Chiyuki, the exotic demon princess

　You take a boat from the Kingdom of Ishus and head south along the Niall River to reach the Kingdom of Giptis.
　The boat, which travels by magic oar, is fast and takes only one day to get there.
　This would take more than five days if they had a human slave to row it.
　The Kingdom of Giptis is the country that borders the lower Gypsir on the lower Niall River and the upper Gypsir on the upper Niall River.
　From here, if you go further south, you will reach Arnak, the home of the Gipsyre gods.
　However, no one may go further south than Giptis without permission.
　Giptis is also the gateway to Arnak.
　We leave the ship here and head for Arnak.
　The ship is now anchored in the river port of Giptis.
　We look up at the sky on the deck.
　We look up at the sky and see a beautiful starry sky.
　The time is night.
　A cool breeze caresses my cheeks as if the heat of the day is a lie.
　In the desert, there is a big difference in temperature between day and night.
　The city of Giptis is seen through the magic of farsightedness.
　The streets are made of burnt bricks, which give the city an exotic feel.
　Statues of the Sphinx adorn the main streets, watching over those who walk the streets.
　The streets are populated by all kinds of people.
　Dog people, cat people. Hippopotamus and Crocodile Man, Scorpion Man, and Huncologash Man.
　You can also see centaurs, minotaurs, and satyrs who later moved to Gypsiel.
　In any other area, these three races would not be walking side by side because they don't get along with each other.
　It would be only in Gypsiel that such a sight could be seen.
　And we can also see humans and dwarves, who are supposed to be the attendants of the gods of Elyos.
　A single human can be seen.
　Clearly, it is not a human who lives in Gypseal.
　Judging from his clothing, he must have come from some country in the western part of the central continent.
　From the fact that he is holding a mallet amulet, he must be a merchant who believes in the treasure god Heivos and the merchant god Kvelia.
　Gypsies can do business with any species as long as they have permission.
　Perhaps they came to Gypseal from outside to trade.
　The merchants are in the tavern, drinking ale wine with great relish.
　By the grace of Niall, Gypsial's agriculture is thriving.
　It is one of the world's leading wheat-growing regions, and even the lower classes can drink fine bread and ale.
　The ale from Gypsial is exported and is popular in many places.
　Various other products are also exported.
　The most famous of these is goldsmithing.
　Gypsies are rich in gold, and the golden city of Arnak is said to be located in a desert made of gold.
　The goldwork that I wear now comes from Gipsyal.
　The goldsmith's work, inlaid with large lapis lazuli stones, must be of great value.
　I look like an exotic princess in my Gypsir-style costume and goldsmithing.
　In fact, the handmaids of the goddess Ishtia call me the demon princess, a contraction of the magician princess.

''Huh~. How long are you going to stay on the ship?　Ishtia.

　I let out a sigh and ask Ishtia.
　Actually, we are waiting on the ship.
　The reason is that the road to Arnak is currently blocked.
　I don't know the exact reason.
　Istia inquires with Pharaoh, the king of Giptis, and he himself will come and explain to us.
　However, the king (Pharaoh) doesn't come for a while.
　We had no choice, so we drank ale while eating fish from the Niall River.
　We use carp fish, eel, goby, and even catfish.
　The stew made with salt, pepper, cumin and garlic is quite good.
　There were also pancakes with honey in them, and a cute cat dancer was dancing on the deck.
　The maidservants took turns to entertain us.
　Is it right to do this when Sirone is in trouble?
　I feel bad for the Sahokos waiting.

'Hmmm. I don't understand, Chiyuki. Normally, we would be able to go right away. What do we do now, Rage...

　Hey! Don't get in the middle of all the hustle and bustle and press your chest against Rage!
　And then there's Rage. You've got Sahoko!
　Don't get excited!
　Ishtia appears to be twenty years old on the outside, but she is immortal because she is of the god race.
　They're actually much older than us.
　There are probably even kids older than us.
　Despite that, this s*xiness is foul.
　There are myths about using this s*xiness to make love to various men.
　Some of them even talk about pitting his own daughter, the poetry goddess Musa, against the beauty god Alfos.
　Utterly ridiculous.

