The LV.99 Middle Boss, Starts His Second Life with Subordinates!

~Yukime’s Perspective~

“Cold……” (Yukime)

　Yukime, one of the Four Heavenly Kings of the Inanaki Sacred Mountain, rubbed her hands together, talking to herself without saying a word to anyone.

　The dry and cold feeling felt as if even her own heart was freezing.

　The “Cold” Yukime, a winter monster who controls the frigid air.

　She can’t tell anyone about it, but she has been suffering from chronic cold symptoms due to the long hours she has been working lately.

　Lately, it’s been hard for me to get up in the morning.

　To name a few details, I have been experiencing occasional dizziness, headaches, fatigue, stiff shoulders, etc…

　These are all typical symptoms of hypotension, caused by an extreme lack of sleep and her poor diet. [T/N: Hypotension or Low blood pressure.]

　But it wasn’t just these physical problems that made her feel cold.

　It was—

“I miss the others…” (Yukime)

　She muttered to herself in the lonely bamboo grove, lit only by moonlight.

　There was no one there to respond to this.

　—Truly, I am quite lonely.

　As a matter of fact, her ability to manipulate freezing air was the highest in the Inanaki Sacred Mountain, not counting Senri, the middle boss.

　Her icy breath froze everything in her path, and she could quickly bring it under her control.

　It is said that if a party of adventurers of the same level was to conquer the Inanaki Sacred Mountain, they would need to take special precautions against her.

　However, because of that, Senri, the middle boss of Inanaki Sacred Mountain, said,

“Then you don’t need a subordinate, you’re strong, and that cuts costs, right?” (Senri)

　With that, Senri, the middle boss of the Inanaki Spirit Mountain, massively dismissed and restructured her subordinates, the Ice Nymphs.

　As a result, she had to fill in all the gaps.

　As a result, her lifestyle was disrupted and she suffered from hypotension.

　In addition to that, she lost her most precious source of companionship and spare time—her body trembled with loneliness.

“……I’m so lonely.” (Yukime)

　The tears that trickled down froze and cracked as they hit the ground.

　I had never felt so empty in my life.

　Letting out a deep, and freezing sigh, I looked up at the moon in the night sky and…

　—At that moment, a brilliant flower blooms in the night sky.

“Huh…?” (Yukime)

　That sound echoed to the deepest part of my heart.

“Fire… works…?” (Yukime)

　Yukime hurriedly stood up and looked down at the direction where the fireworks went off—at the foot of the mountain.

　There was an unbelievable sight.

　The dark and lonely pathway was lit up by countless lanterns.

　People were passing by, the stalls were full of life, and I could hear the faint sounds of the festival music.

　Oh, maybe it’s an illusion, or maybe not, but whatever it is, it looks like fun…

“I have to go look around…” (Yukime)

　Yukime slowly began to descend the mountain, just like a bug attracted to the light.

　There’s not a thought in her mind that by leaving her post, there would not be a single (employee) monster in her domain.

“What’s this……?” (Yukime)

　From a distance, the scene was like a mirage, but when I entered the center of it, I felt as if I were daydreaming.

　From the first torii gate to the 99th torii gate, there were many night stalls lined up along the approach.

　The smell of something roasting and the hustle and bustle of people were as far away as if they were from another world.

　This is what dreaming is all about.

“Come on! The delicious grilled corn is ready!” (Stall Owner)

“Hey there, pretty lady! Look at this beautiful candy work! Look at this beautiful candy sculptures, although it’s a bit blurry compared to the beauty of the young lady…” (Stall Owner) [T/N: Japan has these awesome sugar/candy sculptures called Amezaiku]

“Yum, freshly fried tempura, i-it’s exquisite!” (Purple Mochi-shaped Monster)

　The owner of the stall is an unfamiliar group of kobold monsters (although some monsters like the purple mochi-shaped monster are also with them).

　However, all of the dishes they prepared were familiar to Yukime.

“It’s delicious! Yapani’s food is healthy and just the way I like it~!” (Health-nut Winged Monster)

　As I stood there in the crowd, dumbfounded, an extremely petite girl in a kimono walked past me.

　The small wings sprouting from her back suggested that she was also a monster, but I did not recognize her.

