Kamisama Shop de Cheat no Kaori

Chapter 175. The Bumpy Family And Night Rematch

The blacksmith guild eagerly welcomed technical guidance.

Not only the sewing machine’s design, but even the distortion-free shaft was a treasure trove of technology for them.

Hagg spent the entire day bombarded with questions.

On our way back, I learned that making a distortion-free iron rod is exceptionally difficult and requires great skill. Hagg made it look easy, so I assumed it was a piece of cake for dwarves.

But apparently, the guild’s dwarves had been glued to his instructions. It must have been a highly advanced technique.

“Hey, Hagg, was that skill one of your secret techniques?”

“Nu? Not that much, but few dwarves can reliably craft something like that.”

“Are you sure it was okay to teach them?”

“Hmph. Now it’s too late. No matter. It’s unlikely the guild will leak it, and after seeing those girls as vessels, ignoring them isn’t an option.”

“Thanks, I appreciate it.”

“Besides, I’m probably the only one who can make it alone anyway.”

“So it really is that hard, huh?”

“It’s just that my skills are leagues above everyone else’s.”

Hagg flexed his biceps proudly. I guess I’ve got a pretty great friend.

“Let’s hurry and get them back to normal.”

“Indeed… hmm?”

“What’s wrong?”

“Our lodging seems a bit noisy.”

“What?”

At the far end of the western slums, where we’d set up a base with a camper at the center, a crowd had gathered.

At first, I thought they were here for food distribution, but it was too late for that. Something else was going on.

We pushed through the throng and found a group of armed men—about 20 of them.

“—So, that’s why you should come to me…”

Standing in the middle was Dezion Sandel, an out-of-place aristocrat—or rather, a city council member. He was here, once again, to propose to Lalaila.

Persistent much?

“Hey, you guys again?”

I glanced around for Faf and saw her grinning by Lalaila’s side.

A surge of energy caught my attention. Turning toward the source, I saw Yaralai on a rooftop, aiming his rifle. He was letting his presence be known only to me, avoiding detection by the soldiers.

Looks like I’ve got the upper hand in handling this energy thing.

“Nu… you again.”

Sandel turned toward me arrogantly, exuding noble airs despite not being one.

“Well, hello, Sandel.”

When I greeted him casually, his entourage murmured. The soldiers shifted their focus to me and Hagg, who yawned and wandered back toward the camper. Looks like he’s leaving this to me.

“You were quite the trouble last time.”

Sandel said, folding his arms with exaggerated annoyance.

“Yeah, no kidding.”

My snarky reply made his entourage grumble, but Sandel silenced them.

“I didn’t get to ask last time: what is your relationship with Lalaila?”

“Didn’t I already say? She’s my partner.”

I released a full surge of energy. Among the soldiers, those who could sense energy recoiled slightly. Eleven, huh?

I could probably take them all.

“Partner? Surely, you don’t mean romantically involved with an elf?”

“She’s my friend, my travel companion, and my best friend’s daughter.”

“So, you’re not her husband?”

“Nope.”

“Then you have no right to interfere.”

“…What?”

“Marriage is a family matter. Outsiders have no say.”

What’s this guy talking about? If it’s about my best friend, of course I’ll get involved.

“Marriage concerns the household. Outsiders should stay out!”

He declared it like it was the universal truth. Maybe it is here.

But…

“I don’t care. Where I’m from, you don’t need a reason to help a friend in trouble. Lalaila’s in trouble. That’s all the reason I need.”

“Hmph. You’re mistaken about something else.”

“What now?”

“You keep saying ‘help,’ but Lalaila hasn’t asked for it. In fact, I’m here with a good offer for her.”

“What?”

So he didn’t come just to propose?

“She probably thinks I’ll mistreat her, but I’m here to clear that misunderstanding.”

“…What?”

Before I could respond, Sandel knelt and took Lalaila’s hand. She could only blink in shock, muttering, “Huh? Huh?”

“Lalaila, your beauty is unmatched in Sevites. Your elegance surpasses all flowers of the land. Your grace rivals celestial angels. I vow to cherish you as my official second wife for life.”

I was dumbfounded by his sickly sweet declaration.

“I promise you comfort, luxury, protection, and a fair inheritance after my passing.”

Hey.

“…So? Have I convinced you of my sincerity? I’ll formalize all of this in writing—”

“…Hey, old man.”

His entourage tensed.

“Lalaila has zero intention of marrying you. Let go of her hand and return to your fancy mansion. Or else…”

I unconsciously let my energy spiral, intertwining with my muscles. The soldiers aiming their spears hesitated.

“Did you not hear? This is between Lalaila and me—”

“Shut up! I don’t need to hear her answer to know it’s no! Now scram!”

One of his lackeys stepped forward.

“You insolent wretch! This time, we won’t hold back! Kill him!”

“Akira!”

“…Stay back.”

I stepped in front of Lalaila and glanced at Faf. She just smirked. Hagg was already seated with a meal, enjoying the show.

Alright, guess it’s up to me.

“You’re really not backing down?”

“What can an unarmed man do? Take him down!”

Faf tossed a long pole at me.

“Hey!?”

“Heh. Perfect time to practice your spearwork.”

“Wait! I’m not—damn it!”

I narrowly dodged an incoming spear thrust. Can’t these guys wait for the signal?

“Well, at least it’s a fair handicap. Use it well.”

Faf teased.

“Damn it!”

I took a basic spear stance and countered one of the thrusts. Spiraling energy I’d been using on my arms now extended into the pole.

“Guhah!?”

The soldier went flying, clutching his chest.

What the…?

“Interesting…”

Not wasting their hesitation, I struck again. Another went flying, screeching oddly.

That’s when it hit me—the spiraling energy and the spear were a match made in heaven.