Manowa 357

 Chapter 357 - Let's Meet the Shady Pig


Anglais Messi. That was the name of Messi Firm's president, which was now so well known that there wasn't a single person in Lindo Kingdom who hadn't heard of it.

The man who, in just 20 years, rose up to become one of the foremost wealthy merchants in this kingdom was originally a gladiator sold from another continent. However, Anglais won freedom by his own power, and after that, he started a business with the meager capital he possessed. In just a few years, he became successful enough to open his own store.

But starting from there, it would be difficult for a mere merchant to climb up to his current position with just talent and luck. A further means was necessary. And Anglais had a secret that was only known to the people who were that means. No, to be accurate, rather than his secret, it would probably be better to say that it was his partner's secret.


That partner was Ougi Zenjuuro, the『Katana God』he became acquainted with 20 years ago due to a certain occasion. Anglais' life started changing drastically due to meeting that man.


And now, the moment of what might be another turning point for Anglais was approaching.



◎ Lindo Kingdom, Trade City Uumin, Anglais' Mansion, VIP Drawing Room


「Once again, welcome to my mansion. Welcome, everyone of the White Party.」

「Naago.」

Sitting on a chair that looked expensive was a round, middle-aged man with dark brown skin and a friendly grin on his face. His clothes were also strangely luxurious. Furthermore, there were rings with large jewels of various colors on his fingers, and a refined white cat was sitting on his lap.

When he saw the cat, Jinrai said「Hoh」, and his cheeks loosened. This man had no distinctions.


(How should I put it? He looks like a bad person)

(You shouldn't judge a person solely based on their outward appearance, though)


Kazane and Yumika whispered that to each other while they took their seats after being prompted by the villainous-looking round uncle in front of them. The cigar in his mouth strengthened that impression even further.


Kazane and the others had been guided to this VIP drawing room by a maid. And inside the room was Anglais Messi himself. Now, they were going to converse while seated. Also, it seemed Ougi wasn't here.

However, for some reason, Yuuko-nee was behind Kazane's seat. She was staring at the white cat on Anglais' lap while resting her paws on the backrest.


「Ah, I'm sorry. For some reason, this child suddenly came out.」


In spite of herself, Kazane was startled and looked at Yuuko-nee, but she immediately turned to Anglais and apologized. During that time, Kazane also made a hand gesture to instruct her to return, but Yuuko-nee didn't do so.


「No problem. She looks like a lively child.」


The friendly smile on Anglais' face wasn't disturbed as he replied to Kazane's words. Kazane bowed to Anglais again, then looked back and asked Yuuko-nee about her unusual attitude with a worried expression.

「What's wrong, Yuuko-nee?」

「Nyaa.」


Yuuko-nee responded to Kazane's words, but Kazane didn't know what Yuuko-nee wanted to say. She understood that she wanted to complain about something, but Kazane didn't understand cat language.


『She's probably jealous. Of me.』


However, a reply to Kazane's question came abruptly from an unexpected place. Surprised, Kazane turned around. The voice came from Anglais' direction, but she had heard a woman's voice.


『Mother, the cat talked!?』


And Tatsuo on Kazane's head pointed that out. The voice just now was certainly made by the white cat curled up on Anglais' lap.

『It's about the same as a dragon talking, isn't it? Though I think it's rare that you're able to speak at that age.』

The white cat stood up on Anglais's lap and turned her gaze toward Tatsuo.

『I received knowledge from Father.』

The white cat blinked when she heard Tatsuo's words.

『Ah, a Reincarnation Dragon? Well, if a dragon can talk, then a cat can talk. Even if they wish they couldn't.』


「Nyaa.」


「Yuuko-nee?」

Kazane was surprised by Yuuko-nee, who raised a voice of protest after the white cat's words. It was the first time Kazane had seen Yuuko-nee be so defiant.

『Hahh, young lady. You should cease longing to be like me. There's nothing good about being able to speak human language. You'll be worked hard by a master like this and told to do whatever a cat can be used for.』

The white cat's line of sight was directed toward Anglais. Then the gazes of Kazane and the others also turned to Anglais. Anglais answered with a bitter smile.

「She's more trustworthy than humans. Elizabeth is smart.」

After those words, Elizabeth cried Naago and objected『For a cat, curling up and sleeping is the top priority.』

「Good grief, do you want to negotiate your food again? Keep quiet about that for now.」

So saying, Anglais stroked Elizabeth's head. Then Elisabeth said『It can't be helped』and once again curled up on Anglais' lap.


「Unyaa.」


Yuuko-nee raised a sorrowful voice when she saw that. Kazane looked at her with a worried expression.

「Yuuko-nee?」

Without raising her face, Elizabeth answered once again.

『That child is jealous of me. She's probably envious about the difference between my situation and hers even though we're both summoned cats.』

Then Kazane looked at Yuuko-nee. From Yuuko-nee's expression, Kazane somehow realized that she hadn't been paying attention to Yuuko-nee's feelings.


As a matter of fact, Yuuko-nee was already at her limit. Being ridden by Jinrai instead of her master Kazane was causing stress to accumulate day after day. She didn't dislike Jinrai. However, it had been a long time since she had lost her position as the main summoned being to the Berserk Ogre, which irritated and distressed Yuuko-nee. Nevertheless, Yuuko-nee had been commendably following Kazane's orders up until now.

However, Yuuko-nee saw it. She saw the white cat in front of her, Elizabeth, receiving affection from her master without any trouble while crying Naago. She was curled up on the knees of the sitting Anglais and being petted by her master. How envious. How envious!


And when she noticed, Yuuko-nee had jumped out and been entranced by Elizabeth.


「Kazane. I've been thinking that I had to say it.」


It was Jinrai who said that. Like he was speaking a confession.

