Piña and Beelzebub parted ways with Itami and the others here. Escorted by a uniformed female officer, Piña, Bozes, and Beelzebub were guided up a flight of steps and into the depths of the building.
Following that, they were brought to a waiting room for a short time.
The waiting room was unappealingly small, and it had little in the way of decoration, but the high-backed chairs were very comfortable. The craftsmanship of the table also seemed very exquisite. It must have been the work of a renowned craftsman according to Piña. But for Beelzebub, the furniture seemed quite outdated and bland compared to the furniture's what he used to see back in Nazarick and the ones what Demiurge used to make in his free time.
Just as they were starting to get bored of this room, a knocking came from the outside.
Piña and Bozes practically jumped out of their seats. Beelzebub looked in their direction with a calm, collected expression. Meanwhile, a friendly smile settled on his face. He shook his head and stood up. Not wanting to embarrass, even more, the princess.
The man who entered looked like he had just reached middle age.
His black hair was streaked with gray, and he had a crewcut the way Kengun did. However, unlike Kengun, he had a warm smile on his face. He seemed gentle enough, but there was a hint of strength within that kindness.
Piña felt that his green uniform was too sparsely decorated, apart from the set of colored bars on his uniform's breast.
In truth, she found it hard to believe he was the general of an army. After all, in her experience, a high-ranking officer's chest, shoulders and entire body would be plastered with medals, jewels, and other decorations. This austere look of his made him seem like a humble footsoldier.
However, since she had arrived here, Piña realized that this army despised meaningless ornamentation and instead valued actual competency. Therefore, she had no doubts about this man.
She immediately understood that the man before her might well be the highest-ranking officer of this otherworldly army, or at least, he was one of them.
She glanced to Beelzebub who stood beside her. She felt a little ashamed herself such simple thing scared her as the man entered the room. On Beelzebub face instead of similarly surprised expression what settled on her face. She saw a complete calm, friendly smile. He either saw such thing before or he was a really good actor and were prepared for such cases.
Either of this option made her feel more uneasy like before. She knew he was a talented man. But being good not only in the art of negotiation but the acting as well. It was really rare. Even among the Empire's senators she barely knows one or two people who had the same charisma what radiated from the young heir.
Behind Hazama, Kengun stood at attention behind the middle-aged man, whispering into his ear from time to time. Kengun seemed to be a relaxed person who was nevertheless devoted to his job.
There was another man behind Kengun. He had a sly smile on his face, and he arrived not long after the female JSDF officer. They all wore the same green uniform, though there were differences between them. From Piña's observations, she concluded that the mottled Jayesdeef green uniform must be some sort of camouflage used in combat, and it was different from the single-colored green uniform used for ceremonial purposes.
Finally, Lelei entered the room, standing beside the middle-aged man.
The middle-aged man smiled and said something to Lelei.
Lelei nodded and then translated his words to Piña and Bozes. However, it was not necessary to Piña due Beelzebub gave her the translator item previously. Bozes still can't understand the language: "This is the General of the Jayesdeef, His Excellency General Hazama." Following that, Piña also introduced herself and Bozes to this General Hazama. Because Lelei did not fully understand Japanese, she used her native language to fill in the blanks.
Piña played along and let Lelei introduce her.
"This is the Imperial Princess Piña Co Lada. Forgive me, but I do not know how they address princesses in the country of Japan."
"Over here, we address them as 'Your Highness.' Then, how do you address members of royalty in this world?"
"There are slight differences between men and women, but for ladies, 'francea' will do."
Lelei turned to Beelzebub and wanted to translate what he said. But he raised his hand. "It is not necessary Lelei-san. I have translator item." He motioned the necklace what hung on his neck.
Unknowingly for the crown prince. His father and aunt originally from the future Japan from 2138. And they still unkept these courtesies in time to time. So, they taught him these customs as well as many other things. Who knows when he can use it.
Beelzebub bowed slightly in respect. "I am Prince Beelzebub Ooal Gown. The first son of the Sorcerer King. Ainz Ooal Gown. It is an honor to meet you General Hazama." The two of them bowed to each other then shook hands.
Hazama and the other JSDF soldiers were a little-surprised hearing he spoke in perfect Japanese dialect and the Prince perfect use of the Japanese customs. But remembering the two adventurer's explanation. What stated they wore translator item. It was not surprising he was also wearing one. What they can't place anywhere how he know their customs.
