Chapter 86: The Unexpected Reunion

Author: Volume 14 starts.

"As expected, they are not chasing us anymore..." (Sirius)

"There is no one who can catch up the carriage pulled by Hokuto-san, right?" (Emilia)

After reuniting with Fia, and achieving the championship of the Fighting Festival, we were ready to depart on a trip from Garaff. However, we met unexpected 'enemies'.

With Beauty, who got the wind out of nowhere, headed the list, Reus' and my fans barged in.

There were adventurers who either tried to become our companions, or incorporated us into their members, so we rushed out of the town to run away from them.

There were also people who chased after us even outside of the town and said that they wanted to be my disciples, but since I was in the middle of broadening my views on a trip, I really had no intention to increase the number of disciples or students. Because of that, Hokuto had to work hard, continuing to run on the main road at a speed that was impossible for a normal carriage or a horse.

If it was concerned with Hokuto, who ran without rest with nearly inexhaustible stamina, there was none that could catch up, whether it was an adventurer or a horse.

We continued running for several hours and once we confirmed that no one chased from the rear, we returned to the normal speed and leisurely proceeded down the main road.

As I sit together with Emilia on the coach seat while carefreely looking at Hokuto's back, Fia, who rested inside the carriage, came out and put her chin on my shoulder.

"Although it looks normal, it is a very cozy horse carriage. Even royalties probably won't have such carriage, you know." (Fia)

"Of course! It is a carriage designed by Sirius-sama." (Emilia)

"The one who made it was the Galgan Company. I think that technology is a big deal." (Sirius)

I remembered the time when this carriage was made while smiling at Emilia who boasted as if she was the one who made it herself.

I sold the suspension technology to the Galgan Company, and I had them incorporated the function as a compensation.

Zack of the Galgan Company was happy with the technology that would become a revolution of the horse carriage, but then he asked him what request did I have. Hence, I asked him, but they had to struggle in many ways.

By excluding some parts, as a carriage which primarily function for moving, how much goods and people that could be loaded was important.

However, I wasn't traveling as a merchant. It was only to broaden my view... in other words, it was like a trip. It would probably right to make the carriage similar to the nobles' and royalties' in order to spend time comfortably.

"Aniki, I am hungry." (Reus)

Since we had been running in a hurry to escape those troublesome adventurers, Reus, who stood on top of the carriage to train the sense of balance, had his tummy boldly grumbled.

Soon it would be noon based on the position of the sun. Not only Reus, Reese also seemed to be hungry, so I ordered Hokuto to stop the carriage in a place with a fine view. We split the jobs and started preparing for lunch.

Reus and Hokuto would procure meats. I entrusted Emilia to secure herbs and wild vegetables, while Reese and Fia would help me with the cooking.

Stir-frying the meat and vegetables procured with the raw noodles prepared prior the departure, it was a lunch of salty yakisoba.

By the way, when I cooked this noodle dish in Garaff, Beowulf came by before the end of the day to inform me that he would be looking for the Strongest Sword, Lior, after resigning from being an escort. Hence, he became absorbed with the noodle dish as a mean of farewell.

Besides, he told me that Jekyll and Sieg had already left the town, but since Reus was staring as if to say that the amount of food eaten was decreasing, it was a delicate farewell.

While continued eating the dish and thought that Beowulf probably could see Lior-Jiisan, I noticed that Fia was eating the Yakisoba while looking so distant.

"What is it, Fia? Does it not suit your taste?" (Sirius)

"There is no such thing. I was just thinking for a bit, but the dish is very delicious." (Fia)

"Of course, that's because Sirius-sama's cooking are done with plenty of affection. Anyway, what were you thinking about?" (Emilia)

Fia wryly smiled at Emilia's question. She looked at the dish, and continued eating it while talking to us.

"I was thinking that after traveling with Sirius... I don't think that I can travel alone anymore." (Fia)

"I understand that well, Fia-san. It's just that... I myself can't travel alone, you know." (Reese)

"Oh, is it?" (Fia)

"It is fun to be with dependable friends, comfortable carriage and even delicious meals. Even though people can tolerate pain, once they taste luxury, they can't run away from that." (Reese)

""It sure is!"" (Emilia/Reus)

Emilia and Reus were intensely nodded at Fia's remark. Since she had been traveling alone, she understood well about us being abnormal.

