Welcome to the Impregnable Demon King Castle

214 – Holding your Hand is Far Harder than Fighting the Strongest of Foes (Part 2)

First off, Fenix was surrounded by a flock of both old and young women.

This happens to him no matter what village he goes to…I recalled the days when I was in the Fenix party.

「Lem, looks aren’t important… Okay, I can’t say that, but looks aren’t the only thing that’s important! Your Job is also important, but it’s not just that…!」

Sitri was trying to cheer me up.

「Exactly. What we should look at in relationships should not be what people are born with, but what they cultivated throughout their lives. It’s…different when it comes to working though…」

Perhaps recalling my withdrawal from the party, Lily added to Sitri’s point with some difficulty.

Having the Aptitude for a Black Sorcerer and being identified as one at only the age of ten, it is something I was born with.

I ended up leaving the party because of that, but this and personal relationships are different.

It is important to separate the two slightly in one’s mind.

「Thanks, you two…」

As I said that, the two of them were also surrounded.

…Well, I…I guess I have…finished talking with everyone…

Without even realizing it, my dad got close to me and tapped me on the shoulder.

I thought he was going to console me, but he had a serious look on his face.

「Everyone is laughing and smiling, almost like the few hours we spent scared and worried didn’t exist. Surely, this is what people would call the work of…a hero?」

「…The one who woke everyone up in order was Furcus…」

He hit me on the head.

「That Lady Furcus had this to say, “I was just following Lem.”」

「…」

「You took the first step to save people in need and gathered those that would follow such a hero. Don’t downplay your actions. Be proud. That’s something a hero would do, right?」

「…You’re pretty knowledgeable about heroes, huh, dad?」

「Who’s fault do you think that is?」

Said my dad with a deliberately disgruntled look on his face.

「Ahaha, a son who was utterly obsessed with Clear videos, maybe?」

「Looks like it was worth it, though.」

I look at everyone again.

They are all certainly laughing.

「I know. You’re right. I hope.」

If my actions had even the slightest effect on this outcome…

I should be proud of it.

『Ooh, a feast. Nice. Oh, don’t eat any chicken, OK? Feels kinda weird ’cause of how I look.』

…And the moment is ruined.

◇

While they were making preparations for the party, Sitri and I went back to the camp for the moment.

Fenix was caught by Canary and Lily got dragged into it as well.

Well, since it’s their reunion with a son who never visits, her reaction is only natural.

I went to the carriage to go back to camp to escape before I was dragged into it as well.

I, uh, had to go back and give a report. Yup. No other reason.

Now, about the Original Dungeon investigation after all that.

Opinions on whether or not to challenge the fifth stratum are split.

Not because some people wanted a reward.

They were apprehensive about the Spirit’s behavior.

They were worried that the Spirit might lure other people again to take the challenge if there were no further contestants, which makes sense when you think about it.

『That’s an expected response from people who don’t know about my relation to you right now.』

Exactly.

In regards to this, the Spirit turned into a ball of light again and appeared in front of everyone to explain the situation, and they reached a conclusion.

It won’t refuse any further contestants, but it won’t use ordinary people as hostages either.

Spirits can’t tell a lie.

It has been decided that no one will participate in the fifth stratum challenge.

There were a few voices that expressed regret, but even Ex was swallowed by the dream once. There wasn’t anyone who was arrogant enough to think they could do better.

Next, about the investigation and Clear of the fourth stratum.

This shall continue.

Hearing that the Dungeon will disappear in a matter of days, it will be Cleared to at least retrieve the treasures within.

By the way, as a countermeasure to this Dungeon that adapts to the attackers, a Teleportation Recording Stone will be installed within.

Not in a Safe Room, but in an area where Imitations can appear in.

With this, even if the enemies were to adapt to the Adventurers within it currently, personnel from the camp can transfer in to deal with them.

At first glance, it seems like a good idea, and there is nothing wrong with using it, but there are some drawbacks.

The Teleportation Recording Stone must be firmly secured. Then, the coordinates need to be registered.

This operation takes a fair amount of time, making this an unrealistic plan because of the threat of sudden attacks.

It’s not something that can be done in normal Clears, and they’re going to try it a few times to see if it’ll work.

Also, about the Spirit haunting me.

Merlin looked displeased.

「I see… It’s good to know that Arthur wasn’t the only exception. Lem, if at all possible, could you please tell me more?」

Arthur had a suspicious look on his face.

「While I am glad you received a divine blessing…the fact that it is from that Spirit is worrying. If anything happens, please consult with me immediately, as a fellow Possessed, I might be of assistance.」

Ex laughed heartily.

「Ahaha! That Spirit has a discerning eye. If you aren’t against it, just let it watch your life unfold. They are free Spirits, but they can also become friends or partners. At the very least, it hasn’t done anything to cause me concern, so it’s fine.」

Furcus said, expressionless while munching on her Magical Energy-made food…

「…No matter what kind of power you gain, the importance placed on one’s own strength remains unchanged. We shall resume training once we return. We shall train so that you won’t get pushed down by Milla’s assault.」

Sitri already found out in the village and said this at the time…

「Is it cute?」

Milla had mixed feelings.

「I…I’m very glad that…you were able to receive a divine blessing but…gr, for it to be from that Spirit…that Spirit…」

Maggie was rather stiff.

「……Oh. I-I see…Divine blessing from a Spirit…I-I expected no less from you Sir Lem.」

Her confused reaction is a normal response.

By the way, when I told Yoss, he yelled “Whaaa~?! A Spirit?!” in great surprise.

After that, the camp celebrated the full Clear of the Original Dungeon, and we were all treated to a lavish meal at noon.

Ex and Arthur exchanged drinks with one another.

There, allies who fought alongside one another mingled.

Merlin gathered everyone for a drinking contest and drank all challengers under the table.

Furcus ate not only her Magical Energy-made food but normal food as well and for the first time since I’ve known her, her belly swelled just a tiny bit.

Yoss, who saw it as well, trembled and said “For Lady Furcus’s belly to swell like that… She must be growing in power.” with a serious look on his face.

Before I knew it, Sitri was surrounded by a group of women, saying “There’s a cute way to eat too, y’know?” which everyone listened to intently.

Everyone was having fun.

Right now, I’m walking to grab a drink.

And food for Milla.

『Hey, partner.』

…

『Hello~. Partner?』

Is that how you plan on calling me?

『I mean, you already have a best friend, masters, and parents, right? I thought that a partnership was the only relationship slot you had left for me.』

Well…you’d still call me that even if I told you not to, right?

『Yup, yup. Also, it’s easier to remember.』

So? What is it?

『Come here. Got something important to talk about. No, really. It won’t take long, it’ll be over before you know it.』

The black chick flapped its wings and flew in a direction. Guess I have no choice.

I followed it to just a little ways away from the camp, but the scenery changed in an instant.

『Surprised?』