135. Don'T Stand So Close To Me
死神というものは一言でいえば“人が死ぬ”ことでエネルギーを得るのと、神様らしくその存在を認知され、畏れられることで存在の力を得る。
というわけで、死神は一二三に言われてウェパルのところに行く前に、レニとヘレンが住んでいる部屋にあらわれた。寝付いて一時間くらいの深夜で、ヘレンは微妙に不機嫌な顔をしている。
「というわけで、一二三さんとしてはあなた方獣人が、しっかりこの街を運営して、人間たちも含めたソードランテ全てを含めた防衛対策を進めて欲しいとお思いですよ」
「本当かしら......」
虚空から突然現れた死神に、レニたちは最初警戒していたが、一二三の名前を出されると、こんな知り合いがいてもおかしくないか、と理由もなく納得してしまう。
そうして二人は眠い目をこすりながら死神の説明を聞いていたのだが、死神の口から出るのはレニやヘレンへの美辞麗句と、一二三がいかに彼女たちを評価しているのか、これから先、その知恵を発揮して残りの人間エリアも制圧し、本当の意味での自分たちの国を作り上げるべきだという内容だった。
「簡単に言うけど、人間はまだ数が多いし、わたしたち自身の暮らしだってまだまだ安定してないのに無茶いわないでよ」
「何をおっしゃいますやら。エルフの加入で人手も増え、さらには獣人の中で魔法が使える者も出てきているというではありませんか」
「だからって、すぐに人間と戦ったところで勝てるとは限らないでしょ。お母さんたちを呼ぶのだってうまくいっていないのに......」
自分の発言だが、ヘレンはついうつむいてしまった。
旧スラムに住む獣人たちは、旧知の獣人たちを招待しようとしているのだが、人間の町に近づくことすら忌避している者が多く、レニとヘレンも使者を送ってはいるものの、警戒されて家族を呼び寄せるのに難儀していた。いずれ、機会を見て自分たちで説得に行かなければ、と二人は今夜も寝る前に相談をしていたのだ。
「逆に考えましょう。人間の脅威が無くなれば、大手を振って他の獣人族を迎えに行けるのでは? スラム側の人々も、親戚同士分断されている方々がおられるのでしょう?」
「それは、そうだけど......」
「ですから、ここで頑張って平和な町を作れば、後はうまくいくわけです。魔人族の復活も囁かれる今、しっかりした防衛体制を作るのは、この街の代表であるお二人の仕事でもあるのではありませんか?」
すらすらと流れる言葉に、ヘレンは言葉を返せずに黙ってしまった。
聞けば聞くほど、死神を名乗るこの痩せた男の言い分は正しいように思える。だが、それに反して何か得体のしれない危機感がヘレンの胸中にはあった。
ふと、ヘレンは先ほどからレニが一言も発していないことに気付いた。
「レニ、あんたはどう......」
ヘレンがレニを見ると、ベッドの端に座り、枕を抱いたままのレニは完全に眠りこけていた。
軽く頭を叩くと、びっくりして目を開く。
「あうっ!?」
「のん気に寝てるんじゃないわよ」
目を擦って何とか覚醒したレニに、ヘレンはため息をついた。
「あんたはどう思う?」
「ん~......死神さん、一二三さんは元気ですか?」
「えっ? ええ、とてもお元気ですよ。今は人間同士の争いが起きるということで、とてもイキイキしておられます」
不意に明後日の方向に飛んだ質問に、死神は一瞬目を見開いたが、笑顔で答える。
「人間って、いっつも争ってばかりよね。それで良くあんなにたくさん人数を保てるものよね」
「それで、死神さんはどうしてここに?」
「ですから、一二三さんからの依頼を受けて、お二人に助言をしに来たわけですよ」
大きなあくびをして、レニは分かったとつぶやいた。
「一二三さんがそう言うなら、頑張ってみるね」
「レニ......いいの?」
不安げなヘレンに、レニはふにゃっとした笑みで返した。
「素晴らしい! お二人のご活躍、私も期待しておりますよ」
では、と言い残し、まるで煙のように死神は姿を消した。
「レニ......」
「寝ようか、ヘレン。明日もまた忙しいよ」
「人間と戦う準備をするの?」
「なんで?」
「なんで......って、さっきそういう話をしたじゃない」
「ウチが言ったのは、“一二三さんがそう言うなら”って話だよ? あの死神さんが言っただけなら、別に従う気はないよ?」
「えぇ?」
枕を置いて、真ん中をポンポン叩いて凹みを作ったレニは、眠たげな目でヘレンの顔を見た。
「だって、一二三さんがウチらに“こうして欲しい”なんて言うわけないよ。今までだって、ウチたちがやりたいことをやらせてもらっただけだし、それに何か注文されたこと、あった?」
「言われてみれば......」
「だから」
枕に頭を乗せて、レニは再び薄い布団をかぶった。
「ウチたちはみんなと好きなようにすればいいんじゃないかな。あ、でも魔人族っていうのはちょっと気になる」
明日になったら、エルフさんたちと相談しよう、とレニはあくび交じりに言う。
「対策しないといけないものね」
「そうだよ。魔人族さんが何を食べるのか、調べておかないと」
歓迎の準備は大変だよね、とレニはあっという間に眠りについてしまった。
