Rokujouma no Shinryakusha!? - Volume 15 - Chapter 1

Kiriha’s Now

Friday, July 2nd

The girl known as Kurano Kiriha was very domestic and tolerant by nature. But that wasn’t all there was to her. Not even close. For, you see, she was also the commander of the underground people’s invasion force.

That being said, Kiriha’s planned invasion for the surface was a peaceful one. Apart from creating fake identities and other paperwork for her people, almost all of their so-called invasion was being done through legal means. Moreover, they were taking proactive roles in the community and making friends with the locals. In other words, Kiriha’s invasion was designed to cause as few problems as possible for the surface dwellers. If anything, it was more like an immigration than an invasion.

The reason they’d chosen to take such a roundabout way to invade was largely because they didn’t like relying on force. They had been unjustly chased out from their homeland in the past, and they had no intention of putting anyone else through that kind of horror. It was a matter of both humanity and honor. In the end, Kiriha’s people—the People of the Earth—were a very proud tribe.

But there was also another reason the underground dwellers wanted to avoid an invasion by force. The truth was that their population was in decline, and things were growing serious. In essence, the invasion was do or die for them. That’s why they had to pull it off the first time without fail. Kiriha’s peaceful invasion was a sure and steady answer to that.

If they tried to invade by force, they would probably be able to take some land. They had enough power for that, certainly. But they would immediately be branded as terrorists. There would be no hope in forming a working relationship with the surface dwellers, making long-term conflict and violent territorial disputes only a matter of course. And since the underground dwellers didn’t have the numbers to sustain that kind of war, it would eventually spell their demise. Defending their pride by reclaiming their ancient homeland would ultimately do them no good if it only put them on the road to ruin.

However, the People of the Earth were not united on this matter. In addition to the conservative faction that Kiriha belonged to, there was a group of underground dwellers known as the radical faction that advocated for a violent surface invasion.

Why should the noble People of the Earth have to kowtow to the very people who once chased them from their homelands? Especially considering that they were far more advanced as a civilization. Retaking their homes through military force was only just, and being ruled by the superior People of the Earth would be best for the surface dwellers too. Or, at least, that’s how the radical faction saw it. The radical faction largely consisted of militants who had come together over the grudge they held about the past. They very much so lived up to the stereotypical evil persona most people associated with invaders from the underground.

But fortunately, their numbers were few. The conservative faction in power far outnumbered them, meaning they rarely if ever had the political platform to act on their plans. But if the radical faction went rogue and enacted a large military operation on their own, the people on the surface would counterattack, unable to distinguish between the underground dwellers of the conservative and radical factions. If that happened, everything would go just like the radical faction wanted. That was why Kiriha always kept a vigilant eye on their movements.

Kiriha was currently in her base constructed underneath room 106, facing her computer. On the screen was her father, Kurano Daiha, who lived back home in their underground city. She had called him in order to exchange information.

“...And that’s the report I’ve received. Kiriha, it seems like what you predicted before is becoming reality, and there’s not much time. It took us so long to notice... we might be too late.”

“Who could have known that magicians from straight out of a fairy tale really existed, much less that they’re working with the radical faction?”

The information Daiha had all supported what Kiriha already suspected. The radical faction had been operating in the shadows for a while now. They had begun rapidly gathering talent and capital, giving the conservative faction reason to believe they were up to something big. They just couldn’t tell what. Every time they tried investigating what the radical faction was planning, information would suddenly become scarce or mysteriously disappear on its way back. As the tribe chieftain, Daiha had quite an extensive network of connections, but not even he could manage to find a concrete lead. As a result, though it was quite obvious that the radicals were preparing for something, the conservatives were still in the dark.

“And considering that not even you could find anything, chief, it is very possible that a magician is intervening.”

“Hmm, there is certainly enough circumstantial evidence... But that would also mean that top-secret information is being shared with the magicians. And I find it hard to believe that information is the only thing they’d share...”

The fact that they couldn’t find any leads whatsoever when it was so obvious that something big was going on was indeed proof in and of itself that funny business was afoot. Even the best information network in the world wouldn’t be able to intercept magical communication. And that raised another point of concern. If the radicals were willing to trust the magicians with critical information, that was further proof of their alliance. There was no longer any doubt that they were working together.

