Chapter 102 Disbandment
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
”That’s right, Tatara. Seeing your best friend eat made me want chazuke. One wasabi chazuke, please.”
”…Master (female), you sure can eat, huh?”
”I am still an oni, you know. There’s plenty of room left.”
Her stomach strength could make the words “eats like a beast” sound polite. I couldn’t even be surprised anymore.
I started preparing what she asked for. I cut the tuna with its skin still on, seared it until the skin was just crisp, then laid it over a bowl of white rice. A small dab of wasabi on top, and I poured green tea over everything. The scent of tea and wasabi rose together, sharp and fragrant. I should’ve poured it right in front of Master (female) so she could enjoy the smell first. Still thinking that, I handed her the bowl of wasabi-tuna chazuke. She breathed in deeply, savoring it, then started eating with a pleased smile.
Time passed, and most of the tuna we’d been struggling to use up ended up in the stomachs of those oni. Only about ten kilos remained. I offered half to the Color family as a gift, but they hesitated until the Acting Head of Family and Master (female), who had already taken bottles of salted fish liquor, insisted they accept. The City Mayor (female) and Calmys-san each took about a kilo as well. Honestly, the City Mayor (female) needed a gentler diet, but I couldn’t judge after today’s feast. We’d finish the remaining four kilos at home. If needed, I could make pâté for storage.
”Well then, we should be heading home,” said the Acting Head of Family.
”After all that food and drink, I’d say you’re well satisfied,” I said.
”Tatara-dono, call me Father-in-law,” he slurred.
”Dear, let’s leave that talk for when you’ve sobered up,” his wife said firmly.
The Acting Head of Family clearly had a funny sort of drunk going, and Mother-in-law’s calm rebuke made Ethelena give a weary smile.
”Even so, are you sure we can take the leftover liquor with us, Tatara?” Master (female) asked.
”I’d be happy if you did. The brewer here was fired up to make everyone a fan of his taste.”
”Heh, then I’ll take it gladly.”
They split the leftover bottles between the Torakuma (female) house and Master (female)’s. Surprising there was any left at all, but then I learned the Acting Head of Family had mostly been drinking the Hizuru liquor he’d brought himself. Just how much did he pack?
”By the way,” said the still-tipsy Acting Head of Family, “what’s the status of my armor stand?”
I sighed. “Still not made. Hard to craft one without the armor here. And if I make it too generic, it loses… flair.”
”Hmm, I see.”
”But take this instead.”
I pulled from my Inventory a fishing rod made from Evil Mithril—metal forged from a goddess’s divine fragment I got from the ‘Chef’ in a previous chapter. I’d shaped it like carbon fiber, jokingly naming it the Mithril Rod. Not a staff, a fishing rod.
He took it seriously, examining it from tip to handle, then nodded once. “When you visit Hizuru, we’ll go fishing together, my son-in-law.”
”Dear, enough,” his wife warned, fist tightening, ready to strike.
I flinched slightly, then remembered something.
”Oh, Mother-in-law, who’s that katana going to, in the end?”
I didn’t want that bastard to have it. He was skilled and could likely wield a demon blade, but giving him any weapon felt dangerous.
Whether she read my thoughts or not, Mother-in-law took the katana from her Inventory and gave it to the Acting Head of Family. He had been called Sword Demon or Sword Saint—titles I hadn’t realized were literal.
”Dear, your new katana!” she said brightly.
”Please don’t say that like some cheese-headed girl throwing new faces around,” he groaned.
That line sounded straight out of my old world, but funny enough, that hero’s picture book was read to kids in several countries here. The original game had even credited the name properly. The studio had begged for permission since the CEO’s first gift to his child had been that book—and if they wanted to spread love and courage to the world, there was no better hero. So they got the rights to use the name and cover art. Wild effort for something so niche.
In the story, the heroine read that same book to a child. The voice actress even later did a video reading of it and sang the hero’s theme—it went viral. Funny how things travel.
Back in the present, the Acting Head of Family examined the katana with a suddenly sober face. He tried to draw it, but it didn’t budge.
”…Tatara-dono, what is this?”
”Ah, something I asked Mother-in-law to help make. It’s a conceptual weapon—super sharp, beyond normal steel.”
Not a lie.
”Hm. It gives off a divine presence, like a sacred katana, yet without the darkness of a cursed one. Curious.”
”It’s still young, you could say. Newborn metal—pure.”
”I see. Then why won’t it draw?”
