CH 159

Translator: “Ashita”                             Editor: “Weasalopes”

Summer has come.

Strong sunlight shines down on the Royal Capital and it reflects brightly off of the buildings and stone pavements.

Fortunately, this land has wind and its humidity is not too high. Due to that, it is actually quite pleasant in the shade.

Due to this, there are many people on the streets who walk around by walking under the shadow cast by the trees.

「Flowers you say」

Even though just slightly, a three-floor building is giving the passersby shelter.

In the Forest Garden that is on the rooftop of that building, I put my thoughts into words.

「So it is on the other side of the Herbal Tree」

Imosuke got onto my head and is acting as a guide. Crawling in front of me is Dangorou that is in charge of leading the way.

Imosuke looks exactly like a five year old larvae of a Swallowtail Butterfly and its height is about twenty centimeters.

On the other hand, Dangorou is the very definition of a pillbug. Its height is about fifteen centimeters.

They are both Spirit Beasts and they are also my familiars. Members of my precious family.

Bringing the two of them that said, I want to have a look at the blossoming flowers, out for a walk, we are now heading deeper into the Forest Garden.

「This is just on the opposite end of the living room」

As I say this, I follow after Dangorou, making a round around the Herbal Tree

「Eh」

I unknowingly let out my voice.

In between the Herbal Tree and the handrail wall.

That is because over there lies a scene that is the very definition of a crowd of flowers blooming in profusion.

「……」

It can be said that this scene is one that is so beautiful that it would take a person’s breath away.

Carnations, Roses, Lilies, and Hydrangeas, that is all the flowers that I know of. The various flowers dye my vision in red, yellow, white, and blue.

「This is amazing. Indeed, this is very beautiful. I have never seen such wonderful scenery before」

My familiars that are waiting in anticipation for my words.

As I gave my honest opinion, I got on my knees and drew my face closer to the flowers.

Owing to Imosuke’s blessing, the surrounding grass turned limpid. Owing to this, there is no worry about getting hurt by the flowers.

「They have a nice scent」

The rich scent of roses tickles my nose.

Imosuke that is on top of my head, stretches its body down to my forehead and called out to me.

『Are you feeling better?』

『Are you hungry?』

Just after that, Dangorou’s voice reaches me from beneath the ground.

After the one case involving Celeb Beauty, my condition deteriorated.

It seems like they were curious after seeing my weakened appearance that was as if I was suffering from summer fatigue.

「It seems like I have caused the both of you to worry. Thanks to you, it seems like willpower is pouring out from deep within me. Thank you」

The waves from the two of them tell me that they are overjoyed.

When I take a closer look, there are many flowers that are flashy. They must have thought among themselves in order to cheer me up.

I sit down and lean on the Herbal Tree, I put Dangorou on my lap. For a while, just like this, I appreciate the beautiful scenery.

「This is a rare opportunity. Let’s bring that out」

I stand up, heading to the living room with my hands wrapped around Dangorou.

There, I took out the large book I borrowed recently with my hands. It is not really that thick.

The title reads 『Vegetation Encyclopedia with Illustrations』. I thought that I should find out the identity of the pomelo.

「Let’s first search for the name of the flower」

I immediately return to the place earlier and begin matching the flowers to the illustrations in the book together with my familiars.

「Wow, the names are written in detail and they are pleasant on the eyes」

They are lilies and Hydrangeas to me. However, their names change with their colors and shapes.

I can not remember them but it has been quite educational.

「There are many names especially for Roses」

The page is thicker when compared to the rest. This probably means that there are that many species of Roses that have names given to them.

「Ohh?」

Within the Flower Garden, my eyes stopped at a single flower rose.

「Is it called Black Rose」

I immediately search for a matching picture.

「Pile Bunker (Battering Ram)?」

The illustration that is an exact match which I immediately found.

The text that accompanies it beneath is quite the weird name.

「It seems like a noble in the Empire who is a Rose lover gave it that name. Eh? I do not know what type of person that person is」

It seems like the part with Rose lover touched the heartstrings of Imosuke as he asked me a question from the top of my head.

Just then, Dangorou turns to face us.

