Chapter 6

It failed!

On the roof of some hotel in the city, Murata Ken pulls his head out of the murky water, while red and white koi fish swim around his knees.

Fishy water drips from his hair as he turns to Bob, sitting on a chair under an umbrella.

How?!

This is the exact VTR[1].

No one would have thought that the man wearing sunglasses, cocking his head, and playfully speaking Japanese is the Maou controlling Earth.

But speaking of controlling, you could say its hard to compare between him and Bill Gates.

Leaving puddles of water on the dry cement, Murata stares at the plasma screen.

Damn, I was so close to getting Shibuya there. As long as I can reach his soul or consciousness, the rest of it is my forte, by then I can use that to go to where he is. But did you get it?

Mn, very clearly.

Though the picture captured in the water is blurry, but Muratas body was taken perfectly.

For a midair garden full of floating stuff, this is a pretty clear shot.

Yeah.

Shouri forces himself in between Bob and Murata, who are whispering to each other, with his forehead.

ButIf we really get to the other world through a dirty pool on top of a hotel, wouldnt it be ludicrous if we caused the koi to continuously disappear? Only cute spot-billed ducks and their babies can start a journey from this sort of place, wasnt it?

Looking down from the bridge, Shibuya Shouri makes sarcastic comments while he stares at Bobs hand.

Only because he really wants to know if his brothers special friend was telling the truth.

Its not a matter of the location, you know! JUNIOR, what matters is the timing.

Didnt I tell you not to call me JUNIOR, Im not your son Waa!

Halfway through the recording, the top half of Muratas body disappears, and the one who yells is Shouri, from up on the bridge.

He grabs the red rails, shouting,

H-he vanished! Thats too weird, hey!

You can pretend its supernatural photo and submit it, friend of my brother. But please dont forget to block my eyes with black lines.

Murata looks fascinated as he points at the upside-down images.

See, we got so many. But after this one, a force from the other side immediately pushes me back here. So forget bringing Shibuya back, I even felt the space over here and over there colliding head-on, and both sides would bounce back to their original position. Otherwise, there would be a split seconds chance to catch up to him.

Murata, who had instantaneously appeared in the image, disappears from waist up again.

Though this time it only lasts for a few seconds, and not too long later his entire body is floating on the surface.

See? Because Shibuyas existence isnt very stable as it is, so sometimes I can feel it, and sometimes I cant, I couldnt get any clues at all that second time. What kind of place is he, exactly?

Probably somewhere maryoku cant reach?

Obviously, otherwise Id feel more spirited, maybe even full of life. And also, this is useless now too, because the power is too weak to bring him back.

Murata takes the golden brooch off his chest as he says that.

After waving off the water on his glasses, he puts it on his palm and scrutinizes it closely.

It wasnt Shibuyas to start with, so the attraction is rather weak. It might sound weird, saying it like this, but even if I follow his on-and-off trail, theres not enough power to get to where he is. On a side note, which clans emblem is this? This should be a bird, right? Its been a few thousand years in this place, I cant remember emblems at all.

I think this kind of thing lives around Austria, but when it comes to emblems, every clan seems more or less the same. I know I cant tell at all, does that count as a bird? I always thought it was a crocodile looking sideways.

To Shouri, who is standing at the side, their conversation gives him the urge to ram his head into the wall.

Normal people wouldnt confuse birds and bugs, right? The guy with the sunglasses, is there something wrong with his head?

Earth, is this okay?

Is it really okay to make an Uncle like this Maou?

Hes the old man who was dancing the samba in the shopping streets with a cane in one hand, you know?

Better to just skip being governor, and jump straight to being Maou of the financial world.

Hes starting to feel that itd be better for him to inherit the position of Maou, perhaps that was Bobs plan all along.

But now isnt the time to be worrying about the future of the Earth, because his only brother was taken to an unknown world and has yet to return.

Wait for me, Yuu-chan! Big brother will come save you now!

Hey, hey! The white glasses and black glasses up front!

What is it, colored glasses?

Dont call me colored glances! Let me go to that world too, cmon, let me try, for all you know, I might be able to just flow over to Yuu-chan, just like that? After all, he and I share the same blood!

Dont be stupid!

The old and new glasses people immediately retort.

