kscans

Chapter 282 - The Genbu Subjugation and Our Schedule

The subjugation of Genbu in Ryugu seemed to have ended without any issues, and everyone returned safely.

Hayato welcomed the returning members at the mansion, asking them for information while praising their efforts.

"It feels like everyone just went out for a day of fun, though?"

When he asked Esha, she replied, "I imagine so."

"With Lunaria-sama's Demon Lord's Army, Ney-sama's Kokuryu, and even Ash-sama, we were not lacking in firepower. Myself included, of course. For the record, I delivered the final blow. I would like a chocolate parfait. In the real world, if possible."

"Oh! I worked hard too! So I'd like some pudding, please. In the real world for me too, if you don't mind!"

"You two have been making a lot of real-world requests lately. Well, I don't mind."

When Hayato said that, the two high-fived.

"But really, she was quite a contributor. Ren-sama's Dragon Curse inflicts a significant weakening effect on a single target. It's practically essential for boss fights."

"And so is your Destroy, Esha-san!"

Ren's Dragon Curse, which placed a powerful debuff on a single enemy, and Esha's ultra high-power attack, Destroy. Against a single opponent, there was likely no reason they would lose.

It was true that the two had been invaluable, so treating them to a chocolate parfait or some pudding was a small price to pay.

"With everyone playing such major roles, there wasn't much for us to do."

The ones who said this were Mist and his companions, who had approached Hayato.

Damian and Ruth seemed to feel the same way, their expressions gloomy.

Esha, who had been listening, shook her head.

"Mist-sama and the others were active as our tanks, so I do not think it is correct to say you had no part to play."

Mist said, "Thank you," but he probably meant that in terms of overall contribution, it felt like he had barely done anything.

And looking just as glum as Mist's group was Simon. Thinking he might feel the same way about his lack of contribution, Hayato decided to talk to him.

Hayato left Esha's group and approached Simon.

When Simon noticed him, he looked at Hayato with a dry laugh.

"How should I put it. Everyone is so far beyond the norm it's laughable. I was useful with a bow in the Suzaku fight, but this time was a bust. I didn't get a single good moment."

"I think trying to compete with that lineup is reckless in the first place. Besides, player versus player and player versus monster are two different things."

Simon was incredibly strong in a one on one fight.

He had lost to the songstress, Noat, before, but the maid Rose and the dark knight Gil had been there, so it wasn't a fair one on one. Hayato believed that in terms of pure strength, he was on a level where he could hold his own against even Lunaria.

He could probably win against Esha or Ren if he closed the distance.

So there was nothing to worry about, but Simon didn't seem to see it that way.

"Being consoled just makes it sadder. Ah well, all I can do is continue to train. By the way, is the Princess here?"

"Ah, yeah."

Hayato told Simon everything that had just happened.

He told him about destroying the Yatagarasu, about giving the lowest-quality one to the Princess, and various other things. But he didn't mention that he had been trying to convince her to stay in the country, thinking Benitsuru might get in trouble for it.

Simon closed his eyes and bowed his head.

"Hayato, I am indebted to you for many things. The Princess will likely change in many ways from now on. I, too, must work hard to guide her properly. Not everything I say is correct, after all. I have much to learn myself."

"You'll be fine, Simon."

"It's strange, but when you say it, Hayato, I start to feel that way... By the way, what are your plans now? Your business in Ryugu seems finished, and I don't think there's anything left for you to do in the Eastern Country."

"Ah, hold on. Let me check."

Hayato headed over to Mist.

They had come to the Eastern Country seeking knowledge about the medicine. He hadn't confirmed with Mist whether they had obtained it. Since Mist hadn't said anything, he assumed there were no problems, but he asked just in case.

"Mist-san, what about the knowledge for the medicine?"

"I have acquired it. That makes two. All that's left is to conquer Skyscraper Babel."

"That's great. So, is there nothing else for us to do in the Eastern Country?"

"That's right. That said, it feels a bit abrupt to leave right away. I would like to try that open-air bath, so how about we all go sightseeing tomorrow and return on the morning ship the day after?"

"Um, are you sure?"

It was a welcome suggestion for Hayato, but Mist had his own circumstances.

Even if they had time to spare, he must be thinking he wants to figure out how to make the medicine as soon as possible, create it, and give it to his friends. Hayato felt he didn't have the luxury to go sightseeing in such a situation.

Mist seemed to guess Hayato's thoughts and nodded with a smile.

