CH 9

Volume 3 Chapter 9

Tunto III [Caught Red-handed Kidnapping a Little Girl]

{Shuten POV}

~~Uwa~ I am running late!

While turning around a corner, two people ran into each other.

Yes, the encounter began here. A little sweet, and a little sour taste of affection.

The Super-popular romantic comedy of Professor Shuten and “Magical Girl☆Radical-chan!”[1]

The story of a demon and the young magician starts here!~~

…What am I even saying.

This is Shuten here on the scene.

Since I entered the city with Hiragi, I was wanting to peek into a tavern, but got lost in the back streets. While walking around I happened to turn the corner and crashed into a young man running at full speed.

I wasn’t hurt at all, but somehow everything he was holding scattered all over the ground. Holding his nose in pain, I bent down and helped him pick up the papers since I wasn’t in any hurry, but the drawing on the papers was remarkable, especially since it was the spitting image of myself.

What an amazing rendition. I hadn’t thought that Desiree would have a talent for art even if it was a hobby, and after finding out that the boy in front of me had drawn it I really wanted to ask if he would draw something for me. While wondering if he was a professional artist that was paid in gold by the thousands, I raised my head and saw a familiar face.

It seems to be the same person I had seen in once before, though his nervousness had  settled down quite a bit. Looking carefully, it is the original protagonist, Crane.

“…you are that Demon…!?” (Crane)

Now then.

What is the matter with this situation?

Looking at his pale face, it is obvious that he remembers the last time I got involved. I honestly just want to hide right now.

But, what are my current choices?

One. Act friendly as if this were the first time we met

Two. Completely release my aura and intimidate him like I did before.

Three. Attack.

Four. Invite to the bar and explain things over drinks.

Five. Tell him that I am his long lost brother.

Well, there are two options that can be rejected immediately.

That’s right, two and three.

There is not one merit for doing two here. I mean, the flyer is already proof that Monocle-Baldy Desiree is here. Even though this was my first time in the city, I was even a Wanted man in the Professor Country. It might be a good idea to surrender, but it would be bad to make unnecessary commotion.

The third option is rejected simply because of my own emotional reasons. This was a random encounter, and was also a one-on-one. I’ve become a lot stronger, and probably won’t be annihilated but this was the original protagonist we’re talking about. I would like to get to know him better though. He is the true hero after all.

The remaining options are one, four, and five.

Honestly, one of these can be rejected as well. The fourth option is somewhat deceptive. If we go to a bar, the chances of encountering another one are likely to increase. I certainly didn’t want things to get more complicated.

…Is there really only one option left?

I turned around to Crane, who had immediately stiffened in front of me and slowly began to reach for the stick on his back. I tried to tell it to him with a serious expression.

“I am actually your older brother.” (Shuten)

“What!?” (Crane)

……

“That was a lie.” (Shuten)

“Well, we are not even of the same race…” (Crane)

“Actually, I am your younger brother, Onii-chan!” (Shuten)

“What!?” (Crane)

“That was a lie.” (Shutten)

“What are you trying to say!?” (Crane)

“No, no, when I saw you appear right in front of me, I suddenly became a bit lonely when I saw there was no friendliness on your face.” (Shuten)

“Oh, well…that’s right…but…” (Crane)

Crane’s eyes were flickering back and forth in confusion.

We were in the back of the alley, under a narrow sky. If we fought in such a place and did not bother a private house resident, it would be a miracle.

Besides, I had no hostility towards him. Looking at the shivering boy with light brown hair in front of me, it seemed that he also held no animosity.

“Um…I met you once in the Alfan Ranges…aren’t you a demon?” (Crane)

“Just so you know, I hold no hostility.” (Shuten)

“I feel like your character is just too different from what I thought…” (Crane)

“It’s because it’s you I’m talking to? Yeah, something like that.” (Shuten)

“I-is that so?” (Crane)

Somehow, I can almost see the cartoonish sweatdrop[2] on his forehead, but at the very least he doesn’t seem to have any intention of fighting me as he released his grip from the staff on his back.

Glancing at his hand as if remembering something, he bowed his head to me.

“For giving us a key to the Underground Empire…Thank you very much.” (Crane)

“Oh, that’s just because I have no use for it.” (Shuten)

“Then why give it to us?” (Crane)

“Hmm” (Shuten)

What should I say? I guess there isn’t any particular reason to hide it. I thought for awhile, but I couldn’t think of a better excuse.

“Well, that’s because you are the Kamiko of Light and are trying to kill the Demon King.” (Shuten)”

“Um…how do you know that?” (Crane)

“Secret information network?” (Shuten)

It was not a lie because I had learned it from the original game, which was a secret.

“Is that so.” (Crane)

I felt a little bit guilty though for not being wholly honest.

With a thoughtful look, Crane took out two keys from his pocket, red and orange. Both are important items needed to enter the underground empire.

