Chapter 6 - NEET Said So
Tifalycia won against Paulette in a 「Showdown」.
The next day after the boiling moment in history took place where 「Liberator」 won against 「Beastia」.
“Reiji!”
Tifalycia pushed into the Hero’s room with great vigor.
Forgetting to knock, what entered Tifalycia’s eyes at the same time as the door opened was──
“What is...this......about......?”
Her powerful yelling turned weak.
On the bed, Leu, in her underwear-equivalent outfit, was sitting on top of the half-naked Reiji.
Briefly speaking.
That appearance could only be seen as the two of them doing perverted things.
Tifalycia’s face was instantly dyed red, and she shouted more out of anger than embarrassment.
“Wh-What...What──What are you doing!!”
Tifalycia thought that it was strange for her to raise her voice.
Why did she raise her voice?
Even though it’s embarrassing. Even though she wanted to leave the place even a moment sooner──
“......Jealous?”
Leu tilted her head.
The word that she expressionlessly muttered caused Tifalycia to waver even more fiercely.
“Ha──Haa? Wh-Why would I...feel that!?”
“Yesterday, being praised by Master, heart throbbing?”
“──────I don’t know what you are saying, anyway get down!”
“Don’t wanna.”
“I am his master!”
“Even though you are wearing a collar?”
“Th-This is forced......”
“Also, Master is my master.”
“──”
She could no longer tolerate it.
Tifalycia exercised her strength.
She took big strides towards the bed, and stretched out her hand towards Leu──
Reiji shouted.
“──Daaa, you two are irritating! I will get goosebumps if I come into contact with such an erotic atmosphere!! Don’t underestimate a virgin!?”
“Vir──”
“A virgin should not be something like that originally......but Master interpreting it that way is wonderful.”
Tifalycia’s face reddened and Leu nodded expressionlessly as if admiring it.
Taking a side glance at the two of them, Reiji freed himself from the restraint made by Leu’s 『Adjacent Darkness』 and angrily threw his words at Tifalycia while wearing his clothes again.
“So. Don’t you have something to say after coming all the way here?”
“Ah......th-that’s right.”
Tifalycia looked away and cleared her throat.
“......What’s going on? You’re returning the Heroic War authority we obtained from 「Beastia」.”
After that time.
Reiji moved to where Edolas, the Ruler of 「Beastia」, was and established a certain contract with him.
Simply speaking, it was about returning everything, to be more specific, everything except Tistel, that he had obtained back to him.
Tifalycia, who found out about that matter rather late, was enquired about it by the servants, and hence she came stomping into Reiji’s room.
“If we use the Heroic War authority of 「Beastia」 as a negotiation chip, I’m not saying the entire Entara land, but we should be able to obtain at least some amount of territory......then the 「Infirma」 and [Absence] around the world could migrate there......!”
If he did that, Clairlycia’s (Mother’s) wish could also be fulfilled──
“Too naive.”
The one who answered in place of Reiji was...Leu.
“Let’s say that we managed to snatch some territory from 「Beastia」, the citizens who are living there would stay as they are. Are you saying that you are going to chase them out?”
“──......That’s...”
“Even if you did chase the citizens of 「Beastia」 out, the 「Infirma」 people would not come. The people here are following either you or your mother, but the others are usually tied in a master-servant contract.”
“──”
Certainly, what Leu had said hit bullseye.
There would be no change even if they did snatch some territory.
Just that level would not be enough to change the fact that 「Infirma」 was a powerless race which could not use magic, and the prejudice from other races that 「Infirma」 were weaklings who could only serve under others, the country of 「Liberator」 would also just be empty words.
As Tifalycia slumped down, Reiji broke the silence as if feeling that it was too troublesome.
“Getting embarrassed, then angry, then depressed, what a busy person you are......Don’t worry, it’s not simply returning the territory.”
“......Eh?”
While still lying on the bed, Reiji spoke.
“In exchange for returning the authority, 「Beastia」 has to prepare a formal place that can let all the races officially acknowledge this country. A formal place for a [Pledged Meeting (Authority)].”
“[Authority]!?”
[Authority] could be said to be the world’s highest order meeting that gathered the Ruler and Hero of all the races.
Needless to say about 「Infirma」, even 「Beastia」 should not be able to call for such a meeting on a whim.
“Of course, they have to do it somehow. Cause that geezer Edolas himself is pretty easy. Well, seeing from 「Beastia」 perspective, compared to taking their territory, this is probably much better.”
“Could it be that you had already considered this matter the moment we had decided to fight against 「Beastia」──?”
“Who knows.”
He said so frivolously without showing his real thoughts.
