Baka-Tsuki - User contributions [en]

The Reunion With Twelve Fascinating Goddesses:Volume 1 Chapter 5

2016-08-19T06:02:18Z

Lord of Prussia: /* Part 1 */

==Chapter 5: Swirling Politics==

===Part 1===
Laila Schut wakes up late in the morning.

She has low blood pressure in the morning, and is mainly a night person. She often sleeps through the afternoon. Even the maids living and working there would not wake her up unless they were asked to do so beforehand.

When she was a private, she had to move according to the strict schedule as expected, but now that she has the status of major general, she was boldly managing her own attendance at work. Her work station which is the central HQ is nearby; also, since her mansion’s facilities were fully used too, there’s many times where business is done at her own home.

Even within the strict Empire military, those acts of freedom were originally something not forgiven but--since she’s been doing her job perfectly and has been giving above-average results; no one could file a complaint against her.

“………….Hn. Hn~~”

On the day and even the day after they visited La Shii Fomalhaut, Laila woke up late.

Even when the sun was high up in the sky, she could not leave the bed and was continuously rolling around her bed while letting out groans.

She usually gives orders to her subordinates with a dignified and resolute behavior, but she looks just like a little girl when she’s hugging her favorite blanket on her bed.

Today, the person who went over to wake her up was-----

“…….nee……..chan, Onee-chan, Onee-chan, Onee-chan!”

It was her sister Alua’s shouting.

The door of her bedroom bust opened and a pale Alua entered.

“Onee-chan wake up! It’s bad! Real real bad!”

“…..Hn~~. Whaaat, Alua…..”

Laila let out a pathetic groan which is impossible to imagine from her usual awe-inspiring behavior. She’s always this low tensioned whenever she just wakes up.

“Come on! Stop covering yourself with your blanket………wait, wh-why are you in your underwear!”

Having pulled the blanket away by force, Alua shouted after she saw Laila stripped off her pajamas and was in her underwear.

“It was hot yesterday.”

“Don’t strip because it was hot!”

“It’s okay. Only I, you and the maids live in this mansion.”

“Tooi Onii-chan lives here too now!”

“………Ahhh, oh yeah. He’s here…………”

Laila mumbled that in a blank sleepy manner.

“Well, I guess being seen in my underwear by him isn’t a big deal anymore.”

“Eeeh!? Wh-wha-what kind of relationship do you two have!?”

“He saw much more amazing places anyway………..”

“Amazing places!?”

“So…..what’s the problem Alua?”

After Laila asked her, Alua was blasted in her world of imagination with a blushing face but, she immediately came back to this world.

“Th-that’s right! This is bad, Onee-chan! This morning, when I was training with Tooi Onii-chan………Corporal Frau came over”

Corporal Frau is one of Laila’s subordinates.

“It’s about the diplomat from the Lectar Republic……”

“Unnn? There’s still 2 weeks left until the diplomat comes right?”

“That’s…………..by their own convenience, they made the planned visit earlier and has already arrived to the Imperial Capital”

At that moment, Laila’s sleepy mind awoke in one go.

The Empire central HQ is related to the palace where the royalties live in.

Arludea Empire is a powerful grand country that has invaded, and seized other countries around its area. Because of that, their military organization is huge. By appearance, the Royal family controls the [Empire] but, seeing the authority that the military possesses, this country is one closer to being a military nation.

The military has always been involved even in domestic affairs and diplomacy with other countries, and if one becomes the marshal which is the top of the military then that person’s voice and influence is known to be equal to the power of the royal family.

Of course, since there are many people from the royal family, people related to the royal family through marriage and nobles in the military army, it’s hard to rule out which is [Better] between the military organization or imperial family.

“Empire military major general, Laila Schut. Now reporting for duty!”

Having reached the HQ’s reception room, Laila was giving off a dignified expression which is so perfect that it was hard to imagine she woke up 30 minutes ago; and while saluting, she looked at the people inside.

The long table in the middle had a table cloth decorated with the Arludea crest laid on top of it and many leaders such as diplomats and officers were surrounding it.

The diplomat from the Lectar republic was already sitting on the seat of honor.

It’s a middle-aged man with a military uniform attire. His shoulders were wide, chest was thick but, his waist and neck were thick, rather than calling his body athletic it’s more towards stern. There’s a thick beard growing around his mouth and his eyes had a strong light that could overwhelm others.

Several vice officers were standing by behind him.

“Sorry for the wait Mister Gaien. I apologize for being late.”

“Yaa. You’re not late, major general Schut”

Opposite to Laila who was lowering her head in respect, Gaien did not even try to stand up. His body was deeply rooted into the wooden chair while he continued talking with that cocky posture.

“Oh, please don’t mind it. It’s our fault making the date earlier by our own whim. Raise your head.”

Rather than calling it tolerant, it’s more towards arrogance.

Gaien has visited the Empire military several times when the Ryura Vega problem occurred at the Fior region but, his rude behavior can be described as, showing the current power relationship between the Empire and Lectar republic.

“You weren’t in HQ so where were you at?”

“While taking the role of patrolling, I headed out to observe the city. It has been dangerous recently in the imperial capital after all.”

“Observation? You, a major general of all people?”

“Yes. Us, the commanders, have been staying at home for far too long. There are many things we won’t understand from the reports heard from our subordinates. By walking with our own feet, by looking with our own eyes and by listening with our own ears. By doing those acts and getting acquainted with the appearance and voices of the streets, it will become irreplaceable fortune for our military.”

“Houu. As expected from Miss Schut. That’s an excellent thought. There’s a good reason why you gained the position of major general at such a young age, I see.”

Laila made such a fluent random speech but, it seems that Gaien did not notice that it was a lie and nodded as if he was admiring it. Having known the reason for her late appearance, everyone was showing an expression with no complaints.

After Laila reached her seat, Gaien refreshed the whole thing and brought up the topic.

“Anyway, I am glad that Major General Schut came. It’s a waste of time with the other people here.”

“And by that you mean?”

“Isn’t it obvious? It’s related to the Fior region.”

Pressure increased in Gaien’s gazes.

“I have already heard the news but, there isn’t any results brought up regarding the Ryura Vega suppression case.”

“That’s………….”

“This is a problem. If you don’t hurry up and deal with that monster, our countries agrarian reform will lag behind and won’t advance.”

When Laila was finding rejections to reply,

“P-please don’t worry, Mister Gaien”

A member of the diplomat sitting beside him raised his voice in a flattering manner.

“Thanks to the repeated advances of our army, the deity is definitely getting weaker. In response, our army has not suffered any deaths when facing the deity and the battle is advancing on our favor. Next time for sure, next time we will definitely bring down the deity!”

(……….This idiot)

Laila scolded the person in her mind.

This transparent lie won’t work on Gaien. They probably is well aware of the situation with Ryura Vega since the Lectar republic has been sending scouts too.

And more importantly-----

“No deaths? This is a shock. Apparently, the Empire military, has been fighting quite lightheartedly huh.”

The face of the diplomat immediately stiffened up but, it was too late.

“Since it’s an opponent you just can’t win, I just can’t help to think that you lots are just trying to reduce the damages as much as possible. Even if it’s mistakes, I wished you all would show the fighting spirit of wanting to shower the opponent with sword slashes. Are all the soldiers all cowards that have no determination to throw their lives in the battle?”

While making an apologetic expression, Laila clicked her tongue in her mind. Because of one idiot’s unneeded comment, the bad situation turned even worse.

In the battlefield, there’s nothing better than little damages to the army.

However, for this situation----it’s a little different.

In order to free Fior Region to hand over to the Lectar republic, the Empire military is currently sending out their army. This is so that they would fulfill their role in the diplomacy.

Which means, they are just [Compensating] for the unseen circumstances; in an extreme argument, they are moving their soldiers because they are worried about their appearance towards the Lectar republic and other countries.

If they lied that they have a 1000 deaths then, Lectar won’t have anything to say, giving the Empire to maintain their reputation to the minimum standards but, if the opposite happens then, they can’t reply anything back if the other side blamed them for [Cutting corners].

“Is your side perhaps already thinking that this is someone else’s problem now that Fior was handed to another country? If that’s the case, then this is truly unsatisfactory news. We the Lectar republic will have to think of our future relations now.”

“N-nothing of the sort. We are doing our very best too but……….Since our enemy is a deity, we can’t deal with it with ordinary methods……….”

Gaien pressed for an answer as if to intimidate, after hearing such an unreliable response from the diplomat.

“How about increasing your soldier counts if you’re doing your very best? I took a look at previous records but, it looks like only about a 100 to 300 Spirit knights were deployed. If you use the Arludea Empire military strength, 1 or 2 deities is just an easy matter.”

“H-however………we can’t focus our forces towards Foir region. There are many problems within the country such as the west border and the northern bandits………..”

“That is your country’s problem. It is not related to us. In the first place, this is a problem caused because you all hid the fact that a deity would appear at Fior region.”

“It’s insulting to say that we hid her. We have said this many times before in the past but, the appearance of the deity is an unforeseen circumstance even for us------“

Even after that, the same quarrel continued causing this unproductive discussion to continue but, the Empire side was being suppressed by Gaien from start to end.

When the topic was going around in circles, Gaien’s manner of speaking got stricter and,

“We aren’t getting anywhere. Even though there’s no plan to break this deadlock, all of you kept turning down all of our proposals. It’s the same as acting like a child.”

After saying that, he sighed tiredly.

The people from the Empire side hung their heads and could not reply back. Just when the atmosphere in the room turned heavier, Gaien suddenly changed and made a bright smile.

It’s a really bright and scornful smile.

“Well, we sympathize with you all. Ryura Vega is one of the famous [{{Furigana|12 Goddesses|Nebulosa}}]. Which means, if we go look back at the start of all this, this problem occurred because Tooi Cross let those monsters out into this world. There are people calling him a hero in this world but, I think he’s just a thoughtless idiot if I say so myself. He’s just pulling a prank on the world. What a useless sinner, that man called Tooi Cross----“

It was at that moment.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Bam*! A dull sound echoed in the reception room. Laila remained silent the whole time but, she slammed the table with both her hands and stood up vigorously.

“----Understood.”

While she’s being focused with sights of shock and oddness from her surroundings, Laila talked quietly.

