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Kono Subarashii Sekai ni Shukufuku Wo! Yorimichi 4-Kai Me! by Natsume Akatsuki
Illustrations by Kurone Mishima.
Originally published by Kadokawa on February 28th, 2026.
English translation by H. Berry
Upcoming chapters will be posted on Patreon and Ko-Fi first!
Chapter
2: Watching over the advanced classes!
Part 1
“No, this one’s better!”
While I hid among the
trees, Kazuma suddenly raised his voice.
“A sequel is guaranteed
to be better than something brand new! I only watch new stuff after it’s been
for a while and reviews are good!”
Megumin fired back, just
as loudly. “What are you talking about, Kazuma? That’s cowardly! We should be
trendsetters, not mindless sheep! We must create trends, be pioneers!”
The two were loudly
arguing about what play to see in front of the crowded theater, completely
oblivious to everyone around them.
“You said that the other
day and we ended up watching trash! ‘I was kicked out of the legendary party
for being a loser, but after awakening the true power of a NEET, I discovered I
really am a loser!?’ I should’ve realized from the title alone! You made me
waste my time and money!”
“I wanted to see that
because the NEET loser in the title reminded me of someone!”
Megumin, if you phrase it
like that, it sounds like you’re saying you like someone.
And obviously Kazuma
can’t pick on that. Dumbo.
“You mean me!? Stop
lumping me with NEETs!”
“You haven’t gone on an
adventure in ages! I wouldn’t be surprised if your class changed from
Adventurer to NEET!”
“It’s not as if your
adventurer card says Explosion Wizard! Besides, I don’t go on quests because I
don’t need to, I already have more than enough money! I’m retired, not a NEET!”
Yeah, I agree with that.
Otherwise, I’d also be considered a NEET. I simply live a life of leisure off
my pension.
I’m just someone who
worked to the bone fighting for this country, suffered terrible injuries, and
retired to this peaceful town.
“That’s just a fancy way
of calling yourself a NEET! And retirement? Teenagers that just waste their
time are nothing but NEETs!”
“No! I live a relaxed
life with money I earned through hard work! I am not a NEET! I don’t care what
you think!”
I’m a healthy twenty
something living a simple life, but given everything I went through I get to be
called a retired veteran.
Not a soldier, of course.
I worked in intelligence.
“Listen, stop wasting
time! I want to see ‘The Millionth Proposal[1]’!
I want to see a romance play!”
“Nah, let’s watch ‘Dance
away, Potemkin[2]!’ I know
you liked Baron Potemkin’s stories, you have a bunch on your shelf!”
Megumin likes Baron
Potemkin, huh? Me too.
Those stories have
everything, love, conflict, mysteries, twists. Solving them feels so
satisfying.
“Oh, funny you remember
that, seeing how you rarely go to my room.”
“I just like all kinds of
books. But titles like Beauty and the Beast King and Sleeping Beauty Witch
really make me question your taste.”
Kazuma knows Megumin’s
bookshelf suspiciously well.
“Beauty and the Beast
King is an exhilarating romance where love blossoms between two races through
revenge. A princess loses a succession struggle and is banished, so she
approaches the Beast King and says, ‘Lend me thy strength, and thou shalt have
half of mine kingdom.’”
“Huh? ...Now I’m curious.
Lend me that when we get back.”
I’m curious too, I might
give it a chance once I get my next pension.
But Kazuma! Megumin wants
to watch a romance play!
She wants to watch
something romantic with someone she likes. How can you be so dense?!
“Well, have it your way.
But I’m seeing Potemkin tomorrow.”
“As a fan of the series
I’m interested too. ‘Punch away, Potemkin!’ and ‘Sing away, Potemkin!’ were
quite good. Tomorrow, right? I’ll come with you.”
And just like that they
already arranged another date. Excellent work, Kazuma. You really can do it
when you try.
But of course, if you’re
on a date with a girl you have to see something romantic!
...Though no one has ever
invited me.
Well, I’ve never been on
a date at all.
“Excuse me, two tickets
for The Millionth Proposal please. There’s a couple’s discount, right? Kazuma,
please pay.”
“Of course! With the
couple’s discount it’ll be 1500 Eris!”
“Huh? Okay, here you go…”
Megumin went straight for
the couple’s discount!
“Don’t do that so
casually, and even less so in public. At least warm me first.”
“Huh? ...It says couples
get a discount all month. I’ll pay for tomorrow’s tickets, so we’ll be even.”
I don’t think that’s what
Kazuma meant.
“But you’re right, I
should’ve told you beforehand, sorry. This was sudden, remember we were on our
way to my amazing daily routine. When I go out I don’t bring my wallet, it
makes it easier for the person that carries me.”
No Megumin, that’s not
why Kazuma is flustered.
“That’s not the problem.
I know you send money to your family, I’ll pay tomorrow too. You casually
called us a couple… I mean, it’s a good deal, but…”
Yeah, I knew Kazuma would
get hung up on that, it’s natural he’d become self-conscious about it.
“Oh, I get it. It’s
cheaper if we pretend we’re a couple, and it’s not as if they’re going to make
us kiss to prove that or anything.”
