Manowa - Chapter 379

◎ Trade City Uumin, Feudal Lord Mansion’s Courtyard, Kazane Cottage Rooftop

「I did the work of a feudal lord.」

In front of Kazane with a smug face, Makka collapsed.

It seemed that when the middle-aged woman heard about the turmoil in Trade City Uumin and rushed over, she heard a stimulating story from Kazane.

Kazane was showing an attitude like she worked hard to try and avoid Makka saying anything back to her. She couldn’t back down. I did my best, so there’s no problem… by applying self-suggestion like that to avoid pursuit, Kazane was trying to foist everything on Makka. She was like a praying mantis raising both its arms to intimidate a foreign enemy.

「Well, I think it’s a good opportunity for Makka, so why don’t you try thinking positively about it?」

Since Makka was hanging her head, Louise felt pity and said that. It was certainly true that a circumstance that could be called exceptional had fallen into her lap. She was only managing the money from the Hiruko curing, so that wouldn’t bring her profit, but she was given the right to negotiate with Anglais for matters related to employing workers and trade.

From the start, Trade City Uumin was in Lindo Kingdom’s territory, so if a firm in Minshiana Kingdom like Zenith Firm wanted to make a move, there were certain things that made that difficult. Since Winlard City was a little far, the creation of a relay town was great news for companies. In other words, Makka wouldn’t just take control of the hot spring town’s trade guild; it was possible that Makka would control part of a trade artery between Minshiana and Lindo.

That topic wasn’t outside what Anglais had originally intended to discuss with her. It was a goal to reach after a few decades, with plans to get there. Since Anglais had suddenly risen to his current position, there were certain difficulties with breaking into the old distribution route, so he felt the need to move the current distribution network.

In the first place, Anglais’ actions against the Black Potions weren’t due to righteous indignation; he wanted to give a blow to Yurung Firm, which was smuggling the Black Potions.

And Anglais saw that this Uumin incident would greatly change the situation in Lindo Kingdom. Therefore, this time, Anglais decided to take drastic action, which meant Makka had no choice but to make major moves as well.

「It’s too big. From what I’ve just heard, it seems like Uumin will do whatever they’re told with just a snap of your fingers?!」

As for Makka, trying to understand the situation that was far beyond her imagination was the best she could do.

「Anyway, I should bring up this matter with my superiors at Zenith Firm and ask for instructions…」

Makka thought she couldn’t decide at her own discretion and said that, but Kazane shook her head.

「Nn, I think that’s impossible? Minshiana’s Queen directly told Zenith Firm not to butt in for this matter. So you can do whatever you want.」

「Since when…」

Makka muttered after Kazane’s words. Mefirus was the one who suggested they contact Yukko-nee beforehand.

Originally, this type of major business was beyond the capacity of Makka alone, and her superiors at Zenith Firm probably wouldn’t overlook this opportunity.

However, Yuuko-nee desired to control the hot spring town herself instead of letting Zenith Firm have it. Yuuko-nee also considered that important because the hot spring town was at the base of the Argo Mountains, where Coral Temple was located.

From her daily exchanges with Kazane and Yumika, she had started thinking about utilizing a player communication network, just like Anglais. Well, she had various motives, and in the end, Yuuko-nee replied that Kazane and the others should act as they pleased.

「Wel, well, I understand that the harder I work, the greater the returns will be.」

Makka, who had lost her composure, took a deep breath, adjusted her glasses, and stood up. And her chest shook. Although she was a middle-aged woman, she had a tremendously sexy body. The beauty of her figure was comparable to Louise. Whether or not that had any meaning was unknown, however.

And when she calmly reassessed the situation, it was a good opportunity. She was simply surprised because what she was given was too big. So Makka cheered herself up. Her boobs also cheered up. They were bouncing.