Didnt I already tell you, Shibuyas older brother? Thats completely impossible, even if the entire Taepodong[2] explodes. I have the soul of the Daikenja who was born there, and even then I faced a lot of hardships because I lived on Earth for too long. For someone like you, who was mentally and physically MADE IN Earth and have no maryoku whatsoever, its impossible to get to that other world. If you dont have a particularly strong power leading you, its mission impossible. Unless Mount Fuji erupts, or the Niagara Falls flow backwards.

Thats just plain impossible.

Even I didnt think it would be so hard, after all Ive already completely become an Earthling. Good grief, who would have guessed that the "If you mix with scarlet, you'll become red"[3] saying would end up being true."[3]

JAPANESE idioms really describe things well. Now what, Murata? Wanna go to the duck pond and try again?

Murata shakes himself, trying to get the fishy water off his body, and sneezes loudly.

He looks just like a long-haired dog.

When is R-Rodriguez getting here?

On the other hand, the last man in the glasses trio crosses his legs on the red bridge and sits back down. Fiddling with his short student-like fringe, he mutters ineligibly,

Niagara To make Niagara flow backwards First I need a passport.

Being a committed brother, he has even prepared himself mentally to break the law, but his target doesnt seem to be Mount Fuji.

Feeling insecure about his subordinates firepower, Lord von Bielefeld secretly sighs again, his tightly-knit brows ruining his handsome features.

Theoretically, he can understand why the strategy is to have those with no maryoku as the central fighting force.

So then you will steer this Friends on the Sea to Seisakoku, I trust you have no objections?

It is my honor, Your Excellency Wolfram!

Captain Sizemore, whose principle is the worlds seas are my seas, also known as the Drastic Action Sea Monk salutes, his back completely straight. The warrior of the sea gives off a feeling of solemnity and authority.

But the mission this time isnt limited to just the sea, you may be forced into operating on land No objections there either, right, Sizemore?

Of course not, Your Excellency. Whether fortunate or otherwise, even though I was born as a mazoku and have very little hair, I never had any maryoku. Still, I hope that the skills and courage that I have accumulated all those years on the sea through booze, tears, men and women, can be of use on land.

Mn. AhYou said trained through men and women N-never mind. To us, Seisakoku is an unknown continent, we have no idea what harsh environments await us. It could be a desert where dry winds run wild, or a swamp where the air is moist enough to feel, and the smell of rot permeates. This trip could be torture, but before we bring His Majesty back safely, I hope you will stay strong to the end of the mission.

L-leave it to me, Your Excellency! As for how to deal with the harsh surroundings, we will shave all our hair, cleanly and completely, before leaving, so please dont worry!

Though he says the words with his mouth, perhaps hes reluctant to part with his beautiful hair, because Sizemores eyes are clouded with tears.

Are you talking about hair? Dont tell me youre talking about hair? If so then theres no need to shave it off, its better to let it grow naturally, yknow.

Seeing the Wolfram he always treated as a kid mature into an adult so obviously, Sizemore is rather touched and starts sobbing.

Eventually the snot doesnt stop flowing, so he can only suck it back desperately.

Ah~ Your Excellency, who would have thought that youve already grown up, and into such a handsome young adult! As your grandfather, Im so happy!

When did you become my grandfather? Didnt we just meet for the first time last year?

And surely your mother on the other side of the star must be ecstatic too!

Sizemore! Have you joked enough? My mother is very much alive. Not only that, shes alert on the lookout for the chance to have another child.

The next one should be a girl, having a daughter will definitely be great.

Her Majesty the previous Maou touched her youngest sons golden hair, staring dreamily at the face that looks so much like hers.

As a woman, she still wants to enjoy her life for a lot longer.

As Lord von Christ and I are unable to come with you, Sizemore, the leading power goes to you. Based on your previous results on the battlefield, I feel very assured. But this mission is after all different from a war, where you kill the enemy before you. Do you understand, Captain? I believe in your abilities, and hope that you do not disappoint.

L-l-leave it to me!

And then bring that miscellaneous man Dakaskos with you You may feel that there are too few soldiers, but I will do my best to send a second team as reinforcements. I will also dispatch a medical team and supplies, I hope you can wait patiently.

