Author: Suisei
Translator: Rinkage
Character page: Here
Chapter 217 – I looked around the wedding hall
I slipped into a bathroom stall while no one was looking, then walked back out with an innocent expression, blending right in.
After all, whether anything had changed depended entirely on whether the people around you noticed. I just needed to show myself to Yuuga when the time was right. That should reassure him enough to let him focus on his future married life with Mikana.
However, things didn’t unfold as planned.
“…Geh.”
“Just seeing my face gets that reaction? It seems I’m quite thoroughly disliked by you.”
I ran into Soleil the moment I stepped out of the restroom.
Wasn’t his role supposed to have ended already?
My reliable comrades were busy handling matters in another room, so once again I was left to face this formidable opponent alone. If he started prying again with that detective-like attitude and brought up the name “Magic Knight of Black Lightning,” it would be over. I didn’t have the confidence to keep my composure right now. At the same time, I had no intention of brushing him off and leaving either.
“Please don’t be so on guard. I won’t pry any further. I’ve already said what I wanted to say. The rest is up to you. In the end, no matter whom Cecilia-san chooses to deepen her ties with, I have no right to interfere.” [Soleil]
“Oh? You’re surprisingly quick to let go, Soleil-san. You once intended to pursue a future together with her, didn’t you? I figured you’d at least get a little more heated about it.” [Youki]
“I have my own position to consider. Unfortunately, I don’t have the luxury of clinging to one woman forever. I must keep moving forward… for the sake of those who believe in me.” [Soleil]
Dazzling…
He was radiating an almost blinding light. This guy was a protagonist type, too, just like Yuuga. Unlike Yuuga, though, he had common sense… which made him an even more troublesome opponent. He brushed off my sarcasm effortlessly.
Yeah. Best to put some distance between us, and fast.
“Even so, Cecilia-san sure has it rough. Just because she doesn’t have a fiancé, she’s surrounded by men and can’t even move freely. Goodness, I wonder if some knight will appear to rescue her?” [Soleil]
“I’m not falling for your provocation.” [Youki]
“I wasn’t speaking to you in particular… I believe he is present at this venue. This ceremony is an important event. There’s more than enough chance for something to happen. The knight order is patrolling, of course… but he should be here as well in case of an emergency.” [Soleil]
Th-that’s terrifying. Who is this guy?
If he could see that far ahead, then he should easily figure out my identity. Yet judging by the smug look on his face, he didn’t seem to suspect me in the slightest.
Convenient for me… but strangely disappointing as well.
“Please don’t make that face. I’ve already cleanly given up on Cecilia-san.” [Soleil]
That wasn’t the kind of expression I was making, but sure, let’s go with that.
“Hah… is that so. Well then, I’ll be taking my leave—” [Youki]
I still needed to show my face to Yuuga.
And I had some urgent business, involving discreetly cutting slits in the belts of the men crowding around Cecilia.
“If it’s Cecilia-san, she was deepening her acquaintance with Gullfoss-san. I can take you to her. This way.” [Soleil]
Damn it. If I ran now, it would look suspicious. Looks like I had no choice but to let him ‘guide’ me.
Well, Yuuga was headed that way too, and I was worried about Cecilia, so this worked out.
Suppressing my killing intent, I asked what kind of man this “Gullfoss” was. Apparently, he was someone with a moniker, one of Soleil’s companions known as the “Sage.” Judging by the title, I imagined an old man leaning on a staff. Probably the type who enjoyed intellectual conversations – exactly the kind of person I’d have trouble interrupting.
“Cecilia-jou, you still look as beautiful as ever. Say, how about we go out for a meal tonight as an after-party?”
“I appreciate the invitation, but I already have plans this evening.” [Cecilia]
“What? Someone beat me to it? Cecilia-jou has an appointment, huh. Could he be someone more handsome than me?”
“Perhaps you could ask my friend who’s wearing a bridal gown today.” [Cecilia]
“My apologies… I see. A man without tact ends up disliked. Allow me to make amends for my rudeness. I’ll be staying in Minerva for a few days, so if you have any free time—”
Cecilia was speaking with a tall, flashy-looking man. This guy looked nothing like a “Sage.” What was going on here?
“Even after leaving the battlefield, he hasn’t lost his formidable physique. During our travels, his defense – making full use of that body – saved us countless times. Though I’d say Cecilia-san’s guard is even sturdier than that of Gullfoss the Stalwart.” [Soleil]
So it’s the ‘Stalwart’, not the ‘Sage’?! **
You’ve got to be kidding me!
Cecilia smoothly brushed off his invitation, but just standing here watching her get hit on irritated me to no end. Even if Soleil said he was merely observing, there was no way he wasn’t enjoying this.
Fine then. I’ll act in my role as Cecilia’s most fervent admirer.
