Chapter 24
Pastel hummed as she moved the Premium Cotton Fabric to the Hold. The new fabric was placed on top of the already stacked fabric.
“Lord Demon! Lord Demon!”
She flapped both arms.
“The Hold is full! Completely full! The Hold is full! That’s what it means! It means the Hold is full!”
Hooray!
“Lord Demon! Lord Demon!”
“…I am listening.”
The Demon, who answered half-heartedly, touched his forehead and agonized alone.
“How on Earth did it come to this? I shouldn’t have recommended Smuggling in the first place. But was there any other way to afford the Magic Stone Meal? A sustainable, large-scale source of income is impossible in the short term.”
The Demon let out a sigh.
“It would have been easier if the Kraft Family was Intact? No, why should I wish for the likes of Kraft to be Intact. How did it come to this…”
“Lord Demon! Lord Demon! The Hold! The Hold!”
Pastel pointed at the Demon with her hand.
The Demon looked back and was flustered.
Oh, Really.
“The Hold! Hurry! Hurry! The Hold!”
The Demon thought, his face showing that he didn’t understand her intention, and then opened his mouth.
“It’s full?”
“That’s right! Correct! Correct!”
Pastel cheered.
“The Hold is full!”
Oh yeah.
She turned her body spinning around. Smuggled Goods were fully visible across her entire spinning field of vision.
“Woowaa!”
The Warehouse of the Academy Airship was completely filled.
“Next time we go Smuggling, we should use a bigger airship! Go, go, Pastel!”
“Don’t already plan the next one…”
The Demon muttered in a drained tone.
Pastel grabbed the Demon’s arm and ran.
“Departure! Departure!”
She ran swiftly down the airship corridor and arrived at the Cockpit.
She grabbed the Round Wooden Helm with a Serious Face.
“Captain Pastel, I declare our Departure!”
She spun the helm vigorously.
“Heave ho! Heave ho! Heave ho!”
The helm spun Round and Round.
Round and Round and Round.
The Demon watched that, then turned his body and operated the Operating Device on the front of the helm.
The Gear turned and small Magic circles emitted light. As the Magic stones underwent a Chain Reaction, the airship slowly rose.
“Eorya! Eorya! Eorya!”
Pastel spun the helm Frantically.
Round and Round and Round.
The Demon briefly examined the compass and map. Then he operated the Operating Device to make fine adjustments to the direction, height, and speed.
“Hmm, it is all set.”
The airship rode the Sky Path and began its Navigation.
Captain Pastel took her hands off the helm she had been spinning so hard.
She wiped her forehead with her sleeve.
“Phew, that was too hard.”
Is this a Captain's Responsibility?
The stamina required for a single Departure is enormous.
The Demon looked back.
“It doesn’t operate anyway, but it is still the Emergency Helm, so do not play with it too much. If it breaks, it will be Troublesome in an emergency.”
“Yeees.”
Captain Pastel answered, letting it go in one ear and out the other.
A charismatic Captain never listens to the crew!
Pastel decided to be faithful to her Captain's Duty.
I won’t listen to Lord Demon.
I’ll spin it next time too.
#
Pastel leaned against the Railing and looked through the telescope. Beyond the Sky, a Pirate Airship was floating.
Looking closely at the pirate ship, she saw a pirate holding a telescope and observing them.
A few hours had passed since the pirate ship appeared. During that time, the pirate ship kept its distance, continuing its Navigation and Observation of this side.
Pastel, who had been going “Oh dear!” and trembling for a few hours, was exhausted by this point and just Staring Blankly at the pirate ship.
It even felt like she made eye contact with the pirate holding the telescope.
Heeello, pirates.
She watched a bit more before lowering the telescope.
“What are they trying to do?”
The Demon, wearing an apron, held a bowl and used a spatula to stir the Milk Cream before looking at the pirate ship.
“They are probably trying To Be Wary Of us. Your martial prowess is unsettling, so they are likely watching to see what your intentions are.”
“Won’t they call other pirate ships and launch a Raid together like that?”
“Give me the telescope.”
The Demon handed over the cream bowl and took the telescope.
“They seem to be idling with a casual wariness. It does not look like a pre-Combat attitude.”
