“Welcome back, Master and Fiona.”
For some reason, I had kept wearing the “Tyrant’s Armor.” After smoothly finishing a shopping date with Fiona, I returned to the temple to pick up Sariel, who was likely done with today’s treatment at a reasonable time, and found this.
Sariel was sitting all alone on a chair in the deserted waiting room, and her first words upon our return were filled with all sorts of things to comment on.
“Uh, so, what is this Master thing? Does it refer to me?”
“Yes.”
Sariel’s emotionless and unreserved crimson gaze pierced straight through me. It felt almost as if I could sense a strong will there, devoid of hesitation or regret.
“I don’t think it’s necessary to go by appearances.”
“I have received a divine oracle saying that it should be so.”
What does that even mean? Is that Freesia’s suggestion? But come to think of it, she did scream “Master!” about Mia-chan. Is calling someone ‘Master’ a traditional way for knights of the Elroad Empire?
“Moreover, I recall that referring to you as ‘Master’ is also Kuroha Mao’s preference.”
“Huh?”
What does that mean? Where did that information come from? I couldn’t have possibly exposed such an embarrassing preference—
“There’s a piece published in the Literature Club’s club magazine featuring a submissive maid girl who frequently calls the protagonist ‘Master.'”
“Stop itttttttttttttttttttttt!!”
Magical power at full blast. With the crimson lines shimmering on my pitch-black dark matter armor, I grabbed Sariel and leaned in close like I was going to headbutt her.
“Please, I seriously beg you, don’t talk about things like that.”
“…I apologize. I was not aware this was confidential information.”
“Ah, yes, this is top-secret information. Absolutely do not tell anyone.”
“Yes, Master.”
Fight over. “Tyrant’s Armor” waiting mode. I gently set Sariel back down in her chair as if nothing had happened.
“Chrono, what was that just now?”
“What do you mean?”
“You mentioned something about the Literature Club’s protagonist being a maid and the ‘Master’ and all that…”
“Oh, don’t worry about it, that was a story from back in the day.”
Exactly, it was a long time ago. When I was producing painful light novels day and night during high school. It was just about a year ago, though.
I don’t consider it a black history, as I feel attached to all my works and wrote them believing they were genuinely interesting. Thus, I have no regrets. Writing light novels was everything about my youth.
However, being exposed about that content in front of others is embarrassing. Besides, the person concerned is not just anyone but an otherworlder. If Fiona thinks I have strange hobbies and says, “Chrono-san, so you were that kind of person. I’m shocked,” and brings up a breakup, I might very well lock myself away in the “Tyrant’s Armor” just like Miria out of sheer despair.
“Well, I see… so it’s alright then?”
“Uh, maybe if the gods said to call me that, it’s probably for the best.”
“I understand. I will allow you to call me Master, Sariel.”
“Thank you very much, Fiona-sama.”
Why is it Fiona who gives permission instead of the person herself? Should I comment on that?
“You can also call me wife if you want.”
Whoa, could it be, I thought… so, does that mean we are officially dating with marriage in mind? I have no particular objection to that, but it’s just that suddenly becoming conscious makes me nervous.
“Yes, wife.”
“Oh, no, it’s fine. For now, I just want to enjoy the feeling of being in love.”
Fiona slowly entwined her arm around my sturdy gauntlet and leaned into me. Hey, be careful, Fiona. This gauntlet has spikes on it!
“For now, I bought armor that will serve as a replacement for Sariel’s prosthetic arms and legs, so please make use of them.”
“Thank you, Master.”
“Please walk back on your own feet. Do not let Chrono carry you anymore.”
“Yes, Fiona-sama.”
Fiona has a strict way of enforcing her rules. However, she might still be somewhat kinder compared to how she treats slaves. I don’t quite understand what line she draws when it comes to allowing Sariel or not. Observing their interactions makes me anxious that she might suddenly explode in rage over something trivial.
It seems like I’m the one who is more scared of Fiona’s every word and action than Sariel is.
Pretending to be calm and not feeling any anxiety towards her at all, I finally took out the armor for Sariel from the shadows.
The gauntlet and greaves adjusted in size for women appeared considerably slimmer than the heavy cavalry’s I had worn during the Gluttony Oct battle, but this is not intended for combat, so there shouldn’t be any issues. In fact, I bought a reasonably cheap one, so there’s no doubt about it not being of particularly high quality.
“—Shiden Blackening.”
Just like me, Sariel, who was already familiar with it, applied the blackening and transformed the ordinary metal parts into her own arms and legs.
“How does it feel?”
“Yes, there are no problems with movement.”
Standing up on her steel prosthetic legs, Sariel raised her right hand, opening and closing her palm to test its functionality. Her movements were smooth, as if real hands and feet were inside.
If I lost my limbs, would I also be able to move them like this through blackening? After all, I haven’t tried to see if I could mimic the pseudo thunder attribute used in “Shiden Blackening.” I should do my best to avoid the time when I need to ask Sariel to teach me black magic.
