The Spearmaster and the Black Cat

Chapter 136: Interlude Rebecca - Part 2

Chapter 136: Interlude Rebecca – Part 2

Besides working as a shop assistant in the store, I also went to the guild every day and had a staring contest with the request boards. After several days of this, something different happened.

Gazing at the important points on the party applications…I wanted to form one, but since I couldn’t, I wouldn’t.

If I kept at it even as soloer, I would be able to hunt some monsters.

But, in my mind…if I can meet that lancer again, Shuuya, was it?

That’s what I was thinking.

And when I was choosing requests in the guild, the gods apparently granted my wish. I was addressed by Shuuya, the person I had been thinking about.

It seemed that he would let me join his party again.

I was really, really happy. So happy that I fumbled my words.

And then I was surprised when he introduced his party members to me.

Shuuya had a slave, there was a woman in a wheelchair called Eva as well, she also had a nasty nickname like me.

Then we chose requests for monster subjugation and magic stone collection before we moved on to deciding the party’s name; everyone contributed ideas.

I loved that kind of atmosphere.

Shuuya rejected and rejected while grinning. He didn’t take my idea into consideration either, but the flavor chat was really fun.

Even though it was an instant of coming together and being noisy, to me it felt like an eternity.

Eventually, Shuuya, who stared at black cat-chan, made a suggestion with a satisfied expression and Shuuya’s idea of “Innocent Arms” was set as our name.

I don’t understand the meaning, but I do think it’s nice.

Us Innocent Arms headed into the labyrinth and were able to advance while doing well with the hunting.

To put it into simple words, the battles in the labyrinth were amazing.

We defeated the spawned monsters one after the other, advancing smoothly.

I haven’t experienced a party that was able to hunt and progress at such speed.

Though I’m no good judge since I haven’t joined many parties.

But, I think it was fast, and everyone agreed with my opinion.

Moreover, riding on the momentum, we challenged a rare monster room.

A Black Sweet Water Snake spawned there.

It’s a big snake with whiskers, that released Black Sweetwater.

Shuuya amply demonstrated his true abilities as a lancer here.

Of course, I fired my spells desperately, too, but Shuuya was several levels above me.

Using his halberd he called Magic Halberd, he sliced the big head off of the Black Sweet Water Snake with a swoosh as if chopping fruit.

It was really a chain of surprises.

There are humans who easily defeat A-rank monsters after all.

It’s possible he might not be a human, but I didn’t ask right then.

I mean, I’m a half-elf myself.

I don’t like to talk about my race.

But, but, for a silver treasure chest to appear, that was a huge shock.

Apparently, I got a nosebleed out of excitement.

Moreover, Shuuya gave me an item.

To be precise, he split the loot with everyone without trying to hog it all for himself.

…He’s kind.

He might be the type that isn’t fixated on money.

He even gave his part of the loot to his slave. But well, that might be for the sake of raising her combat power.

Since he couldn’t say so honestly though, I criticized Shuuya by messing around and poking fun at him when we had a break.

And then, after we finished hunting the monsters for the requests, us Innocent Arms safely returned to the surface.

We got our reward at the guild and had the highly-anticipated item appraisal performed.

I think I was giggling to myself when we did it.

I got my hands on a magic wand and a large amount of gold coins…

Because it was the first time I had obtained such a large reward since becoming an adventurer, I believe it couldn’t be helped, but at this point, I was already drooling over Shuuya, sending him an intense lovestruck gaze.

Since I was acting like that, I couldn’t admonish Shuuya for his perverted look either.

But who cares, I’m happy. Fufufufu.

It looks like he will soon tackle the magic treasure map from the silver chest, and he will apparently invite me at that time again.

Naturally, I was all smiles.

I left the guild walking on air; I was so enthusiastic that I started skipping like a surprised Strange Bird Rucook.

On the road in front of the guild, all of us discussed what we are going to do from now on.

Because Shuuya said that he wants to go to the market, I decided to offer to act as his guide.

But, Eva told Shuuya that she wants to speak to him alone… She might plan to properly confess to him.

Even in the labyrinth Eva showed an easily readable attitude and gazed at him with eyes full of love.

To do something I’m not capable of so honestly, Eva is amazing.

I’m certain that she loves Shuuya very much.

If so, she will beat me to the punch.

What should I do…?

As I waited and held such faint glimmers of love, Shuuya returned without a hitch.

Since I was curious, I tried asking him about it.

