After that, we spent the night in Mr. Quilt's room, in his guest room, and we were on the morning of our departure.

(Wow, it's raining.)

　The sky at dawn is a blanket of gray clouds.
　Heavy drops of rain are crashing noisily against the glass of the walls.

We won't be able to see the sun again.

　Solstice next to me muttered.

　Yeah, we were in the pitch-black Diol Ruins all yesterday.
　I'm sorry too.　

　It's probably because I slept well, but Solstice is already in good spirits.
　I've had my recovery spell cast on me first thing in the morning, and my injuries all over my body have been healed. Thank you, Solstice.

　Ms. Illtimina is packing up her things for our departure today.
　We're leaving for the Kerala Desert today.

(Good luck!)

　This is the first quest I've done since we became an official party of three.
　Even in the rain, I'm fired up.

　And.

Hey, Merle. Come here.

　At the entrance to the back room, Mr. Quilt beckons me to 'come on, come on'.

　What is it?
　I approached, scowling.

　Then I was surprised.

(Oh!　(What a room!)

　There are weapons and armor all over the room.
　It's like a shop.

"Oh, it's the demon princess collection, isn't it?
Wha?

　Before I knew it, Illtimina-san was standing next to me.
　Solstice is also sneaking around, beside her.

''Demon Princess Collection?''
'Yes. Kilt's hobby is to collect weapons and armor.
Really?

　Heh, I thought, and looked at the silver-haired beauty.

　She giggles.

'No, no, no. No, no, I didn't gather them. They are presented to me without my permission.
Do you have a gift for me?
"Mm.

　I nodded and the story I was taught is this.

　Ms. Kilt is a Golden Mark demon hunter.
　The quest requests she receives are very expensive, and the clients who can pay them are naturally great merchants, nobles, and sometimes people from the royal family.

　And in addition to the rewards, she often received gifts of gratitude.

　The strength of Kilt Amandes fascinated and aweed people.

　There were many people willing to form friendships with him.
　Even if they didn't take the quest, they would be sent all sorts of things from powerful people at home and abroad.

'That's the weapons and armor?'
Mm. I don't know why, but that's the rumor I heard. My wife needs a drink.

　Droopy Quilt.

Well, I can't throw it away. So I'm storing it here in my room.

　I see.
　And the result is the Demon Princess Collection?

　The three of us looked at the room without a second thought.　

''Could it be that Kirt-san's great sword of lightning is there too?
That was a gift from Emperor Arun.

　Emperor.........wow.

(This guy really is an awesome guy.)

　After all this time, I'm amazed at how lucky I am to be able to talk so casually with such an awesome person.
　No, she's just a normal woman when I talk to her.

　Mr. Kilt picked up one of the slender swords from the wall near me.

This kind of sword would be better for people, but the warrior is a demon hunter. The best way to hunt dragons and other demons is with that one.
Hmm?
So this is yours to keep.

　Huh?

　The slender sword was held out in front of me.

''Eh, eh?''
'You lost your dagger yesterday, didn't you?　Don't tell me you're going on a quest, unarmed?

　Oh.

Let's just pull it out of the scabbard.
Uh-huh.

　As I was told, I drew that sword.

(Oh?)

　It's a beautiful single-edged sword.

　It looks a bit like a sword, but the closer you get to the hilt, the wider the blade becomes. It had no sword's edge.

　And the beautiful blade, which had a blue-silver luster, was translucent.
　A hand held up on the other side could be seen through it.

(And this sword is so light...)

　That's the most surprising thing.
　The blade is more than twice as heavy as the Fang of Marl, yet its weight is the same as the Fang of Marl, or even a bit heavier.

''It's a fairy iron sword, isn't it?''

　Illtimina-san muttered with interest.

(.........Fairy Iron?)

　Solstice tells me, to my horrified face.

"A rare metal. "A rare metal that can only be found in the northern Teteto Confederacy, in the fairyland.
Really?
Give that sword a swing, Merle.

　Prompted by Kilt-san, I set up on the top step.

　...........
　It's also a lot easier to hold up.

"Yeah!

　Phew.

　Shake it off.
　Wow, it's so light, like I don't have a sword.

　I could see for myself that I'd been able to cut the air.

"Hmm, very well.

　Mr. Kilt checked my movements and nodded with satisfaction.

'Use it for a while.'
Are you sure?

　You have this amazing sword?

　She laughs at my confusion.