“What if it’s acting? I killed the pirates, so they came for Thorough Retaliation.”
Uwaa.
Cold Reality is crashing down.
“You have a tendency to underestimate your own Appearance. Half of your life runs smoothly thanks to your Appearance.”
Eh.
It wasn’t thanks to my smart brain?
Shock.
“It is rare to find something as damaging to one’s pride as bringing Troops because one was beaten up by a child. Let alone when that person was the one who attacked first. If they requested reinforcements, they would be perfectly set up to hear nothing but mockery from their fellow pirates.”
The Demon lowered the telescope.
“Still, just in case, shall we have today’s meal on the Deck? I am thinking of making a simple Coconut Cream Pie. If there is anything else you want to eat, tell me now. I will make it…”
The Demon returned the telescope and tried To Take the cream bowl back.
Then he discovered Pastel, who was biting the spatula with Whipped Cream smeared all over her mouth. Magic Stone Powder was roughly sprinkled on the cream.
Pastel’s Eyes Widened.
“Gasp! When did it get in my mouth?”
Contrary to her words, her mouth was making a mumbling and chewing sound.
“Woowaoowa! Lord Demon! The Whipped Cream is totally delicious! It’s soft and sweet! Your Cooking Skills are the absolute best!”
The Demon looked at the cream that was supposed to be used for the pie, then looked up at the sky.
“Right, eat a lot. I just have to make it again…”
He looked as if he was contemplating how his life had ended up like this.
A while later, Pastel finished her meal and stood at the Railing again. She looked through the telescope.
“Just like Lord Demon said, they were trying To Be Wary Of us and then just left. There was no need to be scared!”
Oh yeah.
Straight to the Demon Realm like this!
However, luck didn’t seem to be on their side, as they discovered an anomaly after a long Navigation.
From Beyond the Sky over there, a pirate ship was in Pursuit while an airship made its Escape.
Huh?
It was a somewhat familiar airship.
Upon Observation, it was the airship she had seen at the Academy Docking Port. It was an airship belonging to the Academy.
Heok.
“Lord Demon! Lord Demon! It’s an Innocent victim! W-we have to Help! Help is desperately needed!”
Pastel stuttered.
Her hands trembled.
Uwaa, pirates.
Having to walk into a death trap To Save people is my life.
The Demon indifferently watched the Pursuit.
“Ignore it.”
Excuse me?
“Expecting a Rescue from a child is rather Shameless. Do not needlessly bring danger upon yourself. Your life is long.”
Huh?
Totally Demon-like advice!
Pastel’s mind became confused.
S-should I Escape? People are in danger. Is it okay to do that?
The Survival Instinct that had kept her alive in the Mansion and had moved her during every battle subtly raised its head.
B-but pirates are definitely scary.
And I haven’t really done anything wrong…
Her conscience pricked.
Is this Life's Dilemma?
Uwaa.
Life is too hard for Pastel…!
How should one act in a situation where a predecessor in life denies it but conscience affirms it?
What should I believe and What Should I Do?
In truth, there was No Need To Worry.
The airship, which would have merely been a target of Observation, flew toward them at full speed.
Eh.
The distance closed rapidly.
“Even if they control their speed over there, we will eventually Collide. Hold onto the Railing tightly.”
Immediately after, the two airships collided at an angle. A loud roar rang out. The impact struck and shook the airship.
“Gah!”
Pastel held onto the Railing tightly. Her body was about to be thrown off, but she floated up instead.
“Yikes!”
Pastel is flying.
The impact subsided, and Pastel rolled across the Deck. Her Pink Hair became tangled.
Oof!
“Are you okay?”
“Yeees.”
The Demon transformed into a Magic sword.
“That is a relief. Then Prepare for battle.”
Pastel gripped the sword and Staggered to her feet.
Life is too hard.
From the interior of the airship that had been brought close by the collision, a Mage Hurriedly rushed out. Whether he was alone or not, no one else emerged.
The Mage holding a Shield Hurriedly crossed over to them.
Pastel’s Eyes Widened.
“P-Professor?!”
Professor Horace.
The Professor in Charge of the Semester Report is present.
She had run into him a few times while looking into the Semester Report before Departure.
“Marquis, Your Exce -, Student Pastel? Are you alone?”
