Author: Suisei
Translator: Rinkage
Character page: Here
Side note: Romance anime that are out this year
Chapter 100 – I tried to register the guardian deity with the guild
“C-Clayman-san!” [Sierra]
In a flustered manner, the female staff, now addressed as Sierra-san, disappeared into the depths of the guild. It seemed that she realized she couldn’t handle it herself. While the guild was engulfed in an unusual atmosphere, Clayman arrived as if he was forcibly dragged by Sierra-san.
“It’s still early in the morning! What the heck do you want?! I have my own things to prepare and backend work to do as well.” [Clayman]
“Please don’t lie. You were grinning from ear to ear while looking at the homemade bento from your wife.” [Sierra]
What the heck is he doing? If you want to gawk at your wife’s homemade bento, do it during lunch! It’s still early.
“Lower your voice! It’s too loud… So, what happe, it’s you?” [Clayman]
“Hmm, it’s been a while.” [Youki]
Even though we practically see each other every day, I acted as though I hadn’t seen him in a while. Magic Knight of Black Lightning hadn’t made his appearance for a long while after all.
“…It looks highly troublesome, but I’ll ask anyway. What’s up?” [Clayman]
It would seem that he planned to get straight to the point, not questioning the reason I decided to put on this getup again. That’s Clayman for you.
“I plan to have my friend registered with the guild today.” [Youki]
“…Is he the one behind you?” [Clayman]
“That’s right!” [Youki]
“It seems like birds of a feather flock together, huh?” [Clayman]
“More or less, I guess.” [Youki]
Clayman looked at Gai with disbelief.
What I had on me was the attire of a Magic Knight of Black Lightning—a full-body black outfit with a touch of ‘chuunibyou’. As for Gai, the main cast for the day, he wore a fluffy ski suit-like outfit. I had purchased it from a merchant who came from the northern country, seemingly worn by people living in snowy mountains. It was a complete set of attire, including a top and bottom that covered the neck. He also wore gloves on his hands, with strings tied around them to his clothes to ensure they wouldn’t fall off. On his face, he deliberately wore a demon mask, something that seemed to be used as a talisman by some kind of cult in a country. It was slightly creepy because the face of a demon was realistically reproduced on the leather material. I seriously doubted that it was actually a talisman. Gai also wore long boots on his feet, tied with strings like the gloves. Since his whole body was covered, he didn’t look rugged at all. There was no way Gai could be mistaken for a demon. It was perfect.
“I’m Gai. Sorry for the inconvenience, but could I register with the guild?” [Gai]
“Sure. Please fill in the necessary information here.” [Clayman]
“Clayman-san!? Is that okay?” [Sierra]
Probably because Clayman handed us the forms so easily, Sierra-san tried to stop him. Gai’s response was quite gentlemanly, so there shouldn’t be anything suspicious about him.
“Mmh, so it’s really impossible?” [Gai]
Gai moaned under his breath.
Don’t worry. I’m with you.
“Hmm, is there any problem with my friend here?” [Youki]
“Ah, uh… that.” [Sierra]
“Ahh, his whole body is covered in a fluffy suit, and he’s wearing a mask. So he’s obviously suspicious.” [Clayman]
“Clayman-san, you’re being too direct!” [Sierra]
“I just said it on your behalf since you were hesitating there. I don’t want to waste time dragging this on.” [Clayman]
Clayman was half lying. I could tell from the subtle smirk on his face. He was probably trying to get a payback for ratting him out about the bento.
But, seriously… he’s resorting to payback for a minor thing like that? Is he a child? If this goes on, Gai won’t be able to complete his registration at all. Let’s execute the plan we have in mind.
“Sorry, but there’s a reason he’s dressed like this. Could you please hear us out?” [Youki]
Gai was born in a mountain village in a snowy country. Due to his large build, he would help defeat rampaging demons near the village and was regarded as a hero among the villagers. However, one day, he sustained severe injuries after fighting against a demon. With his body covered in wounds, he could no longer fight for a while. At that time, the villagers grew to resent Gai who could no longer fight and contribute back to the village. His large build caused him to have a big appetite, and since he could no longer contribute anymore, they treated him as a burden due to the limited food supply in the village. In such a circumstance, Gai left his hometown since he couldn’t bear it any longer. However, even though he was treated poorly by the villagers, he still couldn’t forget his hometown, so he continued dressing in this manner. He also deliberately wore the mask of that demon that had driven him to the edge, as motivation.
“…so that’s our story.” [Youki]
When I was done with the explanation, I noticed that all the people in the guild were listening. It was mostly a fabrication, but I did include part of Gai’s current situation in the story. When I explained it to Gai previously, he seemed hesitant, asking me over and over again if we would go with that tale. I didn’t know what he was worried about.
“Ah, for the time being, just fill in the necessary information. You’ll be registered with this. You know, sorry about it.” [Clayman]
“Y-Yeah. I understand.” [Gai]
Gai filled in the details smoothly. The strategy was a success, just as I had expected.
“…Umm.” [Sierra]
“Hm, what is it?” [Youki]
Sierra-san called out, seemingly in fear.