Hazama nodded. "Likewise your majesty. Allow me to ask, but the black armored warrior and the elf with the strange coat and armor are your subordinates?"
Beelzebub nodded. "Yes, currently father ordered them to be my bodyguards. However, it is only a temporary task for them. Their main task is exploration.
Hazama nodded in understanding. "Ahh… I see. So you wear the same translator item as they."
Beelzebub nodded. "That's the case."
Hazama gestured to Piña, Beelzebub, and Bozes to take a seat.
"Please have a seat, francea, Heika, and Miss Bozes." (Heika: means your highness in Japanese if used by itself)
After that, Hazama and his entourage sat down one by one, and they began speaking, while Lelei served as their translator in most of the cases. Due Piña and Beelzebub does not need translation. Only Bozes tried to figure out something from poor Lelei's translation.
"I believe we signed a treaty earlier, but what happened to bring Your Highness here in person?"
"The truth is, due to carelessness on our part, a misunderstanding occurred. We deeply regret the events which followed, and we hope you will forgive us our trespasses."
"I've already seen the report. Did some accident take place then?"
"Yes. I am ashamed that it happened." explained the Imperial princess with an embarrassed expression.
"Is that so? Although, we wish for your Highness to continue being an intermediary between the Empire and us. If the events that have caused you such grief require it, we can also reconsider the terms of the treaty."
The Japanese attitude to diplomacy was to respond flexibly to minor setbacks. However, this way of thinking was quite problematic for diplomats, in particular, Piña, who represented Italica and House Formal. To her, denying the treaty was equivalent to the Jayesdeef attacking them. Therefore, she misinterpreted General Hazama's words as "If you don't obey the treaty, we will destroy you." The addition of "We wish for your Highness to continue being an intermediary between us and the Empire" made her feel even more uncomfortable.
"No, no, actually—"
The man with the sly smile, who had been sitting to one side all this time, suddenly cut in.
"I've been briefed by Itami. May I ask why this lady would have cause to strike him?"
Halfway through Lelei's translation, Piña and Bozes were already sweating bullets.
In the end, they still could not silence Itami. The two of them had tried to cut in at every possible opportunity, offering every lewd temptation they could muster, but ultimately, none of their attempts had worked. Then again, it would have been a miracle if Itami had actually allowed himself to fall victim to a crude seduction by a woman who beat him up one night and then smiled sweetly at him while saying "Come oooon~" the next morning.
"I confess, I wanted to laugh when I saw that palmprint and those scratches. Itami even wanted to claim them as "injuries sustained in the line of duty," but no matter how you see it, they look like the wounds from a quarrel between a couple. Did he do anything distasteful to either of you?"
The way he smiled while earnestly asking, "Did Itami do or say anything to provoke this violence?" made Piña think of him as a snake, with all the accompanying negative impressions.
He refused to drop the matter and kept asking questions like, "Why did you strike him?", "Was there a reason you had to strike him?" during any lull in the conversation. It was clingy and annoying, to say the least.
He did nothing wrong, yet he was assaulted for no reason. The words of this snake-like man, while not inherently judgmental, sounded like he was condemning them every time he spoke.
"..."
Piña could barely squeeze out a response, and in the end, Lelei said something to the man with the sly smile. Following which, the sly smile became a mocking smile, and he introduced himself.
"I do apologize for not introducing myself. My name is Yanagida, and I am pleased to meet you."
To Piña, it sounded like "I'm Yanagida, remember it."
For Beelzebub who attended numerous of his father's parties, it sounded like a simple introduction. Being taught by his mother, father, aunt and the other highly skilled members of Nazarick. He could understand perfectly distinct the man intentions. Behind his words, there was no real ill intent. He has just teased the already terrified princess.
Hazama looked to Beelzebub and bowed his head. "I am sorry I ignored you such long time Your Majesty. But can you explain me why do you come here personally? The treaty what you sent with Colonel Kengun were already relay to our superiors and under consideration. There was no need you to come here."
Beelzebub smiled Hazama's question. He still up kept his friendly attitude, but he knows exactly what the Lieutenant General want from him. Information… And if he wants information. He gives him information. But not the information what he really wanted.
He leaned forward. "I just wanted to inspect the base. According to my bodyguard's reports. It is an interesting place."
The princess and Bozes sweat dropped hearing his answer. Hazama nodded. "I see… But only coming here to inspect the base is a little waste of time. I assume there is another reason you are coming here personally your majesty."
