Baka-Tsuki - User contributions [en]

Maouyuu:Scroll 02: "Please make us human."

2012-08-09T16:57:41Z

220.255.2.71:

'''-- Winter Kingdom, Wintering Village'''

Hero: “Wow, it’s become cold.”

Maou: “It’s because winter is almost here.”

Hero: “Are you alright? Maou.”

Maou: “Even though I want to say I’m fine... truthfully, it’s hard even to walk. Why am I feeling so tired?”

Hero: “That’s what walking in the snow is like. Then again, your stamina is really bad.”

Maou: “I’m a Maou that specializes in using her mind.”

Hero: “… is it alright, coming to such a remote place?”

Maou: “What do you mean?”

Hero: “It’s just that, as you said, the main diet for people in the Middle continent is grains<ref>'''Cereal grains''': Including wheat, barley, rye and oats etc. Of these, wheat is the simplest to cook and thus the most important. Because it requires grinding into fine flour before use and is difficult to grow in cold places, so in areas like Northern Europe, it is not a common food.</ref> so it’s very important right?”

Maou: “Un. That’s right.”

Hero: “In that case, wouldn’t it be better to go to major agricultural countries like Lake Country or Elm Country, or even Wheat Country?”

Maou: “They have to be willing to listen to me first.”

Hero: “Ah--”

Maou: “I think, it might be better if Hero didn’t show himself for a while.”

Hero: “Really?”

Maou: “Yes. Because you were sent to me for some reason, perhaps someone has something against you.”

Hero: “There’s no such thing.”

Maou: “In any case, no matter what type of revolution, in order to increase persuasiveness of the argument, research and data collection is needed.”

Hero: “That is true.”

Maou: “I plan to experiment with wheat and improving different types of farming methods, the preparation for this step should be complete.”

Hero: “Really?”

Maou: “Un. I already sent my servant to infiltrate.”

Hero: “You have this all planned out.”

Maou: “The first step to any action is to prepare.”

Hero: “So in this village...”

Maou: “That’s right, this is a typical village right?”

Hero: “Un, I saw many villages like this.”

Maou: “This is a pioneer <ref>'''Pioneer''':In order to use wild lands for farming, villages are built on empty land. Villagers must also work hard to remove all the boulders and rocks, tree roots, and plow the lands. At the same time, once the land is cleared it belongs to you.</ref>village at the edge of the Southern Kingdoms -- mostly farmers and workers live here, forming a warm community, they center around a compound farming method.”

Hero: “And to think the battle against the Maou’s army is still raging.”

Maou: “Even so, they still hold on to the earth in order to survive, that’s what’s wonderful about humans.”

Hero: “So, where’s your servant?”

Maou: “Un, I asked her to prepare a small place for us. Where is it? I only heard her say it’s somewhere in the village.”

Hero: “Ah~ is that so? It shouldn’t be hard to find, but the sun is setting, I don’t really want to wander around in the cold.”

Maou: “Nn, you’re right.”

Hero: “You agree?”

Chief Maid: Lady Maou~ Lady Maou~♪”

Hero: “This... this... this...”

Maou: “Oo, this voice is...”

Chief Maid: “Lady Maou~♪”

Maou: “Oh, let me introduce you. Hero!”

Hero: “You idiot! This is a human village after all! Stop going around shouting Maou Maou!”

Maou: “Nn, that’s true. Please take care in the future.”

Chief Maid: “Ho ho, of course, Lady Maou.” '''smile'''

Maou: “Nevermind that now, it’s alright. Don’t be so mad.”

Hero: “Ng--”

Chief Maid: “You’ll get wrinkles if you’re so mad.”

Hero: “Who is this?”

Maou: “This is my trusted aide, the head of the maids, Chief Maid.”

Chief Maid: “As Lady Maou introduced, I am Chief Maid. I have cared for Lady Maou since she was a child, I’m so happy for her now that Lady Maou and Hero has become a married couple, I can’t express my emotions properly.”

Hero: “There are so many things wrong with that statement, but most importantly -- we are not married!”

Chief Maid: “Is that the case?”

Maou: “We made a contract without time limit to become each other’s”

Chief Maid: “Oh, isn’t that marriage?”

Maou: “The difference is like the difference between a clover<ref>'''Clover''': Or trefoil. It is a leguminous plant, with nitrogen fixing abilities to replenish soil that has been depleted of nitrogen. Other than that it can attract bees for honey farming and also used for animal feed.</ref> and a trefoil.”

Chief Maid: “Aren’t those the same thing?”

Maou: “Calling it a different name gives it a different kind of appeal.”

Chief Maid: “Ah, so that’s what it is! Like the difference between maid, servant, lady in waiting and body pillow.”

Maou: “Is that appealing?”

Hero: (... are these two for real?)

Chief Maid: “Appeal is very important. You can even say that the slightest interaction between a man and a woman is formed 80% by appeal.”

Maou: “What! That means there is almost no other ingredients?”

Chief Maid: “That’s the beauty of it.”

Hero: “Erm~ it’s cold~”

Chief Maid: “Oh, that’s no good.”

Maou: “Hero is cold, can you do something about it?”

Chief Maid: “This way please. I’ll lead the way.”

Maou: “Oh, how did things go?”

Chief Maid: “I fixed up an old mansion in the outskirts of the village, even though it’s not all that big.”

Maou: “Well done, Chief Maid.”

'''--Old Mansion'''

Hero: “What were you talking about, this is quite big.”

Chief Maid: “How is that true, it’s not even a hundredth of the Demon King’s Caslte.”

Hero: “That’s called a dungeon<ref>'''Dungeon''': Originally stands for the cells of a castle, now it means a vast labyrinth underneath the castle. Then further evolved to various underground labyrinths that sets the scene for various adventures.</ref> right? Don’t use it as comparison.

Maou: “But I lived there.”

Hero: “Ah, that’s true.”

Chief Maid: “Please wait a moment, I will prepare some tea.”

Maou: “Thank you~”

Hero: “So she is your trusted aide, what is the relationship between you two?”

Maou: “Un, though she doesn’t look it, she’s a relative of mine.”

Hero: “She’s a scholar as well? I remembered you saying that your whole tribe were like that?”

Maou: “Un~ it’s not exactly accurate to call us scholars. Rather than a scholarly tribe, it might be better to say ‘a tribe that can’t control their curiosity’. And the type that likes to specialize in certain areas of studies. Even though she seems older than me, for some reason she chose to pursue something called ‘the way of the maid’.

Hero: “Um.”

Chief Maid: “It’s rather similar to men who chose to pursue knighthood.”

Maou: “That was fast.”

Chief Maid: “Please have some tea, I’ve added some honey.”

Maou: “In any cause, that’s how it is. Not only did she grow up with me, sometimes, I entrust her to lead the Demon Lord’s army.”

Hero: “Hey hey hey, are maids supposed to be able to do that as well?”

Chief Maid: “I can do whatever my master requests, that is my ‘way of the maid’.”

Maou: “So, about this house?”

Hero: “Yes, I am very curious.”

Chief Maid: “It seems that this building originally belonged to a certain noble, it was his vacation home, but the heir of the family died in the war, so they gave up the mansion.

Maou: “You got this through the proper channels right?”

Chief Maid: “Yes, of course. Even the money used to pay for the workers to come fix the mansion was legitimate.”

Maou: “Good.”

Hero: “... that seems surprisingly suitable.”

Maou: “One day we will meet an opponent that we can’t help but face with our true skills. As long as the problem can be solved peacefully, there is no need to use force... it wouldn’t do for us to be hated.”

Hero: “?”

Maou: “It’s nothing... now then, we’ll live here at the mansion. Hm~ what should we do about our identities?”

Chief Maid: “I have already greeted all the influential people in the village including the village leader, and told them that you are the daughter of a certain influential scholar from the Theological School of the Holy King’s Capitol.”

Maou: “Will that be alright?”

Hero: “As long as you dress properly you should pass easily enough.”

Maou: “This white coat<ref>'''White coat''': Normally worn by doctors or researcher, for sanitary reasons and cleanliness. They are usually made from cotton, which absorbent properties for protection against chemicals. Normally, economists or other social science researchers do not wear such coats.</ref> and robe<ref>'''Robe''': One piece clothing, similar to a long dress or a loose coat, probably not fashionable wear for women in this story.</ref> won’t do?”

Hero: “No matter how you look at it, it wouldn’t work.”

Chief Maid: “Most probably not.”

Maou: “But it’s comfortable...”

Hero: “Noble ladies wouldn’t care about comfort when choosing their clothes.”

Chief Maid: “True. I think you should wear clothes that would draw people’s attention, it can also arouse a little nervousness.”

Maou: “Are you saying I lack awareness?”

Chief Maid: “I didn’t say that, but...”

Maou: “What is it?”

Chief Maid: “Lend me your ear for a bit.”

Maou: “Uh huh...”

Maou: “Hero, Hero.”

Hero: “What?”

Maou: “Meat that doesn’t provoke nervousness is useless meat, is that true?” '''Tears'''

Hero: “Why do you look like you’re about to cry?”

Maou: “But she told me so~”

Hero: “A--”

Maou: “It’s useless meat? Is this called useless meat?”

Hero: “Um-- that--”

Chief Maid: “Would you like another cup of tea?”

Hero: “It’s difficult for me to say...”

Chief Maid: “It’s to do with not getting enough exercise during the winter.”

Maou: “Wu wu wu wu...”

Hero: “...that, it’s not bad to dress up once in awhile right? It gives people a pleasant surprise! Erm, it’s appealing.”

Chief Maid: “That’s very true, Lady Maou.”

Maou: “That... if that’s so...”

Hero: “So, what else did you say when you met with them?”

Chief Maid: “Oh, right. I told them that you came here in order to research and teach new farming methods.”

Maou: “That saves a lot of work, good”

Hero: “That’s true, Farming takes a lot of time.”

Chief Maid: “Yes... Lady Maou.”

Maou: “Hum?”

Chief Maid: “What do we tell the Maou army?”

Maou: “Right, how about this...” '''Peaks'''

Hero: “What is it?”

Maou: “Release the rumour, that the Hero and I battled in the throne room, we both become injured; I am now in the Maou Castle healing, we are unsure of hero’s well being, but some say that he escaped.”

Chief Maid: “Understood”

Maou: “Is that alright, Hero?”

Hero: “Un, it’s fine. I am Maou’s now.”

Chief Maid: “O ho ho, fu fu...” '''Smile'''

Maou: “Don’t laugh at me -- this rumour, should give us about a year. The aggressive faction in the army would think that I have some plan up my sleeve, and hold off for a while.”

Hero: “A year huh...”

Maou: “I have other plans. If we really need time, that should give us about three years or so. But if we keep dragging on the rising tension will probably cause an all out war between the humans and demons.”

Hero: “...”

Maou: “So, before that happens, we have to find that ‘ending never seen’.”

Hero: “Not just because you want to see it yourself?”

Maou: “... If it cannot be found, then I will be hated by my people.”

Hero: “Ah that. Is... is that so, I see.”

Maou: “In any case, let’s not worry about it just yet.”

Hero: “Un, right”

Maou: “I want to first improve the farming method.”

Hero: “Farming method?”

Maou: “That means the way to farm.”

Hero: “Farming method, isn’t that sowing seeds, growing and harvesting?”

Maou: “I want to improve that method.”

Hero: “Hum~ can that be improved?”

Maou: “If you continue to plant wheat on the same piece of soil the quality of the wheat will decrease, did you know that?’

Hero: “Ah~ I have heard about it. It is because the Blessings of the Earth is gone right?”

Maou: “This area uses the three turn farming method<ref>'''Three Turn Method''': The land is separated into winter section (wheat, rye) → Summer section (barley, oats) → Resting section (allow livestock to wander) and rotated, to prevent thinning out nutrients, to allow farming to continue. In the Middle Ages, it is often seen in Northern Europe, England, Germany and other northern areas. </ref>, thus the farmland is farmed in three sections. One section to be farmed in the summer, one in the winter, one to rest for the year. They are rotated<ref>'''Rotation''': Is to move something in reoccuring succession. In this story it is the farming of the land from summer → winter → resting in this succession.</ref> this way. The section that is allowed to rest recovers the Blessings of the Earth.

Hero: “That’s a lot of work. Wait, why is there a need to rotate? Isn’t it better to just continue clearing up new lots of land? New land would be full of the Earth’s Blessing.

Maou: “Idiot, do you think everyone has monstrous stamina and strength like you do as well as be able to use magic? That would be very wrong.”

Hero: “R..right?