“Then you’re worried cutting-edge spiritual technology is being leaked to the magicians?”

“I don’t want to believe it, but... it seems like a model of that prototype you brought us is being mass-produced.”

That was the only piece of physical evidence they had in the puzzle: the artificial arm that Maya left behind after her last battle with Koutarou and the others. Kiriha had taken it to the underground and left it with scientists from the conservative faction for analysis. They carefully studied its capabilities, and since it was a prototype, estimated the specs for the potential finished product. They estimated the number of them that could be produced with funding from a third party, and the strength of a military force equipped with them. None of it boded well.

“Then we can assume that this weapon is being shared with the magicians, and that the radical faction is getting equally powerful magical weapons in return. Seeing how we have no protection against magic, this could prove fatal for us, chief.”

“Robotic soldiers powered by spiritual energy attacking us using magical weapons, huh...?”

“We’re attempting to contact magicians here on the surface as well, but there’s no time. We should work under the assumption that we will have to deal with this ourselves.”

“We realized it all too late... I’m afraid there might be no other way, Kiriha. The People of the Earth may be forced to consider a large-scale battle, no... a civil war.”

Daiha looked mortified on the other side of Kiriha’s monitor. He and the others of the conservative faction would be forced to prepare for battle. But such actions were against their morals, making it feel like they’d already been defeated in a way.

“Chief, is there really no way to avoid a war?”

Kiriha had logically reached the same conclusion her father had, but even then, she still didn’t want it to be true. She wanted to avoid a scenario where her own people were forced to shed each other’s blood.

“We will attempt to avoid it at all costs, but we still need to prepare for the possibility. And with the way things are, just preparing for battle might be enough to provoke it.”

“I understand what you’re saying, but the option for dialogue must be kept on the table.”

Kiriha knew why Daiha was readying for war. That he was obligated to prepare for the worst case scenario. But she still didn’t want things to go down that way. She wanted both sides to be able to reach some kind of agreement through negotiation. Through conversation. It was Kiriha’s wish that things would come to a peaceful end—something she’d wanted ever since she first came to the surface herself.

“You’re right. I will try to keep it that way.”

Hearing Kiriha’s powerful words and seeing her resolute expression, Daiha realized just how much his daughter had grown.

My little crybaby Kii... all of a sudden seems just like her mother...

It was both reassuring and lonely. There was a part of every father that never wanted their daughter to grow up. But Daiha also wanted to sit down with this new, strong daughter of his and talk about all kinds of things they never could have before, including how much she’d grown. And that could only happen once this was resolved and things were peaceful again.

“Kiriha, I’ll be sending up more manpower for you. You need to strengthen your own defenses.”

“That won’t be necessary; we have enough here. Please use all available personnel there. In order to prevent this war, I’m sure you will need as much help as you can get on your end.”

“I’m not making this decision as your father. You’ll need help in trying to prevent this war too, and I need to know that you’re safe. I can’t afford to lose you.”

“Then instead of personnel, please send up the heavy combat module that was being developed for Karama and Korama.”

“If it worked as intended, then it would indeed be more than enough for you to protect yourself... but it’s not completed. The spiritual energy required to operate it is unrealistic. Even if I send it up, it won’t be of any use to you.”

“I have an idea as to how to supply the necessary energy. I should be able to get it activated.”

“Understood. We won’t be able to finish it in time to make use of it here, so I’ll send it up to you.”

“Thank you very much, chief.”

There, their discussion stopped. The information exchange was over. That was when Daiha’s expression loosened up and returned to that of a father’s as he smiled at Kiriha.

“One last thing, Kiriha...”

“Yes.”

“Do not—under any circumstances—die.”

Daiha felt a stinging pain in his chest when he recalled his wife’s funeral even now. He didn’t want to have to go through the same thing for his daughter. He would have preferred to keep her at his side, but he had no commander more capable than she was. She was the only one that could lead the surface operation, which left him feeling anxious.

“I am not alone anymore. So I’ll be fine, father.”

Kiriha was keen and insightful. She knew exactly how her father felt. So before she hung up, she gave him a reassuring smile that only a daughter could.

