Isekai Nonbiri Nouka Chapter 1028: Rana-san Returns

Construction on Rana-san’s dwelling commenced in the village, yet she departed before its completion.

It appears the hot springs provided substantial recovery, though her dragon form remains incapable of flight.

Despite this, she determined her stay had reached its limit.

The children expressed their disappointment.

They had formed a deep affection for her.

The female civil servants harbored similar feelings.

They seemed eager for more of her captivating tales.

Furthermore, with Ursa’s impending departure alongside Rana-san, Hakuren and Zabuton also displayed a somber mood.

Resist any urge to dissuade Ursa.

Ursa and Rana-san were scheduled to utilize the teleportation gate to reach Village Five, then board an airship. However, they opted for Rana-san’s teleportation magic instead.

It turns out Youko from Village Five had requested Rana-san’s absence.

While that is understandable, considering her mastery of teleportation magic, one might think she could simply commute without concern for extended stays.

I am aware that Dors and the others voiced opposition to her employing teleportation magic, however.

“Thank you for your hospitality.”

With Rana-san’s concise farewell, Ursa and her companions departed.

-0-

Ice chose not to accompany Ursa on her journey, offering only a farewell.

Is his decision not to go truly justifiable?

He contended that safeguarding the place she returns to is also a component of his duties.

I comprehend.

Therefore, I shall continue to rely on your vigilance henceforth.

Regarding Dors and Girar, I had anticipated a sense of relief with Rana-san’s departure. Instead, they both wore expressions of profound seriousness.

Could they be regretting not extending her greater kindness?

That was my initial thought, but according to Raimeiren, the reason lies elsewhere.

Rana-san possesses a nature that allows for her return the moment one’s guard falters.

Their current state reflects continued caution.

I personally believe their caution borders on the excessive.

-0-

That very night, shortly after I voiced these thoughts…

Rana-san quietly reappeared, utilizing teleportation magic.

Apparently, she had overlooked an item.

“Maintain secrecy regarding my use of teleportation magic from Dors, the young man.”

Naturally.

However… was it your doing that suddenly induced sleep in Ria and the others?

The High Elves, including Ria, who occupied my room, alongside several kuros, were all slumbering peacefully.

They remained unresponsive even when I attempted to rouse them.

“Hmm, that is correct. Ah, the effect is confined to this particular room. I harbor no ill intent, so please lower that formidable spear.”

……..

I sheathed AFT in its spear form, which I had been holding.

“My apologies.”

This action feels somewhat disproportionate solely to conceal her use of teleportation magic.

Furthermore…

“And also?”

…..Who might you be?

You bear Rana-san’s likeness, yet… you are not precisely Rana-san?

You wear the name tag I provided, but your aura emanates a distinctly different presence.

“You perceived that, and yet you lowered your spear? How bold.”

I could discern your lack of hostile intent.

Additionally, the spiderlings clinging to the ceiling beams are motionless.

They are currently in observation mode.

“That is reassuring to hear. They can be quite troublesome.”

Consequently, what is the meaning behind this current form?

“My recollections are somewhat hazy, but… consider me an alternate persona of Rananon.”

akin to a split personality?

“Nothing quite so dramatic… ah, designating another persona was perhaps an imprecise choice of words. It is more akin to the distinction between being formally attired and in casual wear.”

akin to the difference between professional and personal modes?

“That is an apt analogy. Unquestionably, I represent the professional aspect.”

Yes, that much is readily apparent from your demeanor.

“I manifest only when facing imminent defeat in battle, when my name is mispronounced on three consecutive occasions… or simply at my own volition. My appearances are infrequent, yet it seems the hot springs yielded results beyond expectation.”

So, what compelled your visit?

“As I conveyed. I neglected to deliver something. I failed to present this to you.”

What Rana-san tossed in my direction was….

A palm-sized, ornately decorated rod?

“The key to Gigrant’s treasury. Dors is aware of its location.”

Why are you entrusting this to me?

“Because this village possesses those versatile, humanoid heavy machinery – the Arti-Horses.”

