The Spearmaster and the Black Cat Chapter 156 part1

Once we return to our room, Rollo immediately leaps to the bed.
She starts playing by jumping up and down as usual.
Viine stores her luggage, which had been placed close to her bed, into her knapsack.
While at it, she takes out a cloth from within, brings the beautiful jade-green snake bow, which she carried on her back, in front of her chest, and polishes it with the cloth cherishingly.
I feel like she still hasn't properly used that special bow. But well, I guess she wants to treasure it.
At this moment, the 24-faceted orbTrapezohedron disconnected from the gate of the Paredes Mirror and came back.
Once again, it's revolving around me like a small fairy.
I grab it and put it into my pocket. I also lift up the Paredes Mirror and store it in my item box.
Ooh, having finished the bow's maintenance, Viine takes off her thick, vermilion leather garment.
Seeing her finish with the task, I address her at that point.

“You're going to enter the bath?” (Shuuya)

“No, not yet. I will change into these clothes for now.” (Viine)

“Got it.” (Shuuya)

I appreciate Viine's changing of dress.
The silver, short-sleeved shirt suits her really well, accentuating her figure.
I thoroughly enjoy looking at the bluish-white, pretty skin of her back.
Aaah, so she's going to wear a black dress.
She doesn't retort at my lewd staring, but a faint sound becomes audible from behind the wooden window, breaking my concentration.
Turning around, I look in the direction of the sound.
The white cat… Magit was over there.
I think she has some business with Rollo?

“What's wrong, Magit?” (Shuuya)

“Nyao.”

Magit purrs once as if showing off her collar with something like a round, emerald gem attached to it and moves to the bed where Rollodeen is playing.

“Rollo, stop playing. You've a guest.” (Shuuya)

“Nn, nyaa.”

Once Rollo notices the white cat, she gets off the bed and approaches Magit gracefully.
Rollo and Magit touch each others' noses, obviously greeting each other.
Once that's done, both of them sit down, arranging their hind paws like dolls.
The black and the white cat gaze at the other party.
It's a mysterious scene.
Nevertheless, I'm certainly curious about Magit's collar.
What's with that mana?

『Your Excellency, I examined that collar before, but it's strange.』 (Helme)

Sitting in a corner of my visual field, Helme talked to me telepathically.

『Yeah.』 (Shuuya)

I can't sense such a huge magic source from Magit herself. Instead, I feel some sinister magic source from that collar.

“Rollo, what are you doing?” (Shuuya)

“Nya.”

She turns her round, red eyes my way and purrs. Then, she immediately returns onto my shoulder.

“N, nya.”

The white cat purrs while releasing a throaty voice and rubs her head against my foot after coming over.

“Magit, you're a cutie as well, aren't you?” (Shuuya)

Once I lightly caress Magit's head,

“Master…” (Viine)

“What's up?” (Shuuya)

Viine reveals an expression as if she is hesitating to speak up while her left cheek blushes.
The face, which is hidden by the silver mask, seems to have become red as a tomato as well.

“…I want to go to the toilet.” (Viine)

Was she enduring it this whole time?

“Sorry for not having noticed. But, you don't have to ask for permission each and every single time, you know? Just go and pee as much as you want!” (Shuuya)

“Haua, yes!” (Viine)

“Nyaoo.”

She leaves the room in a sprint after I give my consent.
Rollo jumps off my shoulder and chases after her…
Once I go out to the corridor after wasting some time by playing with Magit on the bed a bit, Viine and Rollo return after finishing their business.

“Maaaster! Rollo came to pee together with me!” (Viine)

“Nyaon.”

Standing on the handrail, Rollo purred as if saying 『That's correct, nya.』

“I-I see. Is that something so delightful?” (Shuuya)

“Yes, it reminded me of my time when I frolicked around with my younger sisters.” (Viine)

“I see, a kind of mutual trust, you mean? Well then, let's go downstairs and inform Mel. We are slightly indebted not only to the inn, but also to the dark guild 【Remains of the MoonMoon Remnants】.” (Shuuya)

“Yes.” (Viine)

Descending the stairway, we head to the dining hall on the first floor.
There are quite a few guests present, but the dining hall remains quiet.
Gazing around, I can't see the owner of that beautiful singing voice.
If I remember correctly, she was called Shana, wasn't she?
Really weird… usually she should be singing at dinner time.
Once I look through the dining hall,

“Shuuysan, you're back.” (Mel)

I was addressed by Mel.