”Because it’s sealed. Drawing it carelessly would be dangerous. You have to speak to the scabbard first.”
He placed a hand on the hilt and closed his eyes. Then his lips moved.
”‘From the sheath of sleep, be released, blade that severs all. Cut through them, through me, and judge our foes.’”
”…Oh, come on.”
The second he finished, the latch at the scabbard clicked open. The katana itself had given him the chant, meaning it had accepted him. I didn’t even know that chant. Not that I’d been rejected, exactly; the sword seemed to see me as its creator, not its wielder. So for me, a short command like “Wake up” or “Diagnose” worked just as well. Not that I could use it properly anyway. Even Mother-in-law and Master (female) couldn’t draw it, but somehow, the Acting Head of Family passed its test.
He held the drawn katana before his face, studying its gleam.
”…A fine blade. You made this, Tatara-dono?”
”Yes. I just kept sharpening it overnight until it turned out like that.”
”Maybe learn to stop earlier next time, Tatara-dono.”
He gave me a half-lidded stare. Fair—I’d feel the same if someone said that to me. But still, cut me some slack.
”If you don’t want it, I’ll take it,” said the sword instructor, eyes shining.
”Who said it’s yours? I’ll keep and honor it myself,” the Acting Head of Family snapped. “So, Tatara-dono, does this katana have a name?”
”Not yet, actually,” I admitted.
”…Just as you said earlier, then,” he murmured.
Apparently, the Acting Head of Family had already heard the story from Mother-in-law. Since the katana and even the scabbard recognized him as its wielder, it made sense to let him name it himself.
”The katana’s accepted you. I’d be happy if you gave it a name, Acting Head of Family. I’m sure it would be too.”
”…Very well.”
He frowned, deep in thought. Naming something isn’t easy—especially a blade.
”Then… I’ll name this katana Ryūzetsuran—Agave.”
At his words, something inside me stirred, a faint thread connecting us. Ryūzetsuran… agave’s flower meaning was “delicate,” and the other was—
”…You didn’t name it after Mother-in-law, did you?”
”W–what are you talking about, Tatara-dono?”
Oh, his voice cracked. Definitely caught. The other meaning of agave was “noble lady.” If anyone fit that, it was his wife. Typical devoted husband move.
”Tatara-san, what does Ryūzetsuran mean?” Mother-in-law asked with a teasing smile.
”You should hear it directly from Acting Head of Family.”
”Oh? You won’t tell me yourself?”
”It’ll mean more if you hear it from him.”
She gave her husband a meaningful look. I almost felt sorry for him. Yohira might soon have a new sibling.
”T-Tatara-dono… do you hold a grudge against me?”
”Not really. Just… enjoy some quality time with your wife.”
He glanced at Mother-in-law and slumped his shoulders. Maybe she’d tease him later—but knowing her, she’d give back that love twice over. Before it got too sentimental, I activated the teleportation gate.
”Well then, Master (female), Mother-in-law, Acting Head of Family… until next time.”
”Aye, stay strong, Tatara.”
”You too, Tatara-san,” said Mother-in-law warmly.
”We won’t see each other in person for a while,” the Acting Head of Family said. “But we will again. Yohira, take care of yourself.”
”Yes, Father.”
”Kasumi-sensei! Bye-bye!!” shouted Sunny.
”Fufu, yes, bye-bye, Sunny-san. Teacher loves your drawings, so keep drawing lots, okay?”
”Okay!”
Sunny-chan and Mother-in-law had bonded without me noticing. They both loved art, and one day together was enough. They shared the same cheerful spirit. The twins slept peacefully, full and happy. I wondered if they’d cry when they woke up and realized Grandma was gone.
The three of them stepped through the glowing teleportation gate and vanished. One week together felt much longer.
”So,” I muttered, “what now?”
The bastard was still here. Normally, I’d host him, but living together seemed like trouble. He gave off the vibe of a sleazy side character from an adult game—the kind who ruins everything.
”Apologies,” said the City Mayor (female), “but the Beast will live under our administrative district’s supervision.”
”Huh? Not with those two?”
”No. They were under Tatara’s protection and couldn’t be formally received. But someone holding an important title from another territory can’t just stay in a private home.”
”Eh… fine, I guess.”
He wasn’t thrilled but understood. Holding a position in Torakuma (female) territory had taught him some sense. I hadn’t forgiven him for trying to attack me when we first met, but him leaving my house was victory enough.
