Chapter 12

"......This is a nightmare. Why...of all things..."

"Fuhahahaha!! You're in my care now, Rex!"

And so, the sisters Mei and Clarice were safely reunited, leading Clarice to invite us to our hideout. Apparently it was Rex's idea as a gesture of goodwill, but Mei's eyes remained utterly lifeless.

However, after being persuaded by her beloved Rex, she ultimately accepted the invitation to the hideout. Though I suspect she's actually quite unhappy about it.

"Mei! Let's share a bed together for the first time in ages!!"

"Absolute refusal!! I absolutely won't do it!!"

Even after accepting, the two continued arguing like this on the way back, but somehow the sisters ended up sharing a room together. Mei might be going through a rebellious phase, but it seems they actually get along quite well as sisters.

---

Now then. Next, we needed to prepare for the demon army investigation request. The more experienced the adventurer, the more thorough their preparations.

Even just considering equipment—from clothes and rations to spare weapons and sword maintenance kits—there were mountains of things we wanted to bring. We had to carefully select and organize them according to the request.

The day after accepting the guild request, Rex instructed everyone to prepare. In response, the mage sisters went together to a magic tool shop, while the nun Karin apparently headed to the church to restock medicinal herbs.

And then.

"Flatche. Let's go to the blacksmith together."

"Got it."

So Rex and I headed to the blacksmith to have our weapons and armor maintained. My armor was practically new with almost no damage, but my sword had worn down slightly from sparring with Rex. Best to have it looked at just in case.

---

Now then.

I was being led by Rex to his regular blacksmith, when...

"......"

────This was...awkward.

Now that I thought about it, while Rex and I had crossed swords countless times, we'd hardly ever gone anywhere together. Whenever we made eye contact, we'd immediately draw our swords for a match.

The only times we walked side by side were when heading to the church for healing after a match. Usually we'd both be completely exhausted, staggering along in silence.

In other words, what I'm trying to say is...

"......"

The conversation kept dying. I was never the chatty, cheerful type to begin with. Rex was generally more talkative...but for some reason today he wasn't saying much.

From Rex's perspective, we'd only known each other 3 or 4 days. Not much common ground to talk about.

Ugh, just say something, Rex. I could start a conversation too but...there's not much I want to ask about you. I already know practically everything about this guy.

"...Hey, Flatche."

"Hm? What is it?"

Just as I was feeling uncomfortable in this awkward atmosphere, Rex spoke up as if mustering his courage. Seems he felt the same awkwardness.

"Well...I've always been told I lack tact, that I can't read the mood..."

"Where's this coming from, Rex? Self-deprecation is unusual for you."

"No. I...think the question I want to ask now might be pretty tactless too. You don't have to answer if you don't want to────"

I looked at Rex's profile.

He was serious. That expression said he had something he absolutely needed to ask.

"Sure. Ask me anything."

"Alright. Flatche, you..."

I see. He wasn't quiet because he felt awkward—he'd been hesitating to ask what he wanted to know.

Surprisingly considerate of him. In the past, he would've asked bluntly without a second thought. Probably got told he lacked tact and worked to correct that.

So, what does he want to ask after all this buildup?

────"You already knew me, didn't you?"

Wh-whoa!?

"I think this is our first meeting. But Flatche, you already knew something about me."

"Oh? What makes you say that?"

"Your sword tells me more than words ever could. The way you move."

Rex's question cut deeper than I expected. I tried to keep calm and deflect, but certainty was written across Rex's face.

"I thought it was strange from the start. You kept perfectly deflecting my sword like you could predict it. I figured maybe you were just that good at defense."

...Well. It was true that knowing Rex's swordplay inside out helped me deflect. I see, I might have overused deflections carelessly.

"But could anyone really read the trajectory of someone they just met? No offense, but my swordsmanship is among the strongest in the world. Plus, you joined a party with complete strangers without any hesitation or wariness. You trust strangers too easily."

"...Well, Mei and Karin were there too. If it was just a guy, I'd have been more cautious."

"Finally. Why use a fake name? Even if you died once, that's no reason to abandon the name your parents gave you."