Fia was explaining it with a bitter smile, but she suddenly felt depressed and covered her face with hands.

"So I was thinking how I could be helpful in anyway, but... I am totally lost. I am... the most unworthy one." (Fia)

It was bad for Fia to be depressed, but plainly speaking, she wasn't very helpful in cooking.

Although there was no gap to help because of my and Reese's performance, I thought it was justified since she barely had any experience in cooking.

"That can't be helped, isn't it? If it's alright with Fia, I will teach you various things together with everyone, so how about that?" (Sirius)

"Yes, please. Even though I am older, if compared to you guys with the way I am right now, it is embarrassing." (Fia)

"There is no need to think that far. It is already to gradually learn them." (Sirius)

It was impossible to forcibly change her, but if she desired it, I should teach her then.

There were things that need to be remembered even if I forced them to remember, but other than that, it was my policy to let them independently decide. The current disciples decided by themselves that they wanted to follow me.

"Besides, it's not good if I don't receive the same training as you guys. I don't want to be a burden." (Fia)

The result of practice running together when we stayed in Garaff was that Fia had the stamina as an adventurer, but it was lower compared to us.

In her case, she could use spirit magic and defeat before approaching the enemies, and since she could jump high by using wind, there was no need to have stamina to that extent.

However, this might be a improbable possibility, but there might be times when the spirits would not lend their power, or times when she couldn't borrow it.

When I told Fia that she should be able to respond to such a worst situation, she firmly agreed and told me that she wanted to train. It seemed that she remembered the careless mistake in the past, where she was rescued by me.

"We were stopping because we had been running until a moment ago, but we will run in turn starting from noon. For the time being, Fia will do it until you reach your limit." (Sirius)

"Uuu... I'll try my best." (Fia)

"Ah, ahaha... Sirius-san will never ask for impossible things, so please do your best." (Reese)

"The training is hard only at the beginning. If you think that is for Sirius-sama, it's not painful at all." (Emilia)

"When you get used to it, there will be a sense of completeness!" (Reus)

The disciples supported with the significance of their respective training to Fia who anxiously nodded.

—

"Your pace is declining, you know. Alright... that's it is." (Sirius)

"Haaa... haa... that's intense." (Fia)

Later, we departed after finished eating lunch. As stated earlier, we got off the carriage and ran.

Reus and I ran in parallel with Fia, while Emilia and Reese were resting in the carriage after finishing today's quota.

On the other hand, Fia was the one who ran all the time while changing the pace. Now, I was teaching her how to keep a constant pace. I was thinking about going to the next stage soon.

"I-I don't dislike training, but this is more than I imagined." (Fia)

"Alright, let's rest once we go over that hill. As a compensation, you need to run with full power." (Sirius)

"Aah... gosh! If that's how it is, I will do it. After this is over, I want a reward. I'd like a lap pillow!" (Fia)

"If it's just with my lap, that's easy. Well, shall we go at once?" (Sirius)

"I will go ahead, Aniki!" (Reus)

Currently, Reus was wearing leg bands and bracelets made of Gravilite, which were much heavier ore than iron, and Fia muttered in shock at his running figure towards the hill that not only overtaking us, but also the carriage.

"He is running at the same time as me while wearing the weights. You guys are not really ordinary." (Fia)

"I admit that we are not ordinary from the perspective of the world. However, Fia also will be similar to us with what I have taught, you know?" (Sirius)

"At this point of time... I am an oddball among Elves, but I am not an oddball of the world. If I can reach you guys at that level, I will do as much as I can!" (Fia)

Fia said that with a serious look. She, then, mustered the remaining stamina and overtaking the carriage.

Emilia and Reese, who had heard such proclamation from the carriage, looked at Fia's back with a gentle look.

—

Beyond the hill, I brought Fia, who collapsed after reaching her limit, back to the carriage, and I gave her lap pillow as promised.

To tell the truth, it wasn't about the promise. I planned to give Fia a lap pillow in order to apply the regenerative activity, but since she was putting her head on my lap and seemed happy, it wasn't necessary to tell her that.