”Tatara,” the City Mayor (female) said with a sigh, “my stomach’s in knots just thinking about that katana of yours. Forget it for tonight. Just send me a report in… a week to a month.”
”I could have it to you tomorrow.”
”In. A. Week. To. A. Month!”
”Yes, ma’am.”
I thought I was being efficient, but she wanted the delay for herself. In a month, the student protests would end. She must have decided to see them through safely.
”Alright then, I’ll send it in a month. You’ll probably be busy cleaning up afterward anyway.”
”…True. But by then, I’ll have no regrets.”
She understood, answering with quiet resolve. Let’s both survive this.
”Well then, Julon,” Calmys said, bowing slightly, “we should leave before sunset.”
”Yes, Calmys. Goodbye, Tatara.”
As they turned to leave, the bastard raised a hand.
”Hey. We ate a ton today—rest the stomach tomorrow?”
He was asking about training. He still had some sense of duty.
”…Well?” he pressed.
”I’ll be fine. Give me a day, and I’ll be ready.”
He grinned. “Good. You’ve got guts.”
Watching them, the bastard’s next trainee realized who he’d be dealing with.
”So, you’re the one I’ll be training, huh? Hm. I’ll keep expectations low.”
”That’s fine-ssu. Just teach me the basics of katana, and I’m good.”
”…Heh. I like your attitude.”
The bastard didn’t even try to be polite—that meant he didn’t hate the guy. Which said something, considering his usual attitude. Maybe I should add demonsteel greaves as a bonus—just in case.
”Hinagiku-san, sorry to trouble you,” I said.
”No trouble at all,” she replied immediately. “I’ll guard them.”
She was always dependable. I turned to Lord.
”Lord, could I ask a favor?”
”Of course. What is it?”
”If Hinagiku-san can’t make it back, could she stay here for the night?”
”Oh, that’s all? Of course, no problem. She’s practically my son’s future wife, after all.”
He agreed too easily. We shared the same idea. I gave him a sound-blocking magic device. He nodded, understanding. I gave another device to the Color couple—they’d likely be spirited tonight, and noise would be an issue.
”T-Tatara-san,” Anna said shyly, “thank you for all the wonderful food today.”
”Don’t be so formal, Anna-chan. We’ve known each other for ages. Come by anytime.”
She smiled softly and warmly, as always. Even grown up and beautiful, her kindness still shone through.
”Tatara-kun,” Nina said, “sorry I didn’t help much with cooking.”
”You’re a guest, Nina-chan. Don’t worry about it. Did you enjoy the food?”
”Mhm! It was amazing! Thank you so much!”
Guests helping the host would have been strange. Maybe I shouldn’t have let the Acting Head of Family help earlier. But seeing everyone enjoy my food made it worth it.
”Tatara-kun,” Rachel said next, “thank you for inviting us today.”
”Not at all, Rachel-san. If anything, I should apologize for the sudden invitation through him.”
”It’s fine,” Rachel said, smiling as she adjusted the sleeping Sunny in her arms. “We don’t have much money, honestly. Meals like this really help.”
I nodded, smiling warmly. She called it poverty, but they earned enough—raising kids was expensive. Anna’s magical medicine research likely drained funds. Once her patent profits rose, I might invest in her magical medicine research.
”…Tatara-kun, uh—” Lord began, holding the twins, one in each arm.
”What is it, Lord? You look like you’re holding back.”
He looked torn for a moment. He was physically stronger than that idiot swordsman. Carrying both twins wasn’t just affection—it was part of their family’s defense plan. With rising tension, they’d arranged a formation: Lord up front, skilled in martial arts; Albard-san at the rear as the last defense; Hinagiku-san and the eldest brother handling troublemakers in between. They were ready for ambushes, even as the air of unrest lingered. We needed to crush the student uprising soon, but we had to wait for the other side to move. It gnawed at me.
”Just… be careful,” Lord finally said, sighing. “My sisters are starting to look at you like hungry predators.”
”…Huh?”
I blinked. Predators? They were looking at me that way?
”No way,” I said flatly.
I’d known them since childhood, same age as their brother—there’s no way they’d see me like that. Lord just let out a long, exasperated breath.
”Hopeless,” he muttered. “Like a deer walking straight toward the lion because it doesn’t know it’s dinner.”
”That’s the second time someone’s said that to me,” I said. “What’s that even supposed to mean?”
That idiot had said the same thing once. Was it a warning? If I was the clueless herbivore… who was the predator?