“For this matter, it’s clear that it was our fault for overlooking Ryura Vega’s existence. In order to wipe off that embarrassment, we will use our entire military force and present to you the repulsion of Ryura Vega.”

Uproar occurred in the room after she said that sentence with such a resolute attitude. Everyone was opening their eyes wide in surprise while looking at Laila.

Within them, Gaien was the only one lifting the side of his mouth, oozing in joy.

“Houu. Which means, you’re going to increase the number of soldiers?”

“Of course.”

“How many?”

“3000. Of course, it’s a team made focused on Spirit knights.”

The whole room turned noisy.

Within the soldiers affiliated with Arludea Empire military, there are only about 10000 of them can use the [Ray Alma] and is called a Spirit knight.

Those Spirit knights are a scare force only deployed during emergencies.

It’s only natural that her surroundings would feel shaken when 1/3 of it is being thrown in.

“If we keep wasting our time on this fight, we won’t only exhaust our forces, but also the trust from other countries. If that’s the case, it’s a good idea to end this with a short term battle by focusing our forces. I promise you that we will summon our Spirit knights from every parts of the Empire and create knight brigade.”

“…….Fuu. Wahahahaha. How wonderful!”

After showing an excited smile, Gaien clapped his hands and praised her. He stood up from his chairs and walked over to Laila.

“As expected from Major General Schut. Your decisiveness and judgment is amazing. The Empire’s future is bright with you here.”

“Thank you for those kind words.”

Laila bowed deeply. Gaien *Pon* placed his hands on her shoulders before passing by her.

With his vice officers following behind him, the moment he placed his hands on the door on the conference room------

“Aah, I recalled something, mister Gaien.”

Laila raised her voice as if she recalled something.

“I forgot to ask you one question.”

“And what is it?”

“Right after Ryura Vega is dealt with, I presume that your country has plans in developing Fior region into a grand scale agricultural land so, can you please tell me the specifics on what those plans are, if possible?”

Gaien slightly raised his eyebrows for an instant.

“…….Why would you want to know?”

“For future reference. The agricultural techniques of the Lectar republic are famous within the neighboring countries. I personally am interested.”

“I see, how studious of you. The cultivation plan huh…………I am not from that field so I am not very clear but……errr, what was it again………”

Gaien has been putting up a pressuring attitude from the start but, he is now looking away and is searching his words in hesitation.

Laila did not look allow this chance to go.

“By the information I heard from, I think it was something like making water irrigation from the Mythril River flowing from the northern Fior region.”

“Aah. That’s exactly right. I remembered. It’s the irrigation first, the irrigation. We can’t do anything unless we secure the water for the agriculture. Well, I can’t say any more than this over her. Since the cultivation of Fior region is an important agriculture policy to our country, at a moment notice------“

Gaien tried averting the topic but, the atmosphere in the room changed instantly right after.

The people from the Empire brought their eyebrows closer in suspicion and started mumbling to each other, for example [……..That’s weird], [If I am correct, the Myhril river].

Right when Gaien started feeling troubled after looking at the situation-----

“Ah. Oh no. I am very sorry Mister Gaien.”

Laila purposely apologized.

“Oh stupid me, I made such a big mistake. The policy of making a water irrigation from the Mythril River, has already been done by the Empire 30 years ago and is a failed policy.”

“………………..”

“There’s many flat lands at that region and low on the amount of rainfall. Because of that, the dilution and flow of salt inside the soil takes place there; it has been proven that there is a high risk of salt accumulation if an irrigation channel is carelessly built there.”

Gaien’s sights turned grim but, Laila immediately made a mysterious expression and started talking to herself.

“However……this is weird. Your side should be well aware of the risk of salt-air damage occurring in the Fior region. To think that the Lectar republic would repeat a mistake that the Arludea empire caused 30 years ago even though they possess agricultural techniques far more advanced that other countries……..”

“……..Fu-fufu. Sorry. It looks like I was the one who made the mistake. I have been tired recently so, it’s making my memories chaotic. I think I’ll rest for today. I will prepare the documents regarding the cultivation next time.”

While making a stiff smile, Gaien left the room with his vice officers. Strong anger was in the glare he directed to Laila when he left.

The moment the door closed, Laila’s social smile disappeared from her face, before she made an expressionless face mixed with slight tiredness and anger.

She extended her hands to her shoulder and *Pan**Pan* dusted off the place where he touched over-familiarly just now.

Because of Laila Schut’s bold and fearless independent decisions, the high officials fell into chaos in the reception room but, she left the place right before she got dragged into the chaos.

(Well then, what now………..)

While walking down the HQ corridor, Laila was in thought.

She pondered over the behavior Gaien displayed, the condition of Lectar republic of the past few years and the agreements when they handed Fior region to them, for a full on analysis.

(Now that I think back, this matter from the first place is----)

She formed several hypotheses in her mind and while repeating reinforcement of her theories and discarding implausible ones until she was left with the best explainable one.

Like that, after she analyzed future and past events,

“Ah. Major General Schut.”

Her sister Alua came from in front and talked to her.

“How was the meeting with the messenger from Lectar?”

Unlike her usual tone, her current tone was polite and adhered to formalities.

When Alua is working and when other military personals are around, she would correct her speech patterns. No matter if they are sisters, they would set bad examples for others if a superior and subordinate have an overly familiar relationship.

“Alua……….umu. Actually, the situation changed a lot. If possible I want to have a discussion with him but, is he in the mansion now?”

When she meant him, it was obviously referring to Tooi. It’s best to not mention the name Tooi Cross in the public because of its fame in many aspects.

Regarding that point, the will of the sisters are in sync even without an arranged meeting.

“He’s out for a while.”

“He’s out? Did he go to a brothel?”

“There’s no way he would go there! Don’t say such weird things, Onee-chan!”

Alua’s face turned red and she retorted back with her real tone.

“Iyaaa, but you know. He was quite interested in brothels since 10 years ago you know? I saw him many times hesitating on whether should enter the entertainment district or not, and the color of his eyes changed when I told him that it’s possible to enter the shops at the age of 16 in this country.”

“R-really……….?”

“Yeah. He even said [I’m not really interested] with a cool face. He should just honestly admit it. That closet pervert.”

“………………”

Alua looked down while her face was red. The story was a little too stimulating for her.

While exposing Tooi’s embarrassing and making it a little too overly exaggerated, Laila enjoyed looking at the embarrassed Alua before, returning the conversation back to its original track.

“Alua. Stop talking about brothels openly in the daylight and answer my question.”

“You started it Onee-chan! Mouu!”

Alua raised both her hands up and was steaming up.

“So, where did he go? If possible, I want you to immediately call him.”

“Err……..i think it will be quite hard to call him immediately…….”

“Why? Is he outside the Capital-----“

Right when she reaches that far in her sentence, Laila suddenly remembered something.

It was the sentence Alua said when she came to wake her up this morning.

“……….You, if I remember correctly, you said that Corporal Frau came to the mansion when you were training with him this morning right? Did you say what training?”

“Err well, this morning, Onii-chan asked me to---“

After sprinting like slicing through the opposing wind, a motorbike stopped right when it reach a slightly elevated hill. The grasses were pressed down when it passed by and a straight line was formed on the grass plains.

The sun was slightly setting and it’s about time the curtain of night to fall.

“……Fuu. I am tired.”

After getting off the motorbike, Tooi let out a light sigh.

In order to loosen his stiff body caused by long hours of driving, he performed stretches and twisted his hips.

“Unn. Well, it has the same outlines of a scooter once I got the hang of it.”

While mumbling to himself, Tooi parked the motorbike behind a nearby big tree. Apparently there’s no lock but, there’s probably no worries that anyone would steal it in a place like this.

Since it’s a place treated as an off-limits holy land and is steered clear from normal humans.

Once he lifted his face, a soaring castle entered his view.

It has a beautiful white silhouette with the night sky as its background. The castle is not exactly considered big and, it just can’t seem to get rid of the snugly impression but, the exterior is covered with elegance. The sense of solemnity is being brought out by the delicate ornaments placed everywhere and the castle does rival or even surpass the palaces in grand countries.

A pure while castle so beautiful that it made him admire it by reflex.

That’s the shrine that Ryura Vega lives in.

<noinclude>

{{SimpleNav}}
</noinclude>

The Reunion With Twelve Fascinating Goddesses:Volume 1 Chapter 4

2016-08-19T05:55:35Z

Lord of Prussia: /* Part 1 */

==Chapter 4: The Deity Sleeping Underground==

===Part 1===
The 1st Imperial capital prison.

The prison closed in by tall outer walls, it’s an imprisonment facility directly controlled by the Empire Military. Of the prisons within the country, it’s the strictest in terms of security; it’s a place secured with first class criminals like mass murderers, terrorist leaders that planned to overturn the country, and so on.

Every part of the outer wall is buried by a metal that Spirits hate called [Ginite Alloy], making Spirits avoid the prison and Spirit techs are heavily restricted inside.

“Crimes caused by Spirit practitioners have been on the rise. If possible I want all the prisons in the country to put Ginite alloy into practice but…………..the cost is just too burdening. Because of that all the crazy criminals are settled here.”

Inside the prison.

Guided by Laila, Tooi and Alua were walking down the dull corridor.

This prison is completely shut off from the public, and even the families of the criminals are not allowed for an audience unless they undergo a mountain of documents, but they were easily permitted to accompany because of general Laila’s words. This is probably what “A voice of authority is always correct” meant.

“So Ginite alloy is still a high class resource. I thought it would be distributed more since 10 years passed.”

“Refining skills are being developed now but the prices of the ore ingredients are increasing everywhere. Etherium is especially bad. Just one that can fit in between my fingers has a value similar to buying a whole castle.”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Whistle~~* Tooi whistled.

Etherium is a special alloy created from the compression of high quality Ether.

Looking past the price tag, it’s something so valuable that it can be called a legendary item.

[God’s Alloy] [Philosopher Stone] [Spirit’s Tear] [Deity’s Holy artifact], many names exist to describe it.

It’s a metal with high concentrated holy attribute and has an extremely high compatibility rate with Spirits.

In simple terms, it’s a metal closest to Spirits in this world.

“Incidentally, are Etherium refining techniques established?”

“Not at all.”

Alua answered the question.