“Don’t say that so openly
in front of the ticket lady!”
The ticked lady looks
mad, seems she doesn’t like the idea of being cheated.
“We’re more than friends
but less than lovers, so it’s not really a lie, is it? Besides, it’s not like I
mind holding hands with you.”
Megumin, Megumin,
Megumin, Megumin!
Not in public! You need
to present your maiden side with more finesse!
Kazuma turned beet red
after she held his hand!
This is bad, it’s the
middle of the day and everyone is watching!
I’m watching, the ticket
lady is watching!
“But if you want, I can
give you a kiss…”
“Here are your tickets! I
definitely believe you’re a couple!”
Yes, yeeeeeeees!
Ahhh…. I must stay calm.
I’m getting too flustered, I can’t risk being spotted.
Don’t do that so suddenly
Megumin, it’s bad for both Kazuma’s heart and mine.
“Hey, there are kids
around! Watch what you say! And don’t get embarrassed after being the one who
said it!”
“Fine, fine. Let’s go,
it’s about to start!”
Megumin’s ears are red
too, even though she’s hiding her face under her hat my excellent eyesight
missed nothing.
It’s dangerous to stay
any longer.
Couples who watch romance
plays together definitely overdo it, time to call it a day.
Ahhhh, I’m so glad I
moved to this city after retiring.
My faves are just so
cute!
Part 2
And that’s what happened,
I really wanted to share this story with you.
Now, I know what you’re
thinking.
You think Kazuma should
stay with everyone and live together, right?
Wrong.
Kazuma should end up with
Megumin.
Ah, my meat almost
overcooked.
Do you know any fairy
tales?
Like ‘The Little Match
Girl’?
It’s a revenge story
about a mysterious little girl that screams, “If innocent children like me must
work in this freezing weather, then the whole world should burn!” and then sets
random buildings on fire with mysterious magical matches.
Given your class, you
seem the type who’d enjoy revenge stories like that.
You know about Derella’s
Sin[3] too,
right?
That’s right.
Derella, the youngest
daughter of a commoner family, was bullied by her evil stepmother and
stepsisters.
But after a witch gave
her magical slippers, she hunted down vain noblewomen obsessed with beauty and
beat them senseless.
It’s a shitty story that
teaches you that what wealthy men truly desire isn’t knowledge or family, but
looks and youth.
Ah, the meat is great.
This place is expensive, make sure to eat before it gets cold.
…huh? You didn’t know
about the slippers?
She used them to outrun
the guards so she could beat up the prince and escape.
You worked with me as a
spy, you know how that works.
Right. Ah, there’s
something else I like about that story.
There’s something dreamy
about a commoner girl outsmarting princesses and noblewomen only to beat a
prince mercilessly after breaking his heart.
Listen, I think Lalatina
and Princess Iris are nice and all.
But what I really want is
for Kazuma to be happy with Megumin.
In Derella’s Sin, the
prince becomes obsessed with her, they end up marrying it and live happily ever
after, right?
But what happens after
they get married?
It’s obvious.
A commoner girl has
little in common with a prince. She couldn’t read or write, didn’t know
manners, and was all around uneducated. They had little in common and had
nothing to talk about.
They divorced shortly
after.
It was doomed from the
start!
Kazuma and Megumin are
both commoners, it’s only natural if they end up together.
You can’t really change
Lalatina’s social status.
Though I guess Kazuma
could be entitled to a noble title, seeing who he’s defeated so many Demon King
Army generals.
Granting titles to
commoners is a way to strengthen the military by using powerful individuals,
these new nobles are also greatly encouraged to have children.
But Kazuma isn’t
powerful, he’s just lucky…
He doesn’t have a divine
treasure to pass down, so his bloodline would be rather worthless.
As for Princess Iris,
that’s just completely out of the question, unless he somehow manages to defeat
the Demon King.
But come on, that’s just
ridiculous.
It’d be impossible for
Kazuma to get a harem, he’s not skillful or irresponsible enough. Though I
guess that’s why everyone likes him.
But Kazuma… or rather
Aqua, get in trouble pretty often. I think they’ll be too busy fighting more
generals, to ever reach the Demon King himself.
I’m starting to get
worried, should I teach Kazuma some skills?
No, I don’t think that’d
work.
Yours are good though,
you could help.
His skills are all over
the place, there’s no need for an Adventurer to have cooking skills, he should
have something useful in combat.
“Hey, that’s my meat! You
thieving NEET!”
“I’m paying, so this is
all my meat… But seriously, I have cooking skills. Why are you better at
grilling than me?”
Aqua can cook better than
Kazuma…
“See, Darkness? This is
how you grill barbecue. Once it’s done, you dip the meat in sauce and eat it.”
“I see… It's odd for a
restaurant to have its customers cook for themselves. However, I suppose not
having a cook means the prices are lower.”
Yeah, a restaurant like
this must be rare for the noble Lalatina.
Megumin is grilling the
meat and handing it to everyone. It’s heartwarming, almost like a mother bird
feeding her chicks.
She used to be a glutton,
it’s nice to see her grow into a lady.
