MTL: uniquegasuki

Editor/ Proofreader: (not proofread)

「……Oofuisan (オーフィア), are you an elf?」 (Kurando)

While ignoring the commotion around him, Kurando asked her a question.

As it is already futile, if he is going down, Kurando rather choose the direction in which he falls.

「Yes, I am. I’m one of the forest people. If you would like, I can call forth the spirit of the forest.」 (Oofuia)

「Do you mind giving me an explanation?」 (Kurando)

「Eh, for us elves, using spirit magic is intuitive. You see, we have been using spirit magic long before human discovered it.」 (Oofuia)

「Then, what about autonomous magic?」 (Kurando)

「I know of it. An ordinary elf probably isn’t too knowledgeable about such magic, but since I have lived a long life, I had taken an interest in it.」 (Oofuia)

「Hmm.….. how about you instruct me on autonomous magic after the business with Akari is settled?」 (Kurando)

Oofuia placed her hand on her chin; she seems to be pondering something.

「Huh, are you okay with autonomous magic? I could also instruct you on spirit magic and life spirit magic, you know? Anyhow, it will be awhile before the retrial starts.」 (Oofuia)

Kurando is bewildered by how easily his request was accepted.

「Well, as long as you don’t discriminate, yes. Alright then, I will be teaching you 3 autonomous magic and 3 magic formulas. I’ll hold off on spirit magic and life spirit magic, so for now, let us work on raising your ability.」 (Oofuia)

「……well, that is good for me, but then there is Yukis.h.i.+ro……」 (Kurando)

They look towards Yukis.h.i.+ro who is hiding behind Kurando.

「Will it be okay?」 (Oofuia)

Oofuia crouched down so that her line-of-sight matched with Yukis.h.i.+ro’s.

As it listened to her request, Yukis.h.i.+ro merely moved its body but didn’t take a threatening pose.

At times, it made low growling noises that only Kurando could hear but Oofuia couldn’t.

A short while later, Oofuia stood up.

「Fufufu, Yukis.h.i.+ro-san is not against the idea. So, may we proceed?」 (Oofuia)

Kurando looks toward Yukis.h.i.+ro.

――Guau (Yukis.h.i.+ro)

It doesn’t seem opposed to the idea and it surprisingly seems to be in a good mood.

Now that they have received Yukis.h.i.+ro’s permission, Kurando has no choice but to nod in agreement.

Annihilate, huh.

If he had wanted to choose that option, Kurando would have already killed Akari.

But, he couldn’t bring himself to kill people that are not clearly his enemy.

For now, Kurando is still clean; he hasn’t become ruthless. The current him would still be able to live comfortably in modern-day j.a.pan.

Despite Kurando acting coldhearted, from time to time, he had not cast away his compa.s.sion.

In other words, he hasn’t forgotten that this situation was caused by the results of his actions.

Kurando must see this mess through to the end.

Even if it is illogical, he has to continue onwards.

And thus, Kurando decided to make the best of his situation.

And thus, the large group of 『Maruuna・Niyuumu (月の女神の付き人, マルゥナ・ニュゥム, moon G.o.ddess’s attendant)』 followers set up camp in the vicinity of Kurando’s cave.

The tent is quickly being setup.

A variety of women can be seen moving about.

From among them; Kurando sees those from the beast race, giant race, little people, and other races he didn’t

know of.

「Do you find this to be an unusual sight?」 (Oofuia)

Kurando takes a sit on the stone beside Oofuia.

「Somewhat. I’m only used to seeing the race of people common to Sarewado village. The village does have a number of people from different races, though.」 (Kurando)

「Well, that is probably because Sarewado is located on the frontier, in the western part of the continent, and not many other races venture to such rural areas.」 (Oofuia)

「……what about discrimination?」 (Kurando)

「Discrimination can be found all anywhere as it depends on the individual.」 (Oofuia)

「What about for elves?」 (Kurando)

The only things Kurando knows about elves are what he has learned about them from fantasy stories.

Oofuia made a wry smile.

