Reijou wa Mattari wo Goshomou 2-3

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Chapter 2-3

Hi

So I just came back from holiday and when I went to check the (supposed to be non-existent) progress of my blog, I found out that I caused some drama accidentally (ｰ ｰ;) I'd like to apologise to anyone who was hurt and/or offended by this. I just wanna clarify that I'm not trying to steal anything away from anyone. I just wanted to translate for fun for myself and maybe make my friends read it along the way. I thought that this blog would stay buried for idk at least a year so I could just do shitty translations and rants about LNs that I read in a dark corner of the web for me and my friends to see. Like I didn't go around trying to promote myself as some sort of replacement for the current translator. And the thing is, I couldn't even find myself on google before this.

I'm sorry for my lack of knowledge of how this community works. I'm a one-man show. I have no editor or proofreader or anything. I'm like literally still trying to figure out how blogger and the whole google indexing works. I just thought it'd be fun to translate a story I am currently reading. I genuinely didn't mean to upset anyone.

I was quite hurt by some of the comments I saw though（ ;  ; ）but ok...

If shirotrans wants to translate vol. 2 as they mentioned they really like this story, by all means, I don't see what's stopping them. I have no right to stop anyone from translating anything or get offended (?) by their translations, it's not like I have the copyright or anything. I'm sorry I really don't understand why me translating vol. 2 is somehow taking away or infringing on someone else's "right" to translate it. Besides, I'm pretty sure they have a big following that really enjoys their work and would really prefer reading their translations over what I do here. 

ok but lowkey happy and highkey stressed about this drama because suddenly there are actual people other than me on my blog but like am I being cancelled before I even begin...

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Though it was phrased as a question, it wasn't directed at anyone. Lexi continued to mutter to herself to organise her thoughts. 

「Is that the reason why she wrote letters like that?」

「Lexi? What are you talking about?」

Schneider asked Lexi who was murmuring and nodding to herself. She did not answer his question but instead, glared daggers at him. 

「......Whatever it may be, I will not forgive you.」

After that statement, the carriage fell into a heavy silence. And like that, without anyone opening their mouths again, the carriage arrived at Ronard's place. Rhonya's grandfather, Ronard, courteously welcomed them. Towards Lexi in particular, he gave her a warm smile and commented that he hasn't seen her in a while. But when asked about Rhonya's whereabouts, he slowly shook his head and said that he couldn't tell her where she is.

Lexi stood in front of the gates that were closed quietly, with a blank expression on her face. She didn't think that even she would be treated like that. 
Her expression darkened and she wanted to give Schneider another slap. While Hansel rushed to stop her. 

「Schneider! This is all your fault!」

「That's right! It's Schneider's fault!」

「Then don't stop me, Hansel!」

「But, you shouldn't resort to violence!」

Hansel tries his best to placate Lexi who was shouting. When she finally calmed down, she declared firmly in a hushed tone.

「If this is the case...... we should visit the Spirit Orphedoto. If it's him, he should know where Rhonya is.」

「That's not possible, Lexi-jou. Only the people who have received Orphedoto's permission may enter the forest, right?」

There were only two people that have been permitted by Orphedoto to enter his forest. One of them is Rhonya, the other is——

「I will ask Gratia-sama. In the first place, he was the first to sign a contract with Orphedoto. If Gratia-sama asks Orhphedoto, he may tell him Rhonya's location.」

The magician, Gracia. 
He was in the same grade as Rhonya's brother and graduated from St Crisante, top of his year. Due to his talents in magic, he now serves as a court magician in the castle. 

「Ah......about that, I've already heard......that the spirit didn't tell Gratia-sama as well.」

Hansel said awkwardly. Following what he said, Schneider added.

「If Orphedoto told him, the King would know by now.」

「......Then I'll just bring him to Orhphedoto's forest and ask him directly.」

「No......I thought of doing the same......but he's been away since yesterday, and it doesn't seem like he'll be back in the next few days.」

Lexi was stunned by the information she got from Hansel, as he tried to coax her in a panic. 


「He finally got a long break since he's been busy and worked very hard. This can't be helped, right?」

Despite that——

「I'm going to assassinate you, Schneider——!」

「What dangerous thing to say! Please calm down, Lexi-jou!!」

Hansel's efforts were in vain, as Lexi exploded in a fit of rage once again. 

Chapter 2 Spirits and the magician

1 Spirit Forest

Everyone from the Beastman Mercenary Squad was enjoying their after-meal cake and coffee. I watched them with a smile, but suddenly, everyone was alarmed and the air was tense.

Ryuse-san's eyes widened and his pure white ears perked up. His long tail was straight and puffed up. Rather than saying he's angry, it's more accurate to say he looked apprehensive. 
Chise-san revealed his razor-sharp fangs and had a scary expression on his face. Shize-san also had a sharp glint in his narrowed amber eyes as he looked at the windows. Although Sena-san doesn't seem as tense as the other 3, his eyes darted about quickly, cautiously surveying the area. 