However, in order to apply it, it was ineffective to recover stamina unless she slept. Because of that, I was waiting for Fia to sleep, but she kept smiling while looking at my face.

"What is it, Fia? You won't recover if you do not sleep." (Sirius)

"I know, but it's a waste. When it is about lap pillow, you can't do it if I am not like this, right?" (Fia)

"It is also depend on the situation, but if you want it, don't hesitate to say it." (Sirius)

"Although I said it in this situation, I am the one who wants to give you a lap pillow. Don't you guys think so too?" (Fia)

Emilia and Reese, who sat nearby, were nodding in agreement.

Especially Emilia who was smiling and tapping her lap as if to say 'Here, you can have it anytime'. That affectionate smile... looked similar to Erina-Okaasan. I seemed to think about her without noticing it.

"Oh yeah... I think that I will have it someday, but Fia's recovery is the priority right now. Do not push yourself because you are tired." (Sirius)

"Hehe... yeah. I'm tired, so let me sleep a little..." (Fia)

As Fia fell asleep before finishing what she wanted to say, I put my hand on her head, and pour my mana.

When I poured mana so as not to disturb her sleep, Emilia and Reese, who were looking at the sight, quietly sighed...

"...Fia-san is sneaky." (Emilia)

"Yeah. To be defenseless in time like this..." (Reese)

"What do you mean by sneaky?" (Sirius)

""Her sleeping face is really sexy!"" (Emilia/Reese)

"Aah-..." (Sirius)

They said it with their mouths seemed envious.

A man would be involuntarily fascinated, so it couldn't be helped for them to be envious when she seemed able to naturally display a sexy sleeping face.

It was because Emilia had an innocent sleeping face like a child, and Reese had a defenseless sleeping face with drool that could spill anytime.

I told them about it when they woke up, and they were in panic with reddened faces.

"Even if you can't be like Fia in particular, you both have your own merits. You don't have to imitate her, and I just like Emilia and Reese the way you guys are." (Sirius)

After beckoning and calling them, I stroked their heads with a hand while giving treatment to Fia with the other hand.

—

Later... we kept moving through the main road while kept training, and then, we got off the road to get ready for the camp at sunset.

While we were preparing for the dinner with proficient manner, Fia, who couldn't move due to the training fatigue, seemed to be sorry. However, as I said earlier during midday, it was fine because she would gradually used to it.

I had Emilia and Reese replaced me in the middle of cooking, and then, I gave a massage that also to confirm Fia's physical condition.

"Is there any pain other than muscle pain?" (Sirius)

"No... there's none. Hmm... here... is good." (Fia)

"Don't make that seductive voice, you know." (Sirius)

"It's just that this is my first time feeling good having my legs massaged. I wonder if everyone else also get this?" (Fia)

Emilia and Reese, who were stirring soup, nodded at Fia's question while blushing a bit.

"That's right, we also receive Sirius-sama's massaging. It had decreased recently, but... I can't forget the excitement when I received it for the first time." (Emilia)

"Yeah, it was pretty pleasant, isn't it? But, it make me really sleepy." (Reese)

"I immediately fell asleep, you know!" (Reus)

Unlike those two girls who received the massage with feeling sorry and wanting to stay awake a bit longer, Reus fell asleep when I started massaging him.

"Aah... I understand... that feeling..." (Fia)

"Oi oi, it's too soon to fall asleep. You still haven't had your dinner, right?" (Sirius)

"Yeah... but I wonder if I can eat? I am tired and I don't think my stomach can accept anything..." (Fia)

"You're right, so I guess you have become like that, huh?" (Reus)

Fia, who had half asleep eyes, bitterly smile while touching her stomach, but I thought that it was natural for not able to eat meals with that much of running.

Even though...

"Is there such a thing? Weren't we able to eat everything at that time?" (Reus)

"Since the meals Sirius-sama cooked were very delicious, I was able to eat it." (Emilia)

"You will hungry when you train a lot, and you are not able to eat the meals!?" (Reese)

"...Am I weird?" (Fia)

The disciples were surprised altogether, but you guys were the weird ones when you could composedly eat after training.

There was nothing to disagree with Emilia and Reus because they were different race, but... Reese was really a mystery.