すっかり目が冴えてしまったヘレンは、水を飲みに行こうと立ち上がる。
「頭いいのに、のん気なんだから」
もう寝息を立てているレニを見て、ヘレンは彼女と頑張ろうと改めて思った。大切な友達を支えたい、と。
兵士から話を聞いたイメラリアの指示により、ミュンスターと国境の間に、防衛陣地が敷かれる事となったのは、敵状視察を行った夜の事だった。
指示を受け、旅の疲れが抜けきらない身体に鞭打ちながら、夜間のうちに陣地の設営について立案し、指示書を作成していたサブナクは、サボって翌日に回さなくて良かったと心からのため息をついた。
丸二日かけた陣地構築直後に、ホーラントからの侵攻が始まったからだ。
「良かった......とは言えないが、陛下のご判断が早かったのは素晴らしいと言うべきか」
「......隊長、ずいぶん余裕ですね」
兜を脱いで汗を拭った若い騎士は、サブナクに尊敬の眼差しを向けた。
「焦っても仕方ないさ。できる準備はしたんだから」
国境を常時監視していた兵たちからの連絡では、相手は歩兵だけで約二百。魔法使いやそれ以外の姿は見えないが、投槍器を数台引いているのが確認されている。
それに対してサブナクが敷いた陣は、馬を止めるための浅い穴と、歩兵を止めるために敷き詰めた網、百名ずつ常駐させた歩兵と、ビロン伯爵領で一部生産を開始していた投槍器を三十台並べている。
「よくこれだけ準備していたものだと思うよ。我が義兄ながら、大した人だ」
「急いで編成した部隊で、しかも貴族相手しか想定していませんでしたからね。助かりました」
「今を時めく近衛騎士隊長にそう言ってもらえると、鼻が高いね」
敵が来るはずの方向を見つめながら語るサブナクたちに、後ろからビロンが声をかけた。
「に、義兄さん? ミュンスターに残られる予定じゃ......」
「その予定だったんだけどね。陛下が前線にて臣下の戦いぶりをご照覧なさるというのに、臣たる私が領地に引っ込んでいるわけにもいくまいよ」
「え。陛下が......」
サブナクが錆びついたからくりのような動きで首を回すと、ビロンの肩越しに、馬上で国境方面をみているイメラリアの姿が見えた。
「へ、陛下! どうか後方へお下がりください!」
「嫌です。皆が必死で戦うというのに、安穏としていられるわけがありません。それに、今回の件でわたくしは気付かされたことがあるのです」
望遠の為の筒を腰のポーチに戻したイメラリアは、馬上からサブナクを見る。
その表情は、十代とは思えないほどに凛々しく、精悍だった。
「わたくしは一二三様ばかりを見て、兵士や騎士のみなさんがどのように努力をされているのか、どれくらい戦えるのかを知ろうともしませんでした。だからこそ、アスピルクエタのような者にまで軽く見られているのでしょう」
「そ、そのようなことは......」
うろたえるサブナクを、手をあげて制したイメラリアは、馬上から陣地を見回した。
そこでは、騎士の指示で支柱が立てられ、大きな網が張られている。
「あれはなんですか?」
指差された方を見て、サブナクが答える。
「あれは、投槍器の槍を止める幕でございます。陛下」
「......網のようになっているけれど、大丈夫なのですか? それに、ピンと張らずに少し下がっているように見えるのですが」
不安げなイメラリアの様子を見て、サブナクは自分が初めて見たときと同じ反応だったと思い出していた。
「網でなければ破れてしまう可能性が高く、あまりしっかり伸ばしておくと、それもまた槍が貫通する可能性が高くなる......そうです」
話しながら、まるで自分が考えたかのように聞こえるな、と思ったサブナクの言葉は最後に尻すぼみになった。
「つまり、それも一二三様の入れ知恵、と?」
「......左様にございます。陛下」
深いため息をついたイメラリアは、仕方ありませんね、と呟いた。
「敵方にだけ知識があるのではなく、お互いに知識があり、多少なりこちらが先達であるという事を幸運と考えるようにいたしましょう」
後は自分で見て回るので、準備を進めるように言い置いて、イメラリアは馬を進めていった。
「義兄......ビロン伯爵」
「戦闘が始まったら、無理にでも陛下を連れて後方にさがってくださいよ」
「善処するよ」
苦笑いするビロンとサブナクは、顔を合わせて肩を竦めた。
戦闘はその日の午後、サブナクの予想通りに投槍器による打ち合いから始まった。
ミュンスターに一二三たちとフォカロル領兵が到着したのは、戦闘が一段落した夕方の事だった。
町の中に漂う、どこかそわそわとした空気に、手綱を引いて歩く一二三は目を細める。
「どうやら、もう戦いが始まっているようだな」
番兵に断りを入れ、多くの兵が町へと入ってくると、住民たちは期待と不安をない交ぜにした視線を向けてくる。
援軍は助かる。だが、戦線が拡大するのは歓迎できない。
「それじゃ、アリッサ」
真正面から一二三の顔を見上げたアリッサは、腰の後ろにある脇差を撫でた。
「好きにやるといい。見ててやるから」
アリッサは、号令一つで兵たちの隊列を変更させると、駆け足で国境方面へと向かった。
