Konjiki no Moji Tsukai

EPISODE 225: Nikkis Will

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The Spirit Forest will now be brought to a closure in this chapter.

After I finished hearing about the benefits of the contract from Tenn, Nikki and the others who had been waiting came over. Her appearance gave off an atmosphere of a dog wagging its tail to its owner.

Kiki, I guess Ill give back the sword first

After Tenn said that, I felt something heavy on my left waist, and when I checked it, the Rending BladeZangeki which wasnt here a while ago had returned. It hadnt changed a bit, but according to Tenn, this sword has already become a part of his body.

Well, lets try to get along from now on, Hiiro!

After he said that, he jumped and landed on my shoulder, then patted my head. I feel more irritated of his being overly-friendly attitude.

youre heavy. Get off

Eeh, but it is nice here! And were already bound by a master-servant contract! Im the master of course!

Dont kid with me you yellow monkey!

I tried to shake him hard from my shoulder, but I felt dizzy all of a sudden, and my gait became unsteady.

Before I became aware, I was supported by something warm on the left side of my body. As if that existence had prevented me from falling.

HiiroOkay?

It was Camus. It seems that he supported me. Besides him was Nikki who had been staring at me with a face full of worry. I took a deep breath, then

Dont worry. Its because I used too much of my magical powers so I staggered a little. Its all right

Ukiki, yeah, thats right! Youre too unreasonable! For a while that little lady, err boywhat is this uncomfortable feelingAh geez! Anyway, its good that child over there have supported you!

(TL Note: We all knew that feeling Tenn. We all knew)

I kind of understand his feeling of uneasiness. Camus isnt a lady, hes a man. But because he looks like a girl and give vibes of one it was very hard to tell.

As I was intending to walk without being supported, I apologize to him and tried to stand alone, and went back to the place where a table is set, whereeveryone else is sitting all together.

From there was Orun, sleeping in Nias shoulder.

Fufufu, she spent the whole time having fun after your absence and tired herself out

As what Nia said, if I recalled correctly Orunhad remembered that I was coming here and was frolicking in high spirits. She was playing noisily with Nikki and the others for a while ago. A feeling of satisfaction can be seen on Oruns sleeping face.

First of all I want to thank everyone, especially Hiiro-sama

Dont mention it. Or should I say I did it to earn a favor? Anyway,its fine.

Yes, Ufufu

(From here the POV switches a lot. Dont blame me. Blame the author)

She made a beautiful smile, so beautiful that any man will surely get captivated by it no matter what they are. But as expected of Hiiro who is being surrounded by women of high levels all the time, he could only leak a sigh.

If there is a good looking guy like Aoyama Daishi were here, he will surely shine out if I were to evaluate objectively, more so if its a beautiful woman. But I stopped that thoughts immediately as it didnt matter to me personally.

So after Hoozuki got a birds eye view of everyones faces, I was told that the gate was to be closed soon.

The gate is a rift of space from where Hiiro came. If it closes, it would take time to open it again.

And it is said that the passage to Fairy Garden should also be closed at once, too. Hearing about it, I could see a shadow in the princess expression. The same could be also said from Nia who could only give a sigh with a face tinged with loneliness.

Those twolook very close

Not that I want to hear it in particular, but Camus whispered to my ear. He seems to have heard the relationships of those two from Hoozuki, although it was heard originally from Nikki.

(I see. Theyre holding their reigns on their emotions because of their current positions)

Though I thought of it as but something irrelevant, it was also true that these two have their own circumstances. Thinking that it seems troublesome, I remained silent, then I noticed Nikki sending her gazes at the two people.

With knitted eyebrows, shes having the kind of face of someone who has thought of something and want to let it out but is unable to. As I was thinking why she is concerned with the two people that much,

Well, anyway, you can feel at ease, Nia. The gate may close now, but it can now be possible to open it here once more. It was all thanks to Hiiro

I see

Though she replied firmly with a smile, there wasnt a trace of joy in her words. It seems that her current relationship with the princess became the splinter for it.

Un, you may have seen this, but that princess is always being dishonest with herself

While Tenn says that while shrugging his shoulders,

Yeah, I have seen itthough no matter how you look at it she isnt the type to be frank with herself, isnt she?

Ukyakya, you can say that again! Princess is so stubborn and obstinate with herself its stupid!

After I got to the table, Tenn who was talking vividly was blown off by the chair which was being thrown out by the princess.

(That guy really doesnt learn his lesson either)

If you say it in such a loud voice, then you should have expected it to reach her. Then, the princess suddenly bowed toward Nia.

We-Well be hoping of meeting you again sometime

Though she tried to leave immediately after saying that,

Eh?