　That’s the time.

“Yukime-sama!” (Bakeneko)

　Someone suddenly called out her name from ahead, and she came to her senses.

　When she looked, she saw a group of Nekomata’s subordinates, the bakeneko, walking towards her.

　They seemed to have been drinking and were all red-faced.

“Yukime-sama! Are you drinking? Nyahaha!” (Bakeneko)

“Oh, you guys, what is this…?” (Yukime)

“Nya, don’t ask questions! Today is the Bon Festival! Bon Festival-nya!” (Bakeneko)

“Bon… festival …?” (Yukime)

　It was only after Yukime was told that she realized that it was indeed that time of year again.

　But I’ve never heard of a festival like this.

　Was it Senri-sama’s plan? No, no way…

　As I was hesitating like that–

“Nya! Yukime-sama! It looks like today’s ‘Main Stage’ will start!” (Bakeneko)

“Ma-main…?” (Yukime)

“Come on, hurry up!” (Bakeneko)

“Hey, what…!?” (Yukime)

　One of the bakenekos grabbed my arm without saying whatever we are hurrying up for.

　Then, we arrived at a certain place after I was dragged in the middle of something.

　It was an open space where the 99 Torii had just been cut off.

　Yukime was startled again. Because if she remembered correctly, there should have been nothing there.

　But there was.

　Another unfamiliar monster, one that looked like a combination of a lantern and a bat, lit up the area below.

　A huge stage, surrounded by a crowd of people, then–

“–Thank you for gathering here for us today.”

　A voice from above the stage, so beautiful it seemed out of this world, took my breath away.

　A lantern bat (tentative name) lights up the owner of the voice.

　At that moment, everyone in the room felt as if time had stopped.

　She had sculpted good looks and a slender body line.

　And a woman with iridescent wings that glowed with an intricate light—

“An… angel…?” (Yukime)

　An angel.

　She had a beauty that was so far removed from humans – or rather, from people.

“We’ve just formed, we’re literally just baby birds, but we’d really appreciate it if you’d warmly welcome us.”

　As she said this in a clear, melodious voice, a dozen half-human, half-bird monsters emerged from the darkness and took up positions around her.

　They were also quite good-looking, though not as good as the celestial maiden in the center of the room.

　The appearance of the girls clearly changed the atmosphere surrounding the place.

　The tension felt as if the air in the room had been filled to the brim with water and the strings were on the verge of snapping…

“I’d like to thank you all for sharing such a wonderful stage with me… Please just remember my name! Young Bird!” (Angel-like Girl)

　–and sure enough, it exploded.

“”Wooooooooooo!”” (Crowd)

　Even their singing voices were drowned out by the intense enthusiasm.

“Wow…”

　As the crowd surged forward, Yukime couldn’t help but wince.

　And with the faint sound of a beautiful voice behind her, she finally manages to get out of the crowd.

“I thought I was going to die…” (Yukime)

　She puts her hand on her chest and exhales deeply.

　I was definitely interested in singing and dancing, but it was a little too stimulating for me.

　I’m sure Nekomata would be happy to jump in…

　As I was catching my breath thinking about this, a nostalgic scent suddenly hit my nose.

“This smell is…” (Yukime)

　Looking around, it seems that I have walked a considerable distance.

　In the darkness, a lone food stall was glowing.

　There was a sign that read “Goblin Restaurant” on it. The name was unfamiliar to me.

　I hesitated for a moment, but the smell was irresistible.–

“Excuse me……” (Yukime)

　Before I knew it, I found myself stepping through the doorway.

“Oh, young lady, just sit somewhere vacant.” (Store Owner)

　The owner, a rugged little demon with the look of an old-fashioned craftsman, said.

　I looked around and saw that there was already a customer ahead of me.

　It was a woman in a very beautiful kimono with a striking flower ornament on her head.

　For a moment, she reminded me of someone I’ve seen before, but then I remembered that I didn’t know anyone who was this beautiful, so I must be imagining things.

　She glanced at Yukime, her cheeks flushed sexily, and lightly raised her teacup.

　The ring on her ring finger returned a jade-green glow.

