Vol. 3 Chapter 10

Translated by Mlzkzr Edited by Mlzkzr

Following the moderator’s words, each participant started moving to the starting line.

In this Royal capital cup, the starting form was adopted like that of the so-called relay race on Earth.

Therefore, from the beginning of the starting position, the advantageous and disadvantageous of the race have already come out.

Because there were many participants, this was unavoidable. The participants have already agreed on that, so it seems that there were no complaints.

Compared to the horses of the other participants, I, who straddle a donkey, become smaller by no means. That’s why, unfortunately, I, ended up at the back, which was inevitably disadvantageous at the starting position.

“Fuh…… it can’t be helped that I’m going to start at the back, and…… I unexpectedly can ride her.”

I’m not so fixated about racing, but I was lightly impressed by the fact that I could ride on Rurune’s back and move properly.

If it was before my evolution, I wouldn’t even be able to get on Rurune’s back ……

When I was thinking about that, the group which was riding a certain type of horse caught my eyes.

That group, hasn’t moved to the starting line for some reason, and doesn’t advance from their spots.

As if she noticed that, the moderator also calls out.

『Oops~? The players there! What the hell happened? 』

However, the people who were being called out were desperately talking to their horses, so the moderator’s voice didn’t reach them.

“Hoy Johnson! What’s wrong?”

“Why aren’t you moving, Kelly!”

“Move, Johnny!”

They gave their horses very human-like names.

I don’t think it’s the place to quip, but I unintentionally felt that way.

However…… what’s really going on? How is it possible for a horse to suddenly stop moving?

I looked at their situation, and thought about various possibilities, but I’m not particularly familiar with horses, so I didn’t understand it at all.

I, somehow turned my gaze to the horses they were riding.

“Tsu!?”

And then, I understand the cause of this commotion.

When I understood the cause and was surprised, the players who were riding the horses which were not moving, finally got out of their horse, and talked to their unmoving horses.

“What’s really wrong with you……?”

“Do you feel bad somewhere?”

“I will not force you to run, you know……”

When each of them, stroke their horses’ neck, caring for them.

Dosah.

Suddenly, all of their horses fell sideways.

Moreover, taking a closer look, all of them have a uselessly dignified expression.

Did you understand it already?

In other words, these horses that suddenly stopped moving, are ————.

“““……Ah. It’s dead”””

Deer horseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

You again! Just how stupid are you!? No, I did see many of the participants riding Deer horses, though!

About the ecology of Deer horses that can’t be salvaged anymore, the moderator says in a uselessly bitter voice, that she no longer knows what to say to it.

『What a surprise…… Before the race started, there were already 20 players who couldn’t run …… 』

The participation rate of Deer horses is high!? That’s right, the Deer horse specs are high, but that’s the problem before that, right !?

Inside my heart, I continued to quip with a momentum of surging waves.

It feels like, I’ve only been quipping since I came to this world.

That wasn’t the case, but it’s no wonder that I’ll think so.

When I was feeling weary, Rurune says while drooling.

『On the dining table tonight, there will seem to be a lot of horse-meat sashimi! 』

Rurune-san. I can’t laugh at that.

『Well, I sympathize with their horses, but we can’t stop the race! Everyone, please regroup your mind, and do your best in the race!』

When I was having a silly exchange with Rurune, the moderator told us as if to blow the atmosphere off of this place.

There was such an incident, but the other participants safely moved to the starting line.

『Everyone, have already reached the starting position, right? Then, let’s start counting! 3! 』

Alright, it looks like the race will start.

Somehow, it felt like it took a long time to start, but let’s focus on the race now.

『2!』

While hearing the count decreases, I say to Rurune.

“Rurune. Well then, I’ll be counting on you.”

『Leave it to me!』

To the response of the vigorous Rurune, I thought this might be possible.

『1!』

That’s right. She has talked about her own amazingness uselessly so far. I can’t think of Rurune as simply a donkey.

I hold the reins firmly, and brace my feelings.

Well then, let our race ————

『Staaaaaaaaaaaaaartt!!!!』

————begin!

The horses started running all at once.