She has a younger sister,
so naturally she knows how to take care for others.
“Take a look at the menu,
Darkness. This place isn’t cheap.”
“Huh? Oh, I see. It’s
pretty expensive if anything!”
Yes, eating here takes
about a fifth of my monthly pension…
“We know you’re loaded. I
bet you always go to places we can’t afford. Hey, where do you usually eat?
Tell me.”
“Yeah, tell us! And take
us with you!”
“That’s right, we’re all
friends. Sharing hardships and joys is what being in a party is all about!”
H-hey, don’t gang up on
Lalatina like that!
Of course, I know where
she goes.
“W-well, but…”
“I bet it’s a nice place
that costs three times more than this one. That’s why you don’t want to tell
us. But we’re essentially celebrities, we can totally go.”
“Yeah, we’ve already gone
to basically every restaurant in town with Kazuma’s money. But the ones in the
noble district are always fully booked! And when we try to make a reservation
they tell us something like, ‘The waiting list is years long, come back in ten
thousand years!’”
Ah, Lalatina is all
sweaty!
Stop that! Kazuma is
smart, he should notice she’s troubled!
“Wait, she didn’t even
try to deny how expensive it is! I was just joking; don’t tell me I was
right!?”
“That’s because it’s not
three times as much! It’s way
more…”
“I’m not sure I
understand. Kazuma, does she mean the kind of restaurant where one meal costs
as much as a house?”
“I don’t think I’ll ever
be able to afford a house…”
Aqua mentioned
restaurants in the noble district always reject them, that means…
“Ah! So, they weren’t
rejecting us because we lacked reservations, they were judging us by
appearance! It’s basically ‘No commoners allowed!’”
“That’s mean! I’ll
perform an amazing street show to distract the nobles! They’ll be glued to the
spot and won’t make it to dinner!”
Well yeah, those kinds of
restaurants have dress codes. They were politely turning them away.
And most are also
members-only, you’ll never even be able to get a reservation without a letter
of recommendation.
“F-fine! I’ll arrange for
a delivery to the mansion as a special treat! Those restaurants have strict
table manners. We’ll eat at home so you can be as loud and annoying as you want
without bothering anyone!”
“Are you implying that
we’ll make a scene if you bring us along!?”
“Yes! That’s exactly what
I mean! You’re all making a scene right now!”
“You’re the loudest one
here! We were all eating quietly until… Aqua! You ate all my meat while I was
distracted!”
Why am I smiling so much?
You could say watching
them makes me happy.
They just have so much
fun every day.
When I see them, I
somewhat understand the feeling of not wanting Kazuma to end up with anyone. I
want them all to continue living happily.
If you think that’s
boring then we simply can’t be friends.
Of course, Kazuma should
still end up with Megumin. That part is non-negotiable.
Hey, what’s up with you?
How can you eat with that
mask on?
“It’s your fault for
being distracted… Ah, I’m so full. So much of Kazuma’s meat is inside me…”
Seriously, how do you do
it?
Actually, are you a man
or a woman?
“Hey, think before you
speak! And don’t eat so much when you’re not paying!”
Even after all these
years working together, I still don’t know your name.
What’s your secret? Tell
me!
I had to give up on
womanhood to take this job… but I’m still a woman at heart!
Seriously, are you a girl
or not?
Is there some cool,
handsome man underneath that mask?
Ah, so you are a woman…
that’s cool, I guess.
Damn, I was hoping you’d
be a cute guy, that would’ve been nice. We’ve known each other for a long time,
and we worked together on several missions.
Wouldn’t it have been
nice to retire together in a town like this.
You could’ve been my
first love…
But meh, you’re just a
girl.
W-what? I’m not crying!
It’s just smoky here!
Anyway, forget about it.
Listen, I’m not
interested in girls and that’s that!
“Darkness, you're
supposed to salt that cut. Different cuts need to be prepared differently.”
It’s not as if I’m
interfering with them. I’m trying to live my best life without them noticing
me.
If you understand that,
that’s fine. Outcasts like us shouldn’t get involved with a happy-looking party
like them anyway.
Stalk them? I’m not
stalking them. I’m just watching them from afar, constantly. That’s all.
Hey, you’re one to talk.
You spend all day in front of the guild waiting for them, don’t you?
“I see, salt goes well
with this… wait a minute Megumin, this is raw!”
“It’s rebasashi[4], you’re
supposed to eat it raw.”
I’ve seen you casually
greet Kazuma. But you better not get involved.
Aqua is fine though, both
of us met her when we arrived here.
Remember when I used my
Treasure Detection skill to find her wallet? She was so grateful she made my
arm grow back…
“I can handle sashimi,
but eating guts…”
“What’s the matter? Don’t
you have super high poison resistance? What are you afraid of? I remember you
were so confident you ate that pufferfish, even though that requires
detoxification magic!”
And you guided Aqua back
to the guild after she got lost, she was crying…
I remember she made your
leg brow back as thanks.
You said it was too much
for doing so simple. But there are very few Archpriests that can cast Sacred
Highness Heal.
Moreover, she can use
such powerful magic without expensive catalysts. She’s crazy strong!