Princess stopped walking. No, she couldnt do anything but to stop. Because on her way, was Nikki spreading her arms apart, blocking her. She who was still beside me had gone over there before anyone is aware.

UhmIs there something you need?

The princess asked in perplexity.

Your farewell is no good desuzo!

What is that stupid pupil doing? I asked my mind in reflex.

Everyone is at loss at Nikkis actions and can only stiffen. Nikki however, is pouting and throws a powerful gaze at the princess.

Uhmm, what do you mean by that actually?

She feigned calmly as much as possible.

A farewell shouldnt be done with ill feelings!

You can perceive that the princess panicked a little. However, she restored her expression to a composed demeanor at once.

wha, what is this child taking about?

Because

Eh?

Nikki interjects the princesss words.

Because, if you were unable to meet again, you will regret it very much!

As having received a shock, the princess lips was faintly shaking. But Nikki harbored sorrowful eyes as she looked at Hiiro, recalling a certain thing.

That girlso she remembered from that time)

It was when I met Nikki for the first time. The fear thatbrought her to though it is also related to her growth, I think she doesnt want others to have such an experience.

It was a painful and heart-breaking event. For this reason, I think Nikki doesnt want the princess to experience it herself and tried to stop her midway.

Hiiro who knew everything sent a calm glance to the princess. She who is an All-Seeing Race should now know how much her present remarks is not a lie and how heavy it is to her.

With that in mind, I took interest in what kind of reaction would she take. As of noticing the feelings of Nikki,

Haha, you might not understand this because youre still too young, I value something called distinction. So until I have made that distinction

Whats more important to you? That distinction or your important person?

!?

Though the princess tried to talk back as an adult, being given a straight sound rebuttal that she cannot argue back, she gritted her teeth as she exposed her irritation.

get out

Dont wanna-desuzo!

I said get out!

At that moment, a terrifying force gushes out of the princess and surrounds Nikki.

I should say as what you expect of a High-Ranking Spirit, to even influence her surroundings with just herhaki. Camus vigilantly tried to go to Nikki, but I immediately made her stop.

(TL Note: Yeah. I cant translate that One Piece word () well. Still, Im keeping it as its already well-known as it is)

Though he turned at me with a puzzled look saying Why did you stop me? I told her Its okay. See? then said nothing anymore.

As Camus is being worried, Nikki took thehakihead-on, causing her body to tremble and her face turn white, but still standing. However, not a step back was made from her.

wh-why?

As for why she stands in her way that much, I also dont know. On the contrary, not even a sensation of being shaken was felt from Nikki.

Meanwhile, Hiiro made a big sigh. Even if just a little, his capriciousness woke up in order to help his pupil.

*sigh*, Oi, snake girl

S-snake girland, what is it?

To her raised eyebrows clearly signifying her unpleasant mood, I moved my mouth.

Once, there is a stupid fellow, but that guy isnt always stupid

Huh?

and always thinking whats right, and though it may not look like it, always idiotically charging ahead

Ill tell you something about that person. That fellow was very close to a certain guy. But one day, after just a trivial quarrel, they didnt talk to each other for a while

All the members as well as the princess listened to Hiiros story.

Always being so worthlessly stubborn, thinking that sooner or later they will be able to make up soon. However, even a single conversation is not possible for them anymore

th, thats

Yeah, That thing happened. That person has died

Being at loss for words, the princess who is unable to refute looked down. Not only her, but also Hoozuki and Nia as well.

That foolish pupil of mine and that guy can never reconcile throughout their lives anymore. This is the result of that trivial pride

That time, sadness and suffering put the childish Nikki in pain as if stabbing a blade into her heart directly. For that reason she who knew the pain of the princess who is doing a similar thing couldnt able to keep silent.

So, hows your distinction faring?

Well, for you it may be something that important

However, as for me and that kid, we have no idea why we should really protect that distinction. Shewants you to give priority to whats the most important thing you have

Hiiro sighed in disgust as he stood up and went to Nikkis direction. He then closed her whited eyes and held her in a princess-carry.

While holding Nikki, he moved next to the princess and said.

Well, no matter what answer you give, it doesnt matter to me. Even then, compared to this fellow who kept standing even if she fainted, which is more of a fool I wonder?

Apparently, it seemed that Niiki has been deprived of her consciousness from the time her body received the princesshakihead-on. Still, maybe because of her strong will, it didnt make her fall and remained standing.

While keeping his glare, Hiiro turned his gaze to Hoozuki.

Oi, We want to go now. If we stayed here a little longer, it will eventually cause an uproar over there, and its a lot of pain in the ass

Alright

After Hoozuki nodded, I sent a wink at Tenn who has returned to the table unnoticed.

