Gilbert naturally wrapped his arm around Egru’s waist. His hand subtly kneaded Egru’s lower abdomen, awakening Egru who had been frozen like a statue.
“Promise first, Gilbert. You’ll get along with D’Élysée from now on, right?”
Egru caught Gilbert’s hand to stop him.
When those small hands touched him, Gilbert’s movements halted momentarily, but that was all. Though Egru exerted all his strength until his entire body trembled, the thick hand merely continued its crafty movements.
No ordinary force could restrain Gilbert. Especially not from Egru’s frail, pitiful body.
“It’s just that you met someone new after so long and still feel unfamiliar. You were quite wary when we first met too.”
Ignoring whatever Egru said, Gilbert licked Egru’s cheek with his tongue. As the marshmallow-like flesh of his cheek was pressed upward, Egru diligently continued his explanation.
“I haven’t properly told you yet, but D’Élysée is someone I know.”
Slurp. When the moist tongue touched his earlobe, Egru reflexively closed that eye. He seemed to have grown accustomed to these harmless contacts.
Knowing it wasn’t a sexual act made it more like a large dog wagging its tail in greeting.
“He’s been gentle and kind since childhood. Ah, please don’t tell him I remember. The circumstances are too complicated to explain now, but I’ll tell you later.”
When the warm tongue swept up his elongated ear, it became unbearably ticklish. Egru’s shoulders jerked up and quivered.
“Anyway, I’m sure you two can become close if you both make a little effort. You understand what I’m saying, right?”
“……”
“Huh? You’ll get along well, won’t you? Ah!”
Egru was startled when a hand suddenly slipped between his legs.
“No! Stop touching me and a-answer first!”
Egru struggled desperately to prevent the hand seeking his private parts.
“Pretending not to hear won’t help! I can’t let this slide this time!”
“……”
“Promise! Say you’ll return D’Élysée’s greetings and never fight with him…!”
“I don’t associate with petty copycats.”
Gilbert finally spoke slowly. At his irritable voice, Egru carefully asked.
“W-why not?”
“Everything was mine originally. He came and ruined it all. First he stole the Hero’s face and name, and now he’s after my food too…”
“M-my private parts aren’t your food. You won’t starve if I disappear.”
“……”
“Ah, ugh!”
Whatever provoked him, the bronze arm around Egru’s waist suddenly applied tremendous pressure. The constriction nearly broke his ribs, cutting off his breath. Simultaneously, he heard teeth grinding beside his ear.
“It hurts! It hurts, Gilbert!”
At this urgent cry, the arm strength instantly relaxed. The muscular arm around Egru’s skinny waist slipped down.
“I-I’ll remove the bee stings myself!”
Egru seized the opportunity and fled quickly. He narrowly avoided the large hand trying to grab his side.
“Please cool your head for a while…!”
As he said this and glanced back, he saw Gilbert standing there with a sullen face.
Egru immediately turned forward again.
Though Gilbert looked as pitiful as a lost bear cub, now was the time to be resolute.
Comrades should be able to rely on each other. Nothing gets accomplished if they quarrel every time their eyes meet.
But in reality, Egru had a different concern.
After entering an empty room as far away as possible, Egru removed the bee stings one by one while thinking.
I have one life remaining, and D’Élysée is incredibly strong…
He could tolerate Gilbert’s tantrums. However, there was no guarantee that people they’d meet on their future adventures would be the same.
If someone were to upset Gilbert…
They would likely be crushed by a single punch. If he were to wield his axe, the scene might become unbearable to witness.
This meant that the journey he began to become a Hero could end with him becoming a villain.
I trust Gilbert, but if something unexpected happens…
Egru gulped. Just imagining it gave him chills.
For the sake of developing Gilbert’s social skills…!
He needed to practice social behavior with D’Élysée.
D’Élysée was strong and sturdy, making him a perfect match for Gilbert. Even if Gilbert lost his temper and threw a punch, D’Élysée could dodge it.
Egru was confident he could always watch over and mediate between them to ensure neither got hurt.
Firming his resolve, Egru pressed and removed the last bee sting. Being his second time, he had developed some skill and could remove them quickly.
He had done well to lie flat from the beginning to avoid getting stung on unreachable places like his back or buttocks. Thanks to that, the attacks were concentrated on his front, making him appear more swollen, but this was still more successful than last time.
“It’s the Hero! The Hero has returned!”
Boisterous voices began to echo in the air above his head. They were transparent, mysterious beings with whom he had now developed an internal rapport.