A sly smile what resembled Yanagida's but still resembled a friendly one moved Beelzebub face. His expression looked exactly like his mother. Just in the male version. He bowed his head slightly. "You are right Sir Hazama. There is the reason why I came here."
He let a small pause between the two sentences. Every eye fixated on him.
"Being my father's first envoy and his voice in this region. I feel It is my task to make the first impression. Hearing your national diet will come together soon from Sir Itami. I would like to smooth out that minor misunderstanding between our countries what happened in the recent past and hasten the negotiations."
"According to Colonel Kengun, that little misunderstanding were already smoothed between our forces." Explained Yanagida.
Beelzebub nodded and looked to Yanagida. "True… But our countries relationship is still a fragile state. We still pointing weapons at each other's throat. We may be not a pacifist, and we spent most of our short history with constant war. Due other forces threatened our existence. But we still seek the understanding of the other side. Who knows, after discussing the situation and knowing each other a little better. This minor misunderstanding may come out as the beginning of a close friendship between our nations and the dawn of a new age."
A dreadful expression settled on Piña's face. "If he manages to cement an alliance between their nations we are doomed!"
Hazama smiled and bowed his head. "I understand your reasoning Prince Beelzebub. As your history, as well as ours, are with full of bloody wars what we spent fighting against each other. But as you said. Despite our disagreement. We as well seeking the understanding of each other."
A smile settled on Beelzebub face. "I am glad we are on the same wavelength. Who knows. It is even possible my father makes an appearance." He said sarcastically. Then started to laugh whole heartedly.
Piña's and Bozes's eyes widened imagining his father's mighty figure. If he emitted such charisma and wits. They could not possibly imagine his father who managed to conquer their whole world. From Beelzebub description. The god of death.
Hazama is thinking the young heir only joked. Laughed with him. "That would be certainly surprising."
Scene Change: Itami's room:
"Well, then~ looks like all that's left is dinner and going to bed."
They had already returned their unused rounds to the ammunition dump, while their rifles were signed back into the armory after the necessary maintenance (Kuribayashi's rifle was a write-off. It had taken irreparable damage when it had been used to block a sword strike, and the armory had signed off on it), and their vehicles were returned to the vehicle pool after cleaning the mud and sand off them. Sunset had come and gone by the time they finished these chores, and there was no time left to eat.
And then, he still had to write and submit reports, and tomorrow he would be going before the National Diet, and after that, he still had to wait for further instructions… just the thought was enough to tire Itami out.
In any case, he'd worry about that later. Itami opened his desk and placed various documents into a folder before slotting it back into the depths of his table, but then he spotted a blinking light on the phone he left in there. It would seem he had received an e-mail.
"Now who could that be from?" While thinking that, he opened the messages and saw that they were from Risa and His Excellency Taro.
The two of them were Itami's Otaku comrades. In Taro's case, he proudly used his real name, so those around him jokingly called him "His Excellency," a title that he sportingly accepted.
Risa seemed to have written something that resembled a report, and then plainly added at the end "Please lend me money (heart symbol)." After that, there was a second, and then a third e-mail, which was accounts of the tragedy that read like "Send reinforcements immediately!" and "I don't have water, food or gas!" However, there was only a day or two between the e-mails, so the situation could not have gotten as bad as she said.
This woman basically treated Itami — with his stable income as a public servant — as a credit card with no limit. She would impulse-buy figures or other expensive goods, which would then affect her ability to pay her living expenses. He felt that he could not leave her be, but at the same time, he also felt that he was just enabling her.
Taro's e-mail, on the other hand, simply asked about how he had been lately, and if he was free for a meetup.
Although he had almost forgotten which season it was during his time in the Special Region, it was almost winter back on Earth. The year was coming to an end, and Itami was thinking that it was about time he started applying for leave to do things. It had been about half a year since the summer doujin event was canceled so that the winter event would be more crowded than ever before.
"If His Excellency Taro is asking to meet me, it's plainly obvious he doesn't want to squeeze in at the doujin market with others, but instead he wants me to buy his titles for him. I wonder if I show them the pictures what I made posing with our new friends..." he shook his head as he thought about this.
Although he had been summoned back to the homeland as a witness, Itami's first priority was to get the catalog for the market.
Just as he was thinking this, the lights-out signal went out, and the lights to his block were cut.
Ah, it's so late that even the cafeteria and canteen are closed by now.
