Editing/Standardisation: Medicine Melancholy
Original Translation: Medicine Melancholy
Iris
Leaving Ouka-san and the others in the workshop, Master Nephilim led us to another room for negotiations.
Sitting directly on the floor in a cross-legged position, the Cyclops blacksmith was the first to speak.
“So, the fact that you’ve come all the way to visit an unusual blacksmith like myself must mean you need weapons, right?”
“Yes. We’ve come to have my sword and Iris’ staff forged.”
Nii-sama replied in response to Master Nephilim’s inquiry.
Having lost our weapons except for Reiji-san, who still possessed the “Arventia”, during the battle with Death Serpent, our primary purpose in visiting him this time… was to replace those lost weapons by forging something superior.
Master Nephilim’s expression turned slightly grim when he spoke again.
“I see… If it’s a sword, I can pick a few out for you, but as for the staff… magical devices are outside my expertise, so it might be makeshift.”
“Yes, if you could, please.”
“And don’t say ‘makeshift’ like that. Master Nephilim, your skill in crafting magical devices is splendid. We trust in your abilities, so please.”
As I bowed and spoke, he scratched his cheek in embarrassment, but it seemed he wasn’t entirely displeased.
And what I said wasn’t a lie. Despite not being his specialty, his skills in crafting magical devices were honed for weapon-making.
Regarding magical devices taking the form of weapons, there was no one else comparable. We knew this well, especially considering his creation of the “Ars Rey”, currently in Reiji-san’s possession, albeit sealed.
…Yes, that cursed sword was also one of our main objectives.
“There’s one more thing… no, two.”
Said Nii-sama as he brought out from his bag a pitch-black sword and a white greatsword, both sheathed… Those were the “Ars Ray” and “Arventia” we borrowed from Reiji-san.
“I… recognize this black one. This is one of my creations.”
“Yes… Circumstances have changed, and we no longer possess the same power as when this sword was forged. Therefore, we ask for your pardon in altering your masterpiece. We wish for you to install a limiter to reduce the burden when using it.”
Nii-sama knelt on the ground and bowed his head, and I followed suit.
To ask a master craftsman of the highest order to detune their best work was incredibly disrespectful.
We endured the silence that followed, prepared for the worst, with bated breath, for two, three seconds…
… And then, finally, Master Nephilim’s expression, showing signs of resignation, broke into a wry smile.
“Well… I suppose I may have gone a bit overboard with this series. But… is it really necessary to go through all this trouble to use it?”
While the performance of the “Arventia” with unknown capabilities in its complete state might be excused… as for the “Ars Ray”, a weapon that could even slay dragons, its power is completely overkill for daily use, and the user has to pray a high price to even use it.
And yet…
“Yes… We’re certain that it will be necessary sooner or later.”
In response to Master Nephilim’s skeptical words, I firmly replied.
It was both a premonition and my own conviction.
“I see… It seems that you have your own circumstances. And, what about the white sword here?”
“This one, we simply wish to have it repaired. It was damaged when we obtained it.”
Nii-sama’s gaze shifted toward me as he said that.
With a nod, I withdrew the white sword from its sheath and placed it on the table.
“This… This sword is…?!”
The moment “Arventia” was drawn from its sheath, Master Nephilim lunged towards it, examining its blade with his large single eye.
“…It must be the ‘Save the Queen’ spoken of in legends! If you can draw this sword, Miss Iris, then you’re…!”
I simply nodded in response to his stunned muttering.
It was inappropriate to hide things from him when making a request, so I concentrated on my back, removing the parka I was wearing to reveal the wings.
I had become quite accustomed to it, and at my wish, light emanated from my back, forming wings and illuminating the dim cave interior dazzlingly.
… Lately, I felt like the light from these wings has become slightly whiter.
“Oh… This is, without a doubt, the light of the legendary Lightwing race… To think that I would see this in my lifetime.”
Gazing excitedly at my figure… he soon softened his expression with a hint of pity and spoke.
“I now somewhat understand your situation… but I hope you understand that you can’t hide your true nature forever.”
“…Yes.”
