Mushoku Tensei (WN) Volume 2

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I'm currently running.

I'm fleeing away with all my strength from the beast's claws.

I escape with all my concentration, carrying with me a heart full of fear.

Over the stairs. Jumping through the courtyard. Sometimes using magic to cling to the roof. Sometimes falling down.

"Where are you?!"

That fellow releases a roar and chases after me.

No matter where I run.

I'm quite confident in my physical strength.

After all I have been running since I was 2 or 3, training in the sword.

But this bit of self confidence has been shattered.

That fellow, as if to mock my efforts, chases me without running out of breath, with blood red hair flying in the winds.

That fellow does not know the meaning of "giving up". No matter how far I run, the instant I relax, will be the moment that fellow closes the gap bit by bit.

"Haaa....... Haaa......"

I'm starting to run out of breath.

I can't keep running. I'm already unable to escape.

I'll hide. There's only that option.

"Gulp......"

I hide in the shadow of the stairs, observing from the area that allows observation of the plants, when I hear the beast roaring from the center of the mansion.

"I will never forgive you!"

This roar makes my legs tremble.

I am Rudeus Greyrat. 7 years old.

I have bright tea colored hair. I'm a robust bishounen, and a former 34 year old NEET.

Because I didn't go to my parents' funeral and got chased out by my family, I got killed by a truck. But because of fate's bad joke, I have retained my memories and reincarnated as a baby.

I have reflected on my past life acting as a horrible human being, and in these 7 years, I have worked hard to live earnestly.

Learning how to speak and write, learning magic, training in the sword, establis.h.i.+ng good relations.h.i.+ps with my parents, and even meeting a cute childhood friend named Sylphy. To be able to go to school with Sylphy, I have complied to the job's request, letting me earn for two people's share for the school fees, and come to the city of Roa.

If I complete the job for the young lady's education, the employer will pay for the school fees --------- Even though it's supposed to be something like that.

"Come out wherever you are! I'll crush you into bits!"

I look out from the observation area, and s.h.i.+ver from the beast's noises.

Trembling from the violent incarnate that is in the shape of a young girl.

------ Why has it turned out this way?

I'll have to trace it back to 1 hour ago.

When we reached Roa, it had turned into evening.

The distance between the village Buina and Roa is about a day's journey on a horse carriage.

If you count the time, it's about 6-7 hours. You can say that's far, but if you said it's near, it wouldn't be untrue.

The city of Roa, is indeed one of the largest cities around here, as it is a bustling place.

The first thing that I see are the walls.

They surround the city to about 7-8 meters high, and look very reliable.

Around the city gate, there is an unending flow of traffic, and once we're inside, I immediately see all sorts of hawkers.

And right at the place where we just entered, there are a series of inns and stables.

The citizens are mingling with the merchants, there are people wearing armor walking by, and the entire place looks like a fantasy out of a storybook.

There are some people carrying huge luggage sitting right at an area as if they are waiting for something.

What could it be?

"Ghyslaine, do you know what that is?"

I ask the person sitting opposite me.

Having beast's ears and a tail, and wearing very revealing leather clothes with chocolate-colored skin underneath them, is a huge guy with muscles ----- No, it's a female swordswoman.

Ghyslaine Dedorudia.

Third in the Sword-G.o.d style rankings, a formidable swordswoman having the t.i.tle of a Sword-King, has agreed to teach me swordsmans.h.i.+p where we are going to.

She's the second teacher to me.

"....... Kid."

She reveals an irritated expression to my question.

"Are you treating me as an idiot?"

Ghyslaine glares at me fiercely, scaring me.

"Ah no. I'm just. I don't know what that is, so I wanted to ask......."

"Ah, sorry. That's what you meant."

Seeing that I'm about to break into tears, Ghyslaine swiftly replies.

"That's the waiting area for the public carriage. Going from city to city requires that, and if you pay the driver money, you can take it."

Ghyslaine points to the shop houses one by one, telling me that this is a weapon store, that's a bar, and over there is some trading a.s.sociation. Hey wait, that's a pretty suspicious shop.

Even though her appearance frightens people, she's very friendly.

We enter into a corner, and the atmosphere changes.

After the numerous stores catering to the adventurers, as we progress forward in the horse carriage, we see many residential shops.

There must be people dwelling deep in the alley.

It looks like a planned placement.

If there are enemies around, the people surrounding here will defend, while the citizens escape into the heart of the city, or escape from the opposite direction.

Since it's this kind of concept, the more you go in, the grander the horses are, and even the shops are taller.

The deeper you go into the center, the richer the people.

And then, right at the center of the city, is the tallest building.

"This is the owner's mansion."

"Rather than saying it's a mansion, this is more like a castle."

It is said that 400 years ago, this place was held as the last line of defense. It's a city with a long history.

So this is the castle in the city.

But only the part about history is true, the n.o.bles that are at the capital deem this as a place where many low cla.s.s adventurers reside in.

"It seems that the Ojou-sama's n.o.ble status is quite high since we're coming here."

"Not exactly."

Ghyslaine shakes her head.

But since the Lord's mansion is already in front of my eyes, based on the earlier deduction, the people staying around here are obviously high cla.s.s.

........ Or maybe not. Staying in this area situated near the borders, the rank might not be anywhere high.

"Eh?"

As I think of that, the driver greets the person at the mansion's gate.

And enters it.

"Is that the Lord's daughter?"

"No."

"Is it not?"

"Almost."

Is there some deep meaning to it? I just don't get it.....

The horse carriage stops.

When we enter the mansion, we are brought into a room that looks like it is meant to entertain guests.

The butler points towards the two sofas.

This is the first interview for me.

I'll do this carefully.

"Please sit over there."

I obey and sit down, and Ghyslaine leaves without saying a word and stands at the corner of the room.

Which can oversee the entire area.

If that happened back in my past life, I would think it was chuunibyou.

"The young master is about to come. Please wait a moment."

The butler pours a liquid that resembles red tea into a very high cla.s.s teacup, and waits at the entrance.

I drink the steaming liquid.

It isn't bad. Even though I don't know how to sample the quality of red tea, this must be quite expensive.

From the start, there was no beverage prepared for Ghyslaine. It seems like I'm the only one treated as a guest.

"Where is it!"

When I ponder over this stuff, a huge voice and angry footsteps travel from the side of the rooms.

