Chapter 183: Strange

Chapter 183: Strange

Rafatalia lands, and swings her sword to get the liquids off of it. She looks towards us.

“Hm?” (Naofumi)

Wow. When I look at Rafatalia’s face, I see sparkles for some reason.
It’s a face I see every day, but somehow staring at it makes my heart race.
She’s truly a beauty. She has a fluffy tail and ears, but her body is quite slender.
She doesn’t have most of the traits associated with Tanukis.

“Um…” (Naofumi)

I raise my voice to try and thank her, but speaking is difficult.
Something’s strange. I could talk to her normally before, but now I can’t even look her in the eye.

“Amazing…” (Taniko)
“Rafatalia-chan. You’ve gotten really strong.” (Sadina)
“No, it was almost dead when it came into contact with my blade.” (Rafatalia)

Rafatalia gestures towards the Wrath Dragon’s corpse.

“I believe that it was Rafatalia-san who saved you when the shield was going to control you, was it not, Naofumi-sama?” (Atlas)
“Yes, it was, but…” (Naofumi)
“It seems that Rafatalia-chan was the bane of this one throughout its existence.” (Sadina)
“Firo, are you alright?” (Melty)
“Yeah. I was in pain, but now I’m fine.” (Firo)

Firo, with Atlas on her back, goes off and embraces Melty.

“Rafatalia-san returned right after Naofumi-sama left. After explaining the situation, we quickly set out.” (Atlas)
“Firo seemed to be doing bad, so we intended to leave her, but she wouldn’t let us.” (Rafatalia)

Rafatalia pat’s Firo’s head with a troubled expression.
I’m surprised they could get through these mountains in that short amount of time.
But Firo, without any carriage attached is unparalleled in speed.

“Firo was worried we wouldn’t make it.” (Firo)
“But it all worked out. Atlas-san, I am grateful to you as well.” (Rafatalia)
“All of this was for Naofumi-sama.” (Atlas)

Good. With this, the incident is resolved, I guess. I’ll have to talk to Gaelion later.

“KYUA?” (Gaelion)

Gaelion pounces on Taniko, and starts licking her face.
Did he return to normal? Or is he just acting?

“Gaelion, are you better?” (Taniko)
“KYUA!” (Gaelion)
“Give back the things you took from Firo!” (Firo)
“KYUA!” (Gaelion)

Gaelion and Firo are glaring at each other again. I shift my gaze to the Wrath Dragon.

“Your stats are probably over there.” (Naofumi)
“Is that small dragon really Gaelion?” (Rafatalia)
“Yeah. He pushed himself too hard, and ended up small.” (Taniko)
“Give me back my EXP!” (Firo)

Firo starts shouting at the Wrath Dragon Corpse.
She’s an idiot, but she’s cute.

But Rafatalia is better.
… Damn,
I’ve been holding hands with this girl and sleeping next to her.

“U-um…” (Naofumi)

I try to talk to Rafatalia without sounding suspicious.
And she returns a few words.

“Ah, Naofumi-sama…?” (Rafatalia)

Rafatalia stares at me and tilts her head. She’s too bright for me to look at.
My heart is going to jump out of my chest.

“Um, you are Naofumi-sama, right?” (Rafatalia)
“Y-yeah.” (Naofumi)
“But You’re a little strange.” (Rafatalia)
“What’s strange?” (Naofumi)
“Your eyes are… strange. Also, the atmosphere around you is different.” (Rafatalia)
“Really?” (Naofumi)

This is a girl who’s close to me. A girl who’s travelled and fought next to me.
Alright, I’ll use a cliché romantic line when we get back to the village.
…? What? I feel really bad for some reason.
I’m forgetting something.

No, Rafatalia has been working really hard as of late.
I should praise her for that first.

“You saved us. Thank you. We were in quite a bit of trouble. This is all thanks to Rafatalia.” (Naofumi)
“Naofumi-sama!?” (Rafatalia)
“If you’d oblige, perhaps we can talk a little later.” (Naofumi)
“Naofumi-sama, you’re definitely acting weird. Your eyes are strange and you’ve never shown such a disgusting smile before. Your way of speaking has also completely changed. Did something happen to you while I was away?” (Rafatalia)
“Ah, Naofumi-sama has had various things sucked out of him by that corpse lying over there, and he became strange. He fought okay, but he’s become somewhat creepy.” (Melty)

Melty gives a strange explanation.

“Melty, were you a girl who said such rude things?” (NAofumi)

I pinch Melty’s cheeks, and take on a smug attitude.
I always wanted to do something like this.

“Something’s definitely wrong with this scene!” (Melty & Rafatalia)

Rafatalia and Melty both point and shout at me.
What are they on about?

“I’m concerned about my relationship with Melty from here on -” (Naofumi)
“Please shut up for a second!” (Melty)

I don’t know why, but Melty backs off with a red face. Rafatalia and the others begin talking amongst themselves.
The beauties Rafatalia, Melty and Atlas are huddled together. What a perfect scene.

“What can we do to make Naofumi-sama turn back?” (Rafatalia)
“I’ll follow Naofumi-sama no matter what.” (Atlas)
“What are you saying. There’s no way that creepy man over there is the Naofumi-sama we know.” (Melty)
“The foundation is the same. This Naofumi-sama will be able to find happiness easier. Rafatalia-san, please accept this Naofumi-sama.” (Atlas)
“Never!” (Rafatalia)

She plainly rejects Atlas’s words, and looks over at Sadina and Rat.
Yeah, Rafatalia’s beauty is a level above the others.
I think I will find happiness just looking at her.
But I feel… Strange for some reason. However, I feel really good today, so I’ll let it slide.