“—So, what did you talk about with Eva?” (Rebecca)

Shuuya turned his gaze on his slave.

Why? Is she related to it? Or is Viine…

Shuuya revealed a slightly strained smile.

“… Ah, it was something private. I told Eva the location of the inn where I’m staying. And that I’m going to leave her a message in the party box via letter.” (Shuuya)

She might have confessed after all.

Or possibly they might have made a lewd promise with each other.

“Something like that…” (Rebecca)

It feels as if he dodged the question. Though that’s just my intuition as a woman.

In order to not let it show on my face too much, I guided us to the free market through alleys while harboring complicated feelings. But suddenly, we got attacked by strangers.

The majority of the attackers were defeated by Shuuya.

Even those who came from behind were swiftly dealt with by Viine and Rollo-chan.

I felt relieved.

But, I wonder, why did we get attacked?

As I was pondering that, arrows faster than my eyes could follow slammed into Shuuya.

As his face and neck got pierced, fresh blood spraying out through the air.

Aaaaah! Quickly, a potion! The instant I thought that my field of vision went dark.

I fainted. When I came to, I was woken up by Shuuya in an unfamiliar house.

“Nuu~ Huuuuuh? Where’s this? Aaaaah!” (Rebecca)

Ah, shouldn’t Shuuya have been injured? The arrows hit his neck and face!

“Shuuya, your face and neck should have been…stabbed?” (Rebecca)

I shot up and stared at Shuuya’s face.

Huh? There’s no injury? Did he use a potion right away?

“If it’s that, it’s alright. Look, there are no wounds, right?” (Shuuya)

“Lie! It’s a lie! Show it to me properly! Even though you got pierced by two arrows. Hey, take off your armor and let me check it.” (Rebecca)

Geez, I’m worried, so I want to look at Shuuya’s whole body…no, it’s different, I said that out of desperation.

There are no injuries after all. Does he have some kind of regeneration skill?

He might be the owner of a special skill, the ones given to those who are said to have been chosen by the gods. Maybe that’s why poison won’t work either.

“—How about now?” (Shuuya)

“…” (Rebecca)

Shuuya had taken off his armor and clothes on the upper half of his body.

His nude muscles are so dreamy…

Huh? One of the two necklaces hanging there is…

The shape on an ancient white star stone.

Why does Shuuya have that?

And yet, Shuuya is adopting a stupid pose.

“… Why are you moving your chest so strangely?” (Rebecca)

“Haha, well, just a little, light exercise…” (Shuuya)

Of course, I know that he’s joking around, but since my head’s full with thoughts about the necklace, I blurt out words rapid-fire,

“Haa? I don’t understand. Rather than that, can’t you properly show me the necklace you’re wearing?” (Rebecca)

He displayed the two necklaces for me.

…The ladybug necklace.

I snatch it from Shuuya’s hand and check its shape once more.

“… Say, this necklace — where did you get it?” (Rebecca)

I draw near to Shuuya with the thought of This might possibly be…

“Ah, that, huh? — It’s something I picked up.” (Shuuya)

Picked up…even though I thought that he died in the labyrinth. Ah, he might have been sent outside the labyrinth by a teleportation trap.

If that’s the case, it really is dad’s.

“So then this is dad’s?” (Rebecca)

“Mmh? Dad?” (Shuuya)

I took out the necklaces I’m wearing.

If it’s my parent’s, they should fit together.

The ladybug I owned connected with the other two ladybugs with a *click*.

It was a family set. Three ladybugs.

Aaaah, for you to come back now, dad…

…Naturally, my tears came spilling out.

“That’s an ancient white star stone?” (Viine)

It’s Viine. Looks like she knows about it.

“Is that the name of the gem?” (Shuuya)

It looks like Shuuya doesn’t though.

“…Yeah!” (Rebecca)

Deeply moved, I cried while nodding.

He had this necklace…

Oh? The decoration, the united ladybugs are shining?

Sparkling insects, ladybugs appeared from the shining decoration and rapidly flew into the air.

The sparkling ladybugs surrounded Shuuya and me as if giving us their blessing.

“Master!?” (Viine)

“Nyao?”

What’s this? It’s mysterious.

“It’s alright, just watch.” (Shuuya)

Shuuya said to Viine and Rollo-chan with a calm voice.

We were hidden by a curtain of faint white light.

It continued all the way to the ceiling.

Getting a bit anxious, I hug Shuuya.