Since there was nothing to be done, Itami took out several cans of food from his desk (combat ration type 1 — chicken rice, preserved daikon, assorted vegetables) and opened them.
At this moment, there was a knocking on the door.
When Itami looked outside, he saw nobody there. For a moment he thought someone was pranking him until he saw Lelei waiting in the darkened hallway.
"It's pretty late, what's the matter with you?"
Lelei was able to translate various documents into Japanese, so she had been temporarily employed as a "specialist" (she was paid for that, of course, albeit in yen). As a result, she could come and go freely within the base. Despite Momon and Raidyn helped her for a while with the documents. The documents were too much to handle, and because of they had other responsibilities the two adventurers had to left her alone with the translation.
Giving her the translation item would not help her. Because it is directly translated everything spoken and written. Affecting the brain and transforming the speech and text for the native language of the individual. Helping the understanding.
In order to avoid being mistaken for an insomniac wanderer, she wore her ID pass hanging around her neck and came here while carrying her basket.
"Itami, I'm tired. Send me back to the camp."
With that, she tossed her staff aside and sat down. Lelei was not the type to easily show her emotions, and she was used to enduring hardship. For her to actually show weakness by saying "I'm tired" meant that she must have been exhausted. After all, interpreting for Hazama must have been very draining.
"Eaten yet?"
It was hard to speak, so she groaned and shook her head. The way she looked at Itami was like a puppy that had been abandoned by the roadside.
"Ah~ but I can't drive now, why don't you just sleep here? There's a lot of room here anyway."
The camp where she lived was a pretty long distance away from here.
Besides, if he wanted to leave the base at night, he would have to do so in full gear. In addition, he could not move around alone. Therefore, he would have to wake up someone from 3rd Recon to accompany him. Then he would have to request and fill out more forms and book a vehicle, and it would be a pain in the ass. That being the case, it would be better to find Lelei, a bed so she could sleep here.
Lelei seemed to have trusted everything to Itami, given the way she nodded and murmured before closing her eyes and drifting off to sleep.
Then, time to set the bed.
Every member of the armed forces in the JSDF had a bed that consisted of one mattress, one pillow, five towels (one was for decoration), one pillow case, two bedsheets and one blanket (the abovementioned did not apply when new bed provisions were available).
Since the materials provided were limited, the sleeping arrangements one could produce with them were also limited.
First, he laid down three dust covers. Since a dust cover was roughly half the size of a bed, he had to layer the three towels over each other.
On top of that, he spread two bedsheets. He laid one piece on one side of the pillow and the other at the foot of the bed, then he carefully folded each one under the mattress in a hospital fold, so that the sleeper could tuck themselves into one or both sides and feel like they were wrapped up.
After that, he laid the last two dust covers on the pillow side and the foot of the bed, folding them into another set of hospital corners, with all the care of wrapping a present. Then he laid the pillow down as well as the bedsheet, tucking it in under the mattress. With that, the bed was made.
He laid another blanket over this warm little nest.
After making the bed, Itami lifted Lelei in his arms and laid her down.
Her hair was pure white, and her clear skin was as flawless as porcelain.
People might have mistaken her for a life-size doll. Since Itami had no interest in that sort of thing, he covered her up with the blanket, but at this moment he felt that he could empathize with those people who liked looking at young girls.
As he thought that, Itami frantically shook his head while thinking, "No, no! Anyway, it'd be laughable for someone my age to be turned on by a girl like that." He tried to rationalize it away with his psychological defenses, but during the year Itami had graduated from high school, there had been a girl in his class who had been pregnant and gave birth to a baby. Thinking about it now, it did not seem impossible.
Lelei said she was 15, but she seemed less developed and curvy compared to a Japanese girl of 15. Lelei did not just look younger than her age, but she seemed more delicate too. Still, when it came to being older than they looked, there were two prime examples right here.
Suddenly, his vision blurred as he was looking at Lelei.
If this went on, he would fall asleep soon.
"No, no, if I fell asleep here, somebody will see it and get the wrong idea. I need to get back to my room to sleep, he thought.
Not long ago, Kurata was teasing him by asking, "Say, Lieutenant, do you like DFC?"
Granted, Itami knew he wasn't very good around carnivorous, mature women, but it was ridiculous to have that interpreted into a taste for flat chests. If pressed, Itami would say that breast size was irrelevant, only the shape of the body.
In other words, he did not dare lay a finger on Lelei. Furthermore, waiting unnecessarily beside a sleeping girl would invite unwelcome gossip from people. He had to get out of here right now.