“Yeah. I have something to talk about in regards to that, but is everything alright at the moment?” (Shuuya)

“Yeah, don't worry.” (Mel)

“I bought a house, so I'm planning to leave the inn now.” (Shuuya)

“Eeeh! No one told me anything about that!” (Mel)

Mel raises a loud and angry voice.
All the looks of the guests gather on her at once, and the silent room becomes eerily peaceful.

“Ah, sorry for shouting. Let's go over there.” (Mel)

While still angry, Mel moves to the door located on the right inner side of the dining hall.
I guess she's telling me to come to the basement located ahead once again.
…It can't be helped, now can it?

“Only for a bit.” (Shuuya)

“Yes.” (Mel)

Following Mel, I descend the spiral staircase on the other side of the door.
She moves the moon object on the big door of the basement's room, and we enter after her.
Without proceeding to the central depression with the table, Mel chats me up from in front.

“For you to have bought a house, where is it located?” (Mel)

“The southern Martial Arts district.” (Shuuya)

“Over there, huh? I see. But it's still quite abrupt to be honest.” (Mel)

“I just went with the flow.” (Shuuya)

Once I tell her that indifferently, Mel frowns, and her face becomes gloomy, producing a somewhat sad expression.

“…You don't have to say it so bluntly. We are considering you our comrade, after all.” (Mel)

A slightly timid attitude. A one-eighty shift from her previous mood.
Comrade, huh?

“I'm sorry, but I already told you a few times that I'm an adventurer, didn't I?” (Shuuya)

“I'm well aware of that fact, but you and your familiar, who are called 【Lancer and Black Cat】 in some parts of the underworld, are considered special.” (Mel)

“Special…” (Shuuya)

“Yes, we think so as well. The other day, an official message about getting in touch with you arrived from a subordinate of Diviner Kazane of the 【Asura Religious Organization】. Well, that might also be taken as an apology for having invaded our turf though. …It seems like they want to want to get in contact with you, no matter what. I casually told them that I'll inform you about it once I see you and that doing it right away is impossible.” (Mel)

Those guys, eh? Do they intend to try that mind magic again?
To be honest, I really don't feel like meeting them a second time.

“Kazane, huh…?” (Shuuya)

“In short, it means that the other dark guilds already believe that you are a part of 【Remains of the Moon】 or have applied to join us at the very least, Shuuysan.” (Mel)

Whoa, is she saying that it's already an established fact?
Even though it was nicely peaceful after I crushed 【Owl's Fangs】, I couldn't sense the usual presences tailing me either.
Ah, I guess that's because no one can keep up with Rollo as Horse Lion.

“…Got it. So, it's better if I meet the 【Asura Religious Organization】 as part of 【Remains of the Moon】 ?” (Shuuya)

“Yes. that's indeed so. Behind the scenes, they're connected with 【Assembly of Stars】. My personal opinion is that they are moving towards a new 【Eight Lights】 selection since one of them was crushed.” (Mel)

Just choose whoever you want. Why bother me?
Is what I thought, but I didn't voice it out.

“Honestly, something like that doesn't matter to me…” (Shuuya)

“Jeez. Care about it, at least a bit. If the other dark guilds hear about that information, it's possible that they will get in contact with you, okay?” (Mel)

Get in contact, eh…?

“Is that jargon for killing each other?” (Shuuya)

“No, it's different. The turf battles have already come to an end for now. Therefore, it means they'll approach you for a normal meeting. However, since it's difficult to get in touch with you, they might get a bit forcible.” (Mel)

So there's a bit of jargon in there after all.
I won't retort on that, though.