Maou: “Clearing land of stone and plowing takes a large amount of time and energy, and as the cleared area gets further away the distance for harvesting and replanting would also increase; Also, once the farmland becomes larger, the area needed to protect against demonic creatures and wild animals would increase as well.”

Hero: “If you put it that way, it makes sense.”

Maou: “So right now farmland is separated into three areas and rotated.”

Hero: “Uhhuh.”

Maou: “My goal right now is to improve that method, increase the amount of food produced.”

Hero: “The goal I understand. But, how would you achieve that goal?”

Maou: “I plan to preserve the rotation method.... the idea of rotation that is, and change that to a four turn method.”

Hero: “Uhhuh”

Maou: “That is to say, separate the land into four sections with barley, clover, wheat and turnip as one grouping, using a four year cycle to utilize the land.

Hero: “Is that a big difference?”

Maou: “The mystery of the difference is things other than cereal. That would be the turnip.”

Hero: “Those taste good after roasting, but it’s not possible to eat so much.

Maou: “Of course it’s possible for consumption by people, and always eating wheat is not good for the health either. The turnip is really used for fodder for the livestock... in other words, feed for the pigs.

Hero: “”It’s for the pigs?”

Maou: “As everyone knows, in such cold and poor areas, meat is the most important source of nutrient in the winter. It is difficult to collect wild fruits and vegetables in the winter, and often there is not enough game. Of course it is possible to eat pork, but raising pigs will require food. In winter, there isn’t even enough food for the humans, right?”

Hero: “Un, that’s right. So before winter, everyone would leave only the barest number of pigs, using the extra meat to make sausages, jerky, ham or other things to stock up for winter. In the Southern Countries, if you see these sort of scenes it means winter is here.”

Maou: “Livestock is supposed to be for the winter... that means that in a time when there is not enough crops it should be used as provisions, but in the end it is controlled by the seasons the same as the crops, don’t you think it’s inefficient? So much energy spent on raising livestock, but because it is not possible to last through the winter, therefore the numbers cannot be raised.”

Hero: “..If you put it that way, it’s true.”

Maou: “This is where the clovers and turnips come into use. In the summer, clovers can be used as pasture for the sheeps and pigs. At the same time as raising livestock, the nutrients in the source can be replenished. Turnips can be fodder during the winter.

Hero: “--- So that’s it”

Maou: “Yes. This method has three major advantages of ‘not resting the farmland’, ‘not losing the nutrients of the land’ and ‘increasing things other than crops’ all at the same time.”

Hero: “That’s why this village was chosen, your plans are very well thought out Maou.”

Chief Maid: “Why is that?”

Hero: “This village raises both crops and livestock, in a certain sense it is a self-sufficient system, most suitable for this type of farming method; it is the same in an experimental view. In the city, or warm areas where wheat could be mass produced, there is not much purpose in doing this. In other words this is an idea to save ‘cold and impoverished areas’.”

Chief Maid: “So that’s the reason!”

Maou: “There are a few other experiments. Like using fish in the Southern Ice Sea as fertilizer, improving farm tools and such.”

Hero: “There is a lot to do.”

Maou: “The difficulty, is the cooperation between farms and the villages. When using the land as pasture, it would be difficult to control the sheeps and other animals. In this dangerous situation, the competition for getting ‘development rights’ could easily turn into conflict over profit.”

Hero: “I can imagine that happening.”

Chief Maid: “But Lady Maou said before that the Earth is important for humans right? Can they solve this by negotiating?

Maou: “This is where demons come in.”

Hero: “?”

Maou: “Let the demons attack the village. There’s not any sort of great army here right? So a small attack is fine, letting them give a little threat is not going to be too extreme.”

Hero: “...”

Maou: “Wait until the villages run away, the demons or the Maou’s army will fight the knights that come to the rescue, then retreat. The pioneer villagers would be able to come back, but at the same time they would be under the protection of the land lord. This way, whether we need to organize the farmland or combine the villages, that should not be a problem.”

Hero: “...”

Maou: “Are you disillusioned?”

Chief Maid: “...Lady Maou...”

Maou: “Of course, we would hold back during the plan. But truthfully, if this plan is to be used, in the Kingdom...or at least the knights, there will be a reaction, perhaps there would be someone who understands my plans. But there will always be problems in this sort of plan, there wouldn’t be zero casualties.”

Hero: “...”

Maou: “But I have already decided to do this. If this goes on, the world will continue to be embroiled in the war for a hundred years, and I don’t plan to let anyone be pushed to that point of no return. I want the see ‘the story after the end’.”

Hero: “...”

Maou: “Giving up on me? Do you hate me now? But..but that can’t happen! Hero is mine, I won’t let go!”

Chief Maid: “...”

Maou: “Or have you decided you want my head after all? If that’s so, then it can’t be helped... I am Hero’s after all, I can’t avoid your sword.”

Hero: “Ha, your voice is shaking Maou.”

Maou: “...”

Hero: “Even so, there will still be people saved right? There will be people saved because of this three year secret ceasefire? Plus if the four turn farming method is successful, every year tens of thousands of starving children will welcome the spring --- And humans will have the chance to stop the war right?”

Maou: “Yes.”

Hero: “Then, I am still Maou’s”

Chief Maid: “...”

Hero: “Anyways, even though Maou’s words are harsh, you are still trying hard so there will be no sacrifices right?”

Maou: “Wu...”

Hero: “What should I do... um, truth to tell I can guess already.”

Maou: “As you guessed, I want Hero to act as ‘the righteous side’, become the vanguard of the Southern Kingdom’s army, repel the demon forces.”

Hero: “This will all be a laughable act.”

Maou: “Un. Having you talking about something like this with an evil mastermind for half a day is already a laughable act.”

Hero: “Even if I go to Hell a hundred times it would not be enough to absolve me.”

Maou: “I know already, you don’t need to bring this up again.”

Hero: “But, without ‘this type of character’ it would be impossible to start.”

Maou: “In any case, this only needs to be acted on in the most desperate circumstances. First is the increase the personal production of food. Getting rid of hunger is the most important job.”

'''Wintering Village, On the way from the village leader’s house'''

Hero: “I can’t believe them!”

Maou: “It’s more difficult than I imagined.”

Hero: “Uh, yes.”

Chief Maid: “I didn’t think they would be so hard to persuade.”

Hero: “It can’t be helped, even if we tell them the experiment has a purpose, to poor villages in this type of snow country, just one year of bad harvest will cause people to starve to death.”

Chief Maid: “That is true...”

Maou: “Thinking about it, compared to this side, the winter in the demon world is easier to live in.”

Hero: “True enough.”

Chief Maid: “Has Lord Hero traveled around the demon world?”

Hero: “Un, I could possibly be the first human expert on the demon world.”

Chief Maid: “However, with the village leader’s attitude, would it be hard? To improve farming methods....”

Maou: “Mm... he didn’t decline exactly, that makes it harder to deal with.”

Hero: “In the eyes of the villagers Maou is a noble princess, they can’t decline to your face.”

Chief Maid: “Then just...”

Maou: “No.”

Chief Maid: “But Lady Maou, in order to achieve our goals we must use whatever means...”

Maou: “In order to revolutionize farming, we have to remove those lords and landlords who fight for profit and self gain. In order to increase production, that is a necessary step. But that is not until agricultural development has already reached a certain point, to a point where intensive agriculture is possible. In an area for experimentation such as this, getting rid of the landlord would only cause harm with no benefits.”

Hero: “That’s right.”

Chief Maid: “Then this is a headache.”

Maou: “Un... if only education was at a bottleneck.”

Hero: “Education?”

Chief Maid: “This has something to do with education?”

Maou: “Yes, there’s quite a bit of connection. Originally I planned on tackling this in the next stage, but from the looks of it we can’t continue, if we don’t first lay the foundations.”

Chief Maid: “What do you plan to do?”

Maou: “Think about it, even if we increased production in the village, if these technique isn’t spread to other such villages in the Kingdom, then there still would not be whole scale change. But , if we need to teach these place by place, whether economically or time wise, that would not be possible.”

Hero: “What you say is true.”

Maou: “So, we need able people --- who can learn new techniques and then spread these techniques to professionals in every country. Ah, servants or guild members work too.”

Hero: “Un.”

Chief Maid: “That’s why education is necessary right?”

Maou: “On that matter, how does education in the human world work?”

Hero: “I don’t know even if you asked me... what is ‘education’ anyways?”

Chief Maid: “Oh...”

Maou: “Uh....ah....”

Hero: “I said~ don’t sigh so matter of factly.”

Maou: “Education, refers to passing on knowledge to your children or to those younger than you.”

Hero: “So thats it, if you said that earlier I would have understood. Isn’t it simple? Of course human society knows about these sort of things! Babies aren’t born knowing how to talk after all? Using this example, first children would be left with their grandparents, asking the elders to care for the child. When the parents are out farming or hunting, the elders will take care of all the children of similar age from other families as well.”

Chief Maid: “That’s fairly efficient, that way the elderly would have something to occupy their time.”

Hero: “After a few years, the children will be able to help out at the farm. even though they don’t know the difficult things you talked about, but things like when to plant what, predicting the weather, how to avoid wild beasts, as long as they have worked in a farming village for five years, these will come naturally.

Also, the winter in this area is very cold, sudden snow or storms aren’t a rare sight. In villages in areas like this, winters are mostly spent indoors. During this time, farmers would make crafts, knit woolen clothes and the like to pass time.

During the long winter, those elders with wisdom would tell stories for the children.

There would be legends about heroes, stories about Kingdoms, stories about the Spirits and so on. Ah, there are also stories about demons! Also, the smarter youths and the children of the village leaders would learn to read and write.”

Maou: “Un un.”

Hero: “In the cities, that would be different. In the cities education would be done by the Order’s sermons or private tutors. Do you know what tutors are? Um, they will tell stories, teach reading, writing and numbers, a little like private storytellers. In richer merchant or noble families, the parents would hire private tutors to teach their children various knowledge and skills.”

Chief Maid: “Did Lord Hero grow up like that?”

Hero: “Um, that... in my situation, Gramps is like a tutor I guess... nevermind, let’s put that aside first.”

Hero: “So? Is education something like that?”

Maou: “Un, that’s exactly it.”

Hero: “If it’s about the human society then ask me!”

Maou: “Uh, so education in the human society is still uncivilized.”

Hero: “Uncivilized?”

Maou: “Um, my use of words is not accurate enough. I should say ‘in terms of the stage of development, it is still at the beginning stages.’”

Hero: “That’s the same thing!”

Maou: “I’m just joking.”

Hero: “Ng...”

Maou: “But, that is a natural way of education. It is a very accurate thing to do.”

Hero: “...”

Maou: “Back to the topic at hand, although I desire an unnatural developmental growth, then I would have to be unnaturally serious about education...but, education costs a lot of money.”

Hero: “Money? I’m the Hero, leave it to me! If you sell Hero’s gears, would that give us a lot of money?”

Chief Maid: “Um... Hero’s sword, Hero’s shield, Hero’s armour... should sell for 18,000 gold coins.”

Hero: “See, a lot right?”

Chief Maid: “How much does education cost?”

Maou: “Uh. That, I’ve thought out several fluid financial plans for the year, the simplest proposal costs about two hundred and sixty thousand gold coins?”

Hero: “My..my..Hero...gear...”

Chief Maid: “Lord Hero, please don’t feel down.” '''Pats head'''

Maou: “Chief Maid, I forbid you to initiate further contact.”

Chief Maid: “Understood, Lady Maou ♪”

Maou: “This is a difficult problem to solve.”

Hero: “It is.”

Chief Maid: “But it’s almost winter now. The real farming experiment doesn’t start until spring right? Just use this winter to prepare properly.”

Maou: “That’s true but...”

Hero: “It’s difficult to wait, there’s only three years after all.”

Chief Maid: “Alright, alright, today I specially prepared roast turnip and pork.”

Hero: “That sounds tasty.”

Maou: “Right, it won’t do to be always worrying.”

'''Wintering Village, the bought mansion, warm room'''

Chief Maid: “Then, I must prepare dinner, please excuse me. It will be an hour before dinner starts, I shall inform you when it is about to begin, please wait by the fire until then.”

Maou: “Good, thank you.”

Hero: “Fu....”

Maou: “Are you tired, Hero?”

Hero: “Un~ my body isn’t tired at all, but contemplating things I normally would not think about, made my mind feel very tired.”

Maou: “Ho ho, I’d expect so.”

Maou: “That’s right, Hero.”

Hero: “Hum?”

Maou: “The fireplace is very warm.”