“…Aren’t you an enemy?” (Crane)

“I’m not planning on joining the Demon King’s Army…” (Shuten)

“Is that so. I seem to have misunderstood.” (Crane)

“Hmm?” (Shuten)

Squeezing them once in his hand, Crane put the keys back in his pocket.

With a firm gaze he made eye contact with me.

I felt a like something inside me was quivering from the gaze, but I’ll be okay.

“When we first met, I could only see a strong monster. Even in the Empire I know that you had attacked the Imperial Academy. I was totally convinced that we were enemies…Forgive me for making such assumptions.” (Crane)

“Oh, it’s fine, was it Monocle-baldy who told you about that?” (Shuten)

“Monocle-baldy?!” (Crane)

“There is a good reason why I am being chased by him, and I also plan to kill him if we end up in battle. However, I only have interest in conflicts between individuals and not the conflict between mankind and demons.” (Shuten)

“So Desiree is a monocle-baldy…ah, really…is that how it was?” (Crane)

“This is a well-drawn portrait, could I pay you to draw one for me?” (Shuten)

“Oh, haha…” (Crane)

With a bitter laugh, Crane held his head in his hands.

Although it made him look as if he was slightly bowing, the innocent embarrassment from being praised was obvious no matter what angle you looked at him. Come to think of it, his father —

“Oh, really, thank you. It seems I have really misunderstood…I will no longer say thank you for giving me the key, as I can only apologize.” (Crane)

“I don’t mind, I don’t mind. I am just doing whatever I want, but…I wonder if I am troubling you?” (Shuten)

“No, no such thing!” (Crane)

He was very stiff. It seems as if he has become very considerate in a strange way, and is a bit uncomfortable.

I’m actually concerned that I have interfered with Crane’s adventure, and it is an unexpected development that both Desiree and Crane are in this town, and that I already encountered one.

I am a little worried about the butterfly effect, but at least for now it seems like things are moving alright.

“I’m sorry, can I trouble you for one thing?” (Crance)

“Hmm?” (Shuten)

“Did you see a little girl around 12 years old with orange hair around here?” (Crane)

“…No, I haven’t.”

This was obviously describing Justa. But I hadn’t seen her.

Justa will surely become a member once they reach the capital Eden, and should not have been caught in Tunto…but I was worried? I felt relief that Justa’s event was going smoothly. Aside from Grendel, the original party seemed to be gathering and even seemed more tightly knit.

“Where did she go…I understand, thank you.” (Crane)

“Uwa, it must be tough to distribute flyers.” (Shuten)

“No, this is…I don’t know what to do with these any more. Since I feel like it is a little bit too unfair, I think I might stop handing these out.” (Crane)

“Is that so? Since you drew me so well I feel like it is a precious thing though. Ah, but next time I’d like you to include this landmark of mine.” (Shuten)

While I said such thing pointing to the Demon Slayer on my back, it seemed to shock Crane for a moment. Then he burst out laughing as if he couldn’t hold it in.

“Haha, this is the first time I’ve had someone give me a request for their own Wanted sign. So then, next time I see you I will properly add the big axe…A big axe, is it?” (Crane)

Crane who was laughing heartily suddenly stopped as if he thought of something. I don’t know exactly what kind of chord I struck, but he really does have a blank look right now.

“What’s wrong?” (Shuten)

When I next made eye contact with him, he gave me a serious look.

“Why are you using an axe?” (Crane)

“Oh, you mean the Demon Slayer? I guess because it’s fun??? It is also heavier and stronger than a sword or spear. I think that is the best way to fight against any opponent except for those that are ridiculously speedy. It’s really cool seeing enemies being blown away.” (Shuten)

“Thinking it’s cool…blowing away the enemy.” (Crane)

“I don’t really understand what you are thinking about, are you alright?” (Shuten)

“Oh, not thank you very much! I should return soon! Ah, that’s right!” (Crane)

“Hmm?” (Shuten)

It is now evening. He probably needs to return to his comrades.After lowering his head once more, he turned around and took a step back towards the downtown area…but as if remembering something he looked at me once more.

“You are Shuten, right?” (Crane)

“Yep, and you are Crane. Next time I’ll trouble you to draw a portrait of me.” (Shuten)

“Yes!” (Crane)

With a dazzling smile, Crane ran back towards the main street.

The sound of his footsteps faded and disappeared after a short time…and then I sighed.

“Fuu…it is Crane after all.” (Shuten)

I was suddenly lost in thought.

Bright, friendly, and courteous, he was someone who was well-liked by everyone. Because he is such a conscientious person, he might even be able to fight against the rising discrimination and contention between Demons and humans. Up to this point in time he could firmly face anyone if he knew the opponent was evil.

In a sense, he was perfect young man.

“Well, what should I do now?” (Shuten)

Where did Hiragi go? I don’t think she got kidnapped again, but she could have easily been lost in the crowd. I don’t even know where I am.

I wish we had decided on a meeting place.

I started walking in the opposite direction from where Crane went.