“Not only is the production rate extremely small, if a human touches it even a little bit, all the holy attribute of the alloy will disappear. Researchers and Spirit practitioners are researching it but……..there’s no noteworthy progress for almost a 100 years.”

It’s ideal to use a weapon made from Etherium as a medium for [Ray Alma]; that’s the best but----the current problem is that it’s an impossible pipe dream.

Rejecting the hands of humans, the Etherium does not allow being processed. And yet, since it is mostly mined up at the size of iron sand, it’s best to give up.

Because of that, when [Etherium Weapons] are mentioned in the country, it’s either referred as a fantasy weapon or maybe an impractical theory on the table.

“An Etherium sword is currently legendary-----no, it’s plain fantasy, Tooi………….Oops, it’s right here.”

The 3 of them went further into the prison.

Soon----they reached the lowest floor. They passed through the door with [No access] written on it with the key received from the personals there and went down the stairs which were inside.

What they saw was a long path. Since there were no windows at all, it felt somewhat oppressing. The Ether lights buried into the ceiling were pouring cold light as they pass each one.

“………..Is Shii inside here?”

After Tooi asked, Laila pulled her chin.

“There’s a special VIP imprisonment treatment at the lowest floor. La Shii Fomalhaut being here by itself is treated as special confidential information. Only the Military higher ups and a part of the personals here know. Even Alua was left in the dark until today.

“Un…………honestly, I still don’t believe it. There’s a deity here……..”

Alua was making a half-doubtful expression.

“This 1st prison is certainly the biggest prison in the Empire………..but, I think it’s impossible to imprison a deity no matter how much I think…….In the first place, how did you catch her? It’s weird for me to not know if 1000 soldiers moved……….”

“You’ll get it once you see it. Tooi probably has an idea why right?”

“………..Ahh, well.”

Tooi nodded with a face as if he was suppressing a sour face.

First off, it’s probably impossible to connect prison and a deity that is named within the {{Furigana|12 Goddesses|Nebulosa}}. The thought that a human made a cage able to restrain a deity, is wrong by itself.

(But, things changes when it comes to Shii…………)

Imprisonment, and escaping. Most likely, it’s beyond that level.

The 3 of them were walking down the path.

After walking down the straight path, they finally reached the deepest part of the prison.

“Wha!?”

First, Alua shouted in shock. Tooi was shocked too but, since he had knowledge of the Deity’s personality, his shock was lesser than Alua’s.

The underground prison in front of them------was not a place that deserves to be called prison.

Although there’s a thick looking cell there, the interior deserves the word [Complex].

There were many dolls shaped like dogs and bears and it came in big and small. Chess board, sugoroku, Spinning top, playing cards, darts and other toys of that such. Countless books and pictures.

Anyways, there were many things and, on top of that, everything was not kept tidy or in order. All the dolls were shoved to one corner. Since the books were stacked so it’s still okay but, most of it was on the floor while half-opened. The pieces for the Chess and Sugoroku ended up outside the cell.

“Is the entire prison cell in the country like this?”

“I said it’s a special VIP treatment.”

Laila tiredly replied to Tooi’s chat.

At that moment------there was a movement inside the prison cell.

It was not a hard shabby bed that’s imagined when asked about prison, rather there were luxurious bed tools that do not lose to the bed that Tooi is currently sleeping in the Schut house.

On top of the comfortable bed, the rolled up expensive looking blanket-------started to wiggle about.

And after a whole, the blanket lump continued squirming around, but there were no other actions other than that. Having broken free from his numbness, Tooi let out his voice.

“Shii! It’s me. Tooi.”

The blanket stopped the moment he did that. The person inside then slowly showed her face as if a tulip was blooming.

“………..Hnaaa~~”

A young and cute voice appeared, it was impossible to distinguish whether it was a yawn or not .

The person that appeared from inside the blanket----was a young girl wearing one shirt.

She has the height of a 10 year old. She also has glowing blonde hair, but spiky bed hair could be seen all over her head. The face is extremely cute, but she was blinking repeatedly and yawning. She looked really sleepy.

The word [Time & Space] was written largely with Sinology-----Sinology used in modern Japan on the loose shirt that is totally not her size.

“Hn~~, Ahh~~………….ah~~”

After looking over to him while scratching her eyes, the young girl showed a slight shock and happiness on the expression which was looking sleepy the whole time.

“Too-kun. Long time no see~~”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>niheraa* her mouth relaxed and made a smile.

“Long time no see, Shii.”

“Un~~, Err~~, It’s been 3 days?”

“Apparently it’s been 10 years. By your viewpoint though.”

“Heh~~ Is that so~~”

She replied back with a useless answer and an extremely laid-back tone.

“……..You don’t change huh.”

“I am me after all~~. Hnaaa~~”

She then leaked a unique yawn again.

The strongest deity of the {{Furigana|12 Goddesses|Nebulosa}} looks sleepy today too.

10 years ago.

This happened right after the [Demon King] was destroyed.

On pro-forma terms, the {{Furigana|12 Goddesses|Nebulosa}} that are affiliated with the Empire as Tooi Cross’s contract Deities, cut off their ties with the Empire the same time they lost their master, and scattered about the continent.

However, within them-----the Deity of [Time & Space], La Shii Fomalhaut was the only one who------got in contact with the Empire Military and brought up a certain deal.

[[File:The Reunion With Twelve Fascinating Goddesses Volume 1 Non-Colour 6.png|thumb]]

“If you take good care of me then I’ll quietly let myself get caught~~”

Rather than a deal, it might be more of a threat.

If they don’t listen, they don’t know what would happen to them.

Having that said-------once they obeyed her then they have no idea what she would request.

The Imperial family and higher ups were having splits of opinions on La Shii’s treatment but,

“You can refuse if you want you know~~. When that happens, I will ask other countries.”

Once La Shii released such a carefree answer, the arguments reached its conclusion.

If they had to hand over a grand power known as a Deity then it’s better to have her here in their country no matter what price they have to pay. Having thought that, the Empire gave her a condition of being confined deep underground, in return they would accept all of La Shii Fomalhaut’s requests.

No matter how crazy the request may be, everyone was in complete fear but-------once the lid was opened up, the requests La Shii brought up were all anticlimactic simple tasks.

Things like buying the toys, books and baked sweets in the city. The bed and blanket she first requested were the only high quality items but, everything else were goods that can be bought with a child’s pocket change.

She would sleep all day long and once in a while when she wakes up as if she recalled something, she would ask for toys and baked sweets on whim before going back to slacking.

About 10 years in time, La Shii Fomalhaut lived her life in the underground prison without doing anything.

The moment he heard the whole story from Laila,

(That’s so like Shii)

Tooi thought.

In terms of pure power, La Shii Fomalhaut is at the top even in the {{Furigana|12 Goddesses|Nebulosa}}. With time and space under her control, she is the owner of a power that can separate herself from the others.

However, there was one problem.

And that is-----she’s a bum.

La Shii Fomalhaut has a lazy personality that is so serious that it’s scary.

Everything is troublesome to her, every event is annoying to her. Her sleep time is overwhelmingly longer than her time when she’s awake-----and more importantly, she doesn’t move.

While having tremendous power that no one else has, she would not use it by saying that it’s [Troublesome].

It’s so serious that she formed a [{{Furigana|Deity Equipment|Deus Alma}}] with Tooi only once.

“………Hnaa~~”

Shii opened her mouth as wide as it could open and let out a big yawn.

She stood up on the bed and tried stretching her arms but……….since she’s currently naked with only one shirt on, it was quite a dangerous pose in a lot of ways.

“Shii. It’s showing.”

“………….Oo~~. Dangerous, dangero~~us”

While saying that in a carefree tone, Shii pressed down the hem of her shirt.

The appearance and clothes of Deities or high ranking Spirits are determined by the wearer's will. Fundamentally, they would wear clothes or armor according to their personality or attributes; many of them have mystical yet noble appearances but----in Shii’s case, she would manifest only a shirt because of the reason that it’s [Troublesome].

It’s dangerous in 2 ways.

In terms of defense and in exposure rate.

“Hnn~~, Ah~~, we are kind of like always naked based on how you think about it~~. It’s just clothes made based on our mood anyways. So I guess there’s nothing to be embarrassed of~~”

“Have some shame. That would increase your charm as a female.”

“Hnn.if Too-kun says that then I’ll do it~~””

“…………The word [Time & Space] is on your shirt as usual huh.”

“Un~~. It’s my word that Too-kun taught me~~. Cool right~~?”

'It’s not cool at all……….rather honestly, it's lame' was what he thought but since she looked satisfied, Tooi did not say anything. It’s probably like how foreigners put on word tattoos without knowing what it means.

“Well~~, for now, welcome home~~, Too-kun. You came back huh. Did you enjoy your world?”

“So so. I see that you're fully enjoying your underground life.”

“Un~~, It’s because Laila-chin has been taking good care of me. Oo~~ Long time no see Laila-chin……Un? A-re-re~~?”

La Shii tilted her head.

Her half-opened eyes were looking towards Laila----no, towards Alua.

“……….Laila-chin, you stopped wearing glasses~~? Your hair is shorter………and, your breast turned super small?”

“That’s my sister Alua.”

“Shii. I already did that joke.”

“…………Uwaaan~”

Laila pointed that out, Tooi retorted her, and Alua was in grief.

“Ah~~, I see. Laila-chin is the one with the bouncy breasts. So, the flat chest here is Laila-chin’s sister huh. First time meeting you~~. Let’s get along, Alua-chi~~”

“……..Y-yes, hi………”

Alua lowered her head while her cheeks were twitching. Judging by the side of her face, she was showing anger along the lines of [That’s something I don’t want to be told by you!] but she is well aware that she’s dealing with a deity.

“So~~, Too-kun, Laila-chin, and Alua-chi. What business do you have with me? Hnaa~~”

La Shii sat down on the bed and said that while mixing in a yawn.

“Though I say that, I pretty much have an idea~. It’s probably related to the {{Furigana|12 Goddesses|Nebulosa}} problem right?”

Tooi was slightly shocked because she hit the bulls-eye.

“How did you know? You have been sleeping in here for 10 years right?”

“My ears are made differently from humans. Hnaa~~. I can grasp the commotion from above if my sleep is light~~”

“Then this makes things fast, La Shii Fomalhaut.”

