Part 4[edit]
The time was half-an-hour before Kuro Usagi and Izayoi met up with each other again.
At a sidewalk cafe of the Fountain Plaza, Asuka and Yō summarized what they've learned from listening to the explanation regarding the Community, holding their cups in one hand.
"I see. I understand more or less. In other words [Demon Lord] is a term used for deities and such, who brandish their special rights in this world, and Jin-kun's Community was toyed around and destroyed by them. Something like that?"
"Indeed, my lady. Deities do like cheeky humans since ancient times after all. Breaking something you love too much at the end is a common occurrence."
Galdo Gasper spread his arms wide laughing ironically while sitting on the sidewalk cafe's chair.
"They've lost their Name, Emblem and all their main forces. All that remains is an extensive part of land in the residential zone. If they would've formed another Community when that happened, then the previous Community would've been remembered as remarkable. Now they are nothing more than another nameless and dishonored Community."
"..."
"Think about it for a bit. What can even a Community do that is not allowed to name itself? Trade? Being a Host? No one will trust an organization without a Name. Then participating in Gift Games? Yes, that is certainly possible. But will talented Gift Bearers gather to a Community that allowed its prestige and pride to decline so much?"
"Indeed. Probably nobody would want to join."
"Yes. He is nothing but a shameless ghost of the past clinging to their former glory, holding an impossible dream."
He was inelegantly laughing loudly at Jin and his Community, almost ripping his colorful tuxedo.
Jin's face was bright red and his hands were in a grip on his lap.
"There is more. He talks about rebuilding his Community, but he is just a parasite relying on Kuro Usagi to support their Community."
"..."
"I really pity poor Kuro Usagi. Rabbits possess so many powerful Gifts that they are called the [Highborns of Little Garden], any Community would welcome them happily with open arms. Having a Rabbit to a Community means a great deal. And yet every day she runs around wrecking herself for those stupid brats, supporting that weakling Community, getting by only on her meager income."
"...I see. I understand the situation. Then Galdo-san, why is that you told us about this so politely?"
Asked Asuka with a hidden meaning behind her words. Galdo noticed that and laughed.
"I will say it outright. Will you come to my Community together with Kuro Usagi if you please?"
"Wha-What are you saying Galdo Gasper!?"
Jin Russel hit the table in his anger and protested.
But Galdo Gasper ferociously stared back at Jin.
"Shut up, Jin Russel. If you would've changed your Name and Emblem in the first place, at least some people would've remained. You corner your own Community with your selfishness, yet you dare summon people from another world?"
"Tha-That is..."
"Did you think you could deceive someone who doesn't know anything? And if as a result you would make them bear the same hardship as Kuro Usagi .... , then as a resident of Little Garden I have a duty to warn you."
Pierced by the same kind of beast-like gaze as before, Jin faltered a bit.
But even more than Galdo's words, his sense of guilt for his inexcusable behaviour towards Asuka and Yō has made his heart heavy.
Jin's Community was in that dire situation.
"....So, how about it ladies? I won't ask you to respond immediately. You have 30 days of freedom in Little Garden you can take to decide before joining a Community. You should inspect the Community that summoned you and our Community, [Fores Garo], then after careful consideration--"
"No need. I am perfectly satisfied with Jin-kun's Community."
'Ha?' Jin and Galdo were trying to discern her motives from her expression.
As if nothing special happened Asuka drank the leftover contents of her cup and turned to Yō with a smile.
"What does Kasukabe-san think about all this?"
"Not much, I'm fine with either. I only came to this world to make friends after all."
"Oh, how unexpected. In that case, can I nominate myself for the position of friend number one? We are polar opposites, but somehow I feel we would get along surprisingly well."
Yō silently thought about it for a little while, then nodded with a slight smile.
"...Yeah. Asuka is different than the other girls I know, so it may be all right."
"I'm happy for you ojou! I'm so happy ojou made a friend I'm tearing up."
The calico cat was moved to tears.
The two of them were getting excited without the two leaders.
Galdo's expression stiffened from being ignored completely, then coughed while trying to maintain composure.
"Excuse me, but can you tell me the reason--"
"As I said I am perfectly satisfied. As you heard Kasukabe-san only came here to make friends, she is fine with either Jin-kun or Galdo-san. Right?"
"Yeah."
"And myself, Kudou Asuka, I forsake my wealthy household, my guaranteed future, a life that most people would long for and came to Little Garden. Did you really think I would find the insincere invitation of a small-scale organization that only rules a tiny bit of territory that appealing? If so, then you should try again once you recognize your limitations, you phony tiger-gentleman."
She flat out refused.
Galdo Gasper was trembling from rage. As a self-proclaimed gentleman he was probably desperately trying to find suitable words to respond to Asuka's extremely insulting statements.
"W-...Wait a second my lady-"
Mondaiji-tachi ga isekai kara kuru soudesu yo v01 077.jpg
"Silence!"
Clash! Galdo's mouth closed violently in an unnatural seeming way and fell silent.
He seemed confounded, desperately trying to open his mouth, but no sound came out.
".....!?..!??"
"I was not done talking. There are still things I have to ask of you. Sit right there and keep answering my questions!"
Asuka's words held power, this time he sat down so forcefully cracks appeared in the chair.
Galdo was panicking.
He didn't know how she did it, but the freedom of his limbs were stolen, he couldn't resist in the slightest.
The startled cat-eared shopkeeper came rushing over to them.
"P-Please keep your quarrels outside of this store-"
"You came at the perfect time. I would like Cat-Shopkeeper-san to witness this as a third-party. You will probably hear many interesting things."
After calming the Cat-Eared shopkeeper, she continued speaking.
"You said you challenged this area's Communities to a contest where both parties have to agree and won all of them. But that is somewhat different from the Gift Games I have heard about. Games between Communities should consist of a Host and the challengers, both betting various chips. ... Hey, Jin-kun. Betting the whole Community as a chip is that common?"
"O-Only if there is no other way, on rare occasions. But that is the same as betting the whole existence of the Community itself, a very rare case."
The Cat-Eared shopkeeper nodded in agreement.
"I figured as much. Even we know that and we just barely arrived here. Being able to force fights between Communities is exactly why those with the Host Master privilege are feared as a Demon Lord. Why is that you, who does not possess that privilege, were able to force those important contests where one has to risk their whole Community, one after the other? Will you please tell us?"
Galdo Gasper's face looked like he was about to scream, but against his will he started speaking.