"Proposal? "
I returned that question to Forest-san.
If he knows about my 'blunder' and still wants to talk about that, there might be something going on behind the scenes.
"Yes. The Earl house would like to buy Mithril Alloy from you, by all means. The Earl said so himself."
"Hmm..."
How should I answer?
This is suspicious. Really suspicious. However, it is also an attractive proposal.
Rumors of the fearful summoned spirit will spread across Badgordo for the next few days. And with that rumor spreading, I might not be able to stay at any inn in this town. The deal with the Mithril Alloy is also out of the picture. That is as clear as day.
I think that I should be grateful for such a deal to come with this timing from some other party. But if I accept, I might be biting onto it without giving it a proper thought. This timing seems very odd.
Alright, let's decline. It's not like I can't make money if I don't use the Mithril Alloy. Let's not take any unnecessary risks.
"..."
While thinking this, I took a glance at Yukari.
When she looked at me, she had a somewhat sorely tempted face.
Why is she tempted? The reason immediately came to mind. "This time for sure! " She was probably thinking that. She probably thinks the chance for her redemption has come. In other words, does that mean she has come up with something good?
What should I do?
...No, wait.
Just like Yukari pointed out earlier, this is just me with my bad habit of pretending to be troubled. In reality, the answer has already been decided. 'It doesn't matter'. If so, then let's think positively.
Yeah, it's okay even if this ends up in failure. That being the case, why don't I take this as an opportunity to help Yukari's mental state?
"Yukari, can I leave this to you? "
"Leave it to me, Master."
Yukari tried to play it cool, but I noticed she couldn't hide her joy since her ears were twitching as she bowed to me, then she started the talk about the trading with Forest-san. She gives off the look of a talented secretary. Although, what she's doing now is completely outside a secretary's job.
And thus, Yukari and Forest-san talked for a while, polishing the finer details.
"Master. You will need to meet with the Earl once. When would that be good?"
"I don't mind if all the details on this matter are decided by you, Yukari."
"Understood. I scheduled an appointment for as soon as possible."
After their conversation was over, Yukari came and asked me that question. And since I have no plans to meddle in it, I told her that she could decide everything on her own. In addition, I tried to ask her to do the appointment as soon as possible, but it seems she already understood it even without me saying it, as expected of her.
And then, the meeting ended.
Tomorrow, I will meet with the Earl who will be visiting Badgordo, and we'll have dinner. The morning of the following day, together with the Earl, we will move to the commercial city of Leñador by boat. We'll then have a meeting going over the details in the afternoon and a dinner with the Earl's family at night. Lastly, after meeting again on the morning of the following day, the contract will be signed in the afternoon.
...Feels like super express. Well, it really helps me, but I wonder if the Earl is okay with that?
"Well then, you will be picked up tomorrow evening at the scheduled time."
After humbly saying "I look forward to our next meeting" along with a beautiful bow, Forest-san left the room with a splendid bearing. A very polite and impeccable old man, I must say.
"A very easy person to talk to. That's the impression I got from the short talk, but I think they will be somewhat flexible."
Yukari said an unexpected thing.
"Is there any possibility this is a trap? "
"I can't deny there is a possibility, but it is very small. He agreed immediately to the three-day schedule. Besides, the house steward was the one who came to greet you. It seems they really want to make this deal a success."
"Is that so?"
The house steward is the highest position among those who serve their lord. Therefore, in a diplomatic scenario, he's pretty much the most important person to meet. In addition, unless the Earl had a huge amount of free time or had already decided on it, it's impossible for someone of that rank to suddenly open up a three-day schedule. In other words, it can be understood that the other party really wants the deal of the Mithril Alloy to succeed. The Earl must really want Mithril Alloy.
...I see. It smells a bit suspicious, but it doesn't seem to be a trap. With this issue settled, I'll be able to focus on earning experience points. Then, I'll be one step closer to the World's Top (Mansion). However, Yukari will likely become quite busy.
"I already said it, but is it alright to leave all of this to you? "
"Yes, please leave it to me. I'll arrange it so it turns out the way Master wants."
"You sure are reliable. But that's not what I meant. Is it a burden to you?"
"A burden? "
Surprisingly, she doesn't seem to think so... Or does she? The changes in Yukari's expressions are so subtle that sometimes I have trouble reading them.
"In addition to Blacksmithing, and taking care of me and your secretary duty, you will be dealing with the trading...If I were in your shoes, I'd be overwhelmed."
"I'm doing this because I want to. It's not a big deal. And from my point of view, I think it's several times more difficult to aim for the top of the world."
"...I wonder about that? "
I began to think about it a little, but the vectors were just too different to make a comparison. But, if she puts it that way, I don't feel so bad.
"Additionally... unlike assassination, this is something worth doing."
While hanging her head, Yukari said this with upturned eyes. Then she continued.
"Besides, you promised Master, that you'll do something about that. That's why I won't look back at my dark past anymore, and while trusting you, Master, I'll only push forward."
Just a little, Yukari smiled.
I was happy about her sincereness.