「Is it not a kind person that loves flowers you say?」

I grinned and stated my point of view.

「While who knows, why is it called Pile Bunker though. It just might be a vampire that loves to see blood」

When I exposed my teeth and made a motion as if I was about to bite something, Dangorou rolled up into a ball.

I might have frightened it a bit too much.

「Oh, that’s right. I must also search for the pomelo」

It is a tree that even made Imosuke – the Wiseman of the Forest – say that it is a rare existence.

After waiting for Dangorou to return to his original form, we went around the Herbal Tree.

The small tree, with many thorns, that is growing at the side of a riverbank has, although small in number, bore yellowish fruits.

「……This is no use, I do not know」

I flip to the page with Citrus Fruits but they only contain illustrations of fruits such as a white flower, round yellow fruit, and round orange fruit.

It is a shame but I am unable to tell them apart at my level.

「Well, I guess it is alright for now to know it as Pomelo」

As I am thinking of such a thing, I hear movement in the form of footsteps.

「What is it?」

When I take a look with my eyes, Dangorou turned its head to face the intersection between me and the area that is deeper into the forest.

「Is that it?」

What lies beyond where its head is facing is a single white mushroom.

Its size is as large as a fist and it is standing upright.

「Hmm? It is the favorite of the Elves and they take it with them」

It seems like it thought that that is why I would be happy.

「I wonder if it is delicious」

Feeling that I should rely on the knowledge of others, I flipped open the encyclopedia.

As I search through the list of mushrooms, I find one with a very similar illustration.

「It should probably be this – White Lady」

A pure white figure that is standing upright and is without any blemishes. A modestly wide umbrella shape that is not opened too wide, . Now that it mentions that, it does feel like it has the air of a lady.

「It rarely grows in areas that are rich in mana, it is rare that one is able to lay one’s eyes on it. It is a very important ingredient for magic and is even more expensive than a stack of gold coins of the same height」

I unconsciously let out a voice of admiration from my mouth.

「It seems to be a rare mushroom. It also seems to have a high value」

The two of them react to my words. Imosuke calls out to Dangorou.

『Rare?』

『It isn’t rare though』

Quite a different opinion as compared to the description in the book.

I think for a bit and searched my memory. Knowing the fact that my familiars are born in the Forest of Spirits.

They probably mean that it is not that rare in the Forest of Spirits.

「Come to think of it, there is talk that the land there is rich in magic」

The book I read before. I recall its contents.

There should be a dispute between the Humans and the Elves regarding the management of the Forest of Spirits.

The Humans who suggested a joint management and the Elves who reject that idea.

「For the Elves to be in control of that land even now probably means that the Humans lost」

The end result is only written vaguely.

It probably is because that book was recorded by people on the Human side who were the losers.

「They were in a dispute probably because precious things like these grow abundantly there」

There would probably be no one who will point at a worthless plot of land and say that the person wants it.

As expected of a plot of land with Spirit in its name. It seems like magical produce is abundant there.

Feeling contented, I continued reading the continuation of the White Lady.

「It has an extremely deadly poison. There are no problems if one’s hands touch it briefly but harvesting it is dangerous. This task will be difficult without a veteran adventurer」

I frowned unconsciously.

Dangorou moved all the way to side with the White Lady and turned its head in my direction.

『Wanna harvest it?』

Want to harvest it and bring it back to the room? It is probably asking that.

「……No, it is fine for now. Let’s leave it as it is」

I am not a veteran adventurer.

Feeling anxious, I seek the opinion of my familiars.

「It seems to have an extremely deadly poison. It is alright for me to let it grow in the Forest Garden?」

Imosuke and Dangorou looked at each other – one from the top, the other from the bottom.

『Wanna eat it?』

『It cannot be eaten』

I too have a long-standing relationship with my familiars.

I do mostly understand what they do not say. This is not food, that is why it is alright if it is not eaten, their opinion is probably somewhere along those lines.

「It is beautiful and provides convenience at night as it lets out a faint light?」

Translator: “Ashita”                             Editor: “Weasalopes”

It seems like it will come in handy when there is a night with terrible weather.