Clouds of dust soar, and the visibility deteriorates in an instant.

However, it’s unfortunate, for all of you participants!

My Rurune, dashes past all the horses————.

“————she hasn’t!”

『Hah, hah, hah』

As a result, Rurune spectacularly betrayed my expectations. No, on the contrary, it was as I anticipated?

Rurune’s speed was surprisingly slow, and in the blink of an instant, we were left behind by the other horses.

Sounds of footsteps.

Pah…………ka, pah…………ka.

Hey? That’s a surprising sound of footsteps, you know?

“Uhmm~? Rurune-sa~n? We’re at the last, you know~? Look, you have to be serious!”

It’s not yet. Rurune’s seriousness isn’t like this yet……! That’s what I thought again, and i tried to call out to her.

However, Rurune’s gait didn’t change even for a tiny amount.

Pah…………ka, pah…………ka.

“Ah, this is no good”

The time for her to take a step is already dangerous. Far from being the victor, even winning the 5th place is nothing but impossible.

Let’s give up the prize, I don’t care anymore! When I thought that, I hear the moderator’s voice.

『Oops!? The pair of Seiichi and Rurune, aren’t advancing at aaaaaaaall! When I noticed it, they are at the bottom! Sure enough, it isn’t good with a donkey! 』

It’s no good, alright.

『While Seiichi-senshu* and the others were not making progress at the starting line, the other top group has finished running half of it! 』

“Fast!?”

Half already!? It’s absolutely, impossible to win 5th place now!

When I was surprised at the speed of the other horses, Rurune makes an agonizing voice.

『Ku…… hah, hah』

“Oy oy, are you okay!? You don’t have to overdo it, you know! I know that you’re a hard worker!”

And, I also realized that your legs were slow.

When Rurune heard such a caring voice of mine, she painfully muttered.

『……My…… stomach…… is……』

“Eh? Your stomach is?”

『……My stomach………. is hungry………!』

“Go eat some grassssssssssssss!”

I screamed unintentionally. No, it couldn’t be helped!?

No way, you’re hungry!? That’s why, we’re so slow!?

I don’t think that this would be the case, but I’ll ask for the time being

“Oy, Rurune. Incidentally, the grass for your breakfast is ……”

『Milord, you want me to eat that livestock-like meal……!?』

“You’re a donkey, riiiiiiiiiiiiiiight?”

What are you saying!? Why am I the one who’s strange!?

“Wait! For the time being, there’s a lot of grass growing on this ground, so eat it and fill your stomach! If you’re full, you can run, right!?”

『I, don’t know what’s delicious about grasses anymore, I don’t want to eat something like that! Human food, is the greatest! 』

“As I said, you’re a donkeyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!”

No matter how much I shouted, Rurune didn’t even try to eat the grass that grows on the ground.

I brought up Bahamut, and tried to make her eat grass one way or another, but even so, considering that she doesn’t eat it, it seems that even if she dies, she will not eat anything other than human food.

You don’t give human food to animals.

Like that, I strongly regretted it now.

“Kuh! It would be too uncool to lose without being able to do anything about it…….! Is there something, that can be eaten with what I have on hand……!?”

I desperately search for the contents of my item box, but all of them are uncooked raw ingredients, so there was nothing that could be eaten as it was.

Ah, it’s completely over……

Yes, it was when I was about to give up.

“……Hmm?”

Inside my item box, I noticed a certain thing.

That was———— the 【Fruit of Evolution Cultivation Set】.

Indeed, the content of this, is a method of cultivating the fruit of evolution, and it was said that it contains the seeds of fruit of evolution, but ……

“Perhaps, there’s about one fruit of evolution in it ……”

While looking forward to such a faint expectation, I took out the 【Fruit of Evolution Cultivation Set】.

And then, something like a carry-all bag appeared.

Looking inside, a booklet that describes how to really grow the fruit of evolution, and 15 fruits of evolution were there. …………A’re?

“The fruit of evolution is in it, and the seeds aren’t in it?”

No matter how much I fished out the contents, there are only fruits of evolution, and nothing like seeds came out.

When I twisted my head to that fact and thought about the reason, I realized something.

