Chapter 81
Chapter 81 – The Melancholy of Uracal, Part 7
Noticing how I was staring intently at my trembling hands, one of the crew members, a young woman, called out to me.
“Aix-kun?”
“Oh, no… I just got a little scared,” I replied with a sheepish smile.
For some reason, her concern for me seemed to stir a protective urge inside her, and she squirmed cutely.
I kept staring at my shaking hands.
Unlike before, I didn’t just obediently follow orders and was able to speak up confidently. But in the end, I had still given in to the threats and malice thrown my way.
Yet, looking back, I still wasn’t sure what the right course of action would have been. Should I have fought back? No, my magic was lethal and I could have accidentally killed someone, or they could have retaliated. If I just gritted my teeth and took the hits and sacrifices myself, no one else would get hurt.
This was surely the most mature and responsible response, but for some reason, there was still a sense of unease deep in my heart.
I wonder why?
Contrary to my feelings, a cheerful villain came closer.
“Hehehe, sorry about earlier, Aix. For a thin guy, you have unexpected spirit. I’ll admit it, I’m Uracal. Let’s get along from now on.”
For some reason, his likeability towards me seemed to have increased and he laughed while extending his hand for a shake, but his condescending tone made me angry.
Plus, it didn’t seem like he properly apologized. He even said I’m small or something, but I don’t care.
“…?”
When I turned my head and stayed silent, he seemed surprised and his hands, which had nowhere to go, swayed awkwardly.
“Huh!?”
With that kind of attitude, I won’t be friendly with him.
Oh, that feels really refreshing.
Now, please retract your hand.
You won’t retract it?
So… this was unexpected for me too, but Uracal seemed unable to retract his hand and looked a little pitiful as a result.
… It’s awkward.
Should I forgive him soon? Hmm. I’m conflicted. The two of us are trying to feel each other out.
I’m not backing down either.
“Uracal or whatever your name is, don’t get close to Aix-sensei.”
Amine-sama was the one who ended this pointless exchange. She cut through the clingy, strange atmosphere and I was grateful. Phew.
“W-Well, sorry. I won’t get close.”
As Uracal said that, he seemed relieved in a way and I observed him, and then the ship’s crew member smiled at me.
“That’s right! Aix-kun, if you’re scared, I can perform a special heal for you.”
“Special heal?”
Instead of a spell, there were two shaking boobs approaching. As expected, my poor motor skills couldn’t avoid it. So, this is an accident.
“Even though you know it.”
“Ah-!”
I was embraced tightly and my heart raced.
“Aah, it feels good.”
At the same time as a wave of pleasure, a wave of drowsiness hit me. This elasticity is quite good, but it doesn’t compare to a slime pillow.
“Don’t get close to Aix-sensei!”
Amine forcibly pulled my hand and cancelled my special heal.
I could have slept a little longer…
However, this exchange feels nostalgic. It reminds me of when my master’s friend came to my master’s house and pulled my hand like this.
“Queen, isn’t this an abuse of power?”
“Forget about that. First, we need to understand the reason for the attack.”
Everyone’s gaze turned to Ulacar and they began to speak in a solemn tone.
“The target this time is Aix.”
“Come to think of it… Why?”
I have no idea.
“Aix did something in the viscount’s house, and the viscount is searching for him. The two major forces, the army and the forest security team, are searching for Aix in the city. I am one of them.”
“Who’s your client?”
“The forest security team’s hero, Isel.”
“Hmm…I’ve remembered that name. As punishment for making me angry, I’ll turn it into a diplomatic problem.”
The conversation seems to be getting bigger.
I want to plug my ears.
“I’m sorry, but I come from the slums. It’ll be over for you if someone like me or someone similar to me comes knocking at your door.”
“Hmph…but Aix-sensei. What exactly did you do to be so relentlessly pursued? If you plan on defecting, I’ll accept you.”
“Huh?”
I was eavesdropping on their conversation and suddenly they’re talking to me, but that’s what I wanted to hear.
“I can’t think of anything in particular. Oh, but I was told that I would be made into a butler in the future, which I declined.”
“Hmm, that’s not it. Rather, can you tell me about your relationship with the viscount? Do you have some secret?”
Amine the detective’s investigation has started.
“I have no idea about any secret. And I’m just a defective mage who was asked by the viscount to put beginner-level spells on various things.”
“That’s it!!!”
Huh? Oh, do they already know?
Isn’t it too fast?
My heart races with a loud thud.
I was startled by their sudden loud voices. Thank goodness, I didn’t pee my pants. I’m safe.
When Amine shakes her head with a face that says “this guy did it,” the crew in front of us make the same face and speak up together.
“It must be tough for him to lose Aix’s advanced magical tools.”
“Once humans raise their standard of living, they can’t go back.”
“I want to live in the neighboring mansion too. Honestly, I don’t want to go back to my country!”
I’m grateful for the lip service, but they’ve said something outrageous, so I quickly deny it.
“Huh?! But the Viscount always said that anyone can do it, even for a defective mage like me.”
“I guess no one else couldn’t do it.”
“That’s why he’s in a panic.”
“Aren’t you being chased throughout the city? How uncool.”
I hope that’s not true.
I left my job on good terms.
When I sought salvation from Amine-sama, she raised both hands indicating there was no choice available.
“You may be imprisoned if you return. Don’t worry. Even if it comes to a full-scale war with my country, I will definitely rescue you.”
I can’t be completely at ease!!!
What on earth is she saying?
The crew members also get hyped up by that crazy queen’s smile.
“Aix-kun, next time, nee-san will definitely go to help you.”
“We’ll use the airship’s magic cannon to destroy the rotten town.”
“When you come back, let’s get married.”
It seems that if I return to the town, there will be war.
And on top of that, the town will be destroyed and I will have to get married.
Huh? Really?
No way, I won’t be fooled.
“Is that a joke?”
Amine-sama said with a straight face.
“Whether you return or not, think carefully. I recommend that you seek asylum.”
Seriously?
I just got my certificate and now I can’t go back to the town. I only went to the festival for a little bit and this happens.
What should I do?
I know! I’ll consult with Luca.
We came together, after all.
When I went into the room to seek help, Luca was sitting seiza.
Oh my.
She look at me, teary-eyed.
“Rabbit-sama why don’t you forgive them already?”
“If Aix-san says so. But I don’t like being called that.”
Hmm…
“Miss Rabbit.. Don’t worry, I was just joking about calling you that.”
I don’t want to kneel either.
Feeling a sudden murderous intent, I quickly corrected myself. Please don’t move your ears up and down.
After getting permission from Miss Rabbit, I helped Luca stand up like a fawn, trembling. Her small, soft and cool hands are pleasant to touch.
Crazy Bear seems to be enjoying the confinement play, mooing. This might take a while. Let’s keep it moderate.