Grimoire x Reverse ~Reincarnated Demon Romance Tale~ Vol 3 Chapter 8

{General POV}

Crane Fafnir is the Kamiko of Light.

The boy who was originally the son of a farmer in the southern countryside of the Professor Country, suddenly became the next Child of Light two years ago, and has been nurtured as his nation’s trump card.

It’s been awhile since he started his journey. The scenery of his home country that he has temporarily returned to after a long time has taught him what it means to look at an old place with “new eyes.”

It has a temperate climate, unique to the southern area of the First Continent, and the many trees rooted alongside the highway was a familiar sight. Sometimes flood-type monsters appeared, and the noise they made was also considered as part of the landscape unique to the Professor Country.

However, for Crane who was currently here, his thoughts were far away.
“Hey Crane.” (Haruna)
“……” (Crane)
“Crane!!!” (Haruna)
“What!?” (Crane)

Immediately reacting to the angry voice, Crane automatically looked over to its origin. The speaker was a girl with peach-colored hair, and now that he looked at her, he could see she had inflated her cheeks and put her hands on her waist as if to say “I am angry now.”
As soon as he returned to the present, he realized they had suddenly arrived at Tunto. He remembered entering the mountain path, but apparently they had arrived at Tunto while he was lost in his thoughts.
Only Haruna with a “Status Effect: Rage”[1] was in the vicinity, as Rudius was nowhere to be seen. Perhaps he went to find lodging. Since Crane had done that last time in Narcissus Port, this time it was Rudi’s turn.

“Hey, are you alright? I was getting worried!” (Haruna)

Haruna looked carefully up at Crane who had changed drastically from his previous daze-like state. Haruna had the job known as a Priest, but she also had a gentle and caring personality which showed in her actions towards others like right now.

“Y-yeah.” (Crane)
However, in reality Crane was not alright.
He was remembering what happened at the port of Narcissus.
A young man who was traveling in pursuit of the “Wanted Shuten” – Desiree. He did not know where he came from, but he seemed to be an overwhelmingly strong man.

Crane was thinking about what he had learned – about the existence Oni Shuten, as well as some pole techniques.

Desiree was the one who told him about the Oni Shuten. That it was an evil that wandered around the world collecting dangerous items called “pearl pieces.” Not only did it attack the inst.i.tute run by Desiree because of their research on the “pearl pieces,” but Shuten also destroyed various important government buildings that increased Desiree’s grudge. It seemed Desiree hated the demon even more than that, but Crane did not hear any more personal details beyond that. Except that he used a Naginata.

Crane, who fought with staff techniques and Law magic, was basically a mid-range fighter. However, unlike Haruna and Rudius, he worried that his halfway position would hinder the group in future battles.

As such, he asked to be taught some pole techniques by Desiree.

In response to Crane’s request to be taught, Desiree looked at Crane from head to toe before he said, “…What kind of strength do you want?” (Desiree)

“Huh?” (Crane)

“I can see that you have a solid foundation. I guess you had a good teacher. Your body is also in good shape. Speaking of muscle

strength, it can be a hindrance to your growth if you train too much in your youth. Therefore, I can only point that out and recommend you include some flexibility training with your general strength workout. But…” (Desiree)

“But…?” (Crane)

“Since you were not satisfied with that, you made such a proposal to me right? Is it it because you are unsatisfied with your current state? So first of all you need to decide what kind of strength you want.” (Desiree)

“Well, but improving the technology of the staff-” (Crane)

“Like most martial weapons, such as swords and bows, each has many combat styles. If you want to be extremely strong, you must focus on a single one, as a human does not have enough time to establish themselves otherwise.” (Desiree)
“…Is that so. Style, establishment…” (Crane)
“Crane. Are you traveling by yourself? ” (Desiree)
“No, I am adventuring with some friends.” (Crane)

“Then your top priority should be to think about how you best work with your companions, and what will be the most effective strength in that formation. Once you find it, at that time…no, it may not even be necessary, but I will be willing to teach you.” (Desiree)

“Oh, thank you very much…!” (Crane)
To Crane, he was a very kind person.
He also knew that Desiree held a lot of resentment for the demon Shuten, as he had suddenly shouted at seeing the drawing Crane had made. It seemed to Crane that he would be a wonderful person if that hatred was removed.
But more pressing than that, the problem on how to “establish his own style” has been prevalent on his mind.

