Chapter 164.2
Translator: Jiro Editor: Ryunakama
As soon as I asked my question Ilga froze up.
His look was that of complete confusion. He wasnt sure as to how I was able to find out his name, or the fact that he was a magician.
It seems I was right.
I snatched Ilgas collar and lifted him up.
You said everyone didnt you? Did you gather the monsters alongside your pals in an attempt to attack the town? So, where are your pals hiding? I asked.
Please. Ilga looked down and raised both of his hands.
Is he trying to surrender?
You got me. I guess you saw through everything. Ilga said.
Dont underestimate me. The stuff the bastards like you commit are clear as day to me. I said.
Having been completely found out, Ilga completely lost his will to resist.
Well even if he did try to run away its not like I would have allowed him.
Give me the details.
Okay, okay. he said, after which he proceeded to explain what they had done.
My friends were eaten by that huge thing. And the ones that managed to escape were probably eaten by the other monsters
His eyes were full of despair as he talked.
Come to think of it, I saw a person being attacked by a Dark Imps, but strangely enough that persons body didnt seem like that of an ordinary person.He was probably one of the bandits.
Just before I was swallowed up by the huge thing I cast a protective spell, which is how I was able to survive he said.
I looked inside the massive hole, and saw several human bones strewn about.
Considering his skill as a magician, if Ilga had wanted to he could have escaped alone without any worries.
However, the reason he hadnt done so was so that he could try and save his companions.
Hes quite fond of his companions it seems Well either way, that doesnt mean that Ill let him go.
Why dont you take me to your base? And I presume theres no need to tell you what will happen if you refuse? I said while staring at him menacingly.
While on the other hand Ilga looked back at me with a sneer.
Good grief, I really dont have any companions left HEY! Theres a black monster over there! he yelled out.
Hm?
As soon as I heard him I turned around and looked at the place he had pointed at. I didnt see any black monsters, though; instead, there was Milly, who was just waking up and staring at me.
Haha! You idiot! Ilga said as he cast Teleport.
As I looked back he was already quite far away.
Tsch. What a cheap trick Dont think Ill let you go that easily!
Milly, look after the other two.
Huh? Huh?
I cast Teleport and chased after Ilga, leaving Milly befuddled.
I followed behind him, while being careful not to be found out. After a while I arrived at an abandoned village.
It was a nameless farming village. From what I remembered its youngsters had left for the city, leaving only the elderly behind.
It was utterly demolished when I looked at it now, yet there was still evidence of individuals who had recently lived there.
Ilga and the other bandits probably used the black monsters to assault the village and make it their base.Well then, where is he hiding?
I imagined my magic power flowing out from my body.
When it came to a magician of my calibre, I was able to locate monsters or other magicians in a specific region.
It was difficult to use it in the centre of towns or dungeons because they were too congested, but it was very beneficial in abandoned villages like this one.
I can feel magic power from the north Its faint but its definitely a magician.
I came across a run-down house as I continued cautiously.
There Lets go.
I cast an Intimidation spell so that he wouldnt be able to escape even if I was found out.
The Intimidation spell that I used was one made specially by me, after witnessing other magicians use theirs.
Its range was small; however, it was more than enough to cover this worn-down house.With this he wont be able to teleport.
I walked in carefully. As soon as I did I could clearly feel the presence of a person inside.
With each step the floorboards underneath my feet creaked. The inside of the house was unexpectedly narrow, and I quickly managed to make my way to the room in the back.
I walked inside after opening the door. I noticed a faint silhouette of a person on the floor.The silver-haired girl wore a red cap and was tied with a rope, while also having a piece of cloth around her mouth.
Elise?
It was Elise, with whom we parted at Nanami.
I thought she went back to Prolea To think that Id meet her here.
I dashed over to her right away. I assumed she was sleeping based on her steady breathing.Underneath her eyes I could see traces of tears.
These are spell sealing shackles, arent they?
They were a type of shackles which could forcefully seal away a persons spells. And they were wrapped around Elises hands.
From outside the house I heard something trying to flee just as I was about to cast an unlocking spell to remove the shackles.
Ilga!! Damn it.
I wanted to chase after him, however I couldnt leave Elise behind.
Tsch. That bastard. He used Elise as bait for him to run away.What a sly fox.