Laila cut to the chase.

“Your previous master Tooi-----“

“Don’t wanna~~. It’s so troublesome.”

“………………….”

“Hnaa~~.Sleepy…..”

Rejected. La Shii rejected it without even listening properly before laying on top the bed. It was a really rampant behavior.

However, Laila did not bother much about it and lightly raised her hand to make a pose. It’s a reaction showing that she predicted this to happen to a certain extent.

“Sorry but I don’t want to come out from here~~. Rather, I don’t want to do anything~~. I want to be lazy every day and sleep sleep and sleep when I want to~~”

“What do you mean by sleep sleep and sleep? Isn’t that supposed to be sticky sticky.”

At least make it sleep eat and sleep, Tooi said that.

La Shii [Ahaha~ true~] laughed as if she didn’t care and while rolling around the bed, she wrapped herself in her blanket.

“Even Too-kun hates troublesome matters right~~? Just ignore it. Give up on me and the other deities.”

“It’s true that I hate troublesome problems……but I can’t just ignore this. I have my responsibility for having you all serve under me.”

“Responsibility huh~~………….There might be a few things to think about the current situation of the {{Furigana|12 Goddesses|Nebulosa}}~~. But I think Too-kun doesn’t have the right to say anything. You revoked our contracts in such a one-sided manner and went back to your world after all…………”

'''''Also''''', La Shii continued.

“You’re in a sense not really our master right?”

Instantly------

The sleepy eyes which were half-opened-----suddenly opened up with a glare.

Those wide opened eyes were giving off a devouring gaze.

“…………….”

Tooi did not say anything.

He kept his eyes closed and made a quiet expression.

“We were serving under you? Ahaha~~that’s really funny~~. You made a mistake; it should be '''''using us''''' right? The Shrines you conquered is about 5. How dare you act like our master, Too-kun?”

“………………….”

When Tooi was keeping silent, Alua raised her uneasy voice.

“Wh-what does she mean……?”

“Simple.”

Laila answered the question.

“Alua. Why do you think people gather at the city?”

“………….Yesterday, I had the same conversation with Tooi Onii-chan when we came to the imperial capital. It’s not that people gather to the city, it’s because people gather here that it’s a city……………”

“Yes. That is correct. It might sound like Tautology but the reason why people gather to the city is because people are gathered in the city---------same as that, this is the reason why this man was able to make contracts with 12 deities.”

Laila spoke fluently.

The events that occurred 10 years ago in this world-------since she was traveling in this world with Tooi Cross as his partner, she was able to say this.

“Within the 12, only 3 or 4 of them were deities that Tooi made a contract with through the formal steps------they were the deities that accepted Tooi Cross as their masters from the bottom of their heart. Most of them took advantage of this by making contracts with him because Tooi was already a Deity knight”

“Took advantage……….”

“You can call it a blind following if you want. There was value on using him-----once they step onto the chance of victory; they decided to lend their power to Tooi.”

Chance of victory.

On [What] kind of victory it was, Alua immediately knew.

“The reason why the [{{Furigana|12 Goddesses|Nebulosa}}] gathered under Tooi Onii-chan……is all to defeat the Demon King Hadar, is it………?”

“Yes. Causing a grand war which dragged the whole continent into the war, Hadar naturally caused anger to most of the deities and Spirits which are the same species. Just like how the humans from various countries formed an alliance, the deities also decided to form a faction. The human known as Tooi Cross was a plausible and convenient 3rd wheel-----a mediator.”

“No way……! Then, Tooi Onii-chan was…….”

“He jumped over the necessary steps and immediately became a deity knight. In other words, he was dragged into a war between deities and a sad victim only there to be used.”

“----I’m not a victim.”

Tooi let his words slide while not looking away from La Shii”

“I won’t act like a victim after all this time. I decided to use the deity and be used by the deity with my own will.”

Everything was just as Laila said.

For an organization to stay an organization, they must have the existence of a clear [Enemy]. By having an enemy that has to be defeated, order and control is born in the organization.

Because there is an [Enemy] called the Demon King Hadar, the {{Furigana|12 Goddesses|Nebulosa}} turned into a strong organization with one goal----into a force that shared the same fate. Everyone wasn’t that obedient to Tooi but even so, there was control there.

In order to fight Hadar who possessed tremendous power as if it did not belong to the world’s structure, they needed to join forces.

That’s why-------he won’t think that his decision was wrong.

(But………)

Now that he thinks back------it was a sad relationship.

A relationship with no trust and is only connected by benefits.

One with using each other by greed.

“Of course, it’s not like everyone did not accept Too-kun~~”

La Shii said that lazily.

“From the looks of it Ryu-tan, Zo-tan, Pan-tan were totally in love with Too-kun~~. Ze-tan, Gu-tan, A-tan might be strict with their words but, I think they accepted Too-kun. But~~ most of us only thought of Too-kun as some kind of useless rock.”

“……….What about you, Shii.”

“Me? Let’s see~~. Hnaa~~. I like Too-kun………..but, I have no intentions to obey you~~”

Her tone was soft but her words were sharp.

“I didn’t want to make a contract in the first place after all~~. Last time, I had no choice but to work to defeat Hadar. I hate going through troublesome matters------Hadar is going to resurrect sooner or later so, things might change for me if it’s going to do something to the world again~~”

The sentence that easily came out from La Shii------caused fear in the area.

(Hadar’s resurrection…….you say?)

That demon king.

That disaster.

That threat.

Is it about to resurface again?

The violent battles from 1 year ago reappeared in Tooi’s mind. Disgusting sweat flowed out from his back. The feeling of stabbing into the demon king’s chest vividly reappeared in his hands.

Alua’s face was looking pale. Laila somehow managed to suppress her bewilderment but even so the uneasiness and shock which she could not hide were oozing out form her expression.

“Hadar’s resurrection…………? Is that true La Shii Fomalhaut.”

“Yes. Of course, Laila-chi. Though I said that------it will become another existence from the previous Hadar”

After saying that much, La Shii slightly opened her eyes wider again.

“There has to be 21 deities----that is absolute. That is how this world was created.”

When no one could make any replies, La Shii continued talking at her own pace.

“Well~~, I might have said [sooner or later] but it’s a [sooner or later] based on my standards~~. It might be around 100 years later or so, so it’s something you humans should not be worrying about I guess? By the way Too-kun.”

The eyes of the deity of [Time & Space] were looking at Tooi.

“Within the 21 Deities of the world, you made contracts with 12 of them. Although it’s just merely for form’s sake, that number crosses over half. Do you understand what that means, Too-kun?”

“…………………..”

There’s something called [Stock Company] which is one of the several company structures in modern Japan. It’s a business that uses stocks to gain capitals; the company then uses the funds and conducts the service provided.

It might look like a wonderful and useful system at first glance but-------as a price for that, the company itself does not belong to the company employee and president; and is the possession of the stockholder who bought the stock.

Because of that.

If someone possesses more than 51 percentage of the stock, the company becomes that person’s possession in reality. There are many corporations and unions in various parts of the modern world using this system.

Controlling more than half------has the same meaning as controlling everything.

Then, since Tooi had more than half of the deities under his command-----

“------'''''You understand this''''', Too-kun?”

La Shii said that.

With a devouring gaze.

“Too-kun…………..should have known this already. On what kind of existence we are-----and, on '''''how crazy of an act you performed'''''”

“……………….”

Since he continued not replying back at all, La Shii [Hnaaa~~] let out a carefree yawn. The special pressure disappeared and her face turned back to a sleepy young girl.

“Ahaha~~. Don’t look so troubled, Too-kun. Sorry~~. I didn’t plan to bully you. To apologize, I’ll listen to your wishes for a while.”

La Shii got off the bed while trying to take back her last remarks. She crawled on the floor and got closer to the cell bars.

“Making a contract is troublesome so sorry~~. Since Ryu-tan’s problem is causing you guys the biggest headache right now, I don’t mind giving my help okay~~”

“………Are you serious, Shii”

“Un~~. Having Ryu-tan as the opponent is just too burdening to the currently powerless Too-kun so………how should I say this, it’s not fair at all~~. Also~~, Laila-chi has been taking care of me for 10 years after all~~”

The words that came out from the personification of laziness- La Shii, had a whimsical proposal which he did not wish for.

(This was all Laila’s plan huh………..)

Requesting help from the deity of [Time & Space]------La Shii Fomalhaut.

This was most likely the goal for bringing Tooi here.

Having the contract done and getting her back to his control would be ideal but-------even if that’s impossible, having her help was possible.

If it’s the request from none other than Tooi Cross.

If they are able to borrow La Shii’s power-----it is even equal to a million troops.

To Tooi, Laila and the Empire Military, the deity of [Time & Space] is an outstanding talent and force that they want to the point of desperation.

“I’ll pass.”

However----Tooi easily said that.

La Shii slightly pouted her lips since he did not grab her extended hand and showed a sulking gesture.

“……….F~~uun. What’s this Too-kun? Didn’t you want me?”

“I do. I want everything about you. But-----I hate to get it like this.”

Tooi crouched down. He then finally was at the same eye height as the short La Shii.

While both of their gazes tangled with each other at equal height, Tooi told her this.

“I’m glad I met you today, Shii. I have been getting shocked at every fact, ever since I got to this world so I've forgotten this……….but now, I remember it clearly. The reason why I came to this world.”

There wasn’t only one reason.

There are many reasons why he chose this world and reasons why he did not choose his world.

But the biggest reason would be------

“I wanted you all to serve under me again.”

Tooi said that.

“For me, beating the demon king 1 year ago was just a [Method] for me. That’s why, the {{Furigana|12 Goddesses|Nebulosa}} that was formed to defeat the demon king…………putting into words, is just a [Method] for another [Method].”

“Well~~, that goes both ways too~~. We used Too-kun too after all~~”

“Yeah. That goes both ways. But, I don’t want things to end with that sentence.”

Was it guilt, obligation or-----maybe lingering attachments.

Even he has no idea what is the identity of the emotions oozing out from the depth of his heart.

Tooi was desperately craving for the {{Furigana|12 Goddesses|Nebulosa}}.

“I want to regain the bonds I lost----no, regaining it isn’t enough. I want to tie it a lot stronger than before. In a real sense, I want to become a real master for you all.”