“I remember, I also
remember how I almost …died… that’s why I’m a little worried.”
I don’t mind greeting
Aqua, but I don’t want Kazuma to know about me.
Even less so Megumin,
it’s better to keep distance.
“Oh, how disappointing. I
always thought of you as the bravest adventurer in Axel, if not the world! A
model Crusader… I never thought something as simple as raw liver would scare
you. Well, hand it over then. I’ll eat it.”
“N-No, I’m eating it
myself!”
Hold on, Kazuma has seen
your real face!? But I’ve never done that!
You’re a former
intelligence agent like me, why are you getting so friendly with rookies?
…I know Kazuma has some
advanced skills, but still.
Well, I don’t wear my
mask when I’m out late at night, so I guess some people have seen my face too.
I get taking it off
occasionally, it can get uncomfortable. But why was Kazuma out so late at
night?
“Hmm, it’s delicious!”
“Right? You shouldn’t be
such a picky eater. If you want to eat something, do it, it doesn't matter if
it's goblins or Kings of Terror. I couldn’t do that though…”
“Nobody could eat that!
And if I ever hear you eating that, you’re not allowed back in the house.”
Ah, so he recognized you.
Oh yeah, I remember you
told me about it.
Asked for me? What do you
mean?
Yeah, some men in the
shopping district were teasing me the other day. I had no idea why.
Erotic shop? What do you
mean you’re a part timer in an erotic shop?
I didn’t even know this
town had one.
“Kazuma, Kazuma, I wanna
go drinking after this, give me some money! Or better yet, let’s all go!”
“How can you fit anything
after eating so much? We’re going to hang out here for a bit and head home.
Here, go by yourself.”
I don’t get it. What do
you mean that shop works through dreams?
Well, you were always a
bit mysterious. But gathering information is supposed to be my job.
“What’s this? Give me
more!”
“You know, you all should
learn to use your allowances better…”
What do you mean Kazuma
asked about me?
Why should I get
flustered? I really don’t get what you’re talking about.
I’m not cute, you idiot.
I told you I gave up on being a woman.
Why are you blushing!?
Someone that can rip off
the head of a kobold with her bare hands isn’t cute when she blushes!
Don’t patronize me, you
hag!
You’re like 10 years
older than me! You are a hag, you hag!
Oh, you want to fight?
Fine, bring it on!
But let’s get out of here
before they notice us, I don’t want to get in the way of Kazuma and Megumin.
Part 3
Last night’s battle ended
in a draw.
We’re both advanced
classes, but she’s more combat oriented, so all in all it wasn’t too bad.
And that bitch just left
without even checking if I was okay.
I’m glad we fought there
though, hadn’t Aqua come out of that shop and healed me, I’d be dead.
“This is the one I want
to watch.”
“The Millionth Proposal…?
Uhm, isn’t that a romance play?”
What the hell are you
doing Kazuma!?
Why are you here with
Lalatina!?
You promised you’d come
see Potemkin with Megumin!
“Hey, that could be a
spoiler! Hi, two tickets with the couple’s discount please!”
“Couple’s discount!?”
“O-okay… two tickets,
right…?”
Even the ticket lady is
stunned after seeing Kazuma show up with a different girl.
“We’re not a couple,
please give us two tickets for a regular price.”
Oh, as expected of Lala!
She’s so smart! She couldn’t possibly behave like the cheater Kazuma.
But why did she sound sad
when she said that?
“Hey, what’s the problem?
It’s a simple discount, I’m paying anyway.”
“Dear customer, please
don’t say that in front of me…”
The ticket lady looks
genuinely angry now.
“I already feel bad about
coming with you without telling Megumin, so the idea of pretending we’re a
couple just feels wrong…”
Go, go, Lalatina!
“Don’t worry about that.
In fact, Megumin told me to bring you because she’s sick.”
“Oh yeah, because she ate
so much raw meat.”
She got sick from that?
What on earth was she thinking?
I guess she hasn’t
actually changed, she’s as greedy as ever.
“It’s not like Aqua could
heal her. She came stumbling in drunk as hell this morning. She won’t wake up
until night. No idea where she got enough money to drink that much.”
Sorry, that was me. I
treated Aqua in return for healing me.
I was attacked by a
monster and almost died.
“Aqua has a …wide circle.
But if Megumin is okay with it, then let’s go. The Millionth Proposal… I don’t
know what it’s about, but I’m looking forward to it!”
“Well, Aqua couldn’t
come. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.”
Aqua is a girl too, I’m
sure she enjoys romance plays!
But Lalatina looks so
happy! Go and have fun!
I got bored by the
lovey-dovey behavior of a couple who’d just finished watching the play
yesterday and left.
But today, I’m sticking
through!
Disguised as a flowerpot,
I won’t be seen!
“That was not romantic at
all! It was a horror play! They tricked me!”
“I never said it was a
romance play; you just assumed things!”
Yep.
Despite the title, The
Millionth Proposal is a horror play.
I should’ve stayed
yesterday.
“I thought it was fun.
I’ll definitely recommend this to other people.”
“This is beyond bad
taste! Don’t you dare show this to anyone but me!”
