LIGHTNOVELWORLD Ch47 - Departure
Chapter 47: Departure
Lena and her party, finding one reason after another, had lingered in the small city of Toilia. They had initially planned a short stay, but the environment was simply too comfortable.
Today, as usual, they headed from Loulou’s inn♡ to the Adventurer’s Guild, completed a simple request, and then met up with Patricia to visit the Stuart residence together. While sipping tea prepared by Mothra, the three girls discussed new flower varieties. They had amassed a considerable collection of cute flower seeds and were close to opening a flower shop.
Mothra, too large to comfortably assume his monster form, sparred daily with his fellow familiars in the garden. This had resulted in several level-ups. His growth seemed accelerated by his master’s presence. Even in human form, Mothra could use skills like [Blow Away] and [Wind Slash] with his fan. This was fortunate, as some Majin skills, like the slimes’ [Dissolve], were unusable in human form.
Everyone wished for this peaceful daily life to last forever. But change, as it always does, came suddenly.
News spread across the Mire Continent like a drop of poison in fresh water.
『We hereby formally announce the generational change in the monarchy of the Garargele Kingdom.
The new monarch is the current princess, Sheratonica Darnye Liasheart!
This succession is due to the illness of the former King and Queen. Accompanying this change are the following appointments:
Prime Minister: Gwen Reader → Jackson Law
Chief Diplomat: Magnolia Uje → Carter Sonia
Chief Treasurer: Navy Rig → Large Grain
Chief Cleric: Kaine Dimacula → Morec Bradford
………………
The above are announced as the new government officials of the kingdom.』
This announcement shocked every nation.
While announcing both new and former officials during a generational shift was standard practice in Lanashian monarchies (a measure to prevent malicious former officials from impersonating their predecessors and disrupting political affairs), the sheer number of changes this time was alarming. Furthermore, “illness” was cited as the reason for every replacement.
It was incredibly unsettling, especially given the Garargele Kingdom’s notorious reputation. Politicians weren’t naive enough to believe that everyone had simply fallen ill. Though a small nation, the kingdom was known for its capable royalty and nobility. The governments of various Mire Continent nations dispatched their Kagemono to investigate the situation in Garargele.
Lena and her party heard the news upon returning to the inn♡ after their usual tea party with friends. They noticed the unusual grimness of the succubus sitting at the counter.
“…Loulou-san? Did something happen…?”
“! Lena. I’m sorry… I was spacing out during work. That’s not good.
I heard something a bit concerning…”
Loulou offered a strained smile. It was rare for her to appear so somber while working.
“Something that bothers you that much? …I’m curious!”
“Ahaha, you’ve become quite outspoken.
It makes me happy to see how close we’ve become, Lena♡
Well… I feel a bit better now. Want to hear it?”
“Yes.”
Lena hoped that talking about it would lighten Loulou’s mood. Sharing minor worries often helped.
Since the news would eventually become public knowledge, Loulou decided to speak openly in the lobby. The only other person present was a regular, a well-built beastman. He sat on a sofa with his back to the counter, reading a newspaper.
“Do you know the Garargele Kingdom?
It seems their king has fallen ill, and the leadership has changed.
The current princess has taken over.”
“…!”
“It’s official news, so it’s reliable.
…A change in power isn’t unusual, but… it’s the Garargele Kingdom that bothers me.
They don’t have a good reputation, and they’re right next to the Anees Kingdom.
Also… what kind of illness can’t even be cured for a king?
Most illnesses in Lanash can be treated with expensive medicine.
Could it be a new disease? If so, there should be a separate announcement. It’s strange because when a king falls ill, they’re treated with any rare magic potion available.
The king was supposed to be young and should recover quickly.
Yet, they’ve passed the throne to an even younger princess… why?
That’s what I was pondering.”
“…I see…”
Now it was Lena’s turn to look troubled. Her familiars, nestled in her arms, looked up at her with concern.
Loulou discreetly observed Lena’s reaction. She didn’t believe this unique beast tamer party had gone unnoticed. Lena was clever, but as a traveler who had lived alone, she was too unguarded. Loulou correctly perceived Lena as someone thrust out from a sheltered life. Many things were obvious to her. Too bad for Lena.