If the two of them, who are the experts of the forest, think that it is not dangerous, then I have no intention of saying anything else.

「Alright, let’s return」

With Imosuke on top of my head and Dangorou leading the way, we returned back from the path we came from.

I do also catch sight of Heavy Lancers sometimes. The ones that are running around playfully are probably children. Among the rest of them, there are many others in the group that are doing nothing but eating.

「Let’s go to Jayanne after noon to confirm the status of the reservation of Explosive Onee-sama」

After I got defeated by the Spy from the Empire, there was no news in particular from the store.

The path to Light Cruiser-sensei should not have been closed off yet.

「Maybe it has already been canceled and I am jumping the gun」

With a faint ray of hope within my heart, I walked from the side of the lake to my living room.

A few hours after that.

Several parasols are set up at the center of the public square.

Under one of such an umbrella. I sipped the iced coffee after I finished eating a late lunch.

(I will have to wait for a few months for Explosive Onee-sama huh)

I unconsciously arch my back.

I went to Jayanne to confirm it but the result is quite disappointing.

(It seems that there is no guarantee that the reservation will be pushed forward if I pay the money)

It seems that doing this will result in people throwing out gold coins just to push forward the reservation.

The concierge at Jayanne elaborated with a stern expression that this is a ridiculous act.

After sipping all the coffee in between the ice loudly, I stood up from my seat.

(Let’s head over there)

A short shadow during the daytime of summer.

I advance along the main street of the Entertainment District.

In the end, I reached the place with a large building that is built out of white marble. This is the Cassabell, the first of the big three of the Royal Capital.

Greeting the boy that opens the door with one hand, I walk deeper into the lobby.

(If not for Plain-chan being the queen here, I would have immediately nominated)

Even though Imosuke and the group said it in that way, the aftereffects of Celeb Beauty still remains.

That sex appeal that is too direct and without embarrassment. Due to being on the receiving end of that, my appetite has not returned at all.

(I must neutralize it)

Regarding this point, the old Plain-chan is the type that is the exact opposite.

Bashful and embarrassed, she averts her eyes. And in a small voice, she gives her gratitude for nominating her.

Even though she is now the queen of Cassabell.

(People are ones to change huh)

Have a close look at a person you have not met for three days. As expected of a first-class brothel, the employees do not miss even a day of their training.

However, the me of the present is not seeking the queen. My eyes glance across the gallery, searching for another person.

When it comes to the gallery is said to have many women wearing a one-piece dress. Among the many that are like this, the attire of this place is a white blouse, a black skirt, and socks. It strengthens the feeling that this place is like a classroom of a school.

「This sure is good. So they have changed their attire」

When I ask about it, a young concierge answers with a refreshing smile.

「This is because we pay close attention to the trends of the red-light district」

It seems like they proactively include anything that is trending into their business.

(There might have been some influence from me)

The celebrities who I met at the lobby of the brothel.

They were fervently going on and on about the greatness of uniforms.

「It is too plain and is not interesting. It is very inconvenient to strip it」

I would personally like to take these gentlemen, who say such things, to the 『Uniform Specialty Store. Come now, you too will conquer! The uniform!』 and propagate the love for uniforms.

(This is a good trend)

The world is becoming a better place.

With this, it may not be a dream to see Light Cruiser-sensei in a sailor uniform.

Just as I am thinking of that, my eyes stop at a person in the gallery.

(Let’s go with her)

A young girl, sitting at the corner, who is like a mob character.

A straight, long hair. Her looks make people think that she has no make-up on. If I were to express it in a phrase, it would be like the face of a granddaughter (a serious face)*.

She feels like someone who will become popular among the elderly people.

The lively chatter is taking place at the center of the gallery. I also liked that she did not get involved with that chatter.

[*TL note: The Kanji here is 孫顔 which cannot be found in a dictionary. 孫 means grandchild and 顔 means face. It can be read as ma|ga|o, which another phrase with the same pronunciation, 真顔, means a serious face or look]

「Thank you for your nomination. She will be here shortly so please wait for a while」

The concierge from earlier replied with a clear and loud voice.

