132 Each other, the sky ~ or the killing of old people...




 The grassland in front of Hasam Village.
 Two pillars stand tall in this meadow. The rule for Ad and Ur is to knock down these pillars, and the methods are limited to magical and physical attacks.
 Uru is allowed to use magic tools and items, while Ad has to use his sword as a handicap.
 Depending on how you look at it, it may seem like a rather unfair duel, but that's how far apart the two players are in their abilities. Even after all this, it still doesn't seem like enough.
 In front of the pillar, they were given time to set traps for each other, and now they were desperately setting traps for defense, even though they felt uncomfortable inside.
 This trap also has a disadvantage: Ad cannot set a trap with high killing power, and Ur also sets a trap with as much power as possible, but it will probably not work on Ad.
 Ad's profession is [Sage]. He has a very high magic resistance.
 And they are ready for each other.

"Well, well, well. The duel is about to begin! The challenger is the grandson of the village chief, Uru, a mage who graduated with honors from the Istor Academy of Magic! The other side is the strongest class of mage, a fierce warrior who has defeated many difficulties with his abilities! A man who is revered as a guest of honor in a certain country, Ado! I have high expectations for the two of them to show me what kind of passionate battle they will have!
"Ur boy, don't get hurt!
You can't be a panderer. Give it up!
Mature women are so much better than young girls.
If you lose, I'll give you a handsome consolation prize.

 With a microphone loudspeaker in his hand, the old man was in high spirits.

This time, the winner will get the right to own Yui. No, no, no, you're not giving up when the results are already in. And it's very unpopular when there's a difference in ability.
You set this up, didn't you?
You're making a fool of yourself. ......

 Both of you seem to be very upset.
 Well, it's only natural that the result is a freak show.

I'm not sure what to make of this, but I think it's a good idea. This will be a battle of opposites.
It's none of your business!

 Judge was very honest with himself.
 He took the opportunity to say all kinds of unnecessary things without hesitation.

One is a stalkerboi on the prowl for plunder, the other is a real man who wants to embrace his wife and children. I'd like to hear what both of you have in mind.
"Who's a real bastard? Well, if you're messing with someone's wife, I'll feel free to beat the shit out of you. I'll tell you who you're fighting with!
"Ha-ha-ha. You're a disgusting couple. You seem to be able to produce an endless supply of sugar. ...... Can I stab you?
"She's too good for you. I'll make her happy, so please be quiet and go away. No, as of this day, I'm deleting her!
At this point, you've completely ignored Yui's feelings. He's definitely a stalker. That's for sure! He's only dreaming about what's convenient for him. I wish he'd talk in his sleep.

 An old man who can say whatever he wants. In response, the gallery was abuzz.
 The villagers, starved for entertainment, were watching the battle in a festive mood.

Mr. Xelloss, ......, you're being very malicious, aren't you?
But since the rules don't allow you to intentionally kill your opponent, this is a good move, don't you think? You can't just go around killing people in the gallery.
'Hmmm ...... but I think there's a real purpose too . I think it's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're doing.
I'm not sure what to do, but I'm sure I'll be able to do it. So you are completely blocked from making another move. If you bring up the rules of dueling, you are obligated to obey the law. You're a criminal if you break the rules you've declared in front of the public. And Mr. Xellos has ties to the dukes. If he stalks you and comes after you, he'll go to jail for sure. You're quite a schemer.
It's amazing ...... that you could come up with a way to contain your opponent in such a short time. ....... But it seems a little awful .......

 The women were very impressed with the man's words and actions.
 But let me tell you something. It was an accident!
 The old man was just adding conditions on the spur of the moment, and there was no clear intention hidden in them. Of course, he did not take any measures.
 If I had known the situation beforehand, I would have thought of a plan, but there is no way I could have taken an effective step against a sudden commotion. It was merely a tactful move.
 Moreover, he said, "Now that the commotion is getting louder, wouldn't it be more fun to make a splash? This is what I was thinking in my heart.
 This was the result of this fuss.