However, the abnormal Hero known as Reiji had displayed his ability to read ahead the situation that was similar to future prediction many times.
In that case, the current one also ── as Tifalycia thought so, her eyes opened wide from the words that Reiji spoke next.
“By the way, I am not participating in this meeting.”
“........Ha? What are you saying──”
“No no, think about it calmly. The Hero is the one in charge of Heroic War originally. Isn’t politics completely out of my jurisdiction then?”
That’s......though that’s true.
The joking atmosphere up to that point suddenly changed, Reiji spoke expressionlessly.
“If you seriously want to make the country 「Liberator」 that welcomes those without a place to go ── show me how you openly deal with them as its representative. Isn’t [Authority] the place for that sake?”
“────”
The country for welcoming those without a place to go.
As its representative, make a performance.
With Tifalycia alone──
“In the first place, Master also never fought the Heroic War properly if you think about it.”
“Ain’t that obvious? Do you expect a NEET to work?”
“Making a human trash declaration in such a dignified manner......My respect.”
“......Ah Leu. Complimenting me is fine, but stop it cause it feels awful with the meaning being incomprehensible.”
“It can’t be helped if Master says so. In exchange──”
“No way, I won’t. Erotic things is a no no......I said no!! Wai...cloth! Using that black cloth is just too underhanded so stop it!!”
“Being underhanded is Master’s expertise, so it should be widely encouraged. As expected of Master. Contradicting himself, so wonderful.”
“What kind of compliment is that supposed to be!! ──Ah, wai...really, stop──────”
Taking no notice of Reiji and Leu entwining again.
Tifalycia continued her serious deep thoughts.
◇◆◇
──With that, the day for the [Authority] arrived.
Tifalycia was invited to a room in the solemnly decorated Ledra Castle.
A huge round table was placed in the center, with elegant chairs set apart at equal distance surrounding it.
She could see the Rulers of different races with their unique racial traits seated there.
All at once, gazes containing curiosity or irritation were focused on her, but she desperately ignored them and observed the surrounding.
In comparison to all the Rulers who were seated, the Heroes who followed them had various attitudes. Some sat on chairs as well, some stood beside their Rulers, and some seemed to be even greater than the Ruler and sat on the table......
Paulette was not on the seat for 「Beastia」, but the male figure who acted as her replacement was standing there.
When she stared at him, the cat-eared man next to him ── the Ruler of 「Beastia」, Edolas, opened his mouth.
“──Seems like we have all gathered.”
Ignoring Tifalycia’s gaze, Edolas, as the main organizer, began the talk dignifiedly.
“First is the formalities for the Rulers and Heroes of all the races gathered here. Representing the 「Beastia」, I offer my most cordial greeting.”
He gave a deep bow like he said.
“The objective of this [Authority] has already been relayed, but ── before we embark on the main topic, I have some matters to say as the Ruler of 「Beastia」.”
Saying so, he immediately pointed at Tifalycia, and shouted loudly.
“That mongrel woman sitting there is an extremely despicable depriver! Us 「Beastia」 had suffered greatly in this Heroic War, but their actions are clearly illegal! A country made by such a person must not be acknowledged!!”
The voice echoed clearly in the entire room.
Nobody said anything to the vigor shown by the Ruler of 「Beastia」.
Just that they all immediately ── looked towards Tifalycia.
The pressure contained in those gaze caused Tifalycia to feel an illusion as if it was suddenly difficult for her to breath.
“In the first place, 「Infirma」 or [Absence] making a country itself is impossible! They are an inferior specie that cannot use magic and only has a large number! How can such people be treated as equals!? Even though the inferior humans’ only value is to be used by us!!”
Towards the enthusiastic Edolas, the other races maintained silence.
Edolas’s eyes were bloodshot and he brought the topic to the adjacent of Tifalycia ── towards the Ruler of 「Elf」.
“「Elf」! You decided to observe as if it’s someone else’s matter, but 「Elf」 is also a factor in this matter, you know!? This little girl has the royal blood of the 「Elf」! Don’t you think you also hold responsibility for the deeds done by your blood relatives!!”
The Ruler of 「Elf」 who was at the receiving end of that fury was...
“──I was wondering what you were trying to say.”
With her eyes remaining closed, she heaved a sigh.
“「Elf」 must hold responsibility for the things an [Absence] did huh. Do you 「Beastia」 clean up every single [Absence] carrying your blood?”
“This and that are different matters!”
“Then let us declare it clearly at this place.”
Her aunt ── The Queen of 「Elf」, opened her eyes, stood up, and looked down at her with an icy expression.