If youre talking about the medical team, theres no need to wait.

Restored to her kind personality, Gisela gives a determined but friendly smile.

Ill come with you, in my fathers place.

But Gisela, didnt you say that people with strong maryoku will feel extremely uncomfortable? Then you

Yes, you are absolutely right. The closer we get to Seisakoku, the stronger the discomfort, and its possible that majutsu cant be used either, the abilities of the healing hand will also disappear. But Your Excellency, I just hope you will understand this. Healing was never just majutsu. The true essence of healing is the healers heart, a kind heart is a necessity, and the most important thing is the modesty of wanting to heal the wounded.

Modesty is the most important?

The hands she put on Wolframs shoulders exert some force, threatening the immediate safety of his shoulders.

Thats why, Your Excellency, even if Im unable to use majutsu I still want to head to Seisakoku, and continue healing my beloved soldiers, or any local casualties. Did you know, Your Excellency? The military academys famous medical instructor The Men Lose Their Ears, what her famous last words were?

Shaken continuously by the agitated Gisela, Wolframs blended right brain finally remembers the portrait hanging in the academy.

The Men Lose Their Ears I remember, its the White Demon?

She once said, Why do we heal? Because the wounded are piled right there!

Hey~ It shouldnt be piled, it should be lying, right? Why did she treat soldiers like objects?

But just when the Sergeants powerful words pump up everybody present

Theres a terrifying sound of something being dragged down the hallway, and low moans, sending chills down everyones spines.

Wolfram--!

PsssstPsssst---

Wolfram!

PsssstPsssst---

Dakaskos voice is trembling when he speaks, while Wolfram points at himself warily.

Y-Your Excellency, thats calling you.

Mi? Its calling mi?

Just as everyones fear peaks, someone roughly kicks open the previously shut door to the captains quarters.

The brave musclemanAdalbert opens the door when everyone is waiting with bated breath.

Waa!

The door slamming into his face, Lord von Christ Gnter falls over comically.

What, so it was Gnter?

Its wrong to say it like that, right? I dragged my houryoku-affected spinning head, and my body that cannot walk properly due to seasickness, and worked so hard just to get here!

He makes it sound like such a monumental task, but the problem is the room where he was resting is just next door.

As soon as Lord von Christ Gnter sits down on the chair his adopted daughter offers him, he puts an expression that says And now I want to drink tea.

It is only when Wolfram rolls his eyes at him that he remembers his reason for coming to this room.

Right, right, the reason I dragged myself here despite my illness Wolfram, its because I thought of the ideal way to help you, whose maryoku is weaker than mine.

You say my maryoku is weaker than yours?

Hearing the displeased tone coming from the pretty boy with high self-esteem, Gnter suddenly shouts,

Do you want to go to Seisakoku?

I want, I want to go

Not only is he instantly hooked by the nose, Wolfram even raises his hand.

Very well. Then allow me to perform the von Christ clans secret technique, passed down through many generation, on your body.

Stop pretending, Wolfram looks at his adopted daughter Gisela suspiciously.

But perhaps she didnt hear what her adopted father was saying, because shes looking off to the side.

Although it was never used on anyone before, this is my top secret specialty.

Specialty? Its not something like sex reassignment or appendicitis, is it?

Thats surgery, not specialty, and besides, you should ask Anissina for something like that. Mine is an even more transcending specialty, its a forbidden technique to completely seal of the opponents maryoku.

Forbidden technique You arent using me as an experiment, are you?!

Of course not, that was a very rude thing to say. Dont compare me to Anissina, thats rather hurtful.

Gnter pushes up the reading glasses hes been wearing a lot recently, frowning the face pale from blood loss and the influence of houjutsu.

The reason you cant head to Seisakoku, is because your maryoku is still considered strong. So if you seal it, you should be able to go to His Majestys side

He throws open his arms, covered with too many ornaments on his sleeves, and suddenly takes Wolfram into his embrace.

Everyone holds their breath and focuses on the scene before them, because it looks like a huge bear attacking a small deer.

L-let go of me, Gnter! I cant bre Are you trying to kill me Hugging so tightly!

Ah~ Mm, Wolfram, so mean~ AhaMm!