Rex pressed on relentlessly, like his swordplay. Yeah, now that he mentions it, there were a lot of unnatural points.

...Could he have figured it out? Well, we did cross swords countless times when I was male. Sparring daily would make anyone notice.

"Are you...certain, Rex?"

"Yeah. Your swordplay, personality, attitude. Don't think you can fool me forever."

Ah. So he really did figure it out. Ugh, this is awkward.

Though actually, after seeing Rex's...that...I'd found it hard to come clean myself, so maybe it's good he noticed. I had no idea how to say "Actually I'm alive, woohoo!" with a straight face.

"I see..."

"That's right, Flatche. No, your real name is────"

Truly my best friend, huh. Such a flimsy lie couldn't last forever.

"Natal, right?"

"...Huh?"

Huh?

"I've heard. That guy had a little sister, right? About your age, I heard—a cheeky, stubborn brat."

"......"

"From how easily you rise to taunts to that flawless sword technique, I'd have a hard time finding ways you're not alike. You went into that cave with your brother, didn't you?"

"......"

"And the reason he went down so easily was because he was protecting you, right? Sorry, that was out of line."

What is this guy talking about?

"Plus you kept watching Mei and the others because you envied them having siblings, right? ...Am I wrong, Natal?"

"...Uh, umm"

Right now I'm probably making an extremely awkward expression. What do I do? Should I just accept this excuse?

Admittedly, his explanation fits suspiciously well. But it'll fall apart the moment the real Natal meets Rex.

Wait, have you never actually met my sister? ...Ah, right, you haven't?

Well, but I can't bring myself to lie any more to my best friend. At this point, I should probably...

"Sorry, I'll plead the fifth on that. I'll tell you properly someday."

"Got it. Then I'll keep calling you Flatche for now."

"Please do."

Let's leave it ambiguous.

Rex seems convinced I'm Natal, but the real Natal isn't nearly this good-natured.

She's just a tyrant. A lonely little tyrant.

"Well, enough talk. Let's go, Flatche."

"Right."

And so, I used my sister as camouflage to deceive Rex once again.

Hmm, the thought of eventually being found out is terrifying...

---

"Every time."

"Yeah."

After getting our swords lightly sharpened by the cheerful old blacksmith, Rex and I left the shop.

Rex’s massive sword was surprisingly sturdy, barely needing any maintenance. That thing cut through demon army forces like butter, yet it barely had a nick? Must be some legendary craftsmanship. Damn, I’m jealous.

Meanwhile, my sword—used only for sparring with Rex—was already chipped. Well, you get what you pay for.

"Hey, Flatche. Let’s stop by the park on the way back."

"The park? Oh, right, a quick match before heading home!"

"No. Why would we fight right after getting them sharpened?"

"Then what are we doing?"

"Killing time. I want to give Mei and Clarice some sisterly bonding, and Karin’s busy brewing potions, so she’ll be late. Let’s just relax for once, Flatche."

Stretching his arms, Rex let out a small yawn. Right, no sparring after just getting our swords tuned up…

Without swordplay, there’s really nothing to do. Maybe some practice swings at best?

"Fine, guess I’ll take a break for once."

"That’s the spirit. Overworking just backfires. You’re always so serious about training—it’ll just narrow your perspective."

Rex spoke like he knew everything. Then again, as the pinnacle of swordsmanship in this country, he probably wasn’t wrong.

Following the Sword Saint’s sage advice, I decided to relax with him in the park. We had an important mission ahead—maybe unwinding wasn’t a bad idea.

…Though, I couldn’t help but notice Rex subtly clenching his fist when I agreed. Did something make him happy?

---

"......"

"Pretty crowded. Alright, let’s sit over there."

The park, huh.

Now that I think about it, I’ve hardly ever been to one. The last time was when I was little, back when my father was still alive and took the whole family.

Back then, I was too busy playing to notice, but now that I’m here as an adult, I’m seeing things in a new light.

"Wh-what’s with all the couples?!"

"Yeah, well, they come here too."

Left and right, lovey-dovey pairs were all over each other. Some were even getting frisky in the bushes.

What kind of den of sin is this?!