"Don't worry. Fia is normal. I already prepared a soup with little ingredients for now, so please eat it even a little. Not having nutrition is the worst thing." (Sirius)

"Did you expressly making it? Since it is so, I'll try to eat it." (Fia)

Fia, who received a soup Emilia poured with a bitter smile, was surprised when had the soup in her mouth while extending her hands with pet expression. (Recheck)

"Yeah... since it is lightly seasoned, I can eat it somehow. It's easy on the stomach." (Fia)

Since I made something similar to bonito with the fish that I got from the Silver Wolfkin's settlement, it was a soup made based on its soup stock. Considering Fia's stomach, I made it rather bland, but the nutrition should be enough because it was cook with other ingredients.

"Eat as much as you want since we will eat the leftover." (Sirius)

"Sirius-sama, our parts have been completed. Shall we have it soon?" (Emilia)

"That's right, Aniki. I'm hungry." (Reus)

"I'm hungry." (Reese)

These children... no, these disciples started to make fuss because of hunger, so we decided to have dinner.

More than the somewhat strong soup, Fia muttered in agreement as she was eating a colorful sandwich with an original sauce on meat and vegetables.

"Hehe... it's tough, but since you already made it, I'll try eat it. I ought to be strong..." (Fia)

—

When the meal was finished, next was a bath.

There was no such thing like a hot spring. Usually, it was at the level of wiping body with a cloth soaked in hot water. However, it was also possible to take a bath if there was a plan made in advance.

Taking out a special lump of iron with low thermal conduction which was carried on the carriage, I put it on the ground and pour my mana. The lump of iron changed shape while widely spreading.

Since this lump of iron was drawn with [Create] magic formation, it was designed to deform into a predetermined shape when it was filled with mana. In other words, it was like a shape-memory alloy.

And when the lump of iron spread out... three people could easily enter the bathtub.

Later, I had Reese to pour the water using water spirits, and when Reus activated [Flame Knuckle] after putting his hand inside the bathtub, the water became hot water.

After that, it was the completion of an instant outdoor bath by connecting the carriage with a nearby tree with a rope and make a partition with cloth.

The female group went in first. In the meantime, I read a book on the other side of the carriage, and Reus spent the time by swinging sword. By the way, Hokuto was guarding near the partition.

Since they would be defenseless when taking a bath, I tried not to get too far away in case something happened. Thus, I could hear the conversation of the female group.

"Haa... I feel refreshed. Even so, I didn't think that we can take a bath in such a place." (Fia)

"We're really having the luxury, right?" (Reese)

"It will be better if Sirius-sama is also taking the bath together. I want to brush his back for the first time in a while." (Emilia)

"Aah, isn't that alright? Hei Sirius! Why don't you enter here together?" (Fia)

"Eeh! Wait a sec, Fia-san!" (Reese)

"No... I'm not going." (Sirius)

Recently, I felt like I was aimed by those three at every opportunity, so it would be very dangerous when I thoughtlessly came in.

The conversation continued as it was for a while, but Emilia and Fia finally gave up. Anyway, since Reus was swinging sword with nothing else in mind, I didn't think that he heard the conversation.

"...So nice..." (Reese)

"What is it, Reese? Is there something on Fia-san's body?" (Emilia)

"Eh... aah, yes. I'm... jealous of her beautiful skin." (Reese)

"Yeah, the Elves are sneaky." (Emilia)

"Oh, you guys have something that I don't have. Although you guys are still young, that big chests are foul play." (Fia)

"I-I aimed for different thing, but that gets bigger..." (Reese)

"It's getting bigger in order to satisfy Sirius-sama." (Emilia)

...As expected, should I use an earplug?

If I listened more than this, I would somehow feel bad.

—

While proceeding with the training in that way, our trip continued on and three days had passed.

Fia had gotten used to the training a little bit, and now she was able to eat meals to some extent.

We were currently got off the main road. After preparing the camp, while we were in the middle of eating dinner, the sky was still bright and the sun still high as we finished the preparation early today. However, since there were times like this, we didn't mind to keep eating.