'That's fine. There's no point in letting it rot here. Besides, I got it for free.
..........
If it bothers you, buy it.

　Huh?

Um, how much do I owe you?
30,000.
..........

　You can't buy that!

You want me to borrow $3 million?

　I was trembling, and Mr. Kilt chuckled.

You can buy it after the next quest, right?　With a reward of 150,000 rids, Marle would get 37,500 rids.
..........

　It's something different from defeating goblins by an order of magnitude.

　Suddenly, Solstice let out a loud, 'Wow.

''I see!　With this guy in, our share will be reduced!
'What?　Ah.....

　Oh, I see.
　Up until now, we were divided into three equal parts, but now that I'm here, we'll be divided into four equal parts.

(Or rather.)

Look, I'm sure I'm not that useful, so why not pay me less?
Don't.
You can't do that, sir.

　The two older demon hunters rejected my proposal once and for all.

　Illtimina-san says with a serious face.

''Merle?　To party together is to be an equal group of people. It is a community that shares a common destiny, not a useful or unhelpful one. We must not make a difference between the top and bottom.
..........

　Mr. Kilt nodded, shaking his silver hair.

'Different people have different strengths and weaknesses. But it's not just that they have different roles. There are things that only Marle can do. That's why we've brought you on board.
I'm the only one who can do that?
If you don't realize it, so be it. You're doing all right.

　They were laughing.

　?

　Have I ever done anything?　I'm not sure.

　Solstice crossed her hands behind her head.

Well, I think Merle is a good deal cheaper~
..........

　This kid is really honest.　

　With a bitter smile, I looked at the 'fairy sword'.

(............)

　The transparent blade with its beautiful brilliance reflected my face. It was the face of a child who was already fascinated by that sword.

　Yup.

　I looked up at Mr. Kilt.

'I'm going to buy this sword.'
Okay.

　My leader laughed and nodded.

　Iltimina nodded smilingly, 'Yeah, yeah,' and Solstice said, 'Well, do what you want?' He laughed for some reason as he mouthed, "I don't know why.

(Nice to meet you, my new 'fangs'

　I called out to the beautiful sword in my mind and then sheathed it.

　After that, since my "travel clothes" were in tatters, Kirto-san also provided me with a "light armor of fairy iron".
　It's easy to move around in this armor, which only wraps around the body.

　It is easy to move around in.

(Yeah, it's not uncomfortable.)

　I tried to move lightly, but it was no different than before.

　Gazing at me like that, Illtimina-san put her hand on her cheek and let out an enraptured sigh.

''Huh........Marle, you look very good. It's lovely........
Ha-ha, thanks.

　I'm a little embarrassed.
　Kilt-san smiles bitterly and Solstice has a dumbfounded face.

　By the way, the sword and armor, together, became a debt of 50,000 rido (5 million yen).

''It's hard to repay.......''
Huh, that's how much we and Merle can be together, isn't it?

　Giving me the cheekbones, Miss Illtimina.
　'Yeah.

Yes. -Thanks again and again for your help. Ms. Illtimina, Mr. Kilt, Solstice.
Yeah, you're welcome.
"Mm.
Hey, hey.

　I said with a smile, and three of them laughed, too.
　And.

Hmm. That's just the way it is, Merle.

　Mr. Kilt looked at everyone and muttered somewhat happily.


　◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇


　Eventually, as we were getting ready to leave, there was a knock on Mr. Kilt's room.
　We looked at each other.

(........who could it be?)

　The room's owner, Kilt-san, opens the door.
　Then a staff member's sister, dressed in the guild's uniform, was standing there with her head deeply bowed.

''Good morning, Kirt-sama.''
What is this early in the morning?

　Mr. Kilt looked doubtful.
　Your sister bowed, without changing her expression.

My apologies. I have come to call you all to speak with you about something very important, Mr. Mumpa.

　What's so important?
　We looked at each other.

　Then she says.

"I have some more news to tell you about that matter you asked Ma'am, and a few other things.

　...........
　Is that about the stone pedestal or the tower in the Great Forest of Aldoria?

　All three of their eyes are focused on me.

'Okay, let's go now.'

　Mr. Kilt nodded and we left the room in a hurry.


　◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇


I'm not so good at this whole Mumpa thing, you know.

　Solstice muttered as they were on their way.

'Really?'
'He's not a bad person, okay?　But they kind of treat me like a child and that's kind of what it is.

