Summoned Slaughterer - Book 5

by Ido Masayoshi

  “Andrus-sama, there are no beastmen in the surroundings.”

  Due to the soldier asking whether they should move on, the man called Andrus decided to split away from the city a bit further.

  Since there’s the possibility of strong beastmen appearing, to the degree that they wouldn’t be able to deal with them, if they separated from the city too far, they have to be careful in their movements.

  The knights from the time of founding the nation apparently fought with the bear and tiger beastmen, but Andrus believes this to be a tale. For the knights, who are currently in Swordland, it’s doubtful whether they could equally fight 1-on-1 against beastmen, who are strong in combat.

  “Uuhh…”

  It’s the young tigerboy raising a moan as he wakes up within the cage.

  “Th-This place is…”

  “Did ya snap outta it? If ya stay obedient, ya will be able ta keep living in a far nicer place than yer animal dwelling. Ya will even be able ta eat da good stuff.” (Andrus)

  “Therefore, be nice”, Andrus intended to coerce him with his gaze, but the tigerboy began to shout to let him out of the cage.

  “Tsk. He became annoyin’. Oi.” (Andrus)

  Calling a single soldier, he ordered him to thrust the sword at the still not conscious tigergirl.

  As the soldier did it without a single shred of hesitation, the tigerboy shut his mouth.

  “If ya ain’t quiet, I will kill dat female brat over there and not ya. She will be simply stabbed from outside.” (Andrus)

  “Shut yer trap, if ya get it”, Andrus says over his shoulders and returns his gaze towards the direction of their travel. Thereupon he discovered a single bearchild sleeping visibly hidden in the shades of the trees ahead.

  “Oh, whatcha great omen. Though it’s a brat once again, da quota had been reached.” (Andrus)

  By the order of Andrus, who felt like having already caught it, the soldiers slowly and quietly approach the bearchild.

  The instant a soldier, who turned his spearhead towards the bearchild, advanced to a distance where he could touch it after a few steps,

  “It’s the humans! Run awaaaaay!”

  The tigerboy within the cage shouted with all his strength.

  “Ya shitty bastard!”

  Although Andrus raised his voice in anger, the bearchild, who had already lifted its head after waking up, has been surprised in noticing the humans, who had approached right next to it.

  “Tsk. Surround it quickly! I don’ even mind, if it has a few injuries here n’ there.” (Andrus)

  The bearchild was a girl, who had cute, rotund eyes and small, round ears. Even if her hands and legs had wounds, there will be demand for a beargirl with such a nice appearance.

  “It will be well worth the time”, before the eyes of Andrus, who mumbled that, a single soldier, who tried to shorten the distance by running fast upon his order, was abruptly blown away.

  “What is it!?”

  In front of the panicking solders’ eyes a gigantic bear with a height of above 3 m stood in the way in order to protect the beargirl.

  Having grown tough-looking fur, it possesses thick, sharp claws on the powerful, fat fingers on both paws. It is trembling in rage baring its fangs.

  “Human trash! I won’t permit you targeting my daughter!”

  Closing in on a soldier with a nimbleness that doesn’t fit its large build, everything above the soldier’s neck was gone with an explosive sound once it waved its right paw.

  In addition to beating the soldiers, who approached closer, to death, the bearman catches the thrust-out spear with his teeth and hits a soldier’s belly with a kick.

  At the time the soldier, who vomited out his intestines with spasms, collapsed, the bearman came in front of Andrus.

  “Tsk!” (Andrus)

  Andrus, quickly drawing his sword, jumped off the horse.

  Although the bearman’s claws fail to seize Andrus, the horse’s flank is torn up and it raises a shriek.

  Taking a distance by rolling on the ground, the bearman had already approached immediately before his eyes when he lifted his head.

  He protects himself against the downward-swung arms with his sword.

  Even though he managed to stop them somehow, a pain travels through his left arm due to the impact and it broke. Andrus knew that by instinct.

  At the moment the bearman raised his arms overhead once more, Andrus swings his sword sweeping sideways with only his right hand.

  Grazing the chest of the bearman, he inflicts a shallow wound, but without minding he evades the swung arms by scurrying.

  He was cut deeply at a part of his face that failed to avoid it, however Andrus hasn’t the leeway to worry about that right now.

  “Ooooh!”

  The sword of Andrus, who finished getting up in a sorry mess, inflicted yet another wound at the flank of the bearman.

  But, Andrus’ hard struggle ended at that point.

  The bearman, who took an evasive stance by bending back, severely kicked the nether region of Andrus with his right foot as is.

