And so, it came to this.
Resolving the payment without putting it off, everything went well until I returned to my castle. However, I didn't know what to talk about from there so an agonizing half hour passed, the girl opened her mouth for the first time and the words created were―――
―――I, what method method will be used for killing……I suppose―――
Datta.
A voice like a rolling bell, something like that seems to be said―――The reverberations didn't have time to sink in.
The shackles on the hands and feet had been removed, but the magic sealing collar around the neck was still in place.
Though the thought of removing that as well held appeal, it wasn't something Zagan could remove so simply. The moderator apparently didn't know the method of removal, and something like a key wasn't available.
Most likely, it's somewhere among the relics of the original buyer ＜Maou＞. The details regarding that matter will take time to investigate.
Rather, going is the only way.
Though no expression was floated, the girl's tragic voice appealed.
「Knowing the method of death should, slightly, I can resolve myself to it……I believe.」
The girl's expressionless face, seemed not so much nervous as one facing resignation.
Zagan rushedly raised his voice.
「Wait, wait, wait! There's no intention to kill you. More like, it'll be troubling if you don't live.」
Though the words were meant to provide relief, for some reason what was seen was the girl's expression becoming even more cloudy.
「In other words, such a nice ending as death won't happen…… Is that the meaning of those words?」
With a pale imprudent appearance the girl looked up, toward the roof's hanging chains, from which dangled white bones.
Cold sweat rolled over the cheeks.
―――That's wrong. Using magic to clean up that sort of place is troublesome so it was indefinitely put off!
This castle was originally the home of a different magician.
The fortune used for the girl's winning bid was something that previous magician left behind, it was a strict secret that Zagan didn't amass it himself.
However, for good or ill the previous owner, as is archetypical of magicians, filled his castle with implements of torture, magic tools, and white boned dead bodies that rolled around the premises.
Although Zagan had no interest in the bones hanging from the ceiling, in this situation denials don't seem very persuasive.
With a disturbed feeling, Zagan spoke as he rebuilt his composure.
「Be relieved. There is no intention to use such dangerous implements on you. There is no intention to cause you pain. There is nothing here for you to fear.」
I couldn't say particularly kind words, but I believe that what should be conveyed was turned to words by the mouth……Though, whether it had any persuasiveness is a different matter.
It actually seems that, the girl tilted her neck curiously.
「……? Then why was I bought……desuka?」
「Ugut, that is……」
Should be the obvious question.
However, beyond Zagan's disposition, answering that it was love at first sight wasn't possible.
―――What should be done in a situation like this, it would be great to hear that from Barbaros……
Though he was left at the after auction grounds, why didn't he follow after.
It's not that he's seen as having abundant experience with women, however to the extent that he naturally uses words like "Use discretion with women". At the least, compared to Zagan, he understands how to interact with women better.
As if he was cornered Zagan moved his mouth impulsively, and this line came out.
「That isn't something you need to know.」
―――What is it that I'm saying aah!
Within the heart a shout rose up.
However, the girl's expression changed in an unexpected manner. Seemingly, the careless act didn't not cause dejection to be seen, just that extent.
―――This serenity, isn't it slightly unnatural?
Although it's probably true that the expressions don't show themselves well, even before that it was seen that the girl had given up on everything.
After being captured, physically, it's said that nothing should have been done to her, so what did happen……
「You……」
Saying that, Zagan realized that he didn't even know the girl's name.
―――Come to think of it, the other side shouldn't know a thing about me.
Finally, a feeling of grabbing the start of the thread of conversation.
「My name is Zagan. As you can see, a magician, but, it's not like torture is a hobby of mine.」
「Hai.」
「That said, you are…………」
He just wanted to ask for a name, but Zagan couldn't put the rest of the sentence into words.
―――Impossible……! Even though it's just asking for a name, knowing that the other side is female makes it this daunting!
Zagan was already quite powerful as a magician.
Even though that was so, he didn't accept the sort of courage required to challenge danger with no chance of victory.
Courage―――a word I'd considered irrelevant.
But, even so, without motivation here even one step forward is impossible.
「You are―――」
As the mouth opened, the girl raised an 「Ah」 sound.
「If I may, it's late. I am, Nefelia, is what I'm called.」
A feeling like a cool breeze blew within the chest.
Somehow the words that Zagan wanted to say were sensed. He thought she was a wonderful girl who is considerate of details.
「Nefelia……ka」
A sound that creates a desire to repeat it any number of times.
The word nefelia holds a meaning from within legends of a "Being who fell from heaven". The female form I suppose. He believed it to be a mysterious and wonderful name.
―――Just like it's appearance, a beautiful name.
Because the name is now known, a mood like that to get up and dance comes.
The words love leads to destruction are understandable to a dislikable extent.
It would be fine to say that it was already a state of highness. If this abnormal mental state continues, no matter how capable a human is destruction should await.
―――But speaking of Nefelia, it could be the first name or the family name.
Easing with a tightening face, Zagan posed a question.
「Nefelia……is that what you're saying?」
「It's only Nefelia. There is no surname. If it's difficult to say, you can call it by Nefi.」
「Sounds good!」
「Hai?」
The name called Nefelia has a pretty sound but, the intimate name Nefi seems cute.
Speaking without thought, the girl―――Nefi tilted her head.
―――Come to think of it, not having a surname is the same for me.
He was stealing from garbage dumps from the beginnings of his memory.
There's no recollection not just of the surname but even his parents' faces. The name called Zagan is slang from the lower city, something taken from a demon or some other taboo entity.
―――Thinking of that, that period was the most fun. The thieving nakama and the people of the town properly used their mouths effectively. Although being beaten heavily was common, it was somehow fulfilling.
What was done was certainly bad deeds but, it was still in a place reached by the sun. Talking with girls could be done naturally. To say the period of bright memories within Zagan's life it would be that one.
With that, he noticed that Nefi was standing confusedly and shook his head.
「Speaking of elves, in that regard, are they all like that? That is to say, none of them have surnames.」
「That isn't so. It's because I'm a cursed child.」
「Cursed child……?」
Hearing something that couldn't be ignored, Zagan tightened his eyebrows.
Like she had let something slip from her mouth, Nefi pressed her lips together.
「Um…… Why ask to hear something like that?」
「No, it was just a little curiosity……」
Not just a name or the meaning of a cursed child, Zagan hesitated to say that for now he just wants to know more about Nefi.
Nefi nodded as if she'd worked something out, for some reason she lifted up the front hem of her skirt.
Pure white thighs were exposed, visible in parts through delicate lace mesh shorts.
「Please be reassured. I am a virgin.」
I knew that my face had turned red.
「O, omae, do you understand what it is that you're saying?」
「……? It's said that virgins have high magic power. That is to say the value as experimental materials has not gone down isn't it?」
「Don't misunderstand. I have no intention to use you as an experimental material or torture you.」
Nefi made a face like she all the more didn't understand the meaning thereof.
「If so, then why did you buy me?」
「…………」
Zagan held his eyebrows and fell silent.
「That is something that you don't need to know.」
So once again the same words were repeated.
That is to say, an answer wasn't given.
Something like, he fell in love at first sight and spent a full fortune to buy her at a dark auction, anyone would hear just a freak. Zagan couldn't recover if Nefi looked at him with that sort of eyes. Regardless of how magicians are long lived, the possibility of dying of shock is thinkable.
―――Saying that, it seems leaving it at no answer at all leaves Nefi anxious.
So, what would be a good course of action.
Perhaps for once today returning should be done……
―――No, to start with, does the place to return to exist?
There's the disquieting word "cursed child" stated earlier, it seems that he feels like wanting to ask the details regarding it. If nothing else, Zagan himself doesn't have a position with a place to return to, the aspect of not having a surname indicates that they're the same.
Of course, if it's a desire to return to the hometown he'd like to offer the power to do so, he doesn't believe it's an atmosphere for lightly probing questions thereof.
As such, there's the matter that Zagan bought the girl's body, that should mean they should live together for now……
―――Ha, living together?