As I hugged him, the curtain shifted as if its radiance was blurring.

An illusion was created. Eh? Dad, mum?

Ah, my small figure from when I was a child is projected as well…

“Dad, mom…” (Rebecca)

I naturally stretched out my hands.

“… This is, Miracle of Spirits?” (Viine)

Yes, this is a miracle. Rollo-chan chases the small ladybugs, full of energy.

Suddenly a voice reverberated in my head.

“Thank you, holder of light and darkness. For you have delivered my feelings to my daughter—”

It’s dad’s voice.

“N-No, it’s just by chance.” (Shuuya)

He’s talking with Shuuya.

“As expected of a soul owning the light attribute. Your humility is wonderful. But, you didn’t know, did you? That you have been using and carrying light spirits with you like this, and that possessing both the light and darkness attribute makes you a rare, special being. I’d like you to tell me your name if you are fine with it.”

“It’s Shuuya Kagari.”

“I see, Kagari-kun. Thank you for properly delivering my feelings to my daughter through the necklace. And — Rebecca, please take a look at the backside of the necklace.”

“Ok.” (Rebecca)

From “Eternal love to Popla.”

The new words “I dedicate my eternal love to Popla and Rebecca” are carved in.

Aaaaaaaaaahhh, d-dad.

“… D-Dad, I…this…the message has been extended…” (Rebecca)

“That’s right. I’m sorry for those words being late.”

“No, thank you.” (Rebecca)

It’s dad. Dad, who always looked at me with a gentle expression.

“…You have grown, haven’t you? You are already a splendid magician, just like your mother and me.”

“Yeah. I plan to become an adventurer who surpasses you, Dad.” (Rebecca)

“I see. I’m happy… Oh, even if it’s the soul of a high elf like me, I guess this is the limit, even after cooperating with the light spirits.”

The light is starting to become dim. Huh? EH? Why?

“Dad! Don’t go! I want to talk with you a lot more!” (Rebecca)

“Haha, I thought that you were a pretty, adult woman who resembles her mother, but — I guess you are still a child. Kagari-kun, although she’s such a girl…please take care of her.”

“Ah, yes.” (Shuuya)

My heart’s filled with feelings of loneliness.

I don’t want to be separated from dad again…

Just as I did during my childhood, I shook my head, acting selfishly.

“Dad, no! I want to keep talking!” (Rebecca)

“Rebecca, you will become much stronger. The blood flowing through you dates back to the dawn of ancient times, surpassing even the old nobles of Befaritz, no, it’s even older, it’s the blood of an immortal high elf. And the great power handed down through the lineage of the Blue Flame God is sleeping within you…you will become happy. Rebecca, my eternal love to you, Popla — we are going now—”

Aaaaaahhh, he’s gone. Even though I was able to talk with him, I wish we had more time.

Light spirits, do your best for a bit longer…

Contrary to my wish, the ladybugs shining like sparkling stars are vanishing as if a fog is clearing up.

Although it was an instant, it felt like a long time to me.

Each time a grain of light disappears, my heart wilts and my spirit shakes.

Don’t leave! However, just like a nice dream doesn’t last forever, the ladybugs disappeared like a fleeting illusion.

Huh, a light fragment enters the necklace.

It might be a part of dad. I guess he will be watching over me…

“Dad…” (Rebecca)

“They are gone, aren’t they…?” (Shuuya)

“… Master, just what was that miracle a moment ago?” (Viine)

Viine gazed intently at my necklace.

“There’s no need to explain a miracle, is there? The magic power Rebecca’s father had was amazing, and because he called himself a high elf, he likely possessed an unknown might.” (Shuuya)

Yeah. But, for me to have the blood of a high elf; that’s news to me.

I always thought that I was just a simple half-elf… I couldn’t have even imagined it.

No wonder why I have such weird skills.

“Nnn, nyaooo.”

Fufu, cute cat-chan.

Her whiskers hang in disappointment.

Looks like she’s frustrated about being unable to catch those ladybugs.

“Rebecca, are you alright?” (Shuuya)

“Yeah. I was surprised, but…I’m happy I got to meet with dad.” (Rebecca)

It’s great that I kept this necklace with me.

However, for the person I like to possess my parent’s necklace, I can’t think of it as coincidence.

I’m sure it’s because of dad and the Light God Lulodius-sama.

