Chapter 88 Demon Knife Born in a Foreign Land
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
At last, she even bowed her head. If she felt that guilty, I wished she hadn’t done it at all. The least she could’ve done was tell me the magic she’d use or warn me.
”Well, it’s fine, I guess,” I said. “You’re a researcher, so I guess that’s just how you are.”
”Ah… yes…”
”After all, I’m just a stranger, no family ties here.”
She flinched, her shoulders trembling slightly.
”Even if ‘Yakukiri’ hadn’t worked, in the end—”
”H-hey, Tatara! That’s enough, okay!?”
The idiot cut in from the side. Wait—wasn’t he supposed to be meditating?
”What the hell, man! How can I focus when you’re fuming like that? You’re angrier than usual—what’s up!?”
”I’m not angry. What are you on about?”
”You are angry!”
Don’t be silly. If I were really mad, I’d have pulled out my war hammer already.
”Um, madam,” Hinagiku said quietly. “Perhaps you should try using a dispel spell on Tatara-dono?”
”Eh—ah! Y-yes, of course! D-dispel!”
”Ah, look. Lady Okusama’s panicking because Tatara-dono’s actually angry.”
”Yeah, he never gets mad about things that concern himself. When he does, it’s got this really nasty pressure, you know?”
Hinagiku prompted her, and my mother-in-law cast a spell. My head cleared, like a fog lifting, and the heaviness in my chest vanished.
”…Did something happen?”
”He’s back!”
”I—what? You two don’t have to shout in sync like that!”
Why does my mother-in-law look so relieved? And since when did Hinagiku and that idiot get along so well? Could they…?
”Um, Tatara-san,” my mother-in-law said softly. “Since the defensive katana seems stable, let’s stop the tests for now.”
”Ah, understood.”
She looked genuinely deflated, so I gathered the protective katanas I’d prepared. I’ll attach the fittings later.
”Well then, I’ll head back to my Master.”
”Alright. Take care.”
She saw me off. As I walked away, I thought I heard her sigh. I wonder why.
When I returned to the forge, my Master was working, hammering and bending steel. She noticed me watching but didn’t look up, just kept her rhythm steady as she spoke.
”Oh, you’re back sooner than I thought, Tatara.”
”Yes, my mother-in-law was surprisingly cooperative, so it went smoothly.”
”…Cooperative, huh? Honestly, it’s amazing it didn’t take longer.”
So she was surprised. Then again, considering how much she loves experiments, it’s a miracle I escaped so soon.
I watched my Master work—her hammer struck the plate again and again, forming something bowl-like, almost cylindrical, like a pot’s base.
”Uh, Master, what are you making?”
”A rice cooker pot. I’ve wanted one of those convenient ones, but blacksmithing keeps distracting me.”
”If you’d told me, I could’ve made one for you.”
”Aye, but I’ve got my own way with pots, boy. Can’t compromise on that.”
She kept shaping it, layer by layer. When I used Appraisal, the metal was perfectly even in thickness—unbelievable craftsmanship. In my previous life, this would’ve been made with machines, and in Whirlwind, most craftsmen use magic. But this old woman does it by hand. Truly a master smith.
Maybe I should make the base, I thought. I’d use my forge’s design, control heat with mana, and add auto-cooking. So, I headed to the workshop. My reference was the rice cooker my mother-in-law gave me. I wasn’t sure if it was common or high-end in Hizuru, but it was the only one I knew. I built the base with a slot for the pot and added a wood-firing section like the forge’s bellows. Ichika said adjusting heat with mana was convenient, so I included that. The internal structure was like my forge, so my Master could practice on it later. I installed a leftover Alchemist’s Egg as a power source, and it was done.
It was a bit heavy, so I lightened it with a levitation stone before carrying it back to the forge.
”Master, I’ve finished the pot’s base. Here.”
”That fast?”
”Oh, sorry—are you still working on the pot?”
When I came in, she was still hammering. She must’ve had a specific vision, taking this long. I’d finish this in five minutes with crafting magic—maybe I should learn her patience.
”I’ll leave it here. You can check it later.”
”…You didn’t add any weird gimmicks, did you?”
”I’m not that reckless. And I’ll teach the system to adjust rice texture later. You can test it yourself.”
”Just follow Ichika’s method. I taught her to cook rice.”
”Really? I didn’t know that.”
Wait—does that mean my Master’s a good cook too? The cooking time might change with pot size, so I’ll ask Ichika later.