Jinrai had vaguely noticed Yuuko-nee's feelings. He was aware, and pretended not to notice. He was afraid that if he said it, he would be separated from Yuuko-nee. However, when he saw Yuuko-nee in front of him and realized that his ego had hurt the cat he loved, it was like a dam had been broken; Jinrai couldn't help but speak.


「I... I will no longer ride Yuuko-nee. She's your cat.」


With feelings like he was vomiting blood, Jinrai said that.

「Unyaa.」

Yuuko-nee looked at Jinrai and cried.

「It's okay, Yuuko-nee. I've understood. Because I didn't say it, I made you feel painful feelings.」

Jinrai said while crying. Jinrai noticed when he was riding Yuuko-nee. There was a small bald spot on Yuuko-nee's head. Stress was accumulating in Yuuko-nee. He hadn't identified the cause, but he'd had a hunch.


「But, Jinrai-san. Is that okay?」


While bewildered, Kazane said that.

Considering fighting power, the combination of Jinrai and Yuuko-nee was very powerful.

Jinrai was certainly strong. However, to the end, he had the specs of a human being, and without the mobility of Yuuko-nee, he would lose time while heading for enemies. Therefore, regardless of his strength, Jinrai by himself would be inferior to Yumika in terms of killable amount.

「What's the problem? When push comes to shove, I'll ride Jin.」

A sign of protest came from the mysterious bag containing Jinrai's spears, but Jinrai ignored it. Jin Bahar's affection value for Jinrai decreased by one.

However, if Jinrai was that insistent, Kazane couldn't say anything.


「Kazane, understand. The feelings of a woman who has no choice but to do as she's told by the man she loves and sleep with other men... wouldn't you have a problem with that?」


Louise gave a very heavy analogy to the troubled Kazane. Since it seemed accurate, Kazane became even more depressed, but Yuuko-nee was the one who was truly suffering. Kazane hugged Yuuko-nee and stroked her head.

「Yeah, that's right.」

Then Kazane faced Yuuko-nee.

「I couldn't notice. I should have thought more about Yuuko-nee's feelings.」

「Nya, Nyaa...」

After Kazane's words, Yuuko-nee made a very apologetic, but very happy cry.

「So, from now on, let's work together even harder. I'll also think more about Yuuko-nee.」

「Nyaa.」

Yuuko-nee cried happily after Kazane's words and jumped towards her. Yuuko-nee was about two sizes larger than a lion, but at Kazane's current Level, she could catch her. Then Kazane tightly hugged Yuuko-nee. Yuuko-nee happily licked Kazane's face.


Seeing that, Tiara also started crying and clapping. Yumika was the next to do so. Then Jinrai, Louise, Tatsuo... then Anglais and Elizabeth applauded as well.


A blessing applause echoed for the one person and one animal. In addition, Kazane smiled bashfully with tears in her eyes. And she swore in her heart that she would never again overlook something important.



Also, everyone forgot what they came here for.



Name: Yuihama Kazane

Occupation: Summoning Fighter

Title: Ogre Killer, Dragon Slayer, High Beast Summoner, Rea King, Liberator

Equipment: Staff 『White Blaze』, Draghorn Tonfa x2, Dragon Eating Ogre Army Armor (True), Indestructible Cloak, Mysterious Pouch, Crimson Saint Coffin, Heroic Spirit Summoning Ring, Circlet of Wisdom, Aim Bracelet, White Magic Accumulator (Revised) ×2, Rainbow Necklace, Rainbow Dragon Ring, Angel Bracelet

Level : 38

Health: 152+20

Magic Power: 340+520

Strength: 72+45

Agility: 78+39

Endurance: 43+20

Wisdom : 75

Dexterity : 51

Spell : 『Fly』『Torch』『Fire』『Heal』『Firestorm』『Healer Ray』『High Heal』『Golden Dusk「Dragon Exclusive」』『Mirror Shield』『Rabbit Speed』『Flare Mirage』

Skill : 『Kick Devil』『Warrior's Memory: Lv2』『Night Vision』『Crushing Blow』『Dog's Sense of Smell: Lv2』『Golem Maker: Lv4』『Aegis Shield』『Fire Principle: Third Chapter』『Healing Principle: Fourth Chapter』『Air Jump: Lv2』『Killing Leg: Lv3』『Fear Voice』『Invisible』『Tiger Eye』『Wall Walking』『Intuition: Lv2』『Cheat Death』『Nimble』『Charge』『Material Shield: Lv2』『Information Link: Lv2』『Optical Camouflage』『High Dash』『Bloodsucking Blade』『Dragonization: Lv2「Dragon」』『Regenerate』『Soul Breaking Blade』『Stealthy Hand Placement』『Thunder Chariot: Lv2』『Sturdier Teeth: Lv2「Dragon」』『Crystallization: Lv2「Dragon」』『Devil King's Intimidation』『Stone Minotaur: Lv2』『Mega Beam: Lv2』『Space Expansion』『Pseudo-Silver Creation』『Poison Claw』『Fireball「Dragon」』『Cuticle「Dragon」』『Arms Creation: Black Flame』『Ingredient Connoisseur: Lv2』『Dragon Pheromone「Dragon」』『Boost』『Monkey's Strong Arm』『Two-sword Style』『Boobies Plus』『Living Armor』『Alarm』『Six-sword Style』『Mental Attack Complete Protection』『Spider Web』『Wire Cutter』『Flexible』



Kazane:「Uu, I'm sorry, Yuuko-nee. Because I didn't consider your feelings, I made you feel painful emotions.」

Yumika:「It'll be fine as long as the two of you do your best from now on, right?」

Kazane:「Yeah, I'll do my best. I'll work even harder with Yuuko-nee! But her tongue is rough, so my face hurts...」