Loulou had brought up the news, suspecting a connection to the Garargele Kingdom. As she predicted, Lena’s expression darkened considerably.
To reassure the girl, Loulou spoke gently.
“I’m sorry for telling you this. I must have upset you.”
“No…!
Not at all. I asked, so please don’t apologize, Loulou-san.
I was just surprised.”
“Yes, yes, of course.
But I felt I should apologize. You came back to the inn♡ with a smile, and…
Lena, thank you for listening to me. I feel much better!
I’ll put extra effort into tonight’s dinner.
I’m planning mushroom cream gratin, but would you like to order something else?
I’ll make it with love♡ And since you’ve been staying here for so long, I’ll give you a 50% discount♡”
“Really!?”
Loulou seemed to believe that food was the key to cheering Lena up. She was absolutely right.
『Loulou’s making super gratin? Yay!』
『I love creamy dishes!』
『…I want Master’s blood for dessert!』
The previously dejected familiars suddenly perked up. Like master, like familiars; their appetites were impressive.
Lena, now accustomed to the blood-sucking routine, pleaded with Lily, “Please be gentle…!?” accepting the inevitable. She seemed to have regained her usual energy. Loulou and the slimes, relieved, teased Lena with a chorus of “Yaーーn♡,” making her blush and lightening the mood.
Back in their room, Lena and her familiars had another discussion, the air slightly melancholic.
“It’s about time we leave, isn’t it?”
『…I’ll miss this place.』
『It’s sad to say goodbye.
But Coo and Iz will always be with Lena, right? We love you!
Everyone else too, right?』
『As Senpai said!』
“…Fufu. Thank you.”
She had to say goodbye to her friends.
But Lena had her beloved familiars, always by her side.
To protect these young creatures, who showered her with unconditional love, from the likes of the Garargele Kingdom, Lena chose to leave. She had always known this day would come.
Lena savored the gratin, cherishing her current happiness, and laughed with Loulou and the inn’s regulars.
Then, together, they began preparing for their long-delayed departure.
Hesitantly, Lena finally bid farewell to her friends. As she had feared, both Patricia and Alice quickly teared up.
“What? Why… why are you leaving?!
Leaving? What are you talking about!?
I don’t understand! I don’t want to!
…Don’t say that, Lena. We finally became friends…
Waaaaah… I’m going to miss you…! Waaaaah!”
“L-Lena Onee-chan…
…! …You have a reason to leave so suddenly, right…?
I-I’ll pray for your safe travels here in Toilia…
…Please come visit the mansion again someday… sniff”
“Don’t be so mature, Alice! Waaaaah!
I’m the only one acting like a child!”
“Yes, yes, what a big baby. Calm down.”
…Alice seemed far more mature than Patricia. It was almost insulting to compare them.
Alice, biting her lip, did her best to offer words of blessing for their journey, tears streaming down her cheeks. Mothra gently wiped them away with a handkerchief.
Meanwhile, Patricia, clinging to Lena and sobbing, received a chop to the head from Loulou. Lena’s frail body couldn’t handle being hugged tightly by the strong girl. Combined with the familiars’ full-force tackles, Patricia finally calmed down somewhat. Crouching and holding her aching head, she mumbled tearfully, “S-sorry.”
Lena, enduring the aches and pains from the tackles, smiled wryly. She had cried at the inn♡ the previous night, lamenting their departure. But her friends’ dramatic weeping seemed to have spared her from tears in this instance. She patted Patricia’s head, who still refused to look up, treating her like her child-like familiars.
“…Mothra. Please take good care of Alice.”
“Leave it to me, Lena-sama.
Even now, I wouldn’t lose to any ordinary villain, but I’ll continue to strive for greater strength.”
Mothra smiled, his crimson eyes softening. Lena, hearing his reassuring words, smiled back, pleased by his dependable response. As his master, she was genuinely happy that he had found his place.
…By the way, have you heard of the power of words?
Mothra, a man of action, would likely take his words literally and grow even larger. A terrifying prospect. Even now, at 23 meters long, there weren’t many villains strong enough to defeat Giganto Butterfly. Alice’s safety was practically guaranteed.