“I understand why this gentleman is dressed this way now… It might be rude of me, but could there be a reason behind your choice of clothing as well?” [Sierra]
“What a foolish question. There is no reason behind this. If there is one, I would say that I’m dressed this way because I am the Magic Knight of Black Lightning.” [Youki]
“I-I see…” [Sierra]
“Hey, registration is done.” [Clayman]
“I see. Sorry for the trouble. Then we’ll be leaving now.” [Youki]
“You’re not taking up any mission?” [Clayman]
“We’re only here for registration today. We’ll be coming again another day. Let’s go, Gai. I bid you all farewell.” [Youki]
I dragged Gai out of the guild.
“Clayman-san, there are many kinds of people in this world, aren’t there?” [Sierra]
“Huh? That kind of thing happens all the time if you’re alive. Especially in a guild, where all kinds of people gather. You’d better remember that.” [Clayman]
“It’s very educational…” [Sierra]
The conversation between the two of them came as clear as a bell when I strengthened my sense of hearing.
“Hey, kiddo…” [Gai]
“My name’s Magic Knight of Black Lightning…” [Youki]
“That’s too long! I’ll just omit the rest and call you Black Knight.” [Gai]
“Hmm, do as you like.” [Youki]
“It feels incredibly bothersome right now.” [Gai]
Has Clayman’s behaviour rubbed off on him? For him to influence Gai in such a short time was impressive.
“Gai, your guild rank is still low. Hurry up and rank up.” [Youki]
“That’s what I wanted to ask. Black Knight, how do I fight?” [Gai]
“…What?” [Youki]
“I normally battle by using dark magic to attack from the sky, but humans can’t use dark magic, right?” [Gai]
Dark attribute magic can only be used by demonic beings and demons. Research was done in the past to see if humans can do the same, but it has been a proven fact that humans are incapable of using dark attribute magic. Even elves or beastmen cannot use them. So, if he starts using dark attribute magic, he’ll definitely be suspected.
“Gai, what other magic can you use?” [Youki]
“I can only use dark magic.” [Gai]
I intended to get him a suitable weapon today so he could accept a subjugation quest tomorrow, but the plan turned out to be a flop.
“We’ll have an emergency brainstorming session. We’ll settle this matter right away!” [Youki]
“Really, I don’t think it’s that simple.” [Gai]
I ignored Gai’s retort and continued our discussion as we walked.
“We’ll settle it with weapons. What weapons can you use?” [Youki]
“None. I can’t do close combat. At best, I can only engage in simple brawls.” [Gai]
“Denied!” [Youki]
There is no way Gai can win with only his fists. I’ve never heard of anyone fighting with their fists while wearing fluffy clothing.
“That being the case, just learn a new magic. Fire magic should be doable.” [Youki]
“What should I do until then? I want to break away from my current situation immediately.” [Gai]
“…That’s the issue, isn’t it.” [Youki]
Gai was trying to be independent, so he didn’t have the leisure to start learning other magic from scratch.
“Is there a weapon that I can use?” [Gai]
“Hmm, this is the time to consult an expert. Let’s go!” [Youki]
I decided to go to the weapon shop and consult the owner. Given Gai’s powerful appearance, a large weapon would suit him. Upon arriving at the weapon shop, we attracted the attention of all the staff and customers. It seems that I stand out, after all.
“Black Knight, we’re standing out.” [Gai]
“Pay no mind to the gazes of others. Shopkeeper, sorry to bother you, but do you have any weapons that would suit him?” [Youki]
Ignoring the stares, I headed straight to the counter and asked the fatherly-looking shopkeeper.
“Ah, yeah. Is he a beginner? Normally, I’d recommend a shortsword… but considering his physique, I think a greatsword, hammer, or mace would be good choices.”
“What do you think?” [Youki]
“Hmm, hammer for me, then. I have confidence in my strength.” [Gai]
I won’t lend the money under the pretense of celebrating Gai’s liberation from being a freeloader. It’s like giving a metal rod to an ogre, but in this case, a hammer.
“Since you’ve decided on the equipment, we’ll accept guild missions tomorrow. Listen here, Gai, show me your ability, as a partner of Magic Knight of Black Lightning.” [Youki]
“I’m only doing this to make money for Tiel.” [Gai]
“So you’re doing this for love, huh? I like the sound of it. As Magic Knight of Black Lightning, I will support your purpose will all my strength.” [Youki]
“Hey, stop twisting my words!” [Gai]
“Pay no mind to it. By the way, we’ll stay in a different inn tonight.” [Youki]
I planned to support Gai, as Magic Knight of Black Lightning, for a week. I was concerned that he couldn’t do it by himself.
“Got it. What are we going to do from here?” [Gai]
“I’m planning to show you around Minerva. Also, we’ll think of some precautions to take in case anything unexpected happens.” [Youki]
If his disguise was exposed, we needed to establish some measures.
“Please show me around, then.” [Gai]
“Leave it to me.” [Youki]
We spent the entire day walking around Minerva, touring the shops and facilities in town. Along the way, we were almost accosted by a group of knights, but we managed to avoid further problems after showing them our guild cards.
RinkageTranslation 
Thank you!
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