Chapter 94

Previous Summary:

Gerbera established a surefire strategy.

5

I was standing alone on a small cliff.

This place, surrounded by sparse trees, had enough space to move around.

From below the cliff, the faint voices of my companions preparing dinner could be heard.

"Alright."

I muttered softly and lifted my left arm.

"Asarina, strengthen my left arm."

"Gosh, Sam!"

Asarina let out a creaking sound and began to wrap around my left arm, which still bore the scars from the balloon fox's attack.

When the vines covered my arm, I picked up the shield that was on the ground.

"Hmm, it's light. It's a success."

"Sam! Sam!"

The function of the reinforced exoskeleton that Asarina gained during the battle with the mad beast was working perfectly.

At that time, we also used Gerbera's magic to replicate the ability, but it could be used without it.

In fact, compared to the more exhausting method, this was more convenient.

I've tried it a few times since then to make sure I don't forget the sensation, and Asarina has firmly mastered this ability.

I tried swinging a sword to check the movement.

"..."

During the battle with the mad beast, I simply strengthened my arm to gain the durability needed to withstand their attacks.

Therefore, whether it would hinder my movement was unknown, but it seemed there would be no problem.

Even when I moved, the vines wrapped around my arm gave a tight, constricting sensation, but my movements were sharper and smoother than usual.

Asarina was sensing my intentions and adjusting to my movements.

Since Asarina has roots in my body, she is more connected to me than any other familiar.

We have been training to give instructions through the connection during battles, and that training is paying off here.

"This should work fine in battle. Next, let's see... make it easier for Asarina... hmm?"

"Sam?"

Asarina and I stopped moving together.

We looked around.

Soon, a spider with a girl's upper body approached us.

"Master."

The Gerbera who appeared had a very serious expression.

Her blood-red eyes glanced at Asarina.

"I have something to talk about, but did I interrupt something?"

"Hmm, no, it's fine. Asarina, that's enough for today."

"Sammer"

The vines unwrapped from my arm.

"So, what is it?"

After Asarina backed off, I urged Gerbera to speak.

"Yes, I have come to fulfill our promise."

Gerbera declared, looking tense.

I'm not that dull; I knew what she was talking about.

A few days ago, Gerbera promised to spend some time alone with me when she could control herself.

I had been wondering when she would bring it up.

Still, being told so directly made me a bit flustered.

"I see."

In the end, I only managed a short response.

"Um, so... I have a favor to ask."

Gerbera's usually pale skin was now flushed red.

She spoke a bit faster than usual.

"The other day, I almost crushed you in my embrace, right?"

"Yes."

"Even now, I have no confidence that I won't crush you during... you know."

"..."

I furrowed my brow.

This didn't sound good.

"Just listen."

Seeing my puzzled expression, Gerbera held out her palm.

"It seems that when I get excited, I can't control my strength. So, I decided not to do anything."

"Nothing?"

"Yes. If I try to hug you, I might end up crushing you. So, I decided to be passive."

"Crushing...?"

It wasn't a sound typically associated with intimate moments.

Still, what she was saying made sense.

"I get what you mean."

"Then, that's good. Come on, do whatever you want."

Gerbera puffed out her chest with determination.

Her breasts, which were already large, bounced softly, catching my eye.

"..."

I usually try not to pay attention to Gerbera's revealing outfit.

The deep cleavage created by her large breasts is, to put it bluntly, a visual assault.

Her waist and back are graceful, more feminine than anyone else's.

The spider body below, with its beautiful fur and form, only added to her allure, never detracting from her beauty.

Her usual childish behavior, which usually balanced out her appearance, was nowhere to be seen as she stood there with a flushed face.

With her eyes closed, she looked incredibly vulnerable.

"..."

I took a step closer.

I placed my hand on her shoulder, feeling the smooth, soft texture of her skin.

"Hmm..."

Gerbera's eyebrows twitched, and her spider legs scratched the ground lightly.

Her lips were pressed together tightly.

The gesture of holding back something stirred something deep within me.

I slowly wrapped my arm around her back.

As we got closer, the scent of the girl filled my nostrils.

I could feel her slightly labored breathing and the small tremors from where we were touching.

As I naturally lowered my eyelids, I leaned in to kiss her.

...I heard a clicking sound.

"Hey?"