「While I’m unworthy, I, Makka Tomac, will take charge of this matter.」

And after Makka displayed her motivation, she was seen off by Kazane and the others as she rushed out of Kazane Cottage to prepare for her future meeting with Anglais. Also, after that, she would be busy discussing the plans for the immigration of citizens to the hot spring town with the feudal lord Morant. The middle-aged woman’s long battle started here.

It was currently two days after the conference between the feudal lords.

The matter of former Outer members and citizens victimized by the disaster immigrating to the hot spring town had been wholesale delegated to Makka, but houses need to be prepared for the immigrants. Also, it seemed that when a large number of people gathered, the increased magical power in one place would increase the probability of monsters appearing, so a wall to protect them was also necessary. Since it was possible to secure『Turmana Stones』, which drove away monsters, here in Uumin, it was decided that they would receive some as an in kind reward from Morant.

Though it was hard to say that the number was sufficient, so he planned to send additional portions later.

Then Kazane and the members of the White Party received their reward for the monster subjugation. They also received the Title Guardian, which was accompanied by an additional reward.

◎ Trade City Uumin, Feudal Lord Mansion’s Courtyard, Kazane Cottage 2nd Floor Living Room

「Well then, let’s have a party meeting.」

It was their custom. The line-up of the White Party stepped into the living room on the second floor of Kazane Cottage, and after a short pause, they confirmed their future plans.

「How should I put it… it’s become opulent, hasn’t it?」

In the middle of that, Yumika looked around the living room anew and grumbled. That was due to the Indestructible Series of items like furniture, sofas, rugs, etc. that Naoki stuffed into the Mysterious Warehouse and brought out of Coral Temple. Naoki had even stuffed the Mysterious Warehouse to the limit with items that were practically junk, like carts, statues, and stuffed beasts of prey. Also, it seemed he even carried a portion of the items he couldn’t bring along outside the temple and hid them near the summit.

The items among them that seemed useful were installed in the Cottage, and as a result, a terribly gorgeous room was created.

「Well, this is Naoki’s achievement. I’ll pat his head later.」

「Alright!!」

『Uncle, how envious!?』

Naoki firmly clenched his fist and shouted. From on top of Kazane’s head, Tatsuo cried Kuwaa. Watching from the side, Emily made the personally convenient guess that Naoki was acting the part of a younger brother playing along with his older sister’s joke, but her prediction was half right.

「That was a joke. Naoki, I’ll give this to you.」

Naoki was dejected by Kazane’s words, but when he saw what Kazane took out, his eyes opened wide.

It was the『Night King Sword』used by the armor devil Gilbert. Although that sword couldn’t demonstrate its power before Rokuten-kun’s slashes, it was certain that it possessed power sufficient to be Gilbert’s exclusive weapon.

「Since it’s a magic sword. Well, it should be fine for Naoki to use it, right?」

So saying, Kazane presented the Night King Sword, which Naoki accepted, then thoroughly examined.

「Ahh, it’s loaded with strong power that feels similar to a curse.」

Naoki’s Skill had evolved to『Magic Sword Ruler』in the battle with the devils, so he was now able to identify and draw out even more power from magic swords than before. Therefore, it seemed his ability analysis was faster than before.

「Since it was originally used by a guy that was like a Living Armor. I roughly checked it with『Dog’s Sense of Smell』and there seemed to be no problems, but you’ll be able to handle it, right?」

Kazane made a slightly worried expression. Naoki smiled and nodded in reply.

Naoki’s Skill『Magic Sword Operator』was now a superior Skill called『Magic Sword Ruler』, and his ability to draw out a magic sword’s full power, which he’d had since long ago, took form as the Skill『Limit Break: Magic Sword』, so he could now use it stably. In addition, his newly awakened Skill『Berserker』was a powerhouse Skill that more than doubled every Stat except Wisdom, which was halved. Though Naoki personally didn’t want to use that Skill much, since the abnormal Status Condition『Myalgia』that occurred afterward was painful.

