Konjiki no Moji Tsukai
Chapter 69

Hiiro was sleeping on his back, yet his body somehow felt heavy. Hiiro suddenly opened his eyelids. He was startled by the spectacle that appeared before him. He did not know when or who had mounted themselves on top of him. Hiiro attempted to raise his voice.

(Hiiro) Wha-!?

However ~smack~ he was smacked on his mouth by that very someones hands.

(Hiiro) (why is this guyhere!?)

He was shocked by who was there. Although he could not see who it was for a moment, he determined the persons identity upon looking at their head, done up in twin tails. Yes, the person in question was the maid named Shamoe.

However, there was obviously a different atmosphere surrounding her compared to the time at dinner. Her previously pink hair was now stained in a pitch black darkness. Her eyes that seemed to faintly sag were now sharpened like a beast as they emitted a golden glow.

Furthermore, she possessed something that she clearly did not have during the dinner. This being a set of Kemonomimi and tail.

(Hiiro) (What the hells this guy trying to-!?)

She looked at Hiiro with an expression that resembled a beast that had found its prey. She was looking down on him with a smile, licking her lips in delight. Hiiro found himself stunned at the changes that had occurred to her compared to the time at dinner.

(Hiiro) (I dont really get whats happening but for now-!)

He tried to grab her hands that were covering his mouth, it was only natural for a victim to struggle to break free. However, she had an iron grip on him. Hiiro could feel the pressure almost breaking his teeth

(Hiiro) (W-what kind of brute strength does she have!?)

Hiiro had no choice but to use his fist. However, she had reacted faster. Shamoe grabbed both of Hiiros hands and head butted him.

(Hiiro) Ga-!?

Hiiro began to see stars from the considerable impact. Following this, the maid began to strangle him with both hands.

GugaHa-!

She possessed tremendous force. If Hiiro had slackened his resistance even slightly, he would have been rendered unconscious instantly. As the situation would become really bad at the rate things were going, Hiiro invoked the previously installed Protect without particular regard for the consequences.

The characters he wrote on his arm appeared with a powa as it exhibited its effects. Pale blue magic appeared before Hiiros eyes.

(Bashin!)

Shamoe, noticing the magic, leaped backwards, away from the bed.

Gohogoho-!

While Hiiro had one eye closed, he coughed as he rubbed his neck.

Gururururu Shamoe growls at Hiiro.

As if she were a famished beast, Shamoe growled as she slowly prowled around the room on all fours. She appeared to be searching for an opportunity to pounce on her target. Actually, thats exactly what she was doing. Her eyes were glaring at Hiiro, filled with killing intent.

(Hiiro) (if I dont take this seriously, this could get pretty dangerous)

Immediately jumping out of the bed, Hiiro grabbed the Piercer Sword that was leaning against the bedside. Although Hiiro was wary of the opponent, Shamoe seemed to maintain a constant distance as she kept glaring at him with sharp eyes.

(Hiiro) (This fellow seems to have a good intuition. She seems to be extremely wary of this magic barrier.)

The word magic protect would still remain active for a little longer. After receiving such a mysterious attack, Shamoe deemed that it was worthless to draw closer at this particular time, seemingly basing it on pure animalistic instincts.

As the standoff continued for a while, Hiiro used that opportunity to once again install the word Protect onto his arm. The instant Hiiro finished writing, the magic barrier that had been protecting him up until now disappeared.

In that instance, the maids eyes flashed as she forcefully kicked the floor, launching herself towards Hiiro. While gritting his teeth, Hiiro took a stance as he prepared to swing his sword. However, in that moment

Please wait!! (???)

Suddenly, the door burst open as Silva stood in the doorway shouting. Hiiros hands involuntarily paused. As Hiiros resolve to attack faltered at Silvas words, he was utterly unable to avoid the approaching Shamoes assault, his left shoulder being bitten as a consequence.

Gu-a! (Hiiro)

His face distorted due to excruciating pain.