By the time I noticed he managed to run away far enough from the house, allowing him to use Teleportation.
Theres nothing I can do anymore. Ill let him go this time.
I then cast the unlocking spell and the shackles fell to the ground.
However, the traces of them on Elises small wrists were still there.
She must have struggled quite a bit.
Elises fingers twitched when I took her hand and cast Healing on her.
She slowly opened her eyes and muttered something out.
ugrh
Youre up.
F-Fa
As soon as she heard my voice her eyes filled with tears and she jumped forth to hug me.She must have gone through a lot, considering how much her small body was trembling.
WAAAA!! FATHER!! she yelled out.
H-Hey!
I-It was so scary Father waaa
Elise
She refused to let go of me as she continued to cry her eyes out.
It appeared that he was under the impression that I was her father, as she constantly called out for him.
This is the first time Ive seen something besides her arrogant side. I have to admit, shes quite cute.
As I passed my fingers through her hair I could feel a warm feeling rise up in my chest.
Huh? Elise muttered, perplexed.
She then sniffed my chest area after which she froze.
This is not fathers smell she murmured.
She suddenly let go of her grip and raised her head.
As our eyes met our faces were on the verge of colliding.
This is bad
Elises eyes widened and she utterly stopped, as if she was thinking the same thing as me.
W-Wha.
How should I say this Im sorry that Im not your father
!!!
Upon hearing my reply Elises face turned bright red.
And immediately after that full-force slap landed on my cheek. She then walked behind me and changed into her filthy and soiled clothes.
I sat cross-legged, listening to the sound of clothes rubbing.
Dont you dare look!
Who would If youre that worried why not do it outside the room?
T-Thats
Well shes probably scared.I shouldnt tease her that much.
I patiently waited for Elise to get changed.
Im done. she said after a bit.
When I turned back, there she was, dressed correctly and with her arms folded in front of her chest.
To think that she would still put on that act after just now showing me that shameful sight I guess thats just like her.
Elises cheeks flushed and she pouted when she noticed me giggling to myself.
Good grief, how could I mistake such a tactless man with my father Elise said.
I dont think you have the right to insult me when youre the one who mistook me in the first place.
Shut up! Its entirely your fault for having that deceptive haircut! she said, turning to the side.
Good grief, what a wilful person.Well still, considering how shes acting, it seems like they didnt do anything to her.I thought that maybe Ilga and the others violated her but that doesnt seem to be the caseThank god they werent lolicons.
I took a deep breath and placed my hands on Elises shoulders.
As I looked her straight in the eyes, she swallowed down her saliva.
W-What is it?
Elise, its best for you to go back You had quite the unpleasant experience didnt you?
Wha!!! Elise exclaimed.
I squeezed her shoulders even tighter as I pulled her closer.
Its still too early for you to travel. You should polish your skills more under your fathers guidance.
Y-You dont have the right to order me around
Elise.
!!!
Elise gasped and looked down after a few moments of staring at my eyes, possibly realizing that I was serious.
She opened her mouth slightly after a while, as though she had made up her mind.
Remember this she murmured out and brushed off my hands before turning around and gathering her magical power.
The blue light that appeared enveloped Elise and she began to disappear.
Just before she disappeared she turned around to glare at me one final time. However, I noticed something shimmering in the corner of her eye as she did so.
Good grief. Why must I be blamed even after saving her.She really does have a bad character.
I chose to return to Nanami after being baffled by her bizarre conduct.
Welcome back Zeph. What happened to the person you chased after? Milly asked as soon as I returned to my house.
He escaped. Although Im certain that he wont come after us or this town ever again.
Really? Then thats great.
How are Claude and Shirushu?
Theyre sleeping in your mothers room. They have yet to wake up.
Well they did inhale the poison.Its no wonder they are still asleep.
The town is in an awful state as well. We must put up the protective barrier as soon as possible. I suggested.
Youre right. Lets do it tomorrow. After all, you seem quite tired. Milly said.
Like youre one to talk. You used too much magic power as well. You probably wont be able to move at all tomorrow.
Yea, yea, I know.
If you say so But, youre right. I am really tired. I need to get some sleep.
Youre right. I should get some rest too. Good night Zeph. Milly said.
Night.
Milly and I both passed asleep on the sofa after reaching our limits.