'''''That’s why'''''; Tooi said that before standing up.

“I’m thankful for Shii’s suggestion but, I won’t be swallowing that. I don’t have the rights to be your master if I wiggle my tail happily when I receive something.”

He stopped looking straight into her eyes and silently looked down at his former servant.

“The time when I will use your power-----will be the time you accept me.”

“…………….”

“Okay then, I guess I’ll end things here and head back. I’ll come back again.”

Tooi then turned around and walk away from La Shii. Laila and Alua also followed a moment later.

“Sorry, Laila.”

“I don’t mind. I’m used to you not doing things that don’t go my way.”

Laila said that sarcastically.

The 3 of them then went back to the path but-----

The space in front of them suddenly distorted.

“Uh!?”

The impossible phenomenon gave the 3 of them a fright, but they entered alert mode in an instant. The distortion in space slowly became bigger and slowly turned into a hole.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Pyokon* a young girl jumped out----from a light sucking black hole.

“Escape, success~~”

La Shii, who was supposed to be captured by the cage behind them, teleported in front of them in an instant.

“Shii…………”

“Too-kun, Long time no see~~”

“………..That’s an overly fast long time no see.”

Uneasiness oozed out when he heard her sudden voice.

Space teleportation, one of the powers La Shii has. With time and space under her control, making a hole in space is just a piece of cake. She can even easily twist off her targets along with the space and even lock down a broken space for eternity.

Even destroying the 3 of them along with space here------

“Ahaha~~. Don’t be so scared~~. It’s not like I got out of the cell because I got angry~~”

Opposite to the frozen 3, La Shii made a relaxed smile.

“Rather, it’s the opposite~~. I feel real good right now~~. Too-kun is a good man-----even though it’s for one time, the man that used me is a good man and that made me really happy.”

That’s why a present~~.

After saying that with a soft smile, she clapped her hands in front of her chest.

“If you cling on me and start crying with [Save mee~~] , and it turns out that you’re a pathetic man that would jump onto my suggestions without thinking, then I thought of hiding this forever~~. But, since Too-kun rejected it properly. So it’s present time~~”

“……..You tested me?”

“Yup~~. I tested you. I am going to be testing you more from now on. In order to see what you can do~~”

After letting go of her joined hands, darkness swirled there.

The darkness soon tore apart and light leaked out from the gaps.

The object that came out from the light----was a single black sword.

By the size and shape, it would probably be categorized as a dagger.

However that sword was too random to be called a sword------it was just too simple.

There’s only the glowing blade, and no guard or scabbard of the sword. There’s just a sad amount of cloth wrapped around the grip of the sword.

It’s like a single ore made into the shape of a sword-------

“That’s……!”

Tooi opened his eyes wide and stared intently at the sword.

“It’s my sword.”

“Tooi Onii-chan’s sword!?”

Alua shouted suddenly.

“W-wh-whi-which means that, that’s [Zodiac]!? The legendary sword used by the [Tyrant Slayer] Tooi Cross which is only made by Etherium!”

She instantly got tension up and started talking with an energetic pace.

“The ultimate sword forged by the Deity of [Weapon Empress]---Zesca Aldebaran using refined Etherium which was mined up by the deity of [Earth]---Gushana Rigel. Even the Etherium which rejects the hands of humans can be forged into the strongest weapon as long it’s the deity performing it. The created sword that was then completed by mixing the blood of Tooi Cross and the souls of every member of the {{Furigana|12 Goddesses|Nebulosa}}, is this black short sword. There is no other sword better than this to act as a medium for the [Deus Alma]…………10 years ago, it is said that this is the sword that put the final blow in the demon king Hadar……….but, wasn’t Zodiac lost together with the death of the demon king……!?”

“……yup. Thanks for the explanation, Alua-chan.”

Tooi quietly stopped the excited Alua.

(Is this girl perhaps a maniac when it comes to me?)

She’s full of knowledge regarding the {{Furigana|12 Goddesses|Nebulosa}} and [Tyrant Slayer], what’s more she’s quite well informed with the books with Tooi as the theme.

Apparently, she holds an unbeatable admiration towards Tooi Cross.

Of course, rather than calling it feelings towards a single human, it's more like the feeling of admiration towards a historical great person or fictitious person.

If this keeps up, it feels as if she’s going to turn into an explanation character but----well, let’s leave that aside.

“Shii. Why is Zodiac over here? Just like what Alua-chan said, it broke when I defeated Hadar……….”

“We fixed it~~”

While saying that La Shii pulled out the short sword from the space that appeared in front of her chest.

The black Etherium blade darker than darkness was giving off a mystical glow after it received the light of Ether pouring down from the ceiling.

“It happened right after Too-kun went back~~. Everyone went looking for the fragments in the demon king castle~~, and reforged it back once more!!”

“Why………..”

The farewell from 1 year ago----was equal to saying farewell to this life. No one should have expected him to come back like this.

“Who knows~~ I wonder why~~. No one brought it up and everyone from the {{Furigana|12 Goddesses|Nebulosa}} naturally just went with it~~. Someone suggested making a tomb and stabbing it there but, it’s not like Too-kun died. That’s why I ended up being the representative to keeping it since I am the strongest~~”

“……………….”

“After everything thing that has happened to us…….Too-kun is someone special. In both good and bad ways~~”

While saying it in a joking manner, La Shii presented him the sword.

Tooi extended his hands out but------he stopped half-way.

“Hn? What’s wrong~~? Ah~~, it’s hard to accept a present from me after I did all that bragging huh? Then I’ll give it like this.”

La Shii then bent down on the spot. She made a posture of serving Tooi who was standing in front of her, while lifting the sword above her head with both her hands.

That appearance----looked like a loyal retainer serving her master.

“This is not pity or charity, Too-kun. This sword does not belong to me, it’s yours after all~~. I am just returning it to its original owner.”

“Shii………..”

After a few seconds of silence, Tooi made up his mind to take the sword. He grabbed the presented sword with his right hand.

Deity sword Zodiac.

A weapon made from Etherium, and only one exists in the world.

The sword that he had not grabbed for 1 year was so comfortable in his hands to the point of horror. It felt as if the sword and his hand were one. It’s true that this sword was made just for Tooi.

“……….hey, Laila. Incidentally, how much is it if I sell this?”

“Let’s see. Just the very fact that this is a short sword forged by Etherium which is an ultra-rare and impossible to handle alloy, brings in a tons of cash but; if you add in the naming value such as [Weapon forged by a Deity] or [Weapon that defeated the Demon king]…………..fumu. I guess you’ll get an astronomical price tag that can get you a small country with ease.”

“…………….”

“T-Tooi Onii-chan!? Yo-you can’t! What’s with that hesitant face! Are you planning to trample on the feelings of everyone in the {{Furigana|12 Goddesses|Nebulosa}}!?”

“I know. It’s just a joke.”

Tooi then looked back at La Shii.

“Thanks. Shii.”

“Un~~. I don’t mind~~”

While saying that as if she didn’t care, La Shii tried standing up from her bend but, she let out a pathetic [Ah~~] scream half-way before falling down to the floor.

“No good~~, I don’t have the energy to stand anymore~~”

“No, doesn’t mean that you can sleep on the floor. Do it on the bed over there if you want to sleep------“

“Nee~~, Too-kun.”

While ignoring his words, La Shii said it while lying on the floor.

“Come back once you become strong enough to beat me. Then let’s have a fight~~”

There was an innocent light in her half opened sleepy eyes. There were no bad intentions or schemes, the innocent glow similar to a newly born baby, was inside her eyes.

“Enough to defeat you huh…….that’s going to be tough even after I gather more than half of the {{Furigana|12 Goddesses|Nebulosa}}”

“I’ll do anything, even reestablish our contract if I lose~~. I’ll listen to every order you make. I’ll even lick Too-kun’s asshole~~”

“………..By the way, what if I lose?”

“U~`nn. I guess I’ll make you lick my asshole when that happens~~”

Aren’t both sides a prize? There’s only gain whether I win or lose------he thought that but he didn’t say it out as expected.

“Ahaha~~, how about it, Too-kun. It’s insulting to lick the asshole of a little girl like me right~~? You don’t want to right~~?”

“…………….”

Tooi kept silent. Was this Shii’s aim? Did she say this because she’s an airhead? It was a hard decision to make.

He then let out a big sigh.

“I understand Shii.”

He said that. There was fighting spirit and determination in his eyes.

“I will definitely beat you. And-----I’ll make you lick my asshole.”

“”……………..””

The Schut sisters standing beside him were glaring at him with dead eyes. The gazes were giving off [What is this guy saying with such a cool face?] vibe. They started whispering [What is he making such a small girl……..] [I thought he loves big breasts but, he can go loli too huh].

However, La Shii nodded with a quite satisfied face.

“Okay~~, wash your ass and wait~~”

After that, he carried La Shii back to the prison when she tried to crawl back to the prison like a caterpillar before the 3 of them returned to the surface.

The meeting with the strongest existence of the {{Furigana|12 Goddesses|Nebulosa}} ended here.

Re-establishing the contract was not possible----but the gain was high.

His beloved deity sword Zodiac.

And-----a promise with a little girl to have their assholes licked.

<noinclude>

{{SimpleNav}}
</noinclude>

The Reunion With Twelve Fascinating Goddesses:Volume 1 Chapter 4

2016-08-19T05:06:06Z

Lord of Prussia: /* Part 1 */

==Chapter 4: The Deity Sleeping Underground==

===Part 1===
The 1st Imperial capital prison.

The prison closed in by tall outer walls, it’s an imprisonment facility directly controlled by the Empire Military. Of the prisons within the country, it’s the strictest in terms of security; it’s a place secured with first class criminals like mass murderers, terrorist leaders that planned to overturn the country, and so on.

Every part of the outer wall is buried by a metal that Spirits hate called [Ginite Alloy], making Spirits avoid the prison and Spirit techs are heavily restricted inside.

“Crimes caused by Spirit practitioners have been on the rise. If possible I want all the prisons in the country to put Ginite alloy into practice but…………..the cost is just too burdening. Because of that all the crazy criminals are settled here.”

Inside the prison.

Guided by Laila, Tooi and Alua were walking down the dull corridor.

