kscans

Chapter 119 - Live-in Bodyguard

The day after Hayato returned from the Dragon's Grave, Ash and Ren came to the base early in the morning, just after he logged in.

He ran his coffee shop in the real world in the afternoon, so he basically only logged in during the mornings and evenings. He usually logged in quite early in the morning, but it was rare for the two of them to come this early.

He started to worry that something might be wrong.

They had returned from the Dragon's Grave on Maris's Griffon Courier Service without any trouble. At the time, Hayato's impression was that there were no problems at all.

During the meal with Veru and the others, Ash had a slightly displeased look on his face, but his attitude was normal, and Ren was smiling the whole time. When they returned to the base, Ash had even thanked him. It was only because Ren had enjoyed herself, but still.

Ash still hadn't forgiven Veru for what he had done to their mother, for using the secret treasure of the Dragon Soul to try to resurrect the dead Kilika, only to end up with her soul trapped in the treasure and then destroying it. But that aside, he told Hayato that the family meal after such a long time hadn't been bad.

The matter with Kilika was a setting devised by Diite, and Ash's dislike of Veru was a demerit resulting from Veru's wish to retain his real-world memories.

From Hayato's perspective, it was just a setting, not something that would last forever, and he had acted on the thought that it might be improved. It could also be said that he felt some sympathy for Veru.

So, when Ash and Ren came to the base together early in the morning, just when he thought things were going well, it was impossible not to worry.

Had exchanged greetings and then asked the two of them.

"What's up so early in the morning? Is something wrong?"

"It's not that there's a problem. Ren and I talked about it yesterday, and we were hoping you'd let us live here at this base."

"What? Live at this base?"

"That's right. I forgot to mention it yesterday, but I'm sorry. It was our fault that you were kidnapped during the Stampede in the demon capital."

"Please raise your head. Besides, I don't think it's your fault, Ash."

In the first place, he had been kidnapped right after the Stampede ended. It was right after the Demon Lord Lunaria defeated the Underworld Dragon Onyx Rod that Pat transformed into a dragon and snatched Hayato.

Ash and the others, who weren't even there, were not at all responsible.

If anything, it was because Hayato had underestimated himself and hadn't taken any precautions. If he had been wearing equipment that nullified knockback and stun, there was a chance he could have escaped from that place.

He hadn't done so because he thought he wouldn't be fighting, which was to say he had been slacking off.

That's what Hayato thought, but Ash and Ren seemed to think differently.

"We were completely dependent on you during the Stampede, Hayato, but we were careless. We were made aware of that when you were kidnapped by my father and his allies. We should have been protecting you, the one the hardline faction sees as the biggest threat."

(The hardline faction does call me a dangerous person. But am I really that much of a threat? I feel like things have just worked out by chance so far.)

He could understand if it were Cecil in the Imperial Capital or Noat in the demon capital, but as far as Hayato was concerned, all he was doing was creating items that seemed like they would be effective, and his actions were nothing but impromptu. He believed that they had just happened to turn out well.

It seemed that Hayato's thoughts and Ash and the others' thoughts were different, and Ash and Ren had discussed it and come to a conclusion.

"There's a high possibility that you'll be targeted again in the future, Hayato. This time, we were able to exchange you because we happened to have captured Agres and Randa, but there's no guarantee we can do the same thing again. So we've decided to live here and protect you."

Ren nodded in agreement with Ash's words.

Normally, even if he were kidnapped, he could return with a Ring of Teleportation before reaching the Dragon's Grave. This time, he had deliberately remained captured for the sake of gathering information and negotiating. He had been able to obtain information that way, but Ash and the others, who didn't know the circumstances, must have been worried sick.

He had also heard that when Hayato was kidnapped, Ash and the others were on the verge of launching an all-out war against the hardline dragons.

(Veru-san said he wanted me to stay by Ash and the others' side. I don't think the hardline faction will kidnap me again, but it would probably be best to let Ash and the others do as they please here. Besides, I have a feeling that living with Ash and the others wouldn't be so bad.)