Not long before this scene Raidyn just strolled on the courtyard of the JSDF base. Her ID hangs around her neck like Lelei's, but she used invisibility to not disturb anyone and to go wherever she want. Giving her free roam in the base. Beelzebub and the princess already retreated in their quarters. Momon being his bodyguard accompanied him standing guard before his room's door.
Raidyn was bored. After the dinner, everyone either retreated their room or went back to their duties. She already exercised, she doesn't have anything new to read in her inventory. The only thing what remained to spy on the individuals of the base.
Under her small stroll. She spotted the exhausted blue haired mage walking towards a door. Knocking on it. Then a familiar figure opened the door. She hid in the nearby corner. Then jumped on Itami's roof. Her cat-like agility made her capable to land on the roof without anyone could hear her. Raidyn started to listen to the conversation between Itami and the exhausted Lelei. She already knew the Otaku has no ill intentions towards anyone, especially towards the small mage. Still, pranking him was just fun.
Moments before Itami could let the dream goblin take him to the dream world. She subtly teleported in his room.
"Do you want me to transport her back to our room?" Itami suddenly heard a female voice behind his back and woke up immediately. Jumped up in and a frightened expression settled on the First Lieutenant face.
"R-Raidyn! What are you doing here!? You should be back at your room! How do you even got into my room?"
A frightened expression can be seen his face as he took a comical pose.
"The door was open…" answered Raidyn while pointed to the door.
He calmed himself and nodded. "I see..." he glanced down to the sleeping Lelei.
A calm, gentle expression settled on his face as he looked to the sleeping mage. "No, transporting her will be not necessary. She may wake up." He looked back to the sleeping Lelei. "She is sleeping so peacefully. Don't disturb her."
Raidyn nodded understandingly.
"By the way… What are you doing here?" questioned her Itami.
She tilted her head. "I am bored. And Tuka and Rory are already sleeping. Momon-kun is doing his usual thing what he does at this time of night." she looked around suspiciously.
"Most likely polishes his weapon." she whispered.
Itami nodded uncomfortably.
"Seeing Lelei strolling around the camp with a completely exhausted expression I thought I offer her to bring her back meanwhile searching something interesting. But then she knocked on your door. So, I thought I watch out of her. You may do something indecent thing with her." She said while suspiciously squinted her eyes.
Itami stepped back with a frightened yet offended expression. "You really think such thing of me? Raidyn-san! Do I look like a pervert?"
She tilted her head with an innocent expression. "No, you look like a horny NEET…" (NEET: Not in Education, Employment or Training.)
The blood frozen in Itami's veins hearing Raidyn called him horny NEET. "Do she even know what it means or she just heard it somewhere?"
He bowed his head with a disappointed expression. "Oh... I see..." Then he started to laugh nervously. "Well, I sometimes act like one. But please can you tell me? Just between us. Where do you hear this slang?"
"Well, I don't know how its sounds in our language. But it is an individual who neither in education, employment or training."
"I see…" Itami nervously scratched his head. "Do I really look like a NEET? I mean I rather chose my hobby than my work. And I love slacking. But a horny NEET? Really!?" he asked himself desperately.
He looked back to Raidyn who looked around in his room. Inspecting the standard furniture of a military styled room. "Every time I see her and Momon-kun armor. I still find them cool…"
"By the way… Aren't you tired?" Itami asked her with a dumbfounded expression. Making her attention draws back to him.
She looked back to him and shook her head. "Not really. You know. I have a rare brain disease. I am unable to sleep."
"Oh…" said Itami. "I am sorry…" he bowed his head in regret.
"No problem. You get used to it after a while. And with a special meditation method. I can regain my strength under moments! See!" she jumped up and landed on her index finger. Then made a few push ups with it.
"You see?" she jumped back to her feet while smirked.
Itami nodded nervously. "That's… cool." He looked away for a moment.
"Do you have something to read Itami-kun?" asked him Raidyn. He looked back to her and saw her pleading eyes. He stepped back in surprise.
"Ah...! I will look into something to you…" he turned away and searched among his belongings. Despite he mostly read Light Novels on his smartphone. Either on the internet or downloaded them. He always brought with himself a few printed copies from his favorite Light Novels. If he forced in a position where he is unable to charge his phone, or it is simply can't use it.