Hero: “Yes. It’s very warm... the fire banished much of the chill here~”

Maou: “That’s right, Hero.”

Hero: “Hum?”

Maou: “That... if you don’t mind, do you want to sit beside me?”

Hero: “Why?”

Maou: “It’s warmer at this angle, it feels nice.”

Hero: “Is that so?”

Maou: “Yes it is, come, it’s a prime seat!”

Hero: “Ah, it’s true, it’s very warm~”

Maou: “How is it?”

Hero: “Don’t look so smug, Maou.”

Maou: “Ng... nevermind, the fireplace isn’t really any of my doing.”

Maou: “...”

Hero: “....”

Maou: “Hero?” '''Carefully'''

Hero: “Hum?”

Maou: “Can... can I touch you?”

Hero: “Of course you can... what... what is it?”

Maou: “I’m not planning anything! It’s just that Hero’s hair is so dark, I want to touch it. Ah, it’s soft.”

Hero: “Because one of my ancestors was a bushi.”

Maou: “What is that?”

Hero: “A warrior from the east. According to the stories they have the skills to split armour and helmet in two.”

Maou: “They sound like formidable warriors.”

Hero: “My clan are all warriors.”

Maou: “Really? But Hero has many many other good points.”

Hero: “Do I~”

Maou: “Of course! For example, you’re not scared even though you’re beside me.”

Hero: “That’s because Maou is weak, and a woman. Plus you don’t get enough exercise.”

Maou: “But I’m still Maou!”

Hero: “Is that so?”

Maou: “That’s so.”

Hero: “I think that you are very gentle.”

Maou: “That’s... that’s a strategy.”

Hero: “?”

Maou: “Right now, I’m going to negotiate with Hero. That’s it.”

Hero: “Negotiate what?”

Maou: “If I say it, it’s not a negotiation.”

Hero: “If you don’t say it how will I know?”

Maou: “That’s a complicated question, I want to explain in detail to prevent misunderstanding.”

Hero: “Then let’s hear it.”

Maou: “That is, it’s very cold outside right? Because the winter storm is here. And the room is very warm and comfortable, also we both have free time before dinner, with nothing important to do right? Of course there will be mountains of work in the future, but right now Hero’s mind is tired, in this situation, it is difficult to work efficiently.”

Hero: “Ah~”

Maou: “Of course, this is my personal though, it’s not even a treaties, it can only be called selfishness. But estimating Hero's state of tiredness, I think, even if it's an urban legend or an old wive’s tale, we can’t disregard that it might be effective. The old texts say, even warriors will relax in this type of sweet garden. Although Hero doesn’t have this type of habit.”

Hero: “So, what do you want to do?”

Maou: “I want to try having Hero lay on my lap.”

Hero: “No problem” '''Flop'''

Maou: “Ah...ah uh... Hero...”

Hero: “I am Maou’s, there is no need to be polite.”

Maou: “Hero.”

Hero: “Hm...”

Maou: “Hero’s hair is really soft.”

Hero: “Don’t play around.”

Maou: “I’m just touching.”

Hero: “Maou smells very nice.”

Maou: “That’s because I take a bath properly everyday.”

Hero: “You’re serious.”

Maou: “I’m very serious. Since leaving the Demon world, Chief Maid has been merciless. In the past I’ve been so engrossed in my research that one time I forgot to change my clothes for a whole week.”

Hero: “Maou’s legs are very smooth.”

Maou: “Re...really? Not too fat?”

Hero: “It feels very good laying on them.”

Maou: “Really? Thank goodness. Hero is a very generous master.”

Hero: “Ah~uh~um.... but is also a perverted master.”

Maou: “?”

Maou: “That... Hero?”

Hero: “What is it~?”

Maou: “Before you said ‘no need to be polite’.”

Hero: “?”

Maou: “Is it true?”

Hero: “Un, it’s true.”

Maou: “Re...really?” '''Shyly'''

Hero: “....what is it?”

Maou: “Uh... wu....”

Hero: “Don’t be so silent, it’s scary.”

Maou: “I think it’s a little scary too!”

Hero: “Ha?”

Maou: “No, how can I back out? ‘To seek things never seen’ isn’t that my life’s goal?”

Hero: “??”

Maou: “Uh, Hero...” '''Stares'''

Hero: “Oh, just relax and say it.”

'''Clack'''

Maou: “What is that noise?”

Hero: “Back yard? …. the stables?”

'''Tap tap tap'''

Maou: “Hey! I said don’t run!”

'''----Stables'''

???: “................................................”

Hero: (There’s human auras?)

Maou: “Wait a moment, light spell...” '''Lights up'''

Big sister: '''Shiverng'''

Little sister: '''’Shaking uncontrollably'''

Hero: “....what? It’s children?”

Maou: “What is it? You’re just wearing underclothes!”

'''Clack'''

Chief Maid: “Oh, what is going on?”

Maou: “Chief Maid.”

Chief Maid: “They become lost and snuck in here again. Ha....”

Maou: “Who are they?”

Chief Maid: “Escaped slaves. This mansion has been abandoned for a long time and is not in ruins, and the ownership is different from the surrounding farms. Places like this, will often be the top choice for escapees.”

Hero: “Slaves?”

Chief Maid: “Yes, that’s exactly so.”

Hero: “Where are there slaves nearby?”

Chief Maid: “Not around here? Most of the humans around this area are slaves aren’t they?”

Hero: “No, they’re not slaves!”

Chief Maid: “Oh, did I misunderstand?”

Hero: “The slave system is too cruel. We do not allow it.”

Chief Maid: “Even if you say that...”

Maou: “These are serfs<ref>'''Serfs''': Farmers that do not have the freedom to choose their jobs or move away. They are allowed to have family, house, farm tools and other possessions. However they are required to work on and give rent for the land, and sometimes they will be sold along with the land they farm as merchandise, can be said to be half slaves. </ref>.”

Hero: “Serfs....?”

Chief Maid: “So they are slaves.”

Maou: “Serfs and slaves are not the same thing.”

Hero: “See! The Southern Kingdoms does not have slaves.”

Chief Maid: “Is that really the case?”

Maou: “Serfs are not the same as slaves, they can have personal belongings. They have their own home, farming tools and can live with their family.”

Hero: “Un, of course.”

Big Sister: '''Shivers violently'''

Little Sister: '''Shaking uncontrollably'''

Maou: “On the other hand, these people do not have the freedom to choose their own occupation. Most serfs are found in estates<ref>'''Estates''': Land owned and ruled by the landlord. In the estate, the lord has the higher power (like a ruler) to be the land lord, king, and judge. The estates include the land directly belonging to the lord, free farmer’s land and serf’s land. The land directly belonging to the lord and land belonging to the serfs, he receives income from.</ref>... as the work force in farmlands of landlords, they do not have the freedom of choice, they can only obey orders.”

Hero: “...”

Chief Maid: “...different from slaves~” '''Cold smile'''

Hero: “...” '''Grits teeth'''

Maou: “Chief Maid, don’t say anything more... perhaps the slave system is a tragedy, but it is still a social system that has economic values, that is the truth.

Chief Maid: “Is that really so?”

Maou: “Chief Maid.”

Chief Maid: “... I am out of line. My apologies.”

Maou: “...”

Hero: “...”

Little Sister: '''Shaking uncontrollably'''

Big Sister: “...Ex...excuse me... we will leave when the sun comes up. We...we won’t give you any...trouble... so please, just one night is fine.”

Chief Maid: “...”

Maou: “Chief Maid, this isn’t the first time right? How did you deal with this in the past?”

Chief Maid: “Harbouring escaped slaves... it’s serfs right? Is a crime. Plus the relations with the neighboring powers will become bad. Therefore I would immediately contact the authorities, ask them to retrieve them.”

Maou: “I see.”

Hero: “...”

Chief Maid: “Lord Hero, you don’t look too happy?”

Hero: “... isn’t it too cruel?”

Chief Maid: “Those who could not control their own fate, are just bugs. I hate bugs, I have no desire to see bugs with their wings torn off being hurt.”

Maou: “...”

Hero: “Hey, you!”

Chief Maid: “Compared to what’s in front of us, this is only a small problem isn’t it? I think, wasting all our efforts in such insignificant problems, will not help our future plans any.”

Maou: “True... very true...”

Hero: “Maou...”

Chief Maid: “Then I will immediately...”

Maou: “No, wait till tomorrow before contacting the outside. Go heat some water first. Also, there should be some proper clothes around here? Don’t argue, do as I say this once. I’ve already decided.”

'''---Maou’s Mansion, small room'''

Maou: “Ah~ what should I say?”

Hero: “... why are you so hesitant?”

Maou: “I’m just a Maou who is also an economist, not suitable for this sort of things.”

Hero: “I’m also just a Hero who is also a swordsman, I’m not suitable either.”

Big Sister: “Um, thank you very much.”

LIttle Sister: '''Quaking with terror'''

Hero: “It’s no big deal, don’t worry.”

Big Sister: “Such rich clothing...this is the first time we’ve ever worn something like this.”

Little Sister: '''Nods'''

Hero: “Really? It seems like old clothing left around in the mansion”

Maou: “Ah~ are you full? Is the bed alright?”

Big Sister: “Yes. The bed is very soft, and the room is warm and clean”

Hero: “Such small and dirty room is...”

Maou: “Their previous experiences are just that tragic.”

Big Sister: “Um, I’m very thankful for your kindness, but...tomorrow morning... um...”

Maou: “That...”

Hero: “...”

Big Sister: “Please, don’t tell the landlord. No, that’s not...”

Little Sister: '''Teary eyes'''

Big Sister: “We’ll run away, just let us stay for a little, the moment the sun is up we’ll leave, so please just wait a little.”

Chief Maid: “What are you talking about? You have no shoes, your clothes are no different than garbage, you carry no money or luggage. Do you plan to become beggars?”

Little Sister: “Wa....wu...”

Hero: “Can’t...can’t we do something?”

Chief Maid: “That’s different. The lives of slaves are tragic, they can’t do anything, and does not have a shred of hope. They can only lie and tell themselves ‘I am guilty, so I can only live like this’ in order to live. Perhaps it’s hell on earth. But...”

Hero: “...”

Chief Maid: “What they do is no different than what I do. We both receive orders from our masters, listen to their wishes, sacrifice ourselves in order to fulfil our masters dreams --- in this sense I am no different than a slave.”

Maou: “Chief Maid, I have never thought of you as a slave!”

Chief Maid: “Yes, Lady Maou, I have never thought you treated me like that. It is because of that, that I can’t watch this. They do the same thing I do, and yet they are so weak they cannot hold their fate in their own hands --- I think, these type of people should just die in remorse.”

Little Sister: “That’s not it! It’s not it at all! Glasses Wearing Sister is mean! We escaped didn’t we, we’re not unable to do anything! Big Sis and I will go to the city, and live there together!”

Hero: “That...”

Chief Maid: “Day dreams.”

Little Sister: “But, we’ll do it!”

Chief Maid: “Let’s say I go back a few steps, and consider your passion as hard work. But, you hide in someone else’s house and take advantage of their kindness; other people provide for you a bed and food, now you cause them difficulties by running away. Not only that but you validate yourselves. Is that how you serfs treat others?”

Little Sister: “But, but!”

Chief Maid: “I’ll say this again. Those who can’t hold their own fate are bugs. I really...really hate bugs. I will not view those who are bugs as humans.”

Big Sister: “...”

Chief Maid: “Do you understand?”

Big Sister: “Yes...”

Chief Maid: “Your apology?”

Big Sister: “We have given everyone in the house... the Lady Noble trouble, sorry.”

Chief Maid: “Good”

Big Sister: “...”

Little Sister: “Wu...wu wu...”

Chief Maid: “...” '''Glare'''

Big Sister: “...”

Chief Maid: “...is that it?”

Little Sister: “No... I don’t want to go back.. I’m scared...”

Big Sister: “... Little Sis, be quiet.”

Chief Maid: “...”

Big Sister: “Please make us... into human. I think --- you are... our fate.”

Chief Maid: “When bowing, don’t prostrate on the ground like that. Since you are wearing a dress, take the dress lightly with your fingers, display your drapes<ref>'''Drapes''': Elegant folds in dresses. In the middle ages fabric is more expensive than in current times, thus drapery that requires a large amount of fabric shows the wearer’s wealth. </ref> and at the same time curtsey gracefully.”

Big Sister: '''No...nods'''

Chief Maid: “... Lady Maou. Even though compared to the Maou’s Castle this house is but a small wooden shack, but I will be too busy to tend to it all just by myself. Why not hire a few maids?”