The present me that can't even use his mouth correctly yet, being told to live under the same roof as this touching girl?
A feeling of light vertigo.
I seem to have put something massive into motion.
No, certainly it's a pleasing reality but, it's also a feeling of something that shouldn't be done.
―――Calm down. I'm a magician. Powerful magicians don't get flustered.
It's not like this means anyone is sleeping together. For now, our gender lifestyle…… before that, what's necessary for just our life in general needs thought.
Zagan stood up from the throne, and stood before Nefi.
「Nefi.」
「Hai.」
As he was faced her face and tried saying her name, a bizarre feeling of embarrassment bubbled up.
Even so, without faltering, Zagan spoke.
「Nefi, I bought you, you are mine.」
「Yes.」
「Therefore, what comes first is giving you a room. It's fine to pick whichever room you like.」
「In other words, it is, pick a place to die?」
「Didn't I already say you won't be killed?」
Ultimately, letting out a lamenting voice, Nefi looked down with a troubled form.
「The meaning why I came to be like this, I don't understand. In whatever form with which I'll be used, is it that I, am not going to die?」
Surely, that's something that she's been asking ever since she was captured by humans. To the extent that she didn't want to believe in hope.
In fact, Zagan has a similar memory.
Searching for leftovers in the garbage dump like slum, the period of thievery.
―――That time, what did I want said to me……
At the same time, it seems sure that the answer isn't known.
Even so, Zagan softly reached for Nefi's hair.
The palm of the hand touched the pure white hair. He noticed Nefi's startled body shudder.
Like that, without putting power into the hand, Zagan said this.
「I, bought you because you are necessary. That's why I say don't die, don't die.」
Nefi's eye opened wide and she looked up to his face.
Surprise.
From the time of meeting the girl, seeing this much of an expression like expression was a first.
「Hitsu, you…… I am……desuka?」
It had somehow become embarrassing but, he thought it necessary to convey this with complete clarity.
「Yes, you are needed. Therefore first, for my sake, live.」
「……Hai.」
As always Nefi wouldn't move her expression but, a face that doubted Zagan's words wasn't seen.
At something like this it seems it's not like Zagan would be completely trusted. Even so, the girl wouldn't say that she was going to die anymore.
This was, the beginning of the two's long life together.
◇
「Okay, the room you're getting is……」
Where is a good place.
Nefi was captured to be a slave. There should surely be difficult feelings created. Compared to a dark place under the earth a room with pretty scenery would be better.
Thus, the top floors of the castle are spires. The scenery there should be the best.
He should guide her there, he suddenly realized.
「Nefi, are you okay with high places?」
This is something that even for me, should be a significantly normal question.
While Nefi's expression wouldn't show, she nodded.
「Yes. Hanging from from the hand or the neck is fine.」
「Who said anything about torture?」
「Moushiwake, arimasen. Upon hearing of a high place, nothing else came to mind.」(This is a very polite apology)
At the puzzled Nefi, Zagan held his head.
―――Please hold more hope in life……
Now that it's come to this, it seems a high room would be a problem. It should be impossible, but a dangerous thought like throwing her body out could float through Nefi's head.
Even so they ascend the spiral staircase, approaching the highest floor.
It seems the sun is setting outside.
Snapping fingers rang out and, the candles lining the wall all came to house candlelight together.
「Over here.」
「Hai―――Ah.」
Zagan began ascending the stairs again and, letting out a small scream, Nefi stumbled.
The wavering candle flame, left a slight unease in their lighting. The footing was dark, the heels of Nefi's shoes were sharp making them difficult to walk in.
Zagan, instantly took her hand and supported her.
「Moushiwake, arimasen……」
Saying that the girl's face, is close enough that it seemed like nose and nose could meet.
A faint sweet smell tickled his nose.
White eyelashes bordering, azure eyes looked at directly forward.
Becoming enamored without noticing, at the same time intense embarrassment built up within.
As if to obfuscate that, Zagan coughed and blew his nose.
「Be, you should be careful. Watch your feet well.」
「Ha, i……」
Perhaps the way of speech used was strict. Nefi is seen somehow faltering.
And like that, ascending the spiral staircase, the presence of a soft feeling within the hand is noticed.
―――Eh? I am prehaps, holding Nefi's hand?
It seems that it was grasped when support was given. And from there without noticing the hand continued being pulled.
Probably, he believed that this isn't the first time, but it's difficult to bring back memories of joining hands with a girl…… This really might be the first time.
The pure white hand is slender, soft and warm.
Through the palm of the hand, the sensation of the heart's beat can be felt. Perhaps, it might possibly be that of my own.
As Nefi continued looking at the hand as if it were unexpected, she followed without saying anything.
Without saying anything shyness built up, letting go of the hand became difficult.
Speeding up and slowing down the pace, Zagan ascended to the highest floor.
Three floors up, the highest floor's window was visible.
The room here will become Nefi's room, up and down worries of slightly large issues were there, for now a hand was placed on the door.
「Normally this room isn't used. To an extent, it might have become dirty……」
Saying that, a basic doubt like 「To begin with has a place like this been entered?」 passed through the brain.
It's been ten years since he started living here, generally he's shut into the archive, as a result the castle interior can't be said to be fully grasped.
And so, with those doubts clearly confirmed regret formed.
A cool wind blew into the room, within a guillotine’s blade particularly produced a swaying sound.
Beyond that, it was packed with tumbled, seemingly long abandoned white boned corpses and items of unknown origin. Helped by the thin light of the candles, the place was the ultimate in creepiness.
「Let's not use this place.」
Closing the slightly opened door, it was a little too late.
Regarding humans, it's when they're given a little hope that they're able to despair.
After being told she was needed quickly being confronted with implements of torture, the light of will vanished from Nefi's eyes.
As if throwing everything away the girl spread her arms widely.
「Feel free, as goshujin-sama wishes it.」
「That's wrong, okay? This is, that…… Right! A trap to deal with intruders from above.」
Having said it, even I thought it was a painful excuse.
「However see, it's that. It's an unnecessary preparation, having something like this seems to just be a problem. Let's dispose of it.」
Having said that, the light of lightning magic is crammed into the room with the swaying guillotine blade, then the door is shut once again.
Directly after, an explosive sound bursts forth.
From the gaps of the door the shockwave spills out, Nefi's pure white hair gently flutters. As he was captivated without noticing, the door impacted the ground, having fallen into the room.
Somehow it seems the hinge broke.
As a result, what was in the room up till now was nice and cleanly eliminated.
……Maa, even the ceiling was burnt black, it was questionable whether the room itself could still function.
It had been annihilated.
Smoothly, cold sweat is felt on the cheeks.
―――Yes, even so, the source of terror should have been removed.
The scared, scared Nefi turned away, the girl had become haphazardly pale.
Shaking lips opened.
「Magic this destructive, it's my first time seeing it……」
―――Well of course, wouldn't suddenly releasing attack magic inspire fear!
Furthermore, even if it looks like it was held back, the power was enough to turn a normal magician to ash three times over. There shouldn't be a normal person who wouldn't be perturbed by this.
―――That's not it. Because the only person he properly held conversation with was Barbaros, he carelessly……
He'd fallen into the habits of two magicians' interactions.
With nothing that could be done, Zagan turned his back to the room.
「……Umu. Here is, not good. The scenery is too dreary.」
「This is, something that can be called dreary scenery?」
The girl tilted her head like a small bird, Zagan couldn't say anything in reply.
Nefi stepped into the interior of the room.
As she walked ash puffed up into the air. With no glass on the window, more than a room it could better be called a birdcage or the like. Inevitably, the place isn't somewhere a girl should set foot in.
Even so, with an unconcerned look Nefi advanced inside and emerged from the terrace.
―――This, it might be good to set up a fall prevention barrier or the like.
He certainly wants to believe that Nefi wouldn't throw her body over but, Zagan gathered magic together. At worst, he thought this place wouldn't crumble away.
