Moto Sekai Ichi'i no Sub-chara Ikusei Nikki

Chapter 45: A Dog’s Misfortune

After the meeting I was about to leave the bar, then a long-haired man who gave me a bad feeling approached me.

“Are you Se-Second-sama!? “

What’s with this guy? How does he know my name?

“Yes, I am.”

“I knew it!　I’m a Spirit User, my name is Seram!　I spoke to Chérie-sama, that’s where I learned about you, Second-sama! “

Hee. An introduction from Chérie.

“I am the spirit of wind, my name is Nymphe. I heard that you, Second-sama, were the master of the Great King-sama, thus, I came to pay my greetings as the wind spirit.”

The spirit with a bit of old-fashioned Japanese came closer. A serious-looking female spirit with emerald-colored hair named Nymphe. If I remember correctly, this spirit had about 17,000 in strength.

“So, what do you want? “

“That is, hmm…… by all means, I would like to see the Great Spirit King……”

The long-haired man rubbed his hands together and tried to suck up to me.

I really hate this type of person, the ones that just try to curry favor with you.

――Hmm?

The team-limited communication.

The sender is Yukari. The contents are――”Is familiar with assassination, be wary”……?

……Oh, ehh?　Does she mean this Seram guy?　Is he familiar with assassination?　Are you kidding me?

“How is it?　As expected, is that a no? “

This Seram guy, with his long hair and frivolous grin, looks more like your usual tavern customer. No matter how I look at him, he doesn’t look like an assassin at all. Rather, his appearance would even make you doubt he’s a Spirit User, so I guess you can’t judge a book by its cover. It might be part of his technique as an assassin in order to approach their target unnoticed. No, I bet that’s what it is. It’s so unbelievable I’m sure that’s what it is.

Well, whatever. Let’s suppose Seram is indeed an assassin. What is his purpose?

While thinking about this, I noticed my mind went on a tangent.

What does this guy gain by seeing Angolmois?　I have absolutely no idea.

“Why do you want to see him that much? “

So, if I don’t know, I just have to ask. That’s my style. It doesn’t matter that there’s an assassin here.

After having a look of puzzlement for a moment, Seram opened his mouth.

“He’s the top of the Spirit World, the one who made the Great Spirit of Earth say he was a “scary existence”.　It’s very natural as a Spirit User to want to see him no matter what!　Such an opportunity only comes once in a lifetime! “

That’s indeed a convincing answer. If he was a true Spirit User.

“…………”

Hmm.

Ohh, I just came up with something good.

“Okay, I’ll show it to you.”

“Se-se-seriously!?　Great! “

Glancing at Yukari, she had an expression that said “Is that okay? “. It’s alright.

Using 《Spirit Summoning》, I called for Angolmois.

Then, without further ado.

“（Have him kneel.）“

I gave him instructions in my mind.

“（As you wish.）“

At the same time that Angolmois manifested, red lightning flashed and tied Seram to the ground.

“Wh……oaaa!　W-what is this!? “

With his knees and head touching the ground, Seram was in a groveling posture. And for some reason Nymphe also got into the same position.

……I wonder, how does this thing work? If he could use this skill in battle it would be pretty overpowered.

“（This is my privilege as the Great King, the lightning of domination. However, since it only applies to the spirits and their masters, its use is limited.）“

I see. Forcing the person who was already lowering their head to lower it even more, it sure would frighten them. How awful…… as expected of Angolmois and his terrible personality.

“Great King-sama. It’s my pleasure to meet you.”

Said Nymphe, with her head still on the ground, while trembling slightly.

She truly looks pitiful. It might be time to let them lift their faces.

“Lift your face.”

How wonderful is this sense of unity. At the same time as I thought that, Angolmois told them to raise their faces.

In addition to bewilderment and fear, Seram had an expression of excitement, and Nymphe had one of awe.

“Ohhhh. A-Amazing……The Great Spirit King-sama……! “

Opening his eyes wide, Seram exclaimed in admiration. That reaction alone was enough to really make me believe he wanted to get close to me to see Angolmois with his own eyes.

However, there are two people who didn’t miss his clever performance.

“（……This man, there’s something weird. I’ll investigate through Nymphe. Wait for a moment, my Second.）“

“Master. That man, he’s looking for a chance to run away.”

Those were Angolmois using telepathic communication, and Yukari whispering to my ear.

These two are really useful.

“――――Uuu! “

What is he thinking about?

With a sudden electrical shock, Nymphe collapsed on the spot.

“W-what is this!? “

Seram became impatient.

“Don’t move, brat.”

“Guuuu!! “

Angolmois forced him down with the lightning of domination. The Great King does as the Great King wants.