A flustered Horace looked around Frantically.
“I’m alone. You too, Professor?”
“Tsk, I’m sorry about this.”
At that moment, the airship shook again.
“Whoa!”
The pirate ship arrived. A Wooden Plank was laid across the Railing. The pirates drew their weapons and stepped onto the plank.
“Tsk.”
Horace pulled out a Staff. The Shield Was Handed Over to Pastel.
“I ask for your Cover! You just need to buy me some time!”
“Y-yes!”
Pastel stood in front of Horace holding the Shield and the Magic sword.
Cover?
How do I provide Cover?
A blank thought flowed through her.
Do I just kill them all?
It seemed right, but also seemed wrong.
At that moment, the Professor swung his Staff.
“16 Strokes.”
Flames surged. They divided and split, forming 16 bullets.
The Staff roughly pointed at the pirates.
Countless flame bullets flew out. They struck the pirate ship and collided with the pirates, causing flames To Explode. The pirates crossing the plank fell to the Ground. A Scream rang out.
In the meantime, the Staff drew a breath and stopped.
“16 Strokes.”
New flame bullets went into a Sprint. The Wooden Plank exploded, and the pirates were pushed back to the pirate ship.
Eh.
Pastel realized.
Aha.
It’s a Mage Cheat.
At that time, a few pirates leaned against the pirate ship’s Railing and pulled out single-shot rifles.
The Professor shouted with a Pale expression.
“Cover!”
Aha.
Still, they can die from a single gunshot.
Gunshots rang out in quick Succession.
Iron bullets flew, cutting through the air.
Pastel raised the Shield. With quick movements, she Thrust it into the path of every bullet. The iron bullets bounced off, creating sparks.
“Oh! All of this?! Then we’ve definitely won!”
The Professor marveled.
Just as he said, the pirates, who had tried Shooting a few times, seemed To Realize that this wasn’t a Mage’s flimsy Shield, so they gave up and pulled the pirate ship back.
Pastel’s mouth dropped open. She looked back at Horace.
Is this like having an Automatic Rifle?
A Gaze of Respect.
Professor Horace wiped the sweat from his forehead.
“Normally, if I show off Magic a few times in advance, they naturally back off, but they didn’t this time, so we were almost in big trouble. Thank you, Student Pastel.”
“I didn’t even do anything!”
Uwaa.
Is this an Automatic Rifle?
Experiencing it in actual Combat really makes me appreciate it.
At that moment, the Demon quietly opened his mouth.
“Hmm, this Professor is Suspicious. It should be quite Dangerous for a Mage who is not even an Archmage to travel alone, shouldn’t it? What is his purpose in the Demon Realm?”
Huh?
Lord Demon is Suspicious of useless things.
However, a well-behaved Disciple decided To Follow her Master’s words.
“Professor, you’re going to the Demon Realm, right? Should we attach our airships and do our Navigation together?”
“Oh, will you do that?”
“Sure! But what Business do you have in the Demon Realm? Isn’t it Dangerous to go alone?”
Professor Horace paused upon Hearing the calm question. A Subtle tension hovered on his face.
“I am visiting for an investigative purpose to facilitate smooth Academic Research for enrolled students. A Professor cannot weigh the risks when it comes to matters concerning their studies.”
Hmm.
That sounds like an Official Purpose I’ve heard somewhere before?
Hmm.
Pastel tilted her head.
Horace’s pupils trembled slightly.
O-iing.
Totally Suspicious.
“I see.”
Pastel nodded. Then she swiftly turned her body.
“I’ll take a Look Around your airship, Professor!”
Footsteps pounded.
Whoa!
“W-Wait! Student Pastel, Wait a moment! I have something to tell you!”
Ignoring the Professor Hurriedly chasing after her, she crossed over to the Professor’s airship. She sprinted through the interior At Light Speed and arrived at the Hold.
“Hmph!”
She flung the Cargo Hold Door open.
What she saw was trade goods packed to the brim.
Heok.
Pastel’s mouth dropped open.
Uwaa.
Smuggling…!
An Evil crime…!
The Professor followed, letting out rough breaths.
“I-it’s a misunderstanding! Not at all! I just happened to pick it up on the way! I picked it up!”