Preparing for a 1 in 10000 possibility Zagan went to Nefi's side.
There's a brick handrail on the terrace, it's cracked and it wouldn't be strange if it crumbled at any moment.
Placing a hand on such a handrail, Nefi looked up at the sky.
It had become night, and the clouds had slightly cleared. A thread like lone moon floated within.
Facing the sky, Nefi stretched forth both hands.
It could be called an inadvertent habit but, somehow the sense from watching it fell into that of some sacred ritual.
「The moon, do you like it?」
「……I don't know.」
At Zagan asking a question, the troubled Nefi shook her head sideways.
「Then, what meaning is held in that habit?」
「……I don't know.」
This time everything being said became something like I don't know.
However, in the eyes of Nefi watching the moon, a nostalgia like sad imbuement was seen.
Somehow, Zagan emulated that and stretched his hands out.
「Haven't grasped anything.」
「……That is to be expected.」
Replying with a serious face, he wanted to die of shame.
Why is it that at a time like this he can't think of a single tactful line.
And thus, Nefi murmured.
「Regarding this room, taking it, is that fine?」
For Nefi to say something like that, this was the first time.
However, Zagan fearfully, fearfully turned back toward the room.
The incredible goods had definitely been eliminated but, in return even the window glass had been annihilated. He didn't think it was the sort of space a human could live in.
―――If it were restored with magic, even the guillotine blade would be restored.
Cleaning and reinforcement would have to be done with human effort.
「A somewhat more proper room would……」
Saying that, the thought came that every room was generally the same.
Even if there weren't implements of torture unnerving magic tools should still be scattered about. As a result, there shouldn't be room like one a girl would use.
While worrying, Zagan spoke.
「Is a place like this okay?」
「Yes. Because it's the room that goshujin-sama prepared.」
Although it was just cramming in attack magic and turning everything to ash. He didn't think this could be called preparing……
Even so, he couldn't help but tilt his head regarding whether another room would be better or not, as a result Zagan nodded.
「Very well. Then it's fine to use this place as you please.」
As he unintentionally used an exaggerated speech style, Nefi bowed her head and said this.
「Thank you very much, goshujin-sama.」
Those few words, pierced the chest for some reason.
Nefi tilted her head.
「Is something wrong?」
「……No, if something were to be said, a thought that it's been a long time since.」
Sometimes he'd let a human who got lost within the castle escape without killing it but, Zagan is not a person of good countenance.
In most cases they'd energetically flee, not even a greeting would be said.
Even so, without wonder Nefi, nodded her head as if convinced.
「For me as well, I feel like it's something I haven't said for a long time.」
「Is that so……」
Eventually, it seems the day someone would say "Thank you" to him would come.
What's called opening up was still far away, it was honestly pleasing to receive something like being able to use the mouth effectively.
And so, the very first day advanced.
◇
Next morning.
The top floor room having been given to Nefi, although it wasn't a proper place of rest, they slept together at the throne.
―――Saying that, no rest could be done.
He hadn't slept the day before either. Although he thought he'd quickly fall asleep, his eyes were kept alert thinking about how Nefi was next to him. With that being the case there wasn't the courage to actually do anything, that is, thinking that he'd be disliked he was incapable of doing a thing.
On the other hand, it seems Nefi really was tired.
She fell asleep rolled up on the carpet.
Even so that was one reason why Zagan wasn't able to sleep. Exposed to such a defenseless form, being here without thinking anything was an impossible conversation.
Throughout the night, although, replacing a futon I put my own mantle on Nefi because she looked cold, it might not have been good. For some reason thinking this touching girl is wearing my mantle caused a throbbing in my chest.
And so in that agonizing time, by the time his senses had settled the morning sun had risen.
The stomach roared releasing a pathetic sound.
「……Perhaps it's time to eat food.」
Zagan descended to the underground warehouse and, withdrew two portions of dried meat and milk secured within. Although when Nefi will wake up is unknown, it's best to make it possible to eat breakfast immediately.
Returning to the throne's region, having opened her eyes, Nefi waited, sitting with her legs under her body. The mantle that had been used in place of a futon was well folded. For some reason wearing it once again seemed like a waste.
「So you're awake.」
「Yes. Good morning, goshujin-sama.」
Zagan unintentionally seemed to let his face fall slack.
―――A greeting was properly carried out.
I expected to return my own greeting but I held my head 『Huh? When receiving good morning what reply is it supposed to be』.
Perhaps just replying with good morning would be fine. Or maybe it should be answered with good day. Gokigenyou, is thought surely to be wrong.
Thinking of it, it's been how many years since he'd received a proper greeting.
As he passed out in agony, Nefi watched, dumbfounded.
He cleared his throat.
「I brought food. You should eat.」
Having said that, I somehow came to dislike myself.
―――I'm the one who can't properly say a greeting……
When did I become such a no good person.
……Thinking of it, a realization that he was a no good person from the start came.
Watching the agonized Zagan with a curious manner, Nefi straightforwardly accepted the dried meat and cup of milk.
「Thank you very much, goshujin-sama.」
「……un.」
As I was depressed with my disappointing self, Nefi timidly looked up to Zagan.
「Goshujin-sama.」
「What is it?」
「For me, what should I be doing?」
「Yes, that's right……」
One night had passed, but no thought had been put into what should be done with Nefi.
―――Should she be given some cleaning to do?
But just looking into one room yesterday was a great tragedy.
In this castle there were about fifty such dirty rooms, and up till now they hadn't been cleaned even once. It's totally something too heavy for a single hand, and somehow even if this girl is ordered to do it he didn't feel that it seemed it would be done to completion.
In the first place, Zagan wasn't obsessed with the view anyway, he felt something was wrong with pushing her toward a deathly feeling even though he had no interest in the matter.
But, with it coming to this, what should he have her do.
―――Not having anything to do should also cause anxiety……
A girl who had teachings that she was a living sacrifice and an experimental animal pushed into her.
Even so, being bought by a man who just stood there and said 「Ah, it's fine to do nothing at all.」 one wouldn't be expected to rejoice.
While groaning without letting out an answer, Zagan left the cup of milk on the floor and started chewing on the dried meat.
Nefi made a surprised face.
「Goshujin-sama also, is going to eat the same food?」
「……? Is something strange?」
「No, umm……」
It seemed she wanted to say something but, Nefi's focus wandered through space and nothing seemed to come out of her mouth.
「Say it. It's not like I'll be angered.」
Unable to use somewhat more familiar language, with brusque phrasing, somehow Zagan said as such.
With Nefi's expression still not changing, even though it seemed very hard to say her mouth opened.
「I am, honored just to receive food. Therefore, being fed the same food as goshujin-sama is mysterious……」
In the girl's way, to the extent of her ability, she seemed to create doubtful words.
Zagan folded his arms and thought.
Just, what is it that Nefi is confused about.
Before the eyes is a dirty cup filled with milk. Also, dried meat that's been around for an unknown time.
―――Nn? Come to think of it yesterday, there was a group eating something like this in town.
That's right. Certainly, the slaves seen in Kyuanoeids.
Looking at them in the city they seemed quite pitiable but, thinking carefully what I'm eating isn't so different.
Fumu, Zagan nodded and opened his mouth.
「Is it that, this is a modest meal?」
「That is, yes…… I think that it's something proper to give to a slave like me.」
In other words, that is to say, rather than a meal it's more like "feed".
However rather than taking offense, it's simple lamentation. No, rather―――
―――Worry, perhaps that's what it is?
No, that might also be somewhat wrong.
It shouldn't be reasonable having the heart open suddenly today, unlike yesterday.
It's not something like that, seemingly regardless of who's said to be looking at it, for example then 『This person, if I don't do anything won't it mean death?』 like feelings of sympathy would be the reaction.
As Zagan himself chewed down, he gazed at the shriveled meat.
―――Ah― That's how it is. This, isn't food on the level that it can be called a meal.
