head as if saying, "Good grief."
Conversely, the First Generation was happy that I accepted.
『That's the spirit! I won't be satisfied until I resolve the worries of Aria-chan, who is the spitting image of Alice-san.』
For my part, I cannot understand why Aria is so impatient.
Now is the time to steadily build strength under Zelfie-san's guidance. If she pushes herself and gets injured, that would be truly meaningless.
The period for learning is limited.
(Maybe I should seriously try asking for an extension.)
That was how I felt.
『Now then, that makes things simple. Riel, you fight Aria-chan. Of course, Aria-chan will use the Orb as well. As for you... the use of skills is forbidden.』
"...Eh?"
By the First Generation's proposal, it was decided that I would fight Aria.
Inside the Jewel Orb, after Riel had left—.
『Was that really alright?』
The Third Generation said, looking up at the First Generation who was sitting on the table.
They had noticed the First Generation's true intention in making Riel and Aria fight, but they didn't seem to think it would work.
『...I'm not very smart.』
At the First Generation's words, the Third Generation nodded.
『Indeed.』
『Deny it a little! You're my grandson, for goodness' sake!!』
When the First Generation shouted at the Third Generation's cold response, the Third Generation burst out laughing.
The First Generation and the Third Generation had different personalities, but to the First Generation, the other was in the position of a grandson. It seemed their treatment was softer than with the other heads of the family.
Watching the Third Generation continue to laugh, the First Generation gave up and continued.
『I'm stupid. This is the only way I could think of. If it were you all, you'd think of plenty of better methods.』
The Third Generation stopped laughing and calmly stated a method that came to mind.
『I think a method of letting Aria-chan gain confidence little by little would be fine. Let her use the Orb and have her excel in battles with monsters. Then, those around her can praise her or provide follow-up. Well, Riel is an outlier, so he probably wouldn't be able to be considerate. I thought it would be fine to leave those subtleties to Novem-chan.』
No one grows instantly.
The Third Generation intended to take a long-term view, forming the party's shape while making the relationship between the three a good one.
The other successive heads of the family shared the same opinion.
In particular, the Second Generation hated people who felt dissatisfied with the work they were given, like Aria. They seemed likely to propose an even harsher method.
『That would be fine, wouldn't it? Steadily building a relationship, and then all three of them will work out. That's how it is. If it's a clever method, there's no mistake.』
Making Riel and Aria fight to make them understand the parts they each lacked. That was the First Generation's plan that the Third Generation had noticed.
For Aria, her lack of ability—.
For Riel, ambition and strength of will—.
He wanted them to understand that they both had missing pieces. However, the successive heads, starting with the First Generation, were waiting for Riel to show motivation on his own.
Despite that, the Third Generation had attended the discussion as a supervisor because they felt the First Generation was becoming impatient.
『Do you hate clever methods?』
『I do. But I also know that those methods are more likely to succeed. Though I only realized that after a long time had passed.』
The First Generation had a boisterous personality.
Surprisingly, they had a delicate side, but they were the person who led the pioneer group, cleared forests in places where monsters lived, and expanded the fields.
A sane person would have understood from the start that it was difficult and given up, or made appropriate preparations.
『With your methods, things would probably wrap up neatly. But... if we do that, they'll end up relying entirely on each other.』
『Relying on others for the parts one lacks isn't a mistake. However, it's true that I'd like Riel to show a bit more motivation.』
Seeing the Third Generation, who was usually laid-back, the First Generation looked at them with judging eyes.
『You have no persuasiveness saying that.』
『True~.』
The two laughed together, but the First Generation stopped laughing and took on a serious expression.
If they were just an idiot, they would have wiped out the entire pioneer group and ended up being eaten by monsters. The Third Generation was not good at this kind of method that relied on intuition.
However, they also knew that it was sometimes necessary.
『I think it's fine to let them clash, and if that doesn't work, then so be it. If she's that person's descendant, I believe she won't lose to Riel in terms of feelings.』
『...You think Riel has no way of losing? Well, he probably won't.』
There was a considerable difference in ability between Riel and Aria.
Aria was also the daughter of a noble. She could likely use magic. Seeing her with a spear, it was clear she had been trained as the daughter of a martial family.
However, she was inevitably inferior compared to Riel.
Aria was inferior even to Riel, who had yet to feel his own growth. Like Riel, she lacked the skills necessary as an adventurer, but more than that, she didn't understand herself.
She was simply struggling blindly.
『Leaving the treatment to Novem-chan, I believe the two of them should clash at least once. Well, it's my own way of solving things.』
『Confirming friendship by hitting each other? No, in this case, maybe it's affection. Riel still hasn't acknowledged her.』
The Third Generation seemed amused.
In fact, seeing Riel troubled by the fact that Novem had acknowledged his harem was amusing.
『Including that part, I want them to clash. Riel isn't looking at Aria-chan. I want him to acknowledge her. Despite knowing the pain of being ignored, that bastard...』
The First Generation let out a sigh.