"It looks like both sides are ready, so let's start the bride defense and looting duel! Let the Bride Defense and Plunder Duel begin!
Shun~! Good luck ------!


It would be a shame to lose, Mr. Ad!
No matter how easy it is, if you're not careful, you could lose.
Think about your daughter, Ur!
You've been looking forward to meeting your husband, haven't you? What are you blocking me for?
Just give up like a man!
Forget about the married woman and marry me!
"Forget about married women and marry me!" "Forget about married women and marry me! "Forget married women and marry me!
"If you want a married woman, I'm always ready.
Are you trying to get rid of me?

 There were some weirdos in the gallery, but all eyes were on them, eager for the game to begin.
 Then Xellos raised his hand high in the air.

"Mage duel, lady, [Explode (go)]!

 --Dogooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

 The wall that had been blocking the two sides' positions was blown away by the range magic [Explode].
 Just in the middle, an explosion made a huge hole, and the blast sent dust flying across the field. This is not a signal to start a duel.

What are you doing that's so unnecessary? ----!
What a power ....... That guy can use higher level magic? ....... Then that guy can use ......

It's a great way to make sure you're getting the most out of your money.
 It's also a great way to get the most out of your business. This is because this kind of magic is often handed down from master to disciple.
 Of course, Ur cannot use [Explode]. However, Ad only protested when he saw the higher level magic, and didn't seem to be too surprised. In other words, he knows that Xelloss can use 【Explode】.
 If he's not careful, Ad might be able to use this magic as well, giving credence to Xellos' words that "you'll never win". At this point, Uru realized how dangerous a place she had stepped into.
 He finally realized that there was no way he could win in a proper duel.

But now he can't use magic. ....... I have a chance.

 According to the rules of the duel, Ad is not allowed to use magic.
 He was only allowed to use it to set traps to protect the pillars, but during the duel, his only weapon was a cheap sword. The ability to attack from a distance seemed to be an advantage for Ur.

"Pierce me, flaming arrows! Burn the enemy before me with a thousand arrows! [Flame Arrow]!

 In reality, the [Flame Arrow] can't do a thousand attacks.
 In fact, the [Flame Arrow] can't do a thousand attacks, but only fifteen to twenty flaming arrows at most, but attacking from a distance was an effective first strike for Ado, who could only use close combat. That was in theory.
 But then Ur saw something he couldn't believe.

It's too slow! This is not how I'm supposed to do it!

 Ado swung the sword in his hand carelessly, and the [Flame Arrow] was instantly slashed apart and disappeared.
 It's an unusual slash. I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm sure it's a good idea.

It's not a mage! I'm not sure if it's the same ...... as mine, but I'm sure it's the same ...... as mine.

 I'm not sure if you've heard of it or not, but I have.
 You can be attacked by bandits or even by demons. He knew that he needed to use melee combat to protect himself, so he trained himself.
 However, his skill with a sword is weaker than that of a professional, and he cannot use it in actual combat against humans, let alone against demons. He could only manage to protect himself by using magic.
 But Ad was different. If we assume that he is a mage of the same level as Xelloss, then his sword attack was too perfect.
 In other words, his magic and sword skills were at a level far beyond his own.
 The same mage who can use melee combat. However, Ur realizes that there is a big gap between "can use" and "can master".
Ad is a mage who can easily defeat him without using magic.
 As long as magic is not the deciding factor, the rest must be overcome somehow by one's own ability. That wall was too thick and too high.

"d*mn it, [Fireball]!

