Sisyphe

　The sunlight shines on the blue sea, making the surface of the water sparkle.
　Many large ships are floating in the beautiful Ariad Bay.
　They look like one big island connected by bridges.
　A lot of dishes are laid out on the boat and many people are eating and chatting with each other.
　I look at the people on the boat.
　All of them are wearing beautiful clothes.
　The ornaments they wore were also gorgeous.
　I sigh when I see them.

'Hey Shizu-chan ....... Is it okay for us to be in a place like this?

　Maddie beside me asks anxiously.
　Maddie seems to feel the same way as I do.

'It should be good ....... The one that's actually able to get in here: ......'

　I say anxiously.
　We are attending a banquet in honor of the brave Lord of Light.
　The reason for this is because Rage-sama invited us to attend.
　Naturally we were delighted to hear that we would be treated to a sumptuous meal.
　However, we regretted it when we came to the venue.
　There are many royalty and aristocrats from neighboring countries here.
　Is it all right for a commoner like us to join them?

'I ....... Isn't it funny, Siz?

　Maddie shows me the clothes she is wearing.
　Today Maddy is not in her usual sorcerer's form. She is wearing beautiful clothes.
　The clothes are gorgeous clothes borrowed from Chiyuki-sama and others.
　I think the blue clothes represent her dainty, but I'm not sure.

''Come on, you can't say that ....... I'm not confident either.''

　I turn over and reply.
　I also borrow and wear luxurious clothes.
　So when it comes to clothing alone, I should not be inferior to the aristocratic ladies around me.
　However, I usually wear cheap clothes, so I don't feel comfortable.
　Maybe the clothes don't suit her in the first place.

''No, I think Siszfe should have more confidence. It's enough to make you think you're a nobleman's daughter.

　Sister Kayna, beside me, says.
　Sister Kayna is also gorgeous in her outfit.
　The red outfit looks good on her. But since she looks like a prostitute, she should refrain from exposing her skin.

'Yes. Out of all of us, I think Sizfe-san is the only one who can be confident.''

　Even Leiria praises me.

'Oh, Siszfe should be confident. Don't you realize that? There are quite a few guys watching Sisyphe.
'Oh no!'

　At Nora's words I look around me.
　Come to think of it, I feel like some men are looking at me.
　I'm honestly embarrassed.
　That's when it happened.
　My eyes meet with one man.
　He is a very well-dressed young man.
　The man approaches me.
　My heart stops beating as I realize who he is.
　It's a man you've met before.

"Isn't this Sisyphe-dono? It's been a long time.

　The man greets him gracefully.

'Ah, Master Decius, I see you are ....... It's been a while. I didn't recognize you as you were dressed differently than usual.

　I greet you as well.
　Master Decius is a priest and law-abiding knight in the service of the God King, Master Odis.
　We have met in the past when he came to Thessia to investigate a case.
　At that time we assisted him in his investigation at the request of the Temple of Feria.
　Normally he takes the form of a knight, but now he's in the form of a nobleman.
　That's why we didn't notice him at first.
　He's a real nobleman to begin with.
　Master Decius is from a famous family in the Republic of Ariadia.
　Normally, he's not someone you can call out to casually.
　But he is polite and soft-spoken to everyone. Even when we were investigating together, we were able to talk easily.
　He has a good face, a good background and a good character. That is Mr. Decius.
　I hope that Novice will follow Decius's example.

'The same is true here, Master Sisyphe. When I saw you, I thought you were a young lady. Did you make this dress yourself?

　Master Decius looks at my clothes and says.

''No way. ...... No matter how much I am a follower of Master Feria, I cannot make such clothes. This is a borrowed item. Doesn't it look good on you?

　I reply with a wave of my hand.
　Lady Feria is also the goddess of textiles.
　And she teaches her followers that they should make their own clothes.
　In fact, in my ruined hometown, it is common for people to make their own clothes as well as their own wedding gowns.
　I learned how to sew from my mother. I still sew and knit my own clothes by myself.
　But these clothes are borrowed.
　It may not look good on you in the eyes of Decius-sama.