This prison is completely shut off from the public, and even the families of the criminals are not allowed for an audience unless they undergo a mountain of documents, but they were easily permitted to accompany because of general Laila’s words. This is probably what “A voice of authority is always correct” meant.

“So Ginite alloy is still a high class resource. I thought it would be distributed more since 10 years passed.”

“Refining skills are being developed now but the prices of the ore ingredients are increasing everywhere. Etherium is especially bad. Just one that can fit in between my fingers has a value similar to buying a whole castle.”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Whistle~~* Tooi whistled.

Etherium is a special alloy created from the compression of high quality Ether.

Looking past the price tag, it’s something so valuable that it can be called a legendary item.

[God’s Alloy] [Philosopher Stone] [Spirit’s Tear] [Deity’s Holy artifact], many names exist to describe it.

It’s a metal with high concentrated holy attribute and has an extremely high compatibility rate with Spirits.

In simple terms, it’s a metal closest to Spirits in this world.

“Incidentally, are Etherium refining techniques established?”

“Not at all.”

Alua answered the question.

“Not only is the production rate extremely small, if a human touches it even a little bit, all the holy attribute of the alloy will disappear. Researchers and Spirit practitioners are researching it but……..there’s no noteworthy progress for almost a 100 years.”

It’s ideal to use a weapon made from Etherium as a medium for [Ray Alma]; that’s the best but----the current problem is that it’s an impossible pipe dream.

Rejecting the hands of humans, the Etherium does not allow being processed. And yet, since it is mostly mined up at the size of iron sand, it’s best to give up.

Because of that, when [Etherium Weapons] are mentioned in the country, it’s either referred as a fantasy weapon or maybe an impractical theory on the table.

“An Etherium sword is currently legendary-----no, it’s plain fantasy, Tooi………….Oops, it’s right here.”

The 3 of them went further into the prison.

Soon----they reached the lowest floor. They passed through the door with [No access] written on it with the key received from the personals there and went down the stairs which were inside.

What they saw was a long path. Since there were no windows at all, it felt somewhat oppressing. The Ether lights buried into the ceiling were pouring cold light as they pass each one.

“………..Is Shii inside here?”

After Tooi asked, Laila pulled her chin.

“There’s a special VIP imprisonment treatment at the lowest floor. La Shii Fomalhaut being here by itself is treated as special confidential information. Only the Military higher ups and a part of the personals here know. Even Alua was left in the dark until today.

“Un…………honestly, I still don’t believe it. There’s a deity here……..”

Alua was making a half-doubtful expression.

“This 1st prison is certainly the biggest prison in the Empire………..but, I think it’s impossible to imprison a deity no matter how much I think…….In the first place, how did you catch her? It’s weird for me to not know if 1000 soldiers moved……….”

“You’ll get it once you see it. Tooi probably has an idea why right?”

“………..Ahh, well.”

Tooi nodded with a face as if he was suppressing a sour face.

First off, it’s probably impossible to connect prison and a deity that is named within the {{Furigana|12 Goddesses|Nebulosa}}. The thought that a human made a cage able to restrain a deity, is wrong by itself.

(But, things changes when it comes to Shii…………)

Imprisonment, and escaping. Most likely, it’s beyond that level.

The 3 of them were walking down the path.

After walking down the straight path, they finally reached the deepest part of the prison.

“Wha!?”

First, Alua shouted in shock. Tooi was shocked too but, since he had knowledge of the Deity’s personality, his shock was lesser than Alua’s.

The underground prison in front of them------was not a place that deserves to be called prison.

Although there’s a thick looking cell there, the interior deserves the word [Complex].

There were many dolls shaped like dogs and bears and it came in big and small. Chess board, sugoroku, Spinning top, playing cards, darts and other toys of that such. Countless books and pictures.

Anyways, there were many things and, on top of that, everything was not kept tidy or in order. All the dolls were shoved to one corner. Since the books were stacked so it’s still okay but, most of it was on the floor while half-opened. The pieces for the Chess and Sugoroku ended up outside the cell.

“Is the entire prison cell in the country like this?”

“I said it’s a special VIP treatment.”

Laila tiredly replied to Tooi’s chat.

At that moment------there was a movement inside the prison cell.

It was not a hard shabby bed that’s imagined when asked about prison, rather there were luxurious bed tools that do not lose to the bed that Tooi is currently sleeping in the Schut house.

On top of the comfortable bed, the rolled up expensive looking blanket-------started to wiggle about.

And after a whole, the blanket lump continued squirming around, but there were no other actions other than that. Having broken free from his numbness, Tooi let out his voice.

“Shii! It’s me. Tooi.”

The blanket stopped the moment he did that. The person inside then slowly showed her face as if a tulip was blooming.

“………..Hnaaa~~”

A young and cute voice appeared, it was impossible to distinguish whether it was a yawn or not .

The person that appeared from inside the blanket----was a young girl wearing one shirt.

She has the height of a 10 year old. She also has glowing blonde hair, but spiky bed hair could be seen all over her head. The face is extremely cute, but she was blinking repeatedly and yawning. She looked really sleepy.

The word [Time & Space] was written largely with Sinology-----Sinology used in modern Japan on the loose shirt that is totally not her size.

“Hn~~, Ahh~~………….ah~~”

After looking over to him while scratching her eyes, the young girl showed a slight shock and happiness on the expression which was looking sleepy the whole time.

“Too-kun. Long time no see~~”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>niheraa* her mouth relaxed and made a smile.

“Long time no see, Shii.”

“Un~~, Err~~, It’s been 3 days?”

“Apparently it’s been 10 years. By your viewpoint though.”

“Heh~~ Is that so~~”

She replied back with a useless answer and an extremely laid-back tone.

“……..You don’t change huh.”

“I am me after all~~. Hnaaa~~”

She then leaked a unique yawn again.

The strongest deity of the {{Furigana|12 Goddesses|Nebulosa}} looks sleepy today too.

10 years ago.

This happened right after the [Demon King] was destroyed.

On pro-forma terms, the {{Furigana|12 Goddesses|Nebulosa}} that are affiliated with the Empire as Tooi Cross’s contract Deities, cut off their ties with the Empire the same time they lost their master, and scattered about the continent.

However, within them-----the Deity of [Time & Space], La Shii Fomalhaut was the only one who------got in contact with the Empire Military and brought up a certain deal.

[[File:The Reunion With Twelve Fascinating Goddesses Volume 1 Non-Colour 6.png|thumb]]

“If you take good care of me then I’ll quietly let myself get caught~~”

Rather than a deal, it might be more of a threat.

If they don’t listen, they don’t know what would happen to them.

Having that said-------once they obeyed her then they have no idea what she would request.

The Imperial family and higher ups were having splits of opinions on La Shii’s treatment but,

“You can refuse if you want you know~~. When that happens, I will ask other countries.”

Once La Shii released such a carefree answer, the arguments reached its conclusion.

If they had to hand over a grand power known as a Deity then it’s better to have her here in their country no matter what price they have to pay. Having thought that, the Empire gave her a condition of being confined deep underground, in return they would accept all of La Shii Fomalhaut’s requests.

No matter how crazy the request may be, everyone was in complete fear but-------once the lid was opened up, the requests La Shii brought up were all anticlimactic simple tasks.

Things like buying the toys, books and baked sweets in the city. The bed and blanket she first requested were the only high quality items but, everything else were goods that can be bought with a child’s pocket change.

She would sleep all day long and once in a while when she wakes up as if she recalled something, she would ask for toys and baked sweets on whim before going back to slacking.

About 10 years in time, La Shii Fomalhaut lived her life in the underground prison without doing anything.

The moment he heard the whole story from Laila,

(That’s so like Shii)

Tooi thought.

In terms of pure power, La Shii Fomalhaut is at the top even in the {{Furigana|12 Goddesses|Nebulosa}}. With time and space under her control, she is the owner of a power that can separate herself from the others.

However, there was one problem.

And that is-----she’s a bum.

La Shii Fomalhaut has a lazy personality that is so serious that it’s scary.

Everything is troublesome to her, every event is annoying to her. Her sleep time is overwhelmingly longer than her time when she’s awake-----and more importantly, she doesn’t move.

While having tremendous power that no one else has, she would not use it by saying that it’s [Troublesome].

It’s so serious that she formed a [{{Furigana|Deity Equipment|Deus Alma}}] with Tooi only once.

“………Hnaa~~”

Shii opened her mouth as wide as it could open and let out a big yawn.

She stood up on the bed and tried stretching her arms but……….since she’s currently naked with only one shirt on, it was quite a dangerous pose in a lot of ways.

“Shii. It’s showing.”

“………….Oo~~. Dangerous, dangero~~us”

While saying that in a carefree tone, Shii pressed down the hem of her shirt.

The appearance and clothes of Deities or high ranking Spirits are determined by the wearer's will. Fundamentally, they would wear clothes or armor according to their personality or attributes; many of them have mystical yet noble appearances but----in Shii’s case, she would manifest only a shirt because of the reason that it’s [Troublesome].

It’s dangerous in 2 ways.

In terms of defense and in exposure rate.

“Hnn~~, Ah~~, we are kind of like always naked based on how you think about it~~. It’s just clothes made based on our mood anyways. So I guess there’s nothing to be embarrassed of~~”

“Have some shame. That would increase your charm as a female.”

“Hnn.if Too-kun says that then I’ll do it~~””

“…………The word [Time & Space] is on your shirt as usual huh.”

“Un~~. It’s my word that Too-kun taught me~~. Cool right~~?”

'It’s not cool at all……….rather honestly, it's lame' was what he thought but since she looked satisfied, Tooi did not say anything. It’s probably like how foreigners put on word tattoos without knowing what it means.

“Well~~, for now, welcome home~~, Too-kun. You came back huh. Did you enjoy your world?”

“So so. I see that you're fully enjoying your underground life.”

“Un~~, It’s because Laila-chin has been taking good care of me. Oo~~ Long time no see Laila-chin……Un? A-re-re~~?”

La Shii tilted her head.

Her half-opened eyes were looking towards Laila----no, towards Alua.

“……….Laila-chin, you stopped wearing glasses~~? Your hair is shorter………and, your breast turned super small?”

“That’s my sister Alua.”

“Shii. I already did that joke.”

“…………Uwaaan~”

Laila pointed that out, Tooi retorted her, and Alua was in grief.

