I’m so exhausted that I can’t even muster the energy to say I’m tired.
I press my eyes without a word, leaning back in my chair.
After all the testers in the project successfully contracted with spirits, I returned to find that the only consequence, despite the successful outcome, was the submission of reports.
The warm dinners with my wife (candidates) had been my sole enjoyment for the past week. Other than that, I had no time to enter dungeons, and I was constantly glued to my PC or repeatedly explaining incidents to investigators.
“Ah, finally, it’s over.”
My voice, as if squeezed out, showed no signs of energy.
Rather, I was impressed that I still had the motivation to speak.
“Good work.”
“Indeed.”
The same could be said for the remaining persons in charge who were working in the same room.
A voice laced with exhaustion, as if reconfirming how troublesome post-incident procedures are, echoed from the seat opposite me.
Glancing over, Keiri-san waved a hand from her desk, too tired to even lift her head, while Nostalfer beside her let out a sigh of utter exhaustion.
“Ugh, I knew it would be troublesome, but you’ve really given us a difficult task. Look at this report, ‘Summarize the damage report from the Spirit Forest.’ Do you have any idea how much there is?”
“Can you say that in front of Evia-sama?”
“I can’t say it there, which is why I’m saying it here. Can’t you understand that much?”
Even their usual bickering seemed to lack its usual force at this moment. The reports were saved electronically, keeping the desk itself clean, but I could easily imagine that printing them would eventually bury the desk.
“…Let’s stop, I don’t want to do that right now.”
“…While I dislike agreeing with you, I suppose you’re right. Let’s leave for now.”
For a moment, they exchanged glances, but as if even arguing was too much effort, they sighed. Had it been any other time, they might have laughed at such a rare sight. This spiritual exhaustion, different from physical exertion, was still grueling even with my improved status.
“It’s unlucky for you too, Jiro-, having to deal with administrative work when the competition is coming up.”
“Yes, but with this done, I can focus solely on next month’s competition. In a way, it’s a relief.”
However, with the creation of this report, all administrative tasks were now complete. Therefore, as I told Keiri-san earlier, all that remained was to prepare for the upcoming competition.
Given the incident, part of me thought the competition should be canceled, butapparently, the fall of a general impacts the entire organization more than imagined. Thus, the competition, a display of martial prowess, was not only a venue to select a new general but also an event to improve morale. While security would be tightened, it wouldn’t be canceled so easily.
“Personally, I still can’t believe that, as a human, you’ll be standing there, even after contracting with an irregular spirit. Seriously, what were the Undead King and the Oni King thinking when they recommended you?”
As the topic changed, so did the atmosphere. Upon hearing Nostalfer’s words, Keiri-san’s eyebrows shot up in displeasure. If things continued, it would be a repeat of their previous exchange.
“From the instructors’ perspective, it seems it might just be a ‘fun’ opportunity.”
” “Ah.” ”
However, by retorting with words that suggested otherwise, both Keiri-san and Nostalfer simultaneously uttered sounds of agreement. I can’t fathom the instructors’ intentions, but I can confidently say that this particular emotion is definitely involved. Conversely, it could also mean they are considering other factors.
“Well, for now, I’ll just do my best.”
“Oh? As expected of Jiro-, who contracted with a High-ranking Spirit. Are you perhaps aiming for a general’s position?”
When I mentioned contracting with Valse-san, Keiri-san, who had seemed unsure whether to laugh or be surprised, now teased me with a grin, asking about my ambitions. I wouldn’t use words like “borrowing strength” when entering a place where intentions clash. While I can’t change the fact that I’m a challenger, this is an invaluable opportunity to measure how much I can compete with the Demon Lord’s Army’s upper ranks with my current strength. I have no intention of wasting it. Keiri-san found my words amusing, while Nostalfer seemed to perceive them as reckless, giving me a disdainful look.
“Well, who knows? I won’t say victory is a matter of luck, but I will make sure not to bring any defeatist thoughts with me.”
“Oh, how bold.”
“I pray it’s not just empty words.”
The outcome of my bold declaration was that one saw it as an opportunity for enjoyment, while the other saw a blowhard. As I conversed with the two women, who represented opposite viewpoints, the post-work fatigue began to subside. Checking the clock, I realized we were past regular hours, but the overtime was within an hour.
“Alright, I’m heading out now.”
“Yeeeah, if I keep you too long, Suella will get mad, right?”
“That’s right.”
Once the work is done, all that’s left is to go home. I quickly shut down my PC and stood up.
“I’m leaving first then.”
“Yes, good work.”
“Good work.”
I thought to myself how wonderful it is to work in a place where there are no superiors complaining about leaving early after finishing work. I left the temporarily borrowed conference room. Some employees were still working in the company, but just as many were heading home. I also saw individuals who appeared to be starting their night shifts.
“Hey, Jiro-, what are you up to after this?”
“Sorry, I have a prior engagement. Another time, perhaps.”
“Your wife?”
“Ah, I have three lovely wife candidates.”
“I see! Well, that’s understandable when it’s your wife.”
As I passed by, I exchanged greetings with acquaintances and occasionally received invitations for drinks from Oni, but since Himik was cooking dinner and waiting for me, I politely declined with a joke, trying not to offend them. I couldn’t let such efforts go to waste. I hurried home, trying to avoid being seen by the instructors, the ones I found most difficult to refuse.