'No, it looks great on you. You look beautiful. Sisyphe-dono. I didn't expect to meet you here.''

　Master Decius laughs.
　I feel my face flush.
　After all, Decius-sama is a handsome man.
　He has golden hair, a well-defined face, and a slender stature.
　I would be embarrassed if I were to be flattered by such a person.

''Yes, thanks to the brave man-sama, I was allowed to participate.

　I bow to hide my red face.

''Ah, Lord Sizfe is acquainted with the brave Lord of Light, isn't he? You haven't met him yet, but he seems to be a wonderful person.''
Yes, sir. I don't think I've ever met a more kind, beautiful, brilliant man in my life.

　Decius-sama is a good man, but Rage-sama goes above and beyond.
　That is truly the Son of Light.

''Ha, I see. It seems that the brave Lord of Light is very popular with the ladies.

　Master Decius says with a laugh.
　But I notice that there is an emotion in that laugh.
　It's jealousy.
　I was a little surprised. I'm sure you're not the only one with negative feelings.

'By the way, Sisyphe-dono. Have you seen the lady with the silver hair?

　Decius-sama asks abruptly.
　'Come to think of it, I think I was scurrying around when I first saw her.

'Are you the lady with the silver hair?　Are you old enough to have silver hair?

　The silver-haired old lady would have seen it.

'No, I think she's about the same age as Lord Sizfe. I think she's a daughter of some country: ......
No, I haven't seen him.
'I see ....... I thought she was here because her attendant's squire said she had come to see the brave lady ....... Apparently she's not here.

　Lady Decius looks disappointed.

'Is she very beautiful?'
'Yes ...... that was indeed the goddess of moonlight ....... If possible, I would like to see you again.

　I ask, and Decius says, looking into the distance.
　All of us are surprised by this.
　I've never seen Master Decius like this before.
　He's a well known priest of hardy Odis.
　I didn't expect that Decius-sama to look like this.

''I'm surprised ....... I didn't expect that hardy Decius' husband to look like that .......'
That's really surprising. ......

　Sister Kayna and Maddy say in a whisper as they look at Lady Decius.
　I feel the same way as the two of them.
　Probably, Decius has fallen in love with the silver-haired woman at first sight.
　I never expected such a woman to be serious and have no frivolous stories to tell.
　I've heard that since Master Decius is a handsome man, he's received offers of marriage from many women of distinguished families.
　But Master Decius has refused all of them because he is in training.
　Since he is in love with her, what kind of woman does he fall in love with?

'Oh ....... Excuse me, Lord Sizfe. I'm ashamed to show you how embarrassed I am.

　Master Decius coughs with a cough and returns his face to normal.

'No ...... otherwise ....... Yes, if I see the lady, I'll give her a shout.
'Thank you, Sisyphe-dono. Now I must leave you with this, as I have to greet my brave master.
'Oh, is that so? If so, we haven't greeted Rage-sama yet either. May I join you? It's good for everyone, right?

　I look behind me and ask my friends. They all agree with me.

'Of course you're welcome. Then let's go together.

　Thus, we and Decius-sama both headed to the brave man's place.




The black-haired wise man Chiyuki.

　The Republic of Ariadia began as a landing place built on several islets at the mouth of the Kish River.
　The shallow waters of the Gulf of Ariad are home to few sea monsters that are the enemy of humans.
　Even land demons do not cross the sea.
　Many humans gathered in this natural fortress. Each island was connected to the other by a bridge to form a nation.
　That was the Republic of Ariadia in the beginning.
　Later on, the Republic of Ariadia expanded inland and grew to its present size.
　The Republic of Ariadia is located at a strategic point of transportation on the border between the east and west of the continent, and has prospered from the ship trade of the Kish River and the Gulf of Ariad, and is now one of the largest countries in the world.
　And now there are many large ships floating in the Gulf of Ariad.
　Because the big ships are tied together at the edge, it is as if an artificial island has been created.
　A lot of people are coming and going on the ship, but the ship does not sink.
　This is because the bottom of the boat has already sunk to the bottom of the sea.
　This is possible because there is a series of shallow waters around here.
　There are many luxurious meals on the tables on each boat.
　A beautiful looking man came up to me and poured me a drink.
　It must be a fruit wine, judging by its color.