Having eaten nothing but this sort of stuff since his time as a thief, no doubts had been thought of. He couldn't think anything beyond that provisions were fine so long as they just satisfied hunger.
Besides eating dried meat he ate hard bread but, those quickly grow moldy and can't be eaten. Even so, he had forcefully eaten them anyway countless times, and faced miserable stomach pain afterwards.
―――Following the pointless effort since yesterday he reminisced, bringing back thoughts of the taste of that bread.
Although he'd heard it said that first love tasted like lemon, the truth was that it seemed sour enough to bring the stomach down.
It should be that what could honestly be considered to be said to be delicious would be sake. The sake Barbaros brought while saying stupid words was truly delicious but, what was eaten in the hands at that time was still dried meat.
Regarding sake, I didn't know what would be good to buy, as a result my dry meat lifestyle continued.
「If it was a normal human, what sort of food would they be eating……」
Without realizing it I spilled that out, Nefi opened her mouth as if she'd made her determination.
「Umm, goshujin-sama.」
「What is it?」
After a small deep breath, Nefi said this.
「This may be impertinent, should I, prepare something?」
With a clatter, Zagan stood up.
With a start he grasped the retreating Nefi's hand.
「You can cook?」
「I just learned from watching, it's difficult to guarantee the taste……」
What a capable ability isn't it.
―――Hand cooked food―――
And it can be said to have been created by a beloved girl.
Within Zagan alternatives to this did not exist.
―――Saying that, among the three great human desires there should be what's called want for food……
Spending all his time studying magic, he didn't think to fulfill that desire.
The corners of the eyes became hot.
is that which is filling up tears? The fact that such a thing remained within me was astonishing.
Zagan dried out the remaining milk in one go.
「Fu, Nefi. What needs to be done is decided.」
「Hai. What is it that should be done.」
「Buy stuff in town!」
In this castle, there's nothing but shriveled dry meat and old milk. With just these two items nothing will be produced by cooking, even Zagan knew this much.
「…………Ah, hai.」
She looked up vacantly to Zagan, from there Nefi clapped her hands together.
Feeling that perhaps some reaction needs to be made, somehow he became embarrassed.
◇
It can't be said that there's a large city like Kyuanoeids in the region, but near the abandoned castle there are any number of small towns and villages.
Zagan faced one out of those but, having left the castle he noticed a problem.
―――Thinking carefully, he used his entire fortune on Nefi's winning bid……
He's penniless without a doubt.
At that time he was moved by the voice of his heart, he hadn't thought at all about what came next.
The roads leading from trade city Kyuanoeids to every land are maintained. In addition towns are scattered along them, it's normal to move using horse drawn carriages. When walking along the road at least a stagecoach could quickly be caught.
He had expected to ride that carriage, but he finally noticed that he didn't have any money.
「Are you not getting on?」
With his head tilted the coachman―――A cat faced beastman boy―――in response, Zagan shook his head sideways.
「Ah―, it seems I forgot an item. Go on ahead.」
「Is that how it is?」
The carriage shook and the wheels let out a noise as they went away.
Watching the empty carriage from behind Zagan, Nefi tilted her head.
「Are we returning to the castle?」
「No, that's not necessary.」
「Is that how it is……?」
Even if they return to the castle there's not even a single copper coin left. Even if the torture devices could be collected and sold, the workers handling the trade and evaluation would have to be called in and in the end it would require money.
―――Come to think of it, Nefi needs clothes to wear.
Since last night, this girl is still wearing her pure white dress. Furthermore, because the castle is unclean it's become dirty.
In any case, it's necessary to obtain funds.
As if to obfuscate that, Zagan put on a serious face and muttered.
「It's been a while since going outside at a time like this. It's not so bad to take a walk once in a while.」
「Hai.」
While he pushed painful excuses through his mouth he began walking in the direction the carriage left towards and, Nefi also came with him.
Fleetingly turning around, Nefi held up the hem of her skirt and had begun trotting. Because their stride was different, alongside the dress and shoes walking may be difficult. Having slightly taken awareness of this he started walking more leisurely.
While walking, Zagan worried.
―――Would it have been better to attack the carriage and gather its goods?
It's not something that he's done recently but, in the past that was how he ate.
However, yesterday after using attack magic Nefi was terrified.
Saying that, if a man committed burglary before her eyes, what would the girl think of him?
―――Actually, he realized that burglary was no good.
However, with it coming to that, how should goods be gathered.
Nefi said that she could cook so, he stopped and took time considering that maybe eventually they should dispose of the castle and open a light eatery.
Further down the city road, a scream rose up.
Nefi swallowed her breath.
「Goshujin-sama.」
「Nn? Ah, it's probably a burglary or somesuch. Brigands sometimes show up in this region.」
Looking to the distance, a group of men wielding nata can be seen attacking a carriage. (鉈, nata, it's a little hard to describe but it's a type of large knife.)
It seems the armed men number at ten. An insignificant brigand group.
They were not magicians but just humans. They shouldn't have received any knight like training so, there's no reason they'd have dangerous weapons like the holy knights either. Just easily understood normal people holding blades and acting violent.
To Zagan's awareness they were like that.
Dragging out the customers, stealing the goods. Seems they intend to take a young woman, bring her with them to some other place. Perhaps to sell to slave traders, or make her into a plaything, in any case it shouldn't be a good destination.
I do think captured youths are pitiable but, something similar also happened to me. It's not scenery thought to be particularly miserable.
Watching like it was someone else's problem, he noticed Nefi clatter as she shook.
「What is it?」
「I, e……」
The person in question tried to appear calm, but the color of the face was completely pale and the lips were trembling. Those dark pupils gazed upon, the people being pillaged.
Zagan let out some air.
―――Is it possible, that Nefi was also captured in this manner?
Nefi wasn't originally captured by slave traders, she should have been living peacefully somewhere. Perhaps those harsh memories were being brought back to mind.
Zagan pointed towards the brigands.
「Nefi, look well. Beings like those are rubbish」
「……hai.」
That voice was, somehow imbued with a despondent color.
Although he didn't know why it was despondent, Zagan gathered magic into his pointing finger.
Directly after, an arrow like beam of lightning was released.
「Kyaaa」
Nefi let out cute scream and covered her face.
Touching the branches of lightning, any number of brigands are blown to oblivion.
As if Nefi couldn't let her voice out she opened and closed her mouth.
At the sudden attack, the brigands stiffened as if they didn't understand what was happening.
―――He was just trying to protect her but, he didn't have any intention of saying something inconsiderate.
It might be that, seeing the attack magic Nefi was terrified but, in any case with the brigands around a proper mentality can't be held. Something like this is like weeds or pebbles, of that which needs to be feared there aren't any.
That's why it'll be seen that something like brigands can be called cute.
Even so, it seems at the least to be understood that something called an enemy appeared.
「Do, don't falter! Even if it's called a magician, it's not like magic can be used in rapid succession. Attack before the next magic can be activated!」
At the leader like man's voice, the brigands attacked with the weapons in their hands.
「Goshujin-sama.」
「Stay behind me.」
As Nefi said thus while leaking a shaking voice, Zagan advanced to the front.
The closest brigand was, a giant two heads taller than Zagan. The arms with muscles bulging up may have been larger than Nefi's waist.
That large man, slashed with the axe in his hand. Perhaps a large tree would have been divided into two parts, a vicious attack.
Even Zagan's head would simply be crushed like an egg.
The Axe swung down directly to Zagan's head.
「Im, impossible……っ?」
However, the one to leak an astonished voice was the large man.
Zagan had, received the axe with bare hands. In that way, whether the large man pushed or pulled the axe didn't move even slightly.
「Challenging a magician in arm strength is, certainly a stupid conversation.」
Speaking of magicians, it seems most hold impressions that have them surrounded with plentiful books making only dulled movements.
However, with the power of magic they call down lightning, manipulate flame, and even bring forth invisible shields. They are beyond being human, using that omnipotent power they first expend it to protect their own bodies.