I was pushed away, and Gerbera quickly moved several meters away, her spider legs leaving tracks on the ground as she stopped.

Shocked by the rejection, I stood there, rooted to the spot.

"Gerbera?"

"Master..."

Gerbera looked up, her eyes teary.

"No, I can't do it! I just can't!"

"Huh?"

"If you had kissed me just now, I would have... I don't know, just... failed!"

"..."

I didn't quite understand.

But it didn't seem like a simple rejection.

While I felt a bit relieved, Gerbera was trembling.

"Is a kiss really that dangerous? It would melt both body and mind, leaving no trace of reason...!"

Her spider legs were making a clicking sound, a sign that she was trying to hold back.

"Being passive is impossible!"

"What do you want me to say about that..."

"Is everyone else able to overcome this... this difficult thing...?"

Gerbera muttered, looking dismayed.

Probably, it's something different.

Facing the girl with her head in her hands, I sighed.

***

"What's wrong, Master? I heard a loud noise."

Lily appeared, having heard the commotion, shortly after.

She wobbled over and tilted her head when she saw me standing there alone.

Her slime-like body swayed with the movement.

"Where's Gerbera?"

"She said it's too much for her right now, but she won't give up, and then she left."

"Ah, the passive plan failed...?"

Lily's usually sweet face showed a clear, wry smile.

"Did you know about it?"

"Yeah. It was Rose's idea. I thought it was a good idea, but it didn't work."

"Remember, I said I don't care how things go between you and Gerbera, so don't worry about it."

"Ahaha..."

"Still, if I could withstand Gerbera's strength, it would be a good thing, and I feel a bit guilty about that."

"Hmm. I don't know. Maybe it's mutual?"

Seeing me scratch my head, Lily spoke in a lecturing tone.

"We are different beings, so it's only natural that there are many obstacles to overcome. It's tough, but I think Gerbera won't give up no matter what. That's her strength, and you like that about her, don't you?"

Seeing my expression, Lily chuckled.

"What's wrong, Master? Are you still worried? I said I don't care how things go between you and Gerbera."

"That's true, but..."

"Well, it's more about feelings and emotions. Even if you try to be rational, you might still get caught up in the moment."

Lily came closer and rested her head on my chest.

"I'm fine just being like this."

"Lily..."

"If you're worried, it would make me happy if you could give me more time. We won't see each other for a while after today..."

She had overcome the obstacles she mentioned, and now we were very close.

The next day, I parted ways with Lily and the others and descended the mountain.

***

"In Akel, there are only a few towns with a population of several thousand people."

Shiran, dressed for travel, sat on the ground and began to speak.

In front of her was a simple map showing the main roads and the locations of the towns.

The map we originally had from the knights was lost in the river during the 'Vedaten' attack, so this was mainly redrawn by Shiran.

For my benefit, as I couldn't read the script of this world, the names of the places were written in katakana next to them.

"According to what Kousuke-sama learned in the village before entering the Kitrus Mountains, if we follow this route down from the mountain path, the first village we reach will be near the town of Zakuo. So..."

Shiran's finger slid over the map.

"Most likely, we are around here. The nearest large town is Diospiro. It's the largest town in eastern Akel and serves as a logistics hub, distributing supplies to the surrounding small towns and villages. It should suit our purpose."

"How long will it take to get to Diospiro?"

"About three days, I think. According to Berta, there's a settlement nearby, so it would be best to get more detailed information there."

It took us three days to descend the mountain, so considering the time needed for gathering supplies in town, the round trip would take about two weeks.

This was roughly in line with the schedule we had planned beforehand.

"Another king."

Reacting to the mention of his name, Berta, who was lying on the ground, joined the conversation, raising his two large wolf heads.

"From here on, there will be people around. I can only accompany you this far."

"Yeah, I understand. Thanks, Berta."

"I've already said this many times, but I'm only following the orders of our king."

His intelligent eyes looked away.

"I've been ordered to protect you for a while. My presence here is only to fulfill that order. So, don't thank me."

His tone was unusually cold.

"I'm not your companion or anything."

"..."

Berta's aloofness was nothing new.

However, I felt something was off about our recent interactions.

Ever since we returned to Kudo, Berta seemed a bit different.

I wondered if something had happened.