"Lord Ishtia. Pharaoh Mart has arrived.

　While I was doing this, a handmaid announced the arrival of the king (Pharaoh).
　It seems he has finally arrived.
　I've heard that the Pharaoh of Giptis is a Sphinx.
　I've never met a Sphinx before and I wonder what it's like.

I wonder what it's like. - "Here at last?　Let me through, please.

　As Ishtia says this, a handmaid brings one of the women over.
　Could she be the Sphinx?
　The Sphinx is typically seen as a woman with a human face and a lion's body with wings.
　Because of this, I thought she would be walking on four legs, but she walks on two.
　However, her limbs are lion-like. The winged part is just like the sphinx we hear about.
　The figure is what you might call a winged lioness.

It's been a long time. It's been a long time, Goddess of Love Ishta.

　The woman crosses her arms at her chest and bows her head.

'It's been a while, Mart. Come on over here and tell me a story.

　Ishtia calls the woman Mart.
　Then I guess she is still the king of Giptis (Pharaoh) Mart, who is from the Sphinx tribe.
　I've heard of her.
　Mart, the Lord of the Balance.
　She is the King (Pharaoh) of Giptis and oversees the kings (Pharaohs) of the other nations.
　He is fair in character and strictly enforces the laws set forth by the gods of Gypsir.
　It is said that anyone heavier than the feathers of Maat will be judged and suffer eternal torment.
　It seems that it is her skill that allows the various races to coexist together.

Yes. Yes, Lord Ishtia.

　Mart comes in front of Ishtia.
　Mart is dressed in black okappa hair with falcon-shaped goldwork ornaments and a graceful dress decorated with gold thread.
　His dignified appearance reminds me of some career woman.

So, Mart. "So, Mart, what do you want to tell me? Why is the road to Arnac blocked off?

Yes. 'Yes, but Mr. Ishtia. Who are they first? I wouldn't want my guests to hear about it if they could. ......

　Mart looks at us.
　I don't think he's heard of us.

"This is Raige the Brave and Powerful, Mart. You've heard of him, haven't you?　And next to him is Rage's mate, Chiyuki.

　Mart is surprised when Ishtia introduces him.

'Then you buzzed Master Halseth. You are a brave man of light, aren't you?'

　Mart's subtle expression.
　Come to think of it, Rage was buzzing Halseth, the Gypseal God of Light.
　If that was the case, wouldn't this be a bad idea?
　Wouldn't the rage that hurt the God of Gypsies be a great sinner?
　I look at Rage's profile.
　It's a sober expression.
　He doesn't seem to think it's a bad idea or anything.
　What will you do if you can't get the ingredients for the antidote?

"Mart. A woman should not be involved in a man's fight. Besides, something's going wrong, isn't it? I'm sure he could fix it, don't you think?

　Mart ponders this as Ishtia says this.

The problem is certainly beyond my control. I'm sure that the matter of Harses-sama will be judged on his own ground, if he eventually heads to Arnak. All right, I'll ask for the help of the brave men of light.

　Mart nods.
　Then he begins to explain.

'That's why we've blocked the road to Arnak, but there are actually several Arnak priests missing on that road.
'A priest of Arnac? Does that mean it's the Sphinx?

　Mart nodded at Ishtia's question.

'Yes. Probably killed by someone.'

　Mart's words surprise me.
　The Sphinx is treated as a demonic beast in other parts of the world, but here in Gypseal, it's a divine being who is a subordinate of the gods and the pinnacle of the beastmen (Beastmen) who live in Gypseal.
　In other words, killing the Sphinx is a mortal sin against God.
　And I hear that the Sphinx is as powerful as the angelic race.
　There will be someone in Gypsial who can kill the Sphinx.