"Is it here?"

A robust looking man roughly enters the room.

His age seems to be around 50 years old, and his dark brown hair is mixed with a little white hair, but he seems to be in a pretty good shape.

I place the cup down and stand up, bending my waist to 90 degrees.

"I'm pleased to meet you, my name is Rudeus Greyrat."

The man snorts in dissatisfaction.

"Hmph, you don't even know how to make a greeting!"

"Old master, Rudeus-dono has never left Buina village. He's still young and hasn't had the time to learn etiquette. Please forgive that small rudeness......"

"Shut it."

The butler doesn't speak after he gets shouted at.

This old Master guy should be the one who hired me.

He looks like he's really angry. As if I'm inadequate somewhere.

Even though I want to greet with care, it seems that n.o.ble's etiquette has its set of rules.

"Hmph, Paul doesn't even teach the formalities to his son!"

"I heard that Father hated the stiff rules, and thus he purposely did not teach me."

"An excuse right away! You're the same as Paul."

"Does father always find excuses?"

"What do you think? Whenever he opens his mouth, it's an excuse. If he wets the bed, he finds an excuse. If he quarrels, he finds an excuse. If he lazes in his studies, he also finds an excuse."

I see. That's true.

"If you want to learn something, at least know etiquette! You didn't try it at all and that is how you turned out this way!"

But what he says isn't wrong and not without reason.

I have only learned magic and the sword, and I never thought about learning something new.

Perhaps my vision is too narrow.

I must reflect on it earnestly.

"You are right. This is indeed caused by my own hands. I apologize deeply for this."

The old master stomps on the floor with his feet as I lower my head.

"But it seems that you didn't use it as an excuse, and tried your best to present a formal pose! I'll allow you to stay in the mansion!"

I don't really get what's going on, but it seems that I have been forgiven.

After the old Master throws down this line, he turns his body vigorously and leaves like a storm.

"Who is?"

I look at the butler and ask.

"The Lord of Fedoa. Sauros Boreas Greyrat-sama. He's Master Paul's uncle."

So that guy's a lord.

He's a little too overbearing. I really worry about his ruling. Well, there are many adventurers here, so if he doesn't have that imposing figure, he probably won't be able to handle the duties of a lord.

Hm? Greyrat, Uncle......?

"That means he's my Grandfather's brother?"

"Yes."

I had already guessed that Paul utilized the relations.h.i.+p that he broke off.

But come to think of it, his old home is amongst the high ranking n.o.bles.

That guy must have been a young master from quite a good place somewhere.

"What's wrong Thomas? Why is the door always open?"

Another person enters from from the other side of the door.

"But father looks quite happy. Did something happen?"

That guy must have been a young master from quite a good place somewhere.

A man with a slender body and bright tea-colored hair.

According to the way he describes father, he must be Paul's cousin.

"Young Master. I am really sorry. Old Master has just met Rudeus sama and seems to be pleased with him."

"Hoh, a child that Father took notice of....... Did he choose wrongly? Hmm."

He says while walking to the sofa opposite of me, and sits down.

Ah, that's right, I better quickly greet him.

"Pleased to meet you, my name is Rudeus Greyrat."

I lower my head with almost the same bow that I did earlier.

"Ah, my name is Philip Boreas Greyrat. When n.o.bles do their greeting, they will bring their right hand to their chest and lower their head slightly. From the way you did it, you must have gotten scolded."

"Is it something like that?"

I imitated Philip's actions and raised my head a little.

"Something like that, but the way you greeted isn't bad. If a blacksmith greeted Father that way, he would have probably been happy. Sit."

Philip sits back down with a plop.

I follow his directions to sit.

............ Has the interview started?

"How much exactly do you understand?"

"He said that if I teach the Ojou-sama here for 5 years, I will be supported with the fees to go into the Magic University."

"Is that all?"

"Yes."

"I see......"

Philips puts his hands under his chin, as if to think about something, and his eyes look at the table.

"Do you like girls?"

"Not to the level of Father."

"Is that so? Okay. You pa.s.s."

Ah? Ara?

That was too fast, right?

"As of now, that child only favors two people, Edena who teaches etiquette, and Ghyslaine who teaches the sword. Before this, 5 people have been sacked. One of them was a man who has even taught in the royal palace."

Even if he taught at the royal palace, the way he teaches might not be good, but I didn't say that out loud.

"........... Does this have anything to do with liking girls?"

"Not at all. Because Paul is one who would try anything for a cute girl, I'm wondering if you're the same."

Philip shrugs his shoulders.

I'm the one who feels like shrugging. You actually grouped me together with that guy.

"To be clear, I don't hold any expectations of you. Because you're Paul's son, I want you to try in any case."

"Whoa. That's a little too clear."

"What's the matter? Do you have the confidence?"

I don't really have it.

But even if I don't, I can't say it out loud in this atmosphere.

"I'm not too sure until I meet her......."

If I fail at this job and search for another, I'll be laughed at very hard by Paul. Saying something like you're still a child or something.

Are you kidding me?

How can I be laughed at by a guy who's younger than me?

Muuu....

"If it doesn't work out in reality......, let's try acting it out."

I'll use my previous life's knowledge.

A method to tame the Ojou-sama.

"Act out. How does that work?"

I describe it cleanly.

"When I'm with the Ojou-sama, we will get kidnapped by a certain family's bad guy. I'll use language, math and magic to escape with the Ojou-sama, and return with our own strength to the mansion."

After listening to my words, Philip keeps quiet for a while, but quickly understands the plot and nods.

"In other words, you want her to take the initiative to learn. Interesting. But will it be that smooth?"

"I think that it has a better chance than the adults educating her."

A plot that usually happens in anime and manga.

After witnessing or living through an incident, a child who hates books will learn the importance of learning.

Even if it's a self directed and self acted scene.

"Is that something that Paul taught, whatever that you said, a method to having girls feeding from your palms?"

"No. Even if Father doesn't do all that, he's still very popular."

"Popu...... Pffff....."

Philip snorts in laughter.

"That's true. That guy always had the ladies luck. Even if he stands there, there will be a girl coming up to him."

"Anyone that Father knows seems to have hooked up with him. Even Ghyslaine over there seems to be one."

"Ah. That's really something to be envious of."