Kiriha normally returned to room 106 with a confident smile, but it was somewhat forced today. She wasn’t her usual self after hearing that things with the radical faction were on the verge of exploding. She couldn’t help imagining the worst, and it showed on her face. Though she was incredibly mature, she was still only a teenager. She couldn’t keep everything inside.

“...What are you doing, Satomi Koutarou?”

Koutarou was currently playing with that Kiriha’s cheeks.

“Nothing in particular. I just suddenly wanted to see you make a silly face.”

He would pull on them or push them together, creating one weird expression after another on Kiriha’s rather adult face.

“Yeah, the more beautiful the face, the funnier this looks.”

“Koutarou...”

“Kiriha-san, I know you can do everything on your own, but don’t try to carry all of the burden yourself. If you need to, you can rely on us. Worrying like that is a shame with this pretty face of yours.”

Koutarou was playing around with Kiriha’s face because he was concerned about her. She always wore a smile and kept things from showing, so for him to be able to tell that something was wrong now, he knew it must be bad. And that didn’t please him one bit. He always wanted her to be smiling, whether Kiriha’s teasing smirk or Kii’s pure and earnest grin. Both versions of her deserved to be happy.

“Treating me like that... I might just break down and cry right here and now.”

Koutarou’s feelings were conveyed to Kiriha, and her expression eased up a little. She was happy that there was someone that understood her. Even more so since it was the boy she loved.

“That’s fine. As long as you return to the normal you afterwards.”

“Those are big words, Koutarou.”

Kiriha’s smile turned into a mischievous one. She looked like she might have actually started crying depending on Koutarou’s reply.

“How do I put this...? I can’t just sit still when you and the others aren’t... you know... yourselves.”

Koutarou spoke honestly, though he couldn’t help feeling embarrassed it since it wasn’t something that he would ordinarily say. Ever since talking to Kenji, Koutarou had a much better understanding of what the girls of room 106 meant to him. Their happiness was the bare minimum Koutarou required to be happy too. Even if he was embarrassed to admit it.

“I love you, Kiriha!”

That was when Sanae abruptly ran over and hugged Kiriha from behind. She wrapped her arms around her neck like she normally did with Koutarou. Of course, she was smiling the same way she did with Koutarou, too.

“What are you up to all of a sudden, Sanae?”

Since Sanae was behind her, Kiriha gently stroked Sanae’s arms instead of turning to look at her as she asked Sanae that question.

“Nothing. I just thought I should tell you loud and clear.”

That alone was enough for Kiriha to understand her. Kiriha’s warmth gently wrapped around Sanae, and in return, she hugged Kiriha even tighter.

“Thank you, Sanae. I love you too.”

“Heeheehee. Love is all, after all!”

“That’s true. You’re very right.”

“If you’re ever in trouble, you can rely on yours truly: Sanae-chan, the angel of love!”

“Heh, I’ll do just that.”

Sanae’s simple, straightforward love and concern helped Kiriha return to her usual self.

Looks like I don’t have to be the one that steps up to the plate anymore.

Koutarou flashed a small smile and decided to leave the rest to Sanae. He was troubled when Kiriha wasn’t herself, but so was everyone else. Koutarou wasn’t the only one that wanted to cheer her up, and he could count on the other girls to help with that.

“Here you go, Satomi-kun.”

“Thank you very much, Sakuraba-senpai.”

A cup of tea was set on the table in front of Koutarou. Seeing Koutarou’s exchange with the other girls, Harumi figured they all might be in need of some tea soon.

“Still, I’m impressed you noticed that Kiriha-san was feeling down.”

Harumi sipped on her own tea as she smiled at Koutarou, feeling admiration for him. He’d picked up on Kiriha’s emotions before she had herself.

“Kiriha-san is normally so calm and composed that seeing her make a face like that told me just how out of sorts she really was.”

“I see... That might be one side to it.”

Satisfied, Harumi nodded and her smile grew brighter. She loved people who could be kind to anyone, so that was something she greatly respected.

“You’re wrong, Sakuraba-senpai.”

However, Yurika—who was sitting next to Koutarou—objected. She pouted and stared at him with a grudge in her eyes.

“Satomi-san just dotes on Kiriha-san.”