“So, what are your plans after this?”
“Well, there’s still some time until sunset…”
Honestly, I’m not in the mood to walk around much more today. I went to the royal castle in the morning for tense war merit negotiations, then had a ceremony at Pandora Temple at noon, followed by a direct confrontation with the cursed armor. Physically, I’m still fine, but mentally, I’m worn out.
“Then let’s just finish Sariel’s adventurer registration and go home.”
“Ah, right, it’d be better for Sariel to do that too.”
I have received direct orders from King Leonhart to let Sariel fight in the next battle. It’s better to get her registered as an adventurer as soon as possible.
“I never expected you would become the fourth member of the ‘Element Master.’”
Thinking about it that way, it feels somehow nostalgic.
“We will officially make her a member after Sariel’s rank goes up. Until then, she will be active solo.”
“Solo? Is that… alright?”
It carries more than one meaning. Even though Sariel’s status has been officially recognized, isn’t it a bit much to suddenly throw her out alone?
“Neither I nor Chrono-san can afford to babysit her. We need to prepare for the next battle as well. It’s possible we might not be able to borrow Lily’s power next time.”
Indeed, this isn’t the time to be elated about acquiring the “Tyrant’s Armor.”
Sariel is an irreplaceable resource in terms of combat strength, but her reliability cannot be compared to Lily’s.
“Besides, she needs to earn her own keep. Whether she is a slave or a knight, Chrono-san has no obligation to support Sariel.”
“True, it’s best if she can earn for herself…”
Fiona’s point is somewhat logical. However, her tone, which seems to cast Sariel aside, makes me feel a hint of concern.
“You needn’t worry. Even if we’re not watching, there will be surveillance attached to Sariel.”
The Spada Assassin Corps is likely keeping an eye on her from somewhere unseen. Well, that seems to be how it will go for a while.
Though the idea of being watched doesn’t sit well with me, given the circumstances, I resign myself to the fact. Moreover, they are professionals. If we don’t specifically try to seek them out, they won’t let us catch even a whiff of their presence.
“For now, let’s confirm with the guild, and if we get permission, we’ll have Sariel handle things solo. Is that alright?”
“Yes, Master. I understand the overview of adventurer activities. There won’t be any problems executing my missions.”
Still, I’d like to go on a suitable subjugation quest with Sariel soon. I want to confirm how capable she is now that she is in good health and fight alongside her to see.
Fiona doesn’t seem to be too pleased about it, but I don’t think she will oppose it either. I don’t think she would allow me to go on a quest alone with Sariel, and I also don’t have the courage to do such a thing.
“Alright, let’s go then.”
“Oh, by the way, Chrono-san, after the reward for this time comes in, I have something I want.”
“It’s rare for you to want something, Fiona. What is it?”
“Yes, I want a house.”
That’s not the sort of light discussion you bring up during a casual conversation, Fiona. I was caught off guard by such a significant purchase being brought up, and I would end up worrying my head about it until I went to sleep that night.
Why is that? I haven’t felt at ease since returning to Spada…
The next day, Month of Clear Water, Day 7. Once again, Lily had not returned this morning.
However, Sariel’s identity has been guaranteed by the Spada government, resolving one of my immediate concerns. Today’s awakening was a little fresher than yesterday.
“Good morning, Master.”
When I stepped into the lounge after preparing in the morning, Sariel, dressed in her clerical robe with an apron on, greeted me. She held a large circular tray, atop which steam rose from a piping hot soup and toast.
“Good morning, Chrono-san.”
“Good morning, Fiona, Sariel. Have you been up long?”
“Yes, I was planning to go out.”
Her response and the way she sipped her tea exuded a level of elegance that wouldn’t be out of place for a young lady of an aristocratic family. Even with Sariel bringing a bowl of soup that looks almost like a giant basin and plates piled high with toast, it all suited her because she’s beautiful.
Fiona, without even a thank you in passing to the server, remarked with a casual, “It’s alright,” and Sariel returned to the kitchen with a graceful bow, making it feel as though they had been doing this for years. Meanwhile, I was simply left with an overwhelming sense of discomfort amidst this new morning routine.
“I wonder if I’ll ever get used to this…”
Considering Sariel is in the position of a slave, it was decided between Fiona and me yesterday that her role would resemble that of a maid who handles general household chores.
Having spent the last three months living with Sariel normally, treating her like a maid is rather disconcerting for me… However, thinking about her status and situation, this might indeed be the best approach. At least, she is able to occupy herself with daily work, so she won’t be sitting around idly.
“Master, breakfast is ready.”
“Oh, for me… just soup is fine.”
Now that I think about it, this is the first time I’ve tasted Sariel’s cooking. I feel a bit anxious about how it will taste, but seeing Fiona eat it without any complaints suggests it should be at least decent.
“What are your plans for today, Fiona?”
“I still have various things I need to buy, so let’s go shopping. Also, I need to look for a good property.”
Does that mean I’m expected to go with her?
“I was thinking maybe I’d just show my face at class for a bit.”