“……Ah. Come to think of it…… When I ate the fruit of evolution, I never saw a seed came out, right ……?”

Yes, I who ate 10 fruits of evolution in the 【Forest of Endless Love and Sorrow】, eat the entirety of those.

In other words, I have never seen its seed. It has a peel, though.

So that means, this fruit of evolution, is probably something that is called a nut. It’s just like, the almonds on Earth that looks similar to this fruit of evolution, which is exactly the thing called nuts*. (TN: The literal of kanji used here would be ’seed fruit’)

However, I was able to find something that Rurune could eat somehow. It’s a nut, but well, it’s not grass, so she’ll still eat.

“Rurune! Can you eat this thing!?”

『Tha,that nut……?』

In a weak voice, Rurune said so. I mean, why don’t you want to eat grass that much.

“This fruit, saved me when I was dying and when Saria was in a pinch, the 【Fruit of Evolution】.”

『The fruit of evolution ……? 』

“That’s right! I have so much gratitude to this nut, that I can’t thank it enough. It’s a nut that possesses such a wonderful effect!”

『Let me eat it! 』

“Quick revival!?”

Hearing my insistencey, Rurune instantly takes one fruit of evolution from me, and eats it as it is.

『Th,this is……!』

“Oy, what’s wrong ————”

『Disgusting!! It’s surprisingly unpleasant!』

“Ah, yes”

Rurune’s, rather refreshing and unpleasant appearance, reminded me of the taste of the Fruit of evolution I ate in the forest. Yeah, it was definitely bad ……

However, its effect is amazing.

『Nn!? M,my stomach…… is full? 』

Yes, the fruit of evolution, had a wonderful effect that if you eat one, your stomach will be full.

『Milord! If this is it …… then I can do this! 』

“Alright! Well then, I’ll rely on you!”

Once again, I grasp the reins of the resurrected Rurune, and tighten my mind.

Well, it feels like we’re going to be running slow again!

When I think about such a thing, Rurune asks me.

『Milord, are you holding my reins firmly? 』

“Hmm? Ah, it’s okay, you can go anytime!”

To be honest, I’m not really holding the reins so much.

In any case, it was from my optimistic idea that it wouldn’t be that dangerous.

However, such an idea, instantly turned into horror.

『Then———— here I come……!』

“Oh! ———— Eah!?”

Immediately after I responded, a feeling of floating hits my body.

As I don’t understand what’s going on, a terrible shock then was transmitted to my butt.

“Tutututu!!”

And again, a feeling of floating assaulted my body.

To the developments that are too incomprehensible, I realized it by working my head desperately.

『Hahahahaha! Bahamut …… I’ll eat you now……!』

Rurune has already made a great leap, and is running through the course at once.

“Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeehhh!!??”

Fast! Super fast!

Rurune, as if her initial disgrace had been a lie, was displaying an astonishing run.

Since I didn’t hold her reins properly, I was about to be shaken off by Rurune many times.

“Gyaaaaaaaaaaaaah! Scary! This is scaryyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!”

『There is nothing that can stop this Rulne. ……! 』

“Someone, stop this donkeyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!”

Involuntarily screaming so, I who couldn’t keep up with Rurune’s running speed, simply kept running the course in the form of being swung around.

◇◆◇

I ———— Mei Cherry, was watching the image projected by the magic projector.

The reason, was because Seiichi, who gave a chance for me and encourage me, who didn’t have the courage to participate in the painting competition, was participating.

However, after all, perhaps it was reckless to challenge this tournament with the donkey Rurune, and immediately after the start, Seiichi-san and his donkey were at the very last.

Looking at such a situation, the descendent of Marquis Berger who was watching the video in the same way, Clay Berger, sighed.

“Well, I already knew it. But, it’s a little disappointing, I guess? I wanted Seiichi, to do his best.”

Clay-san had absolute confidence in his painting, and he even collided with me for that, but he’s not a bad person, but rather a good person.

However, maybe it was a little natural, he was a person who seemed to be missing various things.

“Mei. It was unfortunate for Seiichi, but …… you make a wonderful work with yourself, and let’s collide at the Charasty Painting Competition!”