“Even if...she carries my sister’s blood, as long as she is a mongrel born with an「Infirma」, we have absolutely no relation.”
The bond in the race. Aunt and niece. Such a relationship did not exist.
She clearly...declared so.
“──That’s true.”
It did not matter who started.
Words of agreement continued.
“「Infirma」 has a large number. Inevitably, the number of [Absence] will also increase. Exterminating them also has a limit.”
“Fuun, in the first place, losing to 「Infirma」 and a mongrel just because of illegal acts. 「Beastia」 only amounts to this much huh.”
“What did you say!?”
As [Authority] was turning towards an unexpected direction, Heroes were either astonished, laughing, or unconcerned.
The splitted apart Rulers and Heroes only had one similarity.
That was...ignoring the original meaning of the meeting.
The matter that 「Infirma」 and [Absence] were going to have a country. They treated the issue that was acknowledging it as if it did not happen.
With that meaning, nobody took notice of the existence of Tifalycia.
It was obvious.
To them, the [Absence] known as Tifalycia, the 「Infirma」, were...
Failures, with the only value of their existence to only be used.
Therefore.
Since...a mongrel such as herself would be...
Treated like a harmful insect.
Loathed and abandoned.
Her blood related aunt severed ties with her.
Not being able to do anything, an existence that could not accomplish anything──
Is that really so?
She heard a voice.
Laughing confidently, an attitude as if treating the surrounding as if they were nothing, the lazy NEET’s voice.
He was...not here.
In that case, that was ── Reiji’s voice in Tifalycia’s heart.
In that one month, she challenged him to 「Showdown」 every single day, lost, and continued like an idiot.
Without knowing, she was slowly being influenced, dyed by the most despicable, yet extremely crafty ── the Hero known as Houbami Reiji.
If it was him.
If he was at this place.
If he stood at the place that Tifaycia was standing at, what would he do?
The instant she thought that.
Tifalycia suddenly felt a daze before her eyes──
“──Fu...fufufufufufufufufufu.”
All of a sudden.
Tifalycia laughed out without any reason.
The Rulers looked over.
“──What’s so funny you mongrel!!”
Edolas hit the table with a loud bang and shouted.
Tifalycia stood up, not minding that noise, and looked around carefreely.
“Seriously, what a bunch of boring people.”
Despise...and sarcasm.
That expression which the [Absence], who should have been threatened with deprivation, had showed caused everyone to open their eyes wide.
“Who is the one that was riled up and defeated by such a mongrel, tainted [Absence]?”
“Wha ── Y-You......!!”
Turning away from the Ruler of 「Beastia」 who shot up and seemed like he was about to assault her even now...
Tifalycia spoke.
“Let me ask all of you.”
Looking at each and every one of them, she sincerely asked.
“My side was accused of acting illegally, but is this matter really illegal in the first place?”
Some furrowed their brows.
Sensing a good reaction, Tifalycia continued.
“As all of you know, under the Great Contract Magic, Heroic War is bound with strict rules. If someone claims that illegal actions are taken in the Heroic War, shouldn’t penalty for such illegal actions be stated beforehand?”
“That’s why now we are talking about──”
“I said beforehand. After it has happened, I can only say 『You didn’t consider it?』 if you complain 『I never thought that this would happen』 though.”
“──!!”
In contrast to the furious Edolas.
“Fu ── that’s true.”
Someone spoke words of agreement.
The first positive reaction towards the [Absence] known as Tifalycia.
Just that one sentence was needed to crumble the wall of discrimination.
Originally, she should have an inferior position, the words of an [Absence] that should not necessarily be seriously taken ── could be conveyed to them.
“This matter has thrown a question at us.”
Nobody showed any repulsive reaction to the word ‘us’.
An illusion that it felt natural.
“That is...Is the Heroic War really fine as it is now?...such a question.”
Certain that her words had properly reached them, Tifalycia continued.
“I would like to ask that especially to you honorable Heroes.”
Without a trace.
The target of the question changed to the Heroes.
They, who had less discrimination against 「Infirma」 and [Absence].
“Honorable Heroes, what do you think of the shape of Heroic War that is to snatch the seal from each other? No ── honestly speaking, are you satisfied with the current shape of the Heroic War?”
At those provocative words, quite a few Heroes reacted.
“We have summoned you honorable Heroes to win against other races in the Heroic War. And then ── since you have responded to the summons, you yourselves also wished for battles, conquering and dominance, right?”
Cutting off her words. She took a pause.
“────However, is that all?”
She opened up her arms. Provocatively.
“You all have responded to the summons, was it for the sake of other peoples’ victory? ──No. Those who feel satisfied at other peoples’ victory would never hope for a battlefield known in Another World.”