"Haa... the meal is delicious. Nevertheless, I didn't expect to get used to this very soon." (Fia)

"It is an evidence that Fia had worked hard. Do you want more?" (Sirius)

"Yes, please. This Udon is really delicious." (Fia)

"Another please." (Reese)

"Me too!" (Reus)

"Sirius-sama, I also want more!" (Emilia)

As I boiled the Udon which I had been getting tired recently making, I put them into each of their bowls. I reflexively invoked [Search] when seeing Hokuto, who sat nearby, suddenly stood up.

I detected several reactions coming here. As I quickly cleaned up cooking utensils, the disciples, who were wondering about how I was, started to notice the incoming reactions.

"Someone is coming, Aniki. Are they enemies?" (Reus)

"Well. But, don't go ahead as you please, Reus." (Sirius)

"Fia-san, that is..." (Reese)

"Yeah, the spirits are also restless. Like those two have said, it seems something is approaching." (Fia)

Emilia and Reus detected based on smells and intuition, while Reese and Fia noticed the other party when the spirits informed them. In most situation, with the exception of Hokuto and I who noticed first, the detection ability of those four people were quite splendid.

Their facial expressions were serious, but they didn't flustered since they were all holding bowls containing Udon.

"... Shall we end it around here, and eat it quickly?" (Sirius)

"""Thank you for the meal!""" (Emilia/Reese/Reus)

"The heat!? .... Wait a sec!" (Fia)

Fia was slightly struggling, but by the time she finished cleaning up after eating in one gulp, we caught figures of people running from the other side of the hill with our naked eyes.

"They are pair of young boy and girl. Aren't they a bit younger than us?" (Emilia)

"What? That man... I feel like I've seen him somewhere before. Does Aniki also think so?" (Reus)

"Yeah, me too. However, they both..." (Sirius)

"Yeah, it looks like they both are being chased by something. According to the spirits, it seems that five people are approaching from behind them." (Reese)

The boy pulled the girl's hand while desperately running towards here.

I felt like I was getting involved in troubles as it is, but that boy was somehow familiar, and I couldn't ignore them since the other side had noticed and running towards us.

Maybe the disciples had sensed it as they stood up without me saying anything, and they were waiting while preparing for battle.

"Are they being chased by thieves? If that's the case, should we help them?" (Emilia)

"That depend on the approach of the other party. Let me tell you guys in advance. Don't be careless even though you know them." (Sirius)

"Got it! That will be after we determine whether they are friends or enemies... right?" (Emilia)

"That's the standard of adventurers. Are those kids Sirius' acquaintances?" (Fia)

"I don't know the girl, but that boy is probably..." (Sirius)

"Sensei-!" (??)

The one that let out the loud voice with unorganized breathing was Christ Fayt... or Chris. After we left Elysion, we went to the village where Noel and others live with him.

He was a training of the Galgan Company, and he was doing the merchant apprenticeship under the Company's boss, Gadd, but... why was he in such a place?

Although it might be possible to cross to a different continent as a merchant, he didn't have any luggage and was injured. No matter how I looked at him, it didn't feel like he came for a business.

As we were puzzled, we waited for them to run to us, but the girl, whose hand pulled by Chris, stumbled on a stone and fell.

"Aniki! Chris is in danger!" (Reus)

"Sirius-san!" (Reese)

"..." (Sirius)

"I can't just look at them, AnikI!" (Reus)

"Me too." (Reese)

"... Do whatever you like. After this is over, you have to take the responsibility." (Sirius)

"Got it!" (Reus)

"Yes!" (Reese)

Reus and Reese, who couldn't endure, came running towards Chris. Even if they knew each other, there was also a possibility of being pointed with weapons and threatened.

And since the reaction that follow them was still a distance away, there was still time to confirm things about Chris, but... this was troubling.

When I looked at their running figure from behind, Fia, who stood next to me, put her hands on my shoulder with a bitter smile.

"Aren't they young? But... they are kind children." (Fia)

"Well, I must watch it because that's their strong point. Anyway, are you alright with that, Emilia?" (Sirius)

"I am Sirius-sama's attendance, and I will stay by your side. To tell the truth, I also want to go, but since Reus and Reese already went there, I thought that it was necessary to see the situation from behind." (Emilia)

"Really? It look like you think well." (Sirius)

After I stroke Emilia's head, we slowly chased the two while keeping a distance. Actually, it would be better not to move, but it would be difficult to deal with something if they were too far away.

