—Heroic Spirit’s Underground Mausoleum, Level 8
With a clang, the lid of the coffin fell to the ground, and two figures emerged from within. The one in the coffin to the right of Melfina had distinctive ears, making it immediately obvious that their race was Elf. The man, clad in traditional attire, was unusually aged for an Elf, a testament to his long life. However, his appearance was remarkably refined, and even the white beard around his mouth seemed stylish.
And then, rising from the opposite coffin was the other person. Clad in blue knight’s armor, he carried a shield engraved with some unknown crest. His equipment was different from that of Delamis’s Holy Knights. However, his face was noble and brave, suggesting a spirit as high as any. Furthermore, the body beneath the armor was well-trained, embodying the ideal knight imagined by the people of various countries.
“Hmm, where is this?”
“… Solondir.”
“Hoh! A familiar face, Ragat. To think I’d meet you again, what a strange fate.”
“… Where is this?”
Not even having fully stood up, these two, who seemed to be close acquaintances, exchanged greetings. However, they appeared to still not grasp their situation and were constantly looking around.
“Princess, who are they?”
Gerard, also confused about their situation, telepathically asked Melfina.
“They were companions of Hero Serge. Solondir of the ‘Silver Bow’ and Ragat Titan of ‘Taciturnity.’ Both passed away after the Hero defeated Demon King Gustav and returned.”
“Forgive the strange words, but those dead folk are before my very eyes…”
“I have the distinct impression I’ve heard those exact words spoken just moments ago. However, they are not dead. Inexplicably, they are very much alive. Coupled with the monsters on this level, I suspect something is amiss.”
There are no means to resurrect the dead, and even S-rank White Magic is incapable of such a feat. This is the common understanding. While the Reincarnated Goddess possesses a method called ‘Reincarnation Technique,’ it is realistically unthinkable to utilize it. Even Iris, who is said to be able to use it in a limited capacity, cannot employ it in such a way.
“I see. Ancient heroes, you say. Cardinal Marcel’s words earlier seem to hold some truth.”
“Shall we send a message, perhaps?”
“To the King?”
“Yes.”
Melfina compiled the information and sent a telepathic message to Kelvin, who was presumably conquering the middle layers at that very moment. Almost immediately, a reply telepathic message was received.
“I’m coming! I’m coming right away! So please leave my share!”
— To the battle-maniac Grim Reaper, even the great heroes of the past are nothing more than rivals. In all likelihood, he would storm Level 8 with an unprecedented pace.
“Yes, yes… I understand. I will do so.”
“Princess, what did the King say?”
After finishing her telepathic communication with Kelvin, Melfina was promptly asked by Gerard. Although she had a general idea, it was for his own confirmation.
“He said my voice is beautiful and lovely today, and that he wants to see me soon… (blush)”
However, the answer she received was unexpected. Gerard was dumbfounded by Melfina’s shy, wriggling demeanor. Did that King choose love over battle!?… Or so he thought.
“No no, even I wouldn’t be fooled by that.”
He emphatically denied it, waving his shield-holding hand.
“I think it wouldn’t hurt you to pretend to be fooled even a little… No, perhaps it depends on the time and situation, or rather, he cherishes me just as much even with that…”
“Stop, stop! Any more and my stomach will revolt.”
Incidentally, as usual, the rapid telepathic communication occurred within an instant. To an outsider, it would appear comical, as if she suddenly became shy, then despondent, and then fidgety, but it happens so fast that it’s impossible to comprehend. However, the ancient heroes present were no ordinary people.
“Well, well, what a beautiful young lady. How about it? Perhaps some tea with me?”
Solondir of the ‘Silver Bow’ initiated a pickup line, having understood all of the preceding events, a truly high-level maneuver. You might wonder why he would do such a thing in the middle of a dungeon, but he doesn’t realize they are in a dungeon, so it’s understandable. To a certain extent.
“I refuse.”
“Gaff!”
Without hesitation, Melfina flatly rejected Solondir, who was utterly defeated.
“…To be doing such things at your age.”
“If there’s a beautiful woman or girl, I’ll flirt. That is the courtesy of a gentleman.”
“…What about Serge?”
“Love is in the present, not the distant! But if Serge were here, I’d choose Serge!”
“…Hmph.”
“Hey, what’s with the ‘hmph’! You pervert who’s no different from a rhinoceros! In the first place, the way of a man is—”
He stood up abruptly and began to passionately explain. He seemed surprisingly energetic.
“Let’s stop this game. Do you understand your current situation?”
“Rather harsh. Since I just woke up, I would have liked a kiss or two. Right, Ragat?”
“………”
“…?”
Ragat, in the blue armor, fell silent and averted his gaze. For some reason, he especially avoided making eye contact with Melfina.
“Ah, it seems I’m still no good at talking to women I’ve just met. My lady, would you care to converse with me instead?”
“Princess, this is a serious matter. This person doesn’t speak our language.”
“Princess, let’s face reality.”
“Princess! What kingdom is this person from!? Details!”
“You too, fall silent for a moment.”
This was unexpected. The conversation wasn’t progressing. The proportion of Melfina’s desire to get things done quickly was increasing.
“It can’t be helped. I have no choice… You two, what do you see behind you?”
“Behind us?”
Behind Solondir and Ragat stood Cardinal Marcel, a stake driven through his heart. Crimson blood flowed from the stake, forming a pool that had surely surpassed a lethal amount. However, his body had mutated. His aged, frail bones had swollen many times over into a white, robust physique, and sharp, sword-like scales grew on his arms. His mouth was lined with formidable fangs, like those of a carnivore, and there was no sanity in his eyes. It was no exaggeration to say that Marcel had become a complete monster. However, despite his vicious appearance, the monster seemed to be calmly observing the proceedings, showing no sign of moving on its own.
“…What do I see? Perhaps you’re referring to this lovely maiden? Her black hair is beautiful, much like Serge when she was young.”
“…? …To me, she looks like Serge filled with maternal love.”
The eyes of the two, who had turned to look, also lacked the light of sanity.
“…Gerard.”
“Understood.”
They communicated their intentions solely through telepathy, with no further words needed. The ancient heroes were seeing illusions. Likely, the forms they most desired. So as not to antagonize the mutated Marcel.
“Oi oi, you’re not going to point a sword at this innocent girl, are you!? You’ve lost your minds!”
“…Absolutely unforgivable.”
And then, to direct Melfina and Gerard’s combat intent towards them.
“Damn it, if you look closely, that black knight looks like the Demon King! Was I deceived!”
“…The girl is inscrutable.”
“Be careful, Ragat. I thought I’d seen it somewhere before, but those peculiar movements are from telepathic communication via ‘Summoning Magic.’ I’ve seen Delamis’s shrine maiden move like that sometimes!”
“…I don’t know.”
“It’s because you don’t try to look! I watched him constantly, so I know!”
“………”
The situation had become serious for everyone involved, but it somehow lacked closure.