"I worry whether he will lay his hands on my friend in Buina village."

After I say that, I begin to really worry.

5 years later, she will grow up.

When I go back, Sylphy has become one of my mothers. Oh my G.o.d.

"You don't need to worry about that. Paul is only interested in girls who are "big"."

Philip looks at Ghyslaine in the corner as he says that.

"I, I see."

I look at Ghyslaine. She's huge.

Zenith and Lilia are also big.

What do I mean by big?

Of course, it's the b.o.o.bs.

"If it's 5 years, it should be fine. A mixed elf blood. Even if they grow up, they won't be so big. Also, I think Paul wouldn't be so sick."

Is that so?

And this guy actually knows that Sylphy is an elf.

Then, as a precaution, I'll treat everything that has happened in Buina village, to have been thoroughly investigated.

"I should say something like, "Will you try and seduce my daughter"?"

"What exactly are you worried of from a 7 year old kid?"

That's really too rude. I won't do anything at all. At most, she will fall in love with me. (I'll lead her).

"But judging from Paul's letter, you were playing too much with that girl in the village, and he had to forcefully make you leave. Even though I think it's a joke, after listening to your plans just now, this might not be fake."

"I'm only just a friend of Sylphy."

And I want to raise my only friend to be my obedient girl.

------ Even if you tear my lips apart, that will never be said out loud.

Some things that don't need to be said, shouldn't be said.

"Well, fine. Nothing will progress if we just talk. I'll let you see my daughter. Thomas, bring her!"

Philip stands up as he finishes saying that.

Just like that, she and I meet.

--- This shrew is really haughty.

The first time I saw her, I made this judgment.

She's older than me by two years. The corner of her eyes are raised, and she has wave-like hair.

Her hair color is crimson. It's as if it's a pure red that has been painted on.

Two words. Totally explosive.

Perhaps she will become pretty, but most of the guys will think [It's impossible between me and her].

Maybe a natural M........ Nah. Not even that low cla.s.s.

In any case, she's dangerous.

Every cell in my body is screaming for me to not get close to her.

"Pleased to meet you. My name is Rudeus Greyrat."

But, in any case, I can't run away.

I'll use what I learned just now.

"Hmph!"

She snorts the same way her grandfather did from the first look.

She stands with both of her feet planted to the ground, looking at me with a condescending att.i.tude. Looking down from above.

She's taller than me.

She displays an unhappy att.i.tude after seeing me, and says:

"What the heck? Aren't you smaller than me!? Are you joking to let someone like this teach me!?"

Wah wah blah. Her pride seems to be really high.

But I can't retreat from this.

"I think that it doesn't have anything to do with age."

"What did you say!? You dare to argue with me!?"

What did you say!? You dare to argue with me!?

Her voice is so loud. My eardrums are about to shatter.

"It's merely something that Ojou-sama can't do, that I can do."

With that said, Ojou-sama's hair seems to turn straight,

I have never seen anger that can materialize.

This is utterly frightening.

Guh. c.r.a.p. Why do I have to be scared of a child who hasn't turned ten?

"What? You're too arrogant. Do you know who I am?"

"You're my older cousin."

I hide my fear, and answer.

"Cousin......? What's that?"

"My father's cousin's daughter. You can say that you're my Granduncle's daughter."

"What kind of confusing rubbish is that!"

Was it something incorrect?

Well, maybe saying the name of the relative is easier.

"Have you heard of the name Paul?"

"How can it be possible that I heard it before!?"

"Is that so?"

I feel surprised that she doesn't know the name.

In any case, I'll talk to her.

You must keep on talking. The G.o.d of walkthroughs once said that.

The next instant that I think of that.

Ojou-sama raises her hand.

Pam!

"........ Eh?"

That was too sudden.

The Ojou-sama suddenly strikes me.

My mind is a little confused, and I ask her.

"Why did you hit me?"

"Because you're so arrogant when you're smaller than me!"

"Oh, I see."

The cheek that was. .h.i.t stings.

That really hurts.......

The second image. Violence.

I really have no choice.

"Then, I'm hitting back."

"Hah!?"

I didn't wait for her reply and slapped her.

Pu!

That sounds really weird.

It is probably that I'm not used to slapping. Well, never mind. It probably still hurts.

"When you hit people, it hurts."

Do you understand now ------? As I prepare to say that, I saw that Ojou-sama raising her fist in fury.

The Deva King. Exactly the same.

Without waiting for me to think, she hits me.

I stumble backwards, and she continues with a kick.

My entire body flies backwards, after that impact to my chest.

The next moment, she has mounted me.

My hands are sealed with with her legs.

A, ara? I can't move?

"Wait, hey."

My awkward voice is covered by the Ojou-sama's roars of fury.

"You actually attacked me! I'm going to make you regret it!"

The punches come flying at me.

"Ow, owww, s, stop, eh, no, stop that."

After the 5th punch, I finally use magic and escape from under her.

I hold my trembling legs together and stand up. Raising my hands, and preparing to use magic to engage her.

I use a wind magic shock wave aimed at the Ojou-sama's face.

".......No, longer can be forgiven."

The Ojou-sama's face receives the blow and flies upwards, but she doesn't stop for one moment, and comes running like a monster.

After seeing that expression, I realize I am wrong.

I quickly run away in a tumbling manner.

That isn't an arrogant Ojou-sama.

That's like the protagonist in a delinquent manga.

Maybe I can use magic to beat her senseless.

But she will absolutely not listen to me.

And once that Ojou-sama is revived, she will find me for revenge.

I can try using Magic to bring her down every time.

But she will not feel any setbacks.

And she's different from the protagonist. Regardless of how despicable an act is, she will definitely use it.

Like throwing a vase from the second floor, or hiding in some corner and using a wooden sword to cut me........

She will use everything that she has, and return ten times the revenge.

And she will not have mercy.

This isn't a joke. I can't use healing magic if I don't chant it.

And the battle doesn't end, she will never listen to me.

Using brute force against her.

That is not an option I can ever choose this time.

And then, we go back to the beginning.

After that, Ojou-sama gets tired and gives up looking, and returns to her bedroom.

She didn't discover me.

But she nearly found me. When that red haired devil walked in front of my eyes, I couldn't feel that I was alive. I have never thought I would experience the feelings of the protagonist in a horror movie.