?

“Gigrant harbored a passion for assembling those machines. He amassed a considerable collection. You will find numerous Arti-Horses and associated equipment within his treasury.”

Is that truly permissible?

Are they not mementos?

“Tools find greater fulfillment when utilized rather than left to languish.”

That may hold some truth, but…

“Gigrant himself desired to operate them, but upon his ascension to Dragon King, casual usage became impracticable. Thus, he reluctantly stored them away.”

Ah….

“Employ them. I have applied preservation magic, ensuring their functionality remains intact.”

…..Very well.

I shall safeguard them with diligence.

“Do not become overly attached to tools. A moderate approach suffices.”

Having spoken these words, Rana-san gazed out the window at the moon.

A faint loneliness seemed to cloud her eyes.

Raimeiren had imparted that Rana-san entered a prolonged slumber after the loss of her spouse.

Does this recollection evoke that period?

“Ah, no. My slumber was induced by a back injury. It was then that I acutely registered the passage of time.”

…..

“Thanks to Ursa, my back has fully recovered, but one must remain vigilant. You too should attend to your back’s well-being. Even in youth, it is susceptible to strain.”

Y-yes… that is undeniably true.

I shall exercise caution.

"Hmm. By the way, I have two more things I forgot. One is a barrel of miso....."

Ah, that.

It was noticed that it was left behind, so arrangements were being made to have it sent from Village Five tomorrow.

It's by the entrance.

It will be brought over.

"Sorry for the trouble."

No trouble at all.

"The other is a request. I am Rananon, but there are times when it's inconvenient for this version of me to use that name. So, I have another name."

With that said, Rana-san held up the nameplate hanging from her neck.

"I want you to engrave that name on the back."

Ah, that's an easy task.

So, what is the name?

"If you wish to know my name, then challenge me."

.....

"It's just instinct, for show only. Put the spear away."

-0-

After concluding her business, Rana-san departed once more using teleportation magic.

Hmm... teleportation magic is truly convenient.

If Ursa were ever in a predicament, it would be ideal for Rana-san to use that magic and bring her back instantly.

Also, the reason Dors and the others are so cautious... perhaps it's not her personality but her carelessness?

Apparently, the reason she materialized in my room was due to a scale fragment of hers, left behind by Ursa, being present.

Still, to suddenly cast a sleep spell in a panic simply because she appeared in an unexpected location... that is quite extreme.

Regardless...

I wonder when Ria and the kuros will awaken?

Ah, they are already awake.

Good.

And to the spiderlings on the ceiling beams, thank you for keeping watch.

-0-

Alfred, who had remained in the village during Ursa's visit, also departs.

His departure was postponed to coincide with the arrival of ancestor-san to pick him up.

This time, a new bodyguard accompanies him: Fuuma, a puppet controlled from within by spiderlings.

Zabuton appears quite concerned about Fuuma, but the spiderlings inside are brimming with confidence.

They have undergone thorough training, and the Mountain Elves have implemented numerous new features.

Furthermore, they did not forget to bring Fuuma's specialized bike.

This bike has undergone extensive modifications and should effectively support Fuuma's activities.

To be precise, approximately five spiderlings are also within the bike.

It turned out that having them directly operate the bike was more efficient and straightforward than Fuuma controlling it himself.

While they manage the bike, they are also expected to rotate in as operators for Fuuma.

After all, they require rest periods.

Consequently, a dedicated resting area for spiderlings has been incorporated into the bike.

A thoughtful addition from the Mountain Elves.

The children also assured they would take excellent care of the bike.

However, to me, all of you are far more important than the bike.

Do not get injured.

......

Since Alfred stayed longer in the village than usual this time, Loo is reluctant to let him leave.

It might be because he has returned to his original form...

Or perhaps she simply wasn't mentally prepared.

Flora is attempting to soothe Loo and pull her away.

That is actually my responsibility.

Apologies, I was too engrossed with the spiderlings.

I will take over now.

-0-

AN: Rana-san's alternate name is Ranawi.