Invaders of the Rokujouma!? Volume 1

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Invaders of the Rokujouma!? Volume 1 Page 15

by Takehaya


  “Just the two of you?”

  Koutarou was a little surprised. In his head, royalty traveled with a grand company. Yet here, Theia only had Ruth with her.

  “That’s right. I’m supposed to demonstrate my capabilities in this trial. That wouldn’t be possible with a large retinue.”

  “I see. You have to do it on your own, or there wouldn’t be a point to it.”

  “Precisely.”

  “So, what’s the trial? Since you came all this way, are you exploring like you mentioned before?”

  “No. Her Highness’ trial is an invasion.”

  “Invasion?!”

  “Her Highness has to invade this room and become its ruler in both title and function.”

  “W-Wait a minute! Why does it have to be my room?!”

  Koutarou was taken aback as Ruth continued to explain.

  “As I believe you are now aware, the trial is to prove the capabilities of potential successors to the throne. A full-scale invasion wouldn’t be necessary. Her Highness was given coordinates to a small space, selected at random, for her to occupy and make into her own territory. It’s merely ceremonial.”

  “So that space just happens to be my room?!”

  “I know it’s hard to believe, but the coordinates the computer selected for the trial perfectly overlap with this room.”

  “What kind of a coincidence is that?!”

  “We are perplexed as well. Normally, the coordinates for this trial are in empty space. All you have to do is place your flag in that predetermined space and it’s over. What is primarily asked for in this trial is the courage to make a journey to the outskirts of known space, far, far away.”

  Ruth had a serious look on her face.

  If a computer really chose coordinates at random, there would have been a near guarantee that it selected empty space, considering the universe in all of its vastness is mostly empty space. The coincidence made this the first time that coordinates had indicated a habitable planet with intelligent life on it.

  “So what happens in this case?”

  “If intelligent life is found at the invasion point, not only is invasion required, but the lifeforms must be made to swear fealty. It’s a trial to demonstrate capacity for leadership, after all. Of course, taking their lives is absolutely out of the question”

  “Which means—”

  That was when Koutarou finally understood the circumstances.

  “Even someone as stupid as you can understand now! So swear your eternal loyalty and transfer the control of this room to me right now! If you do, you will become a citizen of our glorious empire and be able to enjoy a long, prosperous life!”

  The seventh princess of the Holy Forthorthe Galactic Empire, Theiamillis Gre Forthorthe wasn’t just trying to invade room 106. She was also after Koutarou’s heart.

  “I refuse!”

  As Theia demanded his room and his loyalty, Koutarou’s response was the same as always.

  “Who would swear loyalty to someone like you? Don’t make me laugh!”

  Since she had practically torn his room apart, Koutarou didn’t think very highly of Theia. Swearing loyalty to her was unthinkable.

  “Curse you, Neanderthal! I treat you gently, and this is how you repay me?!”

  “When did you ever treat me gently? The only one who showed any manners was Ruth!”

  Ouch...

  A dull pain ran through Koutarou’s head as he yelled at Theia.

  Did I get a little too excited?

  Koutarou shook his head in an attempt to get rid of the headache, but the pain remained along with a heavy feeling in the center of his head. He thought the headache was from getting too excited, but in reality he had been pushing his body past its limits for the past few days.

  “I don’t mind turning you into ashes on the spot, you know?!”

  “I already know that you won’t be able to clear your trial if you do that! Enough with your crappy empty threats!”

  But Koutarou quickly forgot about his headache. The girl in front of him was a much bigger problem.

  “Grrr, all because this Neanderthal picked up some unnecessary knowledge...!”

  “If you weren’t with Ruth, I would have kicked you out long ago!”

  “What?! Is that how you treat your master?!”

  “Who is the master here, huh?!”

  “It’s me, pleb! Do I have to explain every single thing for you to understand?!”

  “As if I’d ever understand you, Tulip!”

  Neither Koutarou nor Theia would back down as they glared at each other. As they continued scowling, they moved their faces closer and closer, to the point where their lips were almost touching.

