Mushoku Tensei

Volume 17 Side Story - Black Wolf Sword King

Part 1

Three days after Perugius Dola entered a partnership with Ariel Anemoi Asura.

At an auditorium slightly far away from the magic university’s women’s dormitory, prepared for nobles, a place that has a variety of uses.

Currently, this place was reserved by Princess Ariel in preparation to move.

In front of the auditorium’s room, there were four figures.

There were three women and one man.

Quagmire Rudeus, and Silent Fitts - Sylphiette.

The other two were Sword Kings who had recently started to become famous in the neighborhood.

They were Eris and Ghyslaine.

"I’ll say this first, I’ve forgotten about etiquette."

"I’m also ignorant in manners."

In front the auditorium’s door, those two declared squarely.

Before their attitude, Rudeus shrugged his shoulders and Sylphy made a bitter smile.

"Ariel-sama isn’t a person who makes such a fuss about etiquette. For an escort attendant, no more than the necessary etiquette is required."

As Sylphy said so, she picked and removed a piece of thread she saw on Eris’s shoulder.

In front of that attitude, Eris’s mouth formed the character ‘へ’ and crossed her arms.

"But, I’m also Rudeus’s wife, if my attitude is strange, won’t I trouble Rudeus?"

Hearing Eris’s words, Rudeus was blinking his eyes in surprise.

He did not think that such words could come out from Eris.

"I’m not particularly troubled. However, I want you to keep polite speech in mind. If not, Sylphy will lose face."

"……No, I don’t particularly mind. I’ve become accustomed to such things."

Sylphy scratched the back of her ear while her mouth made a pout.

Being bullied, having experience in dressing as a male escort, she got used to being called this and that by other people.

Of course, even if she got used to it, it was tough.

But, after living together these 10 days, to expect such understanding from Eris was unfair.

"……"

On the other hand, seeing this, Eris thought that after all she should try her best.

Her feelings regarding Sylphy were still complicated.

Frankly, she did not yet hold an image of her place in the ‘family’.

However, she did not identify her as an enemy.

The feelings of being comrades, or rather the feeling of being compatriots was closer.

"Hm……"

While Eris’s face made a frown, she looked down at her attire with no self-confidence.

There were no funny places.

It was not formal attire, but Nina assured that it was not an attire that would bring shame to a Sword King.

However, she was a stubborn Sword King.

"The attire is not weird?"

"Yes. It’s fine. That form is very cool."

Having received Sylphy’s approval, Eris nodded with [Alright].

Somehow, having Sylphy say it’s all right was enough for approval.

"Or would a dress be better? After all, Eris is an Ojou-sama from a respectable family. To say, looking like an Ojou-sama would be better?"

"If there’s no problem, this is fine."

Eris has also bought clothes and accessories since coming here, but she hasn’t shown them to Rudeus yet.

So far, the opportunity to wear them wasn't there……

Somehow they did not feel suitable, not once were they put on.

What was shown was only a negligee for night use.

Furthermore, at night the period of time to show it to Rudeus was short, as a matter of fact it was soon taken off.

"About etiquette, until we arrive at Asura Kingdom it is fine to learn from Sylphy."

"……Well, I’m not reluctant to teach."

Eris took a deep breath.

Become a wife.

Become a woman suitable for Rudeus.

While thinking she had persevered well, after all just training the sword was not good.

"All right, let’s go."

Following Sylphy’s words, Eris and Ghyslaine nodded deeply.

Sylphy knocked at the door in front of them and raised her voice.

"Ariel-sama. Eris Greyrat and Ghyslaine Dedorudia-sama have come for introduction!"

"Please enter."

Sylphy opened the door and entered inside.

Due to packing, the inside of the room was more messy than usual.

Ariel was seated in the middle of the room.

Sylphy moved to stand next to Ariel.

Rudeus stood in the middle between Ariel and Eris.

Rudeus first placed his hand to his chest and bowed, then gestured with his hand towards Eris.

"Ariel-sama. This person is Eris, Eris Greyrat. I’m sure Ariel-sama already knows, she is the swordswoman with the alias Mad Sword King. For this journey, she will accompany me, Rudeus Greyrat, as an escort."

Rudeus said so far, then called her out in a low voice with [Hey, Eris].

Eris noticed her arms being folded, placed her hand to her chest and bowed.

It is an imitation of Rudeus.

"Eris Greyrat."

It was an attitude that could be considered poor, but Ariel smiled gently.

"I am delighted to make your acquaintance Eris-sama. I am Asura Kingdom’s second princess, Ariel Anemoi Asura. I have heard many things about you since a tender age."

"Hmpf, anyway, surely they weren't good rumors."

Hearing those words, Ariel laughed slightly.