”Sometimes you feel like my little brother,” Lord sighed. “That’s what this is like.”
”That line contradicts itself somehow,” I muttered.
The idea that I gave off “little brother energy” to multiple people wasn’t exactly comforting.
”Anyway,” Lord said, shaking his head, “let’s wrap it up before this talk goes nowhere.”
”Right,” I said. “Heading back?”
”Yeah. Don’t worry, we’ll be fine. Even if an Ogre ambushes us.”
”If Hinagiku-san’s with you, you’ll be fine even against a whole herd,” I said. “She’s stronger than Ichika, after all.”
”Really? Then we’ll sleep easy,” he laughed, waving as his family disappeared into the night.
I turned back to the yard. “Alright, cleanup time.”
I packed away the tuna stand, pots, and tables one by one. The quiet after a feast always felt lonely, but that sadness meant the night mattered. I hoped we could gather again—drink, laugh, eat until full. To make that happen, I had to survive the coming chaos. Maybe next time, I’d invite the old adventuring party too.
”Tatara-dono, all cleared up here,” Tatia called.
I looked up. “Thanks.”
”Were you thinking about something?” she asked gently.
I smiled. “Yeah. I was just thinking, once this whole student rebellion is over, I want to throw another feast. Invite the old guys too.”
”That sounds… very, very nice,” she said after a long pause. Maybe she was imagining it—maybe she’d never had something like that with her own father.
”I feel very full inside right now,” she said softly, smiling.
”With you all here, being able to talk with Father Lord about the dungeon, and meeting Sunny and the others today…”
She pressed her hands against her chest and bowed her head.
”It was new to me. When Sunny called me ‘Knight-sama’ and looked up with shining eyes… it warmed my heart.”
Then she lifted her head, her eyes burning with resolve.
”Tatara-dono, I’ve found more to protect in this town. Those people at the academy are enemies now. I never planned to lose—but now I can’t lose.”
She clenched her fist and held it toward me.
”I want to ask again, Tatara-dono. Help me protect this town and these people—together.”
Her eyes were clear and shining with conviction.
”I want that too,” I said. “Tatia, fight with us. Be the knight who protects this town and everyone in it.”
I raised my hand and met her fist. Her determination kindled my own. My resolve hardened.
”Tatara-dono,” she whispered, “may my wind carry me farther and stronger.”
”If that’s what you want,” I said, “I’ll take you anywhere.”
I didn’t need to ask what she meant. Her will was enough. If she needed me, I’d be there.”
”…By the way,” she said suddenly, breaking the heavy air, “I have something to ask.”
”Hm?”
”I filed a night-stay pass at school. Could I stay here tonight?”
The request was sudden, but luckily, a room had just opened. If she stayed, Ethelena would likely pull Yohira in for a girls’ night. That worked fine—I had plans for the night anyway.
”Sure. There’s a free room… if I can head to the workshop.””
”Workshop? What for?”
Instead of answering, I handed her to Ethelena and went to the workshop. There, I called for Dahlia, a character previously introduced in the plot.
”Master,” she said the moment she appeared, “if you summoned me at this hour to satisfy your urges, the mood here is terribly lacking.”
”It’s not that,” I snapped.
Maybe the alcohol shortened my temper. I took a breath. I needed her help, not teasing.
”I’m working on your armor’s recoil propulsion system—project name: Jet Engine. I need your help.””
”If that’s the case—what are we waiting for, master!? Let’s begin!”
…Still shamelessly motivated as ever.
Notes:
• Calmys – War God’s knight, Mayor’s guard chief, whip-master hiding as a swordswoman; sharp tongue, big-sister vibe to Tatara, grants him and Ethelena church protection.
• Yohira – Torakuma’s first name.
• Sunny – Cheerful, artistic young girl under Rachel’s care. Bonds with Mother-in-law through drawing; admired by Tatia as symbol of the town’s hopeful future.
• 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.
• Anna – Shy, warm-hearted female researcher in magical medicine. Gratefully benefits from Tatara’s hospitality and investment, indirectly aiding Rachel financially.
• Nina – A female companion who joins Ethelena in whispered remarks, questioning the Mayor’s personal life.
• Rachel – Female character agreeing with Albert’s praise of Tatara’s father. Happy to join Tatara’s close-knit group. Sunny’s mother—grateful guest, financially struggling but resilient.
• Ichika – The fox girl. Kunoichi.
• Dahlia – The automaton.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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