What he used were staff techniques he had been trained in as the Kamiko of Light as well as the Law magic in the Professor Country, making him more of an all-purpose fighter. But now he also had comrades. Rudius was better than him on the front line, and Haruna was excellent as a support on the back line.
As the one sandwiched between the two people, he could not find a job that only he could do.
So at the very least he wanted to upgrade his weapon. Yet Desiree had told him to first establish his own strength by finding his style. This was the first time he had been told to establish his own style of staff techniques. And also figure out how to work together as a party rather than trying to work alone.
The more he thought about it, the less he understood it.
He wanted to become strong. However, it was meaningless to do so carelessly. Since he didn’t know what to do, his thoughts simply meandered in a loop. What kind of style should I build with staff techniques? How can I create an essential position for myself in the party? These were the kind of thoughts that were distressing him, making him was completely despondent.

“So-sorry, what?” (Crane)
“Hmm. I was telling you that we should first take a look around!” (Haruna)
“What about Rudi?” (Crane)
“Rudi went to find an inn for the evening! I already said that a while ago!” (Haruna)

“Sorry, sorry…then, would you like me to show you around Tunto?” (Crane)

“Yep!” (Haruna)
Crane scratched his cheek, thinking he was sorry for making Haruna worried.

It has been a long time for Crane since he first came here in his childhood.
It seemed that this town which

which was built between the mountains was originally a small settlement. However, as the Professor Country’s capital started to gain more strength, the surrounding cities also continued to increase in scope and size. The city was be growing even more quickly than last time Crane was here.
A rugged white wall that seemed to be made from baked clay.

Filling the city were many square buildings, and most had defensive additions such as arrow slits for windows. The private houses could quickly be converted to be used for combat, so that if the Narcissus Harbor fell this town could immediately be used to quarter the Crusader Cross Legion. Because it was such a city, weapons and armor of good quality could be found just about everywhere, so Crane’s party intended to replace their equipment later.
“Tunto is also known for its blacksmithing, isn’t it?” (Haruna)
“It is, should we go to the main street then?” (Crane)
There are many places to obtain clay and iron, as the city is between the mountains. This was another reason why Tunto was suitable for defense as it was able to ma.s.s-produce weapons.
Since he had lost any clues of where Justa had gone, he was planning to spend some time here gathering information. Crane was thinking that it might be nice acquire information as well as going shopping. Of course, accessories and other trinkets are also sold alongside weapons, so visiting the various stalls was fun. 
“Why isn’t it working! Even though there are more of them!” (Haruna)

“Even if you increase the amount of accessories you have, it won’t work.” (Crane)

“Er, it’s better to be safe than sorry Crane! We don’t know when or where we will meet enemies, so it’s better to have accessories[2]!” (Haruna)
“But even so, these things are more expensive than armor…” (Crane)
Haruna continued to tour the city while saying such things that made her excitement obvious. Crane jogged after her in a hurry so as not to lose her among the crowds in the streets.

It was at that time.

“Hmm?” (Crane)
Even in a crowded area, there was someone that stood out.

Understandably, it depends on the surroundings, but the there are certain things that will always catch your attention first as long as it is within view.

For Crane, this was the tall man standing in the street who he happened to know. Wanting to speak with him, Crane immediately headed towards his acquaintance.
“If you find it contact us, and we will respond as soon as possible. The rewards are as written.” (Desiree)
“… What are you doing, Desiree?” (Crane)
“Oh? Crane? It’s been a few days… so you were in Tunto too, huh.” (Desiree)

“Well, there are a few different reasons.” (Crane)
He was a young man with slicked back blue hair, bags under his eyes, and an intellectual’s monocle. Looking at him he gave off a cold and sharp impression, but like before he responded politely to Crane. For Crane that originally had many acquaintances among his superiors, he could understand what type of person he was.
The types that were gentle and considerate to their younger subordinates. He was probably quite popular with his own men. It was like having a dependable boss who did confuse kindness with naivety. That was the image that Crane had of the young man who was called Desiree.
And he wasn’t completely wrong.
“So, what are you doing?” (Crane)
br>
doing?” (Crane)
“I’m distributing Wanted flyers, searching for that guy. By the way, thank you for the information earlier.” (Desiree)
“It’s no problem, don’t worry about it.” (Crane)
He was presented a Wanted poster. There was the portrait of the Oni Shuten drawn by Crane, accompanied by a description with the reward amount for information and signed by Desiree McRein. Since an address was also included,  it seemed that Desiree had rented a room in Tunto.
“Is the demon Shuten around here?” (Crane)
“There was a report from an old woman at the port of Narcissus. According to her there was the silhouette of a male demon and a Nine-tails on the beach near the harbor. Most likely they were heading for Tunto, so I came here to search.” (Desiree)

“Ah, I see.” (Crane)
“By the way, Crane, I wish I had time to chat but I need to keep searching.” (Desiree)
“Oh, that’s true, please let me take half then.” (Crane)
So long as he has the time, Crane is the kind of person who likes to help others.

