The Mysterious Child: An Adventure Tale Beginning with Numerology

As a result of Lilith's golem centaur (beautiful woman) racing through the highway at an explosive speed, we arrived in Restamia the next morning.

Thanks to its autonomous driving, it didn't stop even at night, allowing us to reach the border in no time. I had thought about stopping by the handsome elf's coffee plantation along the way, but we passed it while we were sleeping.

Also, surprisingly, nothing was mentioned about the golem during immigration.

Although they clearly gave us suspicious looks like "What is this?", as soon as they checked my adventurer card, they averted their eyes. It felt like we were being treated like a tumor, which was a bit unsatisfying.

Anyway, we safely entered the Kingdom of Restamia and decided to have a late breakfast in a town near the border.

We went to the "Hunter's Restaurant", which was Lilith's request. She had said she wanted to go there when she found out we had been there before, so I brought her.

It was par for the course that we ended up carrying Elen and Saaya, who were again too full to move, back to the carriage.

From there, we headed towards the royal capital of Restamia.

Although it was originally a group of small countries, its territory is not even half that of the Kingdom of Mataisa.

Since the royal capital wasn't far to begin with, as expected, we arrived at the royal capital that evening.

"Next person, please show your identification."

As the sun set and the sky began to darken, we were undergoing a passage inspection.

The royal capital of Restamia is surrounded by high black walls. Restamia, which has its own golem technology, seems to have more advanced earth magic technology than other countries. These walls are made of synthetic material, and when appraised, they seem to have a strength greater than steel. However, they are weak to aging and require regular maintenance.

While looking at the walls, I presented my adventurer card, and the gatekeeper looked at our faces with surprise. Well, I'm used to these kinds of looks, so I don't think much of it anymore.

"E-Excuse me! Please pass through!"

"Ah, yes."

Why the polite language?

Restamia is a country that's quite harsh towards adventurers, so the polite response feels a bit off... Oh, I see, it's because Seori is here.

From Restamia's perspective, she's the princess of a country they've got by the neck, so it's natural. The soldier bowed his head deeply when seeing Seori off.

"Hmph. Are you afraid of my majesty?"

Seori looked proud. She probably doesn't understand the behind-the-scenes situation.

We enter the royal capital like that. Again, nothing was said about the golem. However, let's refrain from walking around with it as it would stand out too much.

Lilith immediately stored it in the multi-box. See you later, beautiful golem lady.

"Hm~ It's more spacious than I thought."

"Indeed. It's a beautiful city."

I nod deeply at Saaya and the others' impressions.

The road extending from the outer wall is wide and straight, and the stone pavement underfoot is quite carefully constructed with almost no unevenness. When I checked from above using "Mystic Eye", not only the area near the outer wall but also most of the roads leading to the central castle are straight.

It was a grid-like city like Kyoto with proper district planning.

Maybe because it's night, there aren't many people around, and all the shops are closed. Even though this area should be where merchants and adventurers come and go, there are no taverns and it's completely quiet.

It's quite different from other countries.

"Let's look for an inn for now."

"I've already arranged for that, so I'll guide you."

Lilith said as I was about to start walking aimlessly.

"When did you do that?"

"We have a Luney Trading Company in this city too, so I contacted them in advance. To ensure that Ruruk brother is not inconvenienced in any way, the company will fully support you."

"Oh, that's reliable as expected."

Does that mean I can leave all the troublesome travel procedures to you?

"This is convenient and nice."

"Of course, I've reserved the highest-class inn in this country, so please don't worry. Also, all travel expenses in this city will be covered as company expenses for Luney Trading Company, so please enjoy sightseeing to your heart's content."

"Really? Eating yakiniku with someone else's money is the best!"

"You're a freeloader bastard."

No, I'm joking, you know?

While exchanging such banter, we walk to the center of the royal capital guided by Lilith.

"Everywhere is so quiet~ I wonder if there's a curfew or something."

"Mm. Want to eat."

"I'm hungry too~"

They seem to be walking while looking for an open restaurant, but everything seems to be closed even though it's just after sunset. Surely alcohol isn't prohibited by law...

"That's mostly correct. In this royal capital, drinking alcohol in public places after sunset is prohibited. That's why everyone seems to enjoy their drinks at home."

"Is that so? It's quite a strict country."

"It's because there are automatic golems. Look, over there."

Following Lilith's gaze, I saw a slender golem walking on the street.

It was a golem made of white shiny stone in human shape, with long, thin, pointed limbs. A large artificial magic stone was embedded in its face, and it seemed to be moving its head slightly to observe its surroundings, probably serving as a sensor of sorts.

Its footsteps echo with each step. It's patrolling the street, making footsteps at a constant rhythm.

"Oh~ So that's Restamia's specialty automatic golem."

"Yes. Especially at night, if they detect any aggressive presence, they take suppressive action without warning, so drinking is strictly prohibited."

"I see, that makes sense."