The Third Generation felt that the First Generation was overlapping Riel with themselves.
『...Are you talking about your past self?』
The First Generation glared at the Third Generation upon hearing those words. However, they soon shook their head and took a deep breath.
『Maybe so.』
The two of them remained there in silence, thinking for a while—.
Morning.
After finishing my meal, I asked Novem to invite Zelfie-san to the house.
I decided to talk to Aria, telling her that I had some business with her.
(It's the First Generation's request, so I guess I'll fight her here.)
I don't know what the goal is, but I have a general guess.
The goal is likely to let Aria know her current level of ability.
Going out into the garden, I turned to Aria and made a proposal.
"You have the family heirloom Orb, right?"
At my question, Aria tilted her head and took out the red Orb she wore as a necklace from her chest to show me.
"I have it. I keep it close to my skin so I don't lose it. So what is it? Today we're going out to subjugate monsters, right? What are you planning, calling Zelfie over as well?"
As expected, she seemed impatient and wanted to get ready and head out quickly. From my perspective, I wanted to head out for subjugation plannedly, inserting moderate breaks.
There's no point in pushing oneself and getting injured, and I'm not in need of money right now.
"...Once Novem and Zelfie-san arrive, there's an empty lot over there, so why don't you fight me for a bit?"
At my proposal, Aria was bewildered.
"Why? If you don't like me, you can just say so!"
For some reason, she seemed to think that I didn't like her.
I don't remember treating her particularly harshly, so that's a terrible thing to say.
"It's not about whether I like you or not. If you have the Orb, you know how to use it, right? Then, there's a need to test it."
Hearing about using the Orb, Aria's expression stiffened.
She was probably remembering the large man from the bandit group.
Due to the excessive use of skills, blood had been spurting from all over his body. The sight of muscles tearing and blood coming from his eyes and mouth was not a pleasant one to behold.
Of course, the injuries were treated with medicine, but I wonder about the internal state.
Abnormal use of skills—.
The price is high. After all, using someone else's skill rather than a skill one has manifested themselves is a great burden.
I, too, have felt the difficulty of use by using the skills of the successive heads.
Even skills created by ancestors with whom I share a blood connection feel difficult for me to use.
Even if one can use them, if one cannot control the output, they will destroy their body like the large man from the bandit group.
"Are you scared?"
"I-I'm not scared! I just don't want to use it because if I do, I'll definitely injure you!"
Seeing Aria hiding the fact that she was scared, I thought there was no need to worry.
I gauged the difference in strength, and as expected, even if she used skills, Aria would be weaker than that large man from the bandit group.
Not because she is a woman, but I feel she is overwhelmingly lacking in experience. The magic and spear techniques she learned as a hobby cannot compare to the large man from the bandit group who fought monsters.
"If you're worried about injuries, it's no problem. Novem will treat you, and I'll stop if it gets dangerous."
Whether she was offended by my way of speaking, Aria's expression changed.
She was clearly angry.
"What is that? Does it mean I'm not even a worthy opponent? You're certainly strong. But you won't know that unless you try!"
Seeing Aria show her motivation, I proposed that we fight then.
"Then, let's start once Novem and Zelfie-san arrive. I'm fine with a wooden sword."
"Just use your usual saber! I've been practicing my skills too!"
Hearing that, I found it slightly surprising.
"I see."
Whether she didn't like my reaction, Aria glared at me. I couldn't understand why she was glaring.
It was just a frank impression.
"You'd better keep making fun of me. Because you're the one who's going to get injured!"
Watching Aria turn her back to me and leave the spot with large strides, I let out a sigh. I decided to fight Aria because the First Generation asked me to, but I wondered if this was the right thing to do.
I felt as if I were making a fatal mistake as a party.
Then, the Third Generation, seeing that no one else was there, spoke to me.
Their tone was exasperated.
『Riel, have you ever looked at your own face in a mirror?』
"What are you talking about? I look at it every morning when I wash my face."
『That was meant to be sarcasm. Regardless, I think your current attitude is problematic.』
Being told it was problematic, I tilted my head.
The irritated Fourth Generation spoke in a low voice.
『That attitude toward a girl is one thing, but I also wonder about the fighting. More than that, Riel, you're really dense. Or are you doing this on purpose?』
I couldn't understand.
I didn't know what the Third Generation or the Fourth Generation wanted to say. Isn't it to let Aria know her current ability, and to let her experience the use of skills that we are fighting?
The Sixth Generation, who usually didn't intervene much, was not on my side this time.
『Don't you notice? Riel, you...』
The Seventh Generation also made a comment that seemed to slightly blame me.
『Certainly, your current attitude is rude. However, Riel. I also believe you should reflect on yourself right now.』
Even the Sixth and Seventh Generations, who were generally on my side, told me I was in the wrong.
Just as I was wondering if I had done something bad, the Fifth Generation joined the conversation.