After a moment he found his and old copy of a Light Novel first three volumes. He was not sure she would understand most of the cultural things in it. But she asked something to read. If she doesn't understand something. She can ask him later. But now… He was too tired even thinking about such things. As the saying goes. The Tomorrow problems. Remain to the tomorrow me…
He handed the Illustrated Light novels to Raidyn. She inspected them. And her eyes widened. Her inner otaku screamed in joy. "Whoa! Printed copies of the High School of the DXD! These were super rare back in my previous life, and worth quite a sum! Even I can't allow myself a copy of them! I need to take care of them… And maybe… When we go through the gate, I can ask Zero to steal a few 'necessary items for me. Of course only for an experimental purpose. I need to refresh my light novel, anime, movie, and game database after all…"
She inspected the illustrations. "Hmmm... Boobies!"
Itami was seeing the appearing happiness on her face. Smiled and started to scratch the back of his head nervously. "Well… This is the only thing I have… I hope it will do."
She nodded. "Certainly… Thank you very much!" she bowed deeply. "The girl is nice on the cover." she pointed to the cover of the light novel.
"Ah... Thanks... Most females did not appreciate them..." he smirked.
"They are stupid," she answered. "Thanks again."
"No, problem. But please take care of them. They are rare."
"Don't worry. I can certainly take care of these rare artifacts."
"I would not say these are rare artifacts… But… Hey! It sounds cool if you say it like that!" he thought.
"Thank you Itami-kun! Good night! And no naughty thought. Or I may have to do something bad with you." She chuckled.
"I would never dare." Smiled Itami innocently.
Raidyn smiled back. Bowed then left closing the door behind her back.
After she left. Itami's body suddenly started feeling heavy.
After spending all night in combat, being taken prisoner halfway back to base, being marched all the way back to Italica and yet another night without rest, the accumulated fatigue was too much for Itami to resist.
And so, Itami passed out.
In the end, against all of his wishes, Itami ended up falling asleep on Lelei's tummy.
As Raidyn strolled in the camp, she informed Momonga about her new acquisition.
[Message]: "Momonga! I managed to take my hand a few light novels! Do you want to read them?"
[Message]: "Of course! It was a while since reading such stuff. Wait a moment. I find a way to get away from Beelzebub in a subtle way. Then I will be on my way towards you."
[Message]: "We will meet in the residential area. behind the house what I built."
[Message]: "On my way..." answered Momonga.
Scene Change: The next day, 11 AM, in front of the concrete dome.
Today's sunshine was exceptionally bright. Itami was standing still, a blank expression on his face. The first Lieutenant was still tired after he had to wake up earlier and finish his reports before he returns to Japan.
He was wearing a Type 91 winter jacket, which made sense for Japan's weather, but considering the climate was still warm on this side of the gate, it felt too hot. Because of that, he was only wearing the jacket and had his sleeves rolled up.
Passing officers might have frowned on his poor personal grooming, but after noticing his winter clothing, their expressions turned to wry grins which made him uncomfortable.
The summer uniform was fine on this side of the gate, but anyone going back to Japan, which was in the middle of winter, would have to dress appropriately. The discrepancy in seasons was funny in its own way.
"So slow…" he sweated
For the most part, everyone everywhere should have a sense of time, but he did not know how it was for people in the Special Region. After all, they did not have clocks, so they might not have the habit of being on time as well.
So I'll wait then, Itami thought as he wiped the sweat from his brow. Eventually, the people he was waiting for finally arrived.
"Kuribayashi~ Tomita~ you guys took too long!"
"Sorry, Lieutenant, we were delayed because we were taking care of things."
In contrast to the uniformed Itami, Kuribayashi and Tomita were in civilian clothes.
"It's so hot out, where are you wearing so much?"
That had been Tuka, speaking in a soft voice. Lelei gave Itami a long and intense look, while that black-clad Gothic Lolita had followed them, of course.
Raidyn and Momon walked to them. "You guys!" greeted them Raidyn. Momon nodded silently to the others.
Momon wore a tight white shirt what high lightened his tanned muscles. A black jean and a seemingly tight black leather jacket.
This was due to the base there was no shirt and jacket big enough for his muscled form. So, he had to squeeze himself inside of tight clothes what flat against his illusionary skin. Not as he felt anything. After all, it was only an illusion what perfectly simulated bodily functions.
His attire caused not a little satisfaction for Kuribayashi and the other female staff members of the JSDF. Not speaking about Rory. What bothered Ainz the most… Rory started to cling on his biceps more and more forcing him to pull her after himself while she held her wrapped Halberd.