Ill leave the latter part to you

Kikii! You can count on me!

And also

Eh?

Though I forgot this, the next time I come here get ready for your punishment okay?

Hii! U, u, ukiiiiiiiii!

Apparently, Hiiro didnt forget Tenns punishment for playing a prank on him either. Tenn seems to have hoped that it will be forgotten as it is, but it didnt seem to go that well. He ran away to the depths of the forest with a terrified expression. It was totally a picture of a poor small monkey.

I returned my gaze to Hoozuki who seems to be smiling for some reason.

Thank you

for what?

in various ways. That child too

Still wearingthat gentle smile, he sent a glance to Nikki. He truly wished to express his gratitude especially for the princess, even though the person in question hardened herself and turned back.

Hiiro-san, see you again

if fate gives us a chance

Ufufu, too bad Orun is still in such state

She was dripping her saliva while sleeping soundly on her shoulder.

Well, she wont be as noisy so its fine. Lets go

Camus steps behind and extends his eyes towards where Tenn ran off to and tried to chase after him. But then,

Wait!

Myfeet was stopped suddenly. this voice, it surely belonged to the princess.

What is it?

While holding Nikki, I turned around.

n, name

Haa?

she then thrusted her finger while blushing in deep red.

(TL Note: AKA the classic tsundere pose, likethis)

N,name! The name of that child!

didnt I introduce her a while ago?

Uu

In other words, she didnt remember. The princess gave an embarrassing sight.

Haah, Shes Nikki

NikkiNikkihey

She then approached and gently wrapped Nikkis small hand with both of hers.

Reallydespite being so smallyoure quite cheeky

She gave a somewhat refreshing expression, contrary to her words. The she took the white ribbon binding her hair, and tied it on the hand of Nikki.

Thank you

Though I could only see her lips move, I was able to almost hear her saying it softly.

(Heee, so this fellow knows how to smile)

Her smile, whom I had seen personally was richer than all of the women I had met until now.

You, so you can smile like that. You know, I would prefer you if continue doing that

If she were to put out an honest front like this, I will surely have a good impression of her, and this wont go on a strange turn of saving her.

But in response to the words of Hiiro, the princess face reddened like a boiling octopus.

Wa, wawawawawawhat are you saying! A-are you making advances on me!? I-I-Im not such an easy woman to fall for that you know?

(TL Note: But didnt you already fall? Or maybe you have fallen so hard your senses became numb and jumbled your memories of falling for him?)

As she yelled threateningly as her lips tremble,

Huh? What the hell are you saying?

I cannot understand what she wanted to say at all. How in Edea made her think would I am making a pass on her?

(TL Note: Dude. Im just curious. If Ithrow you in the Dead Sea, will you float?)

eh?

With Hiiros expressionless reaction, she was able to regain her usual composure. Then,

Aaaah Geez! Anyway!

The princess went and faced Nia. Nia on the other hand, was surprised at her sudden actions.

Uhmmyou seeI, I want to apologize. No, its not that, errIm sorry!

Being apologized suddenly, Nia was confused on how to react to the situation.

Uhmwill, will you forgive meNi, Nia?

With this, Nias expression brightened and turned into a gleeful look like a flower in full bloom.

PrincessOf course, Ill gladly forgive you, princess

(TL Note: I know this is kind of late but, should I continue using Princess or change it to Hime? What do you guys prefer?)

Tears fell down on both of their eyes. They were tears of joy.

(Looks like my stupid pupils fainting was worth it)

Despite the emotional situation before him, Hiiro continued advancing. Tenn who appeared from nowhere waved his hands urging them to hurry up. It seems hes very afraid of the punishment before him and wants to leave quickly. Then, at my back,

Hiiro Okamura! The next time we meet, Ill make you acknowledge me by all means!

(TN Note: should I use the term notice instead of acknowledge? But notice is kind of unfitting for an obstinate princess)

While thinking that there isnt a need for me to acknowledge her in my mind, I moved my feet ignoring it. I turned my gaze again for a last look at the fairy-tale like place, then directed my sight to Tenn to make him lead the way.

(what a strange bunch of companions I have gotten)

A dog for Nikki, a pheasant for Mikadzuki, and a monkey for Tenn. Well, for Nikki she only acts like one though.

(What am I, Momotaro?)

Anyway, whats good is I have obtained a new kind of power. Even though the basic problem is not settled yet, because in this encounter I obtained something, its all right.

(but that explanation surely is a pain in the ass)

Thinking hard on how I would tell this Lilyn, and more importantly Silva when I get back, I left the fairy-tale like place and home of the spirits, the Spirit Forest.