Chapter 18 Administrative Part
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
The Teleportation Crystal activated, and we were back at the dungeon entrance.
Girl and I used this method to return to the surface often, so the committee staff were used to it. Until they saw Torakuma.
The moment the staff caught sight of an unfamiliar, beautiful Oni woman, their guard went up. I explained the situation, and at first, they didn’t believe me. Once the matter was communicated through diplomatic channels, it exploded into chaos like a hornet’s nest.
The diplomat said that when they contacted Torakuma’s country, as expected, a noble daughter had gone missing. Apparently, Torakuma’s family had a long history of being directionally challenged, and the country had some idea of that. Traveling outside the island nation was unexpected, though.
”This has become quite noisy…”
”Well, when a foreign princess arrives…”
”I am of the Torakuma family, but not a princess.”
”Here, unmarried noble ladies are all called princesses.”
”I see… so that’s how it is.”
We sipped the tea the staff had prepared, the three of us together. The diplomat came to summon us; apparently, the head of the Torakuma family wanted to speak with his daughter and her benefactor.
It would likely be a simple thanks. If the noble family was informed, I might even gain knowledge about the ‘Demon God’s Bracelet’ we found in the dungeon. Being an Oni family, even if no info was available, nothing bad would happen.
We were led into a communication room with a magic device projecting images. The mirrored surface showed a middle-aged Oni man with features similar to Torakuma.
”It’s an honor to meet you. I am the acting head of the Torakuma family. It seems my daughter owes you her gratitude.”
He bowed immediately. The diplomat panicked, but it seemed customary in Torakuma’s culture. As a former Japanese, it felt oddly familiar.
”No, it is I who am grateful. Had I not met your daughter, I might have faced danger. I am a young explorer and may have acted with some rudeness—please forgive me.”
I bowed, expressing thanks and requesting leniency in advance, since my education might not cover all etiquette. How would he take it?
”Hm… understood. I too may act without proper etiquette as I come from a foreign land. Let us treat each other with mutual forgiveness.”
”Much obliged.”
Good, he confirmed that differences in etiquette were understood. Even if mistakes occurred, it should be fine. Now we just needed to maintain polite conduct.
”You are still young, yet your responses are firm.”
”Likely because in your country, I would already be considered an adult. Anything less would be laughable.”
”Ah, of age. Yet you carry responsibility. Your country is fortunate.”
”Your words are humbling. Thank you.”
Was it a compliment or a veiled test? Hard to tell at first meeting. Torakuma, please, intervene.
”By the way, who is the woman next to you?”
”Huh!? Eh, I’m…!”
”Calm down,” Torakuma said with a wry smile, seeing Girl flustered. This was probably her first time in such a situation.
”Father, this is my companion, who helped me.”
”Huh!?”
”Heh, tackling danger together as a pair shows remarkable trust,” he commented.
”No, we’re not a married couple.”
”What?”
”From that distance, no one would think otherwise,” I muttered, eyebrow raised. Torakuma added her commentary.
”…So says the girl?”
”Yes, I took in someone who had nowhere to go and gave her a place to live. I bear responsibility for her life. But we are not married.”
”What? You hold that responsibility but aren’t married!?”
The gilding is peeling off, Acting Head of Family.
”If you bear that much responsibility, you’re already like a couple.”
”Father, these two are more than friends, less than spouses. Being near them is like tasting sugar,” Torakuma added.
”Torra-chan, what are you saying!?”
”Torra-chan!? That’s a bit close! Did you finally make a friend!?”
”Calm down, there’s no tsukkomi here!”
If everyone spoke freely, it would spiral out of control, and I’m not the tsukkomi.
”…Excuse me, I got carried away.”
”If making friends makes you flustered, what about a lover?”
”A-lover!? Who is this fool, I’ll make him talk!!”
”Father!? I… I don’t have such a person!”
I had triggered the Acting Head of Family’s outburst. From the brief conversation, it was clear—he was a complete doting parent. Some aides appeared in the video, restraining him. Even with several people, he almost shook them off—he was formidable.
From behind him, a shadow approached silently. The figure appeared female, face unseen. The instant she reached his back—
Clang!
As if metal collided, the Acting Head’s head slammed into the tatami. The aides who had tried to stop her fled in shock.