 The magic in the ring of the magic tool is used to attack, but the attack is easily dodged.
 The rule of this duel is that you can interfere, but you are not allowed to kill or injure your opponent.
 The goal of the duel is to break down the pillars in each side's position, but to do so, you must stop your opponent and then move under the pillars.
 In a team game, you can divide the players into two groups: blockers to stop the enemy and attackers to attack.
 You must take advantage of your opponent to get to the bottom of the pillar, and the key to victory is how you can stop and toss your opponent around. However, Uru had a problem in that she could not cast many spells.
 Even though he had studied at the Istor Academy of Magic, there was a limit to the amount of magic he could teach. Of course, there was no way he could be taught high level magic.
 High level spells are usually range spells, and even single shot spells with high power and danger require strict screening. Naturally, learning such spells also requires a considerable amount of money for assessment. It was a difficult situation for ordinary mages.
 The only way to learn these spells is to apprentice yourself to a famous mage and have him teach you. Uru, who was born a peasant, could not afford to pay the money, and in the end, she could not learn and had to give up.
 Behind the scenes, this measure was established to protect the privileges of the magical nobility, and most ordinary mages are at the same level as Uru.
 Of course, there are those who pay money and undergo rigorous assessments to learn higher level magic, but even the skills of those who do so are not nearly as good as those who have studied under a skilled mage.
 Because of this system, ordinary mages are treated poorly. Such a situation existed behind the aristocratic mages' pompous attitude.



"Earth's Wrath, the Warriors' Lance that pierces even steel. Pierce the approaching enemy and give them death. ...... [Earth Lance]!
Get out of the way!

 Uru's attack was easily cut apart by Ad's slash again.
 In addition, Uru is a chanting magician, and while she is casting her spells, Ad is closing the distance between us. This time difference was fatal. Moreover, the chanting would allow him to determine what kind of attack was coming.
 I should have been able to get to the bottom of the pillar, but Ad's invasion speed was overwhelmingly fast.
 Even a check is easily dodged or slashed, and you can't even stop him.
 If you use magic carelessly, you will consume your own magic power. It's not only as a mage, but also as a person.

I'm not sure if you're a mage or a swordsman,......, but I'm not sure if you're a mage or a swordsman.

 I'm not sure what to say. The four of them, including Yui, knew that he would never win.
 In fact, the mage who calls himself Xellos even gives him a handicap. His hatred for Ad burns brighter and brighter as he realizes his own powerlessness.
 He was aware that his feelings for Yui were one-sided. Even so, he couldn't stand the thought of someone destroying the happiness that he had enjoyed in the small moments of his life, so he exploded with emotion.
 Even if it was selfishness, he couldn't lie to his own heart.
 I can't give up. I don't want to be destroyed. I don't want to leave you.
 Because he truly loved her, he was stubborn to a fault. Even if he loses the duel, he knows that this feeling will never go away.
 And as for Ad, well...

I'm sure you'll be able to figure out how to use it. I knew they were weak, but I didn't realize they were this weak. ....... It's good that chanting magic is the mainstream, but it's too easy to deal with when you know what kind of attacks are coming. If you don't have chantless magic or at least multiple deployments, you're not going to be able to handle me.
 No, is this the norm for mages in this world? It's a good thing I'm a small fry when it comes to Sword and Sorcery.

 --He was surprised at the unexpected weakness of the mage.
 Uru was wearing a red robe, so he was definitely a senior mage under the laws of the Solistair Magic Kingdom. But even so, he was no match for Ad. Ad had never fought a mage from this world before, but he had no idea that they were so inferior.
 Ado had never fought a mage in this world before, but he hadn't expected to be this inferior. To be honest, I can't help but feel disappointed.
 All the magic attacks that came at me were cancelled out by the sword. In fact, it was a piece of cake.

I'll just get it over with. ....... The magic is too weak to be easily offset by the sword. The longer we wait, the more miserable we'll be, and the more we'll be tortured. ....... Xellos, you're too vicious!

