Chapter 34

What is the purpose of the fox spirit in coming here?

I can’t figure it out. I must consider the possibility of hostility and proceed with caution.

"Is it a fox spirit? Perhaps one of the subhumans from the north?"

"I don’t know... but I’ve never seen one before... it might be from a different faction."

"That... would be troublesome in a different way."

...Indeed, it would be.

Because it means they have already obtained our information before we did.

I head towards the south gate where the detection spell reacted.

The gate was firmly closed, but the sounds of battle from beyond were clear.

"Open the gate!"

As I raised my voice, the subhumans near the gate turned their gaze towards me.

They were surprised by my words but quickly opened the gate.

As I passed through, I saw the subhumans lying on the ground.

Goblins, werewolves, and slimes.

They usually act as guards, but they were all in a terrible state.

Despite there being about ten of them, someone had dealt with them all alone...

Fortunately, there were no fatalities.

I turned my gaze to the culprit who had injured them.

Standing there with a regal presence was a fox spirit wearing something like a kimono.

Her face was familiar—

"...I’m sure, it’s Leon’s."

Yes, she resembled a servant I had seen several times at the mansion.

...I think she served Leon.

It was a topic of conversation in the family that Leon had purchased subhuman slaves.

Her name, I believe, was Marinas.

However, it was problematic for her to remain as a subhuman in the position of a duchy, so Marinas was asked to disguise herself.

She had the ability to distort others' perceptions with magic and usually worked as a human servant.

I don’t know why Leon hired Marinas, but perhaps it was because she could create magical artifacts.

Her subhuman status was only known to the family and a few servants, but she lived a normal life as a servant without any issues.

My older brothers disliked and often mistreated her, but I treated her normally.

In fact, feeling a sense of camaraderie in her position, I would help her when she was in trouble.

...Well, there was only so much I could do.

However, a question naturally arises.

Even though Leon is dead, she is still a servant of the Haberst family.

Was Marinas, being a subhuman, rejected by the Haberst family?

Was she sent to the lower world for that reason?

If so, it makes sense, but... it doesn’t seem to fit the atmosphere.

As I stared at her in surprise, the fox spirit noticed me.

At the same time, her ears and tail perked up, and she approached me.

"K, keep away from Lord Crest!"

A goblin shouted and lunged at the fox spirit, but he was blown away by a wind spell.

The spell was so fast that even I was momentarily surprised.

Livya readied her sword but held back.

"Lord Crest. It’s been a long time."

The expression on her face gave no hint of what she was thinking.

I replied to Marinas while remaining cautious.

"Your name is Marinas, right?"

"Uuuuuuuh!?"

When I called her name, Marinas suddenly let out a loud cry.

Naturally, we were surprised and stared at her.

"Marinas... What’s wrong? Did I get your name wrong?"

When I asked, Marinas seemed to regain her composure and bowed again.

"...Ah, no, that’s not it. I am Marinas. Yes, I almost ascended to heaven when you called my name. I’m very happy. I hope you will call my name as if whispering love to me in the future."

What is she talking about...

From this exchange alone, I understood that she is a different kind of madman from Sphy.

Sphy seemed to act strangely but with some understanding, while Marinas is clearly genuine.

If possible, I would prefer her to turn back, but it would be dangerous to take actions that might make her hostile when she isn’t already.

I asked calmly.

"So, what’s the matter? I don’t think we’ve met much."

"Indeed, that’s true. But I have never forgotten you!"

Marinas raised her voice and shouted excitedly, then took my hand in both of hers.

"Lord Crest! Finally, finally, I have met you! And please, praise me! I have successfully disposed of everyone who caused you pain!"

"...What?"

The excited Marinas then continued, breathing heavily and with flushed cheeks.

"I have killed all the members of the Haberst family! Yes! Those who caused you so much pain...! However, there is one problem! Elise! I haven’t found Elise yet! I must tear her apart!"

"Wait, just wait. Calm down."

"Ah, I apologize. I will calm down. Let me take a deep breath... inhale, exhale, exhale... Lord Crest’s scent fills my chest! Ahh!!"

...I told you to calm down.

I can only completely back away from Marinas due to her bizarre behavior.

Looking to Livya for help, she stepped between Marinas and me.

However, her expression was filled with confusion.

"Um, are you a fox spirit...?"

"Mu!? Who are you!? Are you trying to come between me and Lord Crest? If so, I will cut you to pieces!"

"...Marinas, calm down."

"Ah, I apologize, Lord Crest."

I guess it was wrong of me to seek help from Livya.

I don’t want to deal with Marinas, but it seems I need to talk to her.

New series. Please read from the link below!

It seems that while helping with my sister’s dungeon distribution, I accidentally went on a rampage against an S-rank monster and caused a big buzz.

https://ncode.syosetu.com/n9783ig/

The dark knight who time-looped uses future knowledge to go on a rampage—Rising from the bottom after being exiled as an unfortunate class.

https://ncode.syosetu.com/n9795ig/