She, who had nothing, came following me. I need to make my resolution too. Those thoughts were properly transmitted. So, if possible, I don't want to betray her expectations.
Let's make her grow as soon as possible, but steadily, accurately and most importantly, carefully. Then, step by step, let's go together towards the world's top. I believe that will be not just for my own sake, but also for her, and for everyone else.
"I have to become the world's top fast, right?"
I said so while lightly laughing. Although the "World's Top" part reminded me of something unpleasant.
I wondered if Yukari noticed it too? She made a face of sympathy.
Why so? That's because of a path that cannot be avoided if I want to be the top in the world.
"I'll bring it back out tomorrow morning, for the time being, just prepare yourself."
"Understood... but, to be honest, I don't have much confidence in myself."
"That feeling is mutual..."
Great Spirit King Angolmois――A being able to become a powerful weapon in aiming for the top in the world. However, I wonder if I can open my heart with him (her?).
We became a little depressed after thinking about what would happen tomorrow, and went to bed with that thought in our minds.
The next day, after breakfast.
Three people were gathered in my room.
"Well then, I'll summon it."
"W-wait a moment. Give me a little more time to prepare my heart."
"...It's a bit scary."
Silvia and Eko appeared to be a little apprehensive. Well, I don't blame them. After all, they were made to crawl on the ground yesterday under that overwhelming power.
The spirit shouldn't be able to go against me. That's why I somehow feel relieved, but the girls don't really understand that. And even though I explained it several times at breakfast, I still couldn't erase their anxiety.
Still, there's one thing that bothers me. And that is, even if Angolmois won't go against me, it might still be hostile towards Silvia and the others. And even if I order it "Don't be hostile towards them", I'm not certain it would follow that command. At least back in Mobius, it was not possible to give such a command. I wonder what will happen.
"Alright, I'm good."
Silvia said while gripping the Bow of the Blazing Wolf. Does she mean to use force if an emergency happens?
"I'm good too! "
Eko is quite easy to understand. If something happens, you plan to protect yourself behind the Shellrock Shield, right? But, why are you hiding even before I summon it, with only your ears poking out behind the shield?
"I too don't mind."
...Yukari was also shrewdly hiding behind Eko's shield.
"Ahh! That's not fair! "
Silvia argued. Ah...
Whatever, let's summon it.
"Here it goes."
I recalled Angolmois using "Spirit Summoning".
The summon formation was deployed at the center of the room. Unlike the huge circle that appeared the first summon, this was a small formation about two meters in diameter.
————————–
"――My Second! What is the meaning of this!? "
Angolmois was angry as soon as it appeared. And by taking into account that incredible appearance, that anger sure was compelling. Proof of that was the three girls completely hiding behind the shield.
"Ahh, thanks for coming out the normal way."
For the time being, I just thank it. It would've been troublesome if a storm and that huge arm appeared in such a small room.
"...It couldn't be helped, since I was asked to come out normally the next time."
It said while looking a bit displeased. Are you sulky? This might be a surprisingly honest guy.
"More than that, I would like an explanation. Why was I unsummoned right away? Weren't you in need of my great power? "
"No, right now I don't really need it. However, eventually I will do so."
"I see, got it. Eh? No, wait. That wasn't a proper answer."
"That didn't work, huh?"
"Actually, my Second... isn't your treatment towards me a bit rude? I am the Great Spirit King, you know? The great king of spirits that reigns at the top of all spirits. "
"So what? I am the number one in the world."
"What!? So, my Second is such a remarkable character!? I see, I see, hahaha! As expected of my Lord, to have the spirit ruling over all spirits! "
Whoa, so easy to deal with. I wonder if this spirit would be the ideal target for those "ore ore" phone scams?
"By the way. I was just wondering, are you a man? A woman? How old are you? How should I call you? "
"I am the Great Spirit King. I have no gender. Nor do I have an age. No, woman or man, 1 year old or 10,000 years old, I don't mind either. My name is Angolmois. You can call me as you like. Angumois, Angol, I don't really care."
So, nothing really matters, huh?
"I see, got it. I'll call you Angolmois. Also, let me introduce you to my friends."
"The friends of my Second!? The number one friends in the world, interesting."
Feeling a bit scared still, Silvia and Yukari came out from behind the shield. Eko was just listening while poking her head out the side of her shield.
"From the left, they are Yukari, Eko, and Silvia."
"Hoo... I understand. Silvia is an expert archer. Yukari has a good arm for Blacksmithing. And Eko handles the shield. Truly, a very balanced team."
Ohh! ...Oh?
"Why do you understand that? "
"I'm not sure. But it's something that somehow comes to me through you, my Second... eh? Oh, Ohhh! I see, I see! "
Is information being shared continuously?
"Angolmois. Who is the first emperor? "
For now, I tried to test it. But well, there's no way Angolmois would know――
"Ohh, the First Emperor!? "
...
This is bad...
"Hahaha! I understand, my Second. You want to say that I'm a genius when compared to the First Emperor! But I'm still inferior compared to my Second. No, inferior to the one who used to be called Seven, y――"
Unsummon!!