Hero: “Is that alright, Chief Maid? You just said you hated them, have you forgiven them in the end?”

Chief Maid: “What I hate are bugs. Maids are not bugs, but an existence that pleases people. There is no one in this world that hates maids, even if that maid is a novice.”

Maou: “Allowed. Train these two well.”

'''--- Wintering Village, Snowy Forest'''

Little Sister Maid: “Lord Hero~ Lord Hero~”

LIttle Sister Maid: “Lord Hero where are you~ I brought some tasty bread~”

'''Yo---'''

Hero: “Hey, good work messenger!”

Little Sister Maid: “Wah! Where were you just now?”

Hero: “It’s teleportation magic. Your voice was all over the forest.”

Little Sister Maid: “He he~♪”

Hero: “Never mind, it’s safe in this area so it’s alright. You certainly are reckless.”

Little Sister Maid: “I’m here to deliver something for Lord Hero.”

Hero: “Oh!”

Little Sister Maid: “It’s lunch~! There’s walnut bun, and egg rolls with onion and bacon.”

Hero: “That sounds really good.”

Little Sister Maid: “Big sis made it.”

Hero: “Looks like she’s learning fast, that’s impressive.”

Little Sister Maid: “Is it good?”

Hero: “Very good! And the tea is warm, I’m so touched I’m close to tears. You ran over here didn’t you?”

Little Sister Maid: “Un.”

Hero: “Finished with one gulp!”

Little Sister Maid: “Un”

Hero: “Even though it’s day, but working outside is still tiring. Honestly, I’m feeling more and more discouraged.”

Little Sister Maid: “Ah, that’s right. I have a message from the manager sis.”

Hero: “Oh, why didn’t you say earlier.”

Little Sister Maid: “‘Today’s goal is 6 wild boars. You can also substitute one bear for two boars. Also, take a look up river, if there’s any flooded areas, see if you can use destruction magic or whatever to fix it.’”

Hero: “She sure knows how to order people... by the way, how is school?”

Little Sister Maid: “Afternoon is physical training.”

Hero: “You don’t need to train?”

Little Sister Maid: “Because there’s still very few students, and no children my age. Helping deliver lunch to Lord Hero is afternoon exercise~”

Hero: “Ho, you learned to use the word ‘age’?”

Little Sister Maid: “The manager sis is teaching me how to read~”

Hero: “Even though Maou is busy, she hasn’t neglected your care.”

Little Sister Maid: “And Math~”

Hero: “Math eh.”

LIttle Sister Maid: “She said if I learn math well, I can make lots of money.”

Hero: “That economist, are words like ‘making money’ all she knows?”

Little Sister Maid: “She also taught ‘break-even point’<ref>'''Break even point''': Determines whether a business is making or losing money. Although the cost will increase as the sales does, in normal circumstances the sales would increase faster than costs. So once sales reach a certain point then money is made rather than lost. </ref>!”

Hero: “These lesson materials are too one sided!”

Little Sister Maid: “He he~ how is Lord Hero’s work going?”

Hero: “If we change to boars, there still two left to go.”

Little Sister Maid: “Hot pot---” '''Excited'''

Hero: “Why so excited suddenly?”

Little Sister Maid: “Pork hot pot?”

Hero: “Un, that tastes really good!”

Little sister Maid: “Let’s cook pork hot pot~!”

Hero: “You do like to eat.”

Little Sister Maid: “Lord Hero will help everyone prepare dinner~” '''Smile'''

Hero: “...Un, that’s right.”

Little Sister Maid: “Having a full stomach, will make people feel happy!”

Hero: “Yep.”

Little Sister Maid: “No one arguing, no need to bow to the village leader’s son. Everyday is warm, fluffy beds, wearing pretty dresses, being able to stay with Big Sis. That is happiness.”

Hero: “...”

Little Sister Maid: “What is it?”

Hero: “Nothing, I just feel that the so called Hero is useless.”

Little Sister Maid: “?”

Hero: “I have no great wisdom, no sense of money, and I don’t know how to farm or care for livestock. As to being a teacher... all I can teach is swordsmanship. Lately I’ve slowly started to notice --- I keep talking about peace like it’s a mantra, but what is peace? How do we get peace? Also, once there is peace, what should I do? I’ve never thought about these things before.”

Little Sister Maid: “So difficult~”

Hero: “It really is difficult.”

Little Sister Maid: “Bacon is really yummy.”

Hero: “You like bacon?”

Little Sister Maid: '''Nods'''

Hero: “Then, brother Hero will go hunt a few more wild boars~”

'''--- Large Room in the Mansion, Lesson in session'''

Maou: “... according to the current economic status of the Southern Kingdoms, this is the largest effect that the war will have.”

Noble Student: “...” '''Writing notes'''

Merchant Student: “Uh...that...”

Soldier Student: “...”

Maou: “The following topic isn’t in my area of expertise. In the ancient times, what is the loss rate<ref>'''Loss rate''': Refers to the number of soldier lost on the battlefield (death, sickness, deserters). Loss rate is separated into daily loss rate, the loss rate from the beginning of the war and others. They are referring to the latter. </ref> before the army is considered defeated?”

Soldier Student: “Until the last man is left standing!”

Maou: “It is said to be 30%<ref>'''30%''': Once the troops have casualties, people must be sent out to transport the injured to the back lines. Also, in the army, there would still be soldiers who have yet to join in the fighting, they protect communications and other supporting positions. Thus once the number of casualty reaches 30%, there are not a lot of people left to fight.</ref>. That would be three tenths. Thus to overcome this difficulty, the standing army<ref>'''Standing Army''': Means that they are at a warlike state even under normal circumstances, and can be deployed at any moment. The Standing Army is formed by professional soldiers who have daily training, so even if the numbers are the same, their fighting and execution of fighting, are stronger than temporarily recruited soldiers.</ref> and mercenaries<ref>'''Mercenaries''': Soldiers that are moved into fighting by possessions/money or an army consisting of these type of soldiers. As these people will fight for money, if they don’t receive payment they will not fight. So once the contract ends, they could sign on with another country, so today’s comrade can be tomorrow’s enemy.</ref> can be hired to maintain the war front<ref>'''War front''': The first line in the war. Normally when two armies meet it will be created, so it’s stretched between the area ruled by either side. If force is not applied to that front, then the enemy army could invade in defenceless areas freely. </ref>, the war with the Maou army right now is mainly sporadic confrontations and stronghold fortification battles<ref>'''Battle''': The army in two camps form large forces separately, and clash in one single meeting. Countries without a standing army, will often arrange a time and date to battle, the winning side will be the winner of the war.</ref> .

Maou: “Are there any questions up until this point?”

Big Sister Maid: “What about the Holy Crusaders?”

Maou: “Un, they are an exception.”

Maou: “Tell me, how much do you know about the Holy Crusaders. Um~ Noble Student over there, how about you.”

Noble Student: “Ah, yes. The holy crusaders are a sacred expedition troop, formed by the Middle Continent Crisis Council, whose main goal is to eliminate the evil demon race and end the war. In these 15 to 16 years, they have launched a total of two expeditions. From the Gate at the edge of the Southern Continent, destroying two important demon strongholds<ref>'''Stronghold''': Can be the originating point of certain activity. In military terms, can refer to important cities and fortresses. The army can prepare, ready supplies, rest and take care of gear.</ref>, advancing to the Maou’s Castle, but the unholy Demon King used cowardly tactics to destroy the supply lines<ref>'''Supply lines''': The route to transport goods to the army (food, ammunition and so on), and is the area of activity of what is collectively referred to as supply forces. Once the route is compromised or the supply forces are destroyed, troops that have lost their supplies will not be able to continue fighting.</ref>, forcing the crusaders to retreat. “

Maou: “Very good, close to full marks --- this type of expedition relies on a large number of military power. The first thing necessary for an expedition, is the passionate desire of a large number of people to end the war. If it is possible to end the war in one large successful expedition, then there is value in the sacrifices. It is because people in this world desire this, that there are people willing to join the war.”

Soldier Student: “The virtuous Spirits will bring us victory in the war!”

Maou: “Another important point, is the financial support behind this. I have mentioned this many times in the lesson, if there is no financial support, things such as society, war efforts and so on will not be established. After all, starvation will kill humans.”

Noble Student: “There are things more important than food and money.”

Soldier Student: “You can’t fight if you just keep crunching numbers, Teacher.”

Merchant Student: “...really?”

Soldier Student: “Hunger is the excuse of the weak.”

Noble Student: “Anyways, people under the protection of the lords don’t suffer from hunger.”

Big Sister Maid: “...so no one in this world ever starves huh.”

Maou: “... next let’s talk about the Southern Arctic Sea, that is the sea that surrounds the Southern Kingdoms and Continent. There is great economic and military importance to this sea. Currently, 25% of the battles with the Maou’s army is staged at the sea.”

'''Ring~ ring~ ring~'''

Chief Maid: “My Lady, it’s time to end the lesson.”

Maou: “Is it time already? Then let's end this here, we’ll continue tomorrow. Also, the Swordsman will be here tomorrow afternoon to instruct you.”

Soldier Student: “I’ve been looking forward to that!”

Maou: “Dismissed. I still have to go to the elder’s home tonight for an agriculture seminar.”

'''---Mansion’s corridor'''

Hero: “Yo, good work.”

Maou: “So tired.”

Hero: “You look exhausted.”

Maou: “Why did I have to be mouthy and mention education... I never thought teaching human children would be such hard work. They’re more like little animals? Reason and negotiation doesn’t work with them.”

Hero: “Ah--”

Maou: “Why is their pride so strong?”

Hero: “Because they are the sons of soldiers, nobles and rich men?”

Maou: “Maybe I should just turn them into frogs and be done with it.”

Hero: “That doesn’t sound like a joke at all!”

Maou: “I’m not joking.”

Hero: “Don’t do it.”

Maou: “Fine.” '''Collapse'''

Hero: “Aren’t you going to the village leader’s home? I’ll go with you.”

'''---Leaving the Mansion gates, towards the inner village'''

'''Yo---'''

Maou: “Ng, it’s cold.”

Hero: “The snow’s already stopped.”

Maou: “It’s freezing, Hero.”

Hero: “Have I not been hunting boar in this weather the whole day? You’ve been inside the house the whole time, what are you complaining about?”

Maou: “That’s not it. It’s cold~”

Hero: “...”

Maou: “...no?”

Hero: “Alright, come here.” '''Wrap''' “There, is that warmer?”

Maou: “Un, very warm.”

Hero: “You seem very happy.”

(...as long as I’m with Hero, I’m always happy, no matter what.)

Maou: “Ho ho, it’s not a bad feeling.”

Hero: “As long as you’re amused.”

Maou: “It’s so good that Hero is mine.” '''Rub'''

Hero: “Ah~hem hem”

Maou: “?”

Hero: “Likewise.”

Maou: “There’s something that should be mentioned, the plan was started after so much effort. Is it strange that they are just now complaining about what they have or don’t have?”

Hero: “Yah.”

Maou: “It’s sad, that in the end we still had to rely on power... It’s because I accepted nobles as my students, that the farmers become willing to try the new farming methods. Once spring arrives, we should be able to start the large scale experiments.”

Hero: “But, the Southern Kingdom’s nobles can already be considered to be close to their subjects. Compared to the Central, the class separation can be said to be almost non-existent.”

Maou: “That... is already considered to be minor...”

Hero: “But, we just made our first steps. Don’t be so impatient, after all, it might take a few years before we see any results.”

Maou: “No, we’ll see results next year.”

Hero: “Can it be done?”

Maou: “Because I have a secret weapon.”

Hero: “What secret weapon?”

Maou: '''Rustle rustle''' “This”

Hero: “What is this hard thing?”

Maou: “It’s called potato<ref>'''Potato''': Originated from the Andes in South America, spread to Europe in the 16th Century, became staple food in the 17th Century. Is cold-resistant, can be harvested several times in the year. Adam Smith once wrote “The production of potatoes is three times that of wheat”.</ref>, a crop.

Hero: “?”

Maou: “This is a plant. Normally, this round part is under the earth, once dug out you’ll be able to see this.”

Hero: “Oh?”