Then, gururu...... a soft voice could be heard. While it can't be ascertained who made that sound, basically everyone was in a battle-ready state.

What on earth is happening? (lilies: me rn 囧) 

Just as I was feeling confused about the heated atmosphere around them, Ryuse-san rushed out the door at a speed faster than one's eyes could follow. Soon after the doorbell rang three times 「kalang kalang」, he returned and spoke in his usual tone.

「Ojou. There's some weird smell, do you know this suspicious person——」

And then, Ryuse-san threw him onto the floor of the store harshly. 

「What are you doing! You rude man!」

「Ah? Isn't sneaking around and snooping even more impolite?」

Everyone seems to have noticed his presence and readied themselves. I anxiously tried to explain, but before I could open my mouth, Chise-san said some dangerous things

「If you continue pestering the manager, do you want me to beat you up?」

「P-Please wait! Both Chise-san and Ryuse-san!」

I gently offered my hand to the man on the floor.

「Are you ok?」

The hand that held mine had tree fingers that resembled tree branches. The pair of hands had a youthful green colour, dewy and cold. 
He slowly stood up. He stood at over 2m tall, and on his head was a beautiful white tree branch accessory that resembles a deer horn, which made it look like he's wearing a large crown. Glistening hair and beautiful peridot coloured eyes. 
He had a frown on his face, but that quickly turned into a smile. 

「Ah, my friend!」

In that instant, the strong refreshing scent of the forest filled the room. 

「Oh, my friend, how are you? Do you still feel unwell? Even if you've taken medication, shouldn't you rest a while more?」

「No, thanks to you I've fully recovered. Thank you for sending me the medicinal herbs.」

「If it's for my friend, I don't mind! ......But is it really ok for you to be serving such ill-mannered customers when you've just recovered?」

He looked at the members of the Beastman squad disapprovingly. While Ryuse-san and Chise-san were like 「Harh?」, all ready to fight him.

「Who the heck is this guy ojou!」

Ryuse-san asked while he wagged his tail roughly. The others were also looking at him with a hostile expression. With a rueful smile, I responded to Ryuse-san's question.

「This is the Lord of the forest where the Loto fairies reside—— the spirit Orphedoto.」

That's right, this is the Lord of the Spirit Forest. Someone who protects and enriches greenery. Where his powers reach, plants will definitely grow. This is a great spirit that can create forests even in arid deserts. 
Just now, Ryuse-san mentioned that Orphedoto had a strange smell on him. To me, it's a fresh, clean forest scent. but perhaps the Beastman's sense of smell perceived the scent a little differently. 

「This guy is, a spirit......? It's unexpectedly normal. I pictured something bigger」

「He's currently in a form that's suitable to blend in with humans.」

「Eh? This is a transformation? Wow! it's so bad!」

Ryuse-san laughed while holding his stomach. But that can't be helped. Beastmen were born with the innate ability to transform. Beastmen can transform into bipedal beasts, half-beasts which have both human and beast characteristics, as well as a human figure. However, spirits and mythical beasts would not be able to transform like them. Spirit Orphedoto spoke in an unfriendly manner. 

「Beastmen are so crude. Is it really ok for you to be dealing with customers like that!? Oh, my friend!」

To which, Ryuse-san responded by raising his voice. 

「What did you say, this spirit bastard!」

「Do you have no respect for spirits!」

「The only one I respect is Boss!」

「This is why I don't like beasts!」

Orphedoto said with a sigh.
The 'Boss' refers to the leader of the Beastman squad, Shize-san.

——Shize is our brother, our father and also our king.

That's what Sena-san used to say. Ryuse-san must feel the same way. Surely, the only person Ryuse-san can respect from the bottom of his heart is Shize-san.

「To have such loutish mercenaries as regulars makes me so worried. Why don't you close the shop and come live with us in the forest?」

In response to Orphedoto's invitation, I gave him a bitter smile.

「They're not loutish. And I don't plan on closing down the cafe at the moment. Though, I will have to trouble you if my brother finds out.」

Hearing the conversation between Orphedoto and me, Shize's expression softened. It seems that after confirming Orphedoto's identity,  he's no longer on guard. With his arms folded across his chest, he leaned his back onto the sofa and slowly closed his eyes. He seems like he's about to have his afternoon nap. 

Chise-san, on the other hand, was still very alert. He glared at Orphedoto as he coiled up. Sena-san looked to me with great interest, as if he's observing something. 

「......You seem really close to that spirit, but what's the relationship between the two of you?」

Sena-san's question made me very nervous.