“… By no means did I expect for my ladybug necklace to be related to Rebecca’s necklace. I feel like it won’t be settled with the word coincidence, but could rather be called fate.” (Shuuya)

Even Shuuya thought something along the lines of it being fate.

… I’m happy…fate.

“… Yeah, mine and Shuuya’s fate?” (Rebecca)

I ask, trying to confess my love.

What should I do…? My heart’s beating fast.

“… You could say that. But I think that’s something only the spirits and gods know about.” (Shuuya)

Geeze, only at times like this is that stupid Shuuya serious.

…Learn a bit more about a woman’s heart, is something I can’t say yet.

If I did, it would feel like I lost. Humph.

…But surely, even sensing a god’s hand in this is not weird, I guess.

“…Certainly, I know what you mean, Shuuya. I think the spirits, who can create miracles like what just happened, and the gods who preside over them are incredible. I believe in Fire Spirit-sama and Fire God-sama, but I wonder whether I should try to believe in the Light Spirit Fortuna-sama and the Light God Lulodis-sama as well. It’s still not at the level of calling it faith, but I might go to the church.” (Rebecca)

Shuuya scratches his head with its conspicuous black hair,

“… Haha, well, faith is different for everyone. I’d like to be pardoned from believing in something like Buddha’s palm actually existing, but it’s fine for you to think and act freely.” (Shuuya)

It seems like he’s quite open-minded in regards to religion.

I also believe that it’s up to everyone to think for themselves.

There’s no obligation.

But, I don’t know the phrase Buddha’s palm.

They might be words used in some religious papers.

I guess Shuuya has traveled to various places, so his knowledge is surprisingly extensive, isn’t it?

“… Buddha? I don’t know who that is, but I think you are right. Yeah. But, since I love the fire spirits, I won’t cheat on them.” (Rebecca)

Since I have the skill called <Divine Protection of Fire>, I try to convince myself.

“I also like the water spirits and the water goddess.” (Shuuya)

As he spoke, Shuuya’s face twitched a bit.

“That’s right. One’s own attribute is important after all.” (Rebecca)

Even though I didn’t say anything. Weird Shuuya. I ended up laughing a bit.

“By the way, it’s a sudden topic change, but…what’s Buu-tan?” (Shuuya)

“Eh? Eeeeeh…!? Why do you know about Buu-tan?” (Rebecca)

Uuuh, why does he know about that? He hasn’t been in my room…?

“You mentioned it while sleeping.” (Shuuya)

Waaah, I’m so stupid, how embarrassing.

“…A puppet. I’m always sleeping together with it…” (Rebecca)

“Ah, something like that…” (Shuuya)

Shuuya averted his eyes with a sidelong glance.

Uuh, somehow it feels like he’s pitying me…

I’m happy that he rescued me, but I feel like I lost.

????

After that, I actually led them to the free market, this time.

Fufu, riding Rollo-chan’s Horse Lion mode, I ended up embracing Shuuya tightly from behind.

Since it looked like he was thinking about something lewd,

“Wait a moment? You can’t be thinking about something rude, are you?” (Rebecca)

I warned him. Fufu~n.

Once we arrived at the free market, I led him to Betty-san’s store since he said that he wanted to see the place where I’m working.

There are several shops selling black tea, but I wonder, is he interested in tea?

“… Oh, Rebecca, is that the magic spear user, you mentioned, the one whose party you joined recently?” (Betty)

I introduced him to Betty-san.

“Yes, I’m called Shuuya Kagari. I have formed a party with Rebecca.” (Shuuya)

“I see, I see. Please take care of Rebecca.” (Betty)

“Yes.” (Shuuya)

“Well then, Betty-san. I’m going to guide him to the free market, okay?” (Rebecca)

“Be on your way then. And make him properly yours.” (Betty)

I ended up getting cheered on, thanks Betty-san.

Once we left through the storefront and had a chat about various sweets, ah, it’s that guy…

The frog-faced man approached.

“Ain’t that Rebecca? Leading a man around, what are you up to? No way, is he your boyfriend?”

“Shut up. Don’t come over here!” (Rebecca)

“Hey, hey, that’s nasty. So, who’s that guy?”

The frogman pointed a finger at Shuuya while glaring.

“That has nothing to do with you. Go somewhere else and get lost.” (Rebecca)

I said with a strong tone and extended my arm and flicked my wrist, hoping he’d vanish.

“Tsk, a man, eh…? Even though I had my eyes on you first. You over there, just what are you!? Get away from Rebecca!”

