Frieren 26

Title: Frieren: I’m Sure That Treasure Chest Has Something Good!

The blatant favoritism made Ash too lazy to complain. But his annoyed expression made Frieren, kneeling beside him, want to laugh.

Only because the atmosphere was quite formal did she hold back her laughter.

But Ash wasn’t one to take a loss lying down. He grabbed a few more books from the side and walked out: “I’m heading out. You guys chat, I’ll be back for dinner.”

“Don’t come back! I’m not making your dinner!” Serie waved her hands as if shooing away a stray kitten or puppy, acting as if she didn’t welcome his return to mooch food.

Seeing this, Flamme couldn’t help but laugh: “…Teacher seems to really like this new disciple.”

“What’s similar? You’re not even forty yet, are you? Are your eyes going blind that fast?”

“No, I just feel… there’s something similar.”

“Doesn’t that mean your eyes are blind?” Serie rolled her eyes at her. She barely paid attention to this disciple who, for some reason, was starting to act disobedient. She even muttered, glancing toward the door: “Is this that kid’s fault?”

Though she said that, going after him now seemed too late. She could only give up for the moment, deciding to teach him a good lesson when Ash returned. That kid who always did whatever he wanted… just like her, caring little for rules.

Of course, it was fine for her. She was the elder, so it was understandable. But her disciple absolutely couldn’t be like that, right?

However… despite her thoughts, Ash had no intention of returning.

Because if he went back as an obedient disciple, he’d surely be compared to his rebellious self and have to listen to the old lady’s complaints. Based on this prediction, Ash, now with new magic books in hand, had no intention of returning anytime soon.

…Though he slightly regretted missing out on free food, this also indirectly kept him out of trouble.

However, Ash, oblivious to the situation inside, noticed Frieren wearing a strange smile when the two teachers and disciples returned.

No matter how much Ash asked, Frieren wouldn’t give a reason.

This made him stop paying attention to the girl who seemed to be expecting something. Ash casually flipped through the book beside him and muttered: “People these days, really… whatever.”

“By the way, Ash, have these ruins been fully explored?”

“…No, right? Serie’s not interested, and I’m too lazy.”

“That means there might be treasures waiting for us?”

Ash initially didn’t want to care. But after Frieren spoke to herself and got a response, she sparked his interest in exploring the labyrinth.

“Us? Are you unilaterally including me?”

“You don’t want to go? Who knows, there might be magic books even Serie hasn’t found.”

“…Let’s go!”

In an instant, Ash, who had been firmly refusing, was tempted.

He closed the magic book in his hand, stood up, and walked ahead.

This made Frieren smile faintly: “You really love magic.”

“No choice. I’m super curious about the unknown, and it’s also important for survival.”

“And your sister’s expectations, right? By the way, I’ve never heard about your sister before?”

“She’s a hassle, don’t bring her up.”

“Is that so? Alright, let’s go then.”

If it were an ordinary person, they might have pressed further. But Frieren didn’t ask more. She quickly caught up with Ash’s pace and started walking toward the depths of the ruins.

She seemed even more excited than Ash.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

The two worked together and easily explored the underground ruins.

Of course, there were no major dangers. The powerful or wandering creatures had already been cleared out by Serie.

So, soon enough, an ancient treasure chest appeared before them. But…

“…Why are you crouching there? I already checked with magic. It’s just a mimic monster.” Seeing Frieren squatting in front of the treasure chest, unwilling to leave, Ash tried to pull her away by the collar.

But Frieren turned, saying seriously: “You said yourself there’s a one percent chance the magic could be wrong, right?”

“…It’s almost never wrong.”

“But it’s exactly because a Great Mage can spot that one percent that historic discoveries happen.”

“Are you saying you’re that Great Mage?”

“I can feel it.” Frieren didn’t answer directly but reached out to stroke the worn treasure chest. She said confidently: “There’s a valuable magic book inside.”

“What’s your basis?”

“My experience as a mage.”

“…But didn’t you just leave the village? I’ve been with you this whole time. You’ve never been to ruins. What experience?”

“That’s why I said my experience as a mage. Trust me, Ash, there’s a magic book in here!”

As she spoke, Frieren forcefully opened the treasure chest.

The next second…

A huge mouth replaced the magic book Frieren had imagined. It swallowed her in one gulp, leaving only half her body outside.

This left Ash, who had stood a bit farther back from the start, with a deadpan expression: “…I told you there was nothing, and you still pretended in front of me. You said it so confidently, I almost believed your nonsense.”

At that moment, he wanted to turn and leave, pretending not to know this embarrassing person. But…

Frieren, lying there like a corpse, suddenly started wildly wiggling her butt, which was sticking out, and shouted anxiously:

“—Waaah!! It’s so dark! Scary~! Get me out quick~! Ash! Ash, you’re still there, right?! Hurry and get me out! It’s dark in here! Scary~~!”

“…Are you a kid? You’re so old, and you’re still afraid of the dark?”

Seeing her rather plump butt wiggling despite her petite frame, Ash couldn’t resist giving it a slap.

“Ow—ouch~?! W-Who hit me? Scary!! I can’t see anything! It was Ash, right?! It’s definitely you, isn’t it?”

“There was a monster. When I killed it, its tail hit you.”

“Really?! But I feel…”

“Don’t believe me? Fine, I’m leaving then.”

“—I-I believe you! Get me out quick~~! It’s so scary in here!!”

Trapped inside the treasure chest, Frieren had no choice but to scream and give in to him.