“That’s not my intention.”

“You’re lying. You’re never nice to me like that.”

“That’s not true.”

Hearing Yurika’s accusation, Koutarou sprung into action right away.

“Wah!”

Koutarou grabbed Yurika, forcibly pulled her over to him, and began playing with her cheeks just like he had with Kiriha. Her indignantly puffed-up cheeks quickly deflated in his hands as he worked them like clay.

“See? I’m happy to do this for you too. There. Take that.”

“Y-You’re just playing with me! Do it when I’m feeling down, please!”

“But you only get upset over trivial stuff. Like forgetting to buy some manga or breaking a plate. I can’t comfort you every time.”

“Those aren’t trivial! They’re big deals to me!”

“I don’t care.”

Yurika made her displeasure clear, but Koutarou only continued playing with her cheeks.

The truth is that this is your fault too, Yurika. You always try to solve your real problems by yourself...

Despite what Koutarou was saying, he treasured Yurika. Playing with her cheeks was proof of that.

“Jeez! You’re always bullying me, Satomi-san! You only do the mean stuff to me!”

Yurika continued to frown with dissatisfaction.

Can’t you just be a little nicer?!

The truth was that Yurika knew that Koutarou treasured her. But her outlook on men and women was a bit old-fashioned, so she had complaints about how Koutarou showed his affection.

“Oh? What’s that? I never do anything nice for you, huh?”

“You’re not going to fool me anymore!”

“I see. What a shame... I even got you some new instant noodles.”

“Instant noodles?!”

However, her anger didn’t last for long. All traces of it vanished from her face as her greediness took over.

“I-I won’t be fooled by a single cup!”

She at least tried to resist, but the way she snuck glances at Koutarou told him she’d already been swayed.

“It’s not just one. Since you’ve been working so hard on your studies lately, I bought all three new flavors.”

“Satomi-san, you bully... Why didn’t you just say so from the start? Jeez!”

Yurika began pouting once more. As a reward for her recent efforts in her studies, Koutarou had bought three different flavors of her favorite food. Though the question remained as to whether or not instant noodles were fit to be given as a gift, if he’d just told her that he’d gotten them for her at the start, things would have played out just as Yurika had hoped. But he hadn’t for the explicit purpose of teasing her, which was what upset her now.

Why doesn’t Satomi-san just act like a proper boyfriend— Wait, a b-b-boyfriend?!

“Huwah?! Auuuuugh!”

Yurika was at a loss for words when she realized what she wanted of Koutarou.

“Hmm? What’s wrong?”

She turned red and started to fidget violently.

Then a k-ki... Aaaaahh!

She was desperate to escape the unimaginable thought that had popped into her head.

Yurika didn’t calm down until well after Koutarou had given her the bag with the instant noodles in it. She was now sitting facing the wall, closely hugging the bag of noodles and mumbling about something.

“What’s up with her...?”

“Just leave her be for a while, Satomi-kun.”

Koutarou was perplexed by Yurika’s actions. But Shizuka, who had been cheerfully watching the two of them, stopped him from trying to talk to her about it. She knew how Yurika felt and would have loved to hear how their conversation played out, but thought better of it. She didn’t want to see Yurika driven further into a corner, which is why she stopped Koutarou from making things worse.

“You should learn a thing or two about women, you know.”

“I’m painfully aware of that.”

Koutarou obediently returned to the tea table. He’d heard the same thing from his best friend, Kenji, more than once before, so he decided to take a hint. He’d probably done something wrong.

“Oh?”

When he returned to the table, Koutarou picked up his cup to sip on some tea. Realizing it was empty, however, he called out to Ruth for a second helping.

“Ruth-san, can I please have some more tea?”

Since Ruth was getting more tea for Theia anyway, he thought it wouldn’t be too much of an imposition to ask her for some too.

“...”

However, Ruth didn’t respond. The room was small and she was standing nearly right in front of him. There was practically no way she hadn’t heard him, yet she remained silent. She just continued to pour tea without turning to look at Koutarou. She was quite clearly ignoring him. Shizuka, who realized what was going on, snickered and nudged Koutarou with her elbow.

“Satomi-kun, is she doing that thing again?”