'So you're blocking the road because it's dangerous.

'Yes, the road to Arnak is dangerous now. Master Isdes, God of War, is searching for that someone.

　Isdes is a jackal-headed dog-man god.
　He's famous as the god of war and the guardian of the Gypsies.

'But that's okay then, Mart. My rage is strong. I don't know what he is, but he'll take it back.

　Mart nodded at Ishtia, who casually called Rage my own.

''Indeed, if you're as strong as the rumors say you are, it won't be a problem. I will borrow the strength that defeated that violent god Lavrus.''

　Mart bows his head.
　Does this mean the way to Arnac is now open?
　I don't know what awaits us where we are going, but it seems we have no choice but to move on.



The One Who Defeats (Medjed) Kroki

　Ride the chimera with Tona and fly through a sea of stars.
　From the top of the chimera, they look down on the ground.
　The lights of the city of Giptis can be seen below.
　Around the Giptis Kingdom are the pyramids, the symbolic structures of the Gypsies.
　Next to them is a giant statue of the Sphinx.
　The pyramids are magical devices, placed in various locations to set up magical wards to protect the Gypseal nations.
　The giant sphinx statue is actually a golem and sits at its side to protect the pyramid.
　Normally, the Sphinx tribe has only women.
　However, this sphinx-shaped golem has a male face and no wings.
　I don't know why they do that, but it's interesting.

''That's the Kingdom of Giptis, isn't it?　Tona?

　He nodded as he asked Totona, who was riding the chimera in front of him.

'Yes, that's Giptis. The biggest country in Gypsir.'

　Giptis is the largest country in Gypsial and is also the gateway to Arnak.
　Apparently, without the permission of the Pharaoh, the king of the Sphinx tribe who governs Giptis, we are not allowed to go to Arnak.
　Since it seems to be the rule, myself and Totona ride the chimera to the royal palace of Giptis.
　As we approach the royal palace, multiple arrows suddenly come flying in.

'Totona?　The arrows are coming!

I know. Medjed. The chimera's flying in, so it's no use.

　Despite her panicked self, Totoona is calm.
　She must probably think that the chimera has attacked her.
　I will have to tell them that they are not the enemy somehow.

'What are we going to do?　Tona?
'It's a pain in the ass to explain. I'll just keep breaking through.
'What?!'

　Tona increases the speed of the chimera.
　The flying arrows are burned out by the chimera's flames before they can reach them.
　It's reckless.
　I'm surprised to learn a surprising side of Totoona.
　The chimera flies over the top of the royal palace and descends into the courtyard.
　When she descends into the courtyard of the palace, she is surrounded by dogmen with spears and bows.

'Wait!　Warriors!　I am Totoona, god of knowledge!　Bring Mert, the king (Pharaoh), to me!

　The dog-man warriors look at each other as Totoona shouts.
　One of the warriors may have gone to call for the king (Pharaoh), who steps back.
　Shortly after, one of the winged women appears.
　She has a long black okappa head with goldwork in the shape of a falcon reflecting the glow of the stars.
　Her arms are covered with hair, which reminds me of a cat-like animal.
　Her graceful face and brisk gait remind me of some career woman.
　She is probably a pharaoh from the Sphinx tribe.
　She seems to be a woman of considerable ability.

It's been a long time. It's been a long time, Tona-sama. I'm so glad to see you're here too, following Ishtia-sama: ......
'Long time no see Mart. I see that Lord Ishtia is already here in this Giptis.

　After checking on Mart, Tona gets off the chimera.
　She follows, followed by herself.

'Yes, I have just come and left this Giptis.
'I see, then maybe we can catch up if we go now.

　This time the goal is to help Rage and the others.
　As long as they don't find out who we are, we're better off staying by their side.
　We might as well follow them and join them.

"Mart. I'm going to Arnac, okay?