In fact, although no solid evidence has been circulated yet, rumors about the Lightwing race had been gradually becoming more and more common among the rumors in town recently.
Even if a gag order was placed on the soldiers who actually witnessed my true identity, it would be difficult to completely shut out the information. The fact that we’d solved multiple crises still remained, so even if nobody knew what actually went down, speculations of this kind would naturally abound.
“In that case, I’ll keep it a secret. But… be prepared to choose whether to conceal your true nature or follow your beliefs when you get exposed.”
That, I understood perfectly.
The reason we’d been able to keep it hidden so far is due to luck and fortune. But that may not always be the case in the future.
“…There’s still another thing I don’t understand. Why would you go through the trouble of repairing this sword and adding a limiter to Ars Ray for proper use…? Who do you intend to fight against?”
“We…”
…I explained our past battles to him.
The “Wound of the World” that opened.
The monsters behaving completely differently from their natural ecology.
And above all, the incident with Death Serpent.
As I progressed with the story, a serious expression deepened on his face.
“That’s… a lot of hardships you have to overcome. If you need my help, then I’ll gladly lend it to you.”
“…Are you sure?”
“Yes. I sense that this world is about to enter a turbulent period. Even though we craftsmen are a stubborn lot, we aren’t indifferent to the fate of the world. And…”
Pausing his words for a moment, he looked at us with kindness and concern before continuing.
“If a Lightwing person asks for my help in protecting this world, there’s no way I could refuse. I’m willing to offer as much help as I can.”
“S-So, about this matter…”
“Consider it done. I, Nephilim, shall give my all to fulfill your request. There are a few materials lacking, so I’ll need to procure them…”
With a gentle smile that belied his massive physique and stern face, Master Nephilim nodded emphatically. Hearing his response, we, who had come here with a specific purpose, breathed a sigh of relief.
“…And, well, if it’s not too much trouble…”
…Here it comes.
Though I had mentally prepared for it since we arrived, sensing the shift in tone, my shoulders tensed involuntarily.
“I didn’t mean to ask much of you… but would you mind fulfilling a small request of mine…?”
His demeanor as he spoke… was a far cry from the dignity he had displayed before. He looked rather soft and relaxed, almost affectionate.
“*sighs*… That person’s still the same as ever.”
Letting out a deep sigh, the strap of my one-piece dress slipped off, making a dry sound as it hit the floor.
As I stood there in my underwear, the cool air of the cave brushed against my exposed skin, causing me to shiver involuntarily.
I was in the position to ask him a favor, and given that he was very willing to accept our conditions, granting his wish wouldn’t be difficult in comparison. It’s not that I’m reluctant, but…
…We were currently in… an astonishing sight, to say the least—a fancy dress room overflowing with countless garments, especially dresses for young girls and teens. Despite the disbelief, this room is indeed a part of Master Nephilim’s workshop.
When I first accepted his request in the game, it was a shock to see such a hobby from someone with the stern title of “Swordsmith Giant”. Now, whether I should feel relieved that he hasn’t changed, or if I should be disappointed all over again… I’m not entirely sure.
“Um, Princess… Even if it’s summer, it’s quite cool in here. You should change quickly, or you’ll catch a cold, you know?”
“I know, but…”
“It’s alright. He won’t do anything inappropriate.”
Reluctantly, I sat on the provided chair and began putting on the cute, frilled garter belt and stockings that were paired with the dress I chose.
…That Master Nephilim has a strong liking for cute things, or if I may be blunt, he’s a raging lolicon.
However, for him, a cute girl is something to admire from a distance. His “Yes Lolita No Touch” belief is that of a true gentleman.
If what Kirsche-san said was true, it seemed to be the same in this world.
But still, even though I was fine with it during events in the game, now that it’s real life, I can’t help but feel embarrassed.
Yet, regardless of his profession, his passion and dedication to creating a vast array of girl’s clothing, solely out of personal preference, despite its lack of relation to his job, is truly remarkable.
…Milly-san must never come here, at all costs.
With a firm conviction and the certainty that it won’t lead to anything good, I swore it in my heart.
“…Princess, do you happen to know Onee-chan’s master from the Worldgate Online days?”