Gu t-this fucking-! (Hiiro)

As he was being bitten, Hiiro activated the previously installed character, Speed and began to fly forward with full force. Naturally, they moved with tremendous velocity.

*baki-!*

Kyan-!

Shamoe, whose back collided with the wall at full force, involuntarily spatout salivation before collapsing directly onto the ground.

Hiiro used the word Speed in order to accelerate towards the wall. As Shamoe collided with the wall, Hiiro shoved the hilt of his katana into her stomach, inflicting some damage. It was obvious that the damage dealt was significant as her legs buckled and she tumbled to the floor.

Following this, her hair that was black returned to the same shade of pink that Hiiro noticed during their first meeting. Her Kemonomimi and tail also retracted.

Haa, haa, haa

Hiiro staggered as he held his wounded arm.

Hiiro-sama! (Silva)

Silva supported Hiiro from behind with both hands.

KuY-you better explain this, Jii-san. (Hiiro)

As Silva made an apologetic expression, he returned a faint nod. Yet, the remaining resident of the mansion began to speak.

Let me take care of the explanations. (???)

It was Liliyn. Wearing black negligee, she was carrying a plush teddy bear by the hand, the plushs neck having cotton spilling out of it. Although she wore a sleepy expression, after taking a glance at the unconscious Shamoe collapsed on the floor, she moodily grunted.

Silva, go carry Shamoe of to her room. After that, begin treating the boy. (Liliyn)

As you command. (Silva)

Quietly responding thus, Silva let go of Hiiro as he carried Shamoe off to her room. Following this, Liliyn turned on the lights as she drew close to the sofa.

Now then, for the mean time sit down. I have a lot of explaining to do. Not to mention, I also have some things that I want to ask. (Liliyn)

Her current expression was unlike the suspicious smile she wore during dinner. Her eyes were narrowed and her mouth was slightly pointed in seriousness.

Hiiro similarly sat down on the sofa while suppressing the pain. As it was just the two of them, he sat down so that they could converse face to face.

In that moment, Silva returned with, what seemed like, a first aid kit. In reality, he did not need to be treated. If he used the word Healing then Hiiros wound would be neatly cured. Yet, as he could not afford to use his magic here, he had no choice but to accept the treatment.

As Hiiro was being bandaged by Silva, Liliyn began to speak once the treatment was over.

Ill say this first. I apologize on behalf of our kin. (Liliyn)

Hiiro thought this was slightly surprising. Ever since he met her, he thought that she was the type who would never offer apologies. As such, Hiiro could now determine that she was civilised, even if only slightly.

Never mind that, just give me an explanation. Why the hell did she come here and attack me? Not to mention, her appearance (Hiiro)

Umu. Well, no need to rush. This was entirely caused by our carelessness. However, Ill still explain it to you. (Liliyn)

As she said thus, Silva, who had disappeared undetected, seemed to have gone to prepare tea as he returned and set down some tea in front of the two.

Liliyn took the tea with one hand, taking a sip before exhaling. Following this, she began to softly speak.

Im assuming that you already know that this place is the Demon World. (Liliyn)

It seems that the [Evila] call their own world the Demon World, the [Gabranth] call theirs the Beast World, and the [Humas] the Human World.

Although those living on this continent are mainly [Evila], there are some other races that secretly make their homes here.

This was not a particularly unusual story. There were some Gabranths who lived on the Human Continent and vice versa. As the Demon World had harsh environments and strong monsters, it seemed more likely that other races living on this continent were rare.

As you can guess from the flow of the conversation, Shamoe isnt an [Evila]. Actually, in hindsight, perhaps saying that shes not a pure blood might be better. (Liliyn)

Pure? (Hiiro)

As he picked up an intriguing word, Hiiro echoed.

Shamoe is a crossbreed between an [Evila] and a [Gabranth], shes an abandoned child. (Liliyn)

so shes a half? (Hiiro)

Yeah. If we were to classify her, shes of the Majuu (Demon Beast) race. (Liliyn)

As Hiiro contemplated about the existence of such a race, as it had explained Shamoes Kemonomimi and tail, he somehow accepted it.