"Indeed, the rumors reaching the royal palace were certainly not good rumors. However, I do not intend to judge a person based on rumors. Rumors are, after all, just rumors."

"……"

"Above all, standing next to Rudeus-sama is evidence enough. People who gather near Rudeus-sama tend to have one or two peculiar traits, but they are not bad people."

Nodding in satisfaction, Eris crossed her arms.

Spreading her legs to about shoulder width, it’s her usual pose.

The greeting of a noble’s young daughter was already forgotten.

"That’s it. Rudeus is amazing. It seems you do understand."

"Yes…… Regardless, it may be for a short time, please be at ease."

While being seated, Ariel expressed her thanks.

Seeing this, Eris breathed out with [Hmpf] in a single breath and bowed once again.

[Cough]

Scratching the back of her ear after seeing Eris's attitude, Sylphy cleared her throat.

Before the cough, Eris made a small [Ah] and opened her arms.

Then, making a troubled face, retreated to the back.

Seeing this, with a wry smile, Rudeus indicated to Ghyslaine.

"This person is Ghyslaine, Ghyslaine Dedorudia. The famous Black Wolf Ghyslaine. I’d like to introduce her as Ariel-sama’s escort."

Ghyslaine came one step forward and kneeled down on one knee.

Facing Ariel with one eye, sending a sharp glance.

"Ghyslaine."

"I am delighted to make your acquaintance Ghyslaine. I am Asura Kingdom’s second princess, Ariel Anemoi Asura. Ever since you came to Fedoa region—"

"I want to ask one thing."

Interrupting Ariel’s words, Ghyslaine asked,

"I heard by working under you, I would be able to fight against Sauros-sama’s enemies. Is it the truth?"

"It is the truth."

Ariel replied immediately to this insolent question.

She has already heard from Sylphy why this person would want to become her guard.

Ghyslaine will take revenge for Sauros.

In name, Eris is Rudeus’s escort, but she seems to join for a similar reason and aim.

"If you follow me to Asura’s royal palace, the perpetrators responsible for tricking Sauros-sama……will surely be found. No, I will find them. At that time, please swing your sword until your heart is content."

Ariel seems to know things regarding Sauros Boreas Greyrat’s death.

To take responsibility for Fedoa region’s disappearance, he was executed.

One of the four feudal lords, in order to weaken the power of Boreas, it is the result of a scheme to weaken the forces of the first prince.

Of course, Ariel does not have any memory of issuing such an order.

However, Ariel thought that there was the possibility that a person in her own faction had a hand in this.

In that case it would become a difficult situation……

Even so, the neck of that noble will be presented without hesitation.

To save Rudeus’s face who introduced Ghyslaine.

"I entrust it to you."

Ghyslaine said so with a single word and quickly stood up.

Moving her tail and sending a gaze to Sylphy.

"Then, what should I do?"

"Ehm. From tomorrow on, Ghyslaine-san will become Ariel-sama’s escort. Today’s meeting is intended to make introductions, once the preparations for the journey are complete, please come to my place again."

"Got it…… and Ghyslaine is fine."

Ghyslaine said so in a short amount of time and retreated to the back with one step.

"……"

Once again, Ariel took a look at the three figures in front of her.

Mad Sword King Eris, Black Wolf Ghyslaine.

The one who summoned those two was the most powerful magician among Ariel’s acquaintances, Quagmire Rudeus.

Powerful they may be, but these three people have not sworn fealty to her.

And, the one standing behind Rudeus was Dragon God Orsted.

While Rudeus himself denied this, it seems it was on the instructions of Orsted for him to contact her.

To be honest, it is not known exactly what Orsted is plotting.

Ariel has only once seen Orsted.

With just one glance, inexplicable fear was experienced.

Based on the conversation with Nanahoshi, without knowing the reason for cooperation, a sense of anxiety exists.

Even so, Ariel remembered feeling a mysterious sense of security.

Is it because a great amount of forces were assembled before her eyes?

Despite knowing that an unmanageable force could very well ruin herself?

Wrong.

"Then, everyone, I leave it up to you."

Ariel stood up and expressed her thanks to the three people.

Replying in kind, Rudeus.

Seeing Rudeus, hurriedly returning the expression of gratitude, then Eris.

Lastly lowering her head and returning with a bow, Ghyslaine.

"……"

With the expressions of gratitude ending, Ariel glanced at Sylphy.

The reason she didn’t feel uneasiness was because they had a connection with her.

It is unknown what Orsted was plotting.

However, Rudeus followed Orsted to protect his family.

Hence, Rudeus will not hurt Sylphiette.

And, Sylphiette will not hurt Ariel.

This fact gives Ariel a sense of security.