土煙を上げて進む軍は、多くの道具を引きながらもペースを落とすこと無く町を抜けていく。
その様子を呆然と見送った住人達は、馬に乗り、その後ろを悠々と進む黒髪の青年を見て納得する。あのトオノ伯爵の軍が応援に駆け付けたのだ、と。
国の反対側にも関わらず、国軍の次にやってきたフォカロルの軍に、民衆は期待を込めた。
「よろしいのですか?」
馬を並べて歩くオリガの質問に、一二三は視線だけを向けた。
「あなたも、戦いたいのではありませんか?」
不安げな視線を向けてくるオリガに、一二三は笑い声を上げた。
「あっはは! そんなことが心配だったのか」
「わ、笑わないでください。あなたが心配で......」
馬を寄せ、手袋をした左手でオリガの頭をポンポンと撫でながら、一二三は馬の振動で少しずれた刀の位置を右手で器用に正した。
「そうだな。お前には本音を話そう」
一二三の言葉に、オリガは息をのみ、一二三の顔を凝視する。
「全て一切の、生きている者を殺してまわることができるなら、そうしたいとは思う。何も気にせず、ただ目の前にいる者を殺せるなら、どれだけ幸せだろうな」
だが、と一二三は前へと視線を戻した。
「それだと、その後が無い。もちろん俺が死ねば終わりだが、全て殺してしまったら、どうなる?」
「それは......」
「俺はな。さみしがり屋なんだよ」
陽が沈み始めた町は、茜色に染まっていく。
「だから、どんどん戦える奴が増えて、楽しく命のやり取りをしたい。それでなければ、生きている実感が無い」
「わ、私は!」
急に大声を上げたオリガに、一二三は馬を止めた。
「私は、最期まで一二三様のお側におります! どうしても、殺す敵がいなくなった時は、私と戦ってください。私は強くなりました。もっと強くなるように努力します。ですから......」
再び馬を進めながら、一二三はオリガの頬を撫でた。
「じゃあ、その時は頼む。殺し甲斐のある敵になってくれよ」
「お任せください。わ、私も最期はあなたの手で......うふふ......」
撫でられた頬の温もりに、思わず顔がほころぶオリガに、一二三は言葉を続けた。
「それにな、今回も俺は戦うことになるだろうから、心配はいらないぞ」
「女王陛下とアリッサでは、ホーラントに負けるということですか?」
「ああ」
パシッと音を立てて、一二三は鞘を叩いた。
「まぁ、半分は期待に過ぎないが、おそらくな」
「なるほど。それはようございました」
二人は、日暮れの町を悠々と進んでいく。
その姿は、傍から見れば仲睦まじい恋人同士に見えるかもしれない。たとえ、目指しているのが戦場だとしても。
Chapter 135: Don'T Stand So Close To Me
If you describe a shinigami in a few words, it gains its power of existence by being feared and it's recognised as god-like damned being which gathers its energy from "people dying."
As such the shinigami appeared in the room, where Reni and Helen are living, before going to Vepar's place as  told by Hifumi.
"That means for Hifumi-san you beastmen are completely managing this city and I believe that he wants you to take defensive measures within all of Swordland, including the humans as well."
"Is that true, I wonder...?"
Reni and Helen were cautious of the shinigami, who suddenly appeared out of thin air, in the beginning, but once Hifumi's name is mentioned, they agree groundlessly while thinking
Thus the two listened to the shinigami's explanation while rubbing their sleepy eyes, but what came out of the shinigami's mouth were flowery words towards Reni and Helen, how Hifumi is evaluating them, to gain total control of the remaining human area by demonstrating their intelligence and that they should make their own country in its true meaning.
