Volume 4 Chapter 74-2 The End Of The Nightmare And The Land Of Freedom
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
As if in a sacred ritual, the women were overcome with emotion, tears streaming down their faces. Some pressed their hands together in prayer, directing their reverence toward the fairy holding the card.
”One day, you’ll return to your hometown,” Rozmiaque said, his voice gentle and serene. “You’ll laugh with your friends again. Embrace your family. Until that day comes, remain here. This is a place beyond the realm of the living—where no evil can reach. As long as you stay, no one can harm you.”
The women nodded slowly, as if clinging to each word.
Perhaps, in their eyes, Rozmiaque appeared as a divine priest. In truth, he was an elf, dressed in a traditional Japanese robe, exuding quiet dignity.
”Now, rest your hearts,” he continued. “Close your eyes, and fall into a deep, peaceful sleep. May the Lord’s will watch over your dreams.”
With that, Rozmiaque ended the call.
On the screen, quiet sobs lingered—but this time, they were tears of relief.
”Lord, what do you think?”
Rozmiaque turned to me, visibly satisfied with the outcome.
”Ah… yeah. I guess it’s fine,” I replied, overwhelmed and unsure how else to respond.
In the video, the women lay in bed, hands clasped in prayer.
’God…’
’Thank you…’
At their whispers, I instinctively flinched.
I’m not God. And… is it really okay for a Love Hotel to be a sanctuary?
Lifia, however, spoke with calm conviction.
”To them, that’s how much it meant.”
I see. Well… maybe it’s fine for now.
* * *
The next day, we arrived off the coast of the free city, Latipak.
But we couldn’t dock at the harbor. Our ship bore no flags or emblems—no sign of allegiance. To the guards, we probably looked like pirates. And honestly, we couldn’t complain if they fired on us.
So, we used a small boat that had been stored aboard the captured pirate vessel. Most likely, the pirates used it for landing on islands without proper ports.
I boarded with Kéa and Korukona, while the rest of the group stayed behind at the Love Hotel.
We glided over the waves, the boat unobtrusive and unlikely to draw attention from the coastal watch.
Or so I thought.
”We’re going for it!”
Kéa paddled with all her strength, sending the boat skimming across the water like a speedboat in a race. The unnatural speed definitely turned heads.
”Not that way! More to the left!”
”Got it!”
Korukona’s tail swayed as she gave directions, and Kéa adjusted the course with fierce determination.
After some effort, we made landfall at a quiet edge of the harbor—less guarded, with fewer eyes watching. It wasn’t isolated, but it would do.
We stashed the boat in a nearby motel room and I contacted the others through the Love Hotel’s interface.
”So, this is the free city?”
Lifia stepped out of the door, inhaling deeply. The salty breeze tousled her hair as she squinted at the horizon.
”It’s exciting,” she said.
Yomi let her long hair sway as she gazed around, taking it all in.
We walked a short distance toward the center of the bustling port town.
”What kind of place is this?” I asked.
Rozmiaque answered as we walked. “The Free City of Latipak. As the name suggests, people of all races and backgrounds come here—travelers, merchants, mercenaries, sorcerers… even members of the Demon Race.”
Apparently, Rozmiaque had visited before. From his tone, it was easy to tell that this city welcomed diversity more than most.
Even so… the Demon Race, huh. Not exactly a group I have fond memories of.
”Wow! There are so many food stalls!” Kéa’s eyes sparkled as she pointed to a fruit vendor. “That fruit looks delicious!”
”Hey, don’t forget why we’re here.”
”Ah—right!”
Kéa quickly straightened her back, trying to regain focus. We could sightsee later.
Avoiding the crowded main street, we slipped into a quieter alleyway. It was less traveled, but close to a guard post—ideal for what we needed.
And there, the familiar door to the Love Hotel appeared again.
One by one, we returned to the hotel room. I opened the control terminal and began the process of releasing the rescued hostages—a boy and several women.
Fairies took them by the hand and gently led them to the exit.
We watched in silence as the scene played out on the monitor.
The boy stepped forward cautiously, fear still in his eyes. The women followed, huddled close behind.
They paused before the door, exchanged glances, and—after a moment of quiet resolve—opened it.
—!
The moment they stepped outside, the air shifted.
Before them stretched the port town—sunlight dancing on the sea, the sky wide and blue, the buzz of life all around.
Their eyes widened. Some covered their mouths in disbelief.
The boy was from this country. He would recognize this place instantly—the Free City of Latipak.
Freed from that nightmare ship, they now stood in the real world.
The land of freedom.
”…I really came back.”
The whisper was faint but carried everything.
Tears welled up. Their expressions crumbled with emotion.
At long last… their nightmare had ended.
Notes:
• Rozmiaque – High-ranking elf investigating large-scale Spirit Magic usage. Condescending, believes a High Elf is involved. Uses 6-letter Spirit Magic to trap targets. Displays contempt for half-elves and humans. Aggressive interrogator, possibly capable of sensing hidden information.
• Latipak – A small independent state centered around its port town. Located in a strategic trade hub, it maintains neutrality despite being surrounded by large nations and Demon Race territories. It is a bustling city where humans, elves, dwarfs, and Demon Race people coexist. Known for its vibrant streets, diverse languages, and lively atmosphere.
• Korukona – A cat-eared girl with amber eyes. She is brave but vulnerable, showing honesty and gratitude. Taro rescues her from the pirate and plans to send her to her village.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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