The bright morning.
During the time when the Goddess Solsama was facing toward the east sky as usual while carrying the sun—all the resident of 'Asgard' was once again gathered at 'Valhalla big practice field'. Under the leadership of Odin-sama, the operation which was known as 'Andvari capture operation' and its content was explained to everyone.
It was literally just like the name which this was an operation to capture the Dwarf, Andvari that had casted the curse to kill its owner on me, Saehrimnir—also known as the magic ring, Andvaranaut.
"Based on the creator of the curse, Mardoll, it seems that Andvari, who casted the curse himself, might have an idea to undo the curse. As this was something like his personal curse since he had created it by himself. Thus, the only one person who can undo the curse was… Andvari himself only."
This was the summary from what Mardoll-sama had told us previously. After Loki had exposed everything he knew, now everyone, who had gathered, possessed the same level of information.
"This fellow was hiding somewhere in the nine world while waiting vigilantly for the day that the curse from the ring he send—which was Sei… to curse Odin. But by chance, we were able to found out Sei true identity before that happen. Thus, now… it our turn to retaliate. In order to do that, we have to rely on everyone who had gathered here."
"Okay. In another word…this was more like a 'human wave assault' was it?"
"You quite observant, Frey. As expected of the guy who was known as the Vanir proud military god. …It just like what Frey mentioned, we have the advantage in terms of numbers. Since we had no idea where he might be running and hiding, we had no choice but to search recklessly and leave no stone unturned."
This exhaustive search operation… might not so effective as it will be quite time consuming. But we have no other methods than that as we had no idea where Andvari might be hiding.
It was fortune that we had the members that was prepared to face the 'Twilight of the Gods' (Ragnarok). In another words, this might be an operation that suited us the most.
"By the way, based on the information from the watchman of 'Bifröst', no dwarf appearance was spotted in the surrounding of 'Jötunheimr'. It was quite reliable as he has a keen sight. If we were going to search for him, let focus on places other than 'Jötunheimr'. Then, do remember that 'it is darkest under the lamp post'. The first place that I had started to search was here, 'Asgard'."
I see. Since we were the resident of 'Asgard', we were the one who had the most information on the internal affair of 'Asgard'. Thus, we should have doubt when we had the assumption that 'it shouldn't be here'.
"So search thoroughly. In fact, it was already quite a challenge for us to find Sei only when he had disappear for a while yesterday. This might be a boring job but… will you lend us your strength?"
While saying that, Loki looked toward Thor-sama who was digging his ear in the front row.
As it was the role and also the belief for the war god, Thor-sama to bury all his rampaging enemy magnificently. So, his motivation toward this was something that was worth to be curious about….
"Hmph! There was no need for you to say such boorish statement, Loki! As Saehrimner was already my pal! I don't care whether it boring or not, I am more than happy to lend you my strength!"
"Tha…. Thank you…!"
Oh, I didn't expect Thor-sama to be this motivated at all. After he hit his chest with a force that can make a gorilla to feel ashamed, he raised his trademark war hammer (Mjölnir) up.
As I am your pal now, isn't it time for you to remember my name properly already…?
"Hey, Sei-dono. I might not be much of use but please don't forget about me, the military god, Tyr. It had been a while since we last met during Thor-dono lunch party but our bond was not that weak as we had already exchanged our story of valor.Heck, I was planning to come here on a big boat! Ha haha!"
"Th… thank you, Tyr-sama, it was quite reassuring!"
Yup. It was indeed quite reassuring. Moreover, unlike previously, the current non-drunken him was better. Despite that, it seem that his high spirited sober face remain unchanged but…
"Okay, everyone! As this was an operation that rely on numbers, we, the Valkyries team, will not lose at all! Let show them what we can do!"
"Yes!!"x9
After Freysama had gave out that command with her energetic voice, the Valkyries sister gave a salute in a perfectly ordered. With the guys being fascinated by the magnificent group in the corner, Odin-sama shouted loudly.
"I had high expectation on each of you. So… operation start!"
In order to undo the curse that was casted on me, and also to save me, all of the 'Asgard' resident become one and move out.
Unexpectedly because of me, all the facilities in the main building of 'Valhalla', the big farm, the big practice field and also the library had been completely searched as of yesterday. In relation to the golden apple orchard, Idun-sama and her husband, Bragi-sama will take responsibility in searching there.
