novelzi Chapter 99
Chapter 99
Side Story: Maryla
Honestly! This is why I hate the Red Oni!
“Jumaaa! Hey! Stop!!”
“It’s no use, Nika. Juma’s in that state, he can’t hear us!”
Having taken on my phoenix form after what feels like forever, I was carrying Nika-san and Kei-san to the northern mountains. I have no combat ability, so I’m actually quite scared to be here...! Of course, I don’t die easily. If I’m about to die, I just burn up and then revive! But I’m still scared. Because I’m weakened after reviving, I’m defenseless, you know? But now wasn’t the time for that!
“Ugh, I guess I have to release my power too! Kei, restrain him as soon as I pin him down!”
“Got it, leave it to me.”
The Red Oni is huge in his beast form. I’m pretty big too, you know! But I don’t rampage like a savage!@@@@
He’s not completely lost his mind, so he won’t attack us, but in that state, he doesn’t see anything but his target, until he’s taken it down. So even if we tell him to stop and go back to the guild, even if we explain everything, he won’t listen. He’s such a pain!
Nika-san, who transformed into a lion blazing like the sun, dug his claws into the ground. He was getting ready to charge! Ah, what a beautiful sight. Unlike the Red Oni, Nika-san, burning so brightly, truly resembles the sun, so noble. It makes me proud, as another being clothed in the same fire!
And so, Nika-san charged. Aiming for the moment when the Red Oni had just finished off a dragon, the final blow. He’d felt that sense of accomplishment, so there was an opening.
Nika-san bit into the nape of his neck. It wouldn’t even have been enough to leave a scratch, but I was hoping they’d just bite his head off, so I wasn’t worried. The Red Oni, on the other hand, braced himself for a new enemy. But he quickly realized it was Nika-san and relaxed slightly.
“Okay. Nika, move back.”
Kei-san then immediately cast their binding magic. Countless white snakes emerged from Kei-san’s slender arms. The flower patterns shimmering on them were so lovely. It’s such a shame, with those womanizing tendencies, they would have been perfect otherwise. Kei-san is so, so, shameless!
“Gaaah!?”
The Red Oni, restrained by the white snakes, let out this sound and hurriedly transformed back into his human form. But the snakes adapted to the change and tightened their hold, so there was no escape. We’d thwarted his plans!
“Hey, wait, Nika! Kei!? Why are we... mmph!”
Oh, this is bad. When I remember that humiliation, I can’t help it. I took a deep breath and then spoke,
“I’m fine! Let’s go! But... can I ask for one thing?”
They both readily agreed. These senpais are so kind! It’s just that Kei-san’s a bit of a womanizer, and Nika-san’s a bit too unrestrained. But that’s part of their charm!
“I don’t want to carry this Red Oni! Tie him up and hang him!”
When I said this, clenching my fists, they both smiled wryly. I know, I know! But remembering that humiliation, I’m not sure I’d be able to stay sane, it’s dangerous!
“Can’t be helped. You were in love with Juma, weren’t you, Maryla-chan?”
“The complexities of a maiden’s heart, huh? Well, it can’t be helped.”
“Th-That’s not true!”
Uu, for some reason, Kei-san could see right through me. But I have to deny it!
“Ah, sorry, I mean, it’s Owen now, right?”
“I-It’s not like I like that womanizer, Owen...!”
W-Well, Owen’s not as bad as the Red Oni, but I do like wild, mischievous types, I have to admit! But it’s just his looks! Why is Kei-san so observant when it comes to these things!?
“Kei... don’t tease her too much.”
“Kukuku. Sorry, you’re just so cute when you react like that.”
“Cu-Cute... !?”
“Hey, Kei... Oh, I guess you’re not aware of it. This is troublesome...”
This wasn’t the time to be chatting! I told them this and then transformed into my phoenix form. I was still a bit sulky, but Kei-san had agreed to my request and was now tying up the Red Oni with a white snake. I’ll forgive him for teasing me! Because I’m an adult, a fine lady who’ll set a good example for Meg-chan!