Their bodies are tenacious enough that a normal blade wouldn't leave any injury, the legs are fast enough to escape a swift horse, those arms could tear apart iron barehanded, their heart is such that fighting for a full night wouldn't run out their breath.
As magicians age they wield more legendary like abnormal abilities from there. Should a knight amass any amount of practice, they're still monsters that a human body can't contend with.
That is, the existence known as magician.
Zagan gathered power into his hand.
Creaking, cracks run through the iron axe, the large man exposed his eyeballs.
「This, this can't be……」
With an explosive sound the axe shattered like glass, the large man let out a befuddled voice.
The crestfallen large man fell to his knees as his forehead, was struck with a power like Zagan was driving a bug away.
「Pugii?」
Raising a pig like voice, the large man was blown all the way to the carriage. An unlucky brigand standing there was crushed.
「Hii, Kashira was!」
……Somehow, he was something like the brigand's leader. with their head crushed, the other bandits fled into the carriage's shadow or surrounded weeds.
「Gee, sa, save us…… Master! Please give aid!」
Although it was a form of begging for life, the words weren't towards Zagan.
As a result, a robed man emerged from some hidden location and blocked Zagan's path.
The magician scratched his chin in a dubious manner, he held up the other hand.
「Well, this is also a contract. Don't know who you are but, it'd be good if you regretted showing yourself before me.」
In the instant it was noted that a small spellform floated in the palm of his hand, flame blew out.
A temperature capable of something like blocking breath. The surrounding greenery burst into flame, even the brigands hiding within were covered in flame and raising shrieks.
Carefully observing the magician and the flame's motion, Zagan murmured.
「So that's how it is, it seems using flame as a medium one more spellform is drawn.」
It wasn't that the flame was being spread recklessly. With the magician at the center the flame ran drawing a circle. Not an attack, a restraining spellform's construction.
Swallowing both Zagan and the carriage, the massive spellform spread out.
Seeing Zagan as a formidable enemy he seems to intend to use large scale magic.
―――Maa, there should be no reason to leisurely wait for something like that.
The tongue of flame closed in before him.
From behind Nefi swallowed her breath, Zagan stands in front of her.
He moved his arms like he was irritated.
The flames vanished like they were melting, the grass and carriage that the fire had spread to were also extinguished. At the foot only the light of a spellform remained.
Even so, the magician raised his arms and shouted.
「You really did it. However, one step too slow―――Turn to ash!」
The spellform shined―――
And then, nothing happened.
「Wha, what is this……?」
The spellform clearly still shined.
He leaked a breath as if watching this.
「Is it that without drawing a giant spellform not even a single magic can be used.」
At the time when the magic was cleared, Zagan mugged the magician taking his rights over the spellform.
Yesterday, Barbaros did the same thing to transfer into Zagan's barrier.
「To trash, this is what happens.」
Raising his index finger into the air, Zagan swung down drawing a single line.
The spellform shined brilliantly and exploded.
「Gaa?」
Soon, a spear of light flowed down from the sky.
A single attack of focused lightning. Although it wasn't something set to a high level, Zagan released enough force to break a castle wall.
The magician who took that attack in full, was blown away without leaving any vestiges.
What was truly fearsome here, is that the single attack that was released caused no injury either to the nearby carriage or its customers.
The magician who involved his own allies after creating one flame and, his opponent who eliminated only his enemy, Zagan. The indication of the level of their techniques revealed itself in this manner.
Zagan was approaching the carriage leisurely. There were still brigands remaining there.
「What of it. Come forward. Surely, having stolen you've made the resolution to be stolen from?」
「Hi, hiii, what are you telling us to do!」
Who's mouth said that.
Finally the brigand leader beneath the large man fled, they retreated following his tail.
「Don't know. Wasn't it just because there was an annoyance over there? Aren't you guys also like that?」
「Higyaaaaaaaaaaaaaa」
Letting out a scream, the brigand leader showed the whites of his eyes and passed out…… as he thought something smelled bad, during this miserable act the brigand even turned incontinent.
With their leader in such a state the other brigands threw down their weapons and surrendered.
Checking that no one remained to oppose him, Zagan turned to Nefi.
The intention was to cut open a safe path but, Nefi was petrified with her eyes wide open.
―――Are? Did he still make some sort of mistake?
Emitting cold sweat, Zagan coughed, donning his calm, and spoke.
「It's okay Nefi. As you can see, those called brigands are just harmless trash. There's nothing that would bring you to harm here, if they're a nuisance they'll behave if they're just lightly stroked.」
「After attacking a carriage, are they really harmless……?」
「Ugu……」
While expressionless, Nefi's directives are strict.
―――This child, it seems she give quite sharp replies when dumbfounded……
It was flabbergasting but, noticing that side was a joyful discovery.
Like something had burst there, a happy voice bubbled up.
「Amazing magician-san!」
Alongside that voice, the customers gathered around Zagan.
「You, aren't you the customer who didn't ride earlier?」「Thank you for the rescue.」「Seems there are good people among magicians too.」
Given voices like that, Zagan was flustered.
This wasn't his first time routing brigands. Although there were times where humans who happened to be around were saved, this was the first time he'd heard such grateful voices.
Pushed into that circle, it wasn't just Zagan.
「You, you're with magician-san?」「What a beautiful child.」「Isn't he a good goshujin.」
「Umm……」
Nefi was being jostled around.
Zagan was convinced.
―――Might this be because Nefi was with him?
Surely, if he had been alone they would have been scared and fled like every other time.
With Nefi here he didn't know what they were thinking but, he felt some cause other than terror.
The Zagan who had just a little earlier been seriously considering gathering up their goods, had a complicated feeling like uncomfortable embarrassment.
From there, the coachman brought out a pouch.
「Naa, you. If it's okay, would you ride along as a guard? Of course, remuneration will be given…… although it isn't such a large amount.」
「Oh, ooh.」
With the pouch pushed into the hand, without needing any questions it was accepted. From the feel of the weight, he knew that it contained at least ten gold coins.
Before it would have been a paltry sum but, this time there was nothing to be more thankful for. The amount was plenty to buy ingredients and Nefi's cloths.
―――What is this? Is that which is called money something worth bubbling over about?
In other words it seems just by randomly eliminating villains money comes fluttering in.
While holding slight hope―――Thinking carefully he realized he's included among the villains in need of immediate extermination and his knees felt like they'd bend.
In that agonizing moment, Zagan and Nefi were pushed into the carriage.
Having ended up sitting together, the two glance at eachother.
「Goshujin-sama.」
「……What is it?」
「For what reason, was it that those people were rescued?」
「Eh? Aah…… That's right. Seems they ended up being rescued.」
Zagan just simply, just wanted Nefi to see that she didn't need to be afraid of brigands, he wasn't aware of helping the carriage's customers.
―――However isn't this a chance to attract affection?
An ulterior motive swelled.
The necessary sensible word to open Nefi's heart here.
While praying to Barbaros who had given good advice up until now, like it was completely obvious Zagan replied as such.
「I just taught uppity trash their proper place.」
―――And so why is it that I can only say things like thiiiis!
Is it this conceit that's interfering?
Something like that it was to protect Nefi or that he couldn't abandon the weak, he thought of such proper sweet words.
Even so what slipped from his own mouth was a bluff of less use than dog shit.
Having thrown the chance he finally received in the garbage bin, Zagan was anguished.
That's why he should have payed attention.
In reverse Nefi looked up to me like she was deeply interested.
◇
「See you, magician niisan. You can ride again any time. If it's you free is fine.」
Having ridden the carriage, as a result Zagan came to Kyuanoeids.
The carriage stopped and, the cat faced coachman said as such and left.
As always it was boisterous inside the city.
Looking in one direction there's a noble lady happily buying stuff, looking in another direction a slightly dirty hoodlum is selling out drugs. Although it's a chaotic city, there's the advantage that to the same extent everything is gathered here.
―――Then, where to go.