But when I first met her, she didnt have Kemonomimi or a tail, right? (Hiiro)

Yes. If he was to say one or the other, she had the appearance of a normal person.

Among the race known as the [Majuu], they can be split into 2 types: those with strong [Evila] blood and those with prevalent [Gabranth] blood. Shamoe is of the [Evila] group, thus she normally doesnt have Kemonomimi. (Liliyn)

I see. So? The reason why it suddenly grew is? (Hiiro)

We were careless. Tonight is the night of a full moon. (Liliyn)

Ah? (Hiiro)

As Liliyn peered out the window, Hiiro followed suit. What he observed was certainly a full moon floating in the night sky. Its size was incomparable to Japans moon as it was magnitudes larger.

On nights of the full moon, it seems that the [Gabranth] blood strengthens. But dont misunderstand? Not all [Majuus] run wild like Shamoe. There are fellows who dont lose to either blood line, to the point that they can control it completely. (Liliyn)

In other words, Shamoe was simply still immature. It seems that there are [Majuus] who have matured and have a full understanding of their bodies, thus being capable of controlling their blood. However, as Shamoe has not yet become an adult, she does not possess the mental strength capable of preventing herself from going wild.

Although lately, it seems that she was able to control her urges. Perhaps because a lot happened today, her heart was uneasy. (Liliyn)

My condolences. (Silva)

Silva lowered his head apologetically. It seemed that today was the very first time she had to serve a guest. In addition, as Silva, who she was constantly worried about, had finally returned from the toxic mountain, she seemed to be extremely distressed.

As her hearts stability had been impaired, she was unable to suppress her instincts, unlike usual, which led to her assaulting Hiiro due to her going out of control.

But still, why did she come to my room? You guys have also been attacked, right? (Hiiro)

Yeah. Certainly, its as you say. The one whos on the receiving end of these attacks is usually me, you know. (Liliyn)

Well, if would rather enjoy I were the target of her assaults. (Silva)

Shut it, pervert! (Liliyn)

Gibyo-! (Silva)

Receiving a magnificent hook, Silva flew towards the bed. No matter where he was, Silva would remain Silva.

Her [Gabranth] instincts are stronger than most. It often reacts to dangerous people. Thus out of those in this mansion, Shamoes target was basically me. (Liliyn)

Come to think of it, Silva indicated that Liliyns strength was on the level of making a dragon cry and beg. if this was true, then it was understandable that she would trigger the Gabranths instincts.

But todaya strange event happened. (Liliyn)

Saying thus, Liliyn narrowed her eyes.

Who Shamoe deemed as being dangerous was not me, but you. (Liliyn)

It suddenly occurred to Hiiro. It was certainly as Liliyn had indicated. Shamoes instincts had judged Hiiro to be of a greater threat than Liliyn.

Certainly, theres many mysterious things about you. Even though youre not of the [Imp Race], you have their appearance. In addition, theres the previous struggle with Shamoe. (Liliyn)

Thinking that he had been seen, Hiiro began tightly grinding his back teeth.

You, I heard from Silva that you were a fire-user, yet I there were no signs of flames. In spite of this, theres still the presence of magic being used. (Liliyn)

(Hiiro)

Not to mention, those last movements. It felt like your power spiked for a brief moment. During that time, your arm also emitted a faint glow. (Liliyn)

As she said thus, Liliyn pointed towards Hiiros arm.

Instead of me, Shamoes deemed you more dangerous. Her instincts thought such to the extent of trying to kill you. That has not occurred even to me. (Liliyn)

She sounded a little angry. As she thought that Shamoe had chosen Hiiro over her, she displayed slight jealousy. However, it seemed that she was even more shocked when she witnessed Hiiros [Word Magic].

Ill ask again, boy. Who in the hell are you? (Liliyn)