Chapter 205

If Melt’s medicine succeeds…

If Same and Sheele are able to live freely…

Will they really grant my wish at that time?

Would they decide, “We’re no longer characters, but individual people,” and choose a path of living independently?

Lately, I’ve found myself worrying about that.

It has been four days since Melt started her final round of alchemical mixing.

Today as well, even though it’s almost noon, she has shut herself in her room, leaving only her breakfast on the table.

I’m not frustrated—just worried.

I decide it’s better to reheat her meal rather than make a new lunch, and start warming up the dishes I’d plated earlier.

“In hindsight, the microwave really was one of the greatest kitchen inventions ever.”

Thinking about that, I found myself reminiscing about the convenience of microwaves.

Then—someone knocked at the door. Not wanting to disturb Melt’s concentration, I hurried over and called out:

“Who is it?”

“Hello, I am Popo, the chairman of the Pigeon Company.”

“Oh, you’re the merchant who’s a friend of Same. Please wait a moment.”

I unlocked the door but did not invite him indoors; instead, we walked together to the gazebo in the yard.

It was already warm this season, so discussing things here seemed appropriate.

“I’m sorry, but Melt is working on something very important inside right now. Could we speak here instead, if you don’t mind?”

“But of course. This gazebo is lovely. And look at that large outdoor kitchen—on a hot day, cooking here, snacking, and sharing drinks would make for an ideal holiday.”

“Haha, I agree. So, did you come with some business for Same?”

“Yes, actually. Though from the looks of it, he must be away?”

“Yes, he is. I’m currently entrusted with the house. If you have a message for him, I can pass it along. Surprisingly, the brigade actually relies on me, you know?”

If it was something regarding Same, it might concern the entire brigade, so I would listen.

If it was a request for bodyguard work, we’d likely have to decline in the current situation—but…

“Well, it’s not so much for Same… but rather a request for Hash.”

“H–Hash?”

“Yes. A new concert hall is being planned for the noble district. The opening is still far off, but Count Hackertney, who is overseeing the project, wishes to officially hire Hash as the hall’s exclusive musician. I’ve been asked to relay that message.”

This… this is absolutely something Hash will be shouting about at the round table tonight…

Even in the current circumstances, it would feel wrong to say “he’s too far away to notify,” so I had to at least promise to deliver the message.

“Hash has temporarily returned to the brigade, so I’ll make sure he gets the message.”

“Oh! That’s a relief. I assumed he was wandering again.”

“That’s mostly true. But I’ll definitely tell him. I’m sure he’ll be happy that the city is getting another cultural facility.”

“Indeed. Recently we’ve had more visitors from abroad, and more beastfolk guests as well. Our company is expanding its lineup of goods accordingly. I’m glad we could talk. Please do pass the message on to Hash.”

“Leave it to me. Take care on your way back, Chairman Popo. With the dungeon core enriching the forest, magical beasts might migrate here someday.”

“Quite right. And… the rumored ‘brigade’ must be the same one tied to Same and Shizuma. I value this connection greatly. I would very much like to speak with Same again—please tell him so.”

“Certainly.”

After seeing him off, I thought—

Same truly is someone this country, this city, needs.

Even if he eventually leaves me, I hope he won’t sever his ties with this place.

Even after he takes flight from my side, I hope he continues to walk with this nation.

Returning home, I saw that Melt had eaten while I was gone; her dishes were soaking in the sink.

I washed them, then took a breath and began to meditate.

Lately, when I calm my mind like this—
—I can enter the spiritual realm of the round table.

“…Haa. Huh? What’s wrong, everyone?”

Upon opening my eyes at the round table, everyone was gathered… and looking at me with faint but clear irritation.

A–All of them? What did I do…?

“Shizuma, when you think about us, we can feel it too. Do you really think that once we become independent, we’ll throw away our feelings, our bonds, and everything else, and leave you behind?”

“That’s unfair of you, Shizuma. We all consider ourselves your family. We wouldn’t abandon our master and wander off without a word.”

“That’s right, Shizuma. I… will always remain by your side. No matter the journey, I have decided to walk with you and Melt.”

Silent, Same, Sheele—everyone nodded strongly.

My small doubt had hurt them… made them sad.

“Sorry, everyone. I knew it was a needless worry, but I couldn’t help thinking about it.”

“Good grief… Shizuma, you should rest assured. I personally want to watch this city grow and protect it. And I still owe the Pigeon Company more than a little.”

Same smiled.

Immediately after, another voice overlapped his—

“M–More importantly, Shizuma!! Earlier you mentioned something about a concert hall! Please, I must—absolutely must—visit Count Hackertney in my true form!”

As expected, it was Hash.