'Thank you.'

　I thank the man who poured it out.

'What a waste of words. Chiyuki-sama, the black-haired wise man.''

　The man thanks him gracefully and leaves.
　Perhaps he was a follower of Aquelio, a subordinate god of the liquor god Nectar.
　There was a holy seal on his chest that resembled a water bottle, so there was no doubt about it.
　Aquelio is the god who manages and serves alcoholic beverages and dishes in the heavenly palace.
　He is also the god of male servants and has as his wife Maidria, the goddess of female servants who is subordinate to the goddess Feria.
　In addition to his original duties, Aquelio is said to work as a secretary to Odis and Nectar.
　The diversity of her duties makes her a male version of Feria.
　Perhaps it is because of his duties that we call Aquario the god of stewardship.
　And Aquelio is also a god known for his beautiful boys, like Alfos, the god of music, and Pistis, the boy god subordinate to the goddess Ishtia.
　Its congregation is also full of beautiful men and women, which amuses my eyes.

I'm not sure I've ever seen a more beautiful man. Mr. Chiyuki.

　Nao calls out to me from the side to tease me.

'It's fine, Nao. It's a feast for us.''

　I answer, holding the cup.

'But Master Rage is a better man than that.

　Eulia, who is walking with us, says.
　Eulia is working with us for some reason.

'Eulia. Why are you with us?'

　I say with a slightly cold look.

'Such ....... It's cold, Chiyuki. It's not that I don't want you to stay with me. Rage-sama?

　Eulia says as she hugs Rage's arm.

'Yeah, I don't mind, man. The more girls, the better.'

　Rage says with a grin.
　That's good for you," he says with a grin. And it's not just Eulia, but several other girls are following Reige.
　Seeing this, Reno and Sahoko give me a subtle look.

''By the way, I wonder if Shirone-san is okay?''

　Kyouka, who is walking with him, is worried about Shirone.
　Syrone was carried away by Regena earlier in a drunken stupor.
　This is very unusual.
　Normally, Syrone doesn't get drunk.
　It seems that we are able to regulate our drunkenness with magical power.
　That's why Kyouka, who can't use her magic power well, gets drunk.
　Therefore, under normal circumstances, Sirone would not be able to get drunk. However, he couldn't use his magic power well and seemed to be drunk.
　The fact that the departure of his childhood friend was a shock to him.

''It's true. ...... Normally Kyouka-san would be the first to get drunk.

　Nao looks at Kyouka and says curiously.
　Normally Kyouka gets drunk and Shirone doesn't, but this time it's the opposite.

'Yes, it's all thanks to Kuroki-san. I hope to see you again.''

　Kyouka says with an enthralled expression.
　Kyouka can now use magic. This is amazing.
　No matter how many times I taught him, he never improved.
　Apparently I'm not very good at teaching.
　Well, I admit I have a bit of a temper, but it's a bit depressing to see them learn so easily.
　I've been told by Nao and Kaya that we're just not a good match for each other.
　Is this really so?
　Kaya says he was very kind to Kyouka and never scolded her when she made mistakes.
　Maybe Kyouka is the type of person who grows with praise.
　I should have been nice to him instead of scolding him.

"Don't do it, Kyouka. I don't remember his face very well, but I'm sure that was a sullen servant.

　Rage says terrible things.
　I'm sure he'd be angry if Sirone were here.

'It certainly would: ......

　But Kyouka affirms it.
　Hearing that, I almost slip away.
　I want to tuck in and tell her not to speak ill of the benefactor who taught me magic at the time.