“…your considerate offer is much appreciated, it makes me miss my researchers.” (Desiree)
Crane received about half of the flyers from Desiree who looked up at the sky so as if to soak in something. Though once he held them, Crane realized something.

“…where did Haruna go?” (Crane)

“Were you with someone? When you came up to me you were alone.” (Desiree)

“I-Is that so! Well, I’m sure I’ll find her in a little bit! Oh, I will definitely also get all these flyers taken care of!” (Crane)

Crane turned away with a slight bow as he spoke, thinking that he was careless.
Responding to the bow with a light wave, Desiree muttered to himself.

“…Crane Fafnir, Kamiko of Light, which path do you walk…?” (Desiree)

Crane searched around the main street searching for the missing Haruna for a while.

The big accessory shop around there was especially dense, but he couldn’t think of where else Haruna could have gone.

After escaping from the rowdy main street, Crane decided to head to the inn as he thought. Perhaps she headed to the inn which was their meeting place once she realized they had been separated. 
As he walked he also talked to various people while distributing Desiree’s flyers, and soon he was only left with about ten or so. He would probably finish with the rest of them soon.

The inn and tavern was near the border of the residential area, which was further back from the main street. In this town, there was only one place that doubled as an inn and tavern. This was why it was also an excellent source of gathering information, as soldiers tended to hang out there.

It was while he was walking towards the inn, down a road that was wide enough for one horse-drawn carriage, that he found who he was looking for.

No, even though he was searching for her, it was not Haruna.

He specifically came back to the Professor Country in order to follow that person’s trail.

For a moment he had spotted Justa.
It seemed that she had noticed him as well, as in a flash she ran away. She retreated to the back alley of the residential area, and Crane ran after her desperately.

“Please wait! I am not here to capture you!” (Crane)

“…Aren’t you an adventurer…!?” (Justa)

“Even though I am an adventurer, I am not I am not hunting you!” (Crane)

He knew he had no persuasive power.
Still, he was not chasing her because he had heard her goal. For the “revival of the Republic.”
He had no idea what she was thinking, but that was a goal that could only lead to bloodshed. Crane knew the patriots of the Republic wanted to return the nation to its former glory. But even though it had been swallowed by the Empire, there was no evidence of the nation’s citizens being mistreated. Justa had also committed a crime in the Princ.i.p.ality.
Speaking of the Princ.i.p.ality, it is known as the country of liberty. As long as you don’t break the law anything is acceptable. That means, there had to be evidence that the person was abusing the law to do dangerous things. The problem was that Justa had crossed a line that was often difficult to determine.
Just what was this girl who looked younger than Haruna think she was doing?

No, what he was concerned about was what she was actually getting involved with.
“Please wait…!!” (Crane)

Justa was in this town.

He didn’t know what she was going to do, or the reason why she had not returned to the Republic.  However, there was only his groundless conviction that she was involved in something over her head.

So he at least wanted to hear her side of the story. However, those who are registered as Adventurers are paid if they “capture a criminal.” In that case, it was obvious to her that adventurers would only be chasing her for the reward.
“Obviously, I wouldn’t listen to such sweet lies…!” (Justa)
He could not catch up.
Running quickly, she fled towards the back of her favorite alley. It was only a matter of time that Crane, who did not know the layout of his surroundings that well, would quickly lose sight of her. This game of tag had neared its end.
But this time it was not just because he had lost sight of her, as that moment, when Crane sped around the corner —

“Oof!!”

“Ouch!” (Crane)
Running headlong into someone, the fliers fell out of Crane’s hands and scattered.

His target was nowhere to be seen. So, for the moment he apologized to the man he b.u.mped into and began to pick up the littered papers.
“I’m sorry, I’ll pick these up immediately!” (Crane)

“Oh, I’ll help you.”

“Thank you…!” (Crane)

There were about ten sheets of paper. So it took about ten seconds to recover those scattered on the stone pavement.

“But I could not have imagined that Desiree could draw so well.”

“Ah, it was actually drawn by me. I’m not that good at portraits though.” (Crane)

“No, you’re being too humble…yeah, a man with with artistic talent is enviable.”

“Haha, thank you, Mr…?” (Crane)

Receiving the flyers from the person he had b.u.mped into, Crane finally looked up into the person’s face.

“Hmm…?”

In front of him was a calm figure about as tall as Desiree who they had just talked about, but with a more playful atmosphere. It wore the characteristic blue Kinagais.h.i.+ and had two curling black horns.

It was a demon.

Translator Notes