  The large paws of his foot smash Andrus’ crotch and sink further into him.

  Falling to the ground with such a pain that he can’t even leak a voice, the bearman quickly crushed Andrus underfoot and thus he died.

  “Fuu…”

  “Dad, are you alright?”

  Once the beargirl rushed over seeing it all from the beginning to the end while being scared, the bearman showed a gentle smile making his expression of rage from before a lie.

  “Yea, of course. You have no injuries, Olra?”

  “I’m fine. I noticed them before they could hurt me since that kid called out to me.” (Olra)

  “Which reminds me, I was made aware of the situation by that voice as well.”

  The bearman, who approached the cage, grabbed the iron grid and burst it open with all his strength.

  “It was a courageous act. Thanks to it, my daughter was saved. You have my thanks.”

  The bearman, calling himself Salgu, pulled out the tigerboy from the cage and helped out with the unconscious tigergirl by gently carrying her.

  “Umm…”

  Watching the battle, the tigerboy, who was dumbfounded until he was saved, resolves himself and speaks.

  “Yea?” (Salgu)

  “Will I also be able to become as strong as mister?”

  ☺☻☺

  It was a letter for Imeraria, who is the new Queen and very busy with the daily governmental affairs, reporting the schedule of the royal capital’s visit delivered by Fokalore.

  Although a noble has the liberty of leaving and entering a territory, there is an unwritten rule to send a notice before entering the capital, albeit that was completely ignored by Hifumi. It’s for the sake of showing that a noble, who entered the capital, has no ulterior motive, even if there are also cases of them being summoned by the king.

  “From Fokalore? Just who the heck is coming here?” (Imeraria)

  Not only the nobles but even the commoners knew very well about Hifumi having left for a long journey towards the wastelands to fight by himself against the beastmen, who opposed mankind for a long time. It has become a commonly repeated topic among the townspeople as the start of a new legend.

  “It appears to be Earl Tohno’s wife, who is coming for a visit of the royal capital.” (Adol)

  Prime Minister Adol, who read the documents, calmly replied to Imeraria’s question.

  “Apparently she is hoping for an audience with you, Your Majesty. Moreover she is even requesting my presence.” (Adol)

  “Origa-san, is it…? However, just what kind of business does she have with us?” (Imeraria)

  “Well, the notice doesn’t explain that far.” (Adol)

  Imeraria cocked her head in puzzlement for a while, but considering it inevitable, she issued instructions in order to prepare the arrangements.

  “Is it fine?” (Adol)

  “She is Hifumi-sa
ma’s wife. It’s impossible to ignore her. Besides, it’s probably better to directly confirm whether her aim is for her own purposes or upon Hifumi-sama’s instruction.” (Imeraria)

  “I see”, Adol nodded and left the office.

  “Really, he is a person who causes worries no matter whether he is here or not… I wonder where in the wastelands he is currently rampaging about.” (Imeraria)

  Although it wasn’t by all means, she wasn’t able to imagine him dying a dog’s death in the wastelands. And, simultaneously with Hifumi’s face, she recalled Origa’s face at the time they met quite a while ago when she was still a slave.

  “… What is she really aiming for?” (Imeraria)

  If possible, Imeraria was earnestly hoping to lead a quiet life at least for the period Hifumi wasn’t there.

  Chapter 88: One Way Or Another

  “I hope you are in splendid health, Your Majesty, the Queen.” (Origa)

  “Such stiff greeting is unnecessary, Origa-san.” (Imeraria)

  The dress of Origa, who brought several chamberlains along to the royal castle, was different from the time she accompanied Hifumi as chamberlain while also serving as combat personnel. It resembled a dress worn by noble women. It had a bit leeway in regards to the size of the sleeves and was a blue costume, which used high-priced fabric.

  Holding the iron-ribbed fan in her hand, Origa, who keeps her head high and engenders a graceful ambience, was the centre of attention even within the ruler’s castle.

  There also was a noble, who tried to praise her beauty, but he turned pale after his colleague informed him of her status.

  And currently she is attending a meeting with Queen Imeraria in her office.

  Originally Origa, who is no more than a commoner that only became the wife of a noble, isn’t permitted to attend in this situation, but with her husband being far too special and, on top, it being unknown what her purpose is, it was chosen to carry out a private meeting rather than a formal audience, where she very likely would have been seen by other nobles.