As I walked from the forge to the garden, I carried water. I couldn’t make lemon honey preserves today, but they’re great for fatigue recovery, perfect for that idiot’s training. Or maybe a sports drink. Either way, I’ll need lemons. I’ll stop by the market or plant a lemon tree in the garden. I’ll ask Ethelena.
When I reached the veranda, I saw the idiot and Hinagiku sparring. Hinagiku’s movements were smooth and calm, but the idiot’s form was stiff and full of wasted motion. His HP must’ve been dropping fast. As expected of a royal guard—her skill was no joke.
”You’re focusing too much on where you want to strike,” she warned. “Your target point’s obvious.”
”Yes, ma’am!”
Reading attacks through eye movement—sure, that’s basic in close combat, but hiding it? That’s like an ancient martial art.
Then again, in my old world, hardly anyone needed those skills. Here, where swordfights are daily life, it’s probably fundamental.
”Hinagiku,” my mother-in-law’s voice called from the side. “That technique isn’t something to demand on the first day of katana training. What you should be correcting are his stances and the strength of his swings. Don’t forget that the purpose of this exercise is practice, not real combat.”
…Ah, so that’s it. Hinagiku wasn’t used to teaching. She looked embarrassed, but the idiot was eager to learn. I checked the clock—only two hours since lunch. I could step away for a bit.
”Um, Mother-in-law—”
”Ah! W-what is it, Tatara-san?”
Why did she look so startled? Anyway, I just needed to let her know before I left.
”I’m heading out for a bit of shopping,” I said. “I’ll be back in about an hour, so please keep an eye on things till then.”
”O-oh, I see… Have a good trip.”
You don’t have to look that relieved. That kind of hurts.
At the market, I bought lemons—fruit and a potted tree—and stored them in my inventory. I had jerseys made for Hinagiku and the idiot. His was thicker, with padded elbows and knees. The total was 27,000, higher since I rushed it. We argued about fabric cost, but I won by listing customization fees. The shopkeeper laughed, said she’d charge 30,000 next time, calling me a demon. I paid properly and headed home.
”Oh, shopkeeper!”
”Ah, hello there.”
I ran into the rich adventurer on my way back. Lately, I hadn’t opened my shop much since training in katana blacksmithing, so I hadn’t sold him healing ointment. Still, he looked fine.
”Out shopping?” he asked.
”Yes, just food and clothes. You just got back from exploring?”
”No, we took the day off. Everyone’s doing as they like.”
We chatted as we walked—headed the same way.
”You don’t seem hurt,” I said. “Glad to see the armor I sold you’s holding up.”
”It’s been a lifesaver! Even an orc’s charge barely leaves a dent now, as long as it’s not full speed. You’re a miracle worker, shopkeeper!”
”Careful with that kind of test, please,” I sighed.
So my armor can withstand an orc’s charge? Good to know.
”Still,” he went on, “my teammates said I need more defense and want me to upgrade the rest of my gear.”
”Can’t blame them,” I said. “They probably won’t relax until you’re fully covered. Next should be greaves, right? One good kick with bad footing could still kill a goblin.”
”You always sound so dangerous, shopkeeper…”
He laughed nervously, but I wasn’t kidding. I wanted him to switch to a greatsword. Katanas didn’t suit his style, but a wide-bladed greatsword would be perfect for someone who uses his weapon like a shield.
”Do you still have enough healing ointment?” I asked.
”Yeah. Since I’ve been taking fewer hits, I’m using less. Just like you said. My companions even yelled, ‘Get proper armor first!’”
”Sounds like good companions.”
”They’re the best!” he said proudly.
If he didn’t have a crafter, I’d want him as a regular after graduating. I’d love to make his equipment. With a physical attacker like him, my weapons could raise his team’s power. I’m proud—my work’s stronger than most dungeon gear.
We parted ways, and I made it home on time—exactly one hour later. I placed the lemon tree near the window for sunlight, then went to the yard.
There I found the idiot flat on the ground, Hinagiku kneeling nearby, and my mother-in-law standing over them like a general.
What the hell happened here?
”…You okay? Can you stand?”
”Ugh… Tatara?”
”Yeah. You were out cold. Feeling alright?”
”Pretty rough… I took a blow to the head. Blacked out.”
”No fracture… Just stay still.”
I used Concept Appraisal to check his brain. No major damage—just a mild concussion. He needed rest.
”Go lie down on the veranda.”