“Ah~~, I see. Laila-chin is the one with the bouncy breasts. So, the flat chest here is Laila-chin’s sister huh. First time meeting you~~. Let’s get along, Alua-chi~~”

“……..Y-yes, hi………”

Alua lowered her head while her cheeks were twitching. Judging by the side of her face, she was showing anger along the lines of [That’s something I don’t want to be told by you!] but she is well aware that she’s dealing with a deity.

“So~~, Too-kun, Laila-chin, and Alua-chi. What business do you have with me? Hnaa~~”

La Shii sat down on the bed and said that while mixing in a yawn.

“Though I say that, I pretty much have an idea~. It’s probably related to the {{Furigana|12 Goddesses|Nebulosa}} problem right?”

Tooi was slightly shocked because she hit the bulls-eye.

“How did you know? You have been sleeping in here for 10 years right?”

“My ears are made differently from humans. Hnaa~~. I can grasp the commotion from above if my sleep is light~~”

“Then this makes things fast, La Shii Fomalhaut.”

Laila cut to the chase.

“Your previous master Tooi-----“

“Don’t wanna~~. It’s so troublesome.”

“………………….”

“Hnaa~~.Sleepy…..”

Rejected. La Shii rejected it without even listening properly before laying on top the bed. It was a really rampant behavior.

However, Laila did not bother much about it and lightly raised her hand to make a pose. It’s a reaction showing that she predicted this to happen to a certain extent.

“Sorry but I don’t want to come out from here~~. Rather, I don’t want to do anything~~. I want to be lazy every day and sleep sleep and sleep when I want to~~”

“What do you mean by sleep sleep and sleep? Isn’t that supposed to be sticky sticky.”

At least make it sleep eat and sleep, Tooi said that.

La Shii [Ahaha~ true~] laughed as if she didn’t care and while rolling around the bed, she wrapped herself in her blanket.

“Even Too-kun hates troublesome matters right~~? Just ignore it. Give up on me and the other deities.”

“It’s true that I hate troublesome problems……but, I can’t just ignore this. I have my responsibility for having you all serve under me.”

“Responsibility huh~~………….There might be a few things to think about the current situation of the {{Furigana|12 Goddesses|Nebulosa}}~~. But, I think Too-kun doesn’t have the right to say anything. You revoked our contracts in such a one-sided manner and went back to your world after all…………”

'''''Also''''', La Shii continued.

“You’re in a sense not really our master right?”

Instantly------

The sleepy eyes which were half-opened-----suddenly opened up with a glare.

Those wide opened eyes were giving off a devouring gaze.

“…………….”

Tooi did not say anything.

He kept his eyes closed and made a quiet expression.

“We were serving under you? Ahaha~~that’s really funny~~. You made a mistake; it should be '''''using us''''' right? The Shrines you conquered is about 5. How dare you act like our master, Too-kun?”

“………………….”

When Tooi was keeping silent, Alua raised her uneasy voice.

“Wh-what does she mean……?”

“Simple.”

Laila answered the question.

“Alua. Why do you think people gather at the city?”

“………….Yesterday, I had the same conversation with Tooi Onii-chan when we came to the imperial capital. It’s not that people gather to the city, it’s because people gather here that it’s a city……………”

“Yes. That is correct. It might sound like Tautology but, the reason why people gather to the city is because people are gathered in the city---------same as that, this is the reason why this man was able to make contracts with 12 deities.”

Laila spoke fluently.

The events that occurred 10 years ago in this world-------since she was traveling in this world with Tooi Cross as his partner, she is able to say this.

“Within the 12, only 3 or 4 of them were deities that Tooi made a contract with through the formal steps------they were the deities that accepted Tooi Cross as their masters from the bottom of their heart. Most of them, took advantage of this by making contracts with him because Tooi was already a Deity knight”

“Took advantage……….”

“You can call it blind following behind if you want. There was value on using him-----once they step onto the chance of victory; they decided to lend their power to Tooi.”

Chance of victory.

On [What] kind of victory it was, Alua immediately knew.

“The reason why the [{{Furigana|12 Goddesses|Nebulosa}}] gathered under Tooi Onii-chan……is all to defeat the Demon King Hadar, is it………?”

“Yes. Causing a grand war which dragged the whole continent into the war, Hadar naturally caused anger to most of the deities and Spirits which are the same species. Just like how the humans from various countries formed an alliance, the deities also decided to form a faction. The human known as Tooi Cross was a plausible and convenient 3rd wheel-----a mediator.”

“No way……! Then, Tooi Onii-chan was…….”

“He jumped over the necessary steps and immediately became a deity knight. In other words, he was dragged into a war between deities and a sad victim only there to be used.”

“----I’m not a victim.”

Tooi let his words slide while not looking away from La Shii”

“I won’t act like a victim after all this time. I decided to use the deity and be used by the deity with my own will.”

Everything was just as Laila said.

For an organization to stay an organization, they must the existence of a clear [Enemy]. By having an enemy that has to be defeated, order and control is born in the organization.

Because there is an [Enemy] called the Demon King Hadar, the {{Furigana|12 Goddesses|Nebulosa}} turned into a strong organization with one goal----into a force that shared the same fate. Everyone wasn’t that obedient to Tooi but even so, there was control there.

In order to fight Hadar who possessed tremendous power as if it did not belonged to the world’s structure, they needed to join forces.

That’s why-------he won’t think that his decision was wrong.

(But………)

Now that he thinks back------it was a sad relationship.

A relationship with no trust and is only connected by benefits.

One with, using each other by greed.

“Of course, it’s not like everyone did not accept Too-kun~~”

La Shii said that lazily.

“From the looks of it Ryu-tan, Zo-tan, Pan-tan were totally in love with Too-kun~~. Ze-tan, Gu-tan, A-tan might be strict with their words but, I think they accepted Too-kun. But~~ most of us only thought of Too-kun as some kind of useless rock.”

“……….What about you, Shii.”

“Me? Let’s see~~. Hnaa~~. I like Too-kun………..but, I have no intentions to obey you~~”

Her tone was soft but, her words were sharp.

“I didn’t want to make a contract in the first place after all~~. Last time, I had no choice but to work to defeat Hadar. I hate going through troublesome matters------Hadar is going to resurrect sooner or later so, things might change for me if it’s going to do something to the world again~~”

The sentence that easily came out from La Shii------caused fear in the area.

(Hadar’s resurrection…….you say?)

That demon king.

That disaster.

That threat.

Is it about to resurface again?

The violent battles from 1 year ago reappeared in Tooi’s mind. Disgusting sweat flowed out form his back. The feeling of stabbing into the demon king’s chest vividly reappeared in his hands.

Alua’s face was looking pale. Laila somehow managed to suppress her bewilderment but even so the uneasiness and shock which she could not hide were oozing out form her expression.

“Hadar’s resurrection…………? Is that true La Shii Fomalhaut.”

“Yes. Of course, Laila-chi. Though I said that------it will become another existence from the previous Hadar”

After saying that much, La Shii slightly opened her eyes wider again.

“There has to be 21 deities----that is absolute. That is how this world was created.”

When no one could make nay replies, La Shii continued talking in her own pace.

“Well~~, I might have said [sooner or later] but, it’s a [sooner or later] based on my standards~~. It might be around 100 years later or so, so it’s something you humans should not be worrying about I guess? By the way Too-kun.”

The eyes of the deity of [Time & Space] were looking at Tooi.

“Within the 21 Deities of the world, you made contracts with 12 of them. Although it’s just merely for form’s sake, that number crosses over half. Do you understand, what that means, Too-kun?”

“…………………..”

There’s something called [Stock Company] which is one of the several company structures in modern Japan. It’s a business that uses stocks to gain capitals; the company then uses the funds and conducts the service provided.

It might look like a wonderful and useful system at first glance but-------as a price for that, the company itself does not belong to the company employee and president; and is the possession of the stockholder who bought the stock.

Because of that.

If someone possesses more than 51 percentage of the stock, the company becomes that person’s possession in reality. There are many corporate and unions in various parts of the modern world using this system.

Controlling more than half------has the same meaning as controlling everything.

Then, Since Tooi had more than half of the deities under his command-----

“------'''''You understand this''''', Too-kun?”

La Shii said that.

With a devouring gaze.

“Too-kun…………..should have known this already. On what kind of existence we are-----and, on '''''how crazy of an act you performed'''''”

“……………….”

Since he continued not replying back at all, La Shii [Hnaaa~~] let out a carefree yawn. The special pressure disappeared and her face turned back to a sleepy young girl.

“Ahaha~~. Don’t look so troubled, Too-kun. Sorry~~. I didn’t plan to bully you. To apologize, I’ll listen to your wishes for a while.”

La Shii got off the bed while trying to take back her last remarks. She crawled on the floor and got closer to the cell bars.

“Making a contract is troublesome so sorry~~. Since Ryu-tan’s problem is causing you guys the biggest headache right now, I don’t mind giving my help okay~~”

“………Are you serious, Shii”

“Un~~. Having Ryu-tan as the opponent is just too burdening to the currently powerless Too-kun so………how should I say this, it’s not fair at all~~. Also~~, Laila-chi has been taking care of me for 10 years after all~~”

The words that came out from the personification of laziness- La Shii, was a whimsical proposal which he did not wish for.

(This was all Laila’s plan huh………..)

Requesting help from the deity of [Time & Space]------La Shii Fomalhaut.

This was most likely the goal for bringing Tooi here.

Having the contract done and getting her back to his control would be ideal but-------even if that’s impossible, having her help was possible.

If it’s the request from none other than Tooi Cross.

If they are able to borrow La Shii’s power-----it is even equal to a million troops.

To Tooi, Laila and the Empire Military, the deity of [Time & Space] is an outstanding talent and force that they want to the point of desperation.

“I’ll pass.”

However----Tooi easily said that.

La Shii slightly pouted her lips since he did not grab her extended hand and showed a sulking gesture.

“……….F~~uun. What’s this Too-kun? Didn’t you want me?”

“I do. I want everything about you. But-----I hate to get it like this.”

Tooi crouched down. He then finally was at the same eye height as the short La Shii.

While both of their gazes are tangled to each other at equal height, Tooi told her this.