　Ah, I think I know what I'm talking about.
　She's got a sweet vibe, like she's full of sugar candy.　

(...like a mother who never gets angry?)

　Then it occurred to me.

　Solstice had lost her parents at a very young age.
　Maybe she wasn't used to being a mother figure like that.

'Sol, it's not polite to be rude, is it?
I know.

　At her sister's words, her lips twitched and she nodded.

(............)

　These two men have no parents.
　They have been killed by mindless people who call themselves demon hunters.

　It's selfish of me, but I wish I could be a family with them to make up for the disappointment and sadness I felt.

　Soon, I arrive at Mumpa's room on the fifth floor of the guild.

(Strange room, as always, isn't it?)

　Trees and flowers bloomed and a river flowed through it, even though it was indoors. There was a man-made pathway and a white circular space directly across the bridge. There were desks and sofas for visitors.

　In that space, there was a beautiful, white beastie.

　Mumpa Vina - the head of the adventurer's guild 'Moonlight Wind'.

　She shook her hair that reached to her feet like snow.

Welcome. I'm sorry, everyone.　I'd call you up at short notice.

　She smiled softly.

　Her long, white furry tail and leaning ears swayed in time with her movements.

(...I wish I could touch her again.)　

　It's just a little itchy.

"Good morning, Mr. Mumper.

　I smile and call out to them.
　The sisters all bow their heads politely.

'Good morning, Lady Mumpa.'
...Good morning.

　Mumpa smiles happily.

'Good morning, Marle-kun, Iltimina and Soltis.'

　Then she squatted down in front of us.

　With her white fingers.

　Chong, Chong, Chong.

　She pokes at me and Solstice's nose.

　To our surprise, she says.

'Huh, I heard that, didn't I?　I heard you two were both working hard to help Asbell and the others, right?
Oh, uh... yeah.
Yes.
Thank you. Great job, you two. Very impressive.

　She narrows her red eyes and smiles gently.

　Solstice, who was praised, looks moping and somewhat uncomfortable.

(.........rare)

　Mumpa laughs and pats us on the head, "Huh," he says.

"Hey, Mumpa," he said, "you wanted to talk to us. You called us to talk to us, didn't you?

　Mr. Kilt says, annoyed.

'The warriors are before we leave. Let's move on.
Oh, my God, that's right.

　Mumpa smiles ruefully and stands up, removing his hand from our heads.
　Soltis looks a bit relieved.

　We are then seated on the visitor's couch.

　Someone who looks like a secretary puts down her drink glass and leaves without a sound.

　We take a breath, and when the air has settled, we take a moment to

So, I'll tell you a story.

　Mr. Mumpa slowly opened his mouth.

　We nodded.

"First of all, Merle.

　Her gaze locked onto me.

'As for the stone pedestals and towers in the Aldoria Great Forest and the Deep, as you requested, a survey team left the other day. When Marle-kun returns from his next quest, I'll be able to report back to you on that.
Yes, sir.
'And there's one other thing I found out when I went through the material that was submitted to me.

　Documents?

Did you draw that, Merle?
Oh.
And a couple of books you brought back from the tower.

　Mumpa told me with a smile.
　But his expression quickly changed.

'In that book, I found a collection of illustrations of magic circles from the Thanatos era. We're still in the process of translating and analyzing it, but the guild's 'demonologists' have reported back what they've found out, even if it's just the part about the magic circle on the stone pedestal.
..........

　They made it a priority for me.
　Surprised and grateful.

　Then, Mumpa says slowly.

''The power of the magic circle is an 'invocation' --which is also the gate to the so-called divine realm,

　...the gates of the divine realm?

　All four of us look surprised.

''We still don't know its detailed role. But it turns out that the magic circle is for summoning something from the divine world.
..........
And one more thing.

　Mr. Mumpa looked at me.

'There was a picture of The Stone Pedestal in your drawing, Marle. And that magic circle was properly drawn there, too.
Yes.
Just. If that picture is accurate, I have a bit of a problem with it.

　The problem?

'The magic circle on the stone pedestal is flawed. If the summoning was done with it, then not the original one, but an un(-)complete(-)whole(-)what(-)is(-)invoked - the 'magicians' have reported that.
It's an incomplete... something.

　thumping

　I felt my heart jump.

'Yes. Whether that magician's inadequacies are man-made or due to the weathering of the long years, I don't know.'
..........
But the 'magicians' said that something called forth by the magic circle could be laced with an impure mixture of things.