Even though for now there's the objective of gathering ingredients, in the first place there isn't anything Nefi needs to live with inside the castle.
―――To begin with, what is necessary for the sake of a girl's lifestyle?
Zagan knew nothing about the matter.
Coughing and clearing his throat, he faced his eyes toward Nefi.
「Nefi. Most everything is gathered in this town. It's fine to pick out whatever's necessary.」
「I'm satisfied just receiving rags.」
An answer with neither hope nor dreams, it made Zagan want to cry.
―――It's like that. A girl who doesn't know if she'll have her body tomorrow won't desire anything.
But then like that he should buy something good to give her.
While worrying, he looked towards the people walking around the city.
It's not like there weren't nobles wrapped in dazzling dress but, as expected everyone's outfits were relatively easy to move around in. Among shoes boots, sandals and items easy to run in were plentiful.
Nefi has a long dress with a hem that could easily catch and shoes with sharp heels, from here walking while buying stuff in town seems to indeed be difficult.
「……Fumu. For now, let's see about choosing out some clothes.」
「Clothes…… is it?」
「Aah. That outfit, isn't it hard to move in?」
There was the staggering on the stairs yesterday and, today the skirt's hem was held up while walking.
Nefi blinked like she had been told something unbelievable but, mysteriously there wasn't any sense of annoyance.
Regretting that he hadn't asked the moderator from before even where clothes were sold, he soon found a store like that by walking a little.
Somehow it seemed a specialist in traveler’s attire had taken over but, a full set of female use equipment decorated a wooden statue wearing it. It seems at least clothes for everyday use are present.
Zagan opened the store's door and, the interior quickly returned to silence.
Somehow it seems they were put on guard seeing the magician's clothes.
Quickly a young woman like a store worker came. Carrying green wings on the back a winged person, excellently dressed well with the store's lined up products. On the plump ends of the breasts there's a name tag with "Manuel" written on it.
The store worker―――Manuel spoke while floating a tight smile.
「We, welcome in. What clothes does magician-sama desire?」
The atmosphere was conspicuously unwelcoming, however, he was honestly thankful that a female store worker came.
Zagan indicated towards Nefi standing behind him.
「Could you choose out some clothes suited to this girl.」
Manuel looked at Nefi, struck her hand and opened her mouth.
「Fuwa, pretty child……」
Somehow looking at it from the same sex that's what'll be felt. Even though it wasn't about himself, for some reason Zagan's mood improved.
However, Manuel's expression quickly clouded. That gaze faced the collar.
―――As expected, he'd like to have that collar removed.
Being faced with such gazes from entering a store he couldn't walk outside. He was told that if the collar was removed she'd flee but that had nothing to do with him.
Zagan felt that he wanted to save Nefi.
Of course he had the ulterior motive of wanting to be liked but, making her his own by attaching a collar didn't have any meaning.
That way surely, each time facing a magician like himself, should be the same as a fearful face.
Brought with the store worker Nefi disappeared into the inner parts of the store.
Zagan didn't know well where it would be good to stand, for now he avoided the entranceway and stood next to a wall.
And in that manner, soon Manuel returned.
「Is this coordination to your liking?」
「Umu……Te, haaa?」
Seeing Nefi come out from the inner parts of the store, Zagan exposed his eyeballs.
Nefi's appearance was that of just leather belts wrapped upon a bare body.
To be sure, it did have a clothes like shape. The nipples and groin were miraculously hidden. However, everything else was exposed, the pearly body and unexpectedly large swelling breasts were completely unhidden.
As if the collar was part of it put altogether he thought it halfway artistic but, there's no way he ordered something like this. If male customers or male store workers were here Zagan would have to go around gouging out their eyeballs.
Nefi turned red up to her pure white ears, she seemed to twist trying to hide her body.
A reaction that wasn't seen when she calmly rolled her skirt up last night.
A person who truly wanted to die doesn't even hold on to shyness. As that meant in that meaning she held some will to live he became slightly happy but, this wasn't the time for that.
With swaying white hair moving about the girl hid her body.
「Ah, umm, don't look, please……」
Like it would vanish Nefi's voice returned him to himself, for some reason Manuel proudly pushed out her chest.
「How is it? Even for me I consider this to be quite the complete arrangement.」
「Where is it complete! Even though you were told to pick out fitting clothes why did it become like this?」
「Eh……? There was the intention of answering the customer's taste……」
Just what sort of eyes am I looked at with.
―――Maa, having put a collar on this cute child and bringing her about it should be an unscrupulous magician……
The name called magician itself is like a synonym for evil. Thinking very well the reaction of the store worker might not have been unreasonable.
……No, even with it like that it isn't felt that this outfit can be.
Holding his head, Zagan spoke.
「What's needed for a normal lifestyle is normal clothes.」
「Eh―……Even with such good materials.」
With a conspicuously dissatisfied face the store worker, left once again toward the store's inner parts while bringing Nefi with her.
「Wait. Leave behind what you're holding in your hand.」
Without repentance, Manuel held underwear like lascivious clothes.
Being glared at by Zagan, even the store worker raised her hands and retreated.
「N, noo. It's a joke, a joke」
It didn't look like one at all, Zagan sent a suspicious gaze. The store worker let go of the clothes, like she was relieved from the base of her heart Nefi was released from her worries.
And eventually Nefi returned having finished the second change of clothes.
「Saa, how is it?」
「Hou……」
This time, even Zagan upfrontly leaked an admiring sigh.
It was an outfit with a apron decorated with showy lace atop a pure blue one piece. The feet were also protected by easily walked in boots.
It was like a servant's outfit but, he honestly thought it seemed cute.
Seeming somehow dissatisfied Manuel began her explanation.
「It's an orthodox maid style, both the one piece and the apron are goods able to used as a silk maid uniform. In addition the boots have healing magic added to them, so the fatigue of standing work is reduced.」
Looking at it it does seem that it's functional and not bad.
Observing it over again there's the feeling that it's a good product.
「How is it, Nefi?」
「For me, just receiving it from goshujin-sama anything is acceptable.」
「Oi, say something like that and it's still possible to wear the clothes from before.」
The nearby pupils of the winged person store worker gleamed ominously, the clothes of leather belts were pulled out.
「Thi, this one is good goshujin-sama!」
「Umu. Then, it'll be decided as this one.」
With a tisk Manuel leaked a click of her tongue. What an ill natured store worker.
After settling the bill, the store worker whispered something into Nefi's ear.
(Isn't it good, your goshujin-sama treasures you.)
Although Zagan didn't hear what was said, Nefi suddenly opened her eyes widely.
And then, she hesitantly nodded her head.
「……Hai.」
That expression was, somehow visibly happy.
After leaving the store, Zagan asked a question.
「What were you told by the store worker?」
「Hai. That you're a good goshujin-sama.」
「Is that so?」
It should just be a corporate expression but, he didn't understand the meaning in going out of her way to say such a thing.
At the form of Zagan tilting his head, like she was satisfied Nefi stroked her brand new clothes.
(Being treasured, receiving something like that…… is it.)
A voice like it was shaking from whether it's really so to say okay to believe it, without reaching anyone's ears it vanished in the wind.
◇
―――Alright, where to go next.
Having changed into new clothes, it seemed Nefi could walk much more easily. With this walking here and there should be fine.
And, he had a sensation that there was something pulling on his clothes.
Turning back, Nefi fearfully grasped the hem of his robe.
―――So that's it. It might be that after being played with by the store worker the surroundings became scary.
Thinking of the form that was still resigned to a tomorrow where anything could be done to her, an unexpected want to smile somehow made him happy even over here.
Without removing the hand Zagan, as Nefi didn't notice what she was doing, considerately walked.
And so while walking, he heard a clamorous metallic note.
Looking up, it seems like somehow there's a smithy. Swords and armor used by knights and mercenaries, besides that a mountain of small metal tools were piled up.
Among them, there's also a slave's collar.
「We're entering that store.」
「Hai.」
Zagan faced his legs toward the smithy, Nefi also followed.