And as soon as Reus arrived at Chris, the remaining five reactions appeared from behind the hill.

Hmmm... if this was some time ago, Reus probably would protect the other party behind his back, but he was stopping at a place where he could see both Chris and the guys who seemed to be the pursuers. It wasn't just Emilia, it seemed that Reus also thinking properly.

"Are you alright, Chris!?" (Reus)

"Re-Reus-san! Those guys are aiming for this child..." (Chris)

"I'm not sure about this, but they are enemies! I will defeat them!" (Reus)

"Please wait a minute." (??)

Reus tried to jump forward while taking out his sword, but the girl Chris was taking shouted while raising her body.

"It is dangerous for you alone! I can still run, so Chris-kun and everyone else, please escape!" (??)

"It's alright! If it's Reus-san, it will be fine even with guys like that." (Chris)

"But they are five opponents, and they are guards-..." (??)

While the girl was puzzled at Chris' proclamation, Reus jumped forward and stood in front of the five people who seemed to be the pursuers.

Those five people who rode horses were equipped with full body armor like knights, but since the helmets were removed and hung from the horse's harness, it was understood that they were all human beings.

The men had to stop their horse because of Reus who suddenly stood up. And then, the man who was thought to be their leader pointed the tip of the spear at Reus.

"Who are you! We receive the favor of Mira-sama and the judges of criminals as the Mira-sama's apostle! There is no mercy if you get in the way!" (Leader) (TLN: The word Mira wrote altogether with the word goddess in raw)

"I don't really know who Mira is, but I understand that those apostles are the guys who are being childish for chasing two children." (Reus)

"What did you say, you bastard!? The fool who doesn't know who Mira-sama is! I don't care if you get in the way. We shall judge you together with the criminals!" (Leader)

"You're wrong! Mira-sama never desires for such a thing! So, please stop fighting!" (Girl)

The girl desperately screamed trying to stop them, but somehow the men had weird look didn't even stop. They began their assault while pointing the spear at Reus.

As Reus observed how to fight the men on horse which were higher than himself, Reus took a deep breath without preparing his sword...

"Come at me!" (Reus)

The men and the horses were flinched by the overwhelming bloodlust unleashed together with his loud voice. He probably tried to imitate the bloodlust that I unleashed on the other day, but the way he unleashed the bloodlust was closer to Lior than me. It seemed that the intensity wasn't there yet... but it was good enough for these guys.

Taking the opportunity when they caught off guard, Reus kicked the ground and leaped out.

"W-what!?" (Leader)

"Here I come!" (Reus)

Reus, who leaped out at the man who seemed to be their leader, swung his partner from the side, and made him fell from the horse.

He, then, jumped again by using the vacant horseback as a foothold, and quickly swung the greatsword. He knocked down two enemies, who was surprised, from their horses.

"You! Is this beastkin trying to oppose Mira-sama!?" (??)

"Don't tell me something I don't know!" (Reus)

Two men struck their spears aiming for the gap when Reus landed on the ground, but he evaded it and grab the other spear and lifted it up along with the opponent.

"It-it can't be! What strength..." (??)

"And, you're the last one!" (Reus)

Swinging the spear together with the user, it hit the last man on a horse and knocked him down.

Reus, who knocked down every one of them, held his swords towards those who still able to move.

"Well then, now we are on equal terms. Come from anywhere you want." (Reus)

"Kuh! It's only a beastkin, even without a horse..." (??)

One person fainted by the shock of the fall, but the remaining four prepared their spears and were striking again at Reus.

"Chris-kun... who are those people?" (Girl)

"They are friends! They are Sensei's disciples..." (Chris)

"We are friends. Long time no see, Chris. I would like you to explain the reason, but shall we move away from this place for now?" (Reese)

"Long time no see, Reese-san! The reason is... I will tell you later." (Chris)

"Because it is you, I don't think it is something bad. Anyhow, I see that you're injured, can you show it to me?" (Reese)

While Reese confirmed Chris' and the girl's injuries, Reus' battle was about to end.

A man directly hit by Reus' sword was horizontally blown, displaying the appearances of the fainted men with their armor being crushed as their fighting spirit faded away.

There were three people remaining, but all they could do were holding their spears with completely daunted postures.