　Tona tries to get Mart's permission for a moment.

'Please wait. Master Totoona. The road to Arnac is dangerous right now.
I know something's wrong. But it's okay, Mart. I have a strong ally on my side.

　Tona chuckles.
　It's the first time I've seen such an expression.

''It is true that Totona-sama and the others have a brave man of light who is rumored to be strong. It would have been dangerous if he had been a little thinner: ......

　Mart nods yes.
　For some reason, the last word gets smaller.

'If that's okay. I'll let you go.
'No!　Not yet!　Please wait!　Master Tona!

　However, Mart stops Tona from going straight to him.

'What?'　Mart?
Do you intend to take the man with you?

　Mart's eyes grew steely.

'She'll be fine. He's under my control.'

　Tona says, pointing to the chimera.

'No, sir. 'No, Lady Totoona. I am the one behind you.'

　Mart's gaze catches his own.

'Excuse me?　What about this mysterious creature? It's too weird!
'What?!'

　I am surprised when he suddenly points at me.

'I'm sensing a suspicious sign from that person!　Even for a man of the tongues!　I cannot let that one pass!

　I don't know. I knew this outfit was too suspicious.
　Do you want to take it off?
　But it's moronic underneath. You can't take it off.
　I can hide it by calling up the Dark Knight's armor, but if I do that, his true identity will be exposed in one shot.
　If possible, I want to hide the fact that the dark knight is here in this land.

'This is Medjed. My guard. He is not suspicious.

　Tona is quick to follow up.
　Thank goodness.
　I try to express that I'm not suspicious with my body language.
　But Mart's expression only gets more grim.

'What is that suspicious dance? I'm sorry. I'm going to find out if it's not dangerous.

　Not good!
　I'm not sure about the sensibilities of the Beast Man (Beast Man), but to my sensibilities, a man with a spoonful of cloth underneath is definitely a pervert.
　I can't help but sit up.

''That move is suspicious. Isn't he hiding something dangerous?

　Mart comes closer to us.
　A cold sweat breaks out on my back.

'Elyos beautiful boy naked image collection #13'

　Suddenly, Tona mutters softly.
　Then Mart stops walking.

'...... Dear Tona. What are you talking about?

　Mart asks Tona in a trembling voice.
　Why is that?
　Sweat is running down her cheeks.

'The things you keep hidden in your bedroom. I read them in secret to comfort myself before I go to bed.
'Wow!　Wow!

　Suddenly, Mart starts screaming.
　The dogs under him are surprised.
　I guess they're wondering what's going on.

"What? How did you know that?!

　I asked Totona in a whisper as I packed up on the dash.

'Nell told me. She said you're a frail, slender, beautiful boy with no eyes.

　Tona says with a cool look on her face.

''Princess~. How did you know that~. And why are you revealing it to me~'

　Mart makes a tearful face.

'You see, Lady Tona. I have a position in ...... such talk in front of my subordinates, that .......

　I wonder. I feel like I've gone from being a decent woman to a clunker all of a sudden.
　Mart is glancing back.
　The dog-man warriors are looking at us, wondering what this means.

'Don't say a word, just let me through and I'll get you the new one.

　Tona whispered softly again.
　She didn't miss the twitching of Mart's ears at that moment.

'Kokomoto. 'I understand. Totoona-sama. If you say so much, it must be okay.'

　Mart cleared his throat and regained his composure.

'Thank you Mart,'
I don't mind. As expected of the wise god Totoona-sama. You hit on my weakness: ...... New work, please.

　The rearmost is a whisper.
　Totoona nodded at the words.

'All right. I'll take care of it, Mart. Let's go. Medjed.

　Tona said and I nodded to myself.
　I feel like I've seen a very bad exchange, but it's probably just my imagination.
　Yup. It must have been!
　I'll pretend I didn't see it.
　With that thought in mind, I got on the back of Totoona.
　The chimera roared and jumped up into the starry sky.