Maou: “Not only is this tasty it is also high in nutrients. Not only that, because the edible portion is underground, it won't be affected by birds<ref>'''Bird Damage''': Birds will cause harm to crops. Such as fruit trees, if care is not taken, birds will consume all the fruits; Because potatoes are underground, birds cannot get to them</ref>. Also, it even grows in poor soil<ref>'''Poor soil''': Ground where plants are unable or difficult to grow. There is very little number of microorganisms in the soil so even if fertilizers are used, it still cannot be made into nutrients that crops can use. Thus things like composts are needed to increase the number of microorganisms and improve the soil quality.</ref>, cold areas and hard earth. Other than that, roughly estimating the harvest<ref>'''Harvest''': The amount of products that can be harvested in a given area of farmland. Now, one hectare of land can produce four tons of wheat, thirty tons of potatoes or five tons of rice. Production of potatoes can reach eight times that of wheat. As the agricultural development of this world is still in the beginning stages, that production is less than half of what is capable now</ref> is three times that of wheat.”

Hero: “Is it true?”

Maou: “Un. it’s true”

Hero: “Is this granted by the heavens?”

Maou: “No, it’s a demon world product.”

Hero: “...”

Maou: “That is what is great about contact with different cultures and technology. Even if the method of contact is a little unfortunate but contact is contact in the end.”

Hero: “That feels complicated.”

Maou: “Back on topic, potatoes aren’t without their own weaknesses.”

Hero: “What is the problem?”

Maou: “Firstly, it’s poisonous <ref>'''Potato poison''': Potato contains a poisonous substance, it becomes more concentrated when the skin begins to sprout. Due to its poisonous nature and strange shape, and has never been mentioned in the bible, in the earlier times it was considered a demonic food and rejected.</ref>.”

Hero: “Then it won’t do at all!”

Maou: “No, it’s not a strong poison to begin with. Second it only becomes poisonous if left in the sunlight and starts to sprout. As long as it’s harvested and stored well that’s not a problem. It stored in a dark cool place, it should keep for a year or so.”

Hero: “Un...”

Maou: “Also it is a continuous cropping obstacle<ref>'''Continuous Cropping Obstacle''': If a crop is planted repeatedly, substances will accumulate to inhibit growth, and would also decrease the nutrients in the soil and inhibit the growth of plants. Therefore fertilizers or the rotation method should be used to prevent continuous cropping obstacle. </ref> crop. If the conditions are right, in a year, potatoes can be harvested three times.”

Hero: “It sounds more and more amazing. It’s a plant worthy of the demon world.”

Maou: “Yes. But also because of that it will absorb a large quantity of nutrients from the earth, that would be the ‘Blessings of the Earth’. As it only uses up the Blessings that it requires, if planted multiple times on the same piece of earth, the quantity will decrease, and become sick easily.”

Hero: “Un un”

Maou: “Closer”

Hero: “Ha?”

Maou: “Come closer. The gap is making it cold.”

Hero: “Ng, um.... ah~ there will be some problems for me if we’re too close.”

Maou: “...does my body make you feel uncomfortable?”

Hero: “No no no, that’s not what I mean.”

Maou: “Never mind. All in all, this plant should be able to meet the needs of hunger in cold places. As long as care is taken about the poison, there shouldn’t be big problems. Truth to tell, the continuous cropping obstacle is more of a serious problem.”

Hero: “I think my understanding of this sort of problems are better...”

Maou: “Even though the Blessings of the Earth will return with time, but if a solution is not found, then no matter how long we stay here, it won’t increase the production rate enough, past a certain point.”

Hero: “Should we pray to the Spirits that protect the land?”

Maou: “That, can be a certain type of prayer.”

Hero: “Maou, aren’t you an Atheist<ref>'''Atheism''': To deny the existence of God, the belief that birth and evolution in the world has nothing to do with the divine. “No religious belief” means that there is no set religion that someone follows, that does not mean denying the existence of God; In comparison, atheism is to actively refute God’s existence. </ref>?”

Maou: “This has nothing to do with if I’m an atheist or not, if something can be useful then I will use it without hesitation, without modesty, that is a true economist.”

Hero: “You are some kind of devil aren’t you?”

Maou: “To give sacrifice to the land is the proof of contract. This type of sacrifice is common in the human world. For example, burning food or animal bones, animal secretions, left over food, that type of thing.”

Hero: “Ng, that doesn’t sound much like sacrifices<ref>'''Sacrifice''': This refers to fertilizers, can increase the nutrition in plants. Modern fertilizers have three important components, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium. Fertilizers refills these important elements, allowing crops to grow successfully.</ref>.”

Maou: “I’ve decided to use fish from the Southern Arctic Sea<ref>'''Fish from the Southern Arctic Sea''': Refers to herring. After squeezing the residue oil from dried herring, it can be crushed into powder and is the best type of fertilizer. Other than fertilizer, it can be used as food for chickens.</ref>.”

Hero: “Why?”

Maou: “Fish are suitable for sacrifice.”

Hero: “Want me to go buy some? I can get there in a moment using teleportation magic.”

Maou: “That is very touching, but the amount I need, you probably can’t bring back. Every piece of farmland needs fifty fish, and it’s required every year. Shocked?”

Hero: “Wow, that...”

Maou: “Can’t be done right?”

Hero: “Un.”

Maou: “But, there’s also a big problem.”

Hero: “Why? Is there a problem with the Southern Arctic Sea?”

Maou: “Yes, there’s two, one of them I’m sure Hero knows of, it’s the Southern Arctic General<ref>'''General''': Commander of the troops. In the Middle ages there is no titiles such as Corporal or Colonel, most of the time names are added to the title ‘XX General’. One example is Japan’s Sei-i Taishōgun (Commander of force against the barbarians).</ref>.”

Hero: “...that geezer huh.”

Maou: “Right, that man is difficult even among the warlike Fang tribe. According to rumor, even though this Maou is in hiding, he still provokes the border areas. He commands the Silver Scale tribe, Flying Shark tribe and Metal Tortoise tribe, he is a notable powerhouse among the demons.”

Hero: “I’ve fought him several times. He is insanely huge and wields that fish spear with surprising skill.”

Maou: “If we want to move in the Southern Arctic Sea, clashing with him is inevitable.”

Hero: “Un...”

Maou: “Another problem is the ‘Union’<ref>'''Union''': A gathering of merchants after they have received permits from lords of sell goods, and they have enough power to stand against a Kingdom. A classical example is the Hanseatic League in Europe in the Middle Ages.</ref>”

Hero: “What’s that?”

Maou: “I didn’t want to mention this until a later time... I’ll take this chance to say it now though.”

Hero: “Un.”

Maou: “The official name is the ‘Economic Union of free merchants and independent Southern cities’. But now just say ‘Union’ and everyone will know it.”

Hero: “I think I’ve heard of them, are they famous?”

Maou: “Many people have heard of the name, but those who know the details are not many. To those who are not merchants, the existence of the ‘Union’ is not significant.”

Hero: “So in other words, it’s a gathering of a large number of merchants.”

Maou: “Correct. This group was created about fifty years ago by a free city by the coast of Wheat. The original purpose of its creation is ‘as a merchant group to protect the trade privileges<ref>'''Trade Privileges''': Advantages that can be received during trade. For example, lower tax rates, use of harbor not accessible to other merchants, removing opposing merchants etc.</ref> of the group members.’”

Hero: “Trade privileges?”

Maou: “Un. Taking goods from one city to another requires permits, these ‘permits’ would naturally be difficult to obtain right?”

Hero: “That’s common.”

Maou: “Merchants want these ‘permits’, and once gained they hold onto them tightly. Of course that’s natural, without these permit, you will not be able to do sales, it can be considered a life and death matter.”

Hero: “Uhuh.”

Maou: “As time passed, taxation systems are revised, under the same system taxes can be increased or decreased. In this way, royalty and nobles can experience economy through taxes; on the other hand, it also means economists --- merchants, can come into contact with the ruling class.”

Hero: “Whoa, this topic is very difficult to understand.”

Maou: “The ‘Union’ is the largest of these types of merchant gatherings. Their scope is much farther than you would imagine.”

Hero: “Oh? How large? Are there a thousand people?”

Maou: “The important thing isn’t the number of people.”

Hero: “It’s not?”

Maou: “As the Union is an economic organization. The amount of money they can move around and the power to insert themselves into the economic flow, is their true weapon. This has nothing to do with fighting skill or numbers.”

Hero: “Logically that’s true. So, how large are they?”

Maou: “Their area of influence includes the Southern and Central Kingdoms all over the continent. Even though no one knows how much their capital is, I’ve given an estimate according to their involvement in history, I can be certain that it’s an astronomical figure.”

Hero: “...”

Maou: “Either way, at least they have the ability to buy the Southern Kingdoms five times over and still have change left.”

Hero: “Ha?”

Maou: “They are this type of organization.”

Hero: “What and what now?”

Maou: “By the way, 60% of the circulation of wheat in the Southern cities relies on the whims of the Union. If the Union is determined, they could exchange the King for a landlord.”

Hero: “That’s like a big monster!”

Maou: “Unquestionably it is a monster. Human livelihood is built upon the back of that monster<ref>'''Human livelihood built on the back of a monster''': In his work the <<Leviathan>> the philosopher Thomas Hobbs sees the government as a political monster. They use their rights to transfer power, using it as an excuse to protect themselves and cause harm to others. It is common term, to refer to large organizations as monsters. In this text, the Union is seen as a monster that is needed by the humans. </ref>.”

Hero: “I’ve received requests from the Union in the past, and made several motivational speeches.”

Maou: “Really?”

Hero: “Un, things like ‘Stand up and defeat the demons!’ and such. The ladies in pretty clothes would stand on the battlements and sing, and will even give victory signs.”

Maou: “That’s probably political propaganda<ref>'''Political Propaganda''': To send a certain message directly into the heart of the mass. Originally this type of propaganda is to validate one’s own correctness, the information might be twisted or coloured, in order to lead people to make certain wrong assumptions.</ref>, you could probably make a few thousand gold coins.”

Hero: “My payment was only fifty coins! Wuwuwuwu, I... how can I...”

Maou: “Don’t be so down, Hero.”

Hero: “I’ve been duped by them.”

Maou: “That can’t be helped, economy isn’t your strong point.”

Hero: “That pretty lady looked at me with teary eyes, and said things like ‘I’m a fan of yours!’, so I rushed to the demon world all excited.”

Maou: “...”

Hero: “The young man who commissioned me said he’d wait for my return to hold a feast, and also elbowed me twice and said ‘you’re really popular with the ladies’, I was ecstatic... now that I think about it, that young man is probably a merchant.”

Maou: “...”

Hero: “Wuwuwuwuwu, I’m such a stupid Hero.”

Maou: “Humph, looks like I’ll have to be more strict with you.”

Hero: “So those people are the enemy!” ''' Draws sword'''

Maou: “Ah~don’t go scaring people like that.”

Hero: “No, they are the enemy. I’m going to use the highest order area lightning spell to take care of them.”

Maou: “Don’t use siege level spells to nuke one or two people!”

Hero: “But they tricked me!” '''Streaming tears'''

Maou: “Are you a kid? Anyways, the Union doesn’t have a collective will. They are merchants who gather for the sake of their own profit, thus in the end the only that that keeps expanding is the organization, the personal will are not involved. Although you feel you’ve been tricked, but the other did not mean to lie to you. Even if you take revenge, the Union will only be hurt superficially if at all.”

Hero: “The more I hear about it the more angry I get”

Maou: “They are neither an enemy or a friend, more like a wild beast.”

Hero: “...”

Maou: (Or is it...)

Hero: “Un~ I’ve never heard of anything like this before!”

Maou: “Don’t whine”

Hero: “Fine, at least I’ve improved from the past of fighting constantly.”

Maou: “... I will always be by your side.”

Hero: “Un--- me too ---”

Maou: “Ah--- ah---” '''Panic'''

Hero: “What is it?”

Maou: “Look, the village leader’s house is just ahead. I...today I’m giving a lecture on how clover crystallizes the Earth’s Blessing<ref>'''Crystallizing the Earth’s Blessing''': Legume plants such as clover have specific bacteria called Rhizobium in their roots that can convert the nitrogen in the air to nitrate. Fields that legume has been planted in, can provide rich nutrients for crops.</ref>.”

Hero: “I...I see.”

Maou: “Um...”

Hero: “Un.”

Maou: “I’ll be back in about four hours.”

Hero: “I know”

Maou: “Then... then I’m off!” '''Hug'''

Hero: “Ok! Good luck!” '''Hug'''

==References==
<references/>

Hidan no Aria:Volume7 Chapter4

2011-07-05T17:36:11Z

220.255.2.71: Undo revision 103505 by Zero2001 (talk)

==4th Ammo - Team Baskerville==

Returning to Butei High in the night....