It's a bit scary with its quite sharp shape. It's also faintly glowing white, so if a child saw it in the middle of the night, they might wet themselves.

"It seems to have high combat ability too."

"It's rumored that the Royal Golem Brigade can defeat B-rank monsters single-handedly."

"That's strong. And there are loads of them... Let's head to the inn quickly after a brief look around."

"Yes."

Everyone nodded at my suggestion.

We've seen the automatic golems we were curious about, so that should be enough. Or rather, because we saw Lilith's beautiful centaur first, I wasn't as impressed as I thought I'd be. The strength and smoothness of movement are on a completely different level.

As I was walking with a wry smile, suddenly, I heard something.

"--Come--"

"...Hm?"

I felt like someone called me.

I stopped and turned around reflexively. Of course, there was no one behind me.

"Is something wrong?"

"Didn't you hear a voice?"

"Really? I didn't hear anything. Did you hear anything, Nagi?"

"Nothing."

Even Nagi, who has the sharpest senses among the party members, shook her head.

Was it just my imagination...?

I listen carefully just in case, but I didn't hear anything after that.

"Well, never mind."

I regained my composure and headed towards the inn that Lilith had prepared for us.

"...Um, Nagi-san. I'd like a satisfactory explanation for this situation."

"Do you have any complaints, you chicken?"

On the rooftop of the high-class inn.

It was indeed a first-class hotel, worthy of Lilith's confident guidance.

We were shown to the room on the top floor and enjoyed the hotel's proud course meal.

The food, tea, and after-dinner dessert were all delicious. Both my tongue and stomach were satisfied.

The room was a 4LDK with three bedrooms. One for me and Punisuke, and two for the girls. It seems Lilith had arranged for us to be able to sleep stretching out our arms and legs in beds after a long time. She really is a thoughtful sister.

Then I secretly went to make a reservation for the private bath on the hotel rooftop. It seemed no one was using it at the time, so I left the sleepy Punisuke behind and came alone to soak in the bathtub.

Up to this point, everything was fine.

But for some reason, now Nagi is in the same bathtub in front of me.

Of course, as former Japanese people strict about bathtub manners, we are both completely naked.

As an extremely gentlemanly person, I try not to look at Nagi's bare skin as much as possible and say:

"I have no complaints. I have no complaints and I'm actually happy... but why are you here?"

"I saw Ruruk skipping while humming, so I wondered what you were going to do and followed you."

"Eh, was I that excited?"

"You were."

"No way. How embarrassing."

"...It was a bit cute."

"Hm?"

Was that an auditory hallucination?

I think I heard a dere voice from Nagi that I don't usually hear, but well, it's probably just my imagination.

More importantly.

"It's fine that you followed, but why are you in the bath with me?"

"Because there's an open-air bath here."

"I see~ Then it can't be helped~"

When you find an open-air bath, you just have to get in~ That makes sense... No, it doesn't!

However, Nagi is soaking in the bath up to her chin, looking very comfortable. Her cheeks are flushed and she's looking at me with drowsy eyes.

...Hm? Isn't it too early for her face to be red? It's only been a few minutes since she got in.

"Let me ask you something, Nagi-san."

"What is it?"

"Did you... drink alcohol?"

"Of course I did."

Come to think of it, she was the only one ordering a lot of drinks during dinner.

So that means... she's drunk!

"What is it? You're staring at Nagi so much."

"Don't come closer! It's really visible, you know!"

The water and steam are barely hiding anything!

Ignoring my gentlemanly response, Nagi splashes through the water and inches closer until she's right in front of me.

"It's not a big deal if you can see, it's too late now. I showed you my naked body on the first day we met."

"I did see it, but... Ah! I didn't see it! I didn't see it so don't ask for compensation!"

"It's too late. Shouldn't Ruruk take responsibility?"

"No, you're too close! It's touching! Various things are touching!"

Nagi corners me at the edge of the bathtub, drapes herself over me and looks up at me. Her breath clearly smells of alcohol.

H-Hey, aren't you a bit too drunk?

"Shouldn't you be more excited? Are you really Ruruk if you're not excited about being in close contact with a maiden's skin?"

"What do you think I am!?"

To be honest, I'm barely enduring! "Calm and Collected" senpai is working really hard!

Besides, if I were to give in to my desires here, I'd definitely be killed after she sobers up. I don't want that, I don't want to die because of a drunken mistake.

"...Or is it that Ruruk has no interest in someone like Nagi...?"

Nagi is showing reactions that are unthinkable under normal circumstances.

What's the correct answer here? Whether I affirm or deny, I can only see a future where I get killed later. Tell me, Nagi-emon.

"Is it that a woman like Nagi, stained with blood, isn't attractive to Ruruk? Does Nagi not have the right to be by Ruruk's side...?"

"T-That's not true! Don't cry, have confidence in yourself!"

Ugh, the gentleman in me has determined the route!