「Well, rather than facing discrimination, elves are quite xenophobic. The majority of elves, they don’t meddle with other race. Since olden times, the elves had never been persecuted. You see, elves have never been interested in living anywhere else aside from the forest they have always resided in. Well, some oddb.a.l.l.s among the elves of old would leave the forest; although, they are in the minority.」 (Oofuia)

(T/N: it mentions, “エルフトウン・エルフ (erufutoun・erufu, *elf town・elf, elf on・elf (???))”; don’t know what it means, probably not important)

Kurando nods in acknowledgment.

In the crowd of women, a short distance away from where Oofuia and Kurando are chatting, something slowly approaches Yukis.h.i.+ro who is laying on the ground beside Kurando’s feet.

Although Yukis.h.i.+ro has its eyes closed, it noticed the person’s rude behavior.

The cat tribe beastman tried to pounce on Yukis.h.i.+ro.

However, Yukis.h.i.+ro prevented the a.s.sault on its tail.

「S-sad, nyaa」 (Maanya)

The cat tribe beastman hangs her head in disappointment.

「Maanya (マーニャ), what is it this time?」 (Oofuia)

Oofuia has a troubled expression as she looked at the cat tribe beastman, Maanya.

She has messy brown hair and pointy dark-brown cat ears. Her eyes are sharp and her canine fangs are protruding from her mouth. Maanya has the appearance of a slender and cheerful girl.

「Yukis.h.i.+ro-san, sorry. As you can see, this child is a cat tribe beastman and she is just br.i.m.m.i.n.g with curiosity. Maanya, go introduce yourself.」 (Oofuia)

After being reprimanded by Oofuia, Maanya got up.

「Maanya, nya」 (Maanya)

「That is Yukis.h.i.+ro, I’m Kurando.」 (Kurando)

「I wish to touch that Iruniiku (イルニーク), nya」 (Maanya)

「You have to ask Yukis.h.i.+ro.」 (Kurando)

After Kurando informed her, Maanya when over to Yukis.h.i.+ro and crouched down to talk to it.

Oofuia and Kurando watched over them and listened to their conversation.

「……when did it become normal to talk with Yukis.h.i.+ro? Is such a thing unusual?」 (Kurando)

After having met the parent magical beast, Kurando ended up raising Yukis.h.i.+ro. Yukis.h.i.+ro was the one who taught him that it is possible for man and beast to understand one another. However, normal people do not try to understand magical beast; as hunters, they hunt them. But of course, in such a case as this, those who are able to reach a mutual understanding with a magical beast are definitely in the minority.

Oofuia made a faint and wryly smile.

「If it was me, as an elf, I would show them the same respectful I would give flowers and trees. Being able to understand a magical beast is different from knowing how to hunting them. Think of it as

as coexisting with them. Besides, 『Maruuna・Niyuumu』 wasn’t perfect. She had to put forth effort.」 (Oofuia)

The women who had finished setting up the tent turned to look at Oofuia.

Kurando couldn’t help but think, the group of women felt afraid of Yukis.h.i.+ro. He sees the small rat tribe beastman and the large ox tribe beastman trying to hide their trembling body.

「Hey, can you hear me? I thought they all received training at the a.s.sociation.」 (Kurando)

Kurando shouts to the direction where Makus.h.i.+mu and Akari are located.

「Well, it just happens that, the training offered on the frontier is more Spartan than that of the other a.s.sociations.」 (Makus.h.i.+mu)

Kurando and Makus.h.i.+mu are quite similar to each other.

「What, are you still angry. Uptight b.a.s.t.a.r.d.」 (Makus.h.i.+mu)

「――Makus.h.i.+mu-san」 (Akari)

「――no matter how much time past, you’re still quite insensitive.」 (Oofuia)

After the two scolded him, Makus.h.i.+mu scratched his head and then said something.

「Well, sorry for everything. No matter how much time pa.s.s, I’m no match for you, Oofuibaasan.」 (Makus.h.i.+mu)

(T/N: “baasan” means, grandmother)

Kurando lets out a single sigh.

「Whatever.」 (Kurando)

「So, Oofuia, what is your group’s relation to the hunter a.s.sociation?」 (Kurando)

Kurando directs a question to Oofuia.

For some reason, Akari who is sitting across from them became unusually excited.