　Impurities.

　I look at my right hand - at Merle's right hand.

(Is that ... possibly?)

　My heart trembled.

　If this 'Marl's Body' was summoned from the world of the gods, then my consciousness from Japan in another world... this ego...

"...Merle?　Are you okay, Merle?

　Huh?

　........Ah.
　When I noticed, Illtimina-san was looking into my face, with a worried look on her face.
　No, the other three were also looking at me with the same expression.

　I tried my best to smile.

'Yeah, we're fine. We were just a little surprised.
..........

　Mr. Illtimina said something.
　But.

It's really all right, Miss Illtimina.

　I interrupted him.
　Looking at my face like that, Illtimina-san nodded, as if to tell herself, "I understand.

'That's all I can tell you right now. I'm sure we'll be able to give you a new report when the survey team returns.
Yes. It's nice to meet you.

　I bow my head to Mr. Mumpa.

(Yeah ... now, let's not think about it until then.)

　Just remember the facts, I don't need to remember them.
　I let out a deep breath and composed myself.

　Mr. Kilt looked at me in profile and then spoke to Mumpa, as if to change the subject.

'So?　The story is not just a report of what Marl asked for, is it?
Yeah.

　She nodded.
　And the expression on her face was stern, which was unusual for that beautiful beastly person.

　Mumpa took a short breath and

Kirt-chan once told me about the 'child who turns people into demons'. ........and now that sighting has come up again.

　He said in a quiet tone.


　◇ ◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇


What?　Again.

　Mr. Kilt's golden eyes narrowed sharply.
　Mumpa-san nodded.

''Five days ago, a group of demon hunters from another guild was sent to take out the sea horned dragon that was spotted near the city of Shur.
..........
'When they arrived, they saw a young woman and a dark-haired, brown-skinned child together on the beach near the city that night. At this hour?　And then he wondered, but at first he thought it was a father and son living in the city. But....

　Words cut off.

(But...?)

　Mr. Mumpa opened his mouth again.

''I heard that the woman has transformed into a sea horned dragon.
..........
Four of the demon hunter's died, only one of them survived and the report came in the day before yesterday.

　gulping sound

　I swallowed my spit.

　Mr. Illtimina asks shortly.

'What about the kid?'
'He's disappeared. He says he's never seen a child like that in the city of Shul. He's not a resident.

　.... yeah.

The woman was a resident of the city of surreal.
..........
But the seahorn that he transformed into has escaped into the sea. At the moment, other demon hunters have been dispatched and are searching for him.

　A heavy silence falls.

　Mr. Mumpa takes a sip of his glass of drink and exhales with a huff.
　He turns his gaze to Mr. Kilt.

''Thanks to Kilt-chan's name, our last report has been given some credibility. That's why the other heads of the Adventurer's Guild have been able to take the events as they come.
Hmm, okay.
The kid was named 'Child of Darkness' anyway.

　Child of Darkness........
　I remember the way he laughed and stared at me with a mouth as red as a crescent moon.

(How fitting.)

　Mumpa says.

''The search for the demon-producing Child of Darkness was set as a top priority at the Guild Chiefs meeting. And the Kingdom of Shumuria will be working on it as well.
Oh, and the kingdom.

　Kilt-san has a surprised look on her face.
　No, Illtimina-san and Solstice, who is next to me, are equally surprised.

(It's getting more important than I thought, isn't it?)

　Mr. Mumpa nodded.

In particular, the demon hunter who died this time belonged to the largest adventurer's guild in the kingdom, the Black Iron Finger. That's why the Fiery Lion has been ordered to search for the Dark Son.
Oh, you mean for that guy?

　Mr. Kilt's eyes widened and for some reason, he smiled happily.

(.........acquaintances?)

　I was wondering about this, but Illtimina-san next to me tells me secretly.

"Eldorado Rogue, the fiery lion. --the same 'Golden Seal Demon Hunter' as the Demon Princess Kilt Amandes.
What?

　In other words, one of the top three in the kingdom!

(Even such an awesome person is in search of the 'dark child'!

　I didn't even have a voice because of the way things had developed so much.

　Then, Onihime Kilt-san nodded widely.

''I see. If we leave it to that Elle, there won't be any problems.
Yeah.

　Mumpa agrees.
　And she looks around at us.

For now, that's all we have to talk about regarding The Dark Child. --I'll just have to wait and see what happens.
Okay.

