In A Parallel World With Random Skills, I Reluctantly Become A Mafia Boss?

Chapter 24: Plan

Eh? What? Demons? Coming here?

I don't get where this conversation is going but since it sounds serious, looking at Lode-san's expression, and hearing the part about Marielle-san's state, I guess I had to play along. Maybe I can somehow understand the gist of it after he's done speaking.

Umu, let's do that.

"Indeed. It looks pretty serious, what do you suppose we should do then, Lode-san?"

I decided to bluff my way through this conversation, as I always do.

This time, I used the guise of an all-knowing being that sees through your thoughts.

I slightly put emphasis on the words, 'Indeed' and 'we' as to give the illusion that I had already formulated a solution, but am making him say his own opinion, deciding whether it was correct or not. Countless hours of studying and practicing this, did not go to waste.

"As expected of someone that had killed one of the demon race's leaders, your intelligence is staggering. As you know, Marielle had been affected by the [Curse of Famine] when the miasma of demonic energy had seeped into her body."

Ehh...

I didn't, in fact, notice that at all. I assumed Marielle-san had only fallen asleep until now.

But as I glance at Marielle-san secretly in the corner of my eye, I see that Lode-san was telling the truth. Using <<Dragon Eyes>>, I found out that the abnormal status effect named [Curse of Famine] steadily drains the victim of his/her stamina and health.

Proving this, was the slow but steady drop of health points, and Marielle-san's skin complexion slowly growing paler. This meant that as long as she had this curse, her death was still possible when her health dropped down to zero.

The details pertaining to the curse, which was found in the description column of the skill's result was that it made the body crave more food than usual. About ten times more than the average need. But, if she remains unconscious like this, she could not eat.

Thus, resulting in her health dwindling down even more until there was nothing left.

I unconsciously grip my fingers into a fist, as I got slightly anxious and angry at myself. The thought that I could have gotten the cure out from that guy before killing him, fills me with regret. I didn't let it show on my face though, as to let Lode-san be at ease at least.

"Go on..."

I said, hiding the fear in my voice.

"At this rate, it would only a matter of time before Marielle's life ends."

As if a cruel verdict had been announced, I could feel my anger surging, but my strength this time did not rise, not even one bit. I could also feel my calm facade breaking as struggling and conflicting emotions washed over me.

"But, there's still a way to remove the curse before that time."

Suddenly, it was as if a shining ray of hope was right in front of my eyes. The words Lode-san had just said, made me listen to his next ones with great anticipation.

"As far as I know about curses, they have a tendency to grow stronger as each day. This means that there is no time to lose, so we have to act now. This is where you come in, Kyouya-dono."

"..."

"I want you to go take Marielle to the city of Lavis, where an acquaintance of mine lives. Maybe, no I am sure he has a way to remove Marielle's curse."

Lavis, the city east of Edoria.

That city was where I initially wanted to go to since I registered for the carriage ride with the merchants, having the 'Association' as escorts.

If I remember correctly, they were scheduled to depart a half-hour from now. I hope they weren't postponed by the evacuation order though.

If that happened, I would have to wait for another group of merchants, or I could just walk there together with Marielle-san and the two birds...

On second thought, let's not do that. Both are options I don't want to have to make.

"Hou, then who is this person you know, who has knowledge of curses and the like?"

I wondered why I was suddenly being haughty for some reason, but since I already said it reflexively, let's leave it to fate. I await Lode-san's reply with bated breath.

"The one that knows the answers to almost any question you ask him, and someone that I could never drink under the table in our bouts, his name is Weiss Chronos."

Chronos, that name sounds familiar somehow but I can't seem to recall where I had seen it. For now, let's just keep the name in mind.

Weiss Chronos, the one that could maybe find a way to remove Marielle-san's curse.

The sooner we meet, the sooner Marielle-san wakes up to reunite with her daughter.

Speaking of which, I also had to find Elle-chan quickly before I leave.

If I didn't, who knows what she'll say to me when I come back...

'Kyouya-nii, I hate you!'

Ah, even just imagining it stings so much. I might have taken damage from that.

"I see. Then, I will accept your request. But, aren't you coming with us? It might get dangerous for you also since you were there with Marielle-san in the forest, no?"

"You are right. But, I still have something to do here. Since I'm the only one left among the village officials, I have to take care of the village proceedings for a while, at least until the city guards arrive to control and assess the situation. But don't worry because as soon as I'm done here, I will come and find you guys in Lavis."

I see. In my rage before, I seem to have forgotten the existence of the people who came together with Marielle-san and Lode-san during the so-called 'meeting'.

I wish them a peaceful rest in my heart, as I reinvigorate myself once more.

"If that's the case-"

Before I could finish the talk with Lode-san, I could hear the sound of tiny footsteps slowly coming closer to the doorway. Looking at the map, I was slightly delighted to see who it was. But, when I saw her, that feeling doubled, maybe tripled in fact.

"K-kyouya-nii!"

With a short exclamation, Elle-chan, who had just arrived, followed by the village guard leader, Roy-san, ran to my chest and buried her head in it.

I could feel my shirt, particularly in the chest area, was gradually getting wetter.

Towards the cute Elle-chan, that was releasing her pent-up feelings to me by letting out her tears, I could only put on a gentle smile and place my hand on her head.

"....."

As the sound of sniffling and muffled cries filled the silent living room, I continued moving my hand to and fro, ruffling the hair of Elle-chan as to calm her down.

When suddenly, I remember the words my mom used to tell me whenever she came back from a trip overseas. Back then, I was a crybaby wasn't I?

Well, it can't hurt to try...

"...I'm back, Elle-chan."

Saying these words as slowly, and as gentle as possible, I wait for her reply.

"....*Sniffle*....Un, welcome back Kyouya-nii..."