”Yeah, I’ll do that. My head’s still spinning.”
”You’re done for the day. You’ll be fine after sleep, but if worried, go to the Maiden’s Church for medicine.”
”Yeah… not bad. Head injuries are tricky.”
Medicine and healing magic weren’t perfect in this world, but at least everyone knew head injuries were serious. Nobody would push someone to keep working after one.
”Here, take this,” I said.
”Huh? A… jersey?”
”Laundry’s a pain, so as long as you’re training here, I’ll lend you that one—and I’ll wash it too.”
”…This is obviously my size. You wouldn’t fit in it.”
”Yeah, but I’m the one ordering it. Taking care of my team is part of my job.”
”If you say so…”
He scratched his head and finally accepted it, then looked up, hesitant.
”Hey, Tatara… I’ve got kind of a tough favor to ask.”
”If it’s about money, I’ll lend you up to a million.”
”What!? No! And don’t just offer that kind of money so casually!”
I didn’t tell him I’d actually be willing to invest far more than that. With his talent, he’d earn it back in five years easily.
”It’s about my little brothers and sisters,” he said. “Especially the youngest three. I wanna bring them here.”
”I’m not running a daycare, you know.”
”Yeah, I figured…”
”As long as they stay out of the forge and workshop, eat the same meals as us, listen to my mother-in-law and Hinagiku, and keep snacks under 300 coins—not counting bananas or oranges—then fine.”
”Wait, really!? And what’s with that last rule!?”
”I know your siblings. If they behave, I won’t complain. And that last one’s because of the great ‘300-snack war’ back in elementary school.”
”You mean the war you started with the teacher!”
Ah yes, how could I forget? Back in primary school in my previous life, the ‘300-yen snack limit’ became a battlefield. I turned it into a strategic war of loopholes and logic, winning the right to bring all kinds of sweets. They used to call me ‘Professor’—at first as an insult, then as respect. I’ll never forget the teacher’s face when I brought fruit sandwiches while everyone else had candy.
And honestly, fruit sandwiches are sandwiches. It’s not like I broke the rules. Meanwhile, this idiot—too poor back then to bring sweets—used to haul in leftover fruit from his family’s stall and somehow became the class hero. Not that I need to remind him of that. Unless, of course, Hinagiku ever asks about his childhood—then I’m absolutely telling her everything.
”Oh, and this.”
”…Why money?”
”You can’t go exploring while you’re learning sword technique. You’ll be losing income, so this should cover it.”
”Seriously, you…”
”I’m the client, you’re the contractor. Fair deal, right?”
”…Man, you’re something else.”
Completely defeated, he took the money. It might not be enough for his daily expenses, but it was better than nothing.
”In the future, I expect you to teach. You’ll help protect future explorers. This is the least I can do.”
”If this money is funded by taxes, I wouldn’t complain. But this is your own income, isn’t it?”
”With just one patent, I get five million yen a year without working. It’s no problem.”
”What did you sell to get that much…?”
”Oh, the patent for the Torimochi Ball alone brings in ten million annually.”
”I use that every day, thank you.”
He bowed deeply. Well, if you have an old house, Torimochi Balls are incredibly useful. And they’re great for protecting small families.
”Will today’s training end with just this lecture?”
”Katana technique starts and ends with respect. I want to give my thanks.”
We both poured water from the pitcher into glasses and watched Hinagiku get lectured by my mother-in-law.
After a while, the idiot said his goodbyes to Hinagiku and left. He’d improved a lot on his first day, but Hinagiku said he was still nowhere near mastering katana technique. I couldn’t help but wonder if she’d gone a little easy on him, but I decided to let it slide. I captured a bird-type Golem I’d been avoiding and sent it to the City Mayor with the newly made protective katana. The Mayor might have stronger protective charms, but this would at least help.
”So, why was I summoned right after returning?”
Then, I asked Yohira to help me test some new equipment. She’d just returned from exploring, and I needed her assistance.
”I’ve made some new equipment, and I want to test its effects with your help.”
”Me?”
”Ethelena and Dahlia are out. Tatia and Ichika are also unlikely candidates.”
”Hmm… Resistance-related?”
”Specifically, charm resistance.”
My words made Yohira nod in understanding. Oni have abnormally high resistance to medicinal effects, and their poison resistance is almost nullified. However, their resistance to mind-altering effects is incredibly low. The most dangerous aspect of the ‘Sex Sorcery’ charm used by the rare monsters appearing from the 35th floor onward is the possibility of Yohira being charmed and turning against us. If Concept Appraisal were used on her, even Tatia would be a one-hit KO. Dahlia, being immune, would have to step in.