“Huh? That thing? Oh...”

Koutarou realized it too once Shizuka pointed it out, and reluctantly tried again.

“Lady Ruthkania Nye Pardomshiha, vice captain of the Satomi band of knights, pour me another cup of tea.”

“As you wish, Master! Right away!”

Ruth, who had been ignoring him just a moment ago, now cheerfully complied with his request. Her eyes were sparkling as she happily poured him tea. She even brought some snacks without being asked.

“Things sure have gotten confusing...”

Feeling a headache coming on, Koutarou pressed a hand against his forehead.

Ever since Koutarou had formed his band of knights, Ruth wanted him to call her by her official title from time to time. She also wanted him to give her orders. In other words, she was excited to indulge in her role as vice captain.

“By the way, Koutarou, I’d like a minute with you.”

That was when Theia approached Koutarou. After sitting down next to him, she presented him with a small paper bag.

“Here. Today’s salary. Consider it a gracious gift from your lord.”

Inside the bag was money, and a tidy sum at that... which was equally as headache-inducing as Ruth’s behavior for Koutarou.

“Theia, I told you that I don’t need a salary.”

Just like Ruth wanted Koutarou to give her orders as his vice captain, Theia wanted to give him a salary as his princess. But Koutarou was Theia’s knight, and he had chosen to be so without there being money involved. He certainly didn’t want it getting in the way of their relationship now, which was why he was reluctant to accept the bag filled with his pay.

“I don’t take orders from you! It’s a princess’s job to pay her knights! So just let me act like a princess every once in a while, would you?!”

Theia had built a relationship with Koutarou as a normal girl. But from time to time, she wanted to feel like a princess. Paying him a salary was part of that.

“Hey now...”

“Besides, what inconvenience is there if you hold on to my money?”

Theia thought of herself, Koutarou, and Ruth as a family. She didn’t see any issue with money flowing between them. To her, paying Koutarou was about the gesture.

“Okay, well... why not do it at the end of each month instead? It must be a pain doing this daily for you too.”

Theia just wanted to play knight and princess. The money didn’t actually matter. Once he understood that, he gave up on objecting. It was true that he was her retainer, after all. But even if he was willing to acquiesce to her paying him, doing it every day was a little much.

“No! I don’t want to!”

However, Theia adamantly rejected the idea. Her beautiful golden hair flipped about as she shook her head fervently.

“I want to pay you every day! I want to feel like a princess every day!”

She was like a child demanding a toy. Seeing that, Koutarou lost all motivation.

“...You’re an idiot, aren’t you?”

“You mean: ‘You’re an idiot, my beloved Princess Theiamillis.’”

“So you’re admitting being an idiot?”

“If that’s what it takes. This is my hobby.”

“Okay, okay... You really are a pain. But I humbly accept, my princess.”

Koutarou gave in and took the paper bag. When he did, Theia covered her mouth and laughed elegantly. It seemed like she was satisfied.

“Ohohoho! Very good! Very good indeed, my knight!”

“Well, it’s not like I don’t understand how you feel...”

Koutarou smiled wryly before the high-spirited Theia. He too had a hobby that confounded others—beetle hunting—so if that was how she felt about it, he wouldn’t hold it against her. He also believed she had a secondary goal in mind.

“Then...”

Koutarou looked over the small, adorable paper bag...

“Here you are, Aika-san. I’m counting on you.”

And promptly handed it to Maki.

After the band of knights was formed, Maki was put in charge of their finances, which included handling Koutarou’s salary from Theia. Koutarou believed that Theia paying him was also partially so that she could give Maki something to do.

“...”

However, Maki didn’t take the bag from him for some reason. She was holding an account book and was quietly watching him with sparkling eyes like she was waiting for something.

Koutarou sighed. He could tell what she wanted right away, and reluctantly complied.

“Lady Aika Maki, Indigo Knight of Satomi’s band of knights, balance today’s ledger.”

“Understood, Master!”

Maki seemed quite content as she accepted the bag from Koutarou and cracked opened her account book with a bright smile. Seeing her like that made Koutarou happy too, but he was also confused.

“It looks like you have your hands full, Satomi-kun,” said Shizuka.

“...I don’t understand women at all...”