When I return to Philip in exhaustion, he smiles wryly to me.

"How was it?"

"Nothing works."

I half cry when replying.

When I got hit by her, I almost thought I would be killed. When I escaped, I almost cried out.

I haven't experienced that for a really long time, and when I think about I remembered that, such a long time, which means I had experienced something like this before.

Still. This isn't psychological trauma.

"Then, are you giving up?"

"I will not give up.]

I haven't done anything.

If I gave up so soon, wouldn't that mean that I got hit for nothing?

"I need to request something from you."

I lower my head to Philip with force.

I need to let that beast know the meaning of true terror.

"I got it. Thomas, go ahead and do the preparations."

Philip instructs the butler, who then leaves the room.

"But on that topic. The idea that you thought of was really interesting."

"Is that so?"

"Yes. You are the only one amongst the tutors that came up with such a big plan."

"........... Do you think it will work?"

I feel a little uneasy.

Can I settle that Ojou-sama with my petty tricks?

Philip shrugs.

"That will depend on your efforts."

He's completely right.

With that, the plan is executed.

I enter the room that has been allocated to me, and it seems to be filled with high grade goods everywhere. A huge grand bed, intricately designed furniture, beautiful window frames, and modern bookshelves.

If I had c.o.ke and a PC, I could live here happily for the rest of my neet life.

It's a good room.

Perhaps I have the Greyrat name, and it's a room specially prepared for me to stay in, instead of giving me a servant's room.

Speaking of servants. I don't know why there are are so many maids that are from the beast races.

In this country, I heard that the demon races are discriminated against. Are the beast races an exception?

"Haa........ Darn you Paul. You actually sent me to this crazy h.e.l.l."

I sit on the bed with my strength leaving me, and I hold my head that has a dull ache.

The place that I was. .h.i.t still stings.

I mutter the chant to cast healing magic, and heal the wounds.

"But, compared to my previous life, this is fine."

The process of kicking me out of my home was the same, but this time it's different, and I don't need to roam the streets. A complete difference.

Paul has arranged my life properly. A job and a place. Also, isn't there pocket money? That's an amazing level of care. If my siblings could've done that in my past life, maybe I could've pulled together.

Helping me find a job, providing a place for me to stay, and watching over me and not letting me run.......

No, that's still insufficient.

A 34 year old neet without work experience. They had no other choice but to abandon me.

Plus even if they suddenly do something like that, I can only vent. I probably wouldn't even want to work.

Pulling away from my love (computer), I might even commit suicide.

Only now works.

The job that has been found, and the determination to earn money. The current now.

Even though it was done by brute force, the timing was picked very well. I might have blamed Paul wrongly. But what's with that? That crazy violent creature. This is the first time in my 40 year life that I have seen that.

It can't be used by two kanji characters. It is the incarnation of violence.

That was like a boiling water hardware.

It nearly caused me to have a trauma. I nearly, or maybe you can already say I peed my pants.

"I feel like whatever I do, she will go crazy."

It even seems like she will just view me as "The enemy" and go crazy.

For that Ojou-sama, I'm merely a target.

I will be quartered.

"........ No wonder she got chased out of school."

The way she attacked people can only be deemed as well practiced.

That is a way to beat down people. Regardless of whether the opponent can or cannot retaliate, she will just hit them without care.

Even though she's only 9 years old, the process of how she makes people feel helpless is too practiced.

Can I teach someone like her.

Philip and I discussed it over.

Let her get kidnapped and experience helplessness.

And then, I'll rescue her. She will then respect me, and obediently receive my guidance.

The plan sounds simple, but I know the basic process.

If she doesn't do something unexpected, it should progress smoothly.

But will it really be smooth?

That level of violence is beyond my imagination.

Using all her strength to roar and yell. Biting down on her prey, and then tearing it to bits.

A violence that triumphs will.

If she gets kidnapped, will she not feel a thing?

If I rescue her, will she do an expression as if all this was to be expected and say, "Why didn't you come earlier, trash."?

It's possible.

It's possible if it's that Ojou-sama.

She might do something unexpected, and I must think of a solution for everything. I must put down my determination.

No matter what, this cannot fail.

I keep thinking it through.

The steps to make this plan work.

But as I think about it, my thoughts are sinking into a marsh.

"G.o.d. Please bless me to succeed......."

I can only pray at the end.

I don't believe in G.o.d in the slightest.

But, just like many j.a.panese, when something happens, we seek G.o.d's protection.

Saying something like, "please let me succeed".

When I discovered that my divine artifact, (panties) was left in my room, I cry.

My G.o.d (Roxy) isn't here.

--Status--
Name： Ojou-sama
Profession: Granddaughter of the lord of Fedoa
Personality： Violent
When talking to her： Doesn't listen
Language： Only able to write her name
Math： Single digits
Magic： Not even a scintilla
Sword： Elementary ranked in the Sword-G.o.d style
Etiquette: Boreas's style greeting
The people that she likes： Grandfather, Ghyslaine

When I woke up, I found myself inside a small and dirty warehouse.

The sunlight was pouring in from the window with metal bars installed it.

My entire body hurt, and after I ensured that there weren't any broken bones, I started to chant Healing Magic in a small voice.

My hands were tied behind my back, but this was not really any trouble to me.

"Alright."

I am completely healed, my clothes are not torn.

Very good. The strategy is progressing smoothly.

The plan for convincing Ojou-sama was this.

1) First of all. Going with Ojou-sama to the clothing store.
2) Because Ojou-sama is very mischievous, she will want to run out of the store by herself.
3) Usually Ghyslaine will be beside Ojou-sama as her guard, but she will not notice Ojou-sama by 『coincidence』.
4) Even though I'm following her, to her, I'm just a brat who's weaker than her and submitted into being beaten on the follow after quarreling with her, so Ojou-sama doesn't take notice of me at all.
5) I will be treated as her follower, and move with Ojou-sama around the area. Gradually moving to an isolated place in the city (She seems to admire adventurers).
6) At this point, the bad people that the Greyrat family arranged will appear.
7) Easily knocking Ojou-sama and me out. Then kidnapping and bringing us to the neighboring city, and locking us up.
8) I will use magic and escape from the area.
9) Realize that this is a different city.
10) Using the money hidden in my underwear, and taking a horse carriage back.
11) Teach Ojou-sama when we reach home.