After the Masters ensured that there were no severely wounded casualties, they quickly split us up by subject and distributed debriefing records. Disgusting. Let us rest a bit first. At least allow us a bowl of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katsudon katsudon]. Aria was taken by the Assault instructor Ranbyou to the principal's office. Riko and I were Inquesta while Mutou was of Logi; we were all interviewed by our respective instructors. After that, the Masters got into contact with the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokyo_Metropolitan_Police_Department Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department], the media and the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japan_Railways_Group JR]. I thought we would be castigated for cutting the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shinkansen Shinkansen] however with the capture of the perpetrators, this did not happen.

On the contrary we were lauded for resolving the issue. Officially to boot. Like this, Butei High did not have to take responsibility for Koko and her group's hijack of the Shinkansen to extort money from the Japanese government. This was a very nicely done maneuver no matter how you look at it.

"Tohyama-kun, I'll tell you this before the start of legal hearings for a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plea_bargain plea-bargain]. The fact that you all were targeted must be kept strictly confidential lest some very important person gets upset."

The Inquesta Master Takamagahara Yutori said. With the presence of the black suited man during our debriefing on top of Yutori's words, I could somehow understand that. Judging from his badge, that guy was an official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. And holding the class of a vice-minister. Probably, this was due to Aria. As a general rule, regardless of whatever cases Butei are involved in, international ones are their own responsibility. However, Aria is a foreign [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aristocracy_%28class%29 aristocrat].

It was better for Japanese-British relations that the fact that she was exposed to great danger on Japanese soil not be made public. That is the so-called "adult matter". Well on this, I can only listen to what the adults say. This isn't exactly a very good point either because if it continues to worsen, it would prove troublesome indeed.

Perhaps there was an attempt to offer us hush money, for the official mentioned something about "the government offering us distress money in the future" of which our polite refusals of his good-will caused us to be eventually dismissed very late.

Once done, I headed to the No. 2 girls dorm. To the highest floor......to Reki's room. Opening the door with the cardkey I got from her before, I found the interior dark. Although I already expected this, still there really was no one in.

(Reki...)

A naked light bulb cast its light to no purpose on a room of bare concrete. The living room window was shut and the silence was deafening.

The wind.....didn't blow here.

It wouldn't anymore.

Returning to my own room in the boy's dormitory, here too, there was nobody. According to Ranbyou whom I crossed paths with on my way, Aria had headed to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toranomon Toranomon] for a preparatory meeting with a female lawyer whom she had hired, before the trial of her mother Kanzaki Kanae. Doing so after such a major operation; she really is tough.

I entered the living room....

<nowiki>*Chika*, *chika*</nowiki>

I noticed the flicker of a light.

.....What? The answering machine of my rarely used landline is at maximum capacity? This is 1 min x 30 messages and with 30 minutes of recording time....With an unpleasant feeling in my heart, I pushed the playback button.

"Kin-chan, are you alright?"

As I thought, Shirayuki.

That girl....whenever anything happens, she'll have this habit of incessantly sending mail....As my cell was destroyed and thus could not be connected, she contacted here instead.

"If you receive this message, even if it might be a trouble....please call me back. I believe Kin-chan's alright, yet....guuugh....I'm really...worried....u...hu...hu...."

Shirayuki had been separated from me when she had been left behind in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shizuoka_City Shizuoka] with the rear portion of railway cars.

I know you are worried, but don't call for 30 minutes.

After a momentary break, the recordings began to play the next portion.

"Uu...eguu...huu..Kin-chan...uu...uu...uuuuuuuu....."

S...scary!

Please stop crying into the recording. In the dead of the night it's like a ghost.

With apprehension, I played the next part which was...

".....I've just got a call from Butei High! I am so relieved when I heard that Kin-chan's alright. The criminals have all been captured too! How truly magnificently done....! Kin-chan is truly amazing. Truly amazing, Kin-chan is.....aa.....Kin-chan is...truly an amazing gentleman...."

Why the repetition...

"All of us here are fine. We are taking the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokaido_Line Tokaido Line] back. It will be pretty late when we get back but I'll prepare a feast after we return. Just a short while back, I bought fresh crab!"

Shirayuki being Shirayuki, this switch in tone is too fast.

Speaking of which, have you brought the crab back yet?

Uu...there's still some more messages. I'm getting sleepy already.

"Kin-chan, about that...about that...that pregnant woman aboard the Shinkansen; she safely delivered her baby at a Shizuoka hospital! That's just great news...I just received the photograph by e-mail. It's a cute little girl! Errm....speaking of which...do you like babies Kin-chan? I like them a lot. They are so cute, just looking at them makes me feel all blissful inside. That...that's why I.....I....someday...someday, Kin..."

Pi......I pushed the stop button.

Stop....stop.

This no longer has anything to do with the initial purpose of ensuring my safety. Furthermore, what's with this bad feeling crawling down my back. Right, time to delete them all. Despite being sleepy; well Shirayuki was rather worried, so I gave her a call. In the face of all that excited screaming, I simply said, "I'm fine. Don't worry. Sleep now," before quickly ending the call.

Disconnecting the phone line and having showered, I lay alone in bed for a long time without my cell and nothing in particular to do.

(Koko, Koko, Koko...)

I dimly reflected on the memory of the three sisters who had targeted Reki and me. Those three were all captured at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokyo_Station Tokyo station], screaming and cursing all the way to the end. To better differentiate them for the Logi seniors escorting them, the words "eldest daughter", "second daughter" and "third daughter" were stuck on their foreheads, in a most amusing manner; just like the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyonshi kyonshi] in that old film "Mr. Vampire". Tonight, those three sisters would be interrogated by the Dagula's top S instructor Tsuzuri Umeko.

I don't know the details and I don't wish to know, but I hear that Tsuzuri does some rather horrific stuff to suspects during her interrogations. Good. Let them get their punishment.

(Well then....this time around...)

This time around, can I finally say my great ancestor's favorite phrase?

"With this, one case is closed"

But this phrase....thinking about it now, it has a ring of unease to it. One case closed. Doesn't this.....give the feeling that there will be a 2nd, a 3rd case? Oi....great ancestor....

Due to nothing happening after being vigilant for some time, I could spend my entire SW after Caravan I resting. No wait, it would be more proper to say, the start of the vacation. The prologue would be being awoken just some time after noon the next day by Shirayuki making crab fried rice. With Aria absent, that left Shirayuki and me to do the cleaning, washing and cooking. Shirayuki, who as ever, was a god with these household skills was like one of the maids commonly found in Riko's games. I spent my vacation leisurely under the care of Shirayuki, who for some reason was extremely blissful every day, while taking my time to pick a new cell phone.

Just in the middle of those tranquil days, right in the midst of my vacation, Riko, who had somehow gotten the cardkey to my room from god knows where, appeared in my room. A brutal mood like that found in a Western shootout scene filled the room. "Ki~ku~n♪" Riko said in a catlike voice. "Get away from Kin-chan-sama, you adulterer!" responded Shirayuki. With a swing of a knife, I returned to those sad days; Riko clinging all over me for who knows, possibly the sake of killing time and Shirayuki would always grab her, swing her [http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E9%95%B7%E3%83%89%E3%82%B9 nagadosu], even let fly with her M60. My room has already been the scene of 10 grappling matches, 12 sword duels and 15 gun battles. Riko who likes games of chance besides fighting and Shirayuki who is easily provoked.....whether it be arm wrestling or speed eating, there have been many battles between those two. And Shirayuki being Shirayuki and having the ridiculous reasoning that "a wife should never lose to a mistress!" would always readily join battle. At times when I return home, those two would be on all fours head butting each other with grunts of "mo...!" "nnmo....!" like bulls......hey you two, aren't you actually on pretty good terms since it has even come to this? So it was that September arrived in the midst of this unceasing hubbub. The time had come to register the team roster that was submitted earlier even if I was reluctant to do so.

Normally, a representative from the team would attend the application, the Masters would give a confirmation call after the field trip and an affirmative reply would be made and finally, the confirmation photograph would be taken. However, as Reki did not respond to the Masters' call, our team had not been confirmed. Which is to say that I did not belong to any team and that I'm left dangling. Well, even if my case is a little special, truth is on our field trip, there were numerous "we are still not a team yet" incidents. That is why there were emergency measures known as "Just" for these students. These on-site applications simply required one to fill out and submit on paper the names of the team members. Once the Masters take a group photo, the team would be considered "acknowledged/registered." In short, it is a shortened, last-minute registration of a team. Nonetheless, the deadline for this emergency measure is tomorrow. As expected of me feeling impatient, I called Aria.

"About the formation of the team, please wait for a while." Awaiting instructions, I got only this from Aria.

"You told me to wait, that means you already have a plan?"

"Yes, but since you used that kind of tone on me earlier, I won't tell you. H-un."

Making that kind of anime sound with her nose, she hung up. It seems that..... she still could not let go over the "I'm fine with anything about the team formation" I had said before Caravan I. Certainly, that had been my fault however....good grief, Aria is certainly like a bratty kid in stature and personality.

Like that.....

During the deadline of the on-site applications the next day, I was unattached to any group. Students who did not manage to fill in a on-site application would have their team decided for them by the Masters. Well at worst, so be it. Either way, I still intend to transfer out of Butei High. Just when I was feeling a little unwell and forcing myself to study,

"Kin-chan, I'm sorry. I haven't said this until now...."

Shirayuki brought in something wrapped in a furoshiki. That body resembling a gravure model was dressed in a black outfit. The neat ribbon across the breast of her blouse was black. The hair band she normally wore was also black. Furthermore, her hair was tied up, which was rare. This was not like the usual Shirayuki. It appears that that clothing was Diviza Nero; the attire worn by students taking their team confirmation photos. It has been loaned out from Amdo.

"Ki..ki...ki...kun come here♪ The water here's sweet♪"

Riko sang as she appeared, also wearing black. She wore a design which daringly revealed her skin, particularly her breasts. Most disagreeable. One can tell at a single glance that she wore no underwear on her breasts. On that note, is the protection offered alright? Wearing bulletproof clothing which exposes the skin.... Averting my eyes in embarrassment upwards, I saw that the ribbons holding her two-side up tails in place were also black. These two were totally in black from head to foot.

"The team's....Just. You are all attending it?"

"Thaaat's right! Kiii...kun must go too!"

"......Me....too.....?"

"About that, even though it's not good to say, but....earlier, I divined that I would form a team with Kin-chan....so I did not tell anyone about the team's application. Furthermore, I heard from Aria after Caravan I that everyone would be in the team...."

I opened the furoshiki while listening to Shirayuki. Inside, was a black suit.

This is.....the Diviza Zero that I would use.

"Rikorin and Aria also formed a two man team; however, we annulled it during the confirmation. Aria had changed her mind; this was for the purpose of forming a new team with Ki-kun and everyone else."

So saying, Riko showed me the application slip for the on-site application.

On it was....
{| class="toccolours" style="text-align:left; clear:both; font-size:100% background-color:#FFFFFF;"
! style="background:#C0C0C0;" align="center"|Team Name "Baskerville"

Members
|-
|〇 Kanzaki.H.Aria (Assault)

◎ Tohyama Kinji (Inquesta)

・ Hotogi Shirayuki (SSR)

・ Mine Riko (Inquesta)

・ Reki (Snipe)
|-
|}

These 5 names were written.

This is the team that Aria envisioned.

Setting aside the fact that a double circle denoted me as leader, even Aria had a single circle marking her as the vice-captain.

"Oi...this is...."

I said while pointing at Reki's name.

After the Just, the students of the newly formed team had to have a group photograph taken by the Masters. Like this, each team member displayed their mutual solidarity.

However.....Reki, who had vanished at Tokyo Station, was still missing.

Which means that there was no way we could register.

"Un....Since we cannot contact Reki-san, we may cancel her name. But Kin-chan wants to do Butei work with her right?"

Shirayuki said with upturned eyes, as if she shared the same misunderstanding as Aria.....

However, it didn't seem fitting to tell her about Reki interning herself to me as a sniper at this juncture. With nothing confirmed or denied, I listened to whatever else she had to say.

"That's why Aria was bent on including Reki in the team. She said that, 'if Kinji is to be included, then so to too must Reki be included. Otherwise, this team would be against Kinji's wishes. '"

"But Rekiyu is still missing. I don't know whether she can join the team like that," Riko said, continuing Shirayuki's observations.

"And thus Aria said that, 'letting Kinji have false hopes isn't good, so please don't tell him about the team before Reki has been admitted.' Well, Aria being concerned about Ki-kun is a good thing that's why Riko won't say anything more from now. Apologies."