“How about this! Once we obtain the next dungeon core, I’ll be the one to finally go independent—”

“That matter has already been settled as part of the master’s hand. A project like a concert hall will take years to complete, so calm yourself.”

“U–um… but still, I would like to personally hear Count Hackertney’s story… how about it?”

“Hmm… yes, I think that’s necessary. I won’t make promises lightly, but if it’s a project for a few years from now, it should be fine. By then, I’ll show that I’ve gathered more cores. Well, assuming Melt’s medicine succeeds, of course.”

“Understood! Then, for now, we shall sit and wait, praying that the miracles woven by our beloved princess bring new life to us!”

“You are always so dramatic… truly.”

For now, the message to Hash is settled.

Next is the final confirmation: are Seim and Shire truly the ones who should carry out the medicine experiment?

I ask everyone again—

“I am prepared.”
“I have no objection, no matter the outcome.”

Everyone else nodded in agreement. Then, at that moment—

“…To obtain freedom… to obtain a body. I had no interest in this world, but I’m growing somewhat curious. Shizuma, I do not need it immediately, nor will I demand a body… but once the time comes, I might request to walk in the outside world. Not yet, but eventually.”

Suddenly, Schweigen’s voice echoed from the darkness.

He’s interested in the world…? Why now…?

I cannot confidently declare it safe to release him.

Because… because…

“…What are you planning, Schweigen? You still bear resentment toward everyone, don’t you? Are you interested now because everyone began living freely with a body? To finally defeat them?”

“…Hah. It’s not unreasonable for you to think that, but I understand it as a flow I was burdened with—a story. Such things no longer matter. It’s simply pure curiosity.”

Schweigen is… “the final boss common to all classes except the character’s own story.”

His class name… once the strongest class, nerfed heavily afterward, is—

“Demon King”

A class unheard of in traditional RPGs.

It was criticized for reasons beyond performance.

Because in a story centered on the Demon King, the plot depicts “heroes being ravaged by the story.”

And these heroes are all classes other than the Demon King.

Previously, criticism arose because stories woven with characters I created were being destroyed and ravaged as the villains.

At the same time, the implemented “system” allowed heroes in the Demon King’s story to be swapped with your own characters.

I thought this was an interesting experiment.

Later, the reverse version was also implemented:

A feature to “change the final boss in another class’s story to the Demon King you own.”

Yet criticism remained, and because of its strength, the Demon King was heavily nerfed… users complained, and it underwent what could only be described as excessive, almost purgatorial, nerfs.

“…When the time comes, huh. I understand. I can’t promise, but… when the time comes, speak up. Until then, I will grow strong enough to regain control even if you temporarily take my body.”

“I see. Then I shall look forward to it.”

After that, Schweigen’s voice was never heard again.

Why… now…? Has something touched his heartstrings…?

“Phew… it’s about time for me to awaken. Same, Shire, Melt’s final alchemical mixing should be entering its climax soon. I’ll be counting on you then.”

“Ah, of course.”

“Yes, understood.”

With that, as I tried to awaken, my consciousness naturally registered the sounds of reality—the air, the sensations flowing through my body.

When I opened my eyes, it was the usual sight: the living room of my home.

I’ve certainly gotten quite skillful, haven’t I?

“Phew…”

I stood up, preparing to start making dinner, and stretched my arms. At that moment, a loud sound of a door opening came from the second floor, followed by the heavy thumping of footsteps—Melt came rushing down.

“Shizuma! It’s done! The medicine is ready! Look! It’s inside this silver vial!!!”

“O–oh! It’s finally finished!”

“Yes! I was waiting for the medicine to react and transform inside this container! And this is a vial made from heart silver I obtained in Isbel!”

The container Melt brought was a beautiful silver vessel, roughly the size of a large sake bottle.

The surface seemed naturally patterned, like scales, with raised textures. When she shook it, it made a plopping sound, as if it were filled to the brim with the medicine.

“Uh… um… what should we do!? Should we test it now!? Should we have someone drink it!?”

“Y-yeah! I’m suddenly getting nervous! O-okay, let’s do it!”

Our voices trembled naturally.

My heart raced from Melt’s excitement, from the tension of seeing whether all her hard work would finally pay off, and from the anxiety that the two people we had just envisioned in our minds might actually appear in reality.

“O-okay…”

With shaking hands, I operated the summoning interface and made Same and Sheele manifest.

Meanwhile, Melt prepared two small glasses and carefully poured the medicine into them.

The liquid seemed almost sentient, changing colors mysteriously within the glasses.

Before us, Same and Sheele appeared, expressionless, standing silently.

I gave them instructions.

“Same, Sheele. Please… drink the contents of the glasses on the table.”

They obeyed without emotion, downing the liquid in the glasses.

Now, the moment of truth—what would be the result?