Up until now, it had gone smoothly until step number 7.

The next thing would be me using the Magic, knowledge, wisdom, and courage to escape from here in style.

To keep the realism, I still needed to improvise an act.

I don't know if it will succeed, and feel slightly uneasy......

"..... Hm?"

But this place is slightly different from the arrangement.

The entire warehouse is full of dust, and the corner has a broken chair and an armor full of holes.

Didn't they say the place wouldn't be shabby......?

Well, even though it's an act, there's a need to bring out the real stuff. Let's just take it.

"Urgh...... hmm......?"

After a while, Ojou-sama also woke up.

Opening her eyes. Realizing she's in a foreign place, and trying to get up, but also realizing that her hands are bound behind her, and in the end, falling to the ground like a worm.

"What is this!?"

Ojou-sama discovered that she couldn't move and started making noise.

"Stop joking with me! Don't you know who I am!? Let go of me!"

What a terrible yell. I had once thought of it back at the mansion, but she has never tried to control her voice at all.

Can it be that she does it so that she can cover the entire house with one yell, in that incredibly big mansion?

No. She probably has never thought about it. The Ojou-sama's grandfather, Fedoa's lord, is the type that also uses a voice to pressure others. The grandfather had used his voice to intimidate both the servants and Philip, and Ojou-sama must have witnessed it countless times.

Kids like to imitate things, especially the bad stuff.

"You're too noisy, you s.h.i.+tty brat!"

While the Ojou-sama was creating a racket, the door got opened roughly, and a man entered.

He has ugly clothes. His entire body stinks with a face full of stubble, and a bald head.

If he presented a name card with bandit written on it, it would be quite persuasive.

The acting is quite good. Now I don't need to worry about my acting being seen through.

"You stink. Don't come near me. You stink too much! Don't you know who I am? Ghyslaine will immediately come and cut you into half!"

Bam.

With a noise that sounded like it hurt very much, Ojou-sama got kicked by the man.

She uttered a noise that a lady will never make.

Her entire body flew up and finally knocked against the wall violently.

"d.a.m.n you! What are you trying to be arrogant for!? I know you two are the grandchildren of the lord!"

The man mercilessly stepped on the immovable Ojou-sama whose hands were bound behind her back.

Hey. Isn't this a little too much?

"Ow...... It hurts a lot....... Stop...... Ah.......... Stop...... Ow........ Stop......"

"Tch."

The man kicked Ojou-sama for a while and finally spat at her face. Then he turned around and glared at me. As I avoid his eyes the next instant, I got kicked in the face once, and I flew out.

"....... Ouch!"

That really hurt. Even though it's an act, can you please not hit so hard?

Even though I did say that, I can use Healing Magic to heal wounds.

"Hmph! Acting like you're happy.......!"

The man walked out of the warehouse.

I heard that as he walked out of the door.

"Quieter now?"

"Yeah."

"You didn't kill her right? If you injured her too much, the money will go down too."

What? Their dialogue is really strange.

If it's just great acting.............. that is fine, but it doesn't feel like that.

Could it be, you know, that?

"What? Well there's nothing much to it. At most, it's good enough for that boy to be alive."

It's not good at all.

After I couldn't hear their voices anymore, I counted a full 300 seconds, and burned the ropes with Fire Magic, and moved over to Ojou-sama.

Ojou-sama still had blood flowing from her nose. Her eyes were unfocused, and she kept muttering something in her mouth.

When I listened closely, it was something about, absolutely cannot be forgiven something, I'll complain to grandfather something, and afterwards, some dangerous words that weren't really suited for the ears.

In any case, I'll check her injuries and confirm it with my hand.

"Ahhh!"

Ojou-sama met my eyes, and trembled, as if she felt that pain.

I used a finger over my lips, and signaled her to be quiet.

I confirmed the positions of the injuries from her reactions.

Two of her bones are broken.

"Oh merciful mother of G.o.ds, please heal this one's wounds, and let her recover with a healthy body."

I quietly chant the intermediate ranked magic, and heal Ojou-sama's body.

Healing magic isn't effective by pouring more mana into the spell. I don't know if it will completely heal her.

Hopefully the bones are not set wrongly......

"Eh? Ehhh? It doesn't hurt......"

Ojou-sama looks at her body in surprise.

I go closer to her and whispered in her ears.

"Shh. Don't be so loud. Your bones are broken, and I just used healing magic. Ojou-sama, we seem to have been kidnapped by bad people. They are the sworn enemies of the lord. Our next step should be......"

Ojou-sama completely doesn't listen.

"Ghyslaine! Ghyslaine, save me! They are going to kill us! Quickly save me!"

I quickly hide the ropes underneath my s.h.i.+rt, and run to the corner. My back faces the wall, and I hide my hands behind my back, acting as if I'm still tied up.

The man breaks open the door in response to Ojou-sama's full efforts in screaming.

"Shut up!"

And he kicks Ojou-sama even longer than before.

I'm really speechless over her learning capabilities.

"d.a.m.n it. If you scream again, I'll kill you!"

I even get kicked twice.

I didn't do anything at all. Please don't kick me. I really feel like crying.......

I think of that while I move over to Ojou-sama.

"Urgh....... Uuuu....."

This is too much.

I'm not sure what happened to her bones, but judging from her mouthfuls of puked blood, it seems that her organs have ruptured. The bones in her hands and legs have all been broken.

I don't really know too much about medical stuff, but if she's left like that, she will probably die right?

"Let the power of G.o.d be converted into a bountiful crop, and bestowed into one's who had lost their strength to stand up once again. 『HEALING』"

In any case, I'll use elementary ranked magic to cure her a little.

Ojou-sama isn't vomiting blood anymore. She probably wouldn't die now...... Maybe.

"Uuu.... I-it still hurts, h-help me heal..... Ah.]

"I'm not doing that. If you're healed, aren't you going to get kicked again? Please use your own magic."

"H-how do I know to use...... that?"

"If you learned it from before, you can use it right now."

I throw down a line like that and move towards the door.

I then place my ear against the door, wanting to listen to what they say.

The more I think, the more I find this to be strange. No matter what, hitting Ojou-sama till she's half dead is over doing things.

"Then, are we going to sell to that guy from the last time?"

"No. It's better to ask for ransom."

"Wouldn't we get caught?"