“Clay-san. With that line, you make it sound like Seiichi-san is dead, though……”

“It’s just your imagination!”

I don’t understand why he was puffing his chest there, but I think that Clay-san was a busy person with every movement he made.

It was when we had such an exchange.

Suddenly, the moderator announces in a loud voice.

『Wha!? What does this mean ……! Suddenly, in front of the leading group, a flock of Grand Wolves appeared! 』

“Eh!?”

“What?”

Looking at the projected image again, the Grand Wolves stand in the direction of the course, and Michael-senshu and the others who were running at the top, stopped their horse involuntarily.

Indeed, recently in the vicinity of this Terviel, I’ve heard stories that a flock of wolves were appearing ……

Everyone in this place, didn’t expect that a pack of wolves will suddenly appear.

However, the defense system of this place is perfect, and I think a subjugation team will head there soon, but …….

『Hmm!? Ple,please wait! If you look closely at the pack of Grand Wolves …… there is even an A-class monster, 【Hellwolf】! This is, already bad without joking!? Lo,louise-samaaaaaaa! Please helppppppp! The horses will be eatennnnnnnn! 』

No, I don’t think that’s the place you should be worried about, but it was certainly the worst.

As the moderator have told us, in the image being projected, a slightly larger jet-black wolf, which was clearly different from the brown Grand Wolf, was waiting in the back of the pack.

Hell Wolf…… although it’s not as much as the Bahamut, which is this time’s fifth prize, it was a very vicious monster with the power to overrun a small town with only a single of them.

The Bahamut usually resides in the depths of the lake, so basically, it will not attack unless you put out your hand from your side, but the Hell Wolf is different.

It has an undisguised wild instinct, and was a warlike monster that charges you if it decided that you can be eaten.

Fortunately, Seiichi and the others are at the bottom, so there seems to be no need to worry about them being attacked, but …… I don’t know if it’s really fortunate of him to be at the lowest, though.

We could only, pray that the participants would be safe.

『Why do troublesome things come only at such a time! I’ve even provided hidden photos of Louise-sama with the resolution of getting punished by her! If this happened, Ou-sama and the others will misunderstand that I habitually neglected to guard the area around Terviel, and they’re going to get angrier! 』

Err …… the moderator, I’m sure it was Lorna-san?

……Don’t mind it.

Inside my heart, I prayed for the moderator, Lorna-san. However, I think that taking a sneak shot is like paying for her mistakes, so it can’t be helped.

When I was thinking about that, suddenly, Lorna-san noticed that there was something.

『Hmm? ……Wha!? Wha,what does this mean! 』

After Lorna-san’s surprised voice, the footage suddenly changed.

I was surprised that the image suddenly changed, but more than that, I was surprised at the man who was being reflected.

“Ho,how……!”

“Hahaha! It’s getting more interesting, isn’t it!”

Clay-san is laughing besides me.

I mean, this isn’t a laughing matter! Why can you laugh in this situation!?

That’s because, the projected human was————

『Hihiin!! 』

“Someone, stop this oneeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!”

Because it was the figure of Rurune-chan who was roaring, and Seiichi-san who was being swayed by her!

◇◆◇

“Oi, that’s enough! It’s seriously dangerous!?”

『Bahamuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuut!! 』

This is no good, she doesn’t have an ear to listen! She surely had donkey’s ears, and she was chanting that!

“……This isn’t going well!…… Only for this horse!”

……Or rather, this isn’t the time to say that!

Really, someone stop her! Otherwise ……

“Ru,Rurune-san…… I,I’m gonna vomit ……”

『Only a little more to my Bahamut! 』

“Ah, I think I’ll vomit this midway”

With my face ghastly pale, I continue to be swayed by Rurune.

Moreover, she doesn’t listen to me, so I’ll almost certainly vomit on the way.

When I was fighting a deadly battle against the nausea that’s unbeknownst to anyone like that, I suddenly saw a large group of horses in front of me.

“Wha,what is that!?”