"You say that easily, but there are still many humans. Don't ask for something impossible while even our own livelihood hasn't yet stabilized."
"What are you talking about. Haven't you increased your manpower with the joining of the elves and moreover haven't there appeared even people who can use magic among the beastmen?"
"Even so, that doesn't mean we will be able to win if we fight the humans immediately, right? Inviting our mothers isn't working out well either..."
It's her own statement, but Helen inadvertently ended up hanging her head in shame.
The beastmen, who are living in the old slums have tried to invite their old beastmen friends, but there are many who avoid to be even close to the city of man. Although Reni and Helen dispatched messengers, it was difficult to summon their family who were on guard. "If we find an opportunity, sooner or later, it won't do if we don't persuade them by ourselves", the two discussed before going to bed tonight.
"Let's consider it the other way around. If the threat of humans vanishes, won't you be able to brazenly go meet the other beastmen? Even the people on the slums' side are mostly separated from their fellow relatives, right?"
"That is, true, however..."
"Therefore, if you create a peaceful city by trying your best here, the rest will work out as well. The establishing of a tight defence system now that the come-back of the demons is rumoured is also part of your both's task as representatives of this city, isn't it?"
Helen ended up silent without returning any remarks due to the smooth stream of words.
The more she listens to it the more she can believe the point of this skinny man, who calls himself a shinigami, to be correct. However, in Helen's mind there was a sense of impeding danger of some unknown nature that rebelled against it.
Suddenly Helen noticed that Reni hadn't uttered a single word since some time ago.
"Reni, what do you..." (Helen)
Once Helen looked at Reni, she was sleeping completely like a log while hugging her pillow and loosely sitting on the bed.
When she lightly hits her head, Reni opens her eyes in surprise.