The high-level illusion enchantment was mixed with minor reality warping enchantment making everyone around him not only see him as a trained warrior but even if they touch his illusion body. They will only feel as he was really a living, breathing being.
Because of this Ainz was calm about the trip. He can't praise enough his friend skill in the art of enchanting and her genius to be able to develop such enchantments. Because of this. Even if someone able to cut him. The illusion was able to produce illusionary bodily reactions and fluid. Such as blood, tissue reaction, and many other things.
Meanwhile, Raidyn wore her usual long hooded leather coat without the hood wrapping her head. And she borrowed jeans and a shirt from the female staff. Both Momon and Raidyn put away their equipment previously. Raidyn using her reequip magic. Momon is introducing his bottomless bag. True. His armor was only a summoned armor. But he can freely remove it piece by piece and store it for a limited amount of time. After that, He had to resummon it.
As said in the previous chapters. His face resembled Guts from the berserk Manga. A mix of serious and suspicious expression can be seen on his face as he always measured his surrounding.
Raidyn and Momon offered Rory to take care of her halberd and store it for her. But she simply refused it. Saying… "It would stain Emroy's name if I let the artifact had been taken away from me and placed in that thing…"
Rory's huge halberd was wrapped in canvas, but she didn't seem happy with the procedure, so she kept pouting and making little noises of protest.
"It can't be helped, if you carry that big thing through the "Gate," you'll violate the Firearms and Blades Regulation Act and the Weapon Possession Act among other laws, and the police will arrest you immediately. They've been really strict on this lately, and it's no laughing matter. In truth, they wanted you to leave it behind before going over."
"And how could I leave behind this proof of Emroy's will?"
"That's why I said; you need to bear with this for a bit." Explained Itami.
"The offer still stands Rory. We can still store your weapon." Offered Raidyn.
"No thank you!" Rory pouted her face in an offended way.
For Rory, she had no other choice if she wanted to go to the other side of the "Gate."
Itami turned towards her. "Store her weapon?"
Lelei nodded. She pointed at Momon. "Bottomless bag." Then Raidyn. "Can make appear her armor and weapons seemingly from nowhere." She explained in her broken Japanese. She progressed greatly with her language studies. Still, it was far from perfect despite her blessing what her patron gods provided her.
Itami nodded nervously. "I see…"
"What the heck! Now they have a bottomless bag and summon their armor from their storage space?!" he sweats dropped. "This gets more and more like an MMO and these two guys more and more like player characters… Then what we are? NPC's?" he shook his head not wanting thinking about this anymore. It only made his headache.
Itami, the commander in charge during the battle with the Flame Dragon, was not the only one being summoned by the Diet. Several other witnesses from the affected refugees had been called too.
Among these "affected refugees," the presence of Lelei was essential because she could translate for both sides. However, the translator items can do the same. Neither the Prince of the Sorcerer Kingdom or the two adventurers gave them one of those. Due it was a highly valuable item. Pina only gets one because Beelzebub offered her his spare.
Lelei's services were in high demand recently, almost to the point of abuse. Fortunately, Raidyn and Momon helped out her often using their translator item. But because of their new responsibilities as the Prince's bodyguard, the two of them can't help her all the time. However, they wanted.
Still, the amount of work was overwhelming. All they could do was ask her to bear with it. General Hazama had even told her in person that after the meeting with the Diet, as compensation for her hard work, he would arrange for her to have fun and relax in Japan before coming back.
Tuka would be coming along because she would be living proof that the Special Region contained other sentient species besides Humans. Her mere existence would answer many questions, and to the media, it would have great persuasive power.
As for Rory… well, she looked human enough and resembled a child. With that black priest's garb on top of that, what if she were mistaken for a cosplaying girl brought along to make up the numbers?
Although demigods were feared and respected in this world's legends (not including the countless stories of luckless others being killed off), it would be troubling if she wanted to demonstrate her "divine power" in the diet. As a result, Itami was in a dilemma over how to handle her.
But the main reason they had brought her along was because she said, "How could you leave me out of something so fun?"
In addition, Kuribayashi and Tomita were there as their guards.
As Momon and Raidyn… They had a crucial role killing the Flame Dragon. Saving many lives in the process. So, it was obvious why they come. However, Itami did not understand if they became the bodyguards of Beelzebub. How can they leave the person who they had to protect behind? How can the protect him if they step through the gate?