“Can either of you revert Naofumi-sama?” (Rafatalia)
“This Onee-san has no idea.” (Sadina)
“How about chucking him into that decomposing mass of Dragon over there?” (Rat)

Both Rat and Sadina point at the Dragon corpse.
After hearing this, Rafatalia starts to approach me.
As I stare at her in admiration, she suddenly grasps both of my shoulders.
My heart skips a beat as I stare into her eyes.
And…

“W-wait! What are you people doing!?” (Naofumi)

Rafatalia and Melty, also Rat and Sadina all lift me up and throw me at the Dragon Corpse.

“I apologize, Naofumi-sama, but… Please return to normal.” (Rafatalia)
“If Naofumi-chan gets sucked into the dragon, then we’ll have a problem. Rafatalia-chan, good luck.” (Sadina)
“Eh!?” (Everyone)

Think before you throw!
What are these girls trying to accomplish? They keep calling me creepy. How rude!

“Master, what are you doing? Let Firo join.” (Firo)

And Firo nestles next to me in the dead dragon.
At that moment.

“Rafatalia! You are my…!” (Naofumi)

With a loud sound, the shield starts sucking something in.
At the same time, something appears to be flowing into Firo.

…Was I forgetting something?
That was something that I should never have forgotten. My grudge towards Witch and the people of this world.

And if I made a wrong turn at the beginning, would I have turned out that creepy?
Blood rushes to my head. Why did I try to hit on the diligent Rafatalia?
I even looked at Melty and Atlas with lecherous Eyes. Am I supposed to be Motoyasu!?

“Fumu… I’ve caused you some trouble.” (Naofumi)

Dammit. I still have my memories of a few moments ago.
Just thinking about it makes me angry.
I was acting like a dog in heat.
But at the end, what was I trying to say?

… I forgot.
It’s a thing of the past.
Anyways, it seems that being angry has become my default personality.

… At least it’s better than that previous state.
I think I should stop thinking about it.

“Ah, your eyes are back to normal.” (Rafatalia)
“Naofumi-chan is more likeable when he’s irritated.” (Sadina)
“Ha? What are you trying to say?” (Naofumi)
“Yeah, this Naofumi is the best one.” (Melty)

It seems everyone can distinguish that my personality is back.

“Rafatalia, you were a big help. We’ll be returning to the village from now, but what will you do?” (Naofumi)
“I’ll accompany you to the village, but I still have training after that.” (Rafatalia)
“I see. I apologize for interrupting your training.” (Naofumi)
“No, it was an emergency, so there’s no helping it.” (Rafatalia)

I turn my gaze back to Gaelion.

“KYUA? (Gaelion)
“Explain yourself.” (Naofumi)

I think that he was speaking before.
Though he was only whispering to me.

“KYUA!” (Gaelion)

He jumps at me and starts fooling around.
I stare at him with serious eyes, but his behavior doesn’t change.
Has he completely returned to normal?

“Ah! Firo is the one who will play with master!” (Firo)
“You’re making too much of a fuss! We’re returning now. By the Way, Firo. How is your condition?” (Naofumi)
“My body is better, but… I didn’t get everything back from Gaelion.” (Firo)

I look at her status.
Firo’s level is… 41. It’s dropped quite a bit.
And in contrast, even after separating from the Wrath Dragon, Gaelion’s level is 60.
Their levels have pretty much flipped.

“Give them back!” (Firo)
“KYUA!” (Gaelion)

And the two glare at each other again.

“KYUA! KYUA KYUA!” (Gaelion)
“Gaelion is saying, ‘I don’t know anything about that, but the Hero of the Shield’s favorite is Gaelion.’” (Taniko)
“Mu…!” (Firo)

Gaelion got a preemptive strike. He used his short tail to whip Firo’s cheek. He laughs.

“Give them Back Give them Back Give them Back!” (Firo) (TL: Ora Ora Ora)
“KYUA KYUA KYUA!” (Gaelion) (TL: Muda Muda Muda)

The two are now exchanging blows.
Even though Gaelion was the cause of all of this, he doesn’t seem to be repenting. He’s even going as far as to feign ignorance.
That’s one of my least favorite actions. I guess I should have him make reparations now.

“Okay, now then Gaelion. Please return it to Firo. If you become Firo’s dinner, perhaps she will get some of it back.” (Naofumi)

I quickly grab Gaelion, and move him towards Firo’s mouth.

“KYUAAAA…!?” (Gaelion)
“NOOOOO!” (Taniko)

Taniko prevents it.

“Mu…! Master, what were you trying to feed me!?” (Firo)
“You’re a glutton, aren’t you? Dragon meat might bring you good luck.” (Naofumi)
“I don’t want to eat dragon anymore!” (Firo)

Ah, so she’s developed a hatred of the Dragon meat that caused this.
I hope she keeps a balanced diet.

“Don’t be such a picky eater.” (Naofumi)
“No!” (Firo)
“Naofumi-sama… Please don’t give Firo any strange eating habits.” (Rafatalia)
“It’s a sort of punishment. Just let Firo accept her role as a symbol of fear already.” (Naofumi)
“No!” (Firo)
“Stop doing strange things to Firo!” (Melty)

This time, Melty steps up to defend Firo.
And she starts glaring at Taniko.

“That child was the cause of this turmoil. Please dispose of him.” (Melty)
“He’s already better!” (Taniko)

Whatever. This is becoming a pain.