Volume 9 Chapter 18 Ranka-san’s Honest Slip ★
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
I called Ranka-san to my chambers amidst the bustling preparations for the impending journey.
”Sorry, Ranka-san. Just as we’ve reunited, I have to leave again,” I apologized, my voice tinged with regret.
”It’s fine. I understand,” she replied calmly, her expression steady.
”And I’ve kept you waiting like this…”
Pulling her close, I wrapped my arms around her, sharing a warm embrace. My fingers brushed through her neatly trimmed white hair, and I smiled, savoring the moment. Ranka-san was one of the few who knew the true extent of my strategic abilities, which was why she held such a vital role as Seron’s administrator. I wanted to show her some appreciation, even if just a little.
”I’m taking Nyx with me. Sorry, but I’ll leave things in your hands while I’m gone,” I said, my tone softening.
”Thank you… it’s frustrating not having combat skills in times like these, but please, protect McGaref… our homeland,” she pleaded, her voice steady but filled with concern.
”Of course. Mori-Mori and the merchant guild are still there,” I reassured her, my voice firm.
Fortunately, we hadn’t received word that the war had begun. I’d denied her request to use a rare artifact—the same one I’d used during a critical mission. If her identity were exposed in the labyrinth, she wouldn’t survive. And if the enemy misused such a treasure, McGaref would fall. Its defenses were too fragile. If key allies were incapacitated, chaos would ensue.
I sat beside her, my hand resting gently on hers. “You’ve always been a pillar of strength for me,” I said, my voice warm. “I couldn’t have managed without you.”
”You’re too kind, Takumi-sama. It’s my duty to support you,” she replied, her eyes softening.
Our conversation turned to the preparations and the weight of responsibility we both carried. Ranka-san’s insights were always sharp, and her loyalty unwavering.
”You’ve grown so much since the day you walked into the trading house,” she remarked, a hint of pride in her voice. “You’ve shouldered great responsibility, yet you carry it with grace.”
”It’s all thanks to you and the others. I’m just doing my best,” I deflected, though her words warmed my heart.
As the moment stretched, I felt a surge of gratitude. “Thank you, Ranka-san. For everything,” I said, pulling her into a tight embrace.
”I’ll be waiting for your return,” she whispered, her voice steady but filled with emotion.
Later, as we discussed the upcoming journey, she surprised me with an honest slip. “I’ll manage everything here, Master,” she said, her voice catching slightly.
I raised an eyebrow, amused. “Master, huh? That’s a new one.”
She flushed, realizing her mistake. “I meant… in the guild sense. Of course.”
I smiled, teasing her gently. “No need to explain. It’s cute.”
The next morning, as we shared a quiet breakfast, Aria peeked in from the next room. With Clarice gone, she’d stayed as my guard, her presence a comforting constant.
”Aria, did you sleep?” I asked, concern lacing my voice.
”I’ll rest in the wagon during the journey. I won’t leave you, not until the war ends. Meruru’s staying as my guard too,” she declared, her determination unwavering.
”Thank you. I appreciate it,” I said, gratitude filling my voice.
In truth, the situation was far more dire than I let on. Eris and her elves were battling summoned undead sent by ‘Witch of the Dead Arm’ Almaria. Learning this at breakfast left me shaken, but I kept my composure, knowing that worry wouldn’t help.
Ranka-san’s steady presence and Aria’s unwavering support were my anchors in the storm. Together, we would face whatever challenges lay ahead.
Notes:
• Ranka – She’s a guild shop assistant with a friendly demeanor and a practical mindset. Ranka’s recommendations are based on logical, merchant-minded suggestions, catering to the buyer’s needs.
• Nyx – The First Princess of Celon Dukedom, who escapes to McGaref; next in line to the throne after the Queen’s expected death.
• McGaref – Fortress city, adventurer hub.
• Mori-Mori – Secretary and slave to Takumi-sama. Young, silver-haired, and brown-skinned. Recently came of age (first menstruation). Highly intelligent and skilled in administrative tasks. Holds a deep sense of loyalty and devotion to Takumi-sama, willingly offering herself as a ‘s*x-treatment onahole.’ Daughter of Ms. Marina, niece of Ranka-san. First appearance in v6c1.
• Clarice – The ‘Witch of Abundance’ from Lesta Kingdom.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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