I’m sure Megumin enjoyed
it too.
But Lalatina’s reaction
is so cute!
“I mean, it’s right there
in the title. Nobody except a ghost could propose a million times. Even once a
day would take hundreds of years.”
“You shouldn’t use real
ghosts as actors! Who even approved a play like this!?”
I thought it was great.
I’m sure the theater company has a great future, I’ll be sure to remember them.
“Ah! I get it! That’s why
you didn’t want to bring Aqua! She’d purify the whole cast!”
“You only realized that
now? Listen, let’s agree we were both tricked. How about we go to the
Adventurer’s Guild?”
“Huh…? N-no! I’ll use my
power as acting lord and have this ridiculous play shut down!”
“Hey, I’m pretty you were
smiling. It’s cowardly to abuse your powers just because you think you were
tricked! Come on, let’s invite more people, it was pretty fun!”
“We’re not going to allow
more people to be tricked!”
“I get it, you’re a
couple. Can you go and fight somewhere else? There are people who want to buy
tickets here.”
Come on, Kazuma…
Part 4
And the rest was business
as usual.
Lalatina got angry and
started choking Kazuma. He tried to fight back but couldn’t move her an inch,
but she relented after his face turned purple.
It was fun to watch from
the sidelines.
Yeah, you’re right, it’s
best if everyone gets along.
But Kazuma should just…
Get together with
Megumin! That idiot!
Ah! Why’d you suddenly
throw that knife?! If that wasn’t me, you could’ve killed someone!
Huh? That wasn’t aimed at
me?
“Fuahahaha! Quite the
greeting, gloomy girl! I recommend you stay out in the sun else an annoying
Archpriest may confuse you for a ghoul!”
Vanir… hey, she’s
serious. Stop looking for her to feed off her negative emotions.
Don’t you usually call
her gloomy person?
“Hmm, it seems the gloomy
girl has finally revealed to you that she is in fact a girl, so I referred to
her accordingly. Besides, the negative emotions of such high-level individuals
are so delicious that I can’t help myself. Especially from girls that pretend
they gave up womanhood yet secretly watch loving couples with envy. Those
emotions are simply terrific.”
Huh? Wait, is that true?
Are you pretending to be serious, but you spy on loving couples? What’s your
deal?
Hey, don’t look away! Are
you crying!?
“More importantly, I
didn’t come merely to feed off you, though I will do that happily. I have an
item that should prove very useful to your sort. I’d like you to take one.”
Ah, a Magic Scroll. I’ve
seen those, aren’t those all the rage nowadays, Flash something?
Magic scrolls aren’t
cheap, how come you have so many?
Aren’t those managed by
the Wizards’ Guild?
“This is handmade.
Crafted by the sleepless shop owner, who has recently become obsessed with
writing. It was produced at the cost of her sleep; therefore, production costs
are zero. Also, this is not a scroll. It is a firework. Legally, it cannot be
called a scroll.”
Oh yeah, they got banned.
If I were still working,
I’d gladly take one of those. But now that I’m retired…
Hey Vanir, are you
alright? That knife is still sticking out of your heart.
“Something as simple as
this causes me no harm. If left alone, the knife shall soon turn to dust. That
dust shall nourish plants. Those plants shall attract birds. Those birds shall start
a kingdom of birds.”
Just pull it out, it’s
making me uncomfortable. Anyway, I don’t care for your kingdom of birds.
You know, since you
started your consulting business, my work of information gathering has dried
up.
Advice is one thing, but
could you stop selling information so cheaply?
My pension isn’t that
great, you know. And it’s not as if I can go out there and hunt monsters.
“Even if you say that,
stalker girl, I have need of money as much as you. I’ve also been told I
shouldn’t go hunting.”
Well, this is a town of
novice adventurers after all. If a great devil like you or a high-level,
advanced class like me went out hunting, we’d wipe out all the frogs around the
city.
Also, please stop calling
me that.
“The free market is
inherently competitive. If your customers abandoned you for me, it simply means
I offer superior service. Accept this cruel reality and seek other employment.
Perhaps refine your stalking skills and become a Duxion hunter, stalker girl.”
No way, hunting Duxions
is boring. Besides, I like living here.
I’m sure you know who we
really are anyway.
Which means you know that
we know about you too.
And I happen to know
quite a bit, so stop calling me stalker girl.
“You are remarkably
arrogant for an impertinent stalker girl. If you are so confident, then tell
me, what does the stalker girl know about me?”
I told you to stop
calling me that!
Or what?
Should I call you by your
full name?
Vanir Mildo[5]?
H-hey, don’t look at me
like that, it’s scary!!
What, you get to say
anything about me but I can’t fight back? Compared to a devil like you I might
as well be a baby, you’re a bully who picks on babies!
“I am outraged because
you uttered something no sane person should joke about, stalker girl. A devil’s
true name is crucial for summoning. The more a summoner knows, the easier it
becomes. Only muscle-brained fools reveal their names and allow themselves to
be summoned into this world. I know you are formidable; my all-seeing eye
cannot fully read you. Your information network is impressive. But how did you
learn that?”
The observation deck at
the Crimson Magic Village uses your name.