"Oh, Flatche, you didn’t know this was that kind of place?"

"I-I thought it was just for relaxing!"

"Ignore ’em. If you don’t look, they’re harmless. Not many date spots around here, so public places like this get taken over."

"But I can hear them—! Ugh, fine, whatever."

So this is normal, huh?

And here I was, playing tag with Natal as a kid, completely oblivious.

Now that I think about it, after that one time, my parents never really took us to parks again. Probably decided it was bad for our upbringing.

"This… isn’t exactly calming. I’m not good with this kind of atmosphere. Wanna head back early?"

"Really? Sure, there are some horny couples, but there are normal families too."

"Families?! In this den of corruption?!"

Following Rex’s finger, I spotted a father happily carrying his daughter on his shoulders. I guess some people just don’t care.

The little girl, no older than fifteen, was laughing as she clung to her dad’s head. The heartwarming sight eased my nerves a little.

"Just don’t overthink it. The couples won’t appreciate being stared at either."

"...If you say so."

"Let’s just relax without worrying about them. The open space is nice—better than our cramped yard."

Taking Rex’s advice, I sat down on the grass. The distant chatter and gentle breeze soothed my mind.

"Yeah… this isn’t bad."

"Told you."

I closed my eyes for a moment.

The soft earth beneath me, the warmth of the sun—it felt like the sky and I had merged into one. A sense of freedom and peace.

Ah… this really isn’t bad.

A child’s laughter made me peek again. The father and daughter were now sharing a kiss. Such a peaceful scene.

…But what if the demon army attacked this town?

They’d be trampled—just like I was, screaming in frustration before death.

Not this time. Unlike back then, Rex is with me now. Annoying as he is, the guy’s strong. Reliable.

Protecting scenes like this is the duty of those who live by the sword. The strong must shield the weak. That’s what power is for.

Refreshed in both body and resolve, I allowed myself this moment of quiet rest.

"Hyaahn~!"

…Huh? Did I just hear something weird?

Not Rex. Rex doesn’t make noises like "Hyaahn~!" That’d be disturbing.

Was it the little girl? Did she trip or something?

Suspicious, I glanced toward the father and daughter again.

"Ah… ahhn…"

What met my eyes was—

A man in his 30s, lifting the half-naked little girl into his arms, eagerly thrusting his hips.

Even Rex noticed. His face had gone completely stiff.

"OUTRAGEOUS!!"

Instinct took over. I hurled my freshly sharpened sword straight at the creep.

What the hell is he doing?! I thought they were family! Is he actually—?!

But the pervert was quick. Still connected to the girl, he effortlessly caught my blade between two fingers and flung it back.

"Whoa—?!"

I barely dodged the returning sword. That guy’s no amateur.

An enemy? At the very least, he’s a confirmed lolicon bastard—wait, no, that makes him an enemy. No mercy for pedos.

As I yanked my sword from the ground and moved to decapitate him—

"So you finally showed your true colors, you damn degenerate general!!"

"Guh—?!"

"P-Penny-saaan?!"

Rex’s full-force body blow slammed into the man’s gut. Good job, Rex.

"Rex… why are you… here…?"

"I was having a nice time with a girl, you bastard! You ruined the mood!!"

"P-Penny-san, are you okay?!"

…Hold up, Rex. We need to talk about what you just admitted.

Wait, more importantly—what did she just call him?

"Rex. You know this lolicon?"

"Yeah… unfortunately."

The muscular, half-naked lolicon—still being fussed over by the little girl—slowly stood up.

"...Allow me to introduce myself, young lady. I am General Penny of the Pedia Empire. The 'Unarmed' Penny."

"This guy’s a general? This country’s doomed."

"Flatche, depressing as it is, if you ignore the lolicon thing, he’s the most competent general we’ve got."

"This country’s definitely doomed."

So he is a general. And apparently, he’s supposed to be our ally for this mission.

How is this suspicious bastard considered "competent"?

Is the Pedia Empire actually okay? Maybe getting wiped out by the demon army would be a mercy.

Watching the pure-looking half-naked girl cling to the lolicon’s arm while he struck a heroic pose, I couldn’t help but think that.