Inside the store it was also a workshop. On the walls and shelves any number of products were lined up, deeper inside several men were striking heated metal.
Calling out to the men, one among them jumped up startled.
Maa, that's a reaction that happens when a magician suddenly delivers his voice.
With a fearful fearful look, the man turned around.
「Wha, what is it?」
「Oi, there's something I'd like you to have a quick look at.」
The one who came was a dwarven male. A beard hadn't grown yet but, because of that his age wasn't well known. He could be seen as a boy, he might be middle aged.
Dwarfs are adept with their hands, they're said to specialized in delicate ornamentation and devices.
Zagan stood before Nefi.
「Although I'd like you to look at this girl's collar…… The method of removal, do you know?」
Surprised, Nefi shook her body.
From there, she faced him with a face said to not believe.
―――Are? Come to think of it has Nefi been told that her collar would be removed?
He realized it hadn't been said.
Though it couldn't be removed immediately, knowing that there was the intention to remove it her feelings should be more at ease, he keenly despaired of his poor conversational ability.
Nefi timidly opened her mouth.
「Um, goshujin-sama……」
「With that collar attached, it's like you'll always be Marchosias' property. That's not something necessary for you.」
Having again said Nefi was something like a thing, Zagan wanted to cover his face.
However, Nefi's cheeks reddened slightly and she nodded.
「……Hai.」
「……Umu.」
Not knowing what 『Umu』 was, it took everything Zagan had to reply like that.
And so, the dwarf swordsmith raised a seemingly troubled voice.
「Remove, this collar was it?」
「Aah.」
「……Please, enough with the jokes. Isn't this a magic tool. Our hands can't handle this.」
Nefi slightly lowered her shoulders, Zagan also knew that much.
「I'd like to hear the structural explanation. Is it something that can't be removed if the key is destroyed?」
Asking that, the swordsmith fixedly examined the collar.
Eventually he indicated toward the lock attached to the collar. Six shafts extended from the metal around the keyhole, those visibly fastened the collar.
「Please look at this lock. This collar is designed to be fixed with just this, if the lock is removed it comes apart. Normally, that is.」
Normally is, to say magic was added to the construction so what mechanism it contains isn't known.
Zagan returned a nod.
「Given that magic is a power that overturns the concept of nature, it's still bound by the original concept. With a collar with this sort of structure, the lock shouldn't be something to call a decoration.」
「After that, this is hard to tell her but……」
The sword smith made a face like it was hard to speak.
It seems like something hard for Nefi to hear. Taking distance from the girl, it was whispered with a low voice.
(Probably, there's a trap installed into this.)
(A trap is it?)
(Yes. If removed without following proper procedure the mechanism will activate……At worst, there's the possibility that something terrible will happen to Ojousan's head……)
He didn't want to think about just what state that terrible thing would be.
That should be why the swordsmith muddied his words.
―――It really is, dangerous to remove it by force.
If it was just a simple matter of destroying the collar, it wouldn't be any trouble with Zagan's power.
But however what could be said to be a collar left behind by a ＜Maou＞ caught his attention and caused him to be cautious, it seems in any case that that was correct.
「I believe it would be best to open it with the original key.」
「Maa, that seems to be the case.」
That was known but, the moderators at the auction didn't manage that.
―――As for ideas, there weren't none but……
But it could be said that the current reality was that he had no hand to play.
For now, knowing what he wanted to know Zagan pulled out several silver coins from his pocket. The loose change from when he bought Nefi's clothes.
「I appreciate it. Take this.」
「No, nothing deserving of renumeration was done. Rather beyond that, it's that renumeration can't be received from you.」
「……? What sort of meaning is this?」
Floating a bitter smile, the dwarven swordsmith said this.
「We have, already received aid from you.」
He absolutely didn't remember, Zagan tilted his head.
「Now, it happened about a year before. When my carriage was attacked, you saved me and my daughter. We panicked and ran away but, without growing angry you overlooked us. Somehow, please give your forgiveness.」
Somehow it seems that among some rabble he routed because they were a nuisance, there was a magician or something. Thus it seems as a result he and his daughter―――Seems he's old enough to have a daughter―――were saved.
He wasn't particularly seeking to receive a favor but, he was thankful that he didn't need to pay here. Zagan softly returned the silver coins to his pocket.
「Then let's finish the matter with this, and you can forget the pointless matter. I didn't remember it either.」
Saying that, there was a feeling of covering up not handing over small change, the swordsmith smiled strangely.
「We won't forget this. If something comes up again please come here.」
Seeing off the swordsmith saying as such, Zagan and Nefi left the smithy.
―――What is this, about today?
The surrounding people are too friendly to an unsettling extent. Is it to say that bringing Nefi makes this much of a difference.
Zagan didn't notice.
His own face that had been like he hated everything in the world, now showed a much softer expression.
◇
After that, by the time they were finished buying regular goods the sun had begun to sink.
It's impossible, returning to the castle from here and having Nefi make food is impossible. Zagan's group entered a small eatery.
Because the time was a half measure, the forms of customers were few. Including Zagan's group it was about ten people. As the store workers walked on the wooden floor it made wooden creaks, on the ceiling the roof was coming off. The lamps hanging from the beams, vaguely lit the various tables.
Although he didn't know a single item on the order menu―――to Zagan the names of the foods themselves were something unknown―――for the time being ordered some sort of meat, something like a salad and bread.
While waiting for the cooking, he noticed Nefi looked like she wanted to say something.
「What is it?」
「No, umm……」
Hesitating to speak, even so Nefi touched her own collar.
「Goshujin-sama, you intend to remove this collar?」
「Nn? Aah, saying that it hasn't been said. That is my intent.」
Because of the ambiguous wording up till now, it seems the girl wasn't able to confirm it.
Having been faced directly and asked about it he became somehow embarrassed, Zagan answered in a blunt manner.
So it happened. Reassuring words like 『Of course!』 just wouldn't come out.
Like Nefi was conflicted she repeatedly opened her mouth but, words just wouldn't come out.
Even so, making her resolve the maid attire girl opened her mouth.
「If the collar is removed, that I will run away, is it that such isn't believed?」
Nefi is an elf. Among them one said to be white haired an individual with exceedingly high magic power. Without a collar it should be possible to use magic.
Because of that collar it's proven that that girl is bound beneath Zagan.
To Zagan, it shouldn't be something he didn't care about.
―――Maa, he supposed that it can't be something that isn't cared about.
Of course Zagan also thought of that danger.
Something like having the girl obtained by invoking the preposterous sum called one million gold coins promptly run away isn't a ridiculous conversation.
Unlike Zagan, there shouldn't be any reason for Nefi to support him.
It's just, even so, even if it's that she might flee―――
―――Even then, the feeling is one wanting to remove it.
Were that feeling to be explained in words, it doesn't seem Zagan could do so.
Therefore as a result, the words that came out of the mouth were as such.
「Fun. In any case it's not something that will be removed soon. Don't expect the impossible.」
He wanted to hold his head.
Is it that at the least something to the extent of 『Even so I want to at least remove the collar.』 couldn't be said.
―――Probably, because I feel I want to remain by her side.
It should be that therefore he ended up telling her not to expect anything.
Given that to say something like "impossible" wasn't a way of speaking.
Is it that somewhere there should not be some magic tome left behind classified as something like 『The way to converse with girls』.
On this occasion, he wished from his heart for someone, even a fraud, to teach him.
Even so, Nefi nodded somehow satisfied.
「Hai.」
Noticing what seemed like mean things said to such a girl, Zagan held his head again.
Even so the time spent passed out in agony was, passed shortly this time.
Soon food was brought over.
The menu hadn't been looked at but, they were very much items from a dream seen long ago. Without being able to bring out memories of when a knife and fork had last been used, he still remembered their method of use.
As Zagan began cutting the meat, Nefi remained vacantly gazing at the cuisine.