"It doesn't matter. We will go to another country."

Judging from their words, they really plan on selling us.

Requesting someone familiar to pretend to attack the girl, and in the end, we meet the real deal. That sort of development?

Where did it go wrong? Did the ones who were supposed to kidnap us get targeted by them? Did they target us from the start? Or did Philip really intended to sell his daughter?

That last possibility isn't really possible.

....... Whatever. I'm not going to think about this now. No matter what, the things I'm going to do aren't changing.

It only lacks the 『safety』.

"Compared to selling, ransom is higher right?"

"In any case, we better make a decision before tonight."

"No matter which decision, it is right."

They seem to be discussing whether to sell us or seek ransom from the lord. They look like they are planning to leave here tonight.

In that case, I better move while the day is still bright.

"Alright."

But, what should I do?

Break out of the door and subdue the kidnappers? After beating the kidnappers to a pulp, Ojou-sama will respect me......

I don't feel like it will happen that way though--.

I think she will feel that she would've won, if not for the part where she was tied up.

And in the end, she will think that violence is the only way. That will not work.

I must teach her that there's no advantage to using violence, otherwise, I'll get hit in the future.

I need to let her feel helpless.

(...... Ah. It's possible that I may not beat the kidnappers anyway.)

I'm pretty sure that I will lose if the kidnappers are as strong as Paul.

In that case, I will be killed. Without a doubt.

Alright. No matter what. Without contact with the kidnappers, we will escape from here.

I look back and check Ojou-sama's condition.

She's glaring at me in anger.

Hm.

I'll do my a.s.signment in any case.

First, I'll use earth and fire magic and seal the gaps on the door. Then, slowly use fire magic to melt it slowly, making it unable to move.

This door will become a door that does not open, but it won't last if the door is kicked hard. This is only a precaution.

After that, I move towards the window. Even though I consider focusing and melting one of the iron bars with fire magic, I think it will be too hot and give up.

After trying different solutions, I use water magic and change the earth surrounding the window into mud, and successfully take the entire bars down. The hole is large enough to allow a child to slip through.

That way the escape route is ensured.

"Ojou-sama, it seems this time we have been kidnapped by the sworn enemies of the lord, and they are discussing to wait till tonight to bring their companions and torture us to death."

"You are l...... lying..... right?"

Of course I'm lying.

But Ojou-sama's face turns green immediately.

"I don't want to die yet, so I'm running on my own...... Goodbye."

I push myself up where the metal bar was previously on the window.

At this time, there's a sound coming from the direction of the door.

"Hey, why isn't the door opening!? What the h.e.l.l!?"

Fierce banging comes from the other side of the door.

Turning her head back, Ojou-sama looks at the door in fear-like despair, and looks to me again, repeating this a few times.

"Ah...... D, don't leave me behind...... Save me....."

Ara. You calmed down so fast. That's a surprise.

Even if it's Ojou-sama, you would still get scared under these circ.u.mstances.

I immediately go near Ojou-sama and whisper in her ears.

"..... Before we reach home, you must completely listen to me. Can you promise me that?"

"Listen, I'll listen, I'll listen okay......?"

"Can you promise not to shout? Ghyslaine isn't here."

"I promise, I promise...... H, hurry, coming in...... they are, coming in......!"

Ojou-sama nodded forcefully.

Her entire face is full of fear and anxiety. Completely different from the time when she hit me.

It's most important that she experiences the emotions of being hit one-sidedly.

"If you break your words, I will absolutely leave you behind."

I say something that sounded as cold as possible, while I bury the door with earth magic.

Then I burnt the ropes with fire magic, and completely cured Ojou-sama with intermediate ranked magic.

Finally, I climbed onto the window and pulled Ojou-sama up.

After climbing out of the warehouse, I found that this was a different city.

No walls. At least this isn't Roa.

It's not the size of a village, but can be considered as a small town. If I don't continue moving to the next step, we will immediately be discovered.

"Phew. I think it should be fine if we escape to this place over here."

The Ojou-sama talks loudly. Does she think she's safe now?

"Didn't you promise not to speak loudly before we reached home?"

"Hmph! Why should I keep your promise!?"

Ojou-sama says it like it's a natural thing.

This d.a.m.n brat.[2]

"Is that so? Then I'll part here. Goodbye."

"Hmph!"

Ojou-sama snorted without a care and turned around. Right at this time, an angry roar came from far away.

"b.l.o.o.d.y brats! Where did you run away to!?"

Either they kicked the door down, decided to check the window to see the situation and found that the bars were missing, and discovered that we escaped and chased us right away. It should be something like that.

"...... Ahhh."

Ojou-sama gave a small scream, and runs back immediately.

"I-I was just kidding just now. I won't talk loudly anymore. Bring me back."

"I'm not Ojou-sama's servant, and I'm not a slave."

I'm a little p.i.s.sed over this condescending att.i.tude.[3]

"W, what, aren't you the home tutor?"

"Aren't you mistaken?"

"Eh?"

"Ojou-sama said you were not satisfied, so I'm not officially hired.'

"I, I'll hire you....."

She turned her head to one, as if she's very unwilling.

I need to make a definite promise with her.

"You're saying that now. But once you reach the mansion, you're going to break that promise like just now right?"

I used a cold voice as much as I possibly can.

Without any emotions, I plainly said that.

But my tone was saying that you would never fulfill that promise.

"I won't. I won't break that promise..... Save, please save me....."

"If you promise to not talk loudly and listen to whatever I say, you can follow me."

"I, I got it."

Ojou-sama nodded obediently.

Very good.

Then, I'll move on to the next step.

First of all. I take out 5 Asuran Large Copper Coins from my underwear, which is my entire fortune now. Just to add one, the copper coins are 1/10 of a silver coin. It's a sum that doesn't make people be at peace. But it should be enough with this.

"Please follow me."

I moved away from the angry roars, and moved towards the town's entrance.

At the entrance, there was a guard lazily standing at the watch tower.

I gave a copper coin to him.

"If you see someone looking for us, please tell them that we went outside of the city."

"Huh? What? Kids? I understand that, but are you playing hide and seek? Hmm, so much money....... Are you from some n.o.ble families? Really now....."

"Please do that."

"Ahh. I got it."

I found his reply to be perfunctory, but at least that will buy us some time.