“It was worth the wait, wasn’t it?”
“But isn’t something different? Should I say alien, or perhaps artificial…?”
“They look exactly the same! If you’re so worried, let’s go see again!”
“We must observe secretly! The real Hero can see us!”
“Be honest! You just want to see them again, don’t you?”
The clear voices laughed brightly.
Does their Hero refer to D’Élysée?
Egru smiled, inadvertently eavesdropping on their conversation.
Whatever it was about, their joy was pleasant to hear.
<system>
Unexpected Quest: Any Sword I Wield Becomes Holy!
Completion Reward: Acquire various renowned swords from L to F grade in the World Tree armory.
As the clear, high voices faded away, a golden status window appeared.
Ah.
This was perfect timing.
They were set to leave the World Tree tomorrow. He needed to finish his pending tasks before the day ended.
Holy sword…
At the letters that seemed particularly dazzling, Egru couldn’t contain his rising excitement.
If I have my own sword…
It would surely look incredibly cool, right? Would D’Élysée think I look impressive too?
<system>
There are quest precautions. Would you like to view them? (Y/N)
Egru pressed ‘Y’ without hesitation.
<system>
A sword that resonates with the user above a certain threshold will be automatically selected.
<system>
Choose wisely. A Hero is permitted only one holy sword.
A resonating sword? Does that mean a sword I like?
<system>
That is correct. Before touching a resonating sword, it is recommended to experience a variety of swords.
T-then, perhaps…
Egru swallowed hard and asked.
Can I name the sword?
<system>
As you wish. However, some adjustments may be made.
Barvaltos!
What a sophisticated sound. It was the most polished and impressive name his limited education could devise.
Egru rose to his feet, imagining himself brandishing Barvaltos triumphantly.
W-where is the armory?
<system>
Opposite the Pure One’s Barrier room.
<system>
The World Tree armory seal has been removed. Entry is now permitted for quest progression.
The last time he went to the upper levels of the World Tree to activate the Pure One’s Barrier…
There was a door with a rotating magic circle on the opposite side, and that must be the armory.
“Excuse me…”
“?”
Just as Egru was about to set off, a faint voice came from somewhere. He quickly turned around but saw no one.
“Are you leaving the World Tree soon?”
The distant voice suddenly became crystal clear. Egru tilted his head and asked.
“A-are you speaking to me?”
“Of course, Lord Egru.”
He heard a soft, quiet laugh.
“I’ve been watching you all along. I thought it was time to gather my courage and introduce myself.”
Egru suddenly realized something. Come to think of it, this was the first voice that had addressed him with honorifics.
“The ignorant spirits may not know, but I can see. The infinite potential and endless possibilities within you.”
“Um, excuse me…”
“I wish to serve you, Lord Egru.”
“Pardon? I’m sorry, but I don’t quite understand what you mean.”
“If you contract with me, I will explain everything step by step. You will certainly not regret it.”
This sudden rush of eloquent persuasion somehow reminded Egru of his past.
I-it’s bad to be suspicious, but…
In his experience, those who unexpectedly became affectionate and flattering were usually con artists. Egru tried to keep his wits about him.
“C-could I know who you are first?”
“Ah, I apologize for my late introduction. I am a Spirit of Communication. Please understand that I cannot disclose my name before a contract.”
A spirit? So the voices from the air were spirits after all.
“There you are, Brother. Are your bee stings alright?”
Just then, D’Élysée’s sudden visit made Egru’s mouth snap shut.
Lord Egru? Lord Egru? Though the Spirit of Communication called out anxiously, Egru could only nod, unable to answer.
“Can’t I take a look at them anyway?”
Egru shook his head firmly, indicating that it was truly fine.
“Would you like to go for a walk together? Or were you on your way somewhere?”
Egru nodded deeply at the last question.
“Can you not hear me, Lord Egru!”
D’Élysée apparently couldn’t hear the spirit’s desperate cries.
Egru flailed his hands, asking D’Élysée to give him some space. He needed to finish his conversation with the spirit first.
“Ah…”
D’Élysée’s sunny expression darkened instantly.
His platinum eyelashes lowered desolately, and the corners of his well-shaped mouth, which had been upturned, fell.
“Brother, do I have to be alone again…?”
Egru fidgeted anxiously.
The tall young man before him overlapped uncannily with his little brother who used to become glum before Egru left for work.
As Egru bowed his head deeply, D’Élysée discreetly moistened his lower lip.