“Well, I don't really mind at all even if it's killing each other. If they are up to some mischief, I'll just finish them off.” (Shuuya)

Somehow…
The words of a famous pro wrestler with a long chin pop up in my mind, but I didn't speak them out.

“…If you say that while grinning, it's scary.” (Mel)

Mel is misunderstanding my intentions here.

“So, as for meeting Kazane, where is that going to take place? Meeting her a second time in that damp and shady fortune-telling room is out of the question.” (Shuuya)

“Eh!? You already met with her once? I haven't heard anything about that from Benett…” (Mel)

“I didn't tell you about it? I went to investigate Kazane's dubious fortune-telling store once before.” (Shuuya)

“Really? Ah, so that's why the War Foxes of Asura invaded our turf while tailing you, Shuuysan.” (Mel)

Come to think of it, I remember Benett having mentioned that before.
That means, albeit unaware of it, I caused troubles to 【Remains of the Moon】? I believe this means that I owe them a favor.
I guess I will answer their request to make us even.

“…As long as it's just meeting them. Where should it take place?” (Shuuya)

“All right. If you like, this place will work.” (Mel)

“Understood. So, since I will head into the labyrinth for a few days starting tomorrow, it will be impossible for a little while, okay?” (Shuuya)

Mel places a finger on her slender, triangular chin and ponders on my answer.

“…Do you know the exact date when you're going to return?” (Mel)

As expected, I can't predict that. It's a magic treasure map on the fifth floor, after all.
It might end quickly or take some time. Nothing is set in stone.

“I really don't know. Just give them a message from me.” (Shuuya)

“…Got it.” (Mel)

“Please tell them not to use “mind magic-like spells” and that Marumi-chan, if I notice any weird presences, I won't show you any mercy, even if you might be a person who knows about Japan.” (Shuuya)

“…Okay. I won't probe for the reason and will make sure to convey them those exact words.” (Mel)

“Please take care of it. Well then, I'll come to meet you after finishing my business in the labyrinth.” (Shuuya)

“Sure.” (Mel)

At that point, I shift my eyes towards Viine, who was silently watching our exchange like a diligent secretary.

“Let's go.” (Shuuya)

“Yes.” (Viine)

“Nya.”

Rollo purrs in reply, too.
Without sleeping for a change, she is motionlessly sitting on my shoulder.

“I'll come upstairs with you.” (Mel)

It looks like Mel will also go back to the dining hall.
After lightly caressing Rollo's head for being a good child that stayed still on my shoulder, I leave the basement together with Viine and ascend the stairs.
We come out to the relatively quiet dining hall.
After all, with that songstress not being here… it's too lonely.
I initially planned to take a meal while listening to the soothing songs of hers, but let's not.
I guess I will try asking about that matter to settle my mind.

“Mel, what happened to that elf who always sung in the dining hall?” (Shuuya)

“That's what I want to know, too. Even though I've been waiting for her for a while now, she still hasn't arrived. I wonder whether something happened to her…” (Mel)

She hasn't come although she's supposed to? Is she alright?
Well, even though I'm curious about it, I will go back home for now.

“I see. Well, we are off then.” (Shuuya)

“Yeees. Please do your best in the labyrinth.” (Mel)

“Aye.” (Shuuya)

I reply while lightly raising an arm.
I walk through the dining hall, where a nice scent hangs in the air, and open the entrance door, exiting Lodging Moon of the Labyrinth.
Even though it's already night, the cicadas are still audible, their shrill sound breaking the tranquil atmosphere.
I advance through the alley while brightening it up with a light source from my ring.
At the same time, I address Viine who's next to me.

“We could have had a meal in the inn just now, but today, we'll eat at home, I guess.” (Shuuya)

“Okay. Shall I prepare it?” (Viine)

So Viine is capable of cooking as well. What a wonderful surprise.

“I can cook. Thus, I'll be the one to prepare it today.” (Shuuya)

“Understood.” (Viine)

As we walk through the small alleys towards the south while continuing such light chatter,

“Kyaaa~”

A woman's scream interrupts us.

“Let's go there right away.” (Shuuya)

“Yes.” (Viine)

“Nya.”