「Aside from the parliament and the central government, 『Maruuna・Niyuumu』 has retained its influence with the hunter a.s.sociation. You see, we can advise hunters to travel to places or countries where they are needed. Our authority has nothing to do with politics nor does its power vary from country to country. This is possible because the followers of Maruuna・Niyuumu has a long history with the hunter a.s.sociation. When the a.s.sociation was first established, during the chaos and confusion that arisen, we provided them with support. But even before that, we are an organization that has had ties with them since they were the adventurer guild. You could say, that even if they throw a tantrum, we could advise hunters to not travel to their country.」 (Oofuia)

「This isn’t an exaggeration, you know.」 (Akari)

Oofuia made a bright smile.

However, 『Maruuna・Niyuumu』 authority to give jugdement・discipline is not a written law or rule. Their power comes from hunters, who reside in their respective country, that follow Maruuna・Niyuumu’s opinion and there is nothing the a.s.sociation can do about it. But, Maruuna・Niyuumu does hold some influence with the government of each country.

「You see, Oofuisan, the current top chief of 『Maruuna・Niyuumu』 for no less than the last 200 years, is known to be the most influence of all her predecessors. During the beginning of Eripusu (エリプス) first world war, when each country had been neglecting their borders, there was a disaster caused by magical beast in a village on the remote frontier; Oofuia had resolved this problem and later became hailed as a saint.」 (Akari)

Akari is unusually fascinated with the conversation.

「You see, Akari is a big fan of Oofuia. She had been quite excited for a while now.」 (Makus.h.i.+mu)

Akari turned red after Makus.h.i.+mu pointed it out.

「Oh-ho, you are a fan of an obachan such as myself, that surely does make be happy.」 (Oofuia)

Oofuia showed a pleasant smile and looks towards Kurando.

「By the way, is there is any problem you’re having with the hunter a.s.sociation in Sarewado village?」 (Oofuia)

Then

village?」 (Oofuia)

Then and suddenly, when Kurando had thought everything was resolved, he was reminded of reality.

Kurando never thought that he would be able to repay the branch chief and Zauru (ザウル) for his mistreatment.

He could kill them, but one mistake would put his own life in danger.

It is possible for Kurando to get Zauru and the branch chief prosecuted with Akari’s help as she might be proof enough of their wrongdoing.

Kurando was unable to come up with any other countermeasures; therefore, without an escape plan, he didn’t want to go on the offense.

Furthermore, now that Makus.h.i.+mu has returned, it won’t be long before Kurando doesn’t have to shelter Akari. When it all comes to an end, Kurando doesn’t have to continue being a hunter at Sarewado village (サレハド).

Kurando thought about everything for a good while.

However, a surprising opportunity appeared.

And thus, Kurando informed Oofuia about the things that had happened after Makus.h.i.+mu left. He told her about the pestering branch chief, that staff member, the situation pertaining to Zauru, and how he had to just put up with everything.

Kurando explained their arbitrary interpretation of the a.s.sociation’s rules.

He told them of their blatant misuse of the rules.

And how they had abused the use of the obligation request policy.

As Oofuia listened to Kurando’s story, the elderly woman didn’t show her usual sweet smile; instead, she showed the stern expression of a chief.

「I see. It not that I don’t believe you, but do you have any evidence? I won’t be able to do much without any proof as they come simply make up an old excuse.」 (Oofuia)

Kurando stands up and heads toward the cave.

He returned from the cave and handed Oofuia a bundle of papers.

「This is…… oh I see. Ah, so you were aware of it. I’m surprised, not many people ask for a written copy of their transaction.」 (Oofuia)

She received the bundle of papers and began to read over them.

「……well, there is quite a bit here,」 (Oofuia)

Although the conditions were strict, it wasn’t as ironclad as his employee contract while he was working in j.a.pan.

After she looked over the papers, Oofuia stood up.

「Diantia (ディアンティア), Arii (アリー), come over here.」 (Oofuia)

The two women who are clothed in a dark green robe and leather armor rushed over as soon as they were called. They are hunters who had fought an Atorabas.h.i.+ku (大棘地蜘蛛, アトラバシク, giant th.o.r.n.y spider) on their journey up the mountain.

「These two women are my a.s.sistances. She is Diantia of the crystal tribe (水晶系地人), the other is Arii of the white tribe (白系人種). Diantia, Arii, this here is Kurando-san.」 (Oofuia)

Diantia is about Kurando’s height. Her red crystal, rose quartz in color, mannequin-like face is easy to read. Although, unlike a normal person’s facial features; her eyes, nose, and mouth are faintly visible; but nevertheless, she is a mysterious beauty.