  “Your Highness! Satomi-sama! Please, calm down! Fighting won’t help anyone!”

  “Even if it’s at Ruth-san’s request, I refuse to listen to this shorty!”

  “You heard him, Ruth! This pleb won’t understand unless we use force! He’s a Neanderthal who doesn’t even understand the glory of being a Forthorthian citizen!”

  Ruth’s earnest attempts at persuasion had no effect on Koutarou and Theia. They were both far too worked up. However, Ruth wasn’t about to throw in the towel.

  “Please! I beg you to listen to my selfishness! No matter the outcome, the two of you mustn’t fight!”

  Ruth was seriously worried about them, which gave strength to her words.

  “Grrr... I-I understand, Ruth. I’m sorry for making a commotion.”

  “I’ll only overlook it this time, for Ruth-san’s sake.”

  Fortunately, her second attempt got through to them. They started to withdraw, but continued to glare at each other.

  “Thank you very much. Both of you. I am truly grateful that you would listen to my selfish appeal.”

  Overcome with relief, Ruth rubbed the corner of her eye.

  There’s No Spirit of Cooperation!

  Thursday, April 9th

  “Phew.”

  Koutarou was able to calm down after drinking the cup of tea Kiriha had poured for him.

  “Problems just keep piling up and I can’t help feeling like I’m starting to lose my mind.”

  “When that happens, just have another cup of tea. Although, sadly, I wasn’t able to find any good tea leaves.”

  Sanae was clinging on to Koutarou’s back and playing with the now empty cup using her Poltergeist powers.

  Now that I think about it, I used to fight with Sanae when we first met too...

  Having remembered that, Koutarou looked at Theia who was currently sitting at the tea table across from him. Being as stubborn as she was, she blatantly looked away from him, determined not to look him in the eyes. Koutarou felt that the current situation was quite similar to when he had first met Sanae.

  “Hey, Tulip.”

  “...Don’t call me by that strange name! I have a splendid name! It’s Theia!”

  Theia glared at Koutarou. Although she was more bullish and selfish than Sanae, her puffed up cheeks still gave her a childlike charm.

  I have no intention of handing over this room, but I’m being a bit immature. She’s only a child...

  “All right then, Theia.”

  “Call me Theia-sama or Your Highness.”

  “I’m not a citizen of your country, and I don’t intend to become one. Think about it. Right now, we are enemies.”

  “...Well, fine. So what do you want?”

  “We may be enemies, but let’s not do anything that won’t benefit either of us.”

  “Such as?”

  “Such as punching, kicking, or firing lasers. You’d be in trouble if I died too, right? Besides, I can’t imagine using violence to force someone into submission would help prove your leadership potential.”

  “...”

  Theia furrowed her brow and fell silent. She understood that Koutarou was correct, but her emotions couldn’t accept it.

  “And I’ll restrain myself from throwing you out right now too. So let’s
tolerate each other to a certain degree, okay?”

  “...”

  Theia stared at Koutarou’s face. Two intense feelings were fighting within her small chest.

  “Your Highness, bargaining is required from time to time.”

  “...I understand. It’s true that I have nothing to gain from fighting you.”

  In the end, Ruth was the one that pushed Theia in the right direction.

  “If you’re open to negotiations, I will stop resorting to violence.”

  Theia looked reluctant, but she agreed to Koutarou’s proposal.

  “I’m fine with that.”

  Hmm... As long as she doesn’t get emotional, it looks like she can be somewhat reasonable...

  The reality of the situation was that Theia could simply use her weapons to take the entire planet hostage and then threaten Koutarou. However, as long as she wasn’t losing it, she knew that wasn’t how she should handle things.

  “Well, with that settled, I’d like to define the situation we’re in. How about it?”

  Waiting for the struggle between Koutarou and Theia to die down, Kiriha made her proposal.

  “No objections.”

  “I understand.”

  Sanae and Yurika agreed right away.