When I was feeling sick, I looked closely and found that, apparently, we can’t go ahead because we were blocked from advancing by the pack of wolves. Oops, I feel more nauseous……

Rurune is so focused on Bahamut that she isn’t aware of the Wolf herd.

The wolves are about to pounce any time, keeping their distance while looking for the gaps between the horses.

“Rurune! A pack of wolves was waiting in front of us!”

『Is that true? Milord. No wonder many horses are stuck. 』

“It’s like that. Therefore, slow down for a moment ————”

『I see, this is a chance! In order to make up for my delay at the beginning, I’ll accelerate!』

“Ah, you? Good heavens, you’re accelerating!?”

『I’m Rurune! A proud donkey knight! Come now, for Bahamut …… well then, here I go! 』

“Stoooooooooop! My internal organs are already shaking!”

My restraint was also futile, and when Rurune raised her forefoot high, at a tremendous speed that far exceeds her initial momentum as it is, she dashed hard towards the crowd of horses and wolves.

When I wasn’t sure of what was going on anymore, the feeling of floating struck my body again.

As I return to my senses, and look around ……

“……Oh……”

I, realized that I was in the middle of jumping over the horses’ heads, and falling right in the center of the horses and the wolves.

Rurune, without showing any behaviour of worry about me in a white-eyed state, rushes into the flock of wolves.

『Small fries…… don’t hinder meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee !』

In one day today, all of my common sense is destroyed.

Donkeys, have extremely fast legs. Ahahahaha, the wolves are steadily being kicked off~.

The pitiful wolves, fell prey to Rurune’s legs, and kept getting sharp hooves on their faces.

And, for a little while, Rurune has been peerless towards the wolves ……

“Wooooooooooooooooooooooooohhn!”

A jet-black wolf who made such a howl sound, stood in the way.

That wolf, is clearly different from the wolves that Rurune had been kicking off a while ago.

For this wolf opponent, Rurune also has a bad ————

『Sleep!』

“Gyahn!”

————there was nothing like that. A’re? Strange.

Even though, it was scattering an atmosphere like that of a last boss, Rurune’s jumping hoof kick sunk into its face, and it was blown away for about 20 meters.

“……Speaking of which, you kicked it away without my All-language comprehension skill was activated.”

While being swayed by Rurune, I earnestly said so. I may become old already.

Aside from me, who has begun to see various things, Rurune continues to blast away.

And then, when I noticed it, I came to the place where the goal tape is ————.

『Go,goooooooooooooooooooo!! 』

Rurune, reached the goal in a peerless state.

◇◆◇

“Hahaha! Amazing, it’s amazing, isn’t it! They reach the goal in that situation!”

“He,he really won……”

I…… Mei Cherry, still couldn’t understand what happened before my eyes.

I suppose that’s true, too. At first, Rurune-chan and Seiichi-san, who were at the very bottom, started a sudden big advance, and even kicked away the Hell Wolf, let alone the flock of Grand Wolves.

By the way, since the boss Hell Wolf was defeated, the rest of the Grand Wolves ran away in a hurry.

Thanks to that, even those who couldn’t advance until now also reached the goal, and the Royal Capital Cup, has ended safely.

“At any rate, with this, can you draw a painting without reserve?”

“Ah……”

Right, when I saw the image just now, I think I’ve decided…… on what to draw.

“I, will hurry up, and start working on a painting after this!”

“I see…… if so, I also won’t lose! Your paintings, are indeed my formidable enemies. The next time we meet, it will be at the Charasty painting competition, I guess? Let’s both do our best!”

Saying so, Clay-san leaves with a laugh.

When I first met him, he was finding fault with me, but he recognized my skill in painting …… I don’t really understand him.

With a wry smile, I remember the previous footage.

Uhmm, Rurune-chan and Seiichi-san, saved many players from a dilemma.

It was already clear for me on what to draw.

“……Alright!”

I regained my spirit once more, and left the spectator seats.

At that time, I suddenly thought about something, and said it unintentionally.

“Ah. He ended up being the overall victor, but…… Seiichi-san, is he good with Bahamut already?”

◇◆◇

『I’m finisheddddddddddddd!』

Right now, I…… Hiiragi Seiichi, in front of me, the donkey Rurune was lamenting with all her might.