“!?!?!??!?!”
Yeah, they call it the
‘All-seeing observation deck: Vanir Mildo,’ it has become a popular tourist
trap.
There’s a grimoire all
about you in the Duke of Hell Series too. I found it in the library of the
village.
“That clan of fools! I
don’t care if it’s the crazy explosion girl or the lonely girl! They went too
far infringing on my name!”
...Hey.
How about we use this
chance to leave?
See? I got back at Vanir
for you, here’s always teasing you.
By the way, and I know
this isn’t your fault, but after we ate out yesterday and treated Aqua, I’m out
of money. Could you treat me to lunch today?
Wow, really?
Excuse me, bring me the
whole menu!
Ahahaha, I’m just
kidding, kidding!
Or am I?
Hey seeing how it’s
nighttime already, how about we order some drinks too?
Wow, you’re oddly
generous today.
You live on the same
pension as me, how come you have so much money?
You don’t spend much?
Oh, yeah. I forgot you’re
a super boring person with no hobbies.
Me on the other hand.
Well, I have an idol I have to spend money on.
Well, not really an idol.
But I do owe Aqua, so I cover her tab whenever I can.
Because of my high luck stat,
I tend to find loose change just about everywhere. But even so, I’m just barely
scrapping by.
I know Aqua doesn’t care
either way, but even if it’s only for my own peace of mind, I’m going to repay
her for regrowing my arm. Little by little, however long it takes.
And it’s not like that
debt is getting close to being repaid, as she has healed me several times more.
Just yesterday she healed
me after a monster broke several of my ribs.
Yes, dummy, I’m talking
about you.
What, you think you won?
Ahahahahaha!
I’m the scout type, hand
to hand combat isn’t really my thing. Just like Kazuma, I fight indirectly.
Why are you looking at me
like that?
You damn monster woman,
don’t think I’ll forget about the time you ripped out the heart out of a goblin
with your bare hands.
Yes, you might as well be
a monster.
And apparently, you stalk
Kazuma too, so you’re a stalking monster to boot.
What has he been up to,
by the way?
Ah, so Vanir was right.
Between your gender and
now this, I’m shocked that there are so many things I still don’t know about
you, even though we’ve known each other for so long.
Hey, look! Aqua and
Kazuma just arrived. They must’ve gone out for drinks.
…I noticed you were
staring directly at him.
Careful, he has an Enemy
Detection skill.
It’s fine if you watch
from a distance, but if even a hint of hostility gets in the way, he’ll notice.
You’re staring way too
much, Megumin would probably pick up a fight if she were here.
Ah, you’re wondering why
those other two aren’t with them.
Megumin got sick after
eating so much raw liver, she’s resting.
And Lalatina is looking
after her. She’s lecturing Megumin about seeing that horror play too.
Aqua healed Megumin, so
Kazuma took Aqua drinking as thanks.
How do I know that?
I was worried about
Megumin so I checked on her before coming here.
Don’t call me stalker
girl, you gloomy girl.
Yeah, I don’t like it
either, but I can’t help but blush when Vanir calls me that. At least he
considers me a girl.
You’re right, I should
call you monster girl instead of monster woman.
Fine, let’s drop the
subject.
Geez.
You said you don’t want
Kazuma to end up with anyone, but I bet that’s because you want him to end up
with you, huh?
You can’t fool a former
intelligence agent.
What? That angry reaction
means I’m right. The parts of your face that aren’t covered with your mask are
bright red!
Fine, I’ll kick your ass
this time, you gloomy, monster girl.
I’ll have my revenge from
last night!
Part 5
I think it’s fair to say
I achieved total victory this time.
I have no doubts she’s a
woman now, because goddamn, they’re huge!
I just wanted to steal
her dagger or something but accidentally stole her bra and she ran away crying.
Not after breaking a few
ribs again, but still. My victory!
My high intelligence stat
isn’t just for show, I anticipated that I’d find Aqua drinking in the
Adventurer’s Guild. And of course, she generously healed me.
I owe her again though,
but I don’t really mind.
Nonetheless, the monster
girl is nice, she treated me again afterwards.
I’m pretty sure she was
still braless, but like hell I’m giving it back!
I hope she eventually
becomes a Kazuma x Megumin supporter too, she must see the light!
“Oh, what a coincidence
seeing you two here. I guess that means… Aha! You’re on date, I’m jealous!”
“Yeah, I bet you’re going
to see The Millionth Proposal, seeing how you’re in front of the theater. I’m
jealous too!”
My faves are being mugged
by ugly thugs.
Dust and Rin, they might
as well be thugs.
They’re a bad influence
on Kazuma!
But no, they’re not going
to watch that again, they’re here to watch Potemkin this time, so stop teasing
them…
“We already saw that. It
was a pretty fun play, especially the 246.152th proposal scene, I couldn't help
but shout.”
“Yes, highly recommended.
In fact, now that you two are here, why not go see it?”
“Huh? W-what do you
think, Rin? They liked it.”
“If you’re paying, sure.”
Kazuma and Megumin can be
so mean.
But I’m also shipping
Dust and Rin.
