I Want to Live a Normal Life

Episode 12: Goodbye Gladiol

“Is this spot good enough?”

“What are you going to do?”

“I’m going to snipe.”

Since it’s too conspicuous to be close by, I move into an alley a bit further away. I’ll have Sasha-san hide a bit further away as well.

“[Rifle]… How’s the angle?”

[[More to the left.]]
[[A bit lower.]]
[[Too much.]]
[[There!]]

The [Rifle] spell is specifically for sniping. Its principle is the same as [Cannon], but it’s precise, making it powerful. Originally, it was made for assassinating Gargaine. Finally, it’s time to use it.

However, at this distance, I can’t detect anything with my [Magic Sense]. The spirits handle the aiming. Normally, this would make me nervous, but their intent to kill those who threaten Seira is stronger than mine or Mine-kun’s. Well, Mine-kun is also really angry this time.

[[[Kill him!!]]]

“Okay, [Fire].”

With a dry sound, the bullet is fired and disappears into the wall. Hmm, can’t see it. It should have penetrated.

“Did it hit?”

[[The chaos one is dead!]]
[[The one in the back is dead too!]]
[[Serves him right!!]]

“Then I should hide too.”

… Who’s the one in the back? Well, whatever. Better hide.

Anyway, it looks like there are guards. Let’s get past them and to the magic circle—

“Whoa! That was close.”

“You bastard, how dare you kill Gladiol!!”

A big guy with a huge axe attacks from the sky. Ugh, a bodyguard. And he’s skilled. He noticed my position and attacked in that instant.

… And he’s a character from the original work. Ugh, so troublesome. Well, at least it’s confirmed that Gladiol is dead.

“… Don’t intervene unless it gets really bad.”

[[[Okay]]]

“[Magic Armor].”

(Note: From this point on, the one with the “*…*” is the MC’s dialogue. Don’t know why the author puts this kind of sign halfway through the chapter and not from the beginning. Heck even halfway through the dialogue. The one before this like the [Magic Armor] dialogue is obviously the MC’s to avoid any confusion)

“I’ll handle this guy. You guys go to the headquarters and get “*[Earth Spear]*”—Tch!”

I want to see how well I can do against a strong character from the original story. If it gets bad, help me out, okay? Still, he dodges well. Well, I’ve killed the others, so it’s fine.

“*Ros… rio? Was it?*”

“… It’s Rosand. You know me? “*[Bullet]*”—Damn it!”

Yeah, Rosand. One of Miltia’s apostles and one of the top fighters among the apostles. The fact that he’s guarding Gladiol shows how important Gladiol was to Miltia. Well, he’s dead now.

And he dodges that too. This is tough…

“Take this!!!”

“*Do–n!*”

(Note: The “do-n” (どーん) sound effect in Japanese is often used to represent the sound of a large, heavy object hitting the ground or a deep, resonant thud. It’s commonly used in manga, anime, and other forms of Japanese media to depict impactful or weighty moments, like a heavy door slamming shut or a giant creature taking a step)

I swing my mace with all my might against his descending axe. Our power is about equal, or maybe I’m slightly stronger… if this is his full strength.

“Hah! I thought you were a mage “*[Bullet]*”— but you’re good “*Ora!*” at close combat too
“*Do-n!*”— not bad, “*[Bullet]*”—you’re good.”

(Note: Welp I don’t need to explain “Ora!”,do I?)

Yeah, [Bullet] isn’t working. He dodges and counters easily. Our speed is about the same. My technique is clearly inferior, and by a lot. That’s why I hate close combat.

“But you’re just an amateur with only power and speed.”

I know. I’m a construction-type adventurer. You’re just too strong.

“Hah, gotcha— what!?— Guh!”

When his axe touches my side, my [Magic Armor] explodes. The explosion and the flying shards of my armor surprise Rosand. He instinctively backsteps to reduce the damage. Impressive.

But that spot is dangerous, you know?

“*[Pitfall]*”

“What, that’s dirty—aaahhh!!!”

As he lands, the ground opens beneath him. Yup, it’s a pitfall. A really deep one. I’ve dug several of them around here while shooting [Bullet].

Did you think you were fighting a warrior? I’m a mage, you know? Winning is what matters. Now, let’s bury it. I’ll harden it all around. I don’t want to imagine what’s happening inside. I might throw up.

“*Ah, tiring.*”

I’ve realized I can’t win a fistfight against strong characters from the original story. I’m glad I upgraded my [Magic Armor].