The frogman was picking a fight with Shuuya…

He’s an incorrigible idiot.

“Those aren’t the words you use after appearing suddenly, are they? What is your relationship with Rebecca?” (Shuuya)

“I’m Rebecca’s man.”

“—That’s a lie! Shuuya, help me.” (Rebecca)

On the spur of the moment, I ask Shuuya for help.

“…Don’t worry, I will. Hey frogman, you seem to be unwanted here. It’s no good to be conceited, you know?” (Shuuya)

“That’s a fucked up line. Shit, shit, shit! Dun’ act like an ikemen when you have such a flat face that’s spouting such crap—”

Ah, at this moment I had a hunch that the frogman was going to die.

It’s a bad idea to draw your weapon with Shuuya as an opponent.

I’m aware of it: He’s usually a kind pervert, but…

He has no mercy for enemies.

Even in the labyrinth, he was going to kill the adventurers who had slandered me at first.

“Master, shall I squash that frog?” (Viine)

Viine’s expression was extremely cold…

I wonder if Shuuya can handle such a scary woman as a slave.

“No, I will deal with him.” (Shuuya)

Shuuya makes the violet, unique-looking halberd appear and forcefully sweeps it upwards as if handling a broom. The blue crystal stuck into the frogman’s nether region and he toppled over onto his back.

Wow, a ball-busting lancer.

It was unnecessary for me to worry…

If it’s Shuuya, it looks like he will be fine even if he had to deal with Viine.

“Ahyaaah!”

I can’t watch the frogman…

Even though I thought that I still peek at him through my fingers. A yucky liquid is sticking to the blue crystal… ueeeh.

The frog falls to the ground with the whites of his eyes showing.

While donning a cold-hearted and merciless expression, Shuuya generated an ice blade from the halberd’s end and slices the fallen frogman’s knee with it.

“Gyaaaaa!”

No pity.

The frogman is thrashing around on the street, looking pathetic.

“Rebecca, did I go too far…?” (Shuuya)

“No, thank you for saving me. It’s fine. I don’t think that anyone will help him. After all, he was always bragging about being the guy who took control of this part of the area.” (Rebecca)

“I see. Then let’s leave him be.” (Shuuya)

“Yeah.” (Rebecca)

I will dispose of him if he turns into a corpse.

There must not be any evidence if the guards come.

But, since everyone in the neighborhood is my acquaintance, I don’t think that they will call the guards.

Even the pickpocket group that has ties to the frogman probably isn’t stupid enough to contact the guards themselves.

While pondering such things, I guided Shuuya until we were right in front of the free market.

“The real market starts here. As you can see, various things are up for sale. But, since there are many people, make sure to not have your luggage stolen. Be cautious of pickpockets.” (Rebecca)

“Pickpockets, eh? Got it. Rather than that, was it really okay to leave the guy just now lying there?” (Shuuya)

As he says so, Shuuya comes close to me.

Is he worried about me? He bends down and brings his face in close with its serious look.

My heart beats fast. If he’s doing that on purpose, he’s already a genius at it.

Fufu, I know that it’s not intentional though.

I couldn’t hold it back anymore and naturally took action.

“…It’s alright. Thanks—” (Rebecca)

I kissed Shuuya’s cheek while standing on my tiptoes.

After quickly smiling so that he doesn’t see through my embarrassment,

“This is your reward. You don’t have to protect me so excessively. Well then, my guidance stops here. Shuuya, Viine, see ya~.” (Rebecca)

I said while putting my silver wand behind my back.

“Yeah, see you again.” (Shuuya)

“Yes.”

“Ah, make sure to call me when you are going to follow the map, okay? I will check the guild every day after tomorrow.” (Rebecca)

“Got it.” (Shuuya)

I’m satisfied to see the smile of my beloved.

It was a kiss I selfishly gave him of my own devices, but I could feel the clogged-up emotions being released through the holes in my heart; I think that the faint beard growing on his cheeks was cute.

My heart is still beating fast.

These feelings are the real deal. I feel like I finally found what I was looking for.

My blood is boiling with the wisdom of a high-elf and the passion of love!

Fufu~n, I might be a genius. Minstrel-like words naturally came to me.

Alright, let’s go back home and give a greeting to Betty-san.

Tomorrow I will take my money and go shopping for magic scrolls, clothes…ah, first up are those new, delicious sweets… Fufu.