By the way,it seem that Odin-sama throne, 'Hlidskjalf', which was able to see all part of the world, had encounter an unknown magic interference and it was unable to detect Andvari. Moreover, Odin-sama servant, the crow and the wolf was responsible to search the interior of the palace where that throne was located, 'Gladsheim'.
Since that the case, the only place left was…
"Ah, that's right! We had to conduct a search inside the Goddess Dorm, 'Vingólf' also! Let me go and provide assistance!"
"Hey, if it was that, then let me help out also!" (Loki)
"It pointless to keep standing here, why don't I accompany you?" (Odin)
The boar and the top two of the God Realm had reach an agreement joyfully. But our plan was immediately crushed by the voice of a squirrel that appear out of nowhere.
"Um… gentleman, it a bit sudden but that was not necessary at all. Since I had patrol every corner of 'Vingólf' in a daily manner. I had check from the bedroom until the shower room and there was not even a single mice let alone anyone suspicious. He he."
"Aren't you the most suspicious one, you damn squirrel!!"x3
Cursed you, Ratatoskr. I can't believe that we were able to be in sync without any prior rehearsal. I don't think that there was any animals in 'Asgard' that can experience something better than this…
Putting that aside, after we had made a blood fest out of Ratatoskr moderately, the only place left was Thor-sama mansion and the vast plain where we fought the rebellion army that was led by Beruze, 'Vigrid'. After that, the remaining place should be my hometown, 'Forest of Ida weld'.
There was no problem with Thor-sama mansion as we have a work forces that won't lose to the Valkyries but 'Vigrid' will be quite troublesome. That was why, we will leave it to the Einherjars to conduct the search there.
No matter how vast 'Vigrid' was, there should not be any problem as the Einherjars were consist of more than two hundred thousand people. Time will be the only problem for this. Then, about the forest in my hometown, I had actually completed searching the area as I was bored when I was still living with my parent…
In the end, it seem that Loki theory of it is darkest under the lamp post was a vain attempt. With the conclusion that 'he really was not in 'Asgard'', we had ended our search in this short while.
Since it had become like that, it time for the phrase two of the operation.
"Everyone, thank you for your effort. After we had took a short break, I plan to expand the search to outside of 'Asgard'. The Einherjars will cross 'Bifröst' and began searching in the human realm, 'Midgard'. Even though I had created it myself, their land was much bigger than 'Asgard'. So, it will all depend on your action. Although it was your hometown, you must remember to remain vigilant, understood?"
After receiving the order directly from Odin-sama, the Einherjars made an energetic war cry as a response. I am not sure whether this dwarf searching task was worth it or not but this was the first time that they receive a task other than the daily practice. Because of their joy, the word 'fatigue' had completed disappeared from their body.
It was a bit imprudent to say this but I am quite happy as they were able to contribute in such an unexpected way. If only that Beruze was able to endure it for a bit longer… while I was being a bit sentimental, Chef Head unexpectedly called out to me.
"Sei-kun. Actually the kitchen staff and I will be accompanying the Einherjars-sama."
"Eh, is that the truth?"
"Ya, it a direct order from Odin-sama. That why, Sei-kun, I will leave Heizu-kun in your care."
"No… if darling was going, then Heizu will go also. Since Heizu won't be of use to Se-tan, if Heizu just sit around and do nothing."
"Oh, if that was the case, then let me join you too! I am able to supply the search team with water where the effectiveness and the quality was 5 times than the usual!"
"Heizu… and also Ikusu… I am in your debt…!"
The warmth kindness from everyone had started afull force assault at my tear duct a few moments ago and it hurts a lot. As I should not keep crying, I send everyone off with the greatest smile that I can made.
"Okay, —next was the Valkyries team, I want to request all of you to search 'Vanaheim'. I heard from Ratatoskr about this. That some of you had managed to sneak into their land previously for the sake of helping Sei. If possible, do remain as quiet as you could… okay."
"Yes, we understood, Oji-sama! Ortlinde, I will rely on you to use the same magic when we sneak in, okay?"
"Roger. …um, Sei-shi."
"? Yes?"
I wonder what the matter was. Then, Ortlinde-sama suddenly turned around and looked at me seriously. After a moment of the silence eye-contact, she told me this.
"I see, so this was greed…"
"Huh?"
"…There was nothing. Why don't you finish your greeting with the others first?"
Just when I thought that Ortlinde-sama had averted her sight, she immediately withdrawn herself toward everyone shadow. At the same time, Gerhi-sama was standing right in front after she had pushed the others away.