「Alright. Well then, I’ll analyze this thing and show you my mastery.」

「Do as you see fit.」

Then Kazane’s gaze moved from Naoki, whose eyes were sparkling after he received the magic sword, to Tiara.

「And Tiara will be responsible for holding the Heaven Mirror Greatshield, right?」

Tiara nodded strongly after Kazane’s words.

Tiara had already received the greatshield, and it was currently being carried around in her Mysterious Bag. As might be expected, swinging it around and running while holding it was impossible, but it seemed that due to her daily muscle training, she was just able to hold it in position. Besides, shield duty wasn’t what was desired of Tiara; her duty was to generate the powerful defensive field called『Aegis Field』, which was shown by Heroic Spirit Sieg in the battle against the Black Rock Dragon. Through this, the defensive power of the rearguard would greatly increase.

「Also, please individually receive your portion of the reward for this incident from Emily.」

The one who nodded after Kazane’s words was, naturally, Emily. For the time being, Emily was showing unobjectionable work as treasurer. Setting aside the duty Makka took responsibility for, like always, the amount Emily split up this time was a large sum suitable for high-ranking adventurers, so it seemed she would be able to manage.

「And, well, the next subject is our future plans, but…」

This was the main question. Kazane looked over her companions and spoke.

「This time, I think we’ll split the party in two.」

Name: Yuihama Kazane

Occupation: Summoning Fighter

Title: Ogre Killer, Dragon Slayer, High Beast Summoner, Rea King, Liberator, Guardian

Equipment: Staff 『White Blaze』, Draghorn Tonfa x2, Dragon Eating Ogre Army Armor (True), Indestructible Cloak, Mysterious Pouch, Crimson Saint Coffin, Heroic Spirit Summoning Ring, Circlet of Wisdom, Aim Bracelet, White Magic Accumulator (Revised) ×2, Rainbow Necklace, Rainbow Dragon Ring, Angel Bracelet

Level : 39

Health: 155+20

Magic Power: 363+520

Strength: 78+45

Agility: 80+39

Endurance: 44+20

Wisdom : 75

Dexterity : 53

Spell : 『Fly』『Torch』『Fire』『Heal』『Firestorm』『Healer Ray』『High Heal』『Golden Dusk「Dragon Exclusive」』『Mirror Shield』『Rabbit Speed』『Flare Mirage』

Skill : 『Kick Devil』『Kick Decapitation Wave』『Warrior’s Memory: Lv2』『Night Vision』『Crushing Blow』『Dog’s Sense of Smell: Lv2』『Golem Maker: Lv4』『Aegis Shield』『Fire Principle: Third Chapter』『Healing Principle: Fourth Chapter』『Air Jump: Lv2』『Killing Leg: Lv3』『Fear Voice』『Invisible』『Tiger Eye』『Wall Walking』『Intuition: Lv2』『Cheat Death』『Nimble』『Charge』『Material Shield: Lv2』『Information Link: Lv2』『Optical Camouflage』『High Dash』『Bloodsucking Blade』『Dragonization: Lv2「Dragon」』『Regenerate』『Soul Breaking Blade』『Stealthy Hand Placement』『Thunder Chariot: Lv2』『Sturdier Teeth: Lv2「Dragon」』『Crystallization: Lv2「Dragon」』『Devil King’s Intimidation』『Stone Minotaur: Lv2』『Mega Beam: Lv2』『Space Expansion』『Pseudo-Silver Creation』『Poison Claw』『Fireball「Dragon」』『Cuticle「Dragon」』『Arms Creation: Black Flame』『Ingredient Connoisseur: Lv2』『Dragon Pheromone「Dragon」』『Boost』『Monkey’s Strong Arm』『Two-sword Style』『Boobies Plus』『Living Armor』『Alarm』『Six-sword Style』『Mental Attack Complete Protection』『Spider Web』『Wire Cutter』『Flexible』『Magic Power Absorption』

Yumika: 「Umm, a second string system?」

Kazane: 「No, that’s not what I mean.」