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Kenshin no Keishousha:Volume 1 Chapter2

2013-08-22T10:17:26Z

72.220.105.54:

==Chapter 2 - Girl of the Sun==

Kurou dragged the maid outfit wearing girl by the hand and led her into the depths of the school.

Once there, no other figures were in sight. Interrogating the baffling girl in a place like this seemed profoundly fitting.

“So what’s with all this?”

The girl known as Hinako kept her back against the wall and raised her head as she blankly looked towards Kurou. If other people were to witness this, they may misconstrue this as Kurou coercing a girl. However, regardless of how other people viewed him, Kurou could not even comprehend what was going on himself.

“These were my orders, to serve you starting today. That’s why I came here.”

“Serving me......who ordered you to do so?”

“That’s not an issue at the moment.”

“It’s a huge issue!”

Does this girl even know what she is talking about?

During that one night while attacking the sun cultists, her appearance was indeed very bizarre.

No, this was perhaps not on outlandish levels.

That was because the mysterious light phenomenon wasn’t something that could be just promptly understood. As a result, he just forgot about it after writing the report, yet.......

“Anyways, I’ll be working for you. Anything outside of that isn’t my problem.”

“So extreme......”

Kurou weakly muttered. Following that, he sensed that class was about to start. There was no time to be engaging in nugatory disputes with this uncanny girl.

“Let me confirm something first. You’re a human right?”

“Well, I believe so.”

Although it was an amusing reply, Kurou was nearly certain that was the case. This girl appeared to be very feeble, completely different from a Swordie.

“Even though I have no idea what’s going on, you might as well go back. Other than humans who stroll around here working as servants, anyone else would be driven out.”

Within the academy, there was quite a large group of humans. They were not students or teachers but rather servants.

Other than the people employed here or those taking care of miscellaneous tasks within the school, the servants brought along by the students were largely comprised of humans as well.

Despite the academy disallowing humans from enrolling into the school as students, it was ok for them to be at the campus if it was purely work related.

However, if a human did not possess a permit to enter the Swordie school, things would inevitably get chancy.

“It’s fine, I already have a permit.”

“Huh? Where did you get it......hmm?”

Kurou suddenly turned around.

There were several colossal trees planted there. Just as Kurou was scrutinizing one of them————

“As expected of Kurou, you’re quite sharp.”

“It’s easy to detect your aura. Do you get that often?”

Lars walked out from behind the tree. He was wearing his school uniform and carried his sword by his waist just like Kurou.

“Was it you that brought her along?”

“All I did was lead her here. Afterwards I handed her over to you. Like raising kids, as long as they can work for you it should be fine.”

“No no, suddenly bringing up servicing or being serviced is too out of the ordinary! I don’t have the money to employ a servant!”

“Is the issue money? Well, I believe this aspect has already been taken care of! It’s because of————the director.”

“So this stunt was her doing!”

Thinking about it for a second, there was no one else who was capable of meddling to this extent.

“It’s still quite perplexing why she’d tend to the money related problems behind my back. What the heck is going on, explain yourself.”

“There’s really no other way it seems.”

After Lars took a glimpse at Hinako, he urged Kurou to move to somewhere else in order to get some separation from her.

Following that, he gave a run-down of the situation with a nonchalant tone.

Lars was most likely called to headquarters early in the morning by Manaka. Once there, he encountered this maid attire wearing girl and was imparted with all the details.

“She’s————the cult founder’s daughter.”

“Daughter? You mean there’s a founder or something within the sun cult?”

Although the people the Sabers suppressed were practically all followers of the sun, Kurou had limited knowledge about their higher-ups. What he did know was only the cult’s battle strength————equipment, and battling personnel count.

“Well, I guess a founder probably does exist. Story has it that it’s been over ten years since he last publicly appeared. However, the Sabers did receive reports indicating the cult founder has a daughter. Since DNA confirmation was not utilized, we don’t know whether or not she really is a legitimate daughter of his but she did say so herself.”

“Herself————sounds quite suspicious. We still don’t even know what she may be plotting.”

