New chapter of Ordinary Person is out! (1/3 chapters)

 

 

Chapter 137

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

We all gathered together inside one of the huts of the goblin settlement, standing before the treasure chest, and observed Emilia as she attempted to disarm it. We had shortened our planned break by as much as 30 minutes in order to begin our broadcast earlier.

I hoped that there would be people who happened to watch us at that time. It was a precise and nerve-wracking task. To be perfectly honest, I could not help but feel that Emilia was the least suited for such delicate work. Nevertheless, Emilia continued her task with sparkling eyes, looking delighted and exhilarated.

Time passed as though our breath itself were being restrained. She cut something, and it seemed that the first mechanism had been successfully disarmed. Immediately, she moved on to the second one.

I had wished to propose a short rest, but I abandoned the idea. In my own experience, once one’s concentration is broken, it seldom returns swiftly. Perhaps many others have lived through the same frustration. Moreover, there was the almost inevitable mistake that occurs when one begins acting before that concentration is fully restored. That was precisely why I could not bring myself to stop Emilia. All that I could do was to hold my breath and watch over her in silence as time slowly passed by.

“Okay! Both of them are completely disarmed!!” (Emilia)

When it was over, I felt an immense relief from the very depths of my heart. All of us together expressed our appreciation for Emilia’s efforts.

“So then, who shall go this time?” (Emilia)

“Kouta, what do you think?” (Haruka)

“Hmm? If I recall correctly, last time it was Emilia, right? Then this time, why not have Sofia and Mira? As for Haruka and Adelaide-senpai, perhaps on the next occasion.” (Kouta)

“…Kouta, are you truly fine with that?” (Mira)

What? Ah, Mira has been considerate toward me! I have not thought of that possibility at all.

“Yes! Since I occasionally open them myself, the two of you should do it this time.” (Kouta)

“Master recently caused a potion to explode!! Therefore, you two should feel free to open it as well! Nothing worse than zero can possibly come out!!” (Muze)

Is that really the correct way to say “caused it to explode”? The phrasing felt odd. Still, it is indeed the truth.

Although everyone fixed their gaze upon me, I repelled them with nothing more than a cheerful smile.

“Well then, if that is the case, I shall accept without hesitation.” (Sofia)

“Yes, please go ahead!” (Kouta)

Sofia moved before the bronze chest.

“Wait, Sofia. Please open the silver one instead. Leave me the one with the lower stakes.” (Mira)

Mira had unexpectedly made a very serious declaration.

Since there were two chests, the question of which one yielded the better prize was inevitable. Although it was ultimately a matter of luck, people would naturally wonder if something better might have come forth. Such was the nature of human desire. Even in games, randomized items were typically used by the person who had purchased them. If one used them before dividing the spoils, quarrels would inevitably arise later. It truly could not be helped.

“Is that so? Then I shall open it without hesitation.” (Sofia)

Sofia truly was remarkable. She displayed no hesitation whatsoever. Without any pause, Sofia swiftly opened the treasure chest. Inside was a magnificent spear.

“Your Highness!! A spear has appeared! Please make use of it!!” (Sofia)

“Who are you calling Your Highness!! Do you think I am Kushana?!” (Emilia)

I did not expected Sofia to insert such a joke so suddenly. But without her armor, no one could have guessed the reference merely from “Your Highness!!”.

“Is it… truly all right for me?” (Emilia)

Since Emilia gazed at me with visible unease, I gave her a firm nod. The others likewise gave their own affirmations in their respective ways.

“Sofia!!” (Emilia)

Receiving the spear, Emilia embraced Sofia. It was truly a wonderful scene. If only Sofia were not clad entirely in armor, it would have been perfect. Because of that, Emilia looked precisely like Princess Kushana encouraging her subordinate.

“Your Highness!” (Sofia)

“…Are you still continuing that?” (Emilia)

“No, it was simply on a whim.” (Sofia)

They had been under such severe tension until moments ago, so perhaps this was merely the natural rebound. They were jesting in order to restore their mental balance.

“This is terrible… the expectations have become so high…” (Mira)

It was Mira. Indeed, Sofia had given Emilia, who had lost her previous spear, a new one that had come from the chest. Even without any rational reason, that would create pressure. Although I could sympathize with her feelings, it was far too late to switch places now.

“Come now, open it quickly!” (Kouta)

“M-Mira, you can do it!” (Haruka)

“Mira! Do not forget the ten cases of water, you know!!” (Muze)

“Well, perhaps it would be best to open it casually?” (Adelaide)

We all sent Mira various casual encouragements. Even Adelaide-senpai, who had gradually become accustomed to our group, joined in with a word of support.

“Phew! A woman must have courage! Here I go!!” (Mira)

Though, in truth, all she was doing was opening a chest. Moreover, its traps had already been disarmed. Mira flung the chest open energetically. She quickly seized the contents and, without a moment’s pause, ran straight to me and thrust them into my hands.

“Kouta! I leave it to you!!” (Mira)

Without thinking, I instinctively received the item. The instant I confirmed what it was, I regretted it profoundly. It was unmistakably a ring.

 

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