"Finally! I am going to be the first one to do the greetings! Finally, this time finally…!"
Um… I don't want to pour cold water on you but if we were to count Ortlinde-sama, then you were in second place already…. Let just put this sarcasm aside then.
"Sei. I am actually quite thankful for all the help that you had provided. So, of course, the first one who will find Andvari will be me. Do remember this carefully!"
"Yes, I had remember it. Since Gerhi-sama possessed the strongest wind among your sisters."
"! Sei… yes, that's right! For your sake, I will proof that I am able to surpass God Speed!"
Wait, hold it, and don't surround yourself with Ruston Wind right now! I am fully aware that you were quite motivated already!
"For God sake, Gerhi-nee-san, you were quite agitated as usual… Sei, I am quite surprised that you were cursed but… I will acknowledge it. That explain why someone like me got attracted to you."
"Eh? Siegrune-sama, did you got attracted to me?"
In that moment, the atmosphere of the surrounding immediately become cold. Then, the dense steam started to come from Siegrune-sama head as if there was really a difference in the temperature.
"Who… who!? Of course, it was a lie, it more like, I had no choice as it was an effect from the curse!? Did I make myself clear!!"
Okay…when I thought that she was frequently changing her excuses but, in the end, she gave her affirmation… Siegrune-sama, I know that deep down, you are quite honest.
At that time, Weisse mumble as if she remembered something when she heard the phrase, got attracted to me.
"Then, that mean… this feeling of mine might be love…? Hildr-onee-chan told me it was a cold but doesn't this sound like Waltraute-onee-chan was saying the truth?"
The moment after she heard Weisse mumble, Waltraute-sama forehead started to twitch. It seem so scary!Even thought she was showing her usual smile but somehow I had a bad feeling about this…
"Hi~ldr~cha~n?"
"What… what the matter? I, I didn't said anything at all."
While being faced with the dangerous smile from Waltraute-sama, Brynhildr-sama, who was avoiding the topic by averting her eye and whistling (but she was not whistling at all), was so cute. No, to be honest, I also did my best to coax her but… well, it seem that there was no need for me to mention that.
"Hey, Sei-kun. I will try my best to undo your curse as it was for my sake also. That was because I want to know whether this feeling of mine, was a lie, was the real deed, was it really love or was it just a cold."
"…Okay. I also want to know it. Please do your best, Weisse."
After I reply her, Weisse pat my head while showing me her smile. That smile of hers was quite different when compare to just now as I felt that it was filled with her strong determination.
"Ufufu… it seem that it will be quite interesting to an extent if it remain undo~ I am referring to Pork-kun cu-r-se."
"Please don't said such thing, Waltraute-sama. It good if I want to be pampered but yesterday, I was quite depressed."
"I understand~ Onee-chan also, want to see Pork-chan true charm point. That why we had to punish the naughty child who casted that troublesome curse, right?"
Hold it, since it like this, I need to become a naughty child right away! I can't believe that this day will arrive where I am jealous of Andvari.
"Eh… um… um… curse… if you cursed someone, there will be two hole…Oh! I… I had figure it out! I am sure that Andvari was hiding in a place where there was two hole!"
As expected it was Grimgerde-sama as she was the only person, which I can thought of, who was able to spout such nonsense suddenly. Although this person always have those unnecessary thoughts but it seem that she was being her usual natural air headedness.
"The place with two hole… haha, wasn't that a nose?"
"That, that's right! But, it impossible for a dwarf to enter a person nose regardless how small his body figure was… in another word, the answer was the place that was created from the first Giant, Ymir nose."
"!! Inform the Einherjars immediately! To go to the place where I had created it with Ymir nose which was… hmm, where was it again? Hm… I am unable to recall."
Huh, Odin-sama had gotten so serious… Mmm… unexpectedly, it seem like her air headedness was something that even a fool can't do…?
"…By the way, Sei-dono. Had you ever heard about this sword, 'Tyrfing'?"
"Tyrfing? Nope, this was my first time heard it. Was it one of Schwerte-sama sword?"
"No, it was not one of my sword. I heard that this demonic sword hold tremendous power but in exchange it will lead its wielder to destruction."
"Wielder… destruction!? Then, Schwerte-sama, why were you mentioning something like this at this time?"
"Ah, I'm sorry. What I am trying to say was things like curse had already existed in this world. Even if Sei-dono was originally a cursed item, there was no reason for me to be afraid of you. That was allthat I wanted to say. Of course, I did not plan to use this as an excuse if we were unable to undo your curse. So, there was no need to overthink about this."
