“I-I won’t give up… I’ll survive this… and wait for that person’s resurrection… I’m sure that person will resurrect… Fortunately, this body, which I’ve turned into a karakuri, is capable of lasting forever…”
“She’s still alive!? How tenacious!”
“Huh?!”
A short distance from the destroyed ninja base, we discovered the dying female demon lying hidden in the lush grass. It seemed she had survived being hit by the airship’s magic cannon.
The karakuri transformation may have increased her durability, but she was still quite sturdy.
“Since there wasn’t a corpse near the Karakuri Giant, I had a hard time finding you. Your magic signature was so faint I almost missed it.”
Well, it made sense —after having her magic drained to power the Karakuri Giant and then taking a direct hit from a magic cannon, her total mana reserves must have been drastically reduced. But more likely, she had been deliberately suppressing her magical presence to avoid being found.
“Powerful demons usually can’t hide their magic at all. But the weaker ones have to, or they wouldn’t survive. They get really good at it.”
“Y–you bastaaard! How much longer do you intend to mock meee!?”
So she had learned to conceal her magic because she knew she was weak—but judging from how easily she lost her temper, her pride was still very much intact.
“Oh, right. When I saw you being used as the Karakuri Giant’s power source earlier, I thought it was a pretty interesting idea.”
“Huh?”
“My magic airship’s an older model you see. Its fuel efficiency is quite terrible. Recharging its mana takes a lot of work.”
I did make use of magic stones, but the fastest way was simply to channel my own mana directly. Even so—though my mana reserves had grown considerably, I am still just a baby now. I couldn’t hold a candle to what I’d wielded in my previous life.
“So I figured, there’s always the option of using demons. Maybe even a Demon Lord’s heart—it’s packed with absurd amounts of mana—but that’s way too risky. Unlike the Karakuri Giant, I don’t need to convert the energy into electricity first, so in terms of efficiency, you should be more than enough.”
“—!?”
The female-type demon froze, speechless, as the meaning of my words sank in.
I gave her my sweetest baby smile and presented her with a choice.
“So, what will it be? Would you rather die here and now… or live on and serve as my power source? I can’t promise I’ll honor your wishes—but I’ll at least pretend to listen.”
★★★
We returned to Edo Castle.
“We have successfully annihilated their base of operations. It is all thanks to your efforts.”
In the audience chamber, the shogun once again expressed her gratitude. Since she already knew my true face, there was no need for the puppet or the screen this time—she sat before us in person. Of course, still dressed as a man.
“For your deeds this time, I am deeply indebted to you. Though it began as a simple commissioned task, such service deserves a proper reward. Is there anything you desire?”
“I want more boobies again~~!”
“Oh-ho? If that is all you wish for, then drink your fill.”
“Yaaay!!”
Lindwurm and Anje both gave me flat, exasperated stares.
But who cares? Being able to enjoy those magnificent breasts was worth every glare. Ehehehe.
“Of course, the others shall each receive their own separate rewards as well.”
The general added.
“I did it! At long last, I’ve saved up ten million!”
Karen’s joyous cry rang out.
She had already earned five million from her escort mission to Nikou, and now, after helping destroy the ninja organization, she received another five million in reward money. Including what she’d made from monster hunts, her total savings had easily surpassed ten million.
“With this, I can finally make the payment.”
“Mm. Good work.”
“Uuugh… I know it can’t be helped, but it still breaks my heart…”
Tears welling in her eyes, Karen reluctantly handed over ten million yen to Fana.
Considering how Fana had already hit the jackpot back in Embara with her gambling spree, she might actually be ridiculously wealthy by now.
“Well, you can always work hard and earn it back.”
“You’re right! I’ll just have to train even harder from now on!”
Wiping her tears, Karen renewed her resolve with fiery determination.
This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.
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