“（I got it. This guy is a spy for the Marubell Empire. Seems like he was sniffing around the adventurers of the Castall Kingdom.）“

“Hee! “

I involuntarily spoke out after hearing that nostalgic word.

Marubell Empire―― Back in Mobius, it was famous as a ‘military nation’. Since it’s a country that has a deep love for war, sooner or later it should be at war with the Castall Kingdom.

And a person from such a place called out to me.

Is it for reconnaissance? Or maybe an invitation? I’m not sure which one is it, but neither of those is a good reason.

“W-what’s the meaning of this? ……Did I do something rude to you……? “

Seram began to show a frightened appearance. After asking Angolmois to raise his face, he was shaking a little, with tears in his eyes. If this is acting, then he’s really good. As one would expect from that Empire, even its dogs are top notch.

I don’t really hate the Marubell Empire though. The way they deal head-on defeating the neighboring nations in a battle of power, without any cheap tricks, their meritocratic principles… they are somewhat similar to what being the rank one in the world is.

……Alright.

Well then, let’s make this man never forget the name of the world’s top ever again, and then let him go back home.

As I thought so, I opened my mouth while grinning.

“You’ve had it hard, Empire’s dog.”

＊　＊　＊

It was great that I was able to observe the Spirit of Chérie Lumberjack from up close.

As expected of the one people call the Genius Spirit User. That Great Spirit of Earth will likely be quite troublesome. She may be a candidate for the coming war.

But well, I would rather not have someone with that character close. In the course of my investigation I’ve noticed that it depends on the spirit, but most of the Spirit Users have completely timid personalities; however, she was the polar opposite. If I hadn’t been lucky enough to have the Great Spirit of Earth speak, the observation would have failed.

Well, there’s a big shot that should take precedent now.

The Great Spirit King. I did not expect him to be here, nor that I would be able to meet him.

Now that I’ve found out that the top of the Spirit World serves someone from the enemy country, I can’t afford to leave as is. I need to investigate how much of a threat he is, and return to consider how to respond to it.

Luckily, that person was connected to Chérie Lumberjack. I can’t let this opportunity go to waste.

“Are you Se-Second-sama!? “

Playing the fool, I approached.

Second, the master of the Great Spirit King was an incredibly handsome man. He turned his sharp eyes towards me and calmly said “Yes, I am”. Just that much was enough to make me realize this was not a man I could make light of. Even if he was meeting me for the first time, he didn’t exchange useless words; his careful alertness was terrifying.

At first glance he appeared to be full of openings, however, there’s no way the man who’s the master of the Great Spirit King would do such foolery in front of a stranger. He was probably testing me out. But my current purpose is not assassination, but investigation.

After that, a couple of words were exchanged. He appeared to be quite cautious. But that doesn’t matter, I must see the Great Spirit King no matter what. I desperately tried to suck up to him.

“Why do you want to see him that much? “

Such a question came out unexpectedly.

Why do I want to see him?　Didn’t I already show him my spirit? He shouldn’t be doubting me being a Spirit User at this point. Nevertheless, he still asked ‘Why’. I don’t understand. Maybe my real identity has been found out?　No, there’s no way……

“He’s the top of the Spirit World, the one who made the Great Spirit of Earth say he was a “scary existence”.　It’s very natural as a Spirit User to want to see him no matter what!　Such an opportunity only comes once in a lifetime! “

In my answer I stressed this was a matter of course.

In just a moment. Second’s facial expression disappeared suddenly.

Did I make a mistake……!?

Was I too hasty? I knew it, he was testing me with that question!　If so…… no way. Did this man, after just a few seconds of meeting me face to face, find out that my main job isn’t Spirit User?　Impossible. Can a Spirit User really have such a discerning eye? However, the fact is, I’m currently faced with such predicament……

“Okay, I’ll show it to you.”

……What did he say?

His answer was too unexpected. For once, I left aside my performance and was really happy. If this was Second’s try at shaking me up, then I had already foolishly showed him the greatest gap.

Still, as a result of that, I’ll be able to see the Great Spirit King with my own eyes. If just this purpose alone can be fulfilled, I’m sure I’ll be forgiven for some of these failures. I’ll even have something in my favor. All that’s left is to have Nymphe remember it and bring the information back to the Empire――

————————–

“Wh……!? “

My body moved on its own!　What’s this!?

Even Nymphe had her hands on the ground. To make even a spirit kneel!?　That’s impossible!

“Lift your face.”

A clear, gender-neutral voice. I moved my now freed neck and looked in front of me.

…………Th-This is the Great Spirit King.

I never heard anything about this. This is insane. It’s terrible. Such a spirit, such a……

While I was absentmindedly thinking that, Nymphe fainted. In a single moment. Even I am not able to resist.

“Don’t move, brat.”

“Guuu!! “

I struggled to get away but I couldn’t even flinch. No use.