Then we just go straight to the area where the public horse carriage is at. I have already confirmed the price against the wall. I also check the current location.

"This is a town next to Roa called Widin."

I whispered in Ojou-sama's ears, and she seemed to hold true to her promise, whispering to me too.

"How do you know that?"

"Isn't it written there?"

"I can't read it......"

Very good. Very good.

"It is convenient if you can understand it. Because the way to use the public transport is also there."

Honestly. We were transported here within a single day.

Coming to a foreign city makes me feel really uneasy. My trauma is about to reemerge.

No. No. I'm already different from the time where I didn't even know where "h.e.l.lo"[4] was.

Come to think of it, Paul sounds like h.e.l.lo on the letters.

When I was thinking of nonsensical things, I felt that the angry roars were approaching.

"You b.a.s.t.a.r.ds! Where have you been hiding at!? Get out right here!"

"Let's hide....!"

I grabbed Ojou-sama, hid behind the toilet at the waiting area, and locked the door.

Footsteps transmitted from the outside.

"Where did you go you b.a.s.t.a.r.ds?"

"Don't think you can escape!"

Woahhh. That's really scary.

Can you not make that noise while you're searching? You should at least use a gentler voice. I might even be lured out. Although, it's probably impossible.

Finally, the voice goes distant. I can temporarily relax.

But I can't be careless. Sometimes people who panic will search the same spot several times.

"..... W, will it be alright?"

Ojou-sama covered her mouth with a s.h.i.+vering hand. Her body is in jitters.

"Well, if we get found, we'll have to fight for our lives."

"I, I see...... Alright.....!"

"But we probably can't beat them."

"Is, is that so......?"

Ojou-sama suddenly got her fire back, and I corrected myself a little.

If she suddenly runs out and fights them, I'll be troubled.

"But just then, when I looked at the fees to take the carriage, I saw that we will need to change horse carriages twice if we set off from here."

"........... Change?"

Ojou-sama showed off a face with "so what."

"The horse carriage starts off at 8 in the morning, and 1 horse carriage sets off every 2 hours. It is the same in other towns. Therefore, setting off from here needs 3 hours. It's about to reach the 4th carriage. Which means....."

"Which means?"

"Even if we get to the next town, there's no horse carriage heading to Roa. We will need to stay a night at the next town."

".......... I, I see, ah."

Ojou-sama looked like she was about to shout out, but she still held it in at the end.

Be careful. Don't make huge noises, okay?

"I have 4 Asuran Large Copper Coins to get from here to the next town, rest a night there, and set off from there to Roa, using the money here will barely."

"Barely....... be enough right."

"Yes. Enough."

Ojou-sama exhaled with relief.

But now is not the time to relax.

"That is if we're not lied to in coin change."

"Coin change......?"

What's that? Ojou-sama showed off that expression.

Perhaps she has never used her money to buy something before.

"The boss at the inn and the station will think that we can't count as we're children. Then, they might not give us the correct change. At that time, we can point out the error, and they will give use the correct sum. But if we don't know how to count......"

"What will happen if we can't count?"

"Then we won't be able to get a horse carriage, and we'll get caught by those men......"

Ojou-sama trembled again, as is she was about to pee.

"Ojou-sama. The toilet is right there."

"I, I got it."

"Then, I'll take a look outside."

The moment I wanted to exit the room, my sleeve was pulled.

"D-don't go."

After excitedly witnessing Ojou-sama's peeing, we go outside from the toilet.

The men seemed to be gone.

I'm not sure if they continued searching for us outside, or within the city.

If we got discovered, I could only use all my magic to immobilize them.

I prayed in the hopes of defeating them, and waited at the corner at the same time. Once the time was up, we handed over the money to the driver and got onto the horse carriage.

We finally reach the next city.

To show Ojou-sama how cruel the world is, I found a run-down place for lodging, and slept on the haystacks.

Ojou-sama seemed to be agitated to the point where she couldn't sleep.

Every time she heard a sound, she would sit up and stare at the door in fright. After a while she found nothing, and would sigh with relief---- Repeating this process constantly.

On the 2nd day, we took the first carriage out.

Ojou-sama's eyes were bloodshot. It was perhaps due to insufficient sleep, but she didn't dare to close her eyes and alertly watched behind the horse carriage.

A few times, there were riders that caught up to the horse carriage, but they were not the kidnappers.

Perhaps they were left behind in the distance. Perhaps they gave up.

I thought that without care.

After a few hours, nothing happened, and we were back at Roa.

After pa.s.sing through the reliable city walls, we could see the mansion from afar, and my heart was set with the emotion of safety.

My thoughts subconsciously believed that it was safe already.

After getting down from the horse carriage, we walked to the mansion. Our steps were fast and light. After traveling in the horse carriage and sleeping on the hay for the first time, I also felt tired.

And as if to catch this weakness ---- Ojou-sama suddenly got pulled into the alley.

Too careless.

"......Eh?"

I realized only after 2 seconds.

My eyes only left for 2 seconds, and within that time, Ojou-sama had gone missing.

I really thought that she disappeared into thin air. At the corners on my eyes, there was a strip of cloth that had the same color as Ojou-sama's clothes on the wall.

I immediately gave chase.

Entering the alley, I saw two people's figure's carrying Ojou-sama.

"Hmph!"

I immediately casted the earth magic to make a wall.

From my hands, the magic created a huge earthen wall in front of them.

They could only stop in front of the sealed pathway where the earthen wall suddenly appeared.

"What the heck!?"

"Mmmph!"

Ojou-sama's mouth has been covered. There were tears in her eyes.

They are really too good at this, covering her mouth within seconds.

And Ojou-sama seemed to have been struck, her face is red.

The opponents are two humans, and they are male.

One of them is the violent person who kicked me. The other one is probably the person that he talked to. Both of them look like bandits, and both of them have a sword on their waist.

"So it's this brat. You could have quietly gone back to your home......."

The two people got a shock from the sudden wall, but once they looked back at me, they smiled.

The violent person walks towards me without caution.

The other one carried Ojou-sama. Is there anyone else.......?

In any case, with the intent to intimidate them, I cast a small fireball on my fingertip.

"What? You b.a.s.t.a.r.d!"

Looking at this, the violent person pulled out his sword.

The other person became alert, placed the sword on Ojou-sama's neck, and slowly retreated.