「You also have good relations with the Lotos, which is pretty incredible as well. It isn't the norm to have such close relationships with fairies and spirits, is it?」

......Sena-san is starting to get suspicious. I've hidden the fact that I'm of noble birth from the members of the Beastman squad. Which means they do not know that I have signed contracts with the Lotos. When you enter a magic contract with fairies or spirits, one would need to learn the corresponding advanced magic. And you can only learn such magic at the school nobles attend. 

What should I say?
As I pondered over my response, Orphedoto simply answered.

「My friend, Rhonya, and I are friends that have signed a magic contract.」

Wait, Orphedoto! It'll be awkward when they find out I'm a noble lady! I panicked internally as I watched Sena-san's reaction. However, I couldn't read his thoughts from his expression.

Just then, Ryuse-san tilted his head, puzzled, and asked.

「What's a magic contract?」

「I will help Rhonya when she asks that of me, likewise, she'll have to lend me her strength if I require her help. This is a contract signed with magic, it's also proof of our friendship.」

Orphedoto replied with his chest puffed out with pride. 
If you say it like that, it sounds as if I can save the spirits. I added silently, as I tried to remain calm. 

「......Even so, Orphedoto only makes minor requests, so I'm always the one being helped. In the first place, I was able to sign a contract with the great plant spirit is thanks to Gratia-sama, who's an exceptionally skilful magician.」

「A magician? ......Ah, I see. Is your adeptness in magic also because of this person?」

Sena-san nodded his head, convinced after I mentioned Gratia-sama. Many talented mages eventually become magicians. Sena-san might have misunderstood and thought that Gratia sama is my teacher. 

「......Yes, he's taught me a lot.」

This is not exactly a lie, so let's leave it at that.

Gratia Amethyst.

He was my brother's peer who consistently placed first in a St. Crisante, a school where the elite gathered. And a person who graduated with the best results in history. After graduation, he went on to serve in the castle. It's only a matter of time before he becomes the highest-ranking magician. Gratia-sama would visit the school even after he graduated and gave me special lessons. Despite his busy schedule, he was a kind senior who would help clarify any doubts I had. 

To be honest, I thought he would be unfriendly to me. Since my brother always saw him as a thorn on his side and vice versa. I thought I would not like him as well. When we realised that we had misunderstood each other, we laughed it off. Soon after, our relationship improved and when the magic contract exam began, he brought me to the spirit Orphedoto's forest. 

By the way, the magic contract exam is an examination that St. Crisante has been conducting since ancient times. 

In this world, there are spirits, holy beasts, mythical beasts and fairies. They will make a [Request] to humans when the request is fulfilled, they will lend you their strength. Hence, while the content of each request may differ, as long as you sign the contract with, you can ask for their help. Likewise, you'll have to help them when asked. 

Once the magic contract exam begins, students will approach the spirits. Amongst the spirits, some will sign the magic contract once they receive an offering, so it's surprisingly easy to obtain a contract. When the exam is over, virtually all the students abandon the contract. Once the contract is signed, the spirits will make requests to the contractors as and when they like, which the busy nobles seem to find bothersome. 

While the spirits are generous and don't seem to mind the selfishness of humans, I still feel that people don't give them enough respect. Since you want to enter a magic contract with the spirits, then you should show them your sincerity. After receiving their approval, one should take responsibility and continue to build a relationship with them. 

Among the spirits, some like Orphedoto, have completely lost their trust in humans. Considering the fact that the contracts were only made to pass the exam. Naturally, it would be abandoned immediately after the exam. 

Gratia-sama had to visit Orphedoto for days to show his earnestness before he was acknowledged. So I too visited Orphedoto multiple times. Eventually, earning his trust and we signed the contract.

Until now, I still maintain contracts with them. Starting with Orphedoto, I've received lots of help from the residents of the forest. I will continue to show them my gratitude even in the future. 

「Oh right, my friend. Since you're all better, I was hoping you would accept my request. Could you hurry over to my forest?」

Orphedoto asked me with a smile on his face. Naturally, I nodded my head. 

「Sure. But could you wait for a while? At least until the Beastman squad leave——」

It's currently still within the operating hours of the cafe, I can't just kick them all out, so I replied as such. 

「I don't know what you're going to do, but I want to go as well——」

「Me too, I want to see Orphedoto's forest.」

Ryuse-san and Sena-san expressed their will to follow me, which caused Orphedoto to frown.

「Wha......then my plan will......」

「Ah? What is it? Is there a reason we can't go?」

Orphedoto's expression was becoming increasingly grim as Ryuse-san badgered him. If possible, I hope they could accompany me. I definitely hope that they get to witness this magnificent forest which is a sight to behold.  

「Can't everyone......come along?」

「Look, even ojou is saying so.」

「......I will allow it. But can't you adjust your attitude?」

We got Orphedoto's permission, albeit reluctantly. And I grinned from ear to ear. 