Let go Let Really

AhDont tell me, Wolfram, OHYEAH

He wraps the frozen Lord von Bielefeld into his arms, even pulling up his beautiful pale grey hair with his hands, and then, making some heart-breaking panting sounds, rubs his own head as though hes washing his hair, an action worthy of being known as historys most outstanding destructive force.

Gisela has gone white, and this does not mean she was born White Gisela.

She just doesnt want to face her respected adopted fathers dramatic change in personality when it comes to real life.

As for everyone else, they remain completely silent, and turn around as one unit, banging their heads onto the wall fiercely.

Because they cant watch anymore, and go on to decide that such a terrifying image must never linger in their memory.

It should be a dream, this is definitely a dream.

That beautiful prime ministerLord von Christ Gnter, actually reached his demonic claws out to Yuuris fianc, His Excellency Wolfram!

Amongst the people ramming into the wall with empty eyes, only Sizemore and Adalbert are mumbling, like father, like son.

Even though the two dont share any blood relations, they still managed to become such an intimate father and son pair.

Only Maxine, lying in a corner of the room, has his eyes tightly closed and froze like a stone.

He is the only person to witness the historical secret technique with his own eyes.

After a period of time so long people started mistaking it for forever, Lord von Christ finally leaves Wolframs side and sits on the chair.

Oh-ho, thanks for that

It could just be a psychological effect, but it seems as though his skin is smoother and shinier, his cheeks flushed and bright, just like a cat who just ate the canary.

Having just absorbed the essence of youth, the super bishie looks like he even wants a toothpick to clean his teeth after a good meal.

On the other hand, released from his embrace, Wolframs body has gone completely limp, and he falls to his knees like a young lady, staying there motionlessly.

Y-Your Excellency, Your Excellency Wolfram?!

Gisela pats his cheeks gently a few times before he finally regains consciousness.

Being even more heartless than his daughter, Gnter just sits on his chair and looks down at Wolfram.

Good, now stand up, Lord von Bielefeld Wolfram. After that, the maryoku that always existed within your body has been wrapped up by that shiny membrane of mine, and wont be released until I undo the technique. In other words I will always exist within you, so even if my body cant go with you, my soul can follow you to His Majestys side.

And therein lay his true intentions.

He isnt just purely sympathizing with Wolfram, what he really wants is to use this chance to go to Yuuris side.

And his chosen method is by having part of his spirit hitchhike on someone elses body, a method that troubles others.

Why does it have to be you, of all people? And in my body?! Stop joking around, I dont want accept such a disgusting secret technique!

"But it has already been done, right?"

You shouldn't be saying "right", right? It's not "right" at all! is what everyone said at the same time, their voices mixing like okonomiyaki ingredients. Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki is His Majesty's favorite.

You want to go, right? You want to go to His Majestys side?

O-Of course I do.

Then what else is there to worry about? Now that your maryoku is more or less gone, you can head to Seisakoku, flooded with houjutsu users! Although I dont want to be connected to you physically and spiritually twenty-four seven either, but in order to go to His Majestys side, its the only choice I have. Since my physical body cannot be used, at the very least I have to put in some effort with my soul. Ah~ Your Majesty If its possible, how Id love to be one with you. Im already tired of this body and its naturally powerful maryoku Cough! Coughcough!

When he takes his hand away from his mouth, he finds it stained with bright red blood.

Gnter slumps weakly to the ground, saying,

Goodness, its blood.

It came from your nose, your nose.

We digress! Anyway, Wolfram, Im pinning all my hopes on you now. Come, take this with you.

He pulls away the sleeve ornaments and reaches inside, pulling out a thin circle of string and forcefully hanging it around Wolframs who has yet to recoverneck, theres even a pale grey pouch hanging on the end of the circle.

GodIts wet! Why is it wet?! (TN: The Chinese term can already be read as Heavens, but that doesnt sound like something Wolf would say)

Its not wet, its just a little moist, perhaps it caught some of my sweat when I was sleeping. Thats a charm woven from my hair, a hundred per cent pure hair, I call it Gnters Protection.

Lord von Bielefeld feels as though hes been cursed. Looks like hell either be strangled, or decapitated in his sleep. Deep disgust almost makes him faint.

