After Retirement, Living a Stud Life in Another World - 46
Chapter 46: Radiant Gretel
The moment Hilda Mom pursed her lips, three figures, disguised as villagers who had been walking aimlessly, erupted into flames simultaneously. It’s a bit strange to be impressed that humans can burn, but after all, Mom buried tens of thousands of imperial soldiers in the Great War twenty-something years ago. This should be a piece of cake.
“When we enter the village, my magic will be hard to use. The rest is up to you.”
Yes, while Mom’s magic has the merciless power to burn everything in its path, using it in a residential area would set houses on fire. There’s no need to show mercy to the thieves in this village, where capture means a guaranteed death sentence. However, this time, we want to gather as much evidence as possible of the connection with the noble Bergen Count. So, easily burning down buildings is not an option.
“I got it. I’ll show you the performance worthy of Hilda-sama’s ‘reincarnation’!”
Gretel, with her strawberry blonde hair neatly tied up, finally dashes out as if it’s her turn. When I teased her about looking like she’s going to a dance party, she explained that it’s to avoid any disadvantage if her hair is left down. I think with Gretel’s abilities, there’s no need to worry about such things, but seeing her put her best effort into each battle is somehow intriguing, unlike her usual arrogant demeanor.
The thieves who came out after noticing the abnormality are about fifty in total. The members of this bandit village should exceed a hundred, but the dark clan, who were monitoring them, reported that around sixty of them went somewhere this morning. It looks like they are targeting the village like burglars, but we are only a few people. Even though there are four individuals with S-class or higher abilities, facing a three-digit number of enemies is reckless.
Thieves wielding their favorite weapons rush towards us. However, for Gretel, such things are no threat at all. She sidesteps the big man’s swinging battle axe and sharply slashes his side.
The following woman attacks with a large sword enveloped in magical fire. However, as soon as the weapons clash, it shatters, and Gretel’s middle sword ruthlessly cuts through the bewildered woman’s neck. A wall created with earth magic tries to obstruct her path, but with a front kick enhanced with light attributes, it crumbles into pieces, unable to impede her charge.
“But, this is troublesome!”
Gretel slices a fireball with her sword, appearing a bit less composed. The constant barrage of fireballs from two different positions disrupts her concentration, and her absolute advantage in close combat starts to waver. The opponents have the absolute numerical advantage, and while Gretel hasn’t been injured yet, it’s getting dangerous.
“Don’t worry, leave it to me.”
At that moment, Liese nee-san calmly speaks and points at Gretel. The water spheres that had been floating around nee-san so far move quickly above Gretel’s head. They swiftly expand into a thin, spherical shape, surrounding her body comfortably. The fireballs continue to come, but when they touch the transformed thin film of water, a sizzling sound is heard, and they are deflected, disappearing.
“It’s great! Thank you, Liese-nee-sama! With this, I can keep going!”
As Gretel advances, the water spheres protecting her move with her. The fire magician, who had been continuously firing magic, panics as his spells are absorbed by the unreliable water film. Ignoring his attempts to hide, the knight swings his sword, and he screams his final moments.
From that point on, Gretel was truly like a demon god. Originally, she was a demon to me… well, not that kind of story, but it was a strength that was absolutely and unreasonably overpowering. Trusting completely in nee-san’s water magic and focusing all her awareness on the attack, she became a walking ultimate weapon. Running around freely, she easily knocked down everyone who came at her with a single blow, and even the knights trying to protect her back couldn’t catch up. Truly, being called the “reincarnation of a hero” wasn’t just for show—I realized that for the first time.
And… Gretel is indeed beautiful. As she wields her sword, her figure, complemented by the tied-up strawberry blonde hair, looks as if she is dancing with all her might. The artistic and smoothly drawn sword movements, the platinum-colored aura radiating, and the scattered drops of sweat. Who could resist the lively beauty of that? Probably no man can resist.
“Oh. It seems you’ve fallen for her. Men always have a soft spot for ‘fighting women.'”
“Is this also under Lady Margarete’s manipulation… she’s a fearsome lady.”
I was probably wearing a silly smile. When I noticed, Beatrice was giving me a sharp look, and Ayaka-san was observing me with a knowing smile. Uh-oh, I mean, when she displays such a dignified and refreshing beauty, it’s natural to be attracted, but…
“I love both Beatrice and Ayaka-san. Seriously.”
I express my honest feelings with a serious face. It’s not about who’s the best or anything, but for me, all three of them are precious fiancées. In the original world, people might call me loose, but I’ve been immersed in this world, after all.
“Lutz,” “Lord Lutz…”
The faces of the two looking at me are turning red. Well, at least it seems I didn’t make a mistake.
As I feel relieved, Mom’s urgent voice jumps into my ears.
“Enemies behind! About seventy of them!”
Huh? No way!