"Alright... anyway, are you guys still going for it? If you are going to throw down like a man, you will not end like the guy who is lying down over there, you know." (Reus)

"You-you dare to do such things to us. Mira-sama's judgment will rain down upon you!" (??)

"I told you. I don't know who is this Mira. And the one that can make a judgment if I do bad things is Aniki only!" (Reus)

"Damn it... it's almost there! Rearrange your stance!" (Leader)

When Reus raised his sword at the remaining dispirited men after clearly saying that, they scattered and ran away.

Although they were a bunch with weird eyes and words, they knew that they were not match and chose to run away. It might be alright even praise their conduct of dispersing in order to increase the survival rate.

But...

"I won't let you go away!" (Reus)

"That's right! [Air Shot]" (Emilia)

"Oh wind, please!" (Fia)

This was not a match, and here we had our friend.

They were dispersing in three directions, but one running man got caught by Reus' sword, and the remaining two were hit by the balls of wind that Reese and Fia unleashed from long distance, and they were completely fainted.

We silenced all the mean in that way. And then, we headed to Chris and the girl who received the treatment from Reese.

After defeating the pursuers, I thought that it was bad to ask them while they felt relieved and still received the treatment, but first, they needed to explain the situation to clearly determine whether they were enemies or friends.

"Long time no see, Chris." (Sirius)

"Sensei... Long time no see. By the way, thank you for saving us." (Chris)

"Rather than saying it to me, you should say thanks to Reus and Reese. More importantly, I didn't expect to see you again in such a place. It seems that things has turned somewhat strange, isn't it?" (Sirius)

"Yes. There are many things. I wonder where should I explain it from..." (Chris)

This was probably not a very good situation, and the girl, who was pulling Chris' sleeve, held her head as if she was worried about the explanation.

"Chris-kun. Are these people the ones that Chris mentioned?" (Girl)

"You're right. This is the Sensei who taught me how to become stronger. You know, Ashley... I think Sensei and his friends can be trusted. Why don't you consult with him?" (Chris) (TLN: The name in raw is アシェリー)

"But, to involve people who are not related is..." (Ashley)

"As for sending the Imperial Guards, they are really aiming for your life. Besides, as for me right now, I probably can't do anything. We will definitely driven to the corner if we keep remaining like this. That's why, even if it is embarrassing and troubling, you should choose a method where there is a hope!" (Chris)

Chris grabbed the girl's shoulders, and spoke with serious expression while looking into her eyes.

While regretted in same way like Chris, the girl nodded at his desperate plea despite of her regret.

I entrusted Reus and Hokuto to tie up the men. After that, Chris and the girl raised up their faces towards us and they finally told us the story.

"Sensei, to tell the truth, I would like to consult about this, but..." (Chris)

"I think that there are various complicated circumstances, but if you are not in a hurry, why don't we start by introducing each other?" (Sirius)

"Yeah... you're right. Since there are people who meet the others for the first time... again, my name is Chris Fayt. Please feel free to call me Chris. And here is... uhmm..." (Chris)

"Chris-kun, I will..." (Ashley)

Interrupting the introduction from Chris, the girl slowly got up and graciously bowed down.

The girl's age was close to the thirteen years old Chris. She had similar long blue hair which divided into two parts on the temporal region, which also known as twin tail.

Although she had shabby appearance wearing a dirty gown, that bow reminded me of upper nobles.

"My name is Ashley Mira Rodenheide. Thank you so much for helping me and Chris this time." (Ashley) (TLN: The full name in raw is アシェリー・ミラ・ローデンハイド)

"As I had said to Chris, if it's the gratitude, say it to Reus, who is tying the men over there, and the girls next to me. Nevertheless, you are Mira... huh." (Sirius)

Since she was wearing a pendant that symbolized a sun on her chest, I understood that there were believers who believed in the goddess called Mira-sama. And as a part of her name contained Mira, she wasn't just a believer. I had a bad feeling.

I had mostly guessed at this point of time, but I secretly sighed at the next words uttered by that girl.

"And... I am the saintess of Mira temple in Fonia." (Ashley) (The name of place in raw is フォニア)

Fonia... that was the name of the town we were going to from now on.

