Chapter 213
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The next morning, although I’m a bit sleep-deprived, I can say I’m in almost perfect condition.
Before coming to the royal capital, we had multiple meetings and already finished our final preparations. All that’s left is to get dressed and head to the castle.
Sharing the inn with me are Sensei, Anon, Ash, and the Tesoro brothers. Eris has returned to his family home, Orphe went along to accompany Eris, and Mika headed to the church. Angie and Puru went to stay with some old acquaintances.
The Berserga Mercenary Group’s representative Saga? Don’t know that kid. Come to think of it, last night I heard rumors about a gorilla dragging away a glasses-wearing pretty boy intellectual (Camus) who was desperately trying to escape, disappearing into the pleasure district. I can only pray it wasn’t them.
After getting ready at the inn, everyone gathers in my room.
In front of everyone, I put on the mask Anon had given me saying ‘because we need to hide your face,’ don a black robe to conceal my equipment, and then make a show of putting on a certain ring.
「Hehe, it suits you perfectly.」
Anon says with a smile at my appearance.
Don’t laugh! You’re making me look like some kind of edgy kid!
「Ichiro, you’re good!」
Ash furrows her brow for a moment before giving me a thumbs up.
Hey, what kind of pose is that supposed to be?
「I think it looks cool though!」
「Yeah, it’s cool and mysterious—perfect for Ichiro!」
The Tesoro brothers praise me without reservation.
Though if they genuinely think this looks cool, that might be a sign of eighth-grade syndrome. Ah, just like me.
「That’s right, that’s right! Just as Chloe and them say! Son-in-law, it suits you perfectly—pffahaha!!」
If this were online, Sensei’s laughter would definitely warrant a 「ROFL!」 comment. I feel so sad.
But surely, this must all be their way of trying to help ease my tension— 「BWAHAHA!! *wheeze* HAHAHA!!」
No way! This definitely isn’t it!!
This absolutely isn’t some noble consideration for my feelings!
I clear my mind and turn my back to them decisively.
「Aww, son-in-law is angry!」
「Sorry, Ichiro!」
Hmph, that’s right, I am angry.
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Time is merciless, accumulating equally for everyone whether they want it or not.
After our fooling around winds down, that moment arrives in what feels like an instant.
It’s a bit sad to part, but we can always pick up where we left off once everything is over.
Despite some congestion while heading there by carriage, we arrive at Arcana Castle without any major issues.
Oddly enough, we’re able to pass through the gates smoothly without any weapon checks. Maybe it’s because in a world with magic bags, there’d be no end to it.
When I mention this to Anon, he tells me this is a special exception, and the castle has taken its own measures.
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☆《Multi-Layer Purification Barrier》☆
A purification barrier that reduces all abilities—including mana and physical strength—of those with evil hearts, layered six times over.
Activation requires skilled Light Magic users, and with six layers, it’s believed to need at least six practitioners at the level of Archbishop or higher.
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This gathering is to honor the achievements in subjugating the Sealed Domain, and the clans, parties, and adventurers who played major roles have been summoned.
For clans and parties, their leaders would attend as representatives, but the numbers are still considerable.
Even just our group from Boldaf has thirteen people. Multiply that by three and you’re looking at nearly forty people. It’s only natural that the numbers would get so high.
As such, we’re shown to different guest rooms based on our battle line groupings.
The incredibly spacious guest room is furnished with multiple sofas and tables. As I take a seat on a sofa, Sensei sits next to me, and beside her—
Saga and Camus are seated on the sofa across from us.
The sofa creaks under Saga’s weight. Because Saga takes up so much space as he settles in, poor Camus, despite being the intellectual glasses character, is forced to sit all scrunched up. Hey, don’t push up your glasses while sitting like that—it just looks uncool.
「Low, or I guess I should call you Ichiro now. I’m an outsider, so I can’t help you like them folks can. But whenever you need some muscle, just say the word—I’ll be there for ya.」
If you ignore the somewhat dangerous word 「muscle,」 it’s actually a really nice and cool thing to say, but this gorilla went to a high-class brothel yesterday. That completely ruins it.
Just then, Saga’s demeanor changes mid-laugh. I turn my face toward where he’s looking—at the door behind us.
There stands Ryūgūin Ouji.
Dressed in gaudy clothes that border on tasteless, he scrutinizes us with an air of superiority, as if sizing us up or looking down on us.
To his right is Mika, to his left is Angelica, and behind him follows Eris.
Even more surprising, seven beautifully dressed women file into the room in a line behind Ryūgūin.
It’s okay. Stay calm. The battle hasn’t even begun yet.
I desperately try to keep myself under control.
However, there’s no avoiding Ryūgūin’s voice.
「Wow, what a gathering of beauties!! Ladies as gorgeous as you are always welcome. Hm? My name? You’re that eager to know? I am Ryūgūin Ouji, the once-in-an-age heroic hero. The one who saved this world!!」
He lies as naturally as breathing, in a clear, bright voice that’s still irritatingly attractive.
Oblivious to how the atmosphere has turned cold, Ryūgūin flips his hair.
*Click* Once again, the sound of the door opening reaches us.
「Sir Hero!! I’ve been waiting for this day with bated breath!!」
The voice is somehow sickeningly sweet.
It’s Puffy who enters the room.
With the momentum from rushing to open the door, she throws herself right into Ryūgūin’s chest.
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