The sound of the girls’ sniffling echoed through the mansion’s lobby for a while, but eventually subsided. They realized that crying would only distress Lena and delay their departure, preventing them from making happy memories. They took deep breaths to compose themselves.
Alice, her eyes red, gave Lena a small smile.
“Lena Onee-chan. Thank you for becoming my friend. Thank you for helping me so much. …I love you!
Are you leaving right now?
…If you have some time, why don’t we have a sleepover at the mansion tonight? We can talk a lot.
With Patricia Onee-chan too!
What do you think?”
“…Thank you, Alice-chan!
Yes, I’d love to! Are you sure it’s okay?
Then, we’ll bring Haru-kun’s fluffy fur bed!”
『Leave it to me!』
“…! I-I’m looking forward to it.”
“…I’ll stay too…”
“Yay! Everyone together!”
“…sniffle…”
“Onee-chan, I have lots of cute pajamas in my closet!
I have long and large ones, and small ones too, so I think I can lend them to everyone.
Let’s have a pajama party, like you mentioned before, Lena Onee-chan?”
“!”
A sleepover in frilly, lovely negligees sounded like a fun event.
Lena chuckled.
“Sounds good! I’m in!”
“…You won’t laugh if I wear something like that…?”
“「Don’t worry, don’t worry!」」
They reassured Patricia, who blushed slightly despite her tear-stained face, and then Lena and Alice looked at Loulou. The succubus inn owner said, “Oh?” but then shook her head apologetically.
“A pajama party with cute girls… sounds very tempting, but I’m sorry.
I can’t leave the inn tonight because I don’t have anyone to cover for me.
But thank you for the invitation♡”
“I see… That’s too bad.”
Disappointed that they couldn’t stay at the inn♡ on their last night, Lena said sadly, “I’ll come by to say goodbye tomorrow morning.”
The succubus, replying with a shy “I’ll be waiting,” turned back as she opened the front door.
“By the way, Lena, have you decided on your next destination?”
“Uh…”
“…Wait. You haven’t decided yet? Seriously…?”
“Travel plans are important, Lena Onee-chan…”
Their friends’ gazes suddenly turned lukewarm.
▽Lena is sweating bullets!
Despite Ayesha’s explanation in Ney Village, Lena’s geographical knowledge was still lacking. She had only decided to go in the opposite direction of the Garargele Kingdom.
“Fufu! Lena, you can be a bit scatterbrained sometimes.
Just my personal opinion, but since Majin stand out in the Mire Continent, how about going to the Genius Continent?
The Shivagan Kingdom, ruled by the Demon Lord, is safe and has easy-to-follow travel routes, so I recommend it♡
There’s also an inn♡ run by a succubus friend of mine in the royal capital.
They sell lots of useful items for Majin too. …How about this?
A “Decoration Recording Bracelet.” I think it’s absolutely necessary for your familiars.”
Loulou showed them her wrist, where a thin gold bracelet gleamed. Two small, high-quality jewels adorned it.
“If you record the information of the clothes worn on these jewels beforehand, the clothes will be stored in the bracelet when a Majin is in their monster form, and they’ll be wearing them when they’re in human form.
It’s a magic item for Majin, so it’s not sold in the Mire Continent because there’s not much demand, but it’s very convenient since you don’t have to change clothes every time, right?”
“Wow. Such a thing exists! I really want one…”
“Fufufu♡
It’s a bit expensive, but not unattainable. I think it’s worth going to the Demon Kingdom’s capital just for this.
Larger cities have a wider variety of designs.
Your familiars are so cute, you have to dress them up♡”
“You’re absolutely right.”
Loulou winked. Lena’s adorable familiars usually wore bathrobes in their human forms, which she felt bad about.
“The Genius Continent has many delicious ingredients. The seafood is also excellent.”
The perfect final push.
“Thank you, Loulou-san! We’ll go there!”
“So fast!! Is that really okay…?”
▽Patricia and Alice are dumbfounded.
Lena’s next destination was decided on a whim. They would travel through the Anees Kingdom to the coast, cross the sea by ship to the Genius Continent, and then head for the Demon Kingdom’s capital. It was exactly the route Loulou suggested, but the Demon Kingdom offered several advantages for Lena and her party. It was a sound decision.
