—Pars Adventurer Guild – Underground
On the day of our departure to Gaun, Ange guided us down to the guild’s basement where the transfer gate was set up. I wanted to say a word to Rion, the guild master and administrator of the transfer gate, before using it, but it seemed he hadn’t returned to Pars since then. According to Ange, his business trip as a mediator between countries had been extended. Guild masters are truly that busy.
“Just in case, does anyone forget anything?”
“It’s all in Kuroto’s storage, so there’s no way to forget it, Master!”
Ryuka replied energetically, raising both hands. Was that her way of saying she had nothing? Well, everyone else, including myself, was also practically empty-handed. When traveling, luggage tends to expand depending on the duration, but it’s a different story when you have Kuroto, who possesses the storage skill with infinite capacity and perfect organizational abilities.
“I brought Mr. Bear’s plush toy!”
Shutra proudly held up her plush toy. It was a standard-designed, chestnut-colored bear. Alright, with this, Shutra’s peaceful sleep was secured!
“Kelvin’s group has become quite a large party~”
Ange said to me as she watched my companions cheerfully chatting about what they would do on their trip. Indeed, it all started with just Mel and me. Then Kuroto became an ally, and after contracting with Gerard— it’s truly become a lively group.
“Ah, I’m surprised myself. …So, why aren’t you in your usual uniform, Ange? Aren’t you on duty?”
She was wearing regular clothes and carrying a large bag over her shoulder. She looked much more dressed for travel than we were.
“Oh, didn’t I tell you? I’ll be attending the naming ceremony as a representative of the Pars guild. Since there’s no need to worry about prying eyes, I’m off duty right now! …Though I might have to step away for work once we’re there.”
“This is the first I’m hearing of it. You should have told me.”
It’s a good thing that the number of people going on the trip has increased, but it would be even better if Shutra and Ange could become friends during this opportunity.
“Haha, sorry, sorry. Well, with that said, leave the naming ceremony to me.”
Ange waved her hand dismissively and headed towards the pedestal in front of the transfer gate.
“…If there are this many lovers, there’s no problem if I join in, right? Rather, it’s natural, isn’t it? Alright, let’s do this.”
She muttered that, leaving behind those words. Having good hearing can be a downside. I picked up her voice unintentionally. Still, it’s surprising. I didn’t expect Ange to be so eager to go on a trip. Maybe I’ll ask her next time if a suitable opportunity arises.
—Gaun – Castle of the Divine Spirit Tree
Beyond the light of the transfer gate, the first things that caught our eyes were a medium-sized room covered in trees and burly beastman guards. And then— there was Goma, adorned in a dress.
“Kelvin-sama, we have been waiting for you. On behalf of Gaun, I welcome you all.”
Goma bowed like a princess. Or rather, she truly was the princess of Gaun, but perhaps because I had grown accustomed to seeing her as an adventurer, I felt a fresh impression.
“It’s been a while. Goma, Princess?”
“Fufu, you can still call me Goma. Kelvin-sama?”
Her demeanor completely changed from the dignified posture just moments before. She leaned forward, sticking out her tongue slightly as if she had played a mischievous trick. The dress was revealing at the chest. As a man, I couldn’t help but stare. …Is it just me? She seems sexier than usual.
“Older Kel, Goma-san doesn’t seem like her usual self…”
“What a coincidence, little sister. I was just thinking the same thing.”
It seemed Rion also felt something was off about this Goma. As we were exchanging telepathic thoughts, a thunderous sound, shaking the ground, began to approach the room.
“Fatherrrrr!”
The source of the tremor burst into the room with a furious expression. It was the Goma we knew well. Although she wasn’t in her adventurer’s attire, she was wearing clothes that seemed like a simplified version of royal attire. Two identical Gomass— even my Appraisal Eye showed their Status as having identical values and skill compositions. Her angry exclamation made me realize it; yes, magical items could mimic perfectly.
“What are you doing?!”
A punch was thrown with the same momentum. Seeing it, I intuitively felt it. Ah, this is Goma, I thought. Her stance was as solid as ever, a remarkable form. How many Sabatos had sunk under that punch…
*Clap.*
However, Goma’s Iron Fist, which should have been unavoidable, was caught by the dress-clad Goma. And not only that, she stopped its power completely with one hand, and to top it off, with a flash of her panties only I could see, as per the service. Her agile movements, which seemed impossible for someone wearing a dress, screamed that she was no ordinary person.
“Oh dear, how dreadful! My understudy seems to have rebelled!”
“What rebellion?! In this case, the understudy is Father… Ah, never mind! This is confusing!”
“Ufufu, it’s your fault for being late.”
“Shut up! You told us the wrong time, Father, even though Sabato and I were preparing to be on time!”
Even during the conversation, the futile punches continued. Seeing this, everyone had understood the trick. The soldiers guarding the royal family also looked as if thinking, “Here we go again,” and made no move.
“Excuse me, Beast King. I think I understand the situation now, so could we proceed with the main discussion?”
“What, you saw through my disguise already? As expected of an S-Rank Adventurer.”
The dressed Goma, or rather, the Beast King, looked at me with an impressed expression and instantly created distance between herself and the real Goma. Goma, realizing further resistance was futile, dropped her stance and walked towards us.
“…Everyone. I apologize, but please pretend you didn’t see me like that. If possible, I’d like you to erase it from your memories.”
“Uh, okay.”
Goma blushed, as if ashamed of the Beast King’s disguise. I heard that the Beast King’s disguise, a national treasure magical item, perfectly imitates its target. Even if the one inside is the Beast King, the appearance is Goma. This means the flashing panties earlier were unarguably real. Don’t worry, Goma, I’ll make sure to engrave your valiant display in my memory.
“Goma, why don’t you try to be a little more feminine? Look at Kelvin’s wives, for example. There’s a world of difference between you two; in Traage’s terms, it’s like the moon and a rotten clam!”
“After adopting an educational policy of throwing me into dungeons, what right do you have to say that…!”
“Pfft, that’s nostalgic. You and Sabato often came back together after being thrown into dungeons with Kilt on your backs. If only Kilt had even a little bit of that ferocity—”
“Um…”
It was an interesting story, but it seemed like it would never end, so I forced myself to interrupt.
“Ah, my apologies again. I get carried away when talking to my children. This is a room in the Castle of the Divine Spirit Tree, Gaun’s tallest ancient tree. There are no windows in this room. Now, let me show you the townscape of Gaun, our pride. Follow me.”
“Haa… Kelvin-san, he’s been excited about showing me around the castle since yesterday. I’m sorry, could you humor him?”
“Ah, I’d be honored and wouldn’t mind at all… Beast King, how long are you going to stay in that outfit?”
“…Even I, your daughter, haven’t seen your real form in years. I’m extremely displeased, but I plan to stick with this outfit today. It seems like you change disguises daily.”
“That’s not something to be careless about.”
“Yes, very!”
Goma’s words were surprisingly strong. Come to think of it, were Sabato and Goma trained by this Beast King daily? It makes sense that they became strong both mentally and physically.
“Hey, hurry up! –I’ll tell Kilt about Goma’s secret, okay♪”
“Kelvin-san, hurry and go to them!”
It might be easier for Goma and Sabato to be adventurers traveling the world rather than this.