 I'm not sure what to make of this. It's not able to handle an endurance battle.
 I'm beginning to think that Xelloss is a very bad person for specifying such harassing dueling rules. I don't like that it makes me feel like I can win, even if only a little.
 It may seem like a handicap, but the level difference is not even close to a handicap. It is nothing but humiliation to be defeated in a duel between mages without being able to use magic.
 What you are doing is quite foolish for teaching yourself. There was no such thing as a winning strategy from the start.
 It's bad enough that Uru got carried away by her emotions, but Xellos took advantage of it, and he seemed like a very bad guy.
 Of course, Ad didn't notice, but it was just a coincidence. No, maybe that's why it's so bad.

I'm sorry, but I'm going to have to break the pillar!

 He ran as fast as he could, determined.
 He easily overcame Ur and headed straight for the pillar.
 Even if you don't use magic, there are some fighting skills that are equivalent to 【Body Enhancement】. This is a martial arts skill commonly called [Nekki Hou]. In this world, it is called [Arts].
 Ad certainly does not use magic. You can't keep up with him.

"d*mn, I can't keep up with .......
I'm sorry, but you're the one who challenged me to a fight. I'll settle this as soon as I can.
I won't let you! I'm going to win. ...... Fireball, become a fireball and burn my enemy! Fireball!
It's not going to hit!

 I'm not sure if this is a good idea, but I think it's a good idea. It's not really suitable for actual combat because it also drains a lot of magic power.
 It is effective in short battles, but you can't use [Body Enhancement Magic] because you have to leave enough energy to break the pillar with attack magic.

"[Fire Arrow]!
"What, did you get desperate?

 The single shot of [Fire Arrow] that was released was aimed relentlessly at Ad's feet, but he easily avoided it.
 The gallery that was watching thought that Uru's defeat was certain, as expected.

"Oh, ......, I've lost this one!
"In the first place, you shouldn't be a patsy. I'm not sure what to do, but I'm sure you'll do fine.
I'm not sure what to make of this. I pity him.


But I don't care if it's stupid, I want to be loved seriously ♡
No, it's just a nuisance for you. It's just self-satisfaction, isn't it?

 Some people are aware that Ur is being reckless and tactless.
 There's no point in playing with Ad if Yui's feelings aren't reciprocated. Uru is a sad clown who is getting excited all by herself.
 Still, there are some feelings that cannot be helped. There are times when we cannot move forward unless we vent them somewhere. The stalker tendency may continue to haunt him, and if he doesn't end it now, he will be stuck with dark feelings for the rest of his life.
 He was allowed to use magic tools, but he couldn't afford to buy such useful items in the first place. He had no choice but to play with what he had.
 Therefore, he had one last trump card prepared.

I'm not sure what to say.
「「「「Husband's gone! 」」」」
I'm not sure what to say.

 I'm not sure what to make of it.
 The reason for this is a pit hole. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.
 All that was left was to guide Ad to the spot. I don't know how much time I can buy, but this was Uru's secret plan.
 Ad had been wary of the pitfall and had always avoided it, but he had been distracted by a magic attack aimed at his back or under his feet and had been caught. He was caught by a magic attack aimed at his back or under his feet.

What the hell? This is ......【Slime Liquid】?

 The sticky liquid that was planted in the pit, 【Slime Liquid】. It's an item for catching demons that reacts to water to increase its stickiness.
 It is a powder made from a large amount of the material [Slime Nucleus], and has the property of expanding explosively even with just water in a palm-sized canteen. In addition, its adhesive power is unbelievable.
 Since it expands explosively even with moisture, it is difficult to handle in a sense. It is a very troublesome tool.
 Even Wyvern has difficulty escaping this adhesive force.

"Your strength led to your carelessness. Now I've won!

 Uru cast a strengthening spell and headed for the pillar with all her might.
 The gallery went wild at the reversal of the offense and defense. But then...

"Aa -------- ----?

 Uru also fell into the pit.
 And it was carefully set up with [Slime Liquid]. They seem to be thinking the same thing.