Since there was also my student, Chris, we believed that we would involved with troubles soon.

—

Extra/Bonus 1

The conversation that was somewhat missed during the battle this time.

"You scoundrel who go against Mira-sama!" (??)

"Heh... if that's the case, you are the scoundrel who go against Aniki!" (Reus)

"You're right, Reus! The fools who go against Sirius-sama will have nothing but death!" (Emilia)

"Because it is such a religion! Don't you dare to go against it!" (Reus?)

Extra/Bonus 2

In regards of the bathtub, here's how the story moved on.

"Aah... it feels good." (Emilia)

When Emilia greatly stretched out her hands and body, that appearance (covered by steam) was greatly shaking.

"Say Emilia, do you want me to wash your back?" (Reese)

Having a thing like a sponge, Reese (who was saved by a strangely occurrence of steam) came out from the bathtub.

"Hehe... my back is good. Will you do it to me after her?" (Fia)

Rising from the bathtub, the beautiful characteristics of Elves (which was meaninglessly covered by Hokuto from the front) was lavishly exposed.

The so called service scene.

It was not a service because they couldn't be seen due to the steam, right?

Dear readers, please brush off the steam with your imagination power.

You need to... further discuss it with Hokuto though. (Author)

Presenting Hokuto

Hokuto continued traveling with the Master even today.

In the evening, when the Master began preparing for the camp, he instructed Hokuto-kun and Reus-kun to procure meat.

And then, they went together into the forest looking for prey. They parted along the way and decided to look for prey on their own.

When Hokuto-kun looking for a prey, he found a small rabbit-like monster that has similar kind of fur like him.

According to the information Hokuto-kun heard before, it seemed the fur of that rabbit-like monster was expensive, so he immediately took it down.

However, this monster had characteristics that the fur would deteriorate over time when it died, and he remembered that when he took it down.

The meat didn't seem to be tasty, Hokuto-kun thought about giving it up and throw it away, but something flashed in his mind.

It would be good if he could skin the fur on his own.

— This is the first time of skinning —

※Please play the theme song when you send your child to buy stuff for the first time in your brain. (Author) (TLN: There is a Japanese show for this.)

Hokuto-kun didn't have knife for skinning, but he had the nails that he proud of.

He carefully moved the sharp nails, and slowly skinned the fur.

Hokuto was in a good mood because he could skin better than expected...

<Ooh! By no means, you also can do the skinning, you are amazing, Hokuto! As expected of my partner.> (Sirius)

He had a delusion that his Master would pat her head and he was wagging his tail without noticing.

However, Hokuto-kun, carelessness was a powerful enemy.

"Gyii!?" (Goblin)

He was too absorbed with the skinning, and he was late for noticing the approaching goblin.

Actually, if it was Hokuto-kun, he would be fine no matter what the goblin did, but since he want to avoid getting dirty under surprise attack, he regularly sharpened his sense.

The reason was that he couldn't bring himself letting his Master brushed his dirty body. Hokuto-kun liked to keep things clean.

He was late at noticing the goblin, but since there was a distance, he wasn't surprised.

But, maybe because the goblin approached more than he expected, he unintentionally became clumsy.

And when he noticed it... the fur, that he was skinning, was tore into two. Let me repeat, Hokuto-kun's nails were sharp.

"..." (Hokuto)

"Gyi...gyigiii-!?" (Goblin)

At that time... the goblin saw a scene of carnage.

"Grrrr-!" (Hokuto)

Hokuto-kun, who precisely swept the goblin, was visibly depressed.

The reason why Hokuto-kun depressed was the failure of the skinning, and that made him burst his anger towards groups of goblins.

The only one alive was Hokuto-kun.

There were times when he was depressed, irritated, and venting the anger.

Although Hokuto-kun wasn't quite satisfied, since he managed to secure a wild boar-like monster that appeared along the way, he fulfilled his Master's order.

"Woof..." (Hokuto)

Hokuto-kun couldn't keep depressed forever, so after recovering the motivation, he stood up while holding the prey in his mouth.

Hokuto-kun decided to beautifully skin it next time. He turned his back on the grave of the rabbit-like monster where the goblin was also buried there.

To tell the truth, Hokuto-kun was a secretly hard worker.