…Loulou, having bid farewell to her cute younger friends, looked up at the clear sky and murmured to herself.
“A rare “Beast Tamer”… I believe the Demon Lord was looking for one.
Should I recommend Lena?
If the Demon Kingdom backs her, no one will dare to mess with her.”
“…That’s a risky gamble. The current Demon Lord isn’t a bad person, but he’s far too free-spirited.”
“The Spider clan, his prime minister, will keep him in check!”
“You’re optimistic.”
The succubus turned with a mischievous grin to find the inn’s regular beastman standing silently behind her.
Loulou was surprisingly stubborn, never backing down once she voiced her opinion. The beastman, a long-time acquaintance, knew this well and sighed. The fact that he had been called meant Loulou had already decided to inform the Demon Lord about Lena.
The large wolf beastman stretched, his legs coiled as if ready to spring.
“I’ll be going then.”
“Be careful♡ Good luck♡”
He was essentially an errand boy. While there were government officials who were bird beastmen with wings, they were generally scatterbrained and forgetful. They were also prone to detours, so wolf beastmen were often employed for urgent deliveries. The Demon Kingdom’s government had a rather unique structure.
Loulou, the epitome of overprotectiveness, stretched sexily.
“Fufu♡ …May good fortune smile upon Lena’s journey!”
Telling her this would actually make the Fortune god work overtime, so it might be better to invoke Misfortune for Lena’s sake.
The cheerful succubus, after purchasing eggs and butter to make sweets for tomorrow’s guests, returned to the inn♡ with a light step.
The next morning, after a boisterous pajama party in ultra-lovely negligees, everyone was understandably sleep-deprived. A point to reflect on. They had gotten a little too carried away with their conversations. However, the usual girl talk about romance fell flat, as none of them had any experience in that department.
On the morning of their departure, Lena received numerous gifts from her friends.
“Lena Onee-chan, this…”
▽Lena obtained the Robe of Dread Emperor (Red)!
“What!? Alice-chan… I can’t accept something this expensive!”
“Please, take it.
It’s fine! It’s cursed, so only someone as lucky as Lena Onee-chan can wear it without consequences. Even Grandpa Gale couldn’t handle it.”
“I-is that so…?”
“I never thought anyone could wear it. So I think it was destined to be yours.
It’s made from the silk of the mythical red silkworm. It’s fireproof, waterproof, and magic-reflecting, so it’s perfect for your travels.”
“What a useful robe…!”
Lena put on the Robe of Dread Emperor (Red) and examined it from various angles. Originally a rather sinister design, all the gaudy skull motifs and metal decorations had been removed and replaced with cute ivy embroidery in gold thread. A large ribbon fluttered at the neck. The robe was too long for Lena, so she cut it at the waist. It’s safe to say that the Dread Emperor’s ghost, attempting to curse her the moment the scissors touched the fabric, was forcibly exorcised by the Tyrant Fortune God’s power. Cursed items couldn’t affect those with high luck stats.
Next, Patricia handed Lena several marble-like objects.
“These are seeds for Super-Speed White Macho Men and Super-Speed Gay Macho Men.”
“!?”
“I’ve further improved them, boosting their intelligence. They’ll obey whoever plants them, so use them as you see fit.
These round things are new magic tools designed for flower artisans to manage seeds. They’re a bit pricey, so I couldn’t buy many.
As long as the seeds are inside, they won’t sprout, so you don’t have to worry about accidentally creating wild flower monsters. I’ve already set it so only you can open them!”
“Th-thank you… Wow, they’re reliable.”
“Hehe!”
▽Lena read the room!
It seemed she decided to accept the gift since Patricia looked so happy. She would have preferred candy flower seeds, but she kept that to herself.
▽Lena obtained Super-Speed White Macho Man Seeds Modified x3 and Super-Speed Gay Macho Man Seeds Modified x3!
She vowed to prevent her familiars from eating the seeds. It wouldn’t do for the little ones to end up with six-pack abs like Mothra. Their soft, squishy bodies were too adorable.
“Then, Lena-sama, I offer you this.”
“What is it? A magic tool…?”
The butler handed her a black, cylindrical… well, tube. The jet-black tube, somewhat resembling a horn, had a string attached so it could be worn around the neck.