Still, [Bullet] is only useful as a deterrent against strong characters. That’s tough. Even though I’ve been strengthening it bit by bit…

“*Ah, I stood out too much*”

The guards are approaching. Well, I did make a big scene. I didn’t expect such a strong guard.

“Let’s calm down! Fighting in broad daylight is—”

“*Here, take this.*”

“What is this—oh, it’s the Honorary Baron! I deeply apologize for my rudeness!”

“*No, I’m sorry for causing a disturbance.*”

Wait, this is surprisingly straightforward. I thought the Vingul Territory had an anti-royalist image.

“So, what’s all this commotion about?”

“*We were pursuing a man named Gladiol.*”

“What?!”

“*Do you know something about him?*”

“Gladiol should be meeting with my father right now.”

“*Your father?*”

“I apologize for the late introduction. I am Davil Vingul, the son of Count Mild Vingul.”

What? The heir? Is it okay for him to tell me this? According to Davil, the Count is practically a puppet of Gladiol. The rebellion was also instigated by Gladiol, though Davil managed to dissuade him at the time. Since then, he’s been distanced and given tasks within the city.

“*I killed Gladiol a little while ago. The one I was fighting earlier and those lying around here were his guards.*”

“You killed Gladiol?! What about my father?”

“*I wouldn’t know. I haven’t seen him*”

“Davil-sama! We’ve found the Count’s body!”

“”*……*”

According to Davil’s subordinate, the Count died facing Gladiol. Was it that guy in the back? Why were they meeting in such a place? I’m really sorry.

“My father, Count Mild Vingul, was killed by Miltia! Until the King decrees otherwise, I will act as the lord!”

““”Yes, sir!!”””

They agreed to handle it that way. I’m truly grateful. Apparently, Gladiol and the Count often met at that shop. Maybe he didn’t want his family or servants to see him using magic. But if that’s the case, why not use magic on those around him too? There must be some restriction.

“By the way, Honorary Baron, there’s something I’d like to show you.”

What could it be?

After reuniting with Sasha, we followed Davil to an underground room in a detached building at the Count’s estate.

“There’s a teleportation magic circle ahead.”

“It’s the same as the one we saw beneath the capital.”

“*Do you know where it leads?*”

“No, I don’t. But Gladiol and his people used it frequently.”

It seems wasteful to just destroy it.

“*Is it possible to send just magic through this circle?*”

“…Well, I wonder what will happen?”

“I don’t know.”

[[[It’s impossible.]]]

“*Oh, I see.*”

Apparently, it won’t activate without a person. So sending just explosive magic or a bomb-rigged body through it isn’t possible. I thought it might be easier if I could blow up Miltia’s headquarters, Milticia. Well, I’m not even sure if it connects there. Come to think of it, casually planning a terrorist act means I’m really adapting to this world.

“What should we do?”

“*Would it be a problem if I set explosive magic here?*”

“”……””

Setting explosios is a hobby of adventurers in the civil engineering field. With Davil’s permission, I sealed off the basement and reinforced the walls. Then, I set mines around the magic circle. If anyone steps out of the circle, boom! Though, it might hit an innocent person or the information could leak beforehand. Sorry, but I’ll need Davil and his people to move.

I also need to adjust the explosion direction to avoid surrounding damage.

“*Let’s hope it catches a big one.*”

[[[Let’s hope so!]]]

….The spirits seem really eager to help.

(Note: From here on out, it’s back to no marking for the MC’s dialogue so guess it yourself. Fuck this author)
—

After handling various matters in the Count’s territory, Sasha and I returned to the orphanage. It was exhausting.

Sasha was a great help. Without her, we wouldn’t have found Gladiol.

“Sasha, thank you for your help this time.”

“I’m glad I could assist. Let me know if you need anything again.”

“Thank you. That’s very reassuring.”

“””Sasha, welcome back!”””

“I’m back. How’s everyone doing?”

“””We’re good!”””

“Rick, Mary, and Lumina went to take their entrance exams.”

“Oh, right. I forgot. But they’ll be fine.”

Ah, today was the entrance exam day, wasn’t it? I’m sorry, even though I hurried quite a bit. I’ll bring a token of apology and celebration next time, to also thank you for your help this time.
And I’m sorry to you too, Walz-san? I couldn’t help with the incantations…

Back at the Border Count’s mansion, I report the outcome of the situation to the Border Count. I also need to inform him about Count Vingul’s death. Damn it, Miltia. What a despicable act!

“So, it seems that Count Vingul’s mansion will be spectacularly blown up soon.”

“…Ah, I see. I’ll inform His Majesty.”

The ‘spirits’ got enthusiastic again. They remembered when I promised them their turn during the martial arts tournament.

