New chapter of Ordinary Person is out! (2/3 chapters)

 

 

Chapter 114

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

Upon leaving the dungeon with Muze, the older gentleman from the Self-Defense Forces, with whom I had become acquainted during the terror incident, stared at us in astonishment.

“Ah, greetings. I thank you for the information earlier.” (Kouta)

“Ooh! W-What on earth is this!!?” (SDF)

I do not know, even if you were to ask me.

“Mew? This is not me! I am Muze!” (Muze)

Yes, Muze was patting my head while protesting. Surely it must be adorable. I wanted to see it. Her protest seemed only to further astonish the gentleman. Perhaps the abnormality lay in the fact that a monster could speak fluently. Either way, we had succeeded in startling the Self-Defense Forces. That had not been our intention.

“It is most discourteous! Boo.” (Muze)

Boo? Is that her puffing her cheeks? I would very much like to witness that. I suppose it is impossible.

“Um…” (SDF)

“She is one of the Water Spirit residing on the fourth level, it seems.” (Kouta)

Seeing that the gentleman seemed troubled, I offered assistance.

“Is that so?” (SDF)

“You must not reveal that. You must not reveal that. It is most discourteous!” (Muze)

“Um, my apologies! I am Hosoi Terumasa, First-Class Private of the Toyota Garrison. I deeply apologize for the previous discourtesy. I am truly sorry!!” (SDF)

“Mew!!?” (Muze)

The gentleman was now apologizing with extreme formality.

Was this jest, I wonder? The atmosphere doesn’t suggest it.

“Muze, see? He has apologized, so forgive him, will you?” (Kouta)

I gently stroked Muze’s head while speaking as softly as I could. In moments such as these, one must speak tenderly to a child. I was in a strange posture, with one hand upon the head that itself sat atop my own.

“Understood, I forgive him!” (Muze)

“Thank you!” (Hosoi)

I wished the gentleman would relax a little. Though Water Spirits were apparently strong, his tension was excessive. It was so much that he appeared as though attempting to intimidate us.

“Muze, do you dislike this gentleman?” (Kouta)

“I dislike him!” (Muze)

The gentleman’s expression became that of profound shock. Perhaps, contrary to appearances, he likes children.

Thereafter, other members of the Self-Defense Forces handled the matter. They explained that whenever a monster was brought to the surface for any reason, proper procedure was required. Registration of species, responsible administrator, and location must be recorded. Apparently, the personnel had prepared the paperwork, though it had never been used. Some time was required. After all, while the presence of tamers is confirmed worldwide, they are exceedingly rare.

In cases of research, the necessary documents are often prepared in advance at the research facility. Field personnel rarely have to prepare them. Later, I was told that registration as a tamer at the guild would also be necessary, and personnel from the guild arrived. It was likely thanks to our ongoing cordial relations, arrangements were smoothly handled.

Naturally, the visitor was the usual Onee-san.

“Well now, Kouta-kun, you start your return to work with quite the excitement, don’t you?” (??)

“Onee-san, it has been some time. I am pleased to see you well.” (Kouta)

“Thank you! But I had hoped to avoid such a situation so near to the end of work hours!” (??)

“That is… not my doing, is it?” (Kouta)

“Well, indeed! Just a grievance, merely a habit of complaint!” (??)

Was the end of work hours indicative of a regular schedule? The guild had evidently undergone substantial efficiency improvements. Its operating hours had been dramatically shortened, making the labor strike worthwhile.

“And so, this young lady, perhaps? Greetings, I am Mai. May the young lady tell me her name?” (Mai)

A reassuringly competent tone, suitable to leave her in charge.

“I am Muze! Kouta gave me this name!” (Muze)

“Is that so? How wonderful, a lovely name. Do you know your species, young lady?” (Mai)

“Muze is of the Water Spirit species. Muze is a Water Spirit!” (Muze)

“Water Spirit, the fourth-level Water Spirit?” (Mai)

“Yes, indeed!” (Muze)

“Yet… you appear entirely different.” (Mai)

“Mew? It is merely a difference in form. Otherwise, we are entirely the same.” (Muze)

“I see…” (Mai)

Onee-san had adopted a serious tone. Noticing my gaze, she composed herself and continued.

“Mew-chan’s master is Kouta-kun, is that correct?” (Mai)

“Mew?” (Suisei)

“Muze is surely a nickname, used when becoming close.” (Kouta)

“Oh!? Humans give multiple names, how peculiar! What is a master?” (Muze)

“Hmm… probably one’s contracted partner.” (Kouta)

“Then, Kouta shall be my master!” (Muze)

“Well, that is indeed the case.” (Kouta)

“Then, it is Kouta!” (Muze)

“Yes, understood! And next, food, perhaps? Mew-chan, what food do you like?” (Kouta)

“Mew?” (Muze)

I could see Muze twisting her head atop mine.

“You like water, Muze.” (Kouta)

“Yes! Especially the water Kouta gives me! Dungeon water is dreadful!” (Muze)

“Ah, indeed. To expect us to drink that… it is infuriating!” (Mai)

The older lady, suddenly in agreement, was angered, causing me slight alarm.

“Water is of utmost importance!” (Muze)

“Exactly!” (Mai)

“Muze understands well.” (Muze)

“No, no, no.” (Kouta)

A curious camaraderie appeared to be forming. Muze seemed to approve of Onee-san, speaking animatedly. I worried for her safety atop my head.

“My partially-drunk water… would you like to try a sip?” (Mai)

“I shall partake!” (Muze)

Wait. Muze, do not reveal your head.

“Eh? Shall I pour it on your head? Here I go!” (Mai)

Stop, Onee-chan.

“Oh!? It feels rather relaxing! This is splendid too!” (Muze)

If it lands on Muze’s head atop mine, naturally, it shall fall.

“Onee-san…” (Kouta)

“Eh? Ah, forgive me…” (Mai)

I had suffered greatly.

“Next, a collar, a leash, a cage…” (Mai)

“That would… be criminal in nature. I would be socially dead.” (Kouta)

“Yes, but… some sign is required to indicate it is under management.” (Mai)

“…What about a bandana?” (Kouta)

“Ah! That shall suffice. I shall fetch one. Until then, remain as close as possible.” (Mai)

Before I could respond, she darted off with a speed that made me feel inadequate by comparison.

 

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