『If you don't notice, that's as far as it goes. Well, you're young, so there's a side to it that can't be helped. Come on, get your own preparations ready. Also, not just skills, don't use magic either.』
Told by the Fifth Generation, I informed them that I intended to do that from the start.
"I won't use it. Because I don't want to injure her."
『...Don't want to injure her, huh. You're quite confident.』
The Fifth Generation's tone was also exasperated.
I returned to the house and began preparations. I hung the saber at my waist and decided to bring a spare just in case.
Aria had likely left first, as there was no one inside the house.
At times like this, I remembered my lonely life in the mansion.
"It's quite quiet. Just like back then."
Saying that, I looked around the room. Recently, the usual sight was Novem doing the housework and Aria helping her.
It's only recently that I've started to feel that as normal. Until then, having Aria around made me feel somewhat unsettled.
(As I thought, things like harems have nothing to do with me. Besides, I don't think this kind of thing is good.)
I took Aria in due to the expectations of those around me and the request of the First Generation.
However, I'm thinking that maybe that was a mistake.
From the start, I didn't have much of an opinion about Aria. I had never even thought about how I felt about her within myself.
As I vaguely looked up at the ceiling, I heard voices.
Zelfie-san and Novem had arrived in front of the house.
When I headed to the empty lot, Aria was already waiting.
Perhaps she had finished her warm-up exercises, as she was slightly sweaty. Whether she was fired up, a strong will could be felt in the eyes that glared at me.
Due to the redevelopment, evacuations were progressing, houses were being removed, and there were many empty lots.
In such a place, Aria, with the red Orb hanging from her neck, and I faced each other.
It was a time when the sun had not yet fully risen.
(It'll be over before noon.)
Within myself, I planned that the fight with Aria would also end before noon.
"You're quite composed, aren't you?"
Thinking she was being provoked, she spoke out to me, who was lacking concentration. She was angry. Without a doubt, Aria was angry.
Seeing that, both Novem and Zelfie-san seemed exasperated.
Yesterday they seemed exasperated with Aria, but today they seemed exasperated with me. Their gazes looked as if they wanted to say something.
"I wish you'd told me about the change in plans the day before. I have my own schedule to make. Well, I'll follow the client's wishes. It won't be a complete waste. But, Riel, do you have any motivation?"
Zelfie-san looked at me with exasperation, and the same went for Novem standing next to her.
"Riel-sama, please concentrate. It's rude to Aria-san. You'll end up with a serious injury at this rate."
To the worried Novem, I nodded and drew my saber, taking a stance.
Aria in front of me also held her spear. Her feelings were running ahead, and I felt unnecessary strength entering her stance.
"I'm going at this seriously."
When Aria declared she would go all out, I nodded.
"I'll be careful not to injure you."
At that moment.
Aria stepped forward deeply and suddenly thrust her spear as if to pierce me to death.
It was the skill the large man had shown.
Evading by shifting my upper body, I deflected the spear with the hilt of the saber. As Aria, whose posture had collapsed, leaned forward, I simply jumped back.
Aria, who had put her hand on the ground, opened her eyes wide when she looked up. Then, she grit her teeth in frustration and glared at me.
"Why aren't you attacking?"
To Aria, who stood up and took her stance again, I was conversely bewildered.
"Eh? No, because... it'll be over quickly."
When I answered honestly, Aria's expression became even harsher.
Seeing that expression, my heart suddenly hurt.
(What is this?)
Aria swung her spear, sending a slashing attack. I evaded the slash, which had neither the power nor the sharpness of the one the large man from the bandit group had shown before.
Bringing back the spear she had swung widely, Aria was out of breath.
By forcibly using the skill, her stamina seemed to be severely depleted. It was proof that she lacked the skill and power to use skills consecutively.
However, sweating and out of breath—she still challenged me.
"Not yet!"
The spear glowed faintly, and she thrust it normally. When I deflected it with the saber, the sensation was different from before.
Hardening—.
This must also be a skill. Perhaps she noticed that I had seen through her because I evaded the other two.
Considering the remaining skills, it was likely muscle strength enhancement. Since there was no atmosphere of it being used, she might not be used to using it yet.
Evading the thrusting spear, I approached Aria and grabbed the spear with my left hand.
"Kuh!"
To Aria, who struggled to break away, I tried to say that the match was already decided. However, no voice came out.
(Why—)
Pushing Aria away to create distance, she glared at me.
"Acting so composed... if I'm that weak, just end it already!"
Tears streamed down the cheeks of the out-of-breath and frustrated Aria.
Seeing that, I somehow understood what the ancestors wanted to say.
(I see, the attitude I've had toward Aria... was the same as with Celes.)
I felt I understood the cause of the pain in my chest.
I understood what the ancestors wanted to say.
It made sense why Novem and Zelfie-san were exasperated.
It made sense why Aria was frustrated.
"Was I not looking at you?"
The sight of Aria, who was crying while holding her spear in frustration, felt as if it overlapped with my own past self.