"It's fine. As I've said many times, I am the one who has involved all of you in this matter. You have all gone to great lengths for me, so I would like you to take a break here. I'm talking to you, of course, Hayato-san. With what happened yesterday and all, you must be tired, right?"

"That would be a great help. I haven't heard everyone else's opinion, but let's go with that schedule for now."

"Yes. I will let everyone else know, so please inform Simon-san, Hayato-san. It seems he has been waiting for you."

"Got it. I'll leave it to you, then."

Hayato ended his conversation with Mist and moved back towards Simon.

At some point, Benitsuru had also come to stand by Simon's side.

"Princess, that Yatagarasu holds Hayato's feelings. If you cause any great trouble in the future, it will be an act that smears mud on Hayato's name. You must never forget that."

"I know, I know. Besides, I plan to get a highest quality Yatagarasu from Hayacchi someday, so I'll look at this one and train hard until then. I'll try my super best."

"Um, could you maybe take it a little easier?"

He hadn't made it with a light heart, but he hadn't poured that much strong emotion into it either. It was more a feeling that having something tangible would make it easier to remember things.

Benitsuru was holding the Yatagarasu so preciously that he felt a little guilty.

"I cannot take it easy. This is a sword that Hayato, who saved our country, made for the Princess. Until the day the Princess obtains a highest quality Yatagarasu, it is best to revere this as the nation's treasured sword."

"Right, right! I'll carry it around normally, but during any ceremonies, I'll enshrine it as a treasured sword! Like, with reverence and awe, and all that!"

"Please, really, don't. And besides, I didn't save the country, did I? Why did it turn into that?"

It was unclear why the two were so insistent, but in the end, they would not listen to Hayato's request to stop. However, he was able to get them to promise to keep the fact that Hayato was the creator a secret.

Hayato had no choice but to compromise.

"That aside, have you decided on your future plans?"

"I just talked with Mist-san and we've mostly decided. We're planning to go sightseeing in the Eastern Country tomorrow and leave on the morning ship the day after."

At Hayato's words, Simon and Benitsuru's faces fell.

"I see. You're leaving the day after tomorrow. I wish you would stay for another week."

"Yeah! As the Princess, I want you to stay a little longer! You can use this mansion for as long as you like!"

"We have a lot to do, so that's not really an option. Ah, I guess this is goodbye for now, Simon. It'll be lonely."

When Hayato said that, Simon furrowed his brow.

He wasn't angry, however, just conflicted. It was a face mixed with many emotions, happiness, sadness, anger. Hayato thought it was a face of many feelings mixed together.

"It cannot be helped. There is no reason for me to go with you, Hayato. If the Princess had done something, I would have gone along... Princess, won't you cause some trouble right here and now?"

"Hey, Simon, that's mean! I won't do anything! So you can't go!"

"I am joking, of course. Many of this country's elite have been imprisoned. We must rebuild in various ways. Besides, I worry about the Princess being alone."

"Right, right! If it were just me, the Eastern Country would be in big trouble! I might even form an alliance with the Demon Country and try to conquer the world with Lunacchi!"

"Did someone call?"

At some point, Lunaria was standing behind Hayato. It was a little startling for him.

"Don't scare me like that. Benny-chan was just talking about forming an alliance with you, Lunaria-san. It was just a joke."

"I understand. The next time I set out to conquer the world, I will form an alliance."

"No, I'm telling you, it was a joke."

"More importantly, I have something to say to Hayato-san."

"I'd appreciate it if you didn't treat world domination as 'more importantly,' but what is it?"

"I heard from Mist-san that you're leaving the day after tomorrow."

"That's the plan, but what about it?"

"What is this about the Demon Lord's vacation being three nights and four days? Is this a declaration of war against me?"

Hayato didn't understand what she was saying, but he did the math anyway.

Lunaria and her group had arrived yesterday. Today was the second day. Tomorrow was for sightseeing, and they would leave the day after. It was indeed three nights and four days.

There was no mistake, but he didn't understand why that would be a declaration of war.

"Why would it be?"

"A Demon Lord's vacation is eight days or more. Anything less is an insult to the Demon Lord. Let me rephrase."

"I think a Demon Lord who works year-round is cooler, don't you?"

Benitsuru jumped into Hayato and Lunaria's conversation, starting a commotion about how they should stay longer.

It seemed to be acceptable to Simon, as he didn't particularly scold her, and Hayato was exposed to the combined assault of Lunaria and Benitsuru.

Hayato sincerely wished for some peace and quiet in his heart.