“Why, if it isn’t Cecilia-sama. It’s been quite some time. I’ve never forgotten the day you saved me. To think I’d meet you again at such a joyous occasion. It’s truly an honour.” [Youki]
“And who might you be? Cecilia-jou is speaking with me right now.” [Gullfoss]
Gullfoss looked visibly displeased as I suddenly appeared, rubbing my hands together theatrically. Cecilia, on the other hand, wore a clear “Why are you here?” expression.
Sorry. I couldn’t help it. We’ll talk later.
“Aren’t you Gullfoss-sama the Stalwart? My apologies. I didn’t realize I was intruding.” [Youki]
“Hmph. As long as you understand. Then leave at once—” [Gullfoss]
“However, I don’t know whether I’ll ever have another chance to meet Cecilia-sama. For someone as renowned as yourself, Gullfoss-sama, opportunities like that will surely come again. Would you be willing to yield this moment to me?” [Youki]
“Hmph. I have no idea what you’re talking about. In any case, leave this place—” [Gullfoss]
“Are you sure about that?” [Youki]
I leaned closer and whispered into Gullfoss’s ear.
“If you show the breadth of your character here, as someone with a moniker, Cecilia-sama might look upon you more favourably. And since your conversation ended halfway through, you could always arrange another meeting later. It would be a natural way to invite her again.” [Youki]
“…Hohoh. Very well. Cecilia-jou, I’ll yield the floor to him for now. We can continue our talk another day.” [Gullfoss]
Thus, persuaded by my words, Gullfoss the Stalwart left.
Heh.
Soleil was a tough opponent, but for someone called the “Stalwart,” Gullfoss turned out to be surprisingly brittle.
“…Youki-san.” [Cecilia]
“I can’t just stand by quietly when someone’s hitting on my girlfriend.” [Youki]
Yeah… there was no helping it.
I muttered that softly so only Cecilia could hear, then made a swift escape.
All that remained now was to show my face to Yuuga. I didn’t want to deal with Soleil anymore, so I decided to hurry up and switch back to the Magic Knight of Black Lightning.
However, before I could do that, I noticed a crowd gathered around Yuuga.
…What now?
“Hey, come on. It’s fine, right? I went through the trouble of coming here. Let’s fight.”
“Today isn’t the place for that. This is a day I’ll never forget. It’s a special day for me and Mikana. Sorry, but I’ll have to decline.” [Yuuga]
It seemed someone had challenged him. Yuuga could be seen standing protectively in front of Mikana. The man challenging him, on the other hand… looked familiar.
“Come on, we’re fellow heroes, aren’t we? Let’s get along. I even came all this way to celebrate for you. Couldn’t you do me this one favour?”
“…Like I said earlier, I have no intention of drawing my sword today. I’m sorry, but please leave it for another time. Hero of the Gallis Empire – Mirror.” [Yuuga]
Mirror… Oh. That guy.
Mirror was the Empire’s hero who wielded bizarre weapons. He had messed with Gai and Sheik during our trip back to Dagaz Village, so I gave him a harsh beating and tossed him into a river. Apparently, he survived. Not surprising. He was probably the same type as Yuuga: ridiculously durable. But he wasn’t just a battle maniac. He was the type who enjoyed slaughtering demons. A real lunatic.
“So yeah, as punishment for screwing up, my country put me through all sorts of experiments. Just massacring pathetic demons isn’t enough anymore. I heard rumours the Holy Sword awakened even more power, right? Must be nice… getting stronger just by having ‘resolve.’ I wish I’d had a weapon like that instead of this cheap knockoff. Look at me now!” [Mirror]
Mirror pulled his clothes open.
Ugh.
There were things embedded in his body. Was the Gallis Empire insane? Human experimentation? On a hero? What were they planning to do if it failed? …Actually, judging by his appearance, it seemed like it already had.
“If you won’t fight me, then how about I show you? My power, I mean. That might make you reconsider.” [Mirror]
His arm began glowing red.
Don’t tell me… Is he about to fire a beam from his palm? This isn’t supposed to be that kind of world. I mean, that definitely looks like five seconds until beam discharge.
And wait! He’s aiming at Mikana?!
“The hell do you think you’re doinggggg!” [Youki]
I shot forward instantly. My foot slammed into Mirror’s side, sending him skidding across the floor. At the same time, Yuuga pulled Mikana behind him. For a brief moment, I felt relieved. And that was probably my mistake. Because Mirror didn’t even try to stand up, instead, his arm twisted towards me.
Hey, wait! I kicked you away! How are you—
A crimson flash erupted from his palm, and the beam struck me head-on. The next moment, my body lifted off the ground.
The world spun.
Glass shattered.
And I was blasted straight out of the wedding hall.
** Explanation:
This is a classic play on words (pun) based on Japanese homophones. Both terms are pronounced the same way: Kenrou (けんろう), so Youki misunderstood it.
- 賢老 (Kenrou): “Sage.”
- 堅牢 (Kenrou): “Stalwart.”
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