''Of course you do. I don't care if you are prepared to do something nasty, unless you are ready for that kind of thing, but if you're not, I think it's best to stay away from it.

　Rage nodded and said.

'I understand, brother. Your brother is right.''

　Kyouka nodded again and said.
　Didn't you say you wanted to see me again earlier?
　I think about that.

'And that's a bit of a shame about Silone-san. It's just a party.

　Reno says ruefully.

'No, Reno-sama. Perhaps it would have been better for you, Sirone-sama.'

　Kaya, who is standing behind Kyouka, looks towards where Shirone has been carried and says.
　There is a boat floating apart from a large ship tied to the sea a short distance away.
　There is a canopy on top of the ship, the inside of which is obscured by thin silk.
　I'm sure there are lizardmen in there.
　The lizardmen were instrumental in the capture of the labyrinth, so Regina brought them with her.
　However, if the lizardmen are among the humans, there will be a lot of noise, so they are having a banquet on a ship a little further away.

'Why should you go over there, Kaya?'

　Reno asks curiously.
　I wonder a little too. Why would he say that?

'No, sir, it's this way. It seems the generals have been coming for longer than that.

　Kaya is right, General Krasz is coming from the front.

'How do you like it?　Brave souls. Are you enjoying yourself?

　General Krasz greets him.

'Yes, General Krasus. I am enjoying this. And who are these gentlemen with you?

　General Krasz wasn't alone.
　He was accompanied by two figures behind him.
　One was a middle-aged, overweight woman dressed in luxurious clothes and jewelry.
　The other was a middle-aged man who was modestly dressed but quite beautiful.

''Ah Chiyuki-dono. Let me introduce you. These two gentlemen are at the pinnacle of our nation's politics and fortune.

　Krasz moves to the side and introduces the two men.

''I am pleased to meet you for the first time. Lady Rage of the Light Brave. My name is Turia. I'm the president of this country's chamber of commerce. Ho ho ho.

　The fat woman greets me.
　She's the president of the Chamber of Commerce, which means she's probably related to the Temple of Heybos.
　She holds a small hammer ornament that indicates she is a follower of Heibos.
　The treasure god Heibos is a god worshipped by merchants.
　Originally, it is said that the god Heibos was the god of dwarves and artisans and had no character as a god of commerce.
　However, many merchants who wanted to get along with the dwarves who produced quality goods and managed mines around the world became followers of the god of commerce, so the god Haybos took on the character of a god of commerce.
　The gavel held by the god Heybos is said to be a gavel of fortune that will bring forth treasures of gold and silver when struck.
　Merchants like to have an ornamental gavel as a tribute to the God of Commerce.

Are you a believer of God Heybos, if you are the president of the association?
Yes, my dear sage. I am a follower of the goddess Kvelia, the goddess of commerce, in the service of the great Master Heybos, the master of the treasures that lie beneath the earth.

　Turia laughs. When she laughs, the jewels shake.
　Goddess Kvelia is the goddess who serves the god Heybos and controls the materials and things for crafting.
　She is a god who is said to have been both an angel and a human in the past.
　And since he is the god of material and material control, one might think of him as a god of warehousing, but his goods include gold, silver, and other currencies.
　And it is said that the Kvelia congregation lends and receives interest from the deposited money.
　In other words, the goddess Kvelia is the god of banking and finance.
　In most cases, Kvelia temples are built right next to the Temple of Heybos.
　Moreover, the Temple of Kvelia also serves as a money changer.
　In this world, each nation, and even individuals, can create money.
　Therefore, a money changer is necessary.
　After all, each country can have different weights and measures. Once it is necessary to change to Tucum money in the Republic of Ariadia.
　And the money changer would need to have the skills to not only identify bad money, but also to appraise the gold and silver content of each currency to determine its exchange ratio.
　Of course, that is done by the dwarves asked by the money changers.
　After all, the dwarves could appraise the gold and silver content of electron coins with just a touch.
　Like God, the dwarves and the Kvelia faithful are closely related.