“It’s a ‘Mothra Whistle.’ I secretly transformed into my butterfly form last night and cut off the tip of my proboscis to make it.”
“Is your lip okay!?”
Lena, her face pale, grabbed Mothra’s head and examined his lips closely. She noticed a small cut at the edge of his red lips and teared up, feeling as if her child had self-harmed.
“It’s just a small cut, nothing serious.
If you blow this whistle, Mothra will come to you no matter how far away you are. Please keep it with you.”
“…I’m very grateful, but please take care of yourself!”
“My sincerest apologies.”
Mothra smiled faintly. He seemed pleased that his master was worried about him. His usually cool expression softened.
▽Lena obtained Mothra’s Whistle!
“If you blow that whistle, does it count as an indirect kiss with Mothra?”
“「Huh?」」
Patricia made a very unnecessary remark.
An indirect kiss involving a severed proboscis was rather macabre.
Everyone froze for a moment, then the slimes chimed in cheerfully.
“Coo and Iz already stole Lena’s first kiss!”
“Before Haru-kun joined us, Coo and Iz were Lena’s bed!
And when Lena rolled over, our lips touched!”
“「Kyaa! We stole it!♡」」
Coo and Iz, covering their cheeks with their small hands and giggling, were adorable. However, since they were in human form to speak to everyone, they were currently naked.
“Clothes, clothes!”
“「Yaーーn」」
Lena quickly covered them with bathrobes. She firmly resolved to buy the bracelets in the Demon Kingdom as soon as possible.
“Bye-bye! Onee-chan!”
“Come visit again, Lena!”
Lena, riding Hamal, waved back at Mothra, soaring in the sky with her friends on his back. The slimes performed high jumps and somersaults, and Lily showcased a beautiful dance.
A refreshing breeze swept across the plains as if to see Lena and her party off. This wasn’t the Tseruru Plains, but part of Lord Toilia’s territory within the Anees Kingdom.
“…I’d heard stories, but…” The grassland guards grimaced as they looked up at Mothra. “Unbelievable,” someone muttered in a dry voice.
A large sheep strolled leisurely across the plains. A giant butterfly considerately cast a shadow over its master and her companions.
Far ahead, monsters tumbled about in an unreasonable gale. Others fled in terror from the overbearing aura. Still others fainted from the [Intimidation].
It was the usual Lena party spectacle. Their path was already littered with potential meals. Since they were merely unconscious and unharmed, dissolving them with the slimes’ [Dissolve] skill would provide high-quality fresh meat. Everyone’s eyes gleamed with predatory intent as they imagined their future meals. Dessert would be the madeleines Loulou had given them.
As the next town came into view, Mothra gracefully turned his massive body and headed back towards Toilia. Lena, arms crossed, thought about buying him a bracelet too. Lost in thought, she almost lost her balance and fell, clinging desperately to the ribbon around Hamal’s neck.
It was a small gift from Alice, a memento of Hamal’s service as a bed the previous night. The blue magic ribbon, which stretched and shrunk along with Hamal’s [Shape Change], served as a convenient rein for Lena.
With Mothra and her friends gone, the party proceeded in silence across the plains. Lena gently stroked her familiars, and they nuzzled against her. They were so adorable. The master savored their cuteness, dispelling her loneliness.
Hamal, carrying Lena on his back, suddenly looked up and narrowed his eyes.
『…! There’s a Mochi Rabbit! Let’s get it!』
『『Really!?』』
The Mochi Rabbit, a high-quality ingredient monster with tender meat. They all fondly remembered how delicious it had been the one time they had caught and eaten one.
『…Go!』
Lily gave the order to attack.
Golden Sheep, invigorated, used [Dash] and bolted across the plains at full speed!
“Waaaaah…!”
Lena clung to the ribbon for dear life.
Though preoccupied, the bells of world salvation began to ring loudly in her mind.
“Wh-what!?”
Too busy holding on to check her phone, Lena received some incredible notifications. With her master teary-eyed from confusion, the sheep continued to chase its prey across the plains.
▽Lena departed from Toilia.
▽She can now communicate long-distance with her friends!
▽Let’s head for the Genius Continent!