She probably has just had her debut on the floor recently, her figure, that is filled with vigor, brings a smile to my face.

「……It is nice to meet you」

On the contrary, the young girl who came out up to the counter from the gallery says her words in a voice that feels like it is about to vanish.

I do not sense a strong personality but as expected of a first-class brothel. Her face, her style, although they are lacking in volume overall, they are at a pretty high level.

「It is nice to meet you too」

After I replied with a smile on my face, we joined hands and climbed up the stairs.

When we enter the room, I order my usual order and we wait for it to come.

And finally, the time when both of us are alone.

(For this type of woman, it would be best for me to be the one leading)

The young girl looks at me, all embarrassed, with upturned eyes and shows no signs of moving. This might very well be her selling point.

「Okay, stand up, stand up. Let’s play a fun game with this middle-aged man」

I take her hand and pull her out of the sofa. I then explained to her the rules of rock, paper, scissors.

「The winner gets to strip a piece of clothing from the loser」

Of course, the purpose is similar to the rock, paper scissors forfeit game – Yakyuken.

She desperately tries to remember and nods. I immediately announce the start of the game.

「This sorta game is a must if you are having fun in the Royal Capital」

Switching out some words she does not understand with random ones she would, I twist and turn, getting into the ready position.

「Here we go*」

[*TL note: The phrase he is saying here is よよいのよい which you can think of as something you say at the start of every game of Yakyuuken just like in rock paper scissors.]

A win to start things off.

Her face that has a slight tinge of red, makes an expression that says, oh no.

「Put out your right foot」

I got one of my knees in front of the foot she raised slightly and pulled down one of her socks.

After I stood up, I put the sock against my face, announcing the start of the next round while I took in the scent of the sock.

「Here we go!」

I won once again.

As a matter of fact, her hand forms the shape of one of the three such as scissors or paper, and she swings it down as is. Thanks to this, what she will put out next is as clear as day.

It is probably because she is not used to rock, paper, scissors.

「Here we go!」

「Here we go!」

I who had won consecutively stripped her remaining sock and her blouse.

Her face is already beet red, she is using both of her hands to cover her face and her legs are going pitter-patter.

However. She does not seem to be against this. It seems like she is having fun.

「What will be next? Maybe your brassiere? Or perhaps your skirt?」

Hearing my words, she pushed her arms chest and her skirt. She is in a slouching posture, embarrassed, she takes a peek at me with upturned eyes.

(This is it, this is it)

I can feel that the toxin of Celeb Beauty is slowly coming out of my body.

In a way, she is a terrifying assassin.

(As expected, what is said to be shyness is an important culture)

This is something that must be cherished. That feeling has been renewed.

「Here we go!」

Skirt!

「Here we go!」

Brasserie!

After that, I lost on purpose and I stripped

I like the rule of having the winner state what to strip more than the rule of deciding what to strip on your own.

「Here we go!」

When there is nothing left to strip, there only leaves either requesting for services or putting it in.

Be it a win or a loss, the act that will be done at the end is the same. However, I would very much like to enjoy the process.

「What will I strip I wonder」

Or so I say as I walk around her. She is hugging her own body tightly and making my rounds around that feels good.

It would have been the best if, not only her face, but her entire body is beet red as well.

There are people who say that they do not need the flavor. However, I like this a lot.

「Alright, necktie!」

I would be quite the maniac if I stripped everything else but her necktie.

Let’s leave it as the one before the last.

「Ookay, stay still alright」

Opening and half closing both of my hands, I stretched my hands out towards the chest of the young girl.

Two hours later.

After finishing everything, I gaze at the sunset from an open cafe at the public plaza.

「It’s good」

Those are the only words that come out.

The young girl with the face of a granddaughter that feels like she was pampered by her grandfather. Thanks to her, the celeb toxin has disappeared from my mind.

That DVD and those strawberry rice bowls will no longer stir my heart.

「As expected, the power of women is amazing」

They can become a plus or even a minus.

I was impressed once again at their influence.

At that time, I have no way of knowing that the change in name from Yakyuken to the Slime Game was beginning.