  “Let’s do that. I’m starting to lose track myself.”

  At first, Koutarou had been the only one in the room. But in just four days, the number had increased to six. Anyone would get confused.

  “I don’t mind. I’d like to hear everyone’s intentions once more.”

  Theia obediently agreed as well. However, the last one, Ruth, didn’t say anything. She was only there are Theia’s helper.

  “Then let’s begin with Koutarou. He is currently the legal master of this room.”

  “What about me? I’ve lived here since before Koutarou.”

  “Koutarou is the one who has a contract with the landlord. I have no intention of neglecting you, Sanae, but let’s start by hearing what Koutarou has to say.”

  “Ugh, fine. I guess we have to.”

  Sanae was dissatisfied, but she held it in for now. That was because her feelings for Koutarou had started to change, although she herself was still unaware of this development. If this were happening the day they had first met, Sanae never would have backed down.

  “Go ahead, Koutarou.”

  “Okay... It’s simple for me. This is where I’m living while going to school. That’s why I won’t leave. The monthly rent of just 5,000 yen makes it ideal.”

  “Pleb, how long will it take for you to finish school?”

  “...Three years.”

  Although slightly irritated by being called a pleb, Koutarou answered Theia.

  “I can’t wait for that long.”

  “But I have no intention of leaving. I’m also friends with Landlord-san. If I hand this room over to you, it would just cause her trouble instead.”

  Koutarou had two reasons for not moving out. The first was strictly financial. The second was Shizuka.

  While they had only known each other for a few days, Shizuka had treated him well, and he felt indebted to her. They were also becoming friends, so he didn’t want to haphazardly hand over the room and dump these problems on her. Koutarou knew how much the building meant to Shizuka, which was why he couldn’t simply leave.

  “That’s about it for me.”

  “With your lifestyle on the line, you can’t withdraw easily, huh?”

  “But I need you to leave.”

  “Yurika, save that until it’s your turn, if you please. Next is Sanae.”

  “Me?”

  “I was thinking of doing this in the order of appearance.”

  “Okay. But my story isn’t all that complicated. I’ve been living here this whole time, so I don’t want to be chased out.” Sanae smiled indifferently as she spoke. “I currently have a truce with Koutarou, but I plan on throwing out anyone that gets in my way.”

  “B-By possessing and killing them?”

  “If I have too... Heh heh. I might just put a curse on you!”

  “Aaaaaaaiieee!”

  Sanae flashed a grim smile, leaving Yurika frozen with fear. Amused, Sanae slowly approached her.

  “N-Nooooo!”

  “Stop! Wait! Don’t run away, Yurika!”

  Yurika was about to jump into wardrobe as per her usual, but Koutarou grabbed ahold of her foot and stopped her.

  “L-Let go! You’re the only one that has to get possessed, Satomi-san!”

  “Hey, stop kicking! Stop running! At least tell us your story first!”

  “But the ghost! The ghost will attack!”

  “I might eat you up!”

  “Kyaaaaah! Noooooooo!”

  “Sanae, you cut it out! We’re not going to get anywhere if you keep this up!”

  “Teehee, sorry.”

  Sanae stuck her tongue out and returned to her seat.

  “Nooooo!”

  “Yurika, calm down! Sanae isn’t coming after you anymore!”

  “Let gooo!”

  However, seemingly blind to her environment, Yurika continued to struggle. As she kicked Koutarou repeatedly, his rage began welling up from within.

  “Gah! This is why I hate cosplayers with spring fever!”

  “If we don’t put a stop to this kind of behavior, the reputation of cosplayers worldwide will just keep getting worse. Even though they’re all good people...”

  “I’m not a cosplayer!”

  Yurika shouted reflexively, but it finally snapped her back to reality. Realizing everyone was staring at her coldly, her face turned red with shame.

  “Ah, um...”

  “Phew. Jeez...”

  Koutarou let out a sigh and let go of Yurika’s leg before returning to his seat.