"You d.a.m.n brat. I was wondering why you were so calm. You're actually a bodyguard magician....... No wonder you escaped so easily. d.a.m.n it. I was fooled by your appearance! Are you from a demon race!"

"I'm not a bodyguard. I haven't been officially hired."

Even though I'm not from a demon race, there's no real need to correct it.

"What? Then why are you interfering with us?"

"No, I'm supposed to be hired after this."

"Oh, it's for money?"

For money.

He's right about the money. I do intend to earn the fees for university.

"I don't deny that."

The violent person's mouth curled at the corners after listening to my reply.

"In that case, come help us. Among our customers, there's a perverted n.o.ble who wants to buy girls with high social standing. If we're to get a ransom that's also possible. I heard that she's the very precious daughter of the lord here. They will give whatever we want."

"Oh........"

I made a sound of being impressed, and Ojou-sama's face immediately turned green.

Perhaps she knew that I was becoming her home tutor to pay off for the university fees.

"Then, how much can we get?"

"It's not pocket change like 1 or 2 gold per month. It's a lump sum of 100 gold coins."

The violent person said proudly.

Even though I don't know how much that really means, it feels like the person is saying, "Wow 1 million dollars". "That's really amazing right?" He's like a kindergarten kid.

"Hehehe. kid, you might look young, but you're actually of a considerable age right?"

"Hmm? Why would you think that?"

"With that magic and that calm att.i.tude, one look and we know it. The demon races have those kind of people. You must be troubled over your appearance right? Well, you should know the importance of money right?"

"I see."

From a person that doesn't know anything, he would treat it that way. Indeed. My mental age is past 40 years. You're totally right. As expected from Mr bandits.

"Indeed, living to this age, I know the importance of money. I was even thrown into a foreign land without any money."

"Hehehe. You see right?"

Even though, before that, I was living without any worries.

Nearly 20 years of neet life. Full of Eroge and internet games. It was half of my life.

From there I learned something.

I can betray Ojou-sama.

Or my scenario with Ojou-sama can start here from helping her.

"Therefore, I'm very clear, that there are things more important than money."

"Don't talk about these pretty words!"

"They are not pretty words. You can't buy 『Dere』[5] with money."

Oh s.h.i.+t. I said the truth in my heart.

"Dere? What is that?"

The violent person seems to be confused, but the reality of the negotiation has broken down. His irritating smile was gone, and he placed the sword at Ojou-sama's neck with a solemn expression.

"The hostage is with me. Throw away the fireball in your hand!"

"........... Can I throw it into the air?"

"Do it. But don't think of throwing it at us. Even if you're fast, you won't be faster than the sword in my hand. I'll cut this b.i.t.c.h's throat and use her as a s.h.i.+eld."

He didn't let me dissipate it. No. Perhaps he didn't know.

From the time to cast the magic out is automatic.

He wouldn't understand this part if he had never learned magic before.

"I got it."

I manipulated the mana of the fireball before shooting.

I created a special type of fire ball, and then fired it with a strange sound accompanying it.

A ma.s.sive explosion happened in the air.

"Wha!"

"Wut!?"

"Mmmmph!?"

An ear splitting explosion struck the ears. During the instant when everyone looked up, there was a glaring flash of light, and a temperature that seemed to burn the skin.

I began to run.

Casting magic as I ran, I created two types of magic that I used the most.

On the right hand was the wind magic "True Sonic Boom."

On the left hand was the earth magic "Rock cannon."

I released them at the two of them.

"Ahhh!"

The sonic boom struck the one carrying the Ojou-sama.

"Urgh!"

Ojou-sama fell from his arms and I caught her safely. Princess-style carrying.

"Tch! Don't look down on me!"

I looked at the other person, and saw him cut the rock in two.

"Uwah........"

c.r.a.p. He actually managed to split the rock. Even though I didn't know his style, it's a terrible thing. If he's as good as Paul, it will be troublesome. I might not be able to win against such an opponent.

"Awawawa.....!"

I used wind and fire melded magic and created a shock wave near my feet, and flew towards the opposite direction.

This shock wave is strong enough to make me feel like the bones in my legs have snapped.

In the next instant, a sword struck the place where I was just at earlier. The blade slices across the tip of my nose, leaving a wind-splitting sound.

That is too dangerous.

But he's not as fast as Paul. Then I just need to concentrate and handle him. I have already done countless fights against swordsmen in my mind. If I just follow according to what I practiced, I will be able to handle it.

I prepared the next magic spell in the air.

First is a fireball aimed at that guy's face.

The speed is slightly slow.

"Just this alone!"

That guy discerned the fireball clearly and prepared to face it by raising his sword.

At the difference in timing when he strikes it, I use water and earth magic, and create a quicksand at his feet.

Even though he handled the fireball, his feet are completely buried in the extremely viscous mud. Sealing his movements.

"What!?"

Very good. We have won.

I am sure of that.

The enemies are unable to run, and although they managed to deflect the fireb.a.l.l.s, I'm already out of their range. Even though I'm carrying Ojou-sama, once I find somewhere with people, it's our victory. Otherwise, I can call for help.

---- Just when I think of that.

"Don't think of running!"

That guy suddenly throws his sword.

With that, Paul's lesson springs to my mind. The technique of throwing the sword in the Northern-G.o.d style if their legs are injured.

It's a technique to throw the sword at an opponent far away.

The sword flew straight at me with high speed.

I instinctively felt that I was unable to escape from it.

The sword flies like a slow motion cutscene.

The destination is my head.

-----------------------Dead.

The word "dead" flashes across my mind the next instant.

A brown tea colored something flew in front of my eyes.

At the same time, something like a vase crashed onto the floor, and the sword fell onto the floor.

"Eh?"

Leave the rest to me.

In front of my eyes is someone's back.

A wide back. I raised my head, and saw ears on the head.

She's Ghyslaine Dedorudia.

"Leave the rest to me."

As she said that, the instant her hands moved to the sword on her waist, ----- a red flash cut across the air.

"....... Ah?"

The head of the guy stuck in the quicksand falls onto the ground.

Even though he was so far away. Even though the sword couldn't possibly reach there.

"W, where did you come from ......"

The instant Ghyslaine's tail moved, the other person's head fell down onto the ground as well.

Smack. A sound like that. I c