"Oww!?" (Reni)
"Don't go sleeping care-freely." (Helen)
Helen sighed towards Reni who was somehow awakening while rubbing her eyes.
"What do you think?" (Helen)
"Mm~... shinigami-san, is Hifumi-san well?" (Reni)
"Huh? Yes, he doing very well. He is currently extremely lively due to the matter of causing disputes amongst fellow humans."
Due to the question which suddenly came flying from out of the field, the shinigami opened its eyes widely for an instant but then answers with a smile.
"Humans, they usually do nothing but fighting each other, don't they? And yet they are able to retain such large numbers well."
"So, why are you here, shinigami-san?" (Reni)
"As I said, receiving a request from Hifumi-san, I came to give the two of you some advices."
Releasing a big yawn, Reni muttered that she understood.
"If Hifumi-san has said so, I will try doing my best." (Reni)
"Reni... is that fine?" (Helen)
Reni returned a limp smile towards the uneasy Helen.
"Splendid! I'm also looking forward to your great efforts, you two!"
"Well then", leaving those words behind, the shinigami completely disappeared like smoke.
"Reni..." (Helen)
"Let's sleep, Helen? Tomorrow will be busy again." (Reni)
"To prepare for fighting the humans?" (Helen)
"Why?" (Reni)
"Why... you say, didn't we talk about that just now." (Helen)
If it is only that shinigami-san saying it, I have no particular intention to follow it?" (Reni)
"Eeh?" (Helen)
Reni, who put down the pillow and created a depression by hitting its centre with a *tap-tap*, looked at Helen's face with drowsy eyes.
to us. Until now he had us only do what we wanted to do ourselves. Besides, did he ever order anything?" (Reni)
"Now that you mention it..." (Helen)
"Therefore."
Playing her head on the pillow, Reni once again covered herself with the thin futon.
"Isn't it alright if we try to do things as we like with everyone? Ah, I'm slightly worried about what he said in regards to the demons." (Reni)
"Let's consult with the elves tomorrow", Reni says with a yawn blended in.
"We have to make plans." (Helen)
"That's right. We have to investigate what demon-san's are eating." (Reni)
"The preparation of the welcome will be difficult, won't it?" Just like that Reni fell asleep in the blink of an eye.
Helen, who ended up completely wide awake, stands up to get some water to drink.
"Even though you are intelligent, you are quite carefree." (Helen)
Watching Reni who's already sleeping peacefully, Helen renewed her intention to do her best together with Reni. She wants to support her important friend.
It was about night after they went to observe the enemy's movements when it resulted in a defence encampment being set up between Munster and the border due to the order of Imeraria who heard the story from a soldier.
After receiving that order, Sabnak, who wrote down orders to draft up the construction of the encampment at night spurring on his body, which hasn't recovered from the fatigue of the travel, sighed from the bottom of his heart that it was agreeable for him to not turn up the next day and to play hooky.
Immediately following the construction of the encampment which took two full days, the invasion from Horant began.
"Great... you can't say that, but should I say that it's wonderful that Her Majesty's decision was quick?"
"... Captain, you are very composed."
The young knight, who took off his helmet and wiped away the sweat, looked at Sabnak with a gaze filled with respect.
"Even if I were to be impatient, it can't be helped anyway. We finished all possible preparations." (Sabnak)
The report from the soldiers who continuously monitored the border stated that their opponent has only around 200 infantrymen. Although the figures of magicians and anyone else can't be seen, it has been confirmed that they are pulling several spear throwers.
The encampment, which was laid out by Sabnak against those, has shallow holes to stop horses, nets which were spread all over to hinder the infantry, groups of 100 permanently stationed infantrymen and thirty spear throwers of which the production partially started in the Biron Earldom.
"I believe he did well to prepare this many. While being your brother-in-law, he is a great person."