"...Phew."
It somehow didn't end up in something serious.
Seeing the three girls with question marks floating over their heads, I was probably just barely safe.
After taking a deep breath to calm myself down, I used "Spirit Summoning" again to call Angolmois.
"Don't unsummon me so suddenly! Were you that surprised!? "
He was angry again.
While ignoring him, I desperately began to think "Don't reveal that information about myself".
"Uh...Umu, umu. I got it."
It got through!
...I see, so this sort of self-consciousness system can be used in such a way. What a shitty system.
"You too, try thinking of something."
"（Can you hear me, my Second?）"
"（I can hear you; this is amazing.）"
"（Hoo! This is a very pleasant feeling.）"
"（Yeah, I feel the same. I wonder what this is, this sense of togetherness.）"
"（Yes. A sense of togetherness.）"
Fumu, fumu fumu... Isn't this nice!? Way too good. With this, the range of tactics can be greatly expanded. A communication system that didn't exist in Mobius, and Angolmois, the Great Spirit King, will be of great help on the road to become the world's top. I can feel the tension rising.
In particular, Angolmois is the rarest of all spirits. In the spirit's evolution system, the final strength of a spirit is adjusted so as to not make a big difference between them; however, Angolmois has a characteristic that brings him a level above the others.
And that is, his 『Lightning Attribute』. A testament of the great spirit who controls the four major elements. In Mobius, it was said that the Lightning Attribute was non-elemental. And Angolmois can unleash an attribute attack that deviates from the absolute rule of correlation of 「Fire＞Earth＞Wind＞Water＞Fire」 that exists between attributes. Specifically, it deviates in the way the attribute that has the advantage deals 1.25 times the damage, this one does 1.1 times the damage equally to all attributes. This is a huge advantage. And there is no attribute it is weaker than. You can even call it broken.
Then.
And probably because of this "sense of togetherness", I can now understand how to use Lightning Attribute Magic.
――No way.
Taking a look at the [Magic] skills column, seems like I have learned "Lightning Attribute・First Form" all the way to "Lightning Attribute・Fifth Form" at the 16th class.
......Ehh.
I've never heard of this! In Mobius, there was no Lightning Attribute Magic among the [Magic] skills a player could learn. And I've never heard of a player owning Angolmois being able to use it.
"（Looks like I learned something really amazing!）"
"（No wonder. Our affinity must be that good.）"
"（Affinity...Affinity, huh?）"
I don't think this is an issue that can be explained with such simple words... Not that I really know the reason.
Anyways, let's just rejoice.
FUCK YEAAAAAAAH! ! ! !
"Haha, hahahaha! （We're going to get along just fine!）"
"Hahaha! Haahahahaha! （It is just as you said, my Second!）"
Angolmois and I laughed as we talked. Seems like you can do something like this.
At one point I was worried about what would happen, but I'm glad I was lucky enough to draw Angolmois. Hopefully, as time goes by and they go along together, all three members of the team will relax.
——————————
"...Hey. What the heck is wrong with those two? "
"Maybe something like telepathic communication."
"Telepathic communication? I've never heard of a spirit having such a skill before..."
"Yeah, neither have I. Maybe because it's the Great Spirit King? Or maybe because it's Master we're talking about."
"Either way, it's bothersome."
"Is it he gone? Did he go back already? "
"No, he's still there."
"Uuuuuu..."
Thus, with the addition of a new comrade, the daily life of team Firstest starts again.
—————————-
"Earl la la la la lalala la Lumberjack, you say! ? "
"Lalalaaaa! "
A while after that.
I was forced to unsummon Angolmois since he was starting to get hyped up, and after the room got quiet again, I spoke about the events of last night, then Silvia turned into a broken record. Even though it's pretty funny to watch, I'd love if she could stop since Eko imitates her.
"Do you know him, Silvia?"
"O-of course I don't! But speaking of the Lumberjack house, there's nobody who doesn't know about the "Woodcutting Earl". "
"Woodcutting, Earl...!? "
What's with those two totally lame names...!
"The commercial city Leñador was originally a thriving forestry town. It is reputed that thanks to the skill of the Lumberjack family, it became such a big city."
Yukari gave a supplementary explanation. I see, so that's where "Woodcutting Earl" came from. Yeah… Lame. The more I hear it, the lamer it is.
"But that's not all. At their roots, the Lumberjack house has been known for their martial arts. It is rumored that the present head of the family, Earl Barel, is a sharp and able person who's accomplished in both literacy and martial arts. In addition, I heard that the son and daughter are quite the adventurers."
Eh! Are the eldest son and daughter of an Earl house adventurers? It's quite a liberal family.
"The older brother, Jerez Lumberjack seems to excel in swordsmanship. Seems like he's a good match with the First Prince, Klaus Castall. And the sister, Chérie Lumberjack, she is..."
"...She is? "
Yukari stopped her words almost as in suspense. Her expression was somehow painted with an unusual mischievous smile.
Then, her mouth opened slowly.
"――It's just, I heard she is called a "Genius Spirit Summoner". Master."