It’s their fault though,
they could ask them what the play is about or something. They probably expect a
romance play too.
Ah, they’re gone!
“And they’re gone. Let’s
keep this up, more people need to see that play. Hehehe…”
That’s mean. But it seems
they’re having fun, I’ll forgive them.
I’m still mad though,
even if Megumin was cool with it, tricking Lalatina like that was mean.
“So, we’re watching
Potemkin—Huh? Who’s there!?”
“What’s the matter,
Kazuma? Only the ticket lady is around.”
That damn Enemy Detection
skill, he’s looking at this way now!
“I sensed hostility from
that alley. I’m a good guy, I don’t see how anyone could be mad at me. Or
maybe… after defeating so many generals, the Demon King sent an assassin after
me?”
“There are many reasons
for people to be mad at you.”
I’m not an assassin!
Well, I used to be. But I
worked against the Demon King!
They’re coming, I have to
do something!
Meow,
meow…
“Oh, it’s just a neroid.”
“Let’s go, Potemkin is
about to begin.”
Phew…
“I’ve been wondering
about this for a while. What even is a Neroid? I know it’s some harmless
monster that meows, but I’ve never seen one.”
“Have you been living
under a rock? Maybe we should catch one and sell it to pay for tickets.”
Megumin, no! I’m not a
neroid, don’t come here!
“Ah! Something flew at
me!”
“It was probably a pebble
or something. It might be revenge from the kids I made cry the other day. Let’s
chase after them and teach them a lesson!”
“Ah, that hostility I
felt… it was for you then.”
…they left?
Thank goodness.
Ah, it’s you, thanks.
But seeing how you were
stalking me, you don’t get to call me stalker girl anymore.
You happened to be
passing by? Yeah sure.
Ack! Don’t throw rocks at
me!
But since you saved me,
how about I treat you?
…nevermind, I’m broke.
How about I give you a photo I took with my magic camera of that party having
fun and laughing under the cherry blossoms?
…I was joking. Are you
serious? You really want it.
Okay then, wait here for
a bit, I’ll go back home and get it.
“Emergency! Emergency!
All adventurers in town, gather immediately at the city’s main gate!”
This town is supposed to
be for beginner adventurers.
But there are plenty of
high-level people here. Nonetheless, it’s an understated rule that we seniors
should just watch the rookies from afar.
I meant you, you’ve been
acting all fidgety this whole time.
I’m sure Kazuma will be
okay, he’s fought several Demon King army generals.
…yes, he’s also died
several times, but not against strong opponents, he only loses against weak
ones.
Why do you have to make
me worry? Of course I’ll help if things go south.
But if we help them, we
need to make sure we don’t take any experience points.
Listen, it’s not the time
for panic, calm down.
Ahhh! Lalatina, no!
It doesn’t matter how
tough you are, stop charging in alone!
Aqua don’t follow her!
…no, no, no.
This knife is for
sharpening my claws. I use them for climbing walls during infiltration jobs.
If anything, why are you
holding so many poison vials? Put them away, they’re dangerous.
They don’t look like any
kind of poison I’ve ever seen.
Judging by the bottle
shape, that’s high-grade stuff. The vials are even sealed with magic.
Hans? You mean the Demon
King Army general, Hans the poison slime? That’s his poison?
Why do you have something
so dangerous? How did you even get it, didn’t Kazuma and the rest defeat him?
Oh, you bought it at
Wiz’s magic tool shop.
Right, I remember Wiz
went with them to Arcanletia.
30 Eris? They’re selling
something so dangerous for 30 Eris?!
To think that a former
Demon King Army general is being sold for 30 Eris per bottle.
Don’t give something so
dangerous to Kazuma.
I’m serious! It’s
absolutely not okay!
It’s not as if I can
teach Kazuma any skills, maybe only something simple like eavesdropping.
N-no, it’s not because my
skills are bad, it’s because he already has several of my skills! Besides, you
shouldn’t eavesdrop, I don’t even like using it!
Listen, we shouldn’t be
too involved anyway. Let’s just watch from the sidelines.
Ah! Aqua!
As expected of Kazuma,
that was great… but that wasn’t—Oh!?
Everyone is doing their
best, but if this keeps up…
“Explooooooooooooooosion!!”
…let’s go home.
We were far away yet we
still got showered with guts and debris. The public baths are going to be
packed, let’s get a head start.
Part 6
“Everyone, thank you for
your hard work! I appreciate you all gathering despite the short notice. All
quest participants may enjoy all-you-can-eat and drink until midnight! Please
rest your tired bodies!”
“Yay! Luna’s the best,
let’s get wasted!”
“Woo! Let’s have a
drinking contest!”
“The guild is usually
super stingy, but they’re so generous today! …wait, midnight is in like 5
minutes…”
All the adventurers
returned safely.
Apparently, no adventurer
deaths have occurred since Aqua arrived in town. Amazing, isn’t it?
Of course those that were
revived don’t count.
Yeah, I know. But you
should tell that to the guild, not me.
“Kazuma, you bitch! That
play was nothing like what I expected, you tricked me!”
Ah, it’s the thug couple.