”Please, calm down,” came a cool, composed voice. But beneath the surface, fury burned.
”If your daughter has chosen someone she likes, support her. If she reaches out, it’s enough even if she fails. When children grow, parents should act this way.”
”B-but…”
”If your blood is still boiling, shall I wait until it cools?”
”No, it’s fine.”
The Acting Head’s authority vanished. Perhaps a classic ‘wife rules’ scenario—men never overpower women, no matter the era.
The woman knelt, appearing in the video. Her black hair was elegantly tied high, eyes gold and otherworldly, skin fair like snow, and a single red horn on her forehead.
”It is an honor to meet you. I am the wife of the Acting Head of the Torakuma family. Thank you for helping my daughter. Please, remember me.”
I returned the bow to Torakuma’s mother. Noticing her head raise, I raised mine too. Her eyes studied me critically, then glanced at her daughter, nodding once in apparent approval.
”Regarding thanks for saving my daughter…”
”Yes, I have already spoken with your daughter. I would like to see the actual weapons and craftsmanship from your culture.”
”…Is that proper as thanks?”
”I am considered a blacksmith in my country. Learning foreign methods is invaluable knowledge.”
”Mother, as promised, I would like to gift a katana, textile, and kimono.”
”Is that so? And what of your friend?”
”Uh… well… just being able to explore together and talk a lot was enough for me.”
”…I understand. I will provide a katana, kimono, a manuscript on its crafting, and a bottle of our nation’s sake.”
”Your generosity is overwhelming. Thank you.”
”No… my daughter seems fond of you. If no companion were present, I might have considered you a suitor.”
”No companion, though.”
”…Isn’t the person next to you the one?”
”No. I take responsibility for her life, but we are not married.”
”…With that level of commitment, surely you’d be married?”
This family all says the same thing…
”If she were rejected, I promised to console her!”
”Do you have to say that here?”
”What? I wasn’t informed…”
”You were unconscious at the time,” I reminded.
”Oh dear…”
”I am grateful you saved my daughter! But! I will not acknowledge this!!”
”No, you absolutely should not acknowledge it, but honor the bloodline, Noble Family.”
Chaos was threatening to erupt again. I wondered—if the Acting Head of Family and his companion saw this, maybe they could give us some information.
”Um, there’s something I’d like to ask.”
”Oh? Is this about marrying my daughter?”
”No way. We found something troublesome in the dungeon, and it seems tied to your culture. We’d like you to examine it.”
”Ah! The one that came out of the treasure chest just before meeting Torra-chan!!”
”Hmm? I’m not familiar with that story.”
”Well, right after we picked it up, something crazy appeared and blew our minds. I was hesitant to handle it, and then you showed up.”
While talking, I took the ‘Demon God’s Bracelet’ out of my inventory. The Acting Head of Family and Torakuma simultaneously spit out their tea in shock.
”Th-That is!?”
”Why is a symbol of succession in a foreign land!?”
”Oh… I thought it was just trouble, but it’s beyond imagination.”
Their reaction was intense. Well, the head of the family was technically “acting,” and lacked the symbol themselves, just like in previous tales. The heroine of that story had abandoned the search for this item for her loved one, and its aftermath was never revealed.
No information about it appeared even in the game Beyond the Deep Darkness!
”Ah… if this is an important family heirloom, we’d like to return it.”
”Of course! P-please, a reward… what would you wish for!?”
”Wow, they’re eager… Must be things commoners can’t understand—honor and face, probably.”
”Certainly, returning it without due courtesy could affect the family name. What should we do?”
”Ah, yes! A famed katana or armor from a master craftsman! That armor is top-class, even here in our country!”
”No, I made this myself. Better to die with my own creation than with a master’s finest work.”
”Ah, at your age… and such craftsmanship? Is that yours as well?”
”Yes, all of our equipment was made by me.”
”Ah… so promising.”
Being recognized for my work was satisfying, especially since it was my original creation, not just game knowledge applied.
”Excuse me, what does your friend use? From what I see, not much power… perhaps a spell user?”
”Oh, no… this.”
Girl placed ‘Lonisera’ in view. Torakuma’s mother widened her eyes slightly, then studied its construction carefully.
”I’m impressed. It’s a very powerful firearm, though few can wield it.”