Its tootoo disgusting

Listen carefully, when youre in mortal danger, you just have to grip this Gnters Protection tightly and chant the mantra, Gn Gn Gn Gn Gn, Gn Gn Gn Gn Gn, Gn Gn Gn Gn Gn, and I may even be able to go to the place you are.

Another long, stupid and meaningless sentence.

UhCan we open our eyes now?

Dakaskos, who was ramming into the wall until the last moment, asks timidly. Maybe he finally noticed the atmosphere, because Lord von Christ looks around on his knees, realizing that everyone looks pale.

What happened? What a sad thing it is, that witnessing such a rare ceremony is enough to scare you all witless? Ah! How embarrassing, how can you take up the grand mantle of His Majestys sword and shoield like that?

Listening to those words coming from a man bleeding from his nose, everyone cant find the energy to be angry.

Gnter puts one hand on his chest and the other on top of that, the stance of someone praying to His Majesty Shinou.

Ah~ Your Majesty, von Christ Gnter feels deeply uneasy, seeing these cowardly and incompetent soldiers, led by a child of only eighty-two. O wise Shinou, please assist this last-moment tracker team.

Even this is just an old mans joke, if hes allowed to continue, theres no telling what he might say.

Wolfram angrily pulls Gnters chair and sits on it, saying,

So you look down on my ability?

Of course not. Based on your combat experience, though, Im a little worried about your capability to lead when the two sides collide. I dont know if you can make the right decisions

Despite just having lost to Lord Weller due to insufficient combat experience, he pretends that never happened and continues spouting big words with his hand on his forehead.

Sizemore is brave and valiant, but he is, after all, more used to battles on the seas; instead of asking Dakaskos to pick up a sword, he would be more useful with a broom. Can a combination like this really bring back His Majesty? Firstly, in firepower alone I feel uneasy. A Wolfram who cant use flames, is like melon bread without melon.

This slightly difficult simile causes everyone to ponder for a while. Although Lord von Bielefeld purposely keeps his tone low, theres no hiding the frustration in his heart.

But the situation being as it is now, theres no way to increase our firepower, unless you want us to wait until brother sends the Shin Makoku fleet over? You should have heard about the unnatural current near that continent, right? The time interval for sailing is almost over, if we postpone this any longer, theres no guaranteeing we can reach Seisakoku safely.

Thats right, theoretically it should be like that

Let me go too!

The previously silent Adalbert leaves the wall he was leaning on.

Feels quite interesting, let me give it a try.

His sturdy chest is trembling with curiosity, and each side is taking turns to twitch, too.

You might not know this, but Ive long ago abandoned my identity as a mazoku and my maryoku, so be it mazoku soil or a continent full of houryoku, theres no difference to me. Maybe Im unable to fight nobly like you all, but another sword arm is another

Stop joking! Who wants to borrow your power!

Wolfram yells, interrupting the traitor of the mazoku.

Technically he should maintain the dignity of a leader, and keep his composure, but he just cant help it.

How can we let the man who betrayed us, and who hates the mazoku, approach such an important king?

Hold it, stubborn brat!

Shut up, puppet muscleman! You have no right to call me that! And where did you learn my nickname from anyway?!

From a hotel full of female students.

Adalbert replies calmly, such an interesting rumor had actually crossed borders.

Hey hey hey, theres no need to get so agitated over a nickname, right? Besides, if you wont let me board the same ship just because I abandoned my identity as a mazoku, isnt that rather unfair? Youre the commander in charge of an important battle, it wont do for you to be so narrow-minded, huh?

What

Those blue eyes look down at Wolfram, who stood abruptly, from above.

What a joke. Youre in charge of such an important mission, and you dont even have the magnanimity to work together with a hated enemy? I really sympathize with the soldiers who have to work under such a narrow-minded commander.

Feeling as though his innermost thoughts were seen through, Wolfram bites his lip tightly.

His patience as one of the Ten Nobles, and as the Maous trusted subordinate, is actually being tested by someone he never even imagined.

Just a simple sentence, and he can reject this mans proposal, sending other loyal soldiers to assist.

But if someone asks him if thats the best decision, he simply cant guarantee that with a clear conscience.

If he wants to build a strong tracking team, then Adalberts participation wont be any loss.

He is also a fighter, itll be okay if he is treated as just another pawn.