“How do you accidentally pick things up in the sky!”
Pastel, feeling a pang of reverse Guilt, shouted rapidly.
“Such an Evil Deed that I couldn’t even dream of! Professor! As a member of the Righteous Student Council, I cannot forgive Smuggling! Never! I can absolutely never tolerate it!”
She raised one arm dramatically.
“Down with Smuggling! Down with Smuggling!”
The Student Council, which has not a single speck of connection to Smuggling, will Step Forward!
“No, no! Wait a moment! It’s a Complete misunderstanding! I can explain! Just give me a moment!”
“Hurry up and speak, you Evil criminal!”
“Listen! I really accidentally picked - “
Professor Horace paused while making excuses and sweating. His brain, smart enough to make him a Professor, seemed to have thought of a tremendous possibility.
The Professor sent her a Strange look.
“By the way, why are you traveling alone?”
“Down with Smuggling! Down with smug - “
Heok.
Pastel gasped.
The Strange look intensified.
“W-well, I wonder.”
Pastel blew an Awkward whistle.
Professor Horace changed his expression and Suddenly ran.
“I’m curious about your airship! Let me take a Look Around for a moment!”
Footsteps thudded.
Uwaa.
“Wait a minute! Professor! Professor! I have something to tell you!”
Pastel clung to the Professor. The Professor ignored her and ran straight to Pastel’s Hold.
The Hold was flung open.
What he saw was Smuggled Goods packed to the brim.
Uwaa.
The Professor looked back at Pastel.
“You…?”
Pastel whistled awkwardly.
“I-I picked it up on the way.”
For real.
It was sitting on a cloud.
The Professor’s eyes changed.
“This isn’t your first or second time, is it?”
Heok, I’m completely busted.
Is this the brain of a Professor?
Uwaa.
The Top Student in the Written Exam, Pastel, can’t keep up!
The Professor approached with a bright smile.
“It’s not my first or second time either!”
Gasp?
Excuse me?
The Professor grabbed both of Pastel’s shoulders.
“This is a connection ordained by God!”
A sparkling Gaze came her way.
“The Student Council and a Professor! A Professor and the Student Council! If we are together, we can become the God of Smuggling!”
Pastel’s Eyes Widened.
Heok.
God of Smuggling…?
Her heart went Thump-thump.
I can become the God of Smuggling?
The Demon’s voice was heard.
“What kind of proposal is this guy making to a child?”
#
The Righteous Student Council and the good Professor crossed paths.
Preston's Organization, a helper in the Demon Realm, was not at peace.
Preston sat in his chair, dripping with cold sweat. Beads of sweat rolled down his chin and fell. The drops flew through Mid-air and bounced off a blade.
“When is the boss coming?”
The swordsman who had wiped out Preston's Organization all by himself held a sword to his neck.
“I’m the boss.”
“Bullshit.”
The sword pressed closer to his neck. Drops of blood formed.
“I wasn’t asking about a Figurehead like you. I’m talking about the girl who committed a Massacre of thirty people all by herself. She must be close to the Quasi-Knight Level, right?”
Preston felt incredibly wronged.
No, it’s my Organization.
Perfectly handling the continuously increasing Smuggled Goods was no easy task. The person needed to increase the size of the Organization.
So he grew his Force by swallowing up Minor organizations on the Outskirts.
Normally, he had no intention of expanding his Force this much in such a short period because it was Dangerous.
But after Hearing her say she looked forward to working with him following that insane Massacre, he couldn’t Help but overdo it.
However, it seemed trouble had indeed arisen, as a Hostile Minor Organization had unreasonably hired someone at the Semi-Knight Level.
No, was he a mercenary blocked by the wall of the Semi-Knight Level?
Whatever he was, he was a Dangerous opponent for a young girl.
The sword moved in an intimidating manner. Blood flowed down the blade.
Preston forced a smile.
“I don’t know when the boss will come. If you want To Meet her, you’ll have To Wait a long time.”
The swordsman, who had been thinking, retrieved his sword.
The sword was roughly slammed into the table.
The swordsman sat on the sofa on the Opposite Side. He crossed his legs.
“Then I’ll Wait.”
Please don’t come.
Stay at School as a Student should.
Preston prayed desperately.