”…You can tell?”
”My eyes are trained.”
This was the first time someone had fully analyzed Lonisera’s structure—such a person truly exists. The world is vast.
”Why do you look so pleased?”
”Because someone can grasp Lonisera’s design principle at first sight! Of course I’m happy!”
”Oh my…”
I answered Girl excitedly, and Torakuma’s mother held her cheek, letting out a slightly troubled sound. Perhaps at my childishness or the fact that her daughter’s benefactor acted so boldly.
”Now, please calm yourself.”
”B-but! This is a symbol of succession missing for over a century!?”
”Ah… is something wrong?”
”Hmm… nothing much. Torra-chan will leave soon anyway.”
Torakuma seemed sad that she would leave. Her background and status had made her distrustful of humans, so friends were rare. I suddenly had an idea—a reward without cost or major loss for either side.
”Then… how about sending your daughter here for study, or as an ambassador?”
”Hm?”
”Oh?”
”Eh?”
The Torakuma family looked puzzled. Whether it would work, I didn’t know, but it might allow Girl’s friend to stay.
”Excuse me, but Your Daughter technically committed illegal entry, even if by teleportation accident.”
”Guh.”
”Hm, true.”
”I once read in old texts about a ‘lost child of fate.’ I think it might refer to the Torakuma family, what do you think?”
”…Embarrassingly, there was a time our family called ourselves that.”
”Called yourselves? Apologies… in any case, a top-notch directionally challenged girl appearing unpredictably across dimensions. This could be politically tricky.”
”Didn’t the pronunciation of ‘Noble Family’ sound weird just now?”
”Shh! Serious discussion!”
”Diplomatic issue, you mean?”
”Yes.”
The Acting Head of Family pondered. Though distant and with little contact, this wasn’t an enemy nation. Using this as a pretext for creating a teleportation gate and trade could benefit ‘Whirlwind’ and improve Torakuma’s position—potentially turning an accident into an advantage.
”I’m not a diplomat, so I don’t know technicalities. But if this could connect your country and theirs through Your Daughter, it could be fun.”
”…You…”
Torakuma’s voice reached me. I had no insight into others’ thoughts. I was always poor at negotiation and still am. So I would only channel the raw enthusiasm of youth.
”…Even if that happens, what do you gain?”
”I get to meet my friend.”
The words came naturally. The short time we’d adventured and shared was too precious to lose.
”…Hypothetically, if a teleportation gate were built, where would it be?”
”You can discuss that with the city mayor or officials.”
”Not for trade, only a private Torakuma family gate. Is there land available?”
”If it’s in our garden, that works.”
”Is it proper to decide lightly, without parental permission?”
”Pardon, my parents are no longer alive.”
”…I see.”
”They died a few years ago, participating in a dungeon raid against a powerful Special Ability entity.”
Speaking of my parents’ death always brought a pang to my chest. Saying it aloud made my weak points ache. Girl and Torakuma’s gazes followed me—concern, perhaps.
”…Do you intend to send your daughter to a house with no supervising adults, and a young man?”
”Pardon, Your Daughter is too strong for me to handle.”
”Girl, she’s causing trouble as a potential bride, so don’t point that out.”
”What concerns do you have?”
”Uh… using potions or—”
”Most human-effective potions barely affect Oni Clans.”
Even healing potions were ineffective unless magical, and regular crafters couldn’t produce effective ones without breaking the law.
”Getting her drunk with large quantities of alcohol?”
”…Can a human even survive that much?”
”Impossible. Her capacity is said to be lake-sized.”
Humans would instantly succumb to alcohol fumes.
”Ah! Use Sex Sorcery to override her will!!”
”Oh right, it worked on the Ogre, didn’t it?”
”Exactly.”
Torakuma seemed surprised I also possessed it. I had only seen Girl use it before.
”How many women have you seduced with that Sex Sorcery!?”
”My only experience is with this one beside me.”
”You must have visited brothels at least?”
”No. Anyone else, and they’d be mummified.”
”…Pardon, does she carry Succubus blood?”
”…Yes, my mother was one.”
”Impressive endurance, indeed.”
”This is what Sex Sorcery is for…”
’Desperation much.’