Arii, who is from the white tribe, a tribe that is present in Sarewado; she is a feminine girl, small in stature with blond hair and blue eyes. (T/N: yeah, umm, no way for me to not make these sentence sound strange)

After Oofuia introduced them, everyone gave a brief greeting before they got down to business.

「Please, have a look at

a look at this.」 (Oofuia)

The two looked over the bundle of papers Oofuia had handed them.

「I will be blunt, the staff member is suspicious.」 (Diantia)

Diantia’s voice gives off a pleasant sound, like that of the ringing of a wine gla.s.s.

「Well, for now, let us just go over everything~」 (Arii)

Arii responded with a carefree att.i.tude.

「Yes, that is right. We need to confirm the details. Kurando-san, can you lend me your tag?」 (Oofuia)

After receiving his tag, Oofuia excused herself and then from her robe, she reveals a necklace.

She placed a ring against the tag and then begins to recite an incantation.

≪ 真実 (Ｓｓａｎｎｉðとａð) 信頼 (ｍíｎｕ) の (ｆｙｒｉｒ) 証として (ｓｓｐｏｒｉｎ) 刻まれた (ｒｉｓｔａ ｅｉｎｓ) 足跡 (ｓｓöｎｎｕｎ) を (á 、) 我が (ｔｒａｕｓｔｉ) 前に (ｏｇ) 示せ (ｓｓａｎｎｌｅｉｋａ) ≫　(T/N: …gibberish)

Maryoku starts to flow as she activated some sort of autonomous magic.

However, nothing special happened.

「……umm, the only thing recorded here is a Torabokku (トラボック) hunt request.」 (Oofuia)

Oofuia was astounded and showed a blank expression.

In a low voice, Diantia gave him an explanation.

「That was a tool and autonomous magic used by the a.s.sociation to read tags.」 (Diantia)

Diantia’s voice caused a pleasurable feeling in Kurando’s ears; he wanted to hear her voice once more.

「Sorry, I didn’t catch that.」 (Kurando)

He pretends he didn’t hear her.

「Like I was saying, the tool and autonomous magic are used by the a.s.sociation to read tags. By using the magic, one can recall the requests that the a.s.sociation has recorded on the tag.」 (Diantia)

Her voice is like a wind chime, but more tender.

「Sorry, but can you repea――」 (Kurando)

Akari delivers a physical punishment to Janitor-san by kneeing him in the back.

Kurando apologies to Diantia for his mischief by giving her a slight bow.

Diantia is puzzled by his sudden bow and she turns her head. Arii who saw this merely giggled.

「Aside from the first Torabokku hunt request, there is no other request recorded.」 (Oofuia)

Having calmed down, Kurando inquired more about what was said.

「……are there any records that mention Iraida?」 (Kurando)

「Huh, Iraida・Baagin (イライダ・バーギン) is here?」 (Oofuia)

「I have been in her care. You see, we have been working together.」 (Kurando)

「No such information is recorded here. But if it is that Iraida・Baagin, she would be a valuable witness.」 (Oofuia)

Oofuia, Diantia, and Arii nod in agreement.

Oofuia changed her posture and then looks to Kurando.

「We won’t be able to take action right away. You see, before we can act, the personal and other necessary arrangements need to be made. But,」 (Oofuia)

She continues.

「Those who commit blaspheme against the G.o.ddess of the hunt will surely be punished. ――anyone foolish enough to touch the G.o.ddess’s breast will be frozen by her icy breath and then smashed to pieces.」 (Oofuia)

Oofuia ends her speech with a smile.

At that moment, everyone present felt a chill run down their spine.

In that tense atmosphere, only one didn’t notice the situation, a lone animal.

All this time, Maanya has been trying to communicate with Yukis.h.i.+ro. As for the results, for some reason, she was able to toy with Yukihiro’s tail. Although after she had her fill, Maanya lain exhausted on the ground.

「Nyaa, I’ll see you tomorrow.」 (Maanya)

The curious Maanya still had not yet given up on pestering Yukis.h.i.+ro.