”Hmm, so if I’m not charmed, then that charm is also useful, correct? In that case, I’ll cooperate.”
With that, Yohira agreed. I handed her the protective katana. She accepted it with a look of mild exasperation, as if accustomed to my creations. I faced her directly and used Sex Sorcery. I could feel the mana flow, sensing the charm taking effect on Yohira. Now, how did the experiment turn out?
”Yohira, are you okay?”
”…I feel a bit fuzzy.”
”Did it work?”
”I don’t think so… Try giving me a command to confirm.”
”A command… a command, huh?”
”Something you wouldn’t normally ask, something I’d usually refuse.”
Something I wouldn’t normally ask, something Yohira would refuse. Right. If it were the usual Yohira, she’d definitely retort. I think I’ve got it.
”Take off your clothes.”
As soon as I joked, Yohira’s clothes vanished. She stood naked, revealing her firm, dusky skin. Her breasts were small but well-defined, her shoulders and arms slender but toned. Her waist was thin, but her hips and thighs were full. And as she’d once mentioned, her pubic area was hairless and seemed slightly moist.
”W-what!?”
”What is it? Didn’t you tell me to take them off, Tatara?”
Yohira replied, looking puzzled, but her eyes seemed to sparkle with hearts. The charm had definitely worked. Was this a failed creation as a protective charm?
”Tatara-san, it’s almost time… Oh? Oh my, oh my, oh my♪”
Just then, the person I least wanted to see arrived. The situation was rapidly deteriorating.
”Yohira, I’m expecting great-grandchildren from you♪”
”Wait, Mother-in-law! Stop Yohira! The charm seems to be working!!”
”Oh, if ‘Yakukiri’ isn’t working, then Tatara-san’s charm isn’t harmful to Yohira, is it?”
”Huh? ‘Yakukiri’ works like that!?”
Then it’s no good. Depending on the person, it could betray you. That’s not good.
”Besides, in Tatara-san’s case, he wouldn’t harm someone he’s brought into his inner circle, like Yohira, Ethelena, or Tatia, would he? ‘Yakukiri’ probably understands that, so it’s not strange for Tatara-san’s charm to work on Yohira.”
”No, uh…”
By the time my mother-in-law entered, Yohira had already clung to me, pressing herself against me while hiding. Don’t get used to Ethelena’s ample bosom—Yohira had a different feel, and my manhood was reacting. Noticing this, Yohira began rubbing against me, making things precarious. Honestly, I felt like pushing her down right here.
”Well then, I’ll keep people away for about an hour.”
”Can you stop being so unnecessarily understanding?”
I couldn’t stop my mother-in-law from leaving. Now it was just Yohira and me in the room. I could feel Yohira’s breathing quicken, and frankly, I wanted to embrace her.
But I couldn’t. I wouldn’t allow myself to trample on Yohira’s resolve. Besides, getting involved like that wouldn’t be good for either of us.
”Tatara, stay as you are. I’ll handle it.”
With those words, Yohira knelt. Still kneeling, she unfastened my pants and pulled them down, exposing my manhood from my underwear. Yohira’s eyes widened at my erect penis, but the next moment, her expression turned joyful.
”You’re excited for me, aren’t you? Thank you. But… I can’t accept you yet… So, for now…”
She spoke to my manhood, then kissed its tip. Her tongue traced its length, licking not just the tip but the entire shaft.
”For now, please be satisfied with just my mouth, Tatara’s Oni Bocho.”
First, my Master called my manhood a ‘demon katana,’ and now this? What is going on with the way my manhood is handled?
Tatia event ongoing. ‘Poster girl’ event ongoing. Tatara enhancement event triggered. Apologies for the delay due to illness. Thinking is difficult when you have a cold.
‘I thought I had every right to be angry, so I regret letting it slide.’ ‘I judged it to be harmless. I regret my actions, but I do not regret the outcome.’
Notes:
• Hinagiku – A tengu woman as Ranka’s potential companion. She stays with Tatara’s group after travels. Joins household scenes only. Linked to Ranka by shared gluttony jokes. No direct tie to Tatara beyond cohabitation. Cheerful eater.
• Ichika – The fox girl. Kunoichi.
• Yohira – Torakuma’s first name.
• Dahlia – The automaton.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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