"Alright. Then feel free to use the empty rooms on the second floor. The rooms only have a bed, a desk, and a chair, so if you need anything else, I'll make it for you."

"Actually, we brought some furniture from our house. Would it be alright if we put it in our rooms?"

"Of course. Feel free to change the layout however you like."

At that, Ren shot her right hand up.

"Is it okay if I put out my cursed equipment!?"

"...That's fine, but wouldn't it be better to put it in a dresser or something? I can make you a closet. In fact, please let me make you one."

"I feel better when I have my favorite cursed equipment within sight. So I'd like to put it out."

"I think that's just your imagination, but it's fine as long as it's in your own room. Just don't put it in the dining hall or the shop. It's, well, startling to say the least."

He had a feeling that having a sinister-looking sword or something in the dining hall would make the food less tasty. It probably wouldn't matter in the shop, but it wasn't for sale, so he couldn't put it out.

Just then, the door leading from the dining hall to the outside opened with great force.

"I see. So Master and Ash-sama will be living under the same roof. I sensed something and came. Good morning."

Esha entered the dining hall. Her sense of smell in these situations was, as expected, top-notch.

"You know, could you not phrase things in such a strange way? Good morning."

"I was merely stating a fact."

"Do you understand when I say that the problem is the malicious-sounding way you say things? And I mean, please understand."

Watching Hayato and Esha's exchange, Ren's eyes widened.

"Esha-san, shouldn't you live here instead of at the Maid Guild!? That's a great idea! Let's do that!"

"Ren-sama, what are you saying?"

"It's alright. I won't get in the way! I'll even lend you some cursed goods! I just want to get a little taste of the atmosphere!"

"I'm not sure what you won't be getting in the way of, but the talk of cursed goods and atmosphere seems like a good reason to be concerned. Besides, the shop isn't open for business right now, so there's no point in me living here."

The shop had not yet reopened. In the first place, there was nothing to sell.

Hayato basically didn't put low-quality items in his shop. He did sell things like medicine at a low price because they had their uses even if the quality was low, but equipment was basically four stars or higher.

Low-quality equipment was broken down into materials and used to make new equipment.

And recently, he had only been making things like the Dragon Eater Replica, Dullahan Armor, and rings and bracelets that nullified knockback and stun. Those had been given to Ney and the others in Kokuryu or to Ash's mercenary group members, and there were no products that could be sold at all.

"Hey, Esha. I'm asking you too. Would you live at this base?"

"Ash-sama? For what reason?"

"One reason is that I'd like you to guard Hayato when we're not here. Another is that I'd like you to be a friend for Ren to talk to. Ren would probably have more fun if there was a woman around, not just me and Hayato."

"Yes! That's it! I want to be with Esha-san!"

It was clear that Ren had other intentions, but Ash's thinking was not wrong. Esha was undeniably strong. Although she had some difficulty in close combat, if it was a matter of holing up in the base and protecting Hayato, Esha was the right person for the job.

After all, their opponents were the hardline dragons. In terms of attack power, the other members were a little unreliable. The Demon Lord Lunaria was a different story, but the Demon Lord living at the base would not be permitted by those around her, even if she herself was fine with it. Besides, the Demon Lord couldn't fight in Stampedes outside the Demon Country. That naturally limited the choices to those who could fight in the Royal Capital and were also strong.

Considering that, Esha was the right person.

Even if Ash and the others said they would protect Hayato, it was nearly impossible for them to be with him twenty-four seven. For Ash, it would be a great help if Esha could guard him while they were away.

"I understand the circumstances. Then it can't be helped. I will go and complete the necessary procedures at the Maid Guild. By the way, I expect three meals, dessert, and a nap to be included."

"I had no say in this at all, but am I the one who has to prepare it...? No, I'm kidding. Ash, you don't have to look so sorry."

(In the afternoon, Esha and I will be in the real world, so we won't be here, but what kind of excuse should I make for that...? But Ash and the others will be out on their usual dragon-hunting job in the afternoon, so they won't be here either. I should probably consult with Diite-chan just in case.)

After Ash and Ren moved to the second floor and Esha headed to the Maid Guild, Hayato contacted Diite.