It's not fair!
"Shut up, it's common sense to be prepared for anything! Just when you think you've won, you lose!
You're always in my way. ...... Get out of my way, please!
You're not the only one who has a crush on someone's wife, and you're trying to steal her from the side. I don't want you here, from the very beginning!
I can make her happier than you can! I can make her happier than you! Even if she's into you right now, give her time and she'll respond to my feelings!
There's no basis for this. In other words, at this point, you're disregarding Yui's feelings. How can you say that you love her? Don't get excited all by yourself, you self-centered bastard!

 Since they were both playing on the plains, there were only a few traps they could set.
 Uru's trap was set because she knew she would lose, while Ad's was an insidious and vindictive trap to prevent her from losing Yui.
 However, the sight of both of them caught in the trap was quite funny.
 And then they started cursing each other.

"Where's the demand for a guy covered in mucus? Nobody's going to be happy about that. ......
That's what you're worried about, isn't it, Xellos? ......
It's really unpleasant to watch. You're both idiots, that's all I'm saying.
Is it possible that this duel is a draw?

 "This duel is a draw?
 It's really ugly.

I'm sure you'll be able to figure out how to use it. I'm pretty sure that swordplay is an effective means of attack. ......
I'm sure there's an effective way to attack swordsmanship. Fortunately, you can see the pillar, so you can shoot magic with all your might. ......

 In the event that you've got a lot of time, you'll be able to take a look at the best way to get the most out of your time. They both move at the same time.
 However, their bodies are covered in mucus, making it difficult for them to move as they wish.

"Ohhhh! They seem to be trying to finish each other off from inside their holes! The only pillar in sight is probably the tip of the pillar, and it requires exquisite control to aim with magic!
 It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for, but it's not always possible.
Good luck, Shun!
Yui, the product, is favoring her husband. ----! I feel bad for Uru. And Ad, I envy you! Lose it!
"Mr. Xelloss, ......, you're letting your true feelings show. It's a good idea to keep this in check, or you'll end up being a bad person.


"Xellos, whose side are you on?
"It's ....... I'm on the side of the unattractive men!
「「「「「 Aniki-- ------------- I'm not sure what to say.

 I'm not sure if this is a good idea or not.
 After all, different times and different worlds do not change the nature of man. Everyone yearns for the glamorous life in the city rather than the poor rural life.
 And in Hasam's village, the ratio of men was high. The women quickly left for the city in search of glamorous jobs and dreams.
 The men who cannot marry are usually the eldest sons or the youngest sons who are forced to settle in the countryside. It was a difficult position for them to hold a wife.

"That old man ...... has got to go! But it's hard to move .......

 Ado, who was desperately holding his sword in the hole, released the fighting spirit (magic power) from his entire body.
 It's a great way to make sure you're getting the most out of your money.
 Ur sensed the pressure of the magic power approaching him, and inwardly became impatient. The magic power was such that if he fought it properly, he would be overcome by despair.

I'm not sure what to make of this. But what kind of magic power is that? ...... I underestimated it. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're doing.

 The old man's words stirred up a repulsive feeling of jealousy in Ur.
 The magic that Uru can use is not very powerful. In addition, because it is an old magic, it is not very fuel efficient.
 Naturally, it also places a considerable burden on the body. While enduring this burden, he decided to put all the magic power he had into it.
 He chanted the spell desperately, but the time he took to do so was very sparse.

"[Fire Arrow]!

 With Uru's ability, the maximum number of [Fire Arrow] shots is only fifteen. In the meantime, Ad was converging his magic power into his sword.
 He could feel the tremendous amount of magic concentrating on one point.

"Sword of the Wind, come to me and tear apart the enemy lines! [Wind Zapper]!

 Ur looked at Xelloss, who had unleashed his magic without chanting.
 Xellos, with his ideal fighting style as a mage, would have been admired if not for a time like this.
 But now, he was a member of the enemy camp. What Xellos could do, I could not do. He was no match for Ad, who could do the same. This dilemma brought a sense of frustration to his heart.
 He desperately tried to chip away at the pillar with his magic, but the pillar built by magic did not shatter easily. It was sturdier than he had expected.
 I'm in a hurry, I can't concentrate. Time seems terribly long. I've never felt so useless at chanting.
 Then, behind me, Ad's magic began to converge, and I felt it was ready.