「What is it? Do you not know the method of use for a spoon and fork?」
Certainly he'd heard talk of stories regarding countries in the far east that use sticks called "chopsticks" to eat with.
It might be that where elves live apart from humans in the northern countries knives and forks aren't used.
He asked thinking that but, Nefi trembled and shook her head sideways.
「No, a reason like that is……」
「In that case eat. It isn't the case that your stomach has no space is it?」
The manner of speech had once gain become blunt but, it seems Nefi had finally become used to it.
Making only a wondering face there was nothing to be feared.
It should instead have been something that should've been realized sooner.
As a magician Zagan's magic could be dulled by hunger but, Nefi's magic is sealed by her collar. Furthermore it doesn't look like she has stamina either. To begin with speaking of the morning it was dried meat and milk, nothing but items that couldn't be called food were eaten.
As if acknowledging Zagan's words, Nefi's stomach let up a cute seeming groaning sound.
Nefi's sharp pointed ears were dyed slightly red.
「Um, is it okay for me to eat as well?」
「……? Is there some reason why that would be wrong?」
―――Speaking of which, perhaps the menu here is also plain?
However this time the reaction looked like it was different from this morning .
From there, he suddenly thought back to what could be called the girl's circumstances.
「……By some chance, is this your first time eating like this?」
Nefi nodded.
―――Aah, that's how it is…… For Nefi as well, is it like that……
For some reason Zagan's glance adhered to Nefi, an understanding was finally realized.
The girl is the same as me.
Without power, without a place to be, myself from the time when I'd despaired of that which is called the world.
Therefore Zagan was able to give this answer like it was nothing at all.
「Then don't mind it. It's also something like that for me. It's fine to eat whatever you feel seems delicious. A companion that needs to be shown restraint for in a place like this, isn't in front of you.」
「……But.」
「It's fine eat. This is a small store but, compared to this morning's dried meat this is much better.」
Saying that, one cut of meat is brought to the mouth, in actuality the taste was hard to know.
―――Is it that the matter from before regarding the collar hasn't settled down yet? And how should an invitation to a regular meal be done?
With such questions or anxieties there wasn't a place for the taste.
Nefi's small gripping hand approached her lips. Falling carelessly from the corners of the eye, what could have been his imagination, a habit like smiling was seen.
From there, both hands came together and took the fork.
「Itadakimasu.」
The first item that the hand reached for was a small tomato. Trying to stab it with the fork, without going well it slipped.
Nefi was almost unable to move her expression, the tips of her sharp pointed ears were dyed faintly red. It seemed somehow that this was embarrassing to the girl.
「……tsu」
Noticing Zagan's gaze, Nefi suddenly shook her body, and took a spoon this time. The vessel like cavity excellently scooped the tomato, finally it was brought inside the pink lips.
「……?」
Rolling around on top of the tongue, Nefi made a marveling like face. Surely there should be no taste.
―――Licking it won't produce any taste. Chew it!
He wanted to give advice but he didn't have confidence he could say it kindly. Above all if Nefi herself was told such a thing she'd be embarrassed.
Watching over her while giving cheers within the heart, eventually Nefi bit into the tomato.
With a squirt the sound of something being crushed came, Nefi's eyes opened widely and roundly.
「How, how is it……?」
Perhaps unable to answer for a while she silently didn't move her mouth, she nodded. That moment her pure white hair reached her breasts and fell.
「Delicious, so, I feel.」
Saying that, perhaps feeling the words weren't enough she fixed her feelings shaking her head.
「The first time, eating, this.」
Thinking of it, the words "learned from watching" were said when she said she could create hand made food, she might not have had an environment where she could eat properly.
It should be that those circumstances were lamentable, instead something like an affinity bubbled up in Zagan and his face turned seemingly relaxed.
「Does it catch you interest?」
「I don't understand, well.」
Saying that, the spoon scooped up another tomato.
「A more, sweet taste was expected. However, it's very vibrant…… eating something like this, it's the first time.」
―――Ah―, certainly a small tomato is similar to a ball of candy.
Zagan also thought it was candy and stole it from a store, when he ate it it was sour and he was disappointed. And so after that the store owner caught him and beat him heavily.
―――So that's how it is. She's a girl. She likes sweet things.
He noticed this was the first time knowing something that could be called Nefi's preference. He should see about ordering some sort of sweet dessert afterwards.
While thinking that, Zagan also reached for a tomato with his fork.
「Mu……」
However, it slipped in the same way as with Nefi.
Second time, third time it was challenged but, indeed it couldn't be pierced well. Thinking well I also normally don't use a fork. He resigned himself and felt it was time to switch to a spoon.
That tomato was, scooped up by Nefi's spoon.
That spoon was held out towards Zagan.
「……Go ahead.」
「What, is this……?」
Zagan suddenly opened his eyes widely.
―――This, is this what's called being fed……tsu?
This happened somewhere, in the past he had once seen this.
A male and female who looked like they got along well used a spoon with sweets like this―――although it's a tomato this time―――to feed eachother.
At that time a hatred that even I couldn't explain built up, it wasn't something that was a special feeling. It's impossible, that the day where I would be confronted with this seemed to have come.
Keeping a composed face, the ends of Nefi's ears turned red. Watching for a while, the cheeks blushed slightly.
―――Saying that, this, is it the spoon Nefi put into her mouth.
As Zagan was also nervous that spoon approached the mouth.
Rolling, the tomato rolled in onto his tongue.
Biting in drips filled with sourness overflowed.
「……Delicious.」
「……Hai.」
From there, Nefi complained in something like a whisper.
「Goshujin-sama, won't give any sort of order.」
「That, that's so.」
Since then, to an extent there was the element that he still didn't know what to talk about. He did feel he should give her some role, he still didn't know what order was likely to be good.
Nefi's expression still didn't change, even so she nodded like she had confirmed something.
「Goshujin-sama, I feel that I want to be of use to to goshujin-sama, would that be allowed?」
That was, the instant Nefi first put her own hopes through her mouth.
However, having purposefully used those words, he sensed a strange impression that could be called appealing.
Surely, as long as a wish is held this shouldn't be a place for something like hesitation.
―――Even so, asking not for herself but for my sake?
Just this once, Zagan was able to answer naturally.
「It is allowed. It's fine for it to be as Nefi hopes.」
……As a result, nothing but an arrogant speech style could be used.
Even so Nefi nodded with a serious face.
「Hai. I'll put effort into it.」
Although it was an especially stiff answer, even so he was happy to display his own will.
「U, umu. I'll rely on you.」
As if to cover up embarrassment he stabbed a tomato with his fork, this time it was stabbed well.
Zagan dazedly brought that to his mouth, the resigned Nefi was the one to present.
「……?」
Like the meaning of that habit wasn't known, Nefi slightly tilted her head.
―――Right now, it wasn't something I had done.
Does it seem that this act might be an unconscious action? Though if it's like that it seems like it's embarrassing.
However, the one embarrassed was Zagan. For a long time, maintaining that posture is difficult even with the power of magic.
「You do like it surely? You should eat.」
Saying that, Nefi finally seemed to notice the return of favor up till now.
Not just the ears but even the cheeks were dyed slightly red, even so the mouth opened timidly.
Pink colored lips opened and pure white teeth were seen. From there was seen an oddly charming stretching tongue. That tongue end touched a pure red tomato, while leaking a gasp like voice it rolled into the lips.
After releasing the fork drips spilled over from within, touching the girl's chin.
As if unable to endure her shame, Nefi covered her face.
It somehow had a feeling like she was being tormented. However, what Zagan regretted was, coming to want to see more of that face.
「How is it?」
Ostentatiously asking the question, looking out from the gaps of her fingers Nefi overly seriously nodded.
「……It is, delicious.」
「……So it is.」
Although it was something I did, it if felt like something unacceptable had been done.
However, while that exchange was a spectacle to the people in the store, the pair noticed that and were troubled as they finished being in the store.
The clumsy pair, for the moment became aware of what could be called their master servant relationship together and composed themselves.