“Yes, well, he was an important figure in the quest to make the weapon for Reiji-san… I mean, my other companion who’s not here today.”
“Is this Reiji person the other ‘Knight’ protecting the ‘Northern Princess’? I’d heard about him too.”
“…I’d rather you not refer to us with those nicknames again, it’s embarrassing…”
By association with me, Reiji-san was given the nickname “Carnelian Knight”, and that name was a source of embarrassment for both him and me.
Seeing me flustered all over, Kirsche-san happily giggled.
“…Kirsche-san, I didn’t expect you to enjoy this.”
“Is that so? Hmm… maybe.”
She smiled wryly as she put on the frilly petticoat and skirt without much resistance.
…Maybe I should have just looked the other way when she decided to tag along. After all, the request was directed at me alone, so her being here was voluntary.
“If my dreams come true, I might wear clothes like this in the future, so it’s like practice and doesn’t bother me much.”
“…I heard you wanted to become a singer.”
She gives off a calm and reserved impression, so honestly, it’s a surprising dream.
But according to Ouka-san, it seems to be a serious goal rather than just a vague wish.
“Yes… I was sent to a training school, and recently… over the past few months, my singing had improved so much that the trainer was surprised. It was almost coming together, you know?”
Kirsche-san said with a shy smile.
But soon, her expression darkened.
“And then… this happened. Onee-chan seems to always feel guilty about it… but she hasn’t done anything wrong. It’s not her fault that we were sent to this world.”
Ouka-san seemed unable to wield her weapon, perhaps for this very reason.
An awkward silence then filled the room.
But still… I absentmindedly touched my chest and glanced at Kirsche-san, who was changing in front of me.
Why do all the women I meet have such great figures?!
I could barely feel the soft sensation of a modest bulge I can easily cover with one hand.
I stared at a certain part of Kirsche-san’s body, now exposed without reservation—something much more abundant that her petite figure would suggest, beautifully adorned in cute sky-blue underwear, with a surge of negative emotions rising from the depths of my heart.
Lenny-san occasionally checked the sizes and told me that they’re gradually growing… but comparing it to my mother’s figure in my memory, it seems suspicious.
This body was originally an avatar that Ayame created, whose model was based on the most beautiful woman in her memory… that being our mother.
In fact, looking at myself in the mirror, I can see the remnants of my mother’s appearance, and she was a very slender and charming woman, far from looking like the mother of two children.
Considering that this body has inherited those genes, I can’t expect much.
I tried finding hopes in my other mother, whom I’d vaguely seen in my dreams… Nope, there’s no hope there either.
Come to think of it, the books I’d accidentally looked at in the drawer under the bed in Reiji-san’s room… were mostly about “large” women, and my mood sank even lower.
…Is bigger better after all?
“…Um, Princess, why do you get so depressed when looking at me?”
“I-It’s nothing! Please don’t mind it!”
“You shouldn’t stay in your underwear for too long, you know? Please get changed quickly.”
“Yes, you’re right… Ahaha…”
I laughed to hide my true feelings from Kirsche-san, who was looking at me with dread for some reason, and picked up the clothes I’d selected from the costumes lined up in advance.
I was told to pick any costume, so without hesitation I chose the least revealing one possible… an old-fashioned long-skirt maid outfit consisting of a black dress and a clean white apron.
While it’s still embarrassing because it feels like cosplay, at least it’s bearable because of the minimal exposure.
The lined up costumes had literally everything ranging from the tame one like what I’m wearing now, to borderline criminal stuff… I’m going to pretend that the other category didn’t exist.
I’d sooner die than wearing one of those in real life in this body.
By the way, Kirsche-san chose a delicate Lolita fashion adorned with intricate frills, like that of a noble lady.
“Because, you know, even if it’s just roleplaying… isn’t the opportunity to have a real princess take care of me quite precious?”
“…Um, I still identify as a commoner, so it may not be as precious as you think…”
I responded with a wry smile to her cheerful remark.
…At first, I thought she was just a delicate and fragile girl, but she’s actually quite a good-natured person, I couldn’t help but think.
APM - Translation 