And as long as a close eyes is kept on him to ensure he doesnt do anything that may harm them, then there shouldnt be any problems.

All thats left is Wolframs own emotions, and there should be a sway to control that.

He tries his best to convince himself,

This is for Yuuri.

Wolfram glares at the other mans eyes, opens his tightly-bitten lips, and remembers to curse you split-open butt-chin before replying,

Fine, Ill let you on Sizemores ship.

Thats the way, ah~ Right, I wanna bring this guy along too.

He pokes the caterpillar-like object thrown on the ground with the tips of his toes.

Thats the man who wanted to assassinate me and Yuuri!

Putting aside how hard it was for me to steal him especially out of Shou Shimarons prisons, I have no intention of letting him ride comfortably to Shin Makoku, and the simplest way is to stuff him on this ship. Theres no need to treat him as a person, either, just treat him as part of my luggage.

Up to you!

Looking at his lips, curving up happily for goodness knows what reason, Wolfram turns around wordlessly, and after throwing down a simple you make sure to watch him properly, he leads Sizemore out of the room.

Because there are tons of things to prepare, and since Lord von Christ is unable to come with, everything can only be left to him.

Hmph!

The muscleman continues smiling evilly, and even hums happily.

Things are getting more and more interesting, its been a long time since he was this happy.

He just didnt think that the third son, known for his hard-headedness, also has a leaders ability to make the right choice.

Looks like people do change, but that should also be something to do with the rookie Maous appearance.

When the image of black hair and eyes floats into his mind, his expression relaxes unconsciously.

Right, now lets see what expression that spoiled third son will have!

Adalbert!

Hearing that deep voice call his name, all the muscles in his body tense in spite of himself.

Lady von Christ Gisela is standing half a step away from him.

W-what, so its Sergeant?

Just a mention, but her actual position isnt sergeant, thats just the way people call her for convenience.

Heres something for you.

Gisela hands a small red bottle over to Adalbert.

Its not the antidote, but use it when you want to get rid of Potion Is effects.

Whats this?

Sheesh, have you already forgotten? This is for the ex-Shou Shimaron soldier lying over there!

She moves her empty hand to her mouth, and puts a finger on her lips, signaling, This is a secret.

A chill runs down Adalberts back suddenly, and he cant help but take a few steps back.

The effects of the medicine should start working soon, Ill protect you two with a blurred gaze.

Protect what?

Hehehe Hehehehehehehe

Gisela smiles the smile of someone planning something naughty, then backs away quickly.

Her legs barely move at all, and the effect is so terrifying, even the usually domineering muscleman gets goosebumps.

W-what do you want to protect?

What kind of medicines are MaChicken Danger Potion I and II, exactly? Adalbert shudders the muscles he was always so proud of, and picks up the manual on the ground.

The white paper is covered with red and black ink handwriting, just looking at it feels ominous. That ice cold script is undoubtedly Anissinas.

What An invention that transcends this generationMaChicken Danger Potion will open a new world for fowl-haters everywhere

The chickens, who just yesterday hated you and sprayed sand at you, will today become your most loyal subordinates! You just have to feed newborn chicks Potion I, and the amylase within will make the chicks take the first person they see to be their father, without question.

Likewise, by feeding the chicks Potion II, the isoflavones will cause the chicks to consider the other party as their mother, and become useless scum you can boss around.

However, of both potions are used together, they will strengthen the chicks assistive acids, creating an emotion surpassing chickens and humans, so it is fairly dangerous.

That is indeed very dangerous Ah?!

Adalbert turns around, feeling a passionate gaze on him.

Only to see Crop Pony, who has gotten his upper body free, looking up at him.

His left hand is supporting his body on the ground, his right hand stroking his mustache gracefully, and his lower body wrapped in the wool carpet is stretched completely straight.

His pose is that of a mermaid.

Shocked, Adalbert reads the manual in his hands again.

Feed Potion I will take the first person they see to be their father

Lord Father?

The question mark at the end of his question causes all the hairs on Adalbets body to stand on end.

H-hey, hey, hey! What are you playing at, Maxine? Dont look at me like that! And why the hell are you blushing for! Im not your father?!

Looks like Lady von Karbelnikoff invented something useless again.