Aria.....

So that's the reason you were so vague about the team last night. Such human concern was so gentle and female. Even if you were like a man in every other aspect.

"However we still could not contact Reki by phone in the end. Just in case, she sent the assembly location and time of the application to Reki by text but there was no reply."

Looking at the downcast Shirayuki, I thought, "That's understandable," since Reki's phone was destroyed in Kyouto by Koko.

"Aria is already at the photo taking site. She was already there waiting for Rekiyu first thing in the morning. The deadline is noon today. 30 more minutes and it will be time. Well, we can't go yet Ki-kun! Put on your clothes! This is Ki-kun's on the spot changing show! Kyahaaa!"

Riko said as she reached for my belt while I stood still with the black suit in hand. Looking as if I would be stripped of my trousers, I shifted away from Riko.....With the Diviza Nero in hand, I left to change. Partly without protest.

My room was originally a four man room so there were a few to double as private rooms. Entering one of them, I straightened my hair before a mirror and got changed.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Kasha*

From the roof, came the sound of a phone camera clicking.

"Ki-kun is too exposed. If I were using a pistol, Ki-kun would be a wind hole now."

Looking up, I saw that one of the roof panels had been removed. Riko hung upside down from there with her upper body sticking out, waving her rhinestone adorned cell phone.

....Appearing in weird places again, as usual.

"Girls shouldn't take pictures of men changing. Even if I don't do it, our roles would normally be reversed."

Already knowing that stopping Riko's weird behavior is fruitless, I checked out my new look with a black necktie in the mirror.

"Ki-kun's life photos can be sold to Yuki-chan for a considerable price. Kuhihihi..."

I say, Shirayuki would really buy them. You two really do get along, no? Definitely.

"By the way, is it okay with you Riko?"

Just in case....

I should ask Riko hanging over my head first. Looking in the mirror;

"You want to kill Aria and me. However fighting would be difficult if we form a team. Butei seriously fighting among themselves is strictly forbidden. Killings within a team are especially heavy crimes."

"Ha. This girl here is an outlaw. Tu es amnésie"

Riko.....her voice suddenly becoming sharp, turned towards me with a grin.

"The reason why I am working with you all, is so that others do not kill you. I said it after defeating Vlad, ''"I won't forgive you if you get killed by anyone else besides me."'' But after that, how many instances were there in which you all were nearly killed? It was also very dangerous this time round. I can't bear this any longer. Furthermore the Bandire is fast approaching. For the sake of the future from now on before Aria and Kinji are fully grown, I will always be with you. Once the cerises are ripe, I will eat you down anew.

"After this......the Ban..... what?"

Looking at Riko who mentioned that unknown danger....however, the ceiling was as it was before. There was no trace left let alone Riko. I let out a "hun" from my nose like I was trying to dispel this uneasy atmosphere before putting on my black suit and leaving the room.

This year's team photo shoot was held at the roof of the Inquesta block. When the 3 of us, Shirayuki, Riko and me, arrived, we found that there were more black-clad students there than we thought. 20-30 people were present. Were they all here for the Just? We were the same, yet its seemed that everybody was still hesitant at the end. Well, a Butei team is based upon mutual trust with lives. This is not something that can be so easily decided. Being unsure up to the last moment is entirely natural. I looked out over the rooftop beneath the overcast sky. There, amidst the milling crowd of students....was Aria. She was wearing what should be a specially made mini-sized Diviza Nero with a tube top beneath her jacket. Her navel was intermittently exposed as her clothes fluttered in the wind. A rectangle was marked out in black vinyl tape on the floor. The other teams waited in line in the middle of this area for Ranbyou to take their pictures.

"Oi, Aria. Kaminari-sama will eat your navel."

I said to the silent Aria who appeared to be having her picture taken.

"Kinji."

Aria, who had turned around, gave my navel and the overcast sky a "?" look

Her beautiful brows deeply furrowed, she walked towards me, Shirayuki and Riko.

"Once more you speak such ridiculous things. It isn't my navel that's going to be photographed."

Apparently, this child who has just returned to her country had no idea about the saying where Raijin is supposed to eat human navels.

Alright. Now was not the mood for explanation but next time I'll do so and give her a good scare. That's because Aria has a strong phobia of thunder.

"Approximately how long till the deadline?"

"Around 5 minutes."

At both Shirayuki and Riko saying this, Aria's camellia eyes turned up towards me.

"Kinji.....are you okay with it ....coming here? About you.... forming a team....with us"

"Whether I'm fine with it or not, you have already written my name on the application form. And as leader to boot."

"I, I was thinking of forcing you in because the matter between Reki and I would not abide us being in a team....I never thought about stealing you away from Reki's side."

Aria, who was slightly embarrassed at saying such forceful things, fell silent. I.....said nothing and watched the surroundings.

Reki.....didn't turn up. As I expected.

"There is no more time. What do we do with Reki?"

"Wait until the end. I'll text her again."

Aria said, cradling her arm and looking at the stairs.

About...4 and a half minutes left...

Looking at Assault Master Ranbyou who was handling today's photo taking and at Riko and Shirayuki who were holding the application form, I leaned over slightly and whispered,

"Aria, listen to me. It's still alright to cancel now."

"......? What?"

Aria leaned over, directing her tiny left ear at me.

".....Riko; she's dangerous. We still don't know if she's a friend or foe."

"I knew that all along. When the time comes, there will still be a final showdown between her and me."

"She may launch a sneak attack on us. She will always be around us if we form a team."

"She's not that type. Despite all appearances she's very prideful."

Aria, whose own pride reached into the heights of space, looked behind her.

"Anyway, if I do fall to a sneak attack, avenge me. That's an order. Carry it out well okay?"

"Me defeat Riko? That's a very serious matter. And strictly speaking, if you are going to order me why do you still need me to be leader?"

"That's for the strategic purpose of Kinji taking the role of UL in battle formation. In other words, a leader in name only. The orders will still come from me."

Even if I don't hand you that task, you would still start issuing orders of your own accord anyway. But if I were to mention that, a handgun would come into play.

Well, whatever. Just take it as I'm lending you the title of leader.

"Also, the team name sounds like that of a vehicle. What does it mean?"

"Aa...that's the name of a place that I own. It's in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dartmoor Dartmoor region] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devon Devon county]."

Aria casually said as my eyes widened. Owning a piece of land...but she's a highborn lady doesn't she already own land? Does she intend to wear a crown on her head as well? I stared at Aria's twin tails in surprise.

".....Well, it's empty wilderness. It's just inheritance of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hound_of_the_Baskervilles one of the scenes of the Holmes family's triumphs]. I didn't even earn it through my own efforts." Aria averted my gaze in mild embarrassment.

I remember that name.....Baskerville. I read about it in the Inquesta textbooks. Amidst the cases solved by the original Sherlock Holmes, that name appeared. Later, the Holmes family acquired the land where that case occurred and named it Baskerville. And now, it belonged to Aria.

(As I thought, she's really a noble lady...)

I shook my head and while doing so, saw for a moment at the edge of my vision.....a flicker of white.

".....?"

In the shadow of the 2m high air-conditioning unit installed on the roof....was something that looked like a white tail.

"......!"

I.....broke into a run.

"Kinji!?"

Ignoring Aria's voice from behind, I sprinted towards the air-con unit.

....That was

It doesn't merely look like it; it was a tail. Covered in silver fur, it was the tail of an animal.

(It likely isn't a mistake....)

Turning a corner round the air-con unit, there....was a silver wolf.

Haimaki.

And.....

His master.

A girl with short cut hair, wearing a Diviza Nero in the form of a man's suit. Her back against the side of the unit, gazing impassively at us as she stood there without a word....

"Reki....!"

Aria, who had chased after me, shouted the girl's name.

"....."

Reki, who stood below my field of vision, no longer had a bandage wrapped around her brow. I was still worried about her other wounds but from the looks of it, she was alright. Her 4 kg [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragunov_sniper_rifle Dragunov sniper rifle] was also carried on her shoulder in her usual manner.

"Reki-san! This is wonderful, you made it in time....! Everyone was searching very hard for you yes? Where did you go? Really....."

Shirayuki, who was running over with Riko looked as if she was interrogating a younger child as she questioned Reki.

"....After joining up with Haimaki, I headed for [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyoto Kyouto]."

"Eh?"

Seeing Shirayuki's surprised expression, it seems that she did not go to the Hotogi branch shrine there. She must have found it hard to show up there after stealing their helicopter. And Haimaki must have sensed that his master was near and thus, left the shrine.

"....After which we made a reservation at the inn where we came under attack before and had a bath there."
Inn.....you mean you were at Saori-san's Hachinoko? Speaking of which, baths? You still rely on traditional healing remedies and those are severe wounds. Well since you are healed now it's good.

"Even so....you knew that we were here."

I said as I remembered that Reki's cell phone had been destroyed.

"After I bought a cell phone just now, I received Aria's message immediately."

Reki replied as she lowered her head.

(Ah...so that's the case)

The moment I charged the phone that I bought a few days back, I was surprised by mail from Mutou and Shiranui. It seems that Reki encountered the same situation. Generally speaking, when cell phones that are receiving messages are out of range or off, the message will be saved for a few days in the network center. And once it detects a signal again, the message will be sent anew. It's the same with new phones bought after the destruction of the previous one. It just requires the user to use the same number and not change his mail address. That's why Reki received Aria's message when she bought a new phone. A wry smile surfaced when I imagined the surrealism of Reki in an electronics shop but it's fortunate that Reki bought a new phone today. If it were tomorrow, it would be too late.

(In any case, Reki.....made it here. She would never hear the Wind again.)

...Yes. She came of her own accord. This would be the first time Reki had acted on her own free will.

......Welcome. Welcome, Reki.

"....."

Aria....

Despite rushing over immediately, was silent.

What's....with this hesitance? The deadline of the Just is drawing near. Well, despite forming a team after you had a big fight, it's understandable there would be a strain in relations.

....Can't be helped. This is where I come in.

As I wasn't in Hysteria Mode now, I don't know if I can skillfully restore the ties between both girls to their former state.

"Reki, are you fine with joining this team? Even if its arbitrarily formed by Aria."

I asked in place of Aria.

Reki....nodded her head without a word.

"Well then, hurry up and say what you want to say, Aria. After that we hold hands like friends and go get our picture taken. During the battle when you were being attacked on both sides by the Kokos you were holding hands."

Recalling the turn above the Shinkansen, I pressed Aria on....

"During that time, I only did that because it was the best thing to do."

Aria, red from embarrassment, responded as she looked up at Reki.

"But you wanted Reki in your team. Stop being so hard-hearted."

"Th...the team needed a sniper in it. That's why I included her."

Aria...this stubborn girl....My words seem to have had the opposite effect. It would be bad if I continued speaking and they end up fighting. They would still be fighting when the deadline passed. Just when I was getting my hands burnt dealing with this troublesome kid, a lifeboat appeared...

"Even though you say all these things, Aria actually likes Reki, no?"

"Come on Aria, it's fine saying it. Yesterday, I felt pity for you watching from the sides....you were so worried about Reki."

Riko and Shirayuki said from both sides.

Aria looked at the two of them, looked at me, and then looked at Reki.

''Buwaaaa''

With no time for me to thank Shirayuki and Riko, Aria's face turned red.

"That...that's not the case! I....I...."

So saying, Aria, who had extended a trembling arm towards Reki....took one step, a second, and walked towards Reki.

".....Reki.....!"

....She hugged her.

"Reki....Reki.....I was so worried! Why did you suddenly disappear...!"

The crying Aria and the expressionless Reki as she was being hugged.

Riko laughed as she watched those two and Shirayuki looked as if she was the elder sister kindly looking upon her two younger sisters.

G-Great.

As I thought, to get girls to make up, you need the help of girls.

"Aria-san, that time atop the Shinkansen..."

Reki, from the center of Aria's arms....

"Thank you for holding my hand."

Looking into Aria's face, they were the first words of gratitude she had spoken.

Thank you.

Until now, Reki had never said those words to anyone as far as I can remember. And hearing those common words from Reki, who was so silent that it seemed like that would never happen, it made me feel good.

Reki did change a little after that life-threatening Caravan I after all.

Hearing this overly frank gratitude Aria....whose face had been red from embarrassment for a moment, neatly turned to face Reki.

"Reki....I too am thankful. For coming that time....thank you. Let's erase this hole in our friendship. Let's now......restore diplomatic ties? Renew our relations? Err....let's be friends again!"

I gave a bitter laugh at such strange words for mending ties.