  “First off, congratulations on your marriage. Did you get used to life as a noble? Because you were working as adventurer originally, it’s probably a different environment from before.” (Imeraria)

  “Let me see. Since there isn’t much difference whether you are a commoner or noble in Fokalore, I don’t even particularly have such feelings. If pushed to say, then it’s harder to “deal” with snuggling up to my husband.” (Origa)

  “Ara. Currently Hifumi-sama is the sole large noble boasting high fame and leading in vastness of territory within Orsongrande. Surrounding yourself with excellent personnel is also an important matter.” (Imeraria)

  “That’s right, isn’t it? Since I’m also welcoming ladies coming to meddle as if they are sister-in-laws, it’s essential to have personnel in order to support me. If I handled each and every party, my nerves will end up getting worn down.” (Origa)

  Origa deliberately intends to put Imeraria at distance. Even though Imeraria uses words of assistance, Origa has recognised her as the woman being the most intimate with Hifumi, if she excludes herself. Thus biting words rushed out of her mouth towards Imeraria, although not intentional. Origa is aware of her own anxiety whether she is really a good wife, however she can’t reach a conclusion whether that’s in regards to “the person called Hifumi” or “the domestic nobles.”

  After having verbal attacks for a while, both of them taste some black tea.

  Given that Origa and Imeraria are showing smiles, it might look like a harmonious tea party from the perspective of an outsider.

  Prime Minister Adol, who is present, didn’t even savour the black tea’s taste he drank as he has recollections similar to having his stomach pierced with worries from all directions.

  “S-So, Mrs. Tohno, this time you not only requested Imeraria-sama’s presence but mine as well in your message. But, what sort of important business is it?” (Adol)

  Wholeheartedly wanting to be freed from being at this place, Adol quickly cut at the real issue at hand.

  “… Adol-sama, it seems that you have investigated various things in the reference room recently.” (Origa)

  “Wh-What are…” (Adol)

  “Given that I have attached the investigation, there’s no meaning in denying it. … Accordingly, it appears you have been searching for documents about ancient magic, right? What’s the purpose of that?” (Origa)

  While Origa indifferently talks about it, Adol is drenched in sweat. Clenching his fists placed on top his knees, he wrecks his brain over whether there is a good excuse, but as nothing comes to mind, he gets even more flustered.

  “Prime Minister, you…” (Imeraria)

  Even Imeraria considered his state as suspicious.

  “I was aware that you were enthusiastically investigating some matters. You were burdened with more troubles than before, Prime Minister. It’s not only once or twice I relied on your knowledge and experience either. But, what’s this about you investigating ancient magic? Though I heard that you aren’t able to use magic, Prime Minister?” (Imeraria)

  As the questions poured on even from Imeraria’s side, Adol, who had an idea, frankly talked about the “return spell” for returning Hifumi to his former world.

  Given that it has already been proven that Hifumi has military power, which is difficult to handle even with sneak attacks and large numbers, he has been considering to propose it as apology, if there is a way to return him to his previous world, is what the prime minister decided to begin to explain to people about his own plan.

  “Hifumi-sama to his previous world… such a thing is possible?” (Imeraria)

  The instant she hears about it as method of apology, Imeraria displayed a cheerful expression, however she asked with a slightly gloomy face after she apparently has thought about something.

  Adol, who is worried about that matter as well, wasn’t able to take back the words, which left his mouth next.

  “… As a matter of fact I discovered records of that magic. Since there are many parts, which are incomprehensible if you aren’t a magician, I can’t really say if the analysis will proceed in the future from now on.” (Adol)

  “Is that so? Then let me help you with that as well. Although there are various parts to consider with Hifumi, having him return is the best…” (Imeraria)

  Imeraria was startled looking at Origa’s face.

  Since Imeraria has known about her fanatic love towards Hifumi, she belatedly realized that her remark likely would infuriate Origa.

  But, Origa’s smile hasn’t crumbled.

  “Origa-san, this matter is…” (Imeraria)

  “I will also help you with that project.” (Origa)

  Due to Imeraria calling out to her in panic, Origa clearly declared,

  “Rescuing Orsongrande, the hero-sama from another world, who not only advanced the combat but also the craftsmanship of this world in one go, finished his duty and went back to his own world… It’s a splendid, complete epic, right?” (Origa)

  “I-Is that alright with you?” (Imeraria)

  Towards Imeraria, asking with a trembling voice, Origa, drinking a sip of black tea, replied “Of course.”

  “Hifumi-sama, who is my husband, isn’t a small existence, that will be done with only this world. As I’m also able to use magic, I will give my maximum cooperation for that research. However…” (Origa)

  Imeraria, who put down her cup, gazes at Adol.

  “If you were to look like you are pretending the return of Hifumi-sama, Fokalore will immediately announce its independence and begin a war with all of Orsongrande.” (Origa)