If it's come to this, I'll go all out!

I grab Nagi's shoulders and look straight into her eyes as I say:

"To me, Nagi is a smart and honest woman who can speak her mind straight. It's true that Nagi became a demon of revenge and might have earned the grudges of various people because of that. But I swore to support Nagi even after her revenge was over, pushing her back. Besides, Nagi is strict with me but doesn't use violence indiscriminately against others, and is extremely kind to our other companions. You might be clumsy and have a sharp tongue, but I know you're actually straightforward and kind, and I respect that. Of course, I think you're very attractive as a girl too."

I said it almost without taking a breath.

I might be a bit out of breath, but this is my honest feelings. I'm not lying.

"...Really?"

"Yeah, really."

"Really, really?"

"Really, really, really."

I said it while looking straight into both her eyes without averting my gaze.

Nagi seemed a bit relieved and smiled faintly before pressing her forehead against my chest.

...She might have been anxious all this time.

Nagi, who became aware that she had turned into a demon of revenge, but still wished to stay with me and Saaya. At that time, we wholeheartedly accepted Nagi, but whether Nagi could forgive herself is another story.

That anxiety might never go away for the rest of her life. The past never disappears.

...If that's the case.

"Nagi. Whenever you feel anxious, you can always tell me. Each time, I'll reassure you."

Even if she can only speak her true feelings when drunk, I'll accompany her for as many nightcaps as it takes.

"...Ruruk"

"What is i-- Mmph!?"

It was a surprise attack.

Nagi's face filled my entire field of vision.

My lips were sealed, and a sweet scent tickled my nostrils.

I was trapped between the bathtub and Nagi, unable to move, maintaining that state for several seconds -- and finally slowly separating.

"......"

Nagi was red to the tips of her ears.

The steam that had been hanging in the air had disappeared without my noticing, and her limbs and emotions were clearly visible to my eyes.

As a gentleman, I have no intention of laying hands on someone without consent, but of course, I won't hold back if there is consent. Because that's what being a gentleman is all about!

Until now, I was half-doubtful because the proportion of dere was too low, but it seems this situation was an invitation. As the saying goes, "He who does not take when the table is set..." so here, the gentleman must gently lead the lady--

"Ah! Nagi is getting ahead of us!"

Yes. The mood was completely ruined.

As soon as I heard Saaya's voice from behind, "Calm and Collected" senpai started working seriously.

The other members came into the bathroom one after another.

Of course, everyone is wrapped in towels, so even a gentleman like me can look directly at them. Hurray.

"I-I'm not getting ahead of anyone!"

Nagi was suddenly on the opposite side of the bathtub.

So the Oni Thought Style can move underwater too, huh.

"B-But you know, I think I'm feeling a bit dizzy from the bath, so I'll get out first! Everyone, take your time!"

Nagi hurriedly got out of the bathtub, wrapped a towel around herself, and ran into the changing room.

The girls who had just entered tilted their heads in confusion.

I say what I honestly thought.

"By the way, why are you casually coming in?"

"Eh? Because we heard Ruruk reserved a private bath."

"Yeah, for me to use."

"It's fine, isn't it? We should do this occasionally."

"It's not fine. Mixed bathing is bad for the mind, so I'm getting out too."

"But you took your time with Nagi? And Nagi's behavior... something happened, right?"

The girls look at me with narrowed eyes.

"Nothing happened."

"Mm, cheating."

"Master, lying is not good."

"It's not a lie."

I've erased it from my memory. For future reference too.

Well, I guess so. I don't want to be questioned too much about it... I should just go along with it quietly here.

"Alright, alright. Then let's all soak together. We can see the stars well too."

"Ah, you're right! It's beautiful~!"

"Hmph, my divine destiny! Shine in the evening darkness!"

"Hey, Seori, your towel is falling!"

"Hyaa!"

The quiet bathroom is getting bustling, isn't it.

Well, I guess it's fine occasionally. We're on a trip after all.

I vaguely watch the girls making a commotion while finally sinking into the bath to relax.

Next to me, Lilith, who had also entered the bath, whispers in my ear.

"Brother. I'll follow up with Nagi-san, okay?"

"...Did you happen to see through?"

"I'm sorry. I was being vigilant of our surroundings and ended up seeing it unintentionally."

I see. If it wasn't on purpose, it can't be helped.

"I see... Then I'll leave it to you."

"Yes. Leave it to Lili."

Lilith smiles happily for some reason next to me. Then she presses her shoulder against mine.

Of course, I don't harbor any impure emotions towards my sister, so I made sure to thoroughly check Lilith's growth. Before being a gentleman, I'm Lilith's brother, so I need to confirm my sister's health condition. Yes, because I'm her brother.

By the way, the next morning, Nagi glared at me as if she wanted to kill me with her eyes and said, "I don't remember anything about yesterday, so don't tell anyone." That's contradictory.

Of course, I, not wanting to die yet, just nodded silently.