On the upper floor of the employee dormitory, in one of the rooms on the floor with many family-style apartments, I breathed a sigh of relief upon safely returning home. I took out my key and unlocked the door.
“I’m home.”
It’s only recently that I’ve gotten used to saying “I’m home” when returning like this. It was a phrase I never uttered before, as there was no one to greet me. The first time I spoke it, I felt a mixture of nostalgia, embarrassment, and joy.
“Welcome home.”
“Ah, I’m home, Memoria.”
It seems Memoria greeted me today. Instead of the slacks and apron she wore at work, she was in comfortable clothes suitable for indoor activities. The color scheme was monochromatic, typical of Memoria.
“Where are the other two?”
“Himik is cooking. Suella is sitting, as we’re trying to limit her walking. Though, she seems restless about it.”
“I imagine so.”
Given her condition, Suella’s work has been restricted. Himik handles most of the household chores, so Suella doesn’t have much to do at home anyway. Her work restrictions are primarily at the workplace, with no overtime and avoiding excessive use of magic. It’s a special kind of treatment, and for Suella, who used to be so proactive, it’s a new environment. I could almost picture Suella fidgeting, and with a wry smile, I headed towards the living room with Memoria. As we got closer, the aroma of dinner wafted towards us.
“Is it Nikujaga today?”
“You guessed it?”
“Ah, the scent, somehow.”
The smell of a meal I could never experience living alone. I had deduced the menu from the aroma of the simmering, dashi-based stew, and it seemed I was correct. Opening the door to the living room, I peeked into the kitchen to see Himik cooking, humming a tune.
“Oh! Master, welcome home! Dinner will be ready soon, so please wait!”
“Ah, thank you as always.”
“That is my duty!”
“Then, I shall obediently wait, feeling hungry.”
“Indeed! Please wait.”
She was full of energy as always. Himik, a fallen angel in a cherry-blossom-colored katsuren, had her blonde hair tied back in a side ponytail to keep it out of the way. She greeted my return with a ladle in hand. She was already a decent cook from the start, but after learning Japanese and reading cooking magazines, her skills have improved dramatically. Her Japanese cuisine, in particular, has seen significant progress. As a result, my stomach, which was already feeling hungry, growled even louder. I gently took off my jacket, and Memoria took it from me, so I handed it over, loosening my tie. Then, I headed to the living room.
“Welcome home.”
“Ah, I’m home, Suella.”
Suella, who was already seated, greeted me. Perhaps due to her visibly growing belly, she was avoiding restrictive or cold clothing, opting for a white sweater and a dark green skirt. What was in her hand? Work documents, perhaps?
“Did you bring work home?”
“Yes, everyone at the office is being too careful, and besides, I feel restless if I’m not doing anything, so I thought I’d at least take on some light tasks.”
“Ah, I see.”
I understood Suella’s feelings somewhat, as Memoria had mentioned them. It must be disorienting to be unable to do what you used to do and to have your environment change. Especially when, even if you feel fine yourself, everyone else stops you. Furthermore, when these actions are driven by good intentions, Suella must feel a sense of embarrassment alongside her gratitude.
“What kind of work is it?”
“It’s the dungeon reports that you’re also working on, Jiro-san. Lately, the content of the reports from testers other than you has also been improving, and it’s wonderful that we’re able to incorporate more elements.”
Without delving too deeply into her feelings, I used it as an opportunity to prolong the conversation until Himik finished preparing dinner.
“So they’re getting used to it too.”
“Yes, thanks to that, the dungeon improvements are gradually progressing. It’s a good trend.”
“Then, we’ll have to be careful on our next attempt.”
“Yes, we have some quite interesting ideas.”
“Will you tell me?”
“No.”
“That’s a shame.”
Time passed slowly. Even amidst my recent busyness, I made it a point to cherish this time. During this project, I had made them worry by having the High-ranking Spirit contract pending when I left, and then further by getting caught up in an incident. In hindsight, they rejoiced at my safe return in one piece, and they were genuinely happy about my successful contract with the spirit. When one is constantly in a state of battle, the sense of everyday life gradually becomes blurred. Perhaps that’s why I find myself seeking these ordinary moments.
“Jiro-san, Suella, stop talking about work. Dinner is ready.”
“Oh, is it that time already?”
Memoria, with a dish towel in hand, alerted us. Looking into the kitchen, I saw Himik floating several plates with levitation magic. Suella, seeing the scene, waved her hand and transferred her documents somewhere. Memoria then wiped the table with practiced ease. In an instant, the meal was laid out, and we each took our seats.
“Then.”
” ” ” “Let’s eat.” ” ” ”
The meal began at Himik’s cue.
“Master, how’s today’s Nikujaga?”
“Ah, it’s delicious.”
“Memoria, could you pass the soy sauce?”
“Yes, here you go.”
A casual space. Casual chatter. This space will surely continue to change. But, if I could wish for anything… I hope this warmth never fades.
Today’s Quote:
Even amidst busyness, humans can persevere with solace. Even if a grand task awaits them afterward.
This will be all for today.
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*The first volume of the novel has been decided to be published by Hayakawa Bunko JA.
The release date is scheduled for October 18, 2018.
Additionally, an e-book version will be released on October 31st of the same year.
The content has been revised and expanded from the version posted on Shōsetsuka ni Narō, with the addition of unpublished interlude chapters.
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