'And then there's Chiyuki-sama. Lord Turia is also a member of our nation's senate.

　From the side, Krasz explains her to me.
　The Senate is the same as the Diet in Japan. However, unlike members of the Diet, senators do not have a term of office, but rather a life term.
　In this world, there is no separation of church and state, and religious organizations are involved in secular affairs with impunity.
　It is not uncommon for religious people to hold key political positions.
　And it is not unusual for women politicians to be in politics.
　In fact, it seems that there are many queens in the world.
　In this world, it is not uncommon for women to enter society, and there is nothing wrong with women participating in these feasts.
　This is not because of the idea of gender equality, but because of the high mortality rate of men.
　In a world where demons abound, men are expected to be warriors.
　Men plow fields and fight demons outside the castle walls, and women work inside the walls.
　Outside the walls, the death rate is high because of the danger of the demons outside the walls.
　It is said that half of those born male will die from demons.
　Therefore, the ratio of men to women in this world is 1:2, and in areas where there are more demons, the ratio of women is about 1:3.
　This makes it impossible for men to run the state alone, so women are more likely to be involved in society.
　However, since it is common for members of the Feriah congregation to stay in their homes, they are rarely seen by the public when their husbands are around.
　However, Turia, who is not a member of the Feria, usually seems to come out in these situations.

'My name is Nakius, brave men of light. I am a servant of Odis-sama, the king of the gods.''

　Another middle-aged man greets him.

'Nakius ......?　Perhaps you are the first member of the Senate, Lord Nakius Pericletus?

　The First Man means that he is the first member of the Senate.
　The First Man is only a title, but the word of the holder of this title carries weight, and Nakius is practically the head of politics in this country.
　And Nakius is a descendant of Pericletus, one of the first twelve who created this country.
　In fact, there is no clearly defined family name in this world.
　Even when they identify themselves, they say something like △△, the son of XX.
　And it's common for the sons of △△ to call themselves △'s son □□□.
　Also, when there is a person with the same name, they are often given a nickname.
　For example, it's black-haired ____, or brown-haired ____.
　My dark-haired wise man is also a nickname in a way.
　It's a nickname for me, but I'm not sure I'll ever be able to call it a family name.
　But I don't think I've reached the point where I can call it a family name.
　In some cases, people are nicknamed by their physical characteristics, such as "Chibi" or "Nobi", or by their place of birth if they are foreign.
　But none of these names can be considered a family name yet.
　Nakius Pericletos is an exception to this rule.
　The Pericletos family is not named after their father, but after the first generation.
　I guess we can call it a family name now, can't we?
　And those with such a family name are supposed to be a great family.
　According to what I've heard, the Pericletos family has sent out a number of regents.
　And it seems that the Pericletos family is a family of priests who have served the god Odis for generations.
　He also has the Odis seal on his chest.
　The seal is a circle with a cross on it, the same shape as the coat of arms of the Satsuma Shimazu family.
　It is called the sun wheel, a symbol that is often used outside of Japan.
　In this world, it is also the sacred seal of the God King Odis.

I'm surprised that someone as beautiful as the dark-haired Wise Lord knows about it. I am indeed Nakius Pericletus. I would like to thank you for saving our country.

　Nakius laughs and bows his head.
　I look at Nakius, thinking that this is unusual for the Odis congregation.
　I thought the Odis Congregation was serious and not flattering.
　Well, compared to someone who is too strict, I like it.
　Now that's a military classus. Turia of finances. The Nakius of politics, the people who run Ariadia, will have gathered here.

'Father!

　Someone comes from behind Krasus and his friends.
　They see a young man and a group of women coming from behind him.
　I've never seen the young man's face before, but I recognize the women.

Oh, that's Sisyphe and the others, isn't it? Who is that with you?
Who is this guy, really? He's pretty d*mn handsome.

　It was Sisyphe and the others who came with the young man.