(Special thanks to you, Sylphy.)

In her heart, Ariel lowered her head to the peerless best friend standing beside her.

Part 2

On the night of that day.

In one of the countless taverns existing in the magic city Sharia.

In the bar overflowing with great noise, there is a particularly quiet corner.

In that corner, a tall woman sat near the counter’s corner, drinking from her cup quietly.

A dark brown, muscular beast-race woman.

Although she was a middle-aged woman, from a bystander’s point of view she was a beauty.

Having said so, there were none who approached her.

Rising from her was a dangerous atmosphere.

As the Mad Sword King was an existence that called forth fear, this was what kept her from being popular.

Furthermore, although she was the teacher of the Mad Sword King, she was not the person known as Mad Sword King.

In that tavern, a new customer arrived.

Arriving by tingling the door’s bell was a woman from the long ear tribe with magnificent hair.

A beautiful face, possessing a stimulating body with the exception of her chest.

However, from her slender appearance, her stomach had gotten unimaginably big.

She is a pregnant woman.

Seeing such a woman, some people in the tavern let out a delighted voice.

[Hey, hasn't it been a long time.]

[Is it already fine to not men hunt?]

[Oh yeah, heard you've gotten married.]

[C’mere and have a drink!]

As she was treated with such happy voices, she walked inside the tavern.

Towards the tavern’s corner.

To the counter’s inner part.

She sat down next to the seat everyone did not dare to approach.

The surroundings held their breath.

"He~ey Ghyslaine. I've kept you waiting."

She - Elinalise, called out to the beast-race woman sitting at the end of the counter in a cheerful voice.

"You’re late."

Ghyslaine indifferently stated the situation.

"It couldn’t be helped. I'm pregnant… ah, for me beer and snacks to go with it."

Elinalize requested so from the storekeeper.

Hearing that a pregnant woman is drinking, the surrounding men frowned.

Ghyslaine was also one who thought so.

"Is it fine to drink?"

"To celebrate our happy reunion and to talk about the sad topic. A drink is required for either of them."

Having said so, Ghyslaine could not decline.

"Don’t worry, I won’t drink so much as to affect the child inside. We finally did it, it’s my beloved husband’s child."

Elinalize stroked her stomach with a charming expression.

Seeing this, Ghyslaine made a surprised face.

"I heard that you became a couple, but to think for you to concentrate on one person.”

"It’s also a little bit surprising to me. But Cliff is quite splendid. I’d like to ask for a little more flexibility, he doesn’t listen to conversations, but he knows what he wants, he feels a strong sense of responsibility towards himself. When we’re doing ecchi stuff he tries his best, he moves and tries hard to make not only himself but also me feel good. That is very sweet…Ghyslaine should also try to find someone somewhere soon!"

"I’m fine."

When faced against that fond speech, Ghyslaine replied quickly.

She has already given up living as a woman.

She thought to walk the way of life of a swordswoman.

"Well……I won’t pressure you into it."

At that moment, Elinalize’s beer came.

In this area beer was slightly more expensive, but the alcohol content was low.

For Elinalize, it was more like juice.

"Now then, to the reunion of dear friends, cheers."

"Cheers."

Ghyslaine clinked the cup in her hand with Elinalize’s cup.

A satisfying sound echoes.

Ghyslaine and Elinalize.

Thus original members of the Black Wolf’s Fang managed to reunite.

"It would have been great if only Gisu and Talhand were also at this place……"

"……As well as Paul and Zenith."

When that was said, the enjoyable alcohol became immediately sorrowful.

However, Elinalize originally came to hold such a conversation.

It would have been easier to become a little more intoxicated before starting that conversation, but it was nothing to worry about.

"About Paul……it’s unfortunate. Originally, it should have been me to fall first……"

"That guy lived life in a hurry. I did think it would lead to an early death."

"Ah, come to think of it, such a thing was said in the past."

"It was you who said it."

"Did I?"

"Ah……in fact, I did not find it too strange that he died."

"Paul was splendid to the end… want to listen?"

"Please tell me."

When asked, Elinalize started to talk about Paul’s final moments.

About how he was separated from his family, and how he was desperately searching for them.

About how despite being such a womanizer, he abstained from women and was wholeheartedly faithful to Zenith.

About his reunion with Rudeus, as well as the conversation with him.

About the happy face Paul made when talking.

And finally how he died protecting Rudeus, Paul’s final moment.

"I see, that guy has also changed. I recall the time when he and you were fooling around together."

"Oh my, the number one fool must have surely been Ghyslaine? I remember the time when you were shaking your tail when looking at Paul."

"That was a delusion. That was during the oestrous cycle. And, I’m not from Adorudia. Even when happy, the tail doesn't shake."

