Chapter 32: Class I Explorer (4)
The next is Narcissus — Narcissus Utopia.
An Edda, born with mysterious beauty — purple hair and eyes since birth.
She is the child of the Utopia family, one of the Six Great Houses of Edda.
There is no one else in the world with beauty as rare as hers.
People call her “The Return of Generous.”
And indeed, she truly is.
Although… in her case, well — that’s another matter entirely.
Anyway — there’s that. That Wof. I have to do something about him.
Even if he calls himself the witch’s apprentice, he’s obviously just some witch’s plaything.
That witch never does that kind of thing, but the others… ugh, they’re terrible. Absolutely terrible.
And I’ve got my own grudge too, so there’s no way that witch would really take him as a disciple. No way.
Honestly, it’s the poor Wof who’s pitiful for believing he’s an actual disciple.
I should save him from the witch’s evil clutches.
So, I asked Alweld — who owes me a favor — to bring him to me.
He owes me a big one.
But apparently, even with that debt, it still rubbed against his “principles as an explorer.”
He gave me all sorts of conditions, but eventually, he agreed.
“Haah? You failed?”
“There was a breach of contract. You kept silent about the pseudo-divine relic.”
“That’s—”
“You violated the rule to disclose everything. I only took this request because I owed you. That debt is now repaid.”
“Wait a minute!”
He’s gone.
Yes, I did violate the terms, but seriously, how could I possibly talk about that!?
Idiot. Idiot! Alweld, you moron! Weirdo! Narcissist!
Ugh… useless man. Fine then.
If I just write ‘Wof’ on the application for the next Knight Attendant assignment, I can get him easily.
What? The main headquarters of Coon hunt got half-destroyed by the witch!?
Ehhh… that’s way too flashy!
Wait, wasn’t Coon hunt Alweld’s clan?
Huh?
I don’t get it. I don’t get it! I seriously don’t get it!!
Why did this happen!? How did it come to this!?
It makes no sense! None at all!!
“‘Impregnable Fortress’ is called ‘Impregnable Fortress’ because it’s impregnable, right!? So why the hell—!?”
“Why are FOUR members of the Impregnable Fortress designating Wof!?”
And that old man Abramelin— he’s totally messing around!
This makes absolutely no sense! Why!? Just why did this happen!?
This can’t be real, right!? It’s impossible! It has to be impossible!
So why is something impossible actually happening!?
Especially Chive! Why Chive!? That beast— that black, sinister beast!
That witch’s familiar, Flazzerei!
That shady rip-off merchant running that sketchy store!
It seriously makes no sense.
Why is that beast also choosing Wof!?
And Autodoll — from the Eldorado family! Why you too!?
And the “Immortal White Rose Princess”! You’re all the Impregnable Fortress!
Do you even understand what choosing a Knight Attendant partner means!?
Men and women… in the same room—
Wait. The same room as Wof and me!?
N-no! No, no, no! Men and women can’t share a room! No way!!
Wait… did I make a mistake? Did I fundamentally misunderstand something?
Could I, Narcissus — the “Return of Generous” — have made a mistake!?
Could it be… that “witch’s apprentice” thing is actually real? Not a prank or game? Real real!?
Wait, are the others also real!? No way!
If that’s true, then what even is Wof!? What is he!?
I thought he was just Generous-sama’s vessel— a mere puppet for amusement!
A puppet so arrogant he even called Generous-sama weak!
But seduction? Charm? Being popular with women?
There’s no such ability among the nine divine relics of Generous-sama!
No way he could make Impregnables fall!!
So then… what is he!?
I just got chills.
I’m scared now.
He’s going to attack me. I’m twenty-four and still a virgin, but he’s going to attack me!!
I mean— look at him! With all those women he’s conquered, he’s clearly a hopeless womanizer!
If we meet, he’ll definitely attack me!!
Scary, scary, scary! Even without Generous-sama, he’s terrifying!!
I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m so sorry!
I take back everything! Calling Generous-sama weak— I’m sorry! I was wrong!
Okay. When I see Wof— Wof-sama— I’ll apologize. I’ll even grovel!
Yes, apologize. That’s the plan. Perfect.
“…That’s not it.”
“Hey, Ens.”
“What is it?”
“That Knight Attendant assignment of yours. I’m never doing it.”
“Got it.”
“Then let me punch you once!!”
“Mineha.”
“Yes, Master?”
“Do you despise me?”
“I think you acted recklessly.”
“You’re right.”
“But… I understand how you feel. That doesn’t mean I agree. Still, I won’t stop being your disciple. But Axe… I’m not sure about him.”
“Yes, I know. You’re right.”
“Axe tried to reach out.”