『I! wanted it! Bahamut! 』

Yes, that peerlessness of Rurune, the result of that was ———— it made us become the champion.

“Well…… cheer up. Look, we’re the winner?”

『I’m particularly, not happy to spend time with those Valkyrie fellaaaaaaaaaaaaasssss! 』

“Yeah, I don’t need it either.”

Rurune’s sorrowful voice, hurt my ears.

I also, wanted to have Bahamut if I could. Because, it’s delicious, right? I want to eat.

『My…… my Bahamut…… 』

By the way, there was also an award ceremony, and I had the opportunity to see the person who got the Bahamut at that time, but he had a very joyous smile on his face, and was happy that he’ll be able to eat the Bahamut with his family. Thanks to that, I couldn’t say that I wanted to exchange prizes with him.

Speaking of which, because Rurune’s mental damage was too great, we didn’t participate in the awards ceremony.

Well, I originally don’t like to stand out, so it was just right, though.

However…… I didn’t think that the top group guys, were being stalled by the wolves. Without a doubt, I thought they have run away from the wolves and have advanced forward.

But it seems that the jet-black wolf kicked by Rurune was a rather troublesome guy, and they couldn’t move on no matter what.

As a result, I and Rurune misunderstood that we were completely late, so we made it to the goal at a ferocious speed.

『 Sob …… I, can never eat it again anymore……』

Since it feels that Rurune is more depressed than I thought she would be, as expected, I was unable to endure it.

That’s why, when I sit down besides Rurune, I speak while stroking her gently.

“Well …… although this time it was no good. It’s not like there’s only one Bahamut in the world, right? That’s why, if we get a chance to encounter a Bahamut next time, let’s defeat it then, and eat it together!”

『 Gusu …… re,really? 』

“Ah! Besides the Bahamut, there are many delicious foods in the world. Anyway, I’m about to travel, and go around to a lot of various places, so let’s find something more delicious than Bahamut together, alright?”

『Ah, Milord ……! Uwaaaaaaaaaah! 』

Rurune, jumped into my chest, and started crying as it was.

It’s fine since I can understand Rurune’s voice, but seen from the outside, it’s just a picture of a human being assaulted by a crying donkey for some reason. In addition, it was crying 『Hihien! 』. Oh god, it’s surreal just to imagine it.

It was when I was gently stroking Rurune’s head while bearing such an impression.

Suddenly, Rurune’s body began to emit a faint light.

“Eh. Just a minute, what is it this time!”

I was in a hurry, and Rurune didn’t notice what’s happening to her own self.

Eventually, the pale light gradually became stronger and stronger……!

Pikaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

“My eyes are burningggggggggggg!”

Since I stared at the intense light in front of me, my eyes suffered from the unusual pain.

I who was writhing around in pain while holding Rurune, felt like I had seen a similar phenomenon before.

After a while, by the time I thought that the light had subsided, the damage to my eyes had also pulled back, and I was able to open my eyes slowly.

At the same time, I realized something.

……Somehow, something very soft was on my chest, but……

When I timidly turn my gaze down————

“ Gusun ……Milord ……”

With a brown hair ponytail, her green eyes are filled with tears. A woman who looks like a beautiful girl, was staring at me with upturned eyes, and hugging me. ————Buck naked.

Was I, so perverted that I could see such a hallucination? If so, I’m screwed …….

No, I already understand what happened, though?

The people around me, who also saw me being hugged by a naked girl who suddenly appeared, were surprised.

In other words, it’s that, isn’t it? Rurune evolved, right? Since she ate the fruit of evolution. Furthermore, she had kicked the wolves.

Well, unlike Saria and I, she only ate one, so I didn’t think that it would become a so dramatic before and after, you know? But well, I don’t think I’ll understand it, I guess? Yup.

You see, the color of her hair and her eyes, were the same as that of the donkey Rurune, so I’m sure that this girl is Rurune.

Or rather, it’s already okay.

In other words, I continued talking by myself for such a long time, but there’s only one thing that I wanted to say.

“Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!??”

That was it.

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