“It was awful! Everyone
was screaming in terror at the 682.475th proposal scene, so we never heard the
emergency call! We made no money, and the all-you-can-eat deal doesn’t apply to
us!”
“That’s right! If you
feel guilty, buy me a drink!”
“I don’t feel guilty.”
Oh yeah, I didn’t see
Dust and Rin during the quest.
“In fact, I want more
people to see the play. Tell you what, I’ll buy you a drink if you recommend it
to other people.”
“What? Why!?”
“How about them?
Recommend it to them.”
He’s so mean…
Not that Dust and Rin
don’t deserve it.
They teased Kazuma and
Megumin first. He’s only returning the favor.
…hey, Megumin and
Lalatina, Kazuma is being mean again!
Why aren’t you doing
anything? Megumin is smirking, and Lalatina, you have to stop him, not look
away!
“A wild goblin will now
jump out of this handkerchief!”
“Stop that. Don’t let any
goblins jump out of anything. You’re kidding, right? No, don’t answer, and
don’t summon any goblins!”
“Hehe, you know how to
hype the audience, Kazuma!”
“No, I’m telling you not
to do it!”
What’s with you? You’re
unusually happy today.
Yeah, I can tell even
through the mask. We’ve known each other for a long time.
Well, everyone’s having
fun, so I get it.
I too enjoy watching the
happy faces of my faves while I drink…
“Excuse me, may I have a
word?”
Hey Luna. You look
serious, what’s the matter?
I get the hint, you
approached us whispering.
“Well, you see. Monster
attacks have been increasing lately. It seems nocturnal monsters are gathering
near the front gate.”
Ah, nocturnal monsters
are usually pretty strong.
We have good nocturnal
vision, and most nocturnal monsters are too much for rookie adventurers.
Besides, Megumin already
used her dumb explosion.
“That’s right, and while
it’s not exactly appropriate. I must ask the help from veterans—”
Don’t worry, our injuries
have fully healed.
I could totally go back
to work, but I want to live a leisurely life on my pension.
Don’t worry about
payment. I’m well aware the country is struggling financially.
“Yes… you two must be
very well informed about that…”
Don’t make that face.
Besides—
“Hey, don’t steal my
spotlight! What good are my skills for if I don’t get to show off!?”
“Your worthwhile skill is
your magic, not your stupid party tricks!”
Ahhh! They’re so cute, I
can’t take it!
The newbies worked hard
today, it’s fine for us old veterans to help a bit.
“You’re both pretty young
still, though.”
Hey, no need to flatter
me. I’m like 10 years older than Kazuma…
“No, I’m pretty sure we
three are all about the same age.”
Wha? I’m well aware of
old you are—
“Anyway, thank you very
much for your help. Now, regarding payment—”
I told you we don’t need
a reward!
It’s fine, calm down, we
won’t talk about your age anymore!
“Well, if you insist…”
You’re so kind. The men
in this town have no taste seeing how nobody makes advances on you.
“Hey, seeing how we’re
all the same age. Why don’t we hang out after work?”
Uh… sure.
You know, I still don’t
know your name.
Ever since Aqua made my
arm grow back, I became an Axis Cultist. It’s a secret though.
Why don’t you join too?
Huh? Why not?
Ah, you’re still not over
that.
Listen, I don’t like
girls. I’m sure you’ll understand soon enough. You’re pretty smart after all.
If Luna’s right, then the
monsters are pretty strong, and there’s a lot of them too. I’d be too much for
me alone, but…
Go, monster girl! Show
them the power you used when you tore an ogre in half with your bare hands!
Ahhhh! Not me, the
monsters!
Huh? You’re hesitating
now?
Come on, let’s go. It’ll
be the first time we go on a mission together since that time. Aren’t you
excited?
I won’t do that, come on.
We almost died that time.
I’ll never forget that, I
lost my arm. It’s nothing but a miracle I was able to carry your one-legged ass
out of there.
If anything, you owe me
your life, you should be grateful.
Yes, yes. I am grateful
that you saved me so many times too.
Remember what his name
was? You know, the crazy guy with the goat head.
I think it was Mammon[6] or
something.
Yeah, the guy with the
huge axe we had to fight on our own.
I heard that for
defeating us he was promoted to captain of the Demon King guard or something.
Because of the barrier
around the Demon King’s castle, I can’t even get revenge.
I sure hope that
goat-face asshole will meet a messy death.
But enough remembering,
let’s go.
Come, just go with it.
Let’s fight together
again.
Hey, look over there.
“There’s a new play
called ‘Dance away, Potemkin!’ that I’d like to see. But we couldn’t go because
of the emergency quest.”
“Well, how about we all
see it together tomorrow then?”
“...I hope it won’t be a
trick this time.”
“Huh? What did you do to
Darkness? She’s really mad.”
Ahhh, I just love seeing
this.
“It’ll be the first time
we all see a play together, right? Well, hopefully nothing else will happen
today, so let’s go tomorrow! I’m really looking forward to it!”
Yeah, we need to protect
those smiles.
The
DarkStalker and Assassin will rise again!
[4] Raw pig liver served as sashimi. A delicacy in Japan.
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