"Hey hey! My dear students! There is still 15 seconds to the deadline. Butei are to strictly adhere to that timing!"

A man's voice could be heard from somewhere. I looked at everyone who was dispersed. This voice....the owner was famous for only remaining audible while he himself was invisible. Master of Lezzad, Chan Wu.

"Oi little brats! Stop clinging all over each other and come here! There's around 10 seconds left! Hurry up and enter this border and have your picture taken!"

Looking in this direction, Assault Master Ranbyou brandished a camera and denoted the area marked out by vinyl tape on the floor.

"Let's go."

Aria grasped Reki's hand. Just like when they were atop the Shinkansen.

"Alright, we'd also better get going."

Pushing Shirayuki and Riko by the shoulder, I hurried towards Ranbyou and her camera. Ahead of us, Reki who seemed unsure how to react after having her real self accepted by another person, ran behind after Aria's lead. Chasing after those two, I smiled.

Here, on this rooftop of the Inquesta building was where a month ago, Reki became my partner against my will. And now....at this very same spot, we dragged Reki into our team. What an inversion it is.

"5 seconds left! Run!"

Charging towards Ranbyou, who was looking at her watch and shouting angrily, the 5 of us entered the area in one scattered block. There was no time left to neatly line up like an exemplary team. If this were a normal photo shoot, the photographer would say "Smile, look this way!"

"Alright. No smiling! Look diagonally ahead!"

This is a Butei group shot. It required us to look diagonally ahead, giving little hint of our true selves. We wore black to prevent the identification of our school from the uniform.

"Team Baskerville! Kanzaki H Aria Just!"

Aria, who was first to stand in the middle of the area, said to Ranbyou with her hands on her waist. To her right rear, Reki, in order to prevent her Dragunov from being photographed, pushed the rifle sling on her shoulder back a little to hide it. At Aria's left rear, Riko folded her arms and faced to one side, with only her eyes focused on the camera. I brushed my hair slightly such that it covered the wound left on my cheek by the Slash. To hide the taping covering my still aching fingers, I placed my hand in my pocket and entered the frame's right corner. If anyone deduced my techniques from my scars, that would leave me at a disadvantage. Last to enter the left corner was Shirayuki, who, demonstrating her fine upbringing, faced Ranbyou's camera with a slight smile.

"September 23rd 1159 hrs, Team Baskerville....Acknowledged, entered!"

Looking at her watch, Ranbyou raised the camera and pushed the shutter release at the very last minute.

And so, the strobe flashed with a sound.

Unexpectedly however, the camera that Ranbyou hurriedly raised was slanted. Although all five of us were captured in the picture, it was messily crooked to one side. Well, whatever, it's a photograph of us who always leaves things to the last minute.

At that time, I never expected that this photograph.......

.....would be the first and last one together for us, the five members of Baskerville.

After an evening shower, the sky cleared. A rose-coloured sunset engulfed Tokyo...

I took Reki and Haimaki to the western tip of the Academy Island outside the fence that prevents anyone falling into the sea. This was for the purpose of giving Haimaki that reward I promised him on that mountain during the sniper battle.

"Here...eat up. It's really troublesome peeling off all the vinyl wrapping."

In an open box by my foot were 60 fish sausages. Or in other words, I bought the entire box. On seeing that, Haimaki let out a howl, thrust his head into the box and began devouring. His white tail was waving like a propeller. He really loves fish sausages.

"...."

At Haimaki's side, Reki knelt down and gently stroked his back, as always; expressionless to a stranger's eyes...however, I had the impression that I could read Reki's expression to some small degree. This was a gentle expression of gratitude to Haimaki. I turned towards the golden sea, illuminated by the sunset and took a deep breath of the sea breeze. At this time, the wind was refreshingly cool.

Summer....was nearing its end.

"Speaking of which, did you know that even the battle positions were submitted by Aria on her own volition?"

Hearing my words, Reki raised her pretty face from her kneeling position and shook her head.

"The front is formed by Aria and me. Aria is the PM (point man), I'm the UL (Unit Leader). Support will be you and Shirayuki. Riko will make up the tail. When storming a target, Aria and I will suppress with handgun bullets while you two will provide medium and long ranged attacks. Riko will be on alert for any attacks from the back and in retreat; she'll act as the rearguard, hampering any pursuers."

Reki's face was like that of a small animal as she gazed intently at me while I fired Assault terms non-stop. Seeing as she didn't say anything, it appeared that she had no objections. Well, at any rate, after being forced to become leader, I knew how to improve the team's formation. I had to combine everyone's talents and personalities.

Aria and I were experts at fighting alongside each other. Shirayuki was an almighty unit in both offense and defense. She could charge forwards with both spell and sword or stay at the rear tending to the wounded and act as a spotter for sniping. And at the rear was the genius sniper Reki, protecting Riko who would quickly spot dangers. In the event of withdrawal, although Riko could defend against the enemy's assault, however, her true skill lay in escaping; the fighting retreat being her expertise. Aria....in this accidental team of 5, was a balance. She may have no reasoning ability but she was a genius in combat matters.

(And furthermore, military formations aren't all there is to this team.)

In this team, everyone's abilities are singularly high. Including Reki, this team had two S-rank Butei which was something that was rare even amongst 3rd years. In the 2nd year, only we alone had this. Shirayuki and Riko are both A-rank so it's really a big drop in ability when my E-rank is considered. I'm truly sorry. Well, with the run-up to registration being so chaotic, the cohesiveness of the team in doubt and according to Ranbyou-sensei, "If the team is unwilling at the start, you'll have a hell of a time in the end."

I certainly pray we don't run into any cases big enough to have a hell of a time.

"How should I say this....Is this really alright? Forming a team with Aria."

Although the matter might have passed, but I'd still better be sure.

"....Yes."

Reki quietly stood up and faced me.

"Until now, I've never felt 'human emotions.' But after this experience, I've started to think. I've started to think about....Aria-san's feelings."

"Aria's feelings....?"

"When I was wounded on the mountain during the sniper attack, I was bent on following the Wind's orders; to fight to the death. And so, I allowed you to leave me. That had to be putting on a brave front. At that time, I was wavering between you and the Wind."

Putting on a brave front....even at that time, that emotion had already taken root in Reki?

"Now, I can say, at that time what I was thinking in my heart was 'I don't want to die.'"

"...."

"And the one who allowed me to embrace that thought was Kinji-san. You."

"Me....?"

".......You are a very important person to me. I did not want to leave you."

Reki, who was new to emotions....

Said honestly into my eyes without hiding her feelings.

"......."

Suddenly having a pretty girl say all this to me....

I was unable to respond and turned to face the sea.

"It's you who allowed feelings to take root in heart. If I died I would be separated from you....from the one important to me. I don't want that."

The one important to her....she said it twice. And furthermore, they were both direct to my face. Reki sure is straight. Exactly like a sniper who fires straight and true at her target.

"This time, I've thought about Aria-san's feelings. When I took Kinji-san away from Aria-san it was the same kind of act. To her, you are a very important person."

Perhaps mirroring my actions, Reki's eyes which were looking out to sea were.....at this moment filled with a hint of loneliness.

"That's why I'll join the team.....I'll watch over you all, never pulling you all apart again. No matter what happens in the end."

Hearing Reki who was normally caught up in her own world say all this.....I had some difficulty keeping up.

"That's why, you and Aria being together is a good thing."

Having said that, Reki closed her tiny lips. And after a rare moment of hesitation,

"But this too.....is putting on a brave front....."

She murmured.

"Putting on a brave front?"

"Yes. Once more there are conflicting emotions in my heart. I'm....facing not just the male who is simply the one Ulus need....but also the Kinji-san who allowed me to feel emotions."

Reki's red-brown eyes stared at me, as if she were gracefully expressing her own feelings and slowly said,

"I don't want to see you stolen away by Aria-san"

....That's virtually the statement of another confrontation once more and yet....

Reki's demeanor did not have the same one-sided feel as when she last fought Aria at Butei High.

"....."

"....."

For a while, the two of us were silent. The sound of crashing waves resonated in the distance.

"And conversely, I now ask if Kinji-san is fine with it; having me on the team. The Wind doesn't speak anymore. I myself don't know what to do either. My own heart follows some uncertain guidepost as it walks on, wrapped in contradiction. Without any direction from the Wind I don't even know who I am anymore...."

Perhaps it was due to the silence raising my sense of unease but Reki's behavior....resembled in some respects an attempt to cling onto something. Thinking this a little cute, my cheeks loosened imperceptibly.

"....Reki. No one ever knows who they are."

"....."

"Reki is Reki. That is enough. I'm fine with the current Reki, don't worry."

Hearing this, Reki's cheeks....slightly turned scarlet. Well, this must have been due to the red light from the setting sun.

"But....I don't know what to do from here on."

"If that's so, then just start looking from now and it'll be fine. Just set yourself a target. And the school and team are there for that purpose."

The S-ranked honors student, Reki hearing me, the E-ranked problem child with a reputation for being utterly useless say such vague things, looked as if she was.....slightly taken aback. She resembled someone listening to the warnings of elders.

....The sound of waves reverberated in the distance....

Reki....

"You.....are just like the Wind."

She murmured to herself. And gently caressed by the wind,

"Kinji-san is a great person. Even knowing about my emptiness....he didn't change."

"No, I'm quite narrow minded. You however..."

Being able to suppress Hysteria Mode demonstrates that I'm quite a virtuous person at heart. I felt like saying so but to do that in front of Reki would be embarrassing.

Swallowing my words, I tried to cover it up.

"Ah....emptiness, emptiness has its own benefits. You just need to fill it up with many various things."

"Kinji-san..."

"That's why I'll teach you some general knowledge."

"Yes. Please teach me."

So saying, Reki's attitude gives the impression of having pure respect for me....Even if it's appropriate that I remain silent, I still felt somewhat embarrassed. In terms of Riko's games, it would be like entering "Reki's route." Although it wasn't my intention, did I just pick all the words that would win her over? This...although the character is different, it was just like my junior in Lezzad, Fuuma Hina. Mistakenly respecting the useless me, Reki sure is pitiful, I thought.

"After all, you are devoid of common knowledge. Probably the most out of all 5 Baskerville members."

For the sake of balance, I said something that would reduce her goodwill towards me. And with that...Reki's mouth seemed to twitch by millimeters. It seemed like she was pressing her lips together in an endless line but she was actually curling them.

"....."

And with a sound, she drifted over to my side and....

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Pa*

Lightly struck my upper arm.

This might well be an expression of anger. Communicating with Reki definitely requires observational skills. Because she hit me, I too retaliated. Lightly, gently, striking Reki on the upper arm.

And so, *pa* *pa*.

Reki hit me twice. I don't understand it but there was somehow an air of joy to the whole thing.

Which is to say that Reki also doesn't know how to express emotions.

Aa....this was bad. Even this had to be taught to her. Looking down, I saw that Haimaki had finished eating his fish sausages.....Beneath the brightening moon and the sun that had almost sunk below the sea, I turned around and prepared to return to my dorm. Like I'd just abandoned her, Reki....

"Kinji-san."

Lightly tugging my jacket from behind;

"The loyalty of the Ulus is eternal. Even if the wind no longer speaks to me, I will protect you....forever."

The happiness within her words took me aback. Seeing that kind of expression on Reki's face again, it made me feel good.

Those who do not know Reki well may not understand but I could understand that expression well enough.

It was a really thin smile. But it was cute enough to capture my heart.

There was nothing that could rival it in that....a smile, without a doubt.

That night, just after 11pm....having revised [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modern_Japanese modern Japanese] until pretty late.....Shirayuki got the remaining crab out of the freezer and prepared a late night [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tenshindon tenshindon].

Perhaps it was because the food was too delicious but Riko who for some reason, had recently settled at my home took her ladle and clashed with my own for the tenshindon. Riko you despicable little fuck...scraping even the tenshindon in my mouth out is far too much. My teeth are going to break like this. Just when I was protecting my own bowl by using Edge Catching Double Finger to stop Riko's ladle....my cell rang. It was Aria's lawyer. How many times has it been during this vacation that she had taken our testimonies over the phone? Thinking it was another one of those times; I resigned myself to leaving the remaining tenshindon and quietly walked into the living room. However, that was not the case. She was informing us that the preparations for the retrial of Aria's mother, Kanzaki Kanae-san, had been complete. In general, from now until the start of the hearing, no more new pieces of evidence could be submitted.

Hidan no Aria:Volume7 Chapter4

2011-07-04T10:56:55Z

220.255.2.71: Undo revision 103390 by 68.174.31.29 (talk)