  “Good work, Koutarou.”

  “I don’t want to hear that from you, Sanae!”

  “Oh my. Just relax.”

  “Sheesh.”

  “Teehee.”

  Sanae didn’t so much as flinch when Koutarou shouted at her.

  “I’m sorry for making such a commotion.”

  An apologetic Yurika returned to her seat too.

  “Well it is your turn now, Yurika. Tell us why you came here.”

  “She came here to hold a cosplay party with her friends, right?”

  “I think that was it. The cheap rent must have caught her eye.”

  “You’re wrong! There will be people who come here wanting to claim the magical power that’s overflowing in this room. I need everyone to escape from here before that happens!”

  “Okay, okay. So that’s the backstory for your party, right?”

  “The way you stick to your story is worthy of praise, but could you please not try to take over this room for something like that?”

  “Honestly, even I’m struggling to handle Yurika.”

  “That’s not it! Why won’t you ever listen to what I have to say?!”

  Yurika desperately tried to appeal, but Koutarou and the others didn’t believe her at all.

  “Isn’t it obvious?”

  “Yeah. Nobody really believes in magic. It’s just unrealistic.”

  “And despite calling yourself a magical girl of love and justice, you constantly run away, leaving behind Koutarou as a sacrifice. That’s totally not something a heroine of justice would do.”

  Common sense, reality, and cowardice. There was just far too much working against Yurika for anyone to believe her story.

  “A-Auuugh! I’m not lying!”

  “Don’t worry, Yurika.” Theia leaned over to pat her on the shoulder. “I believe in you.”

  “Really?!” The gloomy expression on Yurika brightened up at Theia’s words. “You believe in magic?!”

  “Of course.”

  “And that I’m a magical girl? And that enemies are coming?”

  “Yes. Of course I do.”

  “Thank you so much! I always thought someone who believed in me would appear!”

&nb
sp; Yurika grabbed Theia’s hand and shook it intensely. She was crying tears of joy.

  “There’s no need to thank me. If you leave in return, that is.”

  But Theia’s next words made Yurika’s expression freeze in place.

  “Huh?” Yurika was visibly flustered now. “Wh-What do you mean by that?”

  “I’m simply saying I believe your story. That’s why you can leave without any regrets. I will deal with your enemies, so there is no need to worry.”

  “W-Wait just a minute! You mean—”

  “You’re trying to use diplomacy to get rid of her. Even though you don’t believe her one bit, you’ll say you do so you can bargain with her... You’re a clever one, alien princess.”

  Kiriha cut in on Yurika’s behalf.

  “Heh heh, royalty can do more than just use force.”

  And Kiriha got it spot on.

  “Th-This is just too cruel! You all just keep picking on me! Why?! You’re fine with ghosts, underground people, and aliens!”

  Yurika started crying again.

  “This is discrimination! It’s unfair! I demand a correction in the balance!”

  Yurika got up and jumped into the wardrobe, slamming the sliding door shut.

  “Waaaaah...”

  Her crying voice could be heard coming through the wardrobe.

  “Well then, I’m next.”

  “Kiriha, why did you come here?”

  Everyone else quickly moved on.

  “Waaah! I’m still right here.”

  It only made Yurika sadder.

  “I came here to rebuild the altar where my ancestors were enshrined.”

  “Oh, so this is sacred ground to you?”

  “But you’re only rebuilding it so you can invade the surface, right?”

  “That’s right. By rebuilding the altar, we can efficiently gather spiritual energy. By mass producing spiritual energy weapons, we will be able to regain our lost glory.”

  “So in a political sense, your goal is similar to mine.” Theia smiled contentedly.

  So this is my enemy. She seems sharp, too... This’ll be interesting.

  Theia was secretly happy that a worthy rival had appeared.

  “Finally, it’s your turn, Theia-dono.”

  “Yes, my reasons are as I mentioned before. I came here as part of a ceremony to prove myself. I demand ownership of this room in addition to the loyalty of its resident pleb.”

 

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