「Chise-san? Shize-san? Would you like to come along as well?」

Chise-san was still glaring in our direction and Shize-san was sinking into the couch. Chise-san glanced at Shize-san whose eyes were closed and rigidly replied, 「......I'll watch the house with Boss.」

......If Shize-san comes, Chise-san will follow him. However, Shize-san looks like he wants to enjoy his nap. 

I contemplated for a while and made a suggestion.

「Erhm, Shize-san, if you want to take a nap, there's a place I highly recommend in Orphedoto's forest. There's a patch of sunny grassland that's softer than a bed. So when you sleep there, you'll definitely feel better.」

Shize-san slowly opened his eyes and got up from the couch. The next moment, Chise-san's eyes were shining and he started wagging his blue tail. Almost like a dog that's excited to go for a walk. Fufu, Chise-san also wanted to visit Orphedoto's forest.

「.....Why did it become like this?」

I tilt my head at Ophedoto's remark and asked.

「Is something of the matter?」

「.......No, nothing.」

Although he looks very reluctant, it doesn't look like he intends to refuse entry to the members of the Beastman squad. In the past, I've also brought Lexi and the others to the spirit forest. 

「Do as you please. But should you bring any harm to my forest, I will not show you any mercy.」

His eyes started to glow as he warned the Beastman Squad. 
If it was a human, they would be intimidated by the spirit's warning. However, everyone seems unaffected. As expected of the fearless Beastman squad. 

Orphedoto spread his arms open and rotated them. His white haori turned into numerous butterflies that started flying around. The butterflies congregated in front of the door and became a pillar of light. 

This is a type of teleportation magic. By passing through it, we will arrive at Orphedoto's forest. Orphedoto passed through the pillar of light first. I briefly cleaned up the shop, locked the door and moved towards the pillar of light. But I was stopped by a hand that grabbed my wrist from behind. It was a green, fluffy hand—— it's Sena-san.

「Are you really going? I heard that there's a mythical beast that hates human in Orphedoto's forest. Even if you have a contract with the lord of the forest, is it really ok?」

I didn't think he would even know about this. My eyes widened in surprise. 
......I see, Sena-san's suggestion to accompany me was because he was worried about me.
I gave him a reassuring smile.

「That mythical beast is called Laclain. While he does hate humans, he's opened up to me ever since I helped him when he was injured.」

Apparently, mythical beasts don't approach humans unless the situation calls for it. However, I was able to easily get a contract with him because I helped him when he was injured. Though Laclain still hates humans even after signing a contract with me. He especially hates nobles.

「Ojou, are you a genius beast tamer?」

「Eh」

I don't know how to respond to Ryuse-san's question. Do beasts......include yourselves?

「Hey, if we're going can we hurry up?......Also, are mythical beasts strong?」

「......Please don't start any fights, Chise-san」
(lilies: I'm a little iffy about this part:/)

「By the way, is this safe? If we pass through this, it's a magic that'll transport us to another place?」

I felt something on my head as Chise-san's voice came from the top of my head. He must have rested his chin on my head. I felt like a large dog was messing around with me. Can I pet him?
(lilies: I wanna pet doggo as well!!)

As my heart pounded, the next moment, Chise-san was pushed aside by Ryuse-san. Instead, Ryuse-san placed his arm around my shoulder and rubbed his fluffy face against mine. 
(lilies: omooo catto!!)

Waaah!

「If it was ojou's magic, I think it'd be more trustworthy」

『It, it's alright, Ryuse-san. You can have faith in the power of a spirit. Alright, let's go」

The skinship with Ryuse-san made my heart race while I urged everyone to step into the pillar of light.

In an instant, the air changed. 
The light that enclosed around us slowly dissipated and a green colour came into view. This, was an extremely beautiful forest. With the sheer density of the trees, even the sky was covered. It might actually be more accurate to call it a jungle. From the gaps between the leaves, sparkling rays of sunlight were shining through, gently illuminating the forest. As the wind blew, you could hear the rustling of the leaves. It's a very comforting sound.
(lilies: I don't know the difference between jungles and forests (･_･;)

I took a deep breath to savour the fresh air.

When I looked back, the members of the Beastman squad were overwhelmed by the sight of Orphedoto's forest. Ryuse-san, Sena-san, Chise-san's jaws dropped. Even the poker-faced Shize-san had a surprised expression on his face. 

The lord of this forest, Orphedoto sat on a thick branch of a large tree, waiting for us. His feet that resembled the roots of a tree hung loosely. Satisfied by the Beastman squad's reaction, he couldn't help but smile proudly. I too, smiled at the sight. 

「Welcome to my forest.」

Orphedoto welcomed the Beastman squad. 

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By the way, thank you for the feedback!! I will try to edit my grammar and correct the use of vocab when I'm done translating all the chapters. If you find anything I can improve on do leave a comment below. 

peace lilies~