"Flying sword, [battle blade thunder]!

 Ad's sword, which was thrown by concentrating a huge amount of magic power, pierced the pillar at high speed.
 At the same time, the magic power contained in it was released, and as thunder rumbled and lightning bolts tore through the heavens, the power of destruction was released into the surrounding area.
 It created a shockwave of immense power, and like a building collapsing in the explosion and demolition, the pillar shattered and collapsed cruelly.
 The gallery was also enveloped in the dust from the aftermath of the power.

"......!

 I heard the sound of the pillar shattering behind me.
 When I managed to crawl out of the pit, I saw that Uru had only destroyed about a third of the pillar, and that Ad had destroyed it to the very base.

"Nonsense,......, I've never heard of this kind of swordplay. He must have used magic. ......
It's not magic. It's not a magic. The flying sword, [War Blade Roar], is a technique you learn when your sword skill becomes [Sword Demon]. It's a development of the flying thundershock.
It's just as powerful as ...... magic! I can't accept that!
But it's not magic. It's a sword technique. It's hard to handicap it any more. ......

The difference between most martial arts and magic is the presence or absence of a magic formula.
 It is a technology and discipline that is built on magic letters and manifests itself by transforming magic power into physical phenomena. It is more like a program or a design.
 Martial arts, however, are different. It is manifested by putting magic power into a weapon and converging it to increase its power. Although attributes exist, the transformation of magical power depends on the materials used in the weapon and the qualities of the individual.
 Some are good at lightning, some are good at fire, and some are excellent at using multiple attributes.
 This is only in this world, and all players of Sword and Sorcery are capable of using all the attributes.
 However, even if there are many techniques available, it does not mean that you can use them all. Many of them end up in your wardrobe. They are also dangerous because they reduce the durability and speed up the life of the weapon.
 So to speak, martial arts is a trump card of survival.

"I told you, Ad, you can never win. I told you I could never beat you, and I was pretty reckless until I got stronger.
"You say that, Mr. Xelloss? Xellos, you're the one who's been happily giving me hell.
It was ...... a long time ago. And I'm no more reckless than the rest of them.
That's true. ...... Compared to those guys, it was only a little bit easier. Seriously, it was a little ...... easier.


"I didn't cause any casualties like you did, Mr. Bross, did I? I've taken all the necessary precautions.
I'm playing it safe enough." "Instead, you're taking me to a nasty place! And I met the [Barbarian]. He was surrounded by beastman wives, though.
"He got rear ended, too: ....... No, I don't envy him because he's a chemo guy. ......

[Chemo-Bros]. He is a disciple of one of the Annihilators, Chemo Ravune, and a severe chemonaut.
 He is a freak who loves all kinds of beasts, from humanoids with tails and ears to full beasts. He is a junior high school student, but he currently has seventeen wives.
 Even now, the number of wives is increasing rapidly. He is fulfilling his dream in another world: ....... I don't approve.

I don't approve. ...... I don't approve of this! I can't accept this!
I don't know. Oh, no!
I don't approve. ...... That's the way it's supposed to go. ......
If this happens, I'm going to abduct you to a safe place, lock you up and ...... your hands and feet so you can't escape.
"I'm scared, scared, scared!

 I'm sure you'll be able to understand what I mean.
 His earnest nature caused his uncontrollable emotions to run wild, leading to extreme actions.
 As he runs, he sees Yui, a knife in her hand. "I'll kill you and I'll die! Let's be happy together in heaven." He seems to have shifted to a selfish and self-satisfied thought.
 But his thoughts are not reaching him.

 --Gakiin!

 His knife, aimed at Yui, was blocked by an invisible wall.
 She was calmly activating the amulet she had received from Xelloss.