"It was a unit we formed up in a hurry and moreover it wasn't supposed to be used against anyone but the nobles as opponents. It saved me trouble." (Sabnak)
"He's proud that he can make the Captain of the Royal Knights at the the peak of his popularity say so." (Biron)
Biron called out to Sabnak's group, which is talking while staring in the direction from where the enemy is supposed to come, from behind.
"B-Brother-in-law-san? It's planned for you to stay behind in Munster..." (Sabnak)
"That was the plan. Because Her Majesty will clearly see her retainers' manner of fighting at the front, it's wrong for me, who is her retainer, to stay behind in the territory." (Biron)
"Eh? Her Majesty is..." (Sabnak)
Once Sabnak turns around his head with a motion like a rusted mechanical doll, he saw the figure of Imeraria, who is looking in the direction of the border on horse, over Biron's shoulder.
"Y-Your Majesty! Please, retire to the rear!" (Sabnak)
"No. There's no way I can have peace despite everyone fighting desperately. Besides, there's something I noticed in this time's case." (Imeraria)
Imeraria, who returned the pipe for seeing at a distance to the pouch at her waist, looks at Sabnak from atop the horse.
Her expression was virile and imposing to a degree one would expect from a teenager.
"Only watching Hifumi-sama, I wasn't even aware what kind of effort everyone from the knights and soldiers invested or how much you can fight. That's why I was looking at a person like Aspilketa lightly." (Imeraria)
"T-That sort of thing is..." (Sabnak)
Imeraria, who held back the flustered Sabnak by raising one hand, surveyed the encampment from the horse's back.
A fulcrum is set up there according to the instructions of a knight and a large net has been affixed to it.
"What's that?" (Imeraria)
Looking in the direction she pointed at, Sabnak replies,
"That's a curtain to stop the spears of spear throwers, Your Majesty." (Sabnak)
"... Is it alright although it looks like a net? Besides, it looks like it's dangling a bit without being tightened." (Imeraria)
Seeing the look of the uneasy Imeraria, Sabnak remembered that he had the same reaction when he saw it for the first time.
"It's very likely to be torn if it's not a net. If it's stretched out too firmly, it's also very probably that it will be pierced by the spears... It seems." (Sabnak)
, the words of Sabnak, who thought so while talking, became anticlimactic at the end.
"In other words, this is also a suggestion from Hifumi-sama, you are saying?" (Imeraria)
"... Indeed, Your Majesty." (Sabnak)
Imeraria, who sighed deeply, muttered "It can't be helped, I guess."
"Let's consider it good luck that both sides have that knowledge and not only the enemy's side and that our side is somewhat ahead in regards to that." (Imeraria)
Given that she surveys the rest by herself, Imeraria advanced with her horse while telling them to hasten their preparations.
"Brother-in-law... Earl Biron." (Sabnak)
"Once the battle starts, please withdraw to the rear while taking Her Majesty along even if it's by force." (Sabnak)
"I will handle it carefully." (Biron)
The wryly smiling Biron and Sabnak shrug their shoulders wile facing each other.
The battle began with an exchange of fire between the spear throwers, just as expected by Sabnak, in the afternoon of that day.
It was about evening and the battled had finished its first stage when Hifumi's group and Fokalore's territorial soldiers arrived in Munster.
Due to the somewhat restless air swirling about within the city, Hifumi, who walks while pulling the reins, closes his eyes partly.
"It seems like the fighting has already begun." (Hifumi)
Once many soldiers enter the city after getting permission from the guards, the residents face them with looks filled with a mix of expectations and anxieties.
Reinforcements are a help. But, they cannot welcome an expansion of the front line.magic
"Well then, Alyssa." (Hifumi)
Alyssa, who looked up at Hifumi's face directly from the front, gently caressed the wakizashi located in the back on her waist.
"It's fine to do as you like. I will watch." (Hifumi)
Alyssa made changes to the ranks of the soldiers with a single order and headed towards the direction of the border by running fast.
The army, which advances while raising clouds of dust, leaves the city without lowering its pace while pulling many tools.
The residents, who saw their figures off in blank amazement, understand after seeing the black-haired young man calmly following from behind while mounted on a horse. The army of that Earl Tohno came rushing as reinforcement.