Because of our cooperation during the Lily rescue mission, I couldn't help but feel positively towards this giant wolf.

Of course, I hadn't forgotten that Berta had deceived and eventually killed Sakagami, following Kudo's orders.

However, when Sakagami confronted Berta about the deception, Berta seemed to feel guilty.

Through our interactions, I realized that despite his lack of charm, Berta was quite considerate.

He seemed fundamentally good-natured.

Whether this was a blessing for Berta, who followed Kudo, was unclear.

"I'll guard you until midday. After that, I'll return to the slime and the spider for a while. I'll come back here in seven days to wait for you. Is that okay?"

"Thanks, I appreciate it."

"So..."

He started to speak but fell silent.

Perhaps he realized the futility of telling me not to thank him again.

The wolf's tail and tentacles swayed, almost petulantly, and I found it somewhat endearing.

"Until we reach the village, that's fine."

I turned my attention to the elf girls sitting beside me.

"After that, I think I'll have to rely on Shiran and Kai. I might be a bit of a bother, but please take care of me."

"Understood."

"Got it!"

Shiran and Kai responded with similar earnestness, despite the difference in their tones.

"By the way, where are Kato and Rose?"

As I was organizing our plans, I suddenly realized they were missing.

Shiran tilted her head.

"They left their seats after breakfast. If we're about to leave, should I go look for them?"

"No..."

Thanks to the connection, I knew they weren't far away.

It hadn't been that long, and they would return soon.

"Welcome back, Master."

As I thought this, the sound of footsteps returned.

It was Rose's voice.

I turned around casually.

"Ah, welcome back..."

My response trailed off.

The person standing there was a girl I didn't recognize.

She had dull silver hair tied in a thick braid down her back.

Her height, similar to mine or slightly shorter, was elegantly draped in a high-collared dark blue long dress.

The dress, made of slightly thick material, had a graceful drape that combined elegance with practicality.

Over it, she wore a large apron with frills, designed to give a more composed impression rather than a cute one.

Her hands and feet were covered in white long gloves and over-the-knee socks, minimizing any exposed skin.

The only part visible was her unusually well-formed, angelic head.

Her delicate features were unlike anything I had ever seen.

Or so I thought...

I immediately recognized who she was.

"Rose...?"

"Yes."

Rose's smile was awkward, either from nervousness or for some other reason.

Her best effort to smile made my heart skip a beat.

Realizing how flustered I was, I felt even more flustered.

At that moment, Kato appeared from behind Rose.

"Come on, Rose. Don't just stand there."

Her words made me realize I had frozen in place, facing Rose.

Seeing my face, Kato smiled, seemingly satisfied, and pushed Rose from behind.

Rose walked over to me with an unusually stiff gait.

Perhaps Kato had been pushing her from behind to get her here.

Her steps were so unsteady that it seemed likely.

When Rose reached me, she sat down with a thud.

"Wow, Rose! That's amazing!"

Kai, who had been watching with wide eyes, cheered and spoke to Rose with a smile.

"Is this the outfit you prepared for going into town?"

Hearing this, I realized a few things.

First, this was the outfit Rose had prepared to go into town.

I had thought it would be difficult for her to enter the town with her mask and exposed joints, and when I suggested she accompany me to town, I had asked if there was a way to address this.

She had said she would prepare something, and I trusted her to handle it.

However, I hadn't expected such a well-prepared outfit.

Kato, Shiran, and Kai seemed to know about this.

It was clear that they had spent a considerable amount of time preparing it.

This was the moment of its unveiling.

"Very fitting, Rose."

"Really. She's so beautiful!"

Kai, who was excited, turned to me.

"Right? Kousuke?"

"Ah, yeah..."

Only then did I realize I hadn't said anything to Rose.

I had been careless.

Rose, as my familiar, would naturally be concerned about my evaluation, yet I had been silent.

"Right. It suits you, I think."

The words that came out of my mouth were disappointingly mundane.

I was frustrated that I couldn't express my admiration properly.

After all, it was impossible to put the shock I felt into words.

"You look so beautiful, I was a bit surprised."

That was all I could manage to add.

In the next moment, Rose's face lost all expression.

"..."

The expressionless, inorganic face was that of a doll.

I was startled by the transformation.

Had I said something wrong?

Was my comment inappropriate?

Various thoughts