Was the Great Spirit King an overwhelming existence to this extent?

This must absolutely be informed. The presence of the Great Spirit King alone is enough to threaten the Empire.

But in order to do that, I must get away from this place at all costs.

“W-what’s the meaning of this? ……Did I do something rude to you……? “

A realistic performance. Ever since I was born into this world, I have been trained day and night as an intelligence agent for the Marubell Empire. In the meritocratic Empire, I am first-class. I can’t let it end in this place, in this place――!

—————————–

“――You’ve had it hard, Empire’s dog.”

Second laughed while saying that.

My mind went black, seeing my imminent bleak future.

This man, from the very beginning he noticed……!?

WHY!?　How did he do it!?　That’s impossible!

Did the Great Spirit King do something?　No, that can’t be, he and Second never exchanged any words. If so, then was it that dark elf?　Still, there’s nothing that can reveal my identity as an imperial subject. No way, can he read my mind……?　Damn it, I don’t know!

……Ohh. Wait, there’s one thing that I know.

This is my loss at my own game. Second was always one or two moves ahead of me. That’s all there is.

This is as far as I go. But as a last act of resistance―― I’ll beg.

“I give up…… But before I die, if possible, I’d like to write a letter to my family.”

I need to report this information to the Empire at any cost. Even if that’s the last thing I’ll get to do.

“Huh?　I’ll just say it since it seems you’ve misunderstood something but, I don’t plan on killing you.”

…………?

What did he say?

“You’re……not going to kill me? “

“Yeah, you can go if you want. Or, would you like to follow us?　Right now, we’re going to capture the Proline Dungeon.”

“――――”

I was at a loss for words.

This guy is insane……!

From the very beginning he knew I was from the Empire, and he purposely met with me face-to-face. Gave me free reign, he tested me, all just to enjoy himself.

The only reason he could remain calm was because all this was just a “game” for him!

I’m an agent from the Marubell Empire, you know!?　For me this was a matter of life and death, you know!?　Why did you see this as a “game” knowing all that!?　How can you remain with such composure!?

Frightening, terrifying, daunting……!

“I’ll ta-take your words gladly.”

My voice and my body were shaking. I can no longer keep up the act.

“Is that so? Then you should go home.”

After being released from my restraints, I stood up with difficulty due to my enfeebled legs. I unsummoned the fainted Nymphe and slowly walked back. I was terrified of turning my back on this man. I’m afraid if I do something suspicious, he will go back to his “game”.

“Also, please tell your boss. The world’s top man, Second, fancies the Marubell Empire.”

Our boss―― That would be, the Emperor.

What is the meaning of that?

“……Understood. I’ll be sure to tell him.”

The world’s top man, Second.

I swore in my heart that I would never forget this monster, and immediately left the Castall Kingdom.

＊　＊　＊

“Was that alright? “

Immediately after Seram left, Yukari asked me. I think she means if it was alright to let him go.

“Of course.”

“But to think he was a person from the Empire…… it’s incredible that you noticed that.”

“About that. Angolmois checked it out for me.”

I later learned that memories could be extracted from spirits that were completely submissive. Furthermore, it seems possible to control enemy spirits if they are lower class. Being the ruler of the spirit world sure is amazing— I thought so again.

“But well, didn’t I give him a great impression? “

“Ehh? “

“…Huh? “

The moment I said that I could see not only in the eyes of Yukari, but also in Silvia’s that they thought “Is this guy for real?” Huh?

“Ahh, didn’t you know?　I kind of like the Empire.”

“My Second. I like it too.”

“I know right. It’s nice, the Empire.”

“Umu. It’s good.”

After they saw me agree with Angolmois, Yukari and Silvia’s eyes changed into “This guy is hopeless”.

“Master. I’m not sure if you were aware, but just in case, that was ‘looking down’ too much.”

“Telling an Empire to pass a message to the Emperor telling him that you fancy the Empire is almost like picking a fight with him.”

I was then scolded. I see, that’s true indeed.

“I see. Well, it doesn’t matter, let’s go to the Proline Dungeon.”

While patting Eko, who’s been saying “Let’s go, let’s go”, since a while ago, I told her “Sorry to keep you waiting”, and moved my feet towards the stable.

“Isn’t he switching gears too fast……?”

“Well, it’s something very Master-like.”

Silvia’s dismayed voice and Yukari’s resigned one could be heard from behind. However, I liked how, even if they said that, they followed me along.

For about two months from now we, team Firstest, will be collecting Mithril while earning experience inside the Proline Dungeon. And I completely forgot about what I said in my clash with the Empire.

……But.

In the not so distant future. The fact that this single encounter with Seram will cause such an unexpected situation, at this moment I had no way of knowing this.

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