第２８９堀：ペッタンコの価値 (Part3)
"Well, it's an application of wind magic. You know how we have cushions at home? I'm trying to create something that softens impacts by mimicking that."
If I recall correctly, it was an application of a shield-type spell used to deflect attacks with wind, right? As I was explaining this to Cleena and Samantha, a voice called out from the side.
"Oh, you've returned safely, Cleena."
"Master!!"
In a rare display of emotion for her, Cleena raised her voice and ran toward the old man. Ah, so that is Cleena's master and foster parent. With his pointed hat, white beard, and robes, he looked like the very definition of a classic mage. But seeing the smile he wore at the sight of Cleena, I could tell he was a kind old man.
"Why are you here, Master? You’re supposed to be holed up in your house on the outskirts of town, buried in research."
"Guh, you hit a sore spot there. But, well, I thought it wouldn't do to stay cooped up at home when my dear daughter is coming back. I asked the Princess to let me serve as your guide."
It was a heartwarming scene. I had moments like that once, too... My mother and sister waiting for me to return home after a long day of working the fields. Memories that are nostalgic, yet will never return. I’ve often wished I could have used the power of a Hero back then. But I met Yuki-san. I met my fated person. The path was harsh, but I wouldn't trade this encounter for anything. The sorrow, the pain, and the love in my heart—they are all mine. ...That is why I will find happiness, for the sake of everyone in my village.
"Ria. Are you alright? You're crying."
"Ah, oh. I'm fine. Just felt a bit nostalgic, that's all."
"...Nostalgic, you say. Please don't push yourself."
"Thank you. But I'm really okay. Jessica is so kind, too."
That's right, it’s not just Yuki-san. I’ve made so many companions I can trust with all my heart. There’s no reason to dwell on the past. While I was thinking this, Cleena and her master finished their conversation and walked over to us.
"Everyone, let me introduce him. This is my foster parent and master. And the Royal Court Magic Advisor to the Kingdom of August, Feigel Hundred."
"Ho ho ho. I am honored by the introduction. My name is Feigel Hundred. Since you are my daughter's friends, please feel free to call me Feigel. And I am truly grateful for this opportunity to speak with the Dragon Knight, Amanda-sama."
The old man bowed before Amanda. Amanda, being addressed directly, looked nervous. ...Wait, how does that old man know what Amanda looks like? Did Cleena tell him?
"E-eek!! N-no, please don't be so formal. I'm still just a student at the Academy, and there's no need for you to be so polite to me, especially when you're a legendary senior who once traded spells with Principal Popuri and is said to command a hundred different magics!"
"Ho ho ho. Those are nostalgic days indeed. If the Dragon Knight Amanda-sama insists, then as Cleena's friend, I shall speak plainly. However, please understand that in official settings, we must maintain our respective positions."
"Yes. I understand. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Hmm, he’s a reasonable old man.
"However, does that story still circulate, Cleena?"
"Circulate? You're the only one who could ever hold your own in a magic duel against Principal Popuri."
"No, no. When I was a student, there were plenty of people who tried to pick fights with the Principal. Besides, even if you call it a magic duel, I just attacked with sheer volume and ended up losing in the end."
"...The number of spells was extraordinary. There are records stating you fired off a mountain of different magics, and it's still talked about today. Or rather, the Principal is the one who keeps bringing it up."
"That damn old hag. She’s just trying to draw attention to me. Considering she never mentions how she countered every single one of my spells, she’s clearly just trying to dump her troublesome tasks onto me... Should I go and complain to her next time?"
I see. So Popuri-san has been like that for a long time. I feel for the old man. If he saw her being fed by Eris right now, would he laugh, or would he weep?
"More importantly, I want to finish introducing everyone else."
"Oh, my apologies. I did receive word that the mercenary group who stopped the Enaria raid would be providing escort... but it's all female students. Where are the mercenaries?"
"...Everyone except Amanda and Eoid over there is part of the mercenary group. They are being welcomed as students of the Academy, so they are wearing the uniforms."
"Ho, such young people!?"
"Yeah, it's a fact. We don't have much time before the audience, so I'll be brief. That man there."
Cleena gestured toward Yuki-san, who was standing next to me.
"The leader of the mercenary group, Yuki. And my husband. Everyone else is a fellow wife. My new family."
"Huh?"
Perhaps unable to keep up, the old man froze with his mouth hanging open. Ah, I can imagine what he's thinking. He's probably going to yell, "You can't have my daughter!!" After all, he doesn't know anything about Yuki-san, and he clearly cares for Cleena, so it's a natural reaction. As I thought this, the old man lowered his head, trembling as if he were bottling something up. The others seemed to realize what was coming, as they brought their hands to their ears to prepare for the impending shout. Yuki-san, meanwhile, looked like he was ready to accept his fate, crying slightly at the prospect of dealing with Cleena's father. ...Good luck, Yuki-san.
The old man suddenly snapped his head up and marched straight toward Yuki-san. He wasn't armed, but I couldn't ignore him getting that close. Jessica and I moved to intercept him, but Yuki-san stopped us, telling us to let it play out. There was no killing intent, but if he tried anything, I’d turn him into ash. The old man stood right in front of Yuki-san and reached out his hands quickly.
*Snap!!*
Jessica, Samantha, and I immediately tensed. We had been forced to surrender our weapons at the castle gates, but our Hero equipment in our Item Boxes was still accessible. However, the old man’s hands were simply gripping Yuki-san’s.
"You did well!! To think there was someone eccentric enough to be satisfied with this blunt, flat-chested girl!!"
*Thud.*
We all nearly collapsed. Wait, *that's* what you're focusing on?!
"I mean, she's a daughter I'm proud of, but I don't know if I messed up her early education—she grew up only caring about books and magic, making it hard for her to interact with people. I realized that and sent her to the Academy, but the Principal’s reports just said she was always reading. I thought she’d end up an old maid without a partner, just like me. Well, I suppose if she had a better figure, she might have had a chance. But as you can see, she's just small, smooth, and flat, right?"
Ah, Cleena was trembling behind him. I think I understand why the old man is still single; he has no consideration for women. Honestly, Cleena is a beautiful girl who just wanted friends. It’s the people around her who are at fault for not noticing.
"N-no. I love Cleena, including those parts of her."
As expected of Yuki-san!! Cleena stopped trembling, her cheeks flushing red. She’s so cute!!
"That's wonderful!! You're the first young man like this I've ever met!! Even knowing she's flat, you say you like her, or that she's cute!! Even though she's flat!!"
Even though Yuki-san tried to smooth things over, the old man kept stepping on landmines. Being flat isn't a bad thing, you know. Seeing that Cleena had reached her breaking point, we all stepped away, leaving Yuki-san and the old man alone. Since it was Cleena's attack, I wasn't worried about Yuki-san being hurt; it was clearly just playful banter. Though, I wasn't sure if the old man would survive it.
"...Die, you shitty old man!!"
Showing the results of her training in Weed, she instantly conjured a massive fireball and launched it at him.
"Hmph, I've told you so many times to suppress your magical fluctuations—against a high-level mage, your casting is easily read..."
The old man said this as he turned around, only to scream when he saw the fireball looming before him.
"W-wait, that's too big!? Hold on—"
*BOOOOOOM!!*
A thunderous roar echoed throughout the royal castle. ...Hmm. The old man is probably charred black.
(Anyone who imagined "smooth, flat, pancake" is out.)
Well, putting the comedy aside, we charged into the castle. What on earth could be waiting for us inside?!