kscans

Chapter 954 - Threads of Fate and the Lines that Continue Onward

In an instant, the scene was dyed in his comedic color.

—However, the purpose for which everyone had taken the time to gather was a serious one. The solemn atmosphere didn't completely vanish….

"…………Mm, confirmed."

"Hahaha, was I of service?"

Lord Kendy, for his part, was fundamentally a serious knight, regardless of his high tension.

His antics—though he probably didn't think of them as such—didn't last forever, and thanks to his straightforward cooperation, the verification concluded without a hitch.

The moment he strode into the boss chamber, light filled the sigil, confirming our theory.

The six challenger slots needed to open the door were now confirmed. Our speculation had fit together almost too perfectly; it was safe to conclude that the final slot was indeed an NPC.

…Incidentally,

"…………He just appeared normally… but weren't both [Meltraction (Path of Bonds)] and [Meltraction (Guiding Door of Bonds)] unable to transfer people inside dungeons?"

"Haha."

For example, Enra-shi's murmur.

"As I thought, there must be somethin' special goin' on with the 'Key Tree,' right? What about it, Sir Knight?"

"Hahahaha."

For example, Jin-san's question.

"…Is being able to rendezvous across floors also a special privilege unique to you two?"

"Hahahahaha."

For example, Iris's question—

"Putting that aside, my fair lady! Could it be that you are one who has forged a bond with my beloved Rare One?! My, my, beauty begets beauty—!!!"

"Eek!?"

Whether he sensed something, or some chord was struck, he suddenly dropped to one knee and began showering Sora with attention. Putting that aside for now.

"Hmm…"

"Seems like direct questions are a no-go after all."

The murmurs of the two older members of the group voiced the thoughts of us all.

It seemed he wouldn't answer the questions that had naturally sprung up from the situation. The fact that NPCs maintained their 'silence' on certain matters remained unchanged.

Why that was, was another question entirely—

"Lord Kendy."

"YES, WHAT IS IT?!!!"

When I called him, he turned around with the loyalty of… if I may be rude, a large, endearing dog, right down to his lovable foolishness.

"Regarding this 'door,' will you cooperate with us—"

"BUT OF COURSE!! THIS BODY IS YOUR SHIELD!!!!"

"Ah, yes, thank you…"

I received the answer I wanted most in a literal instant.

His tendency to cut me off before I finished speaking was questionable for a 'self-proclaimed loyal retainer,' but I suppose I've gotten used to it enough to chalk it up to his charm.

"Well… you heard him, Iris. For now, are we good on personnel?"

Anyway, I turned to Iris… who was watching with a slightly displeased, expressionless face as Sora was the only one being showered with explicit interest regarding her connection to me.

And then,

"………………Right. Now we just need to verify if 'he, who has a bond with you' is special, or if another NPC can meet the condition and would be willing to cooperate—"

"—Fair Rare One. There is no need for that."

Although he was dressed as a knight and acted like one, he was still just polite, not quite knightly in the finer details. Lord Kendy interrupted her again.

…I had a suspicion that he was shallow, given how he fixated on my 'other side,' ignoring my male identity. But it seems that perception might have been wrong.

Before the 'Princess,' whose appearance was often compared to my transformed body for having a 'similar atmosphere' or 'same direction,' he showed no particular reaction.

"We of the 'Thousand Memories,' without exception, shall lend our hands to this 'door'."

With a perfectly natural smile, he offered an answer instead of silence.

"…Anyone?"

"Yes, anyone."

He answered.

"…Limited to those with the name 'Thousand Memories'?"

"Not necessarily, but it would be best to choose from among us, the Thousand Memories."

He answered. And then,

"So, there's a 'battle' that requires military force waiting beyond this 'door'."

"Depending on how you look at it."

An answer…—or rather, not quite one.

It was a rare turn of phrase for them (NPCs), who usually gave a straightforward yes or no. Iris narrowed her eyes at his evasive, deflecting words.

"…I see.—So that's the line you won't cross."

She whispered it, as if to herself, but likely intended for Lord Kendy to hear.

I watched as the knight, who had picked up her voice, gave a faint smile. Then, the garnet eyes that surely held a vortex of thoughts beyond my imagination closed.

"Fair Rare One—It is Lady [Sword Queen], is it not? I have heard much of your valor."

And from there.

"…………"

"Haha. Even your un-tensed gaze is as straight as a 'sword'."

"I wonder if that's a compliment for a woman."

"As a mere wannabe knight, being compared to a sword is the highest praise."

"I hear you don't carry a sword."

"This body itself is the sword I offer to the worthy. Thus, I do not choose the weapon I wield."

"………………The worthy?"

"Indeed. That, in itself, is the honor I, Kendy, have bestowed upon myself."

What unfolded was a lighthearted exchange that tickled the heart.

Lord Kendy, a resident of the virtual world—another world, so to speak—was a given, but Iris, too, with her inherent appearance and atmosphere, fit the part so perfectly it was almost too much.

—Honestly, I could watch this sort of thing forever, so the two of them could just keep playing their game of wits without mysteriously turning to look at me.

Where in the world was this 'worthiness' component in me? Stop looking at me like that.

"Ack, wha—… W-what is it?! What are you doing…!?"

"Well, I thought I'd use a shield of true worthiness…"

"What are you talking about…!"

And so, while I swapped places with my partner who had been hiding behind me,

"It should be a picture-perfect cast of a 'Knight' and a 'Princess,' but…"

"Too bad. Looks like his 'sword' is already dedicated to someone else, eh?"

And as always, the self-proclaimed old men watched the youth from a step back, while,

"…………I think I might dislike you a little."

"Hahaha! Rest assured! I am quite accustomed to being given the cold shoulder!!"

The impromptu meeting and verification was colored, from beginning to end, by the cheerful laughter of the delightful knight.

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So many hidden plot lines.