The populace was filled with hope due to the army of Fokalore which arrived right after the royal army in spite of originating from the opposite side of the country.
"Is that alright?" (Origa)
Due to the question of Origa, who lined up her horse next to him, Hifumi turned only his look at her.
"Don't you want to fight as well, dear?" (Origa)
Hifumi raised his voice in laughter at Origa who watches him with an uneasy look.
"Ahaha! You were worried about such stuff?" (Hifumi)
"P-Please don't laugh. You are concer..." (Origa)
While stroking Origa's head with his left hand, which was covered by a glove, after bringing his horse close, Hifumi skilfully fixed the position of the katana which shifted slightly due to the vibrations of the horse.
"Let's see. I will talk about my real intentions to you." (Hifumi)
Due to Hifumi's remark, Origa gulps and stares at Hifumi's face.
"I think, if I can go around killing each and every living person, I want to do that. If I can simply kill those in front of me without having to care about anything, I wonder how happy I will be." (Hifumi)
"But", Hifumi returned his sight to the front.
"In that case there will be no future. Of course it will end if I die, but if I ended up killing everyone, what will happen afterwards?" (Hifumi)
"That is..." (Origa)
"You know, I will be a loner." (Hifumi)
The city, where the sun began to sink, is dyed in madder red.
"Therefore, by rapidly increasing those who can fight, I want an enjoyable wagering of lives. Without that I'm not actually feeling alive." (Hifumi)
"I-I am!" (Origa)
Hifumi stopped his horse due to Origa suddenly raising her voice.
"I will be right next to you until the very end, Hifumi-sama! By all means, please fight with me at the time when all enemies to be killed have vanished. I became strong. I will put in great efforts to get even stronger. Therefore..." (Origa)
While making the horse advance again, Hifumi gently stroke Origa's cheek.
"Well, then I will leave it to you at that time. Please become an enemy that's worth to be killed." (Hifumi)
"Please leave it to me. E-Even I, at the end by your hand... ufufu..." (Origa)
Due to Origa spontaneously breaking into a smile thanks to the warmth of the caressed cheek, Hifumi continued his words.
"Besides, as I likely won't fight this time, it's unnecessary to worry about me." (Hifumi)
"How about if Her Majesty the Queen and Alyssa lose to Horant?" (Origa)
"Ah." (Hifumi)
Hifumi hit the scabbard with a sound of a whack.
"Well, half of it is no more than anticipation, but maybe it will happen." (Hifumi)
"I see. That's good." (Origa)
The two leisurely advance through the city at twilight.
Their figures might appear as intimate pair of lovers if seen from the side. Even if the place they are heading for is a battlefield.
Summoned Slaughterer
呼び出された殺戮者
https://www.novelupdates.com/series/summoned-slaughterer/
Action Adventure Fantasy Martial Arts Mature Psychological Romance Shounen
Adapted to Manga Aristocracy Arrogant Characters Average-looking Protagonist Beastkin Beautiful Female Lead Betrayal Calm Protagonist Clever Protagonist Cunning Protagonist Dark Demi-Humans Demons Determined Protagonist Different Social Status Dwarfs Elemental Magic Elves Enemies Become Allies Enemies Become Lovers Evil Protagonist Fantasy Creatures Fantasy World Fearless Protagonist God-human Relationship Gods Kingdom Building Kingdoms Knights Love Interest Falls in Love First Magic Beasts Magical Space Male Protagonist Marriage Monsters Nobles Obsessive Love Overpowered Protagonist Politics Power Struggle Protagonist Strong from the Start R-15 Royalty Ruthless Protagonist Samurai Schemes And Conspiracies S*aves Strong Love Interests Strong to Stronger Summoning Magic Sword And Magic Sword Wielder Transported to Another World Underestimated Protagonist Unique Weapon User Unique Weapons Wars Yandere
https://ncode.syosetu.com/n4399ci/
井戸正善／ido