"Huh. ...... I'm surprised.
Why ...... don't you respond to my feelings ......?
There is no way that your feelings will be fulfilled when you have a partner from the start. I'm not sure what to make of this.
If you've never even confessed your feelings before, this is just an imposition. You've already decided what you want, and I already knew you didn't have a pulse from the start.
It's not like I'm not good enough. Power, strength! Power, strength, money? I'm sure you're not the only one.

 Those who let their emotions run rampant usually act on incoherent principles. Shakti and Lisa's voices are not heard.
 They may be aware of it, but they can't accept it, so they go to extremes. In short, her mind is more childish than she appears.
 To say that she loves him madly is a beautiful way of putting it, but in reality she is just annoying him.
 And as for Yui...

"I'm sorry about ....... I can only think about Shun-kun, so I'm not interested in other men at all. All men look like scarecrows to me. ....... And they all look the same in the face. It's just that I judge someone by their voice.
"Oh, scarecrow...... me too...... hahahahahahaha....... I feel like an idiot. ......

 I rejected him easily. And it's a very heavy and painful one. It's a serious wound.
 I'm sorry to have to tell you this, but you're not being taken seriously from the start. It's no wonder she's the same kind as Uru.
 I'll kill her to make her mine. Since even that means is blocked, there's nothing Uru can do.
 There was still the option of killing Ad, but he knew firsthand that it was impossible. The dimension of strength was too overwhelming.
 Thus ends the heavy first love of the young Ur.

 Afterwards, he was drunk and comforted by the men of the village. The villagers were very warm.
 Needless to say, he was incapacitated with a hangover the next day.

 ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ "Well, let's go.

"Well, let's go to .......
You can stay at my house for a while. I've got a room available.
Thanks for your help, Mr. Xelloss.

 Yui and the ad party in the mini wagon. And the cockerels.
 The old man, Azi Daqaha, is leading the way.


 彼等は一路、サントールの街を目指す. その後はデルサシス公爵との交渉次第に掛かっていた.

「……にしても、俺達はこれからどうなるんだろうなぁ~」
「国と関わった以上、君達は重要な客人扱いになると思うがねぇ……. 後は交渉次第じゃね?」
「ゼロスさんは気楽で良いよなぁ~. 王命で城に連れて行かれたから、俺達には選択肢がなかったんだよぉ~……へたこいたぁ~」
「行き当たりばったりで、最初に拠点確保を考えなかったのが敗因かな. その場の善意で行動したのが間違いさ. たとえ酷い状況下でも、自分の目的をはっきりと決めておくべきだったねぇ」

 アド達がこの世界に来た当初、真っ先に四神への復讐を考えて行動してしまった.
 そのために国賓の立場に転がり込んだのだが、もしゼロスがアドの立場だったら、真っ先にユイを探すことを優先した.
 たとえ貧しい村や街の人々を見たとしても、善意だけで行動する気はない. 面倒事に巻き込まれるのが目に見えているからだ.
 その違いが二人の立場に差を生み出していた.

「俺、この国で何をしたら良いんだろ……」
「そうだねぇ、イサラス王国に貢献できる交渉をするべきなんじゃないかい? 食糧の輸送や工業の発展、少しでも国に貢献できれば自由に動けるようになるでしょ」
「強硬派の連中が、兵器開発をさせようとするんだよなぁ~. まぁ、ヤバいのは一つしか作ってないけど……」
「その辺りのこと、詳しく聞かせて貰おうかねぇ?」
「駄目だ! いくらゼロスさんでも、こればかりは言えねぇ!」
「……まぁ、良いけどね. 僕も少しやらかしてますし、お互いに口は噤むことにしよう」

 意見が纏まり、一行はファーフラン街道を走り出す.
 ファンタジーに不釣り合いな乗り物が、土煙を上げてハサムの村から離れていった.
 もはや、街道を行く商人達の目を気にするのを諦めたようである.