“I’m glad I met you today, Shii. I have been getting shocked at every fact, ever since I got to this world so I've forgotten this……….but now, I remember it clearly. The reason why I came to this world.”

There wasn’t only one reason.

There are many reasons why he chose this world and reasons why he did not choose his world.

But the biggest reason would be------

“I wanted you all to serve under me again.”

Tooi said that.

“For me, beating the demon king 1 year ago was just a [Method] for me. That’s why, the {{Furigana|12 Goddesses|Nebulosa}} that was formed to defeat the demon king…………putting into words, is just a [Method] for another [Method].”

“Well~~, that goes both ways too~~. We used Too-kun too after all~~”

“Yeah. That goes both ways. But, I don’t want things to end with that sentence.”

Was it guilt, obligation or-----maybe lingering attachments.

Even he has no idea what is the identity of the emotions oozing out from the depth of his heart.

Tooi was desperately craving for the {{Furigana|12 Goddesses|Nebulosa}}.

“I want to regain the bonds I lost----no, regaining it isn’t enough. I want to tie it a lot stronger than before. In a real sense, I want to become a real master for you all.”

'''''That’s why'''''; Tooi said that before standing up.

“I’m thankful for Shii’s suggestion but, I won’t be swallowing that. I don’t have the rights to be your master if I wiggle my tail happily when I receive something.”

He stopped looking straight into her eyes and silently looked down at his former servant.

“The time when I will use your power-----will be the time you accept me.”

“…………….”

“Okay then, I guess I’ll end things here and head back. I’ll come back again.”

Tooi then turned around and walk away from La Shii. Laila and Alua also followed a moment later.

“Sorry, Laila.”

“I don’t mind. I’m used to you not doing things that don’t go my way.”

Laila said that sarcastically.

3 of them then went back to the path but-----

The space in front of them suddenly distorted.

“Uh!?”

The impossible phenomenon gave the 3 of them a fright but, they entered alert mode in an instant. The distortion in space slowly became bigger and slowly turned into a hole.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Pyokon* a young girl jumped out----from a light sucking black hole.

“Escape, success~~”

La Shii, who was supposed to be captured by the cage behind them, teleported in front of them in an instant.

“Shii…………”

“Too-kun, Long time no see~~”

“………..That’s an overly fast long time no see.”

Uneasiness oozed out when he heard her sudden voice.

Space teleportation, one of the powers La Shii has. With time and space under her control, making a hole in space is just a piece of cake. She can even easily twist off her targets along with the space and even lock down a broken space for eternity.

Even destroying the 3 of them along with space here------

“Ahaha~~. Don’t be so scared~~. It’s not like I got out of the cell because I got angry~~”

Opposite to the frozen 3, La Shii made a relaxed smile.

“Rather, it’s the opposite~~. I feel real good right now~~. Too-kun is a good man-----even though it’s for one time, the man that used me is a good man and that made me really happy.”

That’s why a present~~.

After saying that with a soft smile, she clapped her hands in front of her chest.

“If you cling on me and start crying with [Save mee~~] , and it turns out that you’re a pathetic man that would jump onto my suggestions without thinking, then I thought of hiding this forever~~. But, since Too-kun rejected it properly. So it’s present time~~”

“……..You tested me?”

“Yup~~. I tested you. I am going to be testing you more from now on. In order to see what you can do~~”

After letting go of her joined hands, darkness swirled there.

The darkness soon tore apart and light leaked out from the gaps.

The object that came out from the light----was a single black sword.

By the size and shape, it would probably be categorized as a dagger.

However that sword was too random to be called a sword------it was just too simple.

There’s only the glowing blade, and no guard or scabbard of the sword. There’s just a sad amount of cloth wrapped around the grip of the sword.

It’s like a single ore made into the shape of a sword-------

“That’s……!”

Tooi opened his eyes wide and stared intently at the sword.

“It’s my sword.”

“Tooi Onii-chan’s sword!?”

Alua shouted suddenly.

“W-wh-whi-which means that, that’s [Zodiac]!? The legendary sword used by the [Tyrant Slayer] Tooi Cross which is only made by Etherium!”

She instantly got tension up and started talking with an energetic pace.

“The ultimate sword forged by the Deity of [Weapon Empress]---Zesca Aldebaran using refined Etherium which were mined up by the deity of [Earth]---Gushana Rigel. Even the Etherium which rejects the hands of humans can be forged into the strongest weapon as long it’s the deity performing it. The created sword that was then completed by mixing the blood of Tooi Cross and the souls of every members of the {{Furigana|12 Goddesses|Nebulosa}}, is this black short sword. There is no other sword better than this to act as a medium for the [Deus Alma]…………10 years ago, it is said that this is the sword that put the final blow in the demon king Hadar……….but, wasn’t Zodiac lost together with the death of the demon king……!?”

“……yup. Thanks for the explanation, Alua-chan.”

Tooi quietly stopped the excited Alua.

(Is this girl perhaps a maniac when it comes to me?)

She’s full of knowledge regarding the {{Furigana|12 Goddesses|Nebulosa}} and [Tyrant Slayer], what’s more she’s quite well informed with the books with Tooi as the theme.

Apparently, she holds an unbeatable admiration towards Tooi Cross.

Of course, rather than calling it feelings towards a single human, it's more towards the feeling of admiration towards a historical great person or fictitious person.

If this keeps up, it feels as if she’s going to turn into an explanation character but----well, let’s leave that aside.

“Shii. Why is Zodiac over here? Just like what Alua-chan said, it broke when I defeated Hadar……….”

“We fixed it~~”

While saying that La Shii pulled out the short sword from the space that appeared in front of her chest.

The black Etherium blade darker than darkness was giving off a mystical glow after it received the light of Ether pouring down from the ceiling.

“It happened right after Too-kun went back~~. Everyone went looking for the fragments in the demon king castle~~, and reforged it back once more!!”

“Why………..”

The farewell from 1 year ago----was equal to saying farewell to this life. No one should have expected him to come back like this.

“Who knows~~ I wonder why~~. No one brought it up and everyone from the {{Furigana|12 Goddesses|Nebulosa}} naturally just went with it~~. Someone suggested making a tomb and stabbing it there but, it’s not like Too-kun died. That’s why I ended up being the representative to keeping it since I am the strongest~~”

“……………….”

“After everything thing that has happened to us…….Too-kun is someone special. In both good and bad ways~~”

While saying it in a joking manner, La Shii presented him the sword.

Tooi extended his hands out but------he stopped half-way.

“Hn? What’s wrong~~? Ah~~, it’s hard to accept a present from me after I did all that bragging huh? Then I’ll give it like this.”

La Shii then bent down on the spot. She made a posture of serving Tooi who was standing in front of her, while lifting the sword above her head with both her hands.

That appearance----looked like a loyal retainer serving her master.

“This is not pity or charity, Too-kun. This sword does not belong to me, it’s yours after all~~. I am just returning it to its original owner.”

“Shii………..”

After a few seconds of silence, Tooi made up his mind to take the sword. He grabbed the presented sword with his right hand.

Deity sword Zodiac.

A weapon made from Etherium and only one exists in the world.

The sword that he has not grabbed for 1 year was so comfortable in his hands to the point of horror. It felt as if the sword and his hand was one. It’s true that this sword was made just for Tooi.

“……….hey, Laila. Incidentally, how much is it if I sell this?”

“Let’s see. Just the very fact that this is a short sword forged by Etherium which is an ultra-rare and impossible to handle alloy, brings in a tons of cash but; if you add in the naming value such as [Weapon forged by a Deity] or [Weapon that defeated the Demon king]…………..fumu. I guess you’ll get an astronomical price tag that can get you a small country with ease.”

“…………….”

“T-Tooi Onii-chan!? Yo-you can’t! What’s with that hesitant face! Are you planning to trample on the feelings of everyone in the {{Furigana|12 Goddesses|Nebulosa}}!?”

“I know. It’s just a joke.”

Tooi then looked back at La Shii.

“Thanks. Shii.”

“Un~~. I don’t mind~~”

While saying that as if she didn’t care, La Shii tried standing up from her bend but, she let out a pathetic [Ah~~] scream half-way before falling down to the floor.

“No good~~, I don’t have the energy to stand anymore~~”

“No, doesn’t mean that you can sleep on the floor. Do it on the bed over there if you want to sleep------“

“Nee~~, Too-kun.”

While ignoring his words, La Shii said it while lying on the floor.

“Come back once you become strong enough to beat me. Then let’s have a fight~~”

There’s an innocent light in her half opened sleepy eyes. There were no bad intentions or schemes, the innocent glow similar to a newly born baby, was inside her eyes.

“Enough to defeat you huh…….that’s going to be tough even after I gather more than half of the {{Furigana|12 Goddesses|Nebulosa}}”

“I’ll do anything, even reestablish our contract if I lose~~. I’ll listen to every order you make. I’ll even lick Too-kun’s asshole~~”

“………..By the way, what if I lose?”

“U~`nn. I guess I’ll make you lick my asshole when that happens~~”

Aren’t both sides a prize? There’s only gain whether I win or lose------he thought that but, he didn’t say it out as expected.

“Ahaha~~, how about it, Too-kun. It’s insulting to lick the asshole of a little girl like me right~~? You don’t want to right~~?”

“…………….”

Tooi kept silent. Was this Shii’s aim? Did she say this because she’s an airhead? It was a hard decision to make.

He then let out a big sigh.

“I understand Shii.”

He said that. There was fighting spirit and determination in his eyes.

“I will definitely beat you. And-----I’ll make you lick my asshole.”

“”……………..””

The Schut sisters standing beside him were glaring at him with dead eyes. The gazes were giving off [What is this guy saying with such a cool face?] vibe. They started whispering [What is he making such a small girl……..] [I thought he loves big breasts but, he can go loli too huh].

However, La Shii nodded with a quite satisfied face.

“Okay~~, wash your ass and wait~~”

After that, he carried La Shii back to the prison when she tried to crawl back to the prison like a caterpillar before the 3 of them returned to the surface.

The meeting with the strongest existence of the {{Furigana|12 Goddesses|Nebulosa}} ended here.

Re-establishing the contract was not possible----but the gain was high.

His beloved deity sword Zodiac.

And-----a promises with a little girl to have their asshole licked.

<noinclude>

{{SimpleNav}}
</noinclude>