“You can sit next to me.” (Beautiful Flower Girl)

“Well, then, I will do so…” (Yukime)

　I sat down next to her without hesitation.

　I’m not sure if it’s because I’m bewildered by her beauty or because I’m longing for company.

　It’s hard to say for sure, but I found myself calling out to her.

“Are you engaged…?” (Yukime)

　Even I, who had never been out of the Inanaki Sacred Mountain, had at least heard of it.

　About everything here—in Grantesia, the ring on the right hand’s ring finger has such a meaning.

　The lips of the person I asked curved in a very sensual smile.

“Well, maybe.” (Beautiful Flower Girl)

“Woah……” (Yukime)

　The woman replied without hesitation, and she looked like an “adult woman”, and I secretly envied her.

　In comparison, I am…

“I’ve never had a single relationship…” (Yukime)

“It’s surprising, you have such a beautiful face.” (Beautiful Flower Girl)

“No, I don’t…” (Yukime)

“It’s nice to see you being modest. I wonder if it’s possible to meet someone in the mountains?” (Beautiful Flower Girl)

“Meeting someone… it’s probably not going to happen…” (Yukime)

　I exhaled a small frosty sigh.

“Such a fair and sensual woman… even with just her hands…” (Yukime)

　I glanced at her hand and my hand.

　Compared to her fair even smooth fingers, mine is unsightly.

　It’s dry, cracked, and my nails are chipped…

“With hands like these, I can’t even hold hands with the person I love…” (Yukime)

　I say loathingly.

　I’m not sure what I’m complaining about to someone I’ve never met before.

　With that in mind, I felt even more miserable and another frosty sigh escaped my lips.

“Did you know that happiness escapes when you sigh? Beautiful miss.” (Beautiful Flower Girl)

　I tried to vent it out only to swallow it.

　For some reason, she had placed her own hand on top of my hand.

“Your fingers are so slender and white and beautiful.” (Beautiful Flower Girl)

“No, no, my hands are too cold…” (Yukime)

“People with cold hands have warm hearts, you should be more proud, don’t move.” (Beautiful Flower Girl)

　Then she smeared something on Yukime’s hand.

　The scent of flowers rising up, damp, and warm…

“And, it’s done.” (Beautiful Flower Girl)

“This is……?” (Yukime)

“My special hand cream… or Ointment, it’s a shame because not all Yapani girls take care of themselves.” (Beautiful Flower Girl)

　It was just like magic.

　In just a few seconds, my fingers, which had been so rough, became smooth and shiny.

　I stared at my fingers in disbelief for a while, then I came to my senses.

“Why did you do this for me…?” (Yukime)

“Because I was next to you at the bar table… Do I even need a reason?” (Beautiful Flower Girl)

“—ngh.” (Yukime)

　I was suddenly unable to give a reply after having those words directed at me.

　Thinking about it, when did I first exchange words with someone like this in my private life?

　Various emotions are bursting from my chest. I don’t know what to do.

　At that moment,

“Hey, excuse me, it’s time to eat.” (Store Owner)

　The owner, the small demon, placed a plate in front of Ms. Good Luck and me.

　The nostalgic scent that rises with the white steam, this is—

“Kiritanpo……” (Yukime)

　――It was a dish from her hometown that Yukime had learned from her mother when she was a child.

“I recommend it. It’s pretty good.” (Store Owner)

“……I know this……” (Yukime)

　A few teardrops fell and soaked the table.

　The woman with the flower decoration gently stroked my trembling back until I stopped crying.

~Narugoa’s Perspective~

“One of the four heavenly kings, The Cold Yukime, capture completed…”

　At the feet of the eldest Goblin brother—Narugoa, who was hiding behind the stall and chewing on a whole Kiritanpo, murmured quietly.

“The plan is going well, only Momiji is left.”

“…What’s wrong, Narugoa-san, You look rather glum for a person with such a strong heart?” (Sakura)

“Well.”

　Narugoa swallows the kiritanpo in his mouth and still has a serious look

“I didn’t know that Alraune had a fiancé, I am disqualified from being her former boss… How much do you think I should give as a congratulatory gift?”

“…You’ll get stabbed in the back someday.” (Sakura)

“?”