"Sc… Schwerte-sama…!"
The thoughts from Schwerte-sama who always think negatively, had properly reached me. The reason why I am unable to control my curse properly might be because of the sympathy that was caused from my negative feeling.
"Hmm… what was this, it seem that everyone was only saying good thing. Let me said this first, Sei, you were in a grave mistake if you were expecting something nice from me, okay?"
"Ahaha, I am fully aware of that, Helmwige-sama. That because I had no expectation from you in the very beginning."
"It will be nice if you had some expectation from me…?"
It seem that Helmwige-sama was trembling gradually while holding back her tears. Huh? How odd, I was trying to say that to lower the difficulty, but it seem that I had lower her mood instead.
"Well, let put that aside. Sei. In order to undo your curse, I will not laze around like always. To be honest, I am actually quite a powerful person, I especially dislike crybaby… so in order to avoid you from showing your crying face for the second time, I will—buried that tear of your forever."
"Hm? What's the matter, what's with that reaction?"
"Ah, no, I was just waiting for the punch line only."
"There was no such thing! There were time where even I want to look cool!!"
"I'm… I'm sorry!"
To think that even Helmwige-sama was willing to break her promise for my sake… somehow, it seem that I am really the world luckiest person.
"Sei-san…"
The last sister called out to me when I curled myself up as I was both happy and embarrassed.
This kind, as always, yet soothing, which was above all else, voice… belong to Brynhildr-sama.
"I will surely undo the curse that was casted on Sei-san. We might not be the one who will find Andvari but… I am sure that someone will be able to find me. Since right now, at this moment, our 'Asgard' will do our best for you."
Yup… it exactly as what Brynhildr-sama said. That why, I will send everyone off without having a single doubt.
"I will leave it to you, Brynhildr-sama. The current me might not be able to do anything else but… I can surely wait. So, please don't do anything reckless and I wish for your safe return."
"Fu fu, you're so strange, Sei-san. It sound like this was our final farewell. There was no need for you to worry as I will definitely return, so please wait for me patiently. … okay?"
After noticing that I was using a serious tone, which was unintentionally, Brynhildr-sama told me that with a smile.
But, I wonder why…
The shoulder that hug me in the end—it was a bit faint but I am sure that it was trembling.
After I said my goodbye, the Valkyries team that was led by Freysama had finally left 'Asgard'.
Thor-sama, Frey-sama and also Tyr-sama split up as they headed toward the Elf country, 'Álfheim' and the Dwarf country, 'Niðavellir'. Even Heimdallr-sama, who was not supposed to leave his duty, was assisting the 'Midgard' search team.
In another words, the one who remain in 'Asgard' was Loki and I… and also Odin-sama only.
"Sigh… Hey Loki. Had you ever experienced such a quiet 'Asgard'?"
I asked Loki about this when I let out a sigh unconsciously. After Loki swing his head sideway while shrugging his shoulder, he told me the answer that I was expecting.
"Not even once. Even though I had lived here for a long time… this was my first time experiencing this situation in 'Asgard'."
It seem like that sentence had contain a bit of his astonishment. If the sworn brother had put it that way, I am sure that it was the first time for Odin-sama as well. Actually, even Odin-sama had let out a deep sigh.
"Sigh… I plan to remain Heimdallr to keep a watch on the Giants but… this time it was for the sake of Sei. Fu… the price for exposing our 'Asgard' for a momentarily danger, was quite high okay?"
"Argh. That… I will pay with my body… wait, doesn't that mean it will be the same as always?"
"Haha! That's right."
While stroking his beard, Odin-sama release a lively laughter. Then, that laughter was carry away by a particularly strong wind as it flew toward a distant.
But in that moment—I doubt my ear.
That was because I was able to hear another voice in the wind. Instead of the usual bright and cheerful voice… it was an unfriendly voice.
"Seriously, this was quite laughable… To think that this 'Asgard' can be so empty. I am really grateful to you and Andvari."
"Eh..? What's the matter, Loki, what are you saying all of a sudden?"
Somehow that mumble of his seem like it was an act since it was lacking realistic in it. But I was able to realize it right away—that it was not an act, instead it was his true intention.
"Thank to you… I will enjoy killing."
In that moment, Odin-sama had fallen backward. I saw that a seven branched sword was stab in his blood stained chest.