The moment the Acting Head of Family learned of Girl’s origins, his gaze shifted—half sympathy, half understanding.
”…Pardon me, but were you attacked by a Succubus in the past?”
’Had my wife not saved me, I’d have been done for.’
”I can imagine…”
Wow. I felt a strange connection of empathy.
’…Ahem. I understand your sincerity, but one last question. If you escort my daughter in your garden, what do you desire?’
”Shall we call it a toll?”
’You may interpret it that way.’
”…Then, the right to share a meal together.”
’…What?’
”The right to share a meal.”
’Foolish… what benefit does that bring?’
The Acting Head looked confused. Sure, it sounded dubious as a “benefit.” But to me—
”I originally lived with just my parents, the three of us.”
’Hm.’
”But they passed away, leaving me alone… and I took her in.”
’…I see.’
”Eating alone is tasteless. With her around, my loneliness fades. But our house is huge. When she’s out, I feel the emptiness and almost cry. Even when she’s beside me, there are moments I feel crushed by solitude.”
’…And?’
”I need another person—a companion I can entrust my heart to! So… please. Let me and my friend stay together!!”
My emotions spilled out incoherently. I didn’t even fully understand what I was saying. I simply poured my heart out, bowing deeply.
At that moment, a presence shifted beside me.
”Father, I want to stay here.”
’…I see.’
”I am the youngest daughter, ultimately just a tool for a political marriage. My elder siblings are more competent.”
’But in terms of combat prowess, you are unmatched.’
’Dear, be quiet for a moment.’
’Yes.’
As Torakuma expressed her will, I felt the Acting Head of Family say something incredible. Having a Noble Family member with unparalleled combat ability alone could be a deterrent…
”I have lived my life unable to make friends, protected by my family. But today, I’ve met a friend who treats me as an equal.”
’…’
”I thought it would remain a fleeting dream, one to cherish in my heart. That was my thought.”
Torakuma’s hand gently touched my back. Despite her strength, it was soft and small.
”But if this friend truly wants me to stay, as one who carries Torakuma blood, I cannot deny them. To do so would shame this blood.”
Torakuma drew a steady breath.
”Father. I want to live with this person. Please, allow it.”
These were not Torakuma’s words as a warrior, but as a daughter, as a human being.
’…Hah. So this is what it feels like to give away a daughter?’
’Oh my, rejoice in her growth.’
The atmosphere suddenly felt lighter.
”Um…?”
’We will recognize your house as her place of stay.’
”Uh… thank you…?”
Confused by the relaxed air. Had we been accepted?
’We will send someone to escort our daughter home first.’
”Understood. I’ll coordinate with a diplomatic official.”
’Good. Please handle it.’
”Oh, and—”
’Yes?’
”Please make sure the escort doesn’t get lost.”
’Heh.’
’Understood.’
My added condition was accepted by Torakuma’s mother. Losing everyone on a journey would have been a disaster.
Soon after, officials arrived. After greetings, we excused ourselves.
We checked various details with the staff—where would Torakuma stay? Being a foreign noble, she couldn’t be placed in a poor facility. She would stay at the City Mayor’s residence for two to three days. Once paperwork was complete, her residence would be changed to my house, and teleportation gate materials would be provided. A thorough arrangement—or a forward investment.
”Well, until next time.”
Torakuma casually spoke of meeting again.
”Yeah, until then.”
”Mm, see you, Torra-chan.”
We replied in kind, and it felt so natural that we laughed together. As we departed, Torakuma waved until she was out of sight.
It had been a great day of adventure.
We walked home shoulder to shoulder. On the next day off, maybe I’d draft furniture plans for the new resident.
—
[Oni Cry] Event added in the game DAWN: Beyond the Deep Darkness Remake. Random events occur in the dungeon ‘Cavern of Eternal Night,’ floors 15–19 or 81–84. Triggered by acquiring the ‘Demon God’s Bracelet’ from a locked chest. The possessed female Oni goes berserk in the floor where obtained. Meeting specific conditions and defeating her allows subjugation via Sex Sorcery. She is a descendant of a heroine from a previous work; her presence in a distant foreign dungeon remains unexplained.
Notes:
• Torakuma – Sturdy, serious-looking man; skilled fighter and tactician; reliable ally guiding the protagonist.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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