The dismantling of the Leviathan has finally begun.
The place where they finally decided to dismantle the creature was right in front of the Royal Capital. The very same grassland that we had landed on that first day we arrived.
[1] While there were many reasons why the dismantling should be kept secret, for security purposes if nothing else, this was also a good way to display the skills of the Royal Capital dismantlers and researchers.
In short, it became something like a huge spectacle.
“That’s a lot of people…”
Indeed, aside from the people needed for the actual work, there were seats specially built for spectators. The seats were plush, luxurious-looking things, clearly aimed at those with too much money and time on their hands.
That’s right, the dismantling of the Leviathan had become ‘The Dismantling of Leviathan’. An actual spectacle with seats being sold to make money.
I had to wonder just whose idea it was to do this…
“Ou, you’re here?” Guild Master Willem-san waved at us. He had left the house early this morning.
“Guild Master… what is… that?” I said, pointing at the raised seats, the leather seat bleachers and the servants rushing around decorating the place with cushions and flowers…
“Oh? Oh, you mean the chairs? Well, from what I heard, the King and Queen appeared to be interested in viewing the dismantling. One thing led to another and…”
[2] “The… King and Queen?”
“Indeed, it’s not every day that people get to see a Leviathan taken apart.” He was grinning ear to ear, obviously enjoying my discomfort. That is not cool, Willem-san.
“I… see…”
“Not to mention, the Legendary Beast Fenrir and Ancient Dragon would be there too. In fact, one could say that viewing the dismantling of the Leviathan could be considered a tribute of sorts. Of course, whether it could rival your original tribute to the king and queen is up for debate, but since this is your personal project, it only makes sense for the people who received your tribute to come and bear witness.”
Haaahhh… kind of like a VIP coming to view the opening of a store or something? Or, is this closer to seeing someone cut open a whole tuna fish at a super fancy, high-end restaurant?
“I supposed the rest of the chairs are for the various nobles and… their people?” I almost said ‘hangers on’ but I supposed that would be too rude.
In the end, I could only blame the ones who insisted on eating this abomination-
“Mukouda-san~! Mukouda-saaaan~!”
That mincing tone. The flinch from Dora-chan. That whole body twitch from Grandpa Gon…
“So, he’s here,” I sighed.
Right, the last person I wanted to see in this Royal Capital is finally here.
“Mukouda-saan~~ I missed you so~~ to meet you the moment I arrived at the Royal Capital, it must be fate!”
“No way, no way, please stop saying these weird things, Elland-san. Be honest, your real targets are Grandpa Gon and Dora-chan, right?!” I immediately threw my familiars under the bus. No way am I going to let others think that I am in any way friendly with this fellow.
“”So, you have come, pervert!!”” Dora-chan yelled.
Fortunately, Elland-san could not hear what Dora-chan was saying. Otherwise, I’m sure he would cry tears of blood.
“”Haahhh… this annoying fellow,”” Grandpa Gon muttered through telepathy. I guess, he doesn’t even want to talk to Elland-san?
Elland-san was practically dancing with glee. It was actually quite creepy, really.
“Fufufu, you have seen through me, eh? Here I was despairing over when I would ever see you again, to think that an opportunity would appear so soon! How unexpected, it must be fate~~”
The Elf was shaking my hand, not knowing that he was being cursed by the very creatures he admired most. Also, could you please let go of my hand?
“Please let go of my hand,” I said stiffly.
Luckily, Elland-san really did let go of my hand. Still, with that obnoxiously cheerful expression on his face, he sighed, “Ah, I shall see you again~ I’m so happy that you called me here. You must have thought of me when you caught the Leviathan, right ~?”
“No way! Absolutely no way!”
“Of course, of course, I totally understand~”
Ugh, what’s with that weird tone? It absolutely has nothing to do with you!
“Hey! What are you doing running off by yourself!”
An older woman with a demonic expression on her face yelled.
“Eep!”
The smile on Elland-san’s face froze.
“Hahh… hahh… you… Why did you suddenly run off!”
The speaker was an older woman, an Elf if the ears were anything to go by. From her bone structure, I could tell that she must have been a great beauty in her past.
“You’re pretty brave to run away from my supervision, eh? How dare you…”
“N-no, no, I didn’t mean to run away, I was just… um, I saw my good friend…”
“Humph, so what? Friends or not, you’re not allowed to leave my side under any circumstances. Violation of the instructions given by the Guild will only extend your punishment. Geh, I’d have to watch over you even longer.”
“N-no waaaayyyy—-”
Elland-san was on the ground, crying and rolling about. The old Elf lady was staring down at him with cold eyes.
Could this be… the infamous ‘Moira-san’? The one sent to monitor Elland-san to make sure he was doing his Guild Master job properly?
“Are you Mukouda?”
“Uh, yes?”
“This idiot has caused you a lot of trouble. I’m Moira. I’m in charge of making sure this fellow lives up to his role. If he’s causing trouble for you, don’t hesitate to let me know.”
“Yes, I shall depend on you,” I said with a polite bow.
Fufufu, what an excellent ally. The next time this idiot causes trouble for me, I shall tattle to Moira-san about it!
“W-wait, Mukouda-san?!”
“Enough!”
Woah, that’s a strong punch on the head, Moira-san. I can’t hide my glee as Elland-san cowered at her feet. Dora-chan was doing loops around Grandpa Gon.
“Why did you hit me, Moira-sama~~”
“Why do you think?! You’re already at this age but still lack common decency. What do you think we’re here for?”
“To dismantle the Leviathan and meet Grandpa Gon and Dora-chan!”
Was Elland-san’s enthusiastic reply.
I felt it when Moira-san slapped her forehead with an expletive that rhymed with suck.
“You fool! Only the first part is correct! You’re here for the dismantling. The dismantling only!!”
Another slap. This time, her hand struck Elland-san on the back of his head.
“Ouch! Don’t hit me anymore, please!”
“It’s your own fault for spewing nonsense from your mouth! Enough! Time to go!”
I must say, I am now seeing the distinct disadvantage of having long ears. It makes it easier for others to drag you away by your ears. Goodbye~~
““Ugh, I don’t know who that female Elf is, but I’m suuuper grateful~””
“”Umu, same here.”
“Oi! Enough about that stupid Elf. When are they going to dismantle the Leviathan?” Fer snapped.
That set off a chain reaction of ‘yeah, yeah, wanna eat Leviathan’ which I quickly turned a deaf ear to.
“Mukouda-san! It’s been a while!”
I quickly turned around, surprised by the voice-
“Is that… Rita?”
“Hey!”
It was really Rita, the scout from [Iron Will]. Behind her were some very familiar faces…
[Gumihou: Oh, a reunion chapter next? I always like it when they meet up with [Iron Will] people]
[1] Give a reasonable reason why they go along with Fer’s suggestion instead of ‘we had to’
[2] Deleted the ‘EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!’ from Mukouda, because that’s so 250 chapters ago.
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