Viine and I start running in the direction of the yell.
At the same time, Rollo jumps off my shoulder towards the front.
While transforming into a Black Panther with a poof in midair, she stably lands with her limbs on the ground.
This place here is a crossroad of narrow alleys, limiting the area available to maneuver.
That's why Rollo chose the Black Panther size instead of the Horse Lion one. Light, seemingly coming from many sources, leaks out from the end where the crossroads are bending to the left and from where we had heard the sound.
I can also make out the laughing voices of men from there.
We briskly head in that direction.
A single elven woman is fighting against several men around the corner at the end of a narrow alley.
Isn't that Shana, the elven songstress?

“What's this! Ganging up on me!?” (Shana)

“Who knows? Ask the man behind you!”

The one who appeared from behind alongside a magic light was a male troubadour wearing a flashy doublet, which stands out due to the contrast of its black and yellow colors, and a hat with a feather attached to it.

“Who are you?” (Shana)

After lightly playing a flute upon Shana's question,

“…Hmph, you, you ask? How impudent of you, the reason why I was fired from a job with a good pay.”

The guy who performed in Lodging Moon of the Labyrinth in the beginning, huh?

“I remember now! You're the guy who was the inn's singer before I took over.” (Shana)

“That's right! Law, cut her up just like before. Besides, you're free to mess up this woman as you like~. Lululu, lalala~. But, make sure to kill her at the end.”

The male troubadour orders while playing his flute, treating this as a mere show.

"Even though I might look like this, I'm still an adventurer, you know?” (Shana)

Shana says confidently and draws a slender rapier with a sharp look on her face.
5 vs. 1, huh?
Shana holds a weapon in front and gives off a mighty aura, as if she's capable of standing up to them.
According to the information I heard from Mel, she's indeed an adventurer with singing as a side job.
After making sense of the whole scene, I look at Viine's face.

“Should we observe the situation for a bit?” (Shuuya)

“Yes.” (Viine)

The leader of the men facing off against Shana was called Law, wasn't he?
He has reddish brown hair and a rectangle face.
The end of his protruding chin has the characteristic of being splendidly divided into two.
After scratching the hair on his head, he moves his thick lips in a smirk, starting to talk while revealing his dirty teeth.

“Kakakaka, what a high-spirited woman. You guys, let's have some fun with her.” (Law)

Once ordered by Law with a hoarse voice, the four men surrounding Shana assault her simultaneously.
However, Shana leads the men by the nose by magnificently staying on the move while shifting to the left and right as if weaving her way through.
She swiftly dodges the threatening swords of the men effortlessly.

“Kuu.”

“Quick!”

The blonde elf continues shifting nimbly with her hair fluttering in the wind.
Revealing a bewitching smile or displaying her composure on her face, she wields her slender sword without breaking a sweat.
With a sharp sword thrust by extending her willowy arm holding the rapier, she deeply stabs into the belly of a man on her left.
Subsequently, she grabs that impaled man with her left hand, using him as a shield and skillfully defending against two concurrent, diagonal slashes.
Even when completely bathed in the blood scattered by the man she used as shield, she confronts the third man without screaming.
Good going! Was the previous scream just a fake?
At least, it should have been her scream.

“You cheeky woman—”

She defends with the bloodstained flesh shield against the sideways sword slash of the man, who assails her while spitting out those mocking words, aiming for her neck.
While at it, she kicks the corpse towards the attacking man, throwing him off balance.
Shana's rapier then pierces the throat of the man who's trying to move the corpse out of the way. She's dancing like the wind among these guys. What a pretty, bloody sight!

“Guee, kefuu.”

He collapsed, letting out a sound of air escaping from his throat.
Even while being surrounded, Shana steadily kills her opponents one by one.
She handles her rapier unbelievably well for someone who sings such soothing songs. She has a ruthless side to her as well, it seems.

“Hee, aren't you quite the skilled one? Just as before, I've to deal with you after all, huh? Hey, you guys, fall back; I'll take care of her.” (Law)

————– End of Part 1 ————–

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Translation Notes:

Chapter end