GalaxyTL
We didn’t see Ronny’s father when we arrived at the mine. Maybe it was awkward for them to meet again so soon? I wondered. But it might actually be true.
When Dad told the mine Dwarves that this concluded the matter, they said there would be a fee next time and then we were quickly teleported. I-I see… So there’s always a fee…
But then that means… Licht won’t be able to see Ravi-san easily! Actually… Licht just naturally came back to the Demon Continent with us, is that really okay!? I asked him, cursing my own carelessness, and it seems like he’d already spoken to Dad. Geez, tell me these things!
“They said it’s best for those with magic power to live on the Demon Continent. And it’s true that this place, filled with magic particles, feels incredibly comfortable, so I decided to take advantage of that.”
“Eh, so Licht’s coming to Ortus too?”
I was happy, thinking I wouldn’t be lonely anymore, but Licht made a troubled smile. Huh? Is that not the case?
“Hmm, I haven’t told Meg yet. Licht will be working with me. At Demon Castle.”
“Eh, at Demon Castle?”
An unexpected announcement from Father-sama. What led to this?
“If he’s going to visit Ravi-san, it’s better for him to be close to the mine, right? He’s doing it for you, Meg. And the slave system reform… I want to… do what I can too.”
Licht looks so manly…! He has such a resolute expression when he makes a decision. Oh, he’s so reliable.
“I see. I’m a bit sad, but I’m glad you’ve found something you want to do!”
“I was thinking it would be good to quickly establish the system and make some kind of agreement with the mine Dwarves. That way, we wouldn’t have to pay a fee each time we teleport. Like maybe, in exchange for long-term support, those recommended by the Demon King or the emperor can pass through any time. And also…”
Licht, talking about the future, his eyes were sparkling. Amazing, he’s already thinking so far ahead…!
“Ah, but… I haven’t… talked to your dad yet. About that.”
“! That’s right! Should we… talk about it?”
He whispered it. “That.” It’s not like I forgot about it! It’s more like I was wondering if they’d already finished talking about it without telling me. Thanks for telling me! I looked at Licht, who was nodding nervously, and then called out to Dad.
“Hah? What is it?”
“You see… I want you to listen to what Licht has to say. Because… I want Licht to be part of my family!”
“…What?”
When I declared this, my fist clenched, Dad froze for some reason. Ah, did I say it strangely? But I can’t just shout, “A Japanese transferee!” right? When I looked at Licht, his face had turned pale. Huh?
“Th-That’s why! Don’t phrase it in a way that’s easily misunderstood! Stupid Meggg!”
“Nyu!? S-Shtop pinchwing my cheeksss!”
Licht was yelling at me with tears in his eyes, as he pinched my cheeks. Ow, ow, it hurts! Stop! I’m sorry!
He was angry, but let go of me quickly, and then frantically started explaining himself to Dad. Ugh… I’m also teary-eyed, my cheeks burning. Sniff.
“So Meg-chan’s made a friend she can joke around with… Hmm, I’m a bit… sad.”
“This is complicated…”
Kei-san and Gil-san, observing us, patted me on the head, consoling me. It’s because they know it’s all in good fun that they just watched as he pinched my cheeks! If it wasn’t someone he was close to, I’m sure my guardians would have rained down punishment on him.
Thinking about that, I realized that they properly acknowledge Licht and Ronny as my friends. I was happy about that, it made me feel happy. …But you could be a bit gentler, Licht.
“Wait, wait, wait. Are you serious…? Could this possibly be… Hey, Ash! You heard that, right?”
It seems like Licht’s done explaining everything to Dad. Dad’s incredibly surprised, which is only natural, but… something’s different. Or rather, he looks a bit flustered. …I wonder what’s wrong?
“…Yeah, I heard. It’s… probably, no, it’s definitely that.”
“Eh? Um, did I do something…?”
Licht was confused by their seriousness. Not only him, but Ronny, me, Gil-san, and even Kei-san tilted their heads.
Then Dad placed his hands on Licht’s shoulders and spoke, his expression serious. It was something unexpected.
“Listen, Licht. You need to become stronger… than anyone else.”
“Eh, eh? Stronger…?”
Stronger than anyone else… what does that even mean?
“On par with me and Ash. Is that hard to understand…? Well, at least… you need to become stronger than Gil over there.”
Gil-san’s eyebrow twitched at Dad’s words. Eh, eh? What? I don’t get it at all!
“Stronger than Gil-san…!? Th-That’s impossible! There’s no way, even if I…”
“It’s not impossible! If you can’t do it, I… I won’t forgive you!”
“!”
“…Indeed, nor will I.”
Wh-What’s going on? Why are you suddenly saying that…? But they don’t sound angry. Rather, they look… pained. And sad.
“…Sorry, for suddenly saying that. But I’m not lying, and this isn’t a joke. Rather… It’s a request. A once-in-a-lifetime request.”
Even Father-sama was nodding solemnly at Dad’s words.
“…Um… can I ask why?”
Licht, who had been speechless for a while, seemed to have shifted gears and asked that. That’s right, of course you’d want to know why.
“…It’s better for you to not know right now. Because we’re also not completely sure, it’s just eighty percent likely. How about this… When you’re stronger. In fifty years, I’ll definitely tell you. Ah, don’t worry, you have a longer lifespan than normal humans since you have magic power. In fifty years, your body will probably still be like that of someone in their thirties.”
“Indeed, fifty years is appropriate. Licht, you will also train at my castle. Your heart and body… you must become truly strong.”
I wonder what it is. I’m so curious, I want to know now, but based on their atmosphere, it’s not possible. I’m sure they’re not planning to tell anyone yet.
Licht, who’d been more confused than anyone at this sudden, heavy conversation, looked back at Dad and Father-sama with straightforward eyes and clearly declared:
“…I understand. I’m incredibly curious about the reason, but I trust you. I’ll do as you say and work hard. So… please tell me someday.”
“I’m counting on you.” He said, bowing his head properly. I’d thought about it before, but he really has a strong heart. It’s actually incredibly amazing to be able to think that way, you know? He’s trusting them, without a doubt. …Despite what happened with Ravi-san.
“Good eyes. Your resolve isn’t bad either. And even though we’re the ones making these unreasonable demands.”
“We also need to prepare ourselves. Licht, I will definitely make you stronger. The training will be harsh. But I want you to persevere.”
“Yeah, we’ll back you up completely.”
Dad and Father-sama were looking at him with such gentle eyes, as if he was their own child.
“Thanks for believing us… even though we’re saying these confusing things.”
“We promise to live up to that trust.”
“…Okay! Thank you!”
Licht bowed his head again, then looked up with a happy expression. Maybe he’s happy that he’s found people he can trust, like family. I thought that, watching him.