“Isn’t it about time for you to graduate from here?”
It’s a bit sad, but there’s a point to that. Surprisingly, I’ve attended a decent amount of classes, and I feel like I’ve at least learned the basics of modern magic and various famous martial arts. Of course, that knowledge doesn’t mean I can actually utilize them.
“That may be true.”
“Yes, I believe preparing differently from before is necessary to prepare for the next battle. With only two blessings remaining from you, Chrono-san… it might also be prudent to prioritize finding monsters for trials.”
It might even be good to leave Spada and search in another country.
Having already repelled the Crusaders, we aren’t in as urgent a situation as we were before, where they would immediately attack the next day. We now have some leeway, and we can implement lengthier preparation plans that were not possible until now.
“You want a house because you need a more solid base, huh?”
“Yes, because it seems like I could take out a substantial amount of time. I also want to have a workshop as a witch where I can peacefully study magic.”
I see, as expected of Fiona. She’s not simply saying that because she wants a love nest for us two.
“Then, let’s put in some serious effort to look for one—thank you, Sariel. Let’s eat.”
At that moment, the soup was quietly offered to me. It looked reminiscent of the bacon and leafy vegetable soup I had made the day I returned to Spada, utilizing whatever ingredients and spices were available in the kitchen; it seemed unremarkable in that sense.
“Mm, it’s pretty good.”
“I’m glad to hear it pleases your palate.”
Sariel provided a standard response, not sounding particularly happy. As far as taste goes, it seems at least better than what I would cook, so I feel some relief knowing I can entrust her with the cooking.
“Being spared the hassle of teaching from scratch is a stroke of luck.”
Fiona is cold to Sariel again today. If possible, I genuinely hope that she can soften up a bit rather than me becoming accustomed to her prickly way of speaking.
“I plan to let Sariel walk around the town alone starting today.”
“Eh? You’re not bringing her with you?”
“It would be quite rude to bring a maid along on a date between lovers.”
Ah, she seemed a bit displeased just now.
“That’s not the point. After just one day, is it really okay to suddenly allow her outside?”
“It’s already been settled that she has completed her adventurer registration, so she can go anywhere in town, even to dungeons.”
To be fair, Sariel did successfully register as an adventurer yesterday. Confirmations from the guild to the Spada Army also received approval, stating there would be no issues. That’s why Sariel has her iron plate guild card hanging neatly under her clerical robe.
“I’ll give you three hundred thousand Klan, so please get whatever gear you need. And don’t forget about dinner ingredients too.”
Having her do both adventurer gear and dinner shopping simultaneously is quite the challenge. This is rigorous, Fiona, really rigorous.
“…Well, that might be fine. I don’t particularly want to spoil Sariel either.”
“That’s settled then. Now, for a second round of tea.”
“Yes, Fiona-sama.”
Despite wearing steel greaves, Sariel moved back into the kitchen without making a sound. Since she had been listening to our conversation, she likely had no objections to the decision for now. No, given Sariel’s position, she wouldn’t be in a place to even voice any complaints.
“By the way, Chrono-san, today I also wish to conduct some research.”
It’s quite rare for Fiona to want to do some research. When I asked what it was about, she pulled out a book from her pocket.
It was smaller in size, but quite thick. It looked like a small dictionary. The cover was an ordinary brown leather, without any particularly striking features.
“Is it a grimoire of some sort?”
“It’s the Bible.”
At that answer, my thoughts froze for a moment.
However, when Fiona casually flipped the pages of the book she referred to as the Bible, I found the familiar string of words I had been looking at daily not long ago.
“Genesis, Chapter One, The Creation of Light and Heaven…”
Following that were grandiose titles listed in the table of contents, all of which I recognized.
Additionally, I had thrown the Bible belonging to Priest Nikolai into the “Shadow Space.” In other words, this one piece of the Bible of the Cross Religion that exists in the nation of Spada is this single copy.
Yet, the Bible that shouldn’t exist was here.
“This Bible was possessed by the man who ambushed the armor yesterday.”
Fiona mentioned that she found it while casually checking the nearby corpse. I’m curious about her thieving skills when it comes to casually rummaging through corpses, but that’s not important right now.
“Are they spies for the Crusaders?”
“No, if they were agents of the Crusaders, they wouldn’t engage in such meaningless and conspicuous behavior.”
While carrying a Bible does imply one is a follower of the Cross Religion, it’s true that if they were spies, I wouldn’t be able to find any meaning in their ambush. According to their comments during that incident, it appeared to be more like an extremist act to eliminate the “curse” which was proclaimed as an evil contradicting their doctrine.
Even among followers of the Cross Religion, upon seeing something deemed cursed, they would typically resort to either destruction or purification, but it likely wouldn’t be done without thought.
“Then… does that mean the Bible itself is circulating in Spada?”
“Yes, that’s what I aim to verify in today’s research.”
I felt a chilling sensation despite drinking the warm soup upon realizing the existence of a white shadow that had stealthily approached Spada.