“Yes, I read his letter.”
“But really, this time— are you sure this is what you want?”
“Mineha… even if I’ve failed as a mother, even if he despises me, hates me, rejects me and never wants to see me again— I’ll still love him. I’ll never forget that I’m his mother.”
“…Master. I won’t tell him. I won’t tell Axe anything.”
“That’s fine. Thank you, Mineha.”
“No, Master. And… congratulations again on your pregnancy.”
“Thank you.”
“Hey, Mineha, let’s go.”
“Yes, Master. Until next time.”
“Yes.”
Aaaaahhhhhh—wahhh… aaahhh… a-a-awawawa!?
Awawa—! It’s me, Narcissus, staying at the Hydrangea Grand Hall lodging!
So, I was just walking around humming to myself, thinking, “Hmm, what should I have for lunch today~?” when—
Right around the corner, I stumbled upon an unbelievable scene!
That woman with honey-colored hair—radiant, absolutely dazzling, dripping with allure and beauty.
Wait… could she possibly be… the daughter of the Fairy Empress of Fairial!?
She looks kind of like her… but wasn’t her daughter supposed to be like ten years old or something!?
No matter how I look at her, she’s older than me!
I mean, seriously—what’s with that glow? That glossy, breathtaking beauty!?
More beautiful than me… w-wait—!
Anyway—her daughter? Of the Fairy Empress? The Fairy Empress, huh…
Ugh, she’s so intimidating. Those sharp eyes, that overwhelming aura… I seriously can’t handle her.
And Ens—wasn’t he a First-Class? Emi… that name sounds familiar somehow…
A-anyway! I witnessed something absolutely outrageous.
My heart pounding, I secretly peeked from behind a wall. Narcissus was watching—watching it all.
“I knew it. He hates me now. Haa…”
“You knew this might happen. What matters is what comes next. Don’t worry—Axe doesn’t truly hate you.”
“Really? And what did you think of Axe after meeting him?”
“I saw him, and yes, he’s definitely my son… but honestly, it’s still hard to believe. I think he feels the same way. I can’t blame him.”
“Yes… I suppose so.”
“Still, I’m happy. Happy I could see you alive again—and meet my son.”
“I’m so glad too… so happy to see you again.”
Wait, wait, wait—what’s this? Her hand’s on his cheek—? W-wait, WHAT!?
Fwaaahhhhh!? SHE KISSED HIM!?
“Even after nearly twenty years, you haven’t changed at all.”
“Hehe~ I am an elf, you know.”
“Not that. I mean inside. You’re still the same as back then.”
“You too… though, well, in your case, you haven’t changed in twenty years. Meanwhile I’ve aged twenty.”
“There’s still that three-hundred-year age gap before that, remember?”
“Ugh, don’t remind me. You’re such a tease.”
Um, excuse me!? This is a public walkway!
Stop flirting already! You’re blocking the way, you sparkly lovebirds!
…is what I want to say, but no way.
Absolutely impossible. I could never say that out loud.
Wh-what do I do? What if they kiss again!?
“Whatcha two lovebirds doing~?”
“Ah, Chive.”
Oh no—Chive!?
“Heyyy, Emi—oh, wait, is that…”
“Yeah. It happened.”
“Whoa, congrats!”
“Thanks.”
“I’ll send you a baby gift or something—diapers, maybe?”
“Oh, that’d be nice.”
“Hey, Chive.”
“Yo, long time no see—Ens, you’re still alive, huh?”
“Thanks to luck. Still feels like a miracle.”
“Good for you.”
“Yeah.”
“Mhm.”
They chatted casually and walked off, still flirting.
Leaving only Chive behind.
Who would’ve thought she of all people would end up helping.
“Man, the world’s such a mystery, huh, Narcissus?”
“Eek!”
“Haha—jumping at my voice like that!”
Ugh, this guy… Narcissus stepped out from behind the wall.
“When did you notice me?”
“From the start~ I think those two did too~”
“Wh-what!?”
“You’ve got a strong presence, you know~”
Grrr… well, being told my presence is strong… is kind of nice, actually.
“That’s just who you are.”
“Oh yeah—by the way, I should warn you~”
“Warn me? Me?”
“Mhm. If you mess with Wof again, I’ll turn you into emerald dust.”
Chive drew a curved emerald-colored blade in an instant and pressed it to Narcissus’ neck.
She glanced at the glowing edge—and smiled faintly.
“Relax. I’m not that bored.”
“Then we’re good~”
With a carefree tone, Chive sheathed the blade and strolled away.
Narcissus crossed her arms, watching.
“…Sigh. This is why uncivilized beasts are such a nuisance.”
She smirked confidently—though she might’ve peed a little.