Tifalycia shook her head, and calmly, decisively, said.
“What you all truly wished for is ── to prove yourself as the best in this world, isn’t that right?”
What appeared in her thought, was the Hero girl who was probably peeping at the current state of the meeting right now.
Victory and fighting itself was equivalent to her.
As if her own value was only in fighting.
“For that sake, fighting while following the conditions and rules set ── I see, I think that posture is wonderful. As expected of those possessing Destiny that could move history itself in their original world. Really, from the bottom of my heart, it’s seriously ──── boring.”
As if possessed by a sarcastic maniac.
She laughed.
“Being content with given conditions is elegance? Fighting in a fixed frame and winning is the proof of being the best? Victory in Heroic War is the utmost joy?”
At those words that could only be regarded as incitement and nothing else...
“What exactly are you──”
Edolas spoke words filled with confusion, at that moment...
“No way, right?”
In the center of the table.
Reiji appeared from the shadow of the chandelier, and spoke with his mouth hidden by the scarf wound around his neck.
“Proof of existence? Heroic War? Victory of the races? What’s that, is it delicious?”
Before the wide opened eyes of the Rulers and Heroes, the ultimate NEET spread open his two arms.
“I have no intention of walking down the rail laid by others. No intention of abiding by the set rules. No matter what others say, I don’t do things I don’t want to do, I only do things that I want to do! I will prove myself using my rules, from myself, for myself!!”
Speech cut.
Questions added.
“Aren’t you all like that? Leading a joke army of soldiers and fight a textbook war like an idiot. Repeating and repeating and repeating victory and defeat ── is that interesting? Is that really what you wish for?”
Even though it should be incitement.
Those words attracted them before they knew it.
The NEET spoke.
“That’s not how it should be! It’s a rare chance that you have come to this place that is Another World, why not do more fun things using everything that you can in this world! Deciding everything by yourself, I am the very first proof of that! With only the power of yourself and your race (your own)!!”
And then ── a haughty declaration.
“Hence ── 「I plead! Every race, every Hero shall decide themselves, to fight with their own power, to survive on their own!」”
That was...only a declaration.
A contract disguised as only a declaration.
Reiji was not the only one warped in faint light.
Without speaking a single sentence, all the Heroes in that place were warped in the magic formation of contract at the same time.
──They fell for it.
Reiji laughed in his mind.
The absolute law known as the Great Contract Magic that encompassed the entire world.
Ever since he knew that its effect did not require words of agreement ── he had always...been thinking.
The method of convincing the Heroes.
Heroic War was acknowledged by the Ruler, but the Hero was the one to actually take command.
In other words, if he wanted to change the system of Heroic War, instead of the Ruler, he just had to convince the Hero.
“──Wait. What did he say just now?”
A Ruler of a race pointed out sharply, letting other Rulers notice it as well.
About Reiji’s true objective.
About making use of the event known as [Authority] for that sake.
Each race using their own strength to fight meant that they could not use the strength of other races.
That meant.
“Fighting, living? Don’t tell me ── Did you just make us establish a contract that would liberate the 「Infirma」!?”
All races had established master-servant contracts with the 「Infirma」.
Reiji declared a contract that would nullify that very contract itself, and at least the Heroes had agreed to it.
If they continue to fight Heroic Wars with Heroes as the main force in the future, they would not be able to borrow the strength of the 「Infirma」 for any and all situations.
If other races did not want to annul the contract with the 「Infirma」 ── it would be fine to establish a contract to overwrite that contract itself.
“Well, that’s how it is.”
A moment later, Reiji relaxed and ── showed an evil smile.
“Hurry up and liberate them ok?”
Saying so, while ignoring all kinds of gaze that were thrown at him by the Rulers and Heroes, he was about to leave the room majestically.
“You guys......don’t you regret......you lowly 「Infirma」 and [Absence], unable to use magic, not possessing anything──”
Edolas raged.
“It’s you guys who better not regret, got it?”
The Hero of 「Liberator」 turned around, and muttered.
“You fellows who selfishly created this trash of a Great Contract Magic, don’t think that you can seriously fight against the 「Liberator」 that can become anything because they have nothing.”
Edolas was rendered speechless, Reiji looked at Tifalycia.
She, who had no position, looked squarely at the Rulers, and quietly spoke.
“If you have any complaints, please go ahead and submit an official document. Be it a Heroic War or anything else, we will respectfully attend to them. Though ── whether or not we will accept it from the front or not, that I do not know.”
They left with a clear smile in the end.
As they disappeared beyond the door──
Thanks for doing this chapter!☺
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