AKM Act 11-4.2
Act 11-4: The Bewitching Sage TL : Cnine ED/PF : R1[1-2], R2[3-4] Part 3 「By the way, Kyouka-sama. That... um, are you the acquaintance of K
Act 11-4: The Bewitching Sage
TL : Cnine
ED/PF :
R1[1-2], R2[3-4]
Part 3
「By the way, Kyouka-sama. That... um, are you the acquaintance of Kuroki-san? I don't think there were any men among the Hero's companions.」
「Comrade? No, I'm no---」
「Yes! He's our important comrade!」
「Eh!? Excuse me!? Your chest!」
Kyouka hugged Kuroki's arm, interrupting Kuroki's remark.
Upon hearing those words, Mitsuami came to understand Kuroki’s true identity.
He was the comrade of the hero that she had never knew about.
Someone who supports their activity and prominent companions from the shadows. That was the role of the man called Kuroki.
In short, Kuroki was the supporter of the hero.
It was no surprise that he didn't stand out.
「Come to think of it, what are you talking about just now?」
Mitsuami asked the one thing that she was curious about.
「Uhm, that is...」
「Well, that's...」
Katakake and Chijirege seems to have a hard time to answer that question.
「Ah, right. About that... It's about the fact that one can’t go to the forbidden archive without Magius-dono’s permission.」
Kuroki heaved a sigh.
「That's only natural...」
「Wait, Katakake! Hey, you. Is there any way we can work something out here?」
Chijirege who hadn't learned from experience kept insisting.
「Guys! Are you trying to do something dangerous again?! The forbidden archive has dangerous books, you know! Moreover, why do you even want to go in there?! It’s probably for some bad reason, right?!」
Katakake and Chijirege looked troubled hearing Mitsuami’s question.
「Uh, well, it seems that there’s someone among the masters looking for a book from the forbidden archive, and if we bring it, then... Mitsuami-san, you know our situation, right...?」
Katakake replied while averting his gaze.
Mitsuami was at a loss for words.
It was only natural that a master who seeks to explore magic would desire the grimoire in the forbidden archive.
However, in that case, they should simply ask the great sage Magius for direct permission.
And since they didn't do that, she guessed that it must not be for a good reason.
In reality, Tarabos had used a few of his disciples as test subjects for necromancy experiments.
This fact had not been made public in order to prevent unrest among the magicians.
Mitsuami learned it by chance when she was assisting her master, Gotoku, with his work.
「I certainly know about it. But if you're going to enter the forbidden archive, you should ask the great sage. It's strange to ask Kuroki-san. So who is this master of yours?」
「Eh, that's... Come to think of it, who it is, Chijirege?」
When Katakake looked to the side as he asked that question, Chijirege averted his gaze.
「Ah, sorry but I suddenly remember that I've something to do. S-See you later then, Katakake!」
Chijirege quickly bid his farewell and left the library.
The speed was so great that Mitsuami couldn’t stop it and could only watch as it happened.
「He got cold feet eh... Honestly, there’s definitely something shady going on. By the way, do you really not know anything?」
「N-No, I'm just as clueless as you. I don't even know who asked Chijirege to do that.」
Katakake shook his head in a hurry.
「I can't help but getting curious now. What is this restricted archive?」
Kyouka asked while still clinging to Kuroki’s arm.
「Kyouka-sama, the forbidden archive is a place where particularly dangerous grimoires are sealed. Should such tomes be taken out from the archive, it would result in great peril, which is why entry is strictly prohibited without the permission of the Great Sage. That is correct, is it not?」
Said Mitsuami as she looked at Kuroki.
「Well, the reason is a bit different, though... I mean, I definitely think it’s wrong to just take things without permission. But if that’s the case, then all the books here would fall under that rule, wouldn’t they?」
Kuroki nodded while touching his chin.
（What does that mean? Does that mean there's dangerous grimoires that aren’t placed in the forbidden archive?）
Mitsuami pondered, cocking her head to the side.
「I don’t quite understand, but what you’re saying is that there are interesting books in there, right? I came here to read books. If I’m going to read, I’d prefer something interesting. Now then, Kuroki-san, please take me to the forbidden archive?」
Kyouka spoke in a teasing manner.
That gesture made Kuroki feel troubled.
（If a beautiful woman asks you for something like this, it must be tough, right? Honestly, I've to admit that being beautiful has its perks.）
Mitsuami glared coldly at Kuroki.
She couldn't bring herself to like an enchantress like Kyouka.
If anything, she would have preferred to be the guide of the intellectual Chiyuki.
「Hmm that's a pretty difficult request since that forbidden archive isn’t mine. After all, without Magius-dono’s permission, I can’t allow anyone else entry.」
「Magius? Who's that?」
When Kyouka asked that question,
Mitsuami almost collapsed on the spot.
Upon a closer look, Katakake seemed to be on the verge of collapsing as well.
「U~hm, Kyouka-sama, are you by chance not aware of the Great Sage?」
Mitsuami asked timidly.
She almost couldn't believe her ears hearing that there was someone out there who didn't know about Great Sage Magius.
「Great Sage? Now that you mention it, I think Chiyuki-san was talking about someone with that name. Well, it’s fine. So, it’s just a matter of getting that person’s permission, right? In that case, I’ll go get the permission. Now, let’s get going, Kuroki-san!」
「EH, WHY ME TOO?!!」
Kyouka ignored Kuroki's plea and dragged the latter to come with her.
「Please wait a minute, Kyouka-sama!!」
Naturally, Mitsuami had no choice but to follow them since it was her job to guide Kyouka.