By the way, several of Count Vingul’s subordinates still had traces of Gladiol’s magic, but Sasha-san used [Calm] and all the effects of the chaotic magic disappeared. Some might still be motivated by money, though.

“Speaking of which, why wasn’t Count Vingul punished even though he was so deeply involved with Miltia?”

“At that time, the documents didn’t reveal such deep connections. Perhaps the information about the people involved in the [Transfer] magic circle was more strictly concealed.”

“I see.”

Well, it’s understandable to desperately hide information related to [Transfer]. Important strongholds probably have them installed. Can’t be helped, I suppose.

After finishing the report and intending to head back, I met Alt-kun and Iris-san in the entrance hall. It seems they frequently go between the two families for greetings and engagement procedures.

“Oh, Mine, you’re back.”

“Ah, Young Master, Lady Iris. Congratulations on your engagement.”

“Oh, um, thank you.”

“Thank you. And you are?”

“My name is Mine, under the care of the Border Count.”

“Oh… You seem quite strong. I’d like to spar with you sometime.”
“Ah, well, if the opportunity arises…”

Alt-kun blushed. How nice! By the way, Lady Iris really loves to fight, huh. But I don’t think training with someone like me, who can only use brute force, would be beneficial.

Incidentally, Lady Iris will be doing bridal training and martial arts training at her parents’ house until Alt-kun graduates. Then, she’ll officially marry him. How exciting.

“By the way, have you thought about your house name?”

“Oh… I forgot.”

“House name? Are you being ennobled?”

“No, I’ll be an honorary baron.”

“What! That’s quite something.”

“Is it?”

Typically, nobles are given lands and power but also have corresponding obligations and responsibilities. However, honorary nobles are exempt from these duties and responsibilities in exchange for not having lands. Basically, it’s like saying, ‘Be free, but stay on our side,’ or so I heard.

Honorary barons can only be appointed by the king or with recommendations from multiple high-ranking nobles, and it’s rare, happening once in ten years or so. I didn’t know that. By the way, it seems that there have only been a few people who have become honorary viscounts, the highest honorary noble rank, in the past.

“I’m suddenly very curious about what you did.”

“Haha…”

I just beat up those who made my sister cry? The repercussions aren’t that significant this time. Just that part of the count’s mansion blew up along with the main house.

Incidentally, Count Vingul’s mansion spectacularly blew up two days after I returned to Hartelion.

[[[Taa-ma-ya!]]]
[[[Some important-looking guy also died!]]]
[[Serves them right!!]]

We did it.

—

“[[Name?]]”

“Yes. Mine something, Seira something.”

“[[Oh~]]”

“Do you have any ideas?”

Mine-kun and I pondered, but neither of us could come up with anything decent. The first idea was ‘Harlight’ from Hartelia’s Arlight, as a rebuke to my family, but it would be a hassle if they got seriously angry, so I passed. ‘Sword Saint’ is definitely stronger than that Rosa… something.

Next, I thought of Spirit and Soul. Considering Seira, it seemed fitting to include a word related to ‘spirit.’ But it sounded awkward, so I passed.

Other ideas were Craft, as I’m an adventurer in construction, or Sweeper, since I clean up messes. …Those might get me in trouble.

The best idea was ‘Fireworks’ from [Ta-ma-ya]. I might go with this if nothing better comes up.

[[[Seira Spirit!]]]

“”……””

　I’m glad I didn’t say anything out loud; there are others like me.

“Hmm, Seira Tamaya?”

“[[……]]”

　…Well, I guess it’s better than the ‘spirit’ idea, isn’t it?

This time, there was a lot going on, but I think the situation in Hartelia is finally settling down. The official acceptance of commoners into the academy has begun, and Count Vingul, who was gathering potential rebels, along with Gladiol, who was instigating him, are both dead.

Miltia is still the same as ever, but there’s no need to worry about the Principality anymore. It seems like they’ve taken care of the orcs, too. Well done, everyone.

Although I messed up a lot and got caught, the most important thing is that Seira and the border count’s family are safe. I haven’t given up on living a normal life, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to abandon these people. I’m greedy like that.

That said, I’m tired this time. I’ve been super busy running around from west to east, so I’ll take it easy until the entrance ceremony. Being a janitor is fun, too. If I could be a bit greedy, I’d like to spend more time with Seira and the others.

“Onii-chan, is Seira Tamaya not good?”

“[[Guh, so cunningly cute…!]]”

…It’s unfair to tilt your head and look up at me like that. Hang in there, Mine-kun!