“As I thought, after all a person’s life is made up of their experiences over a long period of time.” (Shuten)

Because I was being pursued in the Imperial City Mermila I had to trespass quietly in the middle of the night, and was truly a dark memory for a young person only around 20 years old.[3]

In my previous life, I had gone shopping and the like with my friends, but that was a long time ago. Ever since I became an Oni, I have never been inside a human settlement.

“Well, I had no interest in what humans did until I recovered my memories of my previous life.” (Shuten)

In any case, I was at the edge of the residential area. In the residential area the road runs beautifully in a grid, so I was able to have a leisurely walk.

Then.

“Hmm?” (Shuten)

“……”

As I continued down the street, I found a person who had fallen down in the middle of the road.

Is it a child, because she is rather petite? While wondering about her, I moved my Demon Slayer aside and crouched.

“Hey, are you alive?” (Shuten)

“Ugh…”

She was moaning.

Is this child alright? Even if I tap her cheeks, there wasn’t much of a reaction.

What should I do? Would it be better to take it to the room at the inn I’m staying at with Hiragi? However, I feel like there’s something familiar about it…orange hair?

“It couldn’t be…?” (Shuten)

I stood up and crossed my arms over my chest, while looking up at the sky with a thoughtful expression.

“Isn’t it a bit rude…?” (Shuten)

Then, I attempted to turn the child over onto her back as she was lying face-down, but at that time.

“I came after hearing the report about a collapsed girl, but to think I’d find some pervert straddling her.”

“Heeeh! But I haven’t even done anything yet!” (Shuten)

“Yet…!?”

I hurry and step back from the little girl in a panic. Hey now, this person totally twisted my words so I sounded like a criminal!

…Hmm? I feel like I’ve heard this voice before.

Picking up the Demon Slayer from where I put it down, I looked towards the speaker.

It was a young man who was approaching from the other end of the back alley.

A naginata was over his shoulder and a monocle was attached to his shirt, but his eyes almost seemed like they would burn a hole through me. Ah, he really does seem like a young noble[4].

“Yo, as usual you spare no effort for your classy style.” (Shuten)

“If you still think that you can spew such sarcastic words while giving off the disgusting odor of a criminal, then you really are a very dumb $%^$% demon who can only play around.” (Desiree)

“Haha…Today is the day you die.” (Shuten)

“The way this thing talks…” (Desiree)

I gripped the Demon Slayer.

We stood in the enclosed narrow alley.

The monocle-baldy in front of me also began to pour a large amount of magical power into his Naginata.

Is he preparing to kill?

“…”

“……”

“………”

But the silence continued. What exactly is going on.

Even though there is a little girl collapsed between us. It seems that idiot Desiree is truly a heartless man.

“Hey…you #$%#%^ demon.” (Desiree)

“Oh?” (Shuten)

“…I really want to kill you, so much that I can’t stand it.” (Desiree)

“What a coincidence, me too.” (Shuten)

“…but what do you think about this time and place?” (Desiree)

Desiree motioned towards the fallen girl with his gaze.

“..I think that the magical librarians of the Imperial Academy are truly heartless.” (Shuten)

“Just listening… makes me want to see its blood. Even so I’m somewhat hesitant. In this situation, what is the obvious next event?” (Desiree)

“A festival of blood.” (Shuten)

“True. A blood festival. Where we kill each other in front of a little girl. Just pleasantly murdering each other in front of a child…Hey, #$%#%^ demon.” (Desiree)

“What is it?” (Shuten)

“Just leave. If you don’t go right now, I will lose control of my hatred and try to to kill you.” (Desiree)

“You are even willing to use a small child as an excuse!!” (Shuten)

“Those are exactly the words I want to say to a shameless thing like you!!” (Desiree)

…Indeed. I did say it earlier.

…Well, hey. Until next time Desiree

Holding the Demon Slayer, I turned around…and had a sudden thought.

“…Yo, Monocle-baldy, I thought that you never negotiated with demons.” (Shuten)

This guy who hated demons had said before that he would never negotiate with demons.

Then, Desiree who seemed surprised at my words for a moment, he snorted through his nose is amusement before looking down. What was it?

“I will tell you the two things I hate.” (Desiree)

“Ah?” (Shuten)

“Demons, and then the demon Shuten is second. Oh, I guess a few of my colleagues are runner-ups.” (Desiree)

“That’s more than two.” (Shuten)

Haa, I breathed out a long sigh.

Oh, that’s right.

I suppose if I had off the issue of what to do with that girl to Desiree, I can go back to searching for Hiragi?

So, leaving the two behind, I jumped.

Translator Notes

魔法少女☆ラジカルなのちゃん If you can think of a better name, let me know. This is just Shuten being lost in his delusions again, The infamous anime sweatdrop that basically means “is this person for real?” and is generally used in comedy/gag series帝都やマーミラでは、慌てていたか、夜中にひっそり侵入するしかなかったわけだから、本当に二十数年振りに人々の中に身を置くことになる。若 or “waka” here which could also mean “Young master”