　Mr. Kilt nodded and got up from the couch.

'Are we done talking now?　Then the warriors are off.
What?

　Mumpa, you look sorry.
　His pure white ears and tail are both hanging down, kind of forlornly and shabbily.

　Mr. Kilt shrugged his shoulders and

You've been talking a long time. I'd better get going. I'm gonna be late.
Well.
Let's go. Let's go, boys.

　At the leader's urging, we stood up too.
　Mr. Mumpa, as he hurriedly reminded us.

Oh, yeah, Kilt?
Hmm?
"The King's 50th birthday celebration is next month, don't you forget?　Kilt-chan, you have to attend, too. Just make sure you come back in time, okay?
Yeah, that's right.

　'Don't bother,' it says on his face.
　Mr. Mumpa chuckled.

Please?
I know.

　Ms. Kilt nods.
　Mr. Mumpa laughs and then she looks at us.

'Well then, Marle, good luck with that, okay?　But don't push yourself.
Yes.
Both Illtimina-chan and Solstice, be careful, I think you two will be fine, but you must be careful.
Yes, sir.
I'll be careful.

　We nodded and Mumpa laughed softly.

'Okay then, guys, have a good day.'

　The four of us left the guild leader's office after being seen off by a beautiful white beastman who waved his hand.


　◇ ◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇


　I walked back to Mr. Quilt's room.

　Behind the wall glass, it was still raining.
　A gray morning.

　The sound of rain hitting the glass is incessant.

(At the gates of the divine world, incomplete summons, impurities.......huh?)

　As I make a final check of my luggage, I can't help but think.

　What am I?

　A person is made up of a mind and a body.
　If this 'Marl's Body' was summoned from the divine world, is this mind of mine that dwells in it still an impurity?

　If it was a full subpoena.

I wasn't reincarnated in this world?

　..................
　I see three people in the same room.

　If that was the case, I wouldn't have met those girls either.

　

　A loud sigh fell out, which seemed to echo throughout the room.

'What is it, Marl?　Was it so disappointing that you didn't touch Mumpa's ears or tail this time?
...What?

　I looked up, pouting.

　Mr. Kilt was laughing.
　Mr. Illtimina was surprised, "Well.

'Was it?　........Then would you like to touch my hair instead?
Yeah, no.
Oh, come on. Don't be shy.

　She holds her beautiful dark green hair out in front of me in a hand bun.
　Her lustrous hair sure looks like a tail.

"Well, Merle?
Uh-huh.

　I can't refuse that smile, so I stroke it.

　Ugh, it feels so good.

(Maybe it's not as good as Mumpa's fluffy hair, either?)

　Her hair is so lustrous, and her fingers are so smooth, you want to keep touching it.

　Nudge.

　Well I feel much better about it.

What are you two doing here?
..........

　Solstice looks dumbfounded.

　I chuckle and remove my hand from my beautiful hair.

'Are you sure you're ready to go?'
Yes. Thanks, Miss Illtimina.

　She looks like she's going to miss it, and I smile at her.
　She smiles, too.

"If you ever want to touch me again, just let me know, okay?

　He has his usual gentle smile.

　I notice it, as expected.

　

　About me.

　I'm sure the girls had their own thoughts after hearing Mumpa's story.
　But they never asked me anything.

　They just treat me the way they always do.

"..........

　That's their answer.......or is it?

　It's a relief.

"Okay. Let's go, Merle.
Yes.

　Looking at my face, Kirt nodded.

　I put my backpack on and stood up.
　The fairy sword is to the left of my waistband.

　Then we walked out of the room and headed for the guild's entrance.

　It's raining outside.
　And gray skies.

　The four of us pull our rain-proof robes over our heads.

"Merle.

　Illtimina-san smiled and held out her white right hand.

　It's raining, you'll get wet, okay?

　But I, too, hold that hand.
　It's warm, Illtimina-san's hand that I've been connected to for a long time.

.........
..........

　Mr. Kilt laughed serenely at us, and Solstice cowered her small shoulders.

　Then he stepped out into the rainy world.

　Zaaaah.....

　The sound of rain, pounding against my eardrums.

　Our joined hands got wet quickly, but yet neither of us ever let go.

"..........

　The sky, looking up, was full of clouds.
　The cold rain showed no signs of stopping.

(-- but)

　These feet never stop.

　I walked through the gray and smoky world with my three most important friends.