'Oh Decius, you're here. Let me introduce you, my brave friend. This is my son, Decius.

　Nakius introduces his son.
　The young man, called Decius, has brown eyes and blond hair.
　His face is well-groomed, and he is slender and tall.
　He's quite handsome. And unlike Rage, he seems sincere.

''I am Decius, Mr. Rage of the Brave of Light. Thank you for saving the Republic of Ariadia for this time.''

　Decius greets her politely.

'Hey Sisyphe, you're here very well. You look great in that outfit. You look like a real princess.'

　However, Rage ignores Decius and speaks with Siszfe.

'So ...... that's right!　Thank you!

　But Siszfe hides behind Decius.
　She seems more frightened than pleased to be praised by Rage.
　When I look to the side, Eulia and the other women, except for me, Nao and Reno, are staring at Sizfe with amazing eyes.
　If they were normal kids, they would be scared.

''Hey ...... was it Sizfe-san?　I wonder what your relationship is with Master Raige.

　Eulia is furious with Sisyphe.
　As expected of a father who is an evil god, it's incredibly powerful. I wonder if the horns will grow on his head sooner or later?

No, no, I mean ......

　Sisyphe gets small behind Decius. I feel a little sorry for him.

''Haha, you seem to be just as they say. It seems that the hero-sama is popular with the beautiful ladies.

　Decius stands in front of Sisyphe and smiles.
　It's a refreshing smile. And while defending Sisyphe, he plainly praises Eulia and the others.
　I can see Eulia and the others' anger subside with that smile.
　Since he has a good face, the effect is excellent.

''Decius, why don't you also learn a little from the brave Lord? I'm old enough to be single, and yet I'm still single. My brave friend, if you don't mind, is there anyone good out there?　Would you please introduce him to my son?

　Nakius says with a sigh.
　In this world, it's usually the mid to late teens that get married.
　Decius looks like he's in his late teens to early twenties by the looks of it.
　In our world, it wouldn't be too late, but in this world, it might be too late.
　A sergeant in a good place would be able to find him quickly. Or maybe he's homos*xual?

'Father, ....... I am still in training. My companion and others are very .......

　Decius gives him a troubled look.

'Huh? Decius' husband. I thought there was a woman you were interested in?
Hey, Kayna, sister!

　Sisyphe panicked at the words of the woman behind Decius.

'Really, Decius?'

　Nakius asks.

'No. ....... Its ....... I can certainly say that I'm curious about .......

　Decius seems difficult to say.

'This is unusual, isn't it? That Sir Decius has a daughter he cares about.'
'That's right, Lord Turia. To see such a daughter appear in that serious, single-minded Sir Decius, who had refused to make all the connections: ......

　Turia and Krasz speak with a surprised look on their faces.

'Oh my son. Which of your daughters is this young lady you say you're interested in?

　But Decius shook his head at his father's words.

'I do not understand that, father. I only met him once last night. ......

　Decius tells the story of what happened last night.

'Huh~. So you just happened to meet a silver-haired beauty and you fell in love with her at first sight?

　Nao says happily.

'Hey, was that guy incredibly beautiful?'

　Reno asks happily.

'Yes, that was indeed the Goddess of Moonlight.

　Decius says, looking up at the sky.
　The moon isn't out yet, but he's probably remembering what happened then.

'I'm curious about that one. You came to see me, didn't you?　Who is the woman? I'd love to meet him.

　Rage says with a laugh.
　I hold my head up at his words.
　Are we going to sidestep the thought of Decius at the moment?
　Is it not enough to say that Rage has that immensely beautiful woman, Raina, in his life?
　When this feast is over, it might be better to return to the St. Renaria Republic and seal the transition gate.

''Kyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

　It was then that a loud scream would rise from a little distance.
　There must be a group of comedians over there that have been called in for the feast. What in the world is going on?

'What the hell is going on!

　We go in the direction of where Klassus screamed out loud.
　Naturally we head there too.
　It seemed that something had happened.