"It’s a metaphor, a metaphor."

"Hmpf."

"But, the Ghyslaine at that time sure was cute. Whenever something happened, you were worried about Paul."

"It’s in the past. Forget it."

As Elinalize was laughing, she tossed the seasoned snack into her mouth.

Making chewing sounds when chewing the hard meat.

Seeing this, Ghyslaine did the same thing.

"Ah, then one more, let’s split it between us two."

Elinalize pushed her own plate towards Ghyslaine.

Two people poking the same thing.

For a while, those two were controlled by the sound of chewing.

"For me, Zenith was more shocking than Paul."

When the dish was finished, Ghyslaine muttered this.

"I would have never thought that Zenith would become like that."

"That’s true. But Rudeus seems to be searching for something like a cure, she also seems to recover little by little."

"……"

"Surely one day the Zenith we know will come back."

"Is that so?"

"Well, that will probably take many years."

Ghyslaine lightly laughed and stirred her cup.

"At that time, I hope we can once again drink together."

"That’s true. At that time, let’s call Gisu and Talhand, it will surely be a noisy time."

"What happened to them?"

"Ah, after the party with Talhand was disbanded -- "

Afterwards, the two talked about various things.

About what happened after the party was disbanded.

About what happened after the mana calamity.

About what happened after Rudeus was met.

And not only about that. What happened during their time as adventurers.

What happened when they entered the dungeon.

What happened when Gisu gambled, lost their money and every member of the party was extorting him.

What happened when Paul took advantage of Ghyslaine’s mating season.

What happened when Elinalize took advantage of that situation and for a short time the three of them were leading a sordid lifestyle.

In general it was an embarrassing enough memory to get a red face.

However, everything felt nostalgic and the memories caused their hearts deep down to tremble.

In a tipsy state, Elinalize spoke while narrowing her eyes.

Ghyslaine also became dead drunk a while ago, resting her face in her hands with vacant eyes.

"Oh my, it’s unusual for you to drink until dead drunk, are you going back to your room?"

"It’s all right. The wolf won’t attack me anymore, because it is no longer here."

Ghyslaine said so while looking back over her shoulder.

The rowdy adventurers who received Ghyslaine’s gaze averted their eyes.

"This way, I should have accepted Philip-sama’s invitation."

"Philip? Ah, the one from Fedoa region."

"Ah, once I was asked whether I wanted to become his concubine or not."

"That is quite a shame. If you had accepted, you would have married into money."

In front of Elinalize’s teasing voice, Ghyslaine made a lonely smile.

"I would have been unable to face Eris Ojou-sama."

"For you to say that to face another, I’m surprised such words came out from you…… oh my!"

Saying so while looking at Ghyslaine, Elinalize tilted her head.

Ghyslaine’s eyes were still.

They were eyes full of blood thirst.

"Philip-sama is also already dead. He did not survive the mana calamity. The corpse was buried, the one who killed him was also killed."

"……Oh my, is that so. That’s quite unfortunate."

"Eris Ojou-sama married into Rudeus’s family……"

Ghyslaine stared intensely at the ceiling.

"And next is Sauros-sama’s enemy."

With Ghyslaine exhibiting blood thirst, some of the tavern’s guests felt danger.

However, Elinalize was not the slightest bit disturbed.

She knew that the woman before her had a personality that would suddenly release blood thirst and suddenly cut somebody down.

But she also knew that she would not be cut down.

"To do so, I have become the princess’s escort for this reason."

"Ahh."

Elinalize let out a sigh and stared at the same ceiling.

"Ghyslaine has also changed. In the past, you weren't such a knight-like woman with such great loyalty."

With these words Ghyslaine quickly stopped moving and looked into her cup.

Amber-colored alcohol.

Reflected in there was her own face.

She immediately came to a conclusion.

"……After all, I am also part of the Dorudia tribe."

Ghyslaine said so and stood up.

She left her seat, walking in a manner that one would not think her being dead drunk.

"Where are you going?"

"Returning."

"My oh my, as always it’s very abrupt."

Elinalize shrugged her shoulders and stood up.

She took out silver coins from her pocket and tossed them towards the counter.

"Ghyslaine!"

Elinalize, who finished counting, raised her voice towards Ghyslaine, who was about to disappear into the night street.

Ghyslaine’s ears moved and she turned around.

"Please protect Rudeus and Sylphy in the Asura Kingdom for me! They are both my cute grandchildren!"

"……Leave it to me."

Ghyslaine gave a reply, her tail stood straight up.

Elinalize went in the opposite direction, her feet turned to the direction towards the home where Cliff was waiting.

She believed that since it was her close friend, it goes without saying that she would naturally protect the people around her.