Leaving these thoughts behind. He shook his head and turned back to the others.
"All right~ that should be it. Then, let's move out."
Just as Itami said this, a car drove up in front of Itami and stopped there.
Yanagida got out of the passenger seat and raised a hand in greeting.
"Sorry, sorry, the procedures took a bit more time than anticipated."
What was this guy up too? Just as Itami was starting to get annoyed by looking at him, Yanagida opened the rear door of the vehicle and invited the three people within to a light.
"Her Imperial Highness Piña Co Lada, His Highness First Prince Beelzebub Ooal Gown, and her Excellency the Marchioness Bozes Co Palesti. These three will be accompanying you secretly to Japan. Please take care of them."
Piña, Beelzebub, and Bozes got out of the car and lined up in front of Itami.
"Oi, Yanagida, we never talked about this." Protested the First Lieutenant.
"Ah? Didn't I tell you before? Then it shouldn't be too late to explain to you now, right? I've made the arrangements with Ichigaya Park (a hotel run by the Defense Ministry), and the hotel at Izu is settled too. Go enjoy your three-day vacation."
"You… don't you remember how Her Imperial Highness and friend saw to me?"
"Oh? The mistake from earlier? Well, just laugh it off, why don't you?"
"I can't."
"Well, it doesn't matter, don't worry about it. In any case, Her Imperial Highness and His Highness First Prince Beelzebub will be an important intermediary between our government and theirs, so it was only natural that they requested to come to our country to learn more about it."
"If that's the case, then why are they coming with me?"
"Well, you just happen to be headed home, right? Besides, we don't have anyone else who can translate while going sightseeing at the same time."
With that, Yanagida drew close to Itami and spoke softly to him while sliding a white envelope into Itami's pocket.
"Courtesy of General Hazama. Use it to show our guests a good time. Show them the meaning of Japanese hospitality."
Itami sighed and turned back to the others. "All right. Let's get in the car."
They took seat one by one, and the miniature convoy has departed. Because of their increased number. The Imperial Princess, Bozes, Beelzebub, Momon, and Kuribayashi sat in the same car. Meanwhile, Itami, Raidyn, Rory, Tuka, Lelei and Tomita went with the same car.
They passed the borders of the gate under the Ferro-concrete sarcophagus like a dome.
Raidyn opened a mental link towards his friend. [Message]: "I can't believe it Momonga! After so long time! We will return our birthplace! Our origin!"
[Message]: Momonga nodded. "It will be certainly interesting…" he left a moment of pause, and the nostalgia started to choke him. "I saw many pictures of the early 21st century back when We were still human… I wonder… If it will be similar than our overly polluted and crowded Ginza back in 2138 or it will be like in the pictures in the vast digital archives on the internet…"
[Message]: "Oh! Papa's bones become sentimental… How cute!" joked Esdeath and chuckled.
Ainz became embarrassed, and his emotion suppression kicked in. [Message]: "I-I am not!"
[Message]: "Whatever… But if you don't mind. After we pass the gate. I let G.O.L.D.I.E lose at their network. Searching information about our ancestors even exists in this timeline or universe. Or it is an entirely separate one."
Momonga nodded. [Message]: "Good idea. Just order her to be subtle as possible and not do anything drastic. Such as changing the value of their currency from one to zero. Her primary task should be information gathering not wrecking their infrastructure..." he let a pause thinking about the possibility. Then shook his head. "Anyway... We need every edge what we can get our hands on."
Raidyn chuckled in the message. [Message]: "Don't worry. She is my girl. She is as subtle as I am. Maybe she pranks a few persons. Or she changes a few values. But she will not hurt anyone without reason. After all… I modeled her core program after my brain, and I tried my best to teach her the values what we represent. Of course, I can't do anything about it if she places a few fail safes and traps in the case in their network. It will come in handy if they try to attack us. For safety purposes of course."
[Message]: "Momonga nodded. "I don't mind it. After all... We left that life behind us a long time ago... We owe nothing to Earth and her people."
Besides Momon. Beelzebub, the imperial princess, and Bozes conversed about politics, life, and many other things. The car steadily moved towards the other side of the Gate where Ginza awaited them.
Unknowingly to the JSDF and the denizens of the special region. Before the dome, massive metallic doors closed. A few shadows passed the border of the structure. Two squads of Eight Edged Assassins and Zero. The head of the spy and information gathering network of the Sorcerer Kingdom. Slipped through the gate. And followed them with high speed.