Hinako seemed to be completely uninterested in Kurou’s conversation as she leaned against the wall and leisurely stared into the sky. No matter how one looked at it, she did not resemble any of the dangerous sun cultists.

“That girl seems to be harboring some secrets. At the very least, she doesn’t seem to be the cult founder’s daughter, having not been placed on that high of a pedestal.”

“I agree.”

If she was a human who was influenced by the sun cult to oppose Swordies, then she probably would not have been inserted into a school filled with them. At the very least, she wouldn’t have shown up early in the morning wearing a maid outfit.

“Except, the so-called daughter of the cult founder isn’t a known truth. It’s a matter still under investigation. What is known is that the sun cult members seemed to be very focused on her, this is without a doubt. During that night, the sun cult’s movements appeared to be very flurried. Even that secretive criminal ringleader made her move. We questioned the apprehended sun cult followers numerous times, they appeared to have been ordered to ‘retrieve the package.’”

“That package probably referred to the girl. If she is the cult founder’s daughter, presumably that was a huge event back then......”

“Besides, even if that Hinako girl is really the cult founder’s daughter, there doesn’t seem to be a trace of criminal activity linked to her. Even if she was a follower of the sun, as long as she’s just a believer, there’s nothing wrong with that.”

“Hmm......”

Just like Lars said, the sun cult itself didn’t face restrictions from the law.

In the words of the Swordies, they were just a group of people with extremist values......

“When facing opponents who carry weapons, we Swordies will show no mercy in routing them. However, one of our rules is that we don’t harm those who don’t carry weapons. In short, it’s just the cultists who are armed.

“What a peculiar group of people.”

Kurou wryly smiled.

Even seventy years ago when the Swordies fought against humans during the Great War, the Swordies would not attack civilians. Especially those who were defenseless, they definitely would not have crossed swords with them.

It could be said that this was one of the restraints of a Swordie swordsman. Even if they strongly detested the opponent, they would not attack someone that was defenseless. What an extreme moral idiosyncrasy.

“However, Kurou wants to add himself to this group of bizarre individuals right? Thus, take her as your maid!”

“Well......wait, I need to attain a Swordie ID, what does having her be my maid have anything to do with that!?”

Kurou couldn’t help but shake his head towards Lars’s enthusiastic urging.

Kurou wished to protect Hinako, that was all. Anything after that should be dealt with by the upper management of the Sabers. Basically, handling this fell on Manaka and the others.

“However, even the Sabers would have a hard time dealing with a child. She may be the cult founder’s daughter, but there’s no reason to arrest her because she isn’t a criminal. That said, we could fabricate an accusation but for it to be something done by a girl like her, there’s no way something like that would pass. Nevertheless, if we were to leave her alone then......hence, it was determined that she would be handed off to Kurou.”

“What an absurd leap of judgment!”

Why was there a girl with such a problematic standing, so much so that she was strongly forced onto the hands of a normal member like Kurou.

“Furthermore, humans can live normally within the academy so her guise is quite well-done. That said, her identity may lead to some trouble but as long as Kurou is around, no matter what happens she should be fine right?”

“So you’re saying for me to become her bodyguard and guardian?”

“Kurou is also about to receive his pay from the Sabers so you can’t decline. This is an order———I believe that was what the director had said.”

“......Damn it.”

Kurou seemed to have no room to voice complaints once again.

Indeed, even if he had already earned his money, Manaka’s orders were final. In addition, if he loses his earnings from the Sabers, then there would be no way for him to maintain life down the road. Although his current gains from reward money were kept in his savings, he didn’t want the path to a steady future be discontinued.

“Well then, good luck Kurou.”

Lars stated as he was beaming with excitement.

The Sword Academy covered a lot of ground. There were numerous facilities and it even had a courtyard constructed.

In accordance with the Swordie’s love for greenery, countless plants were planted within the courtyard. Throughout the year, there would be flowers embellishing the flower terraces and very beautifully well-kept grass fields.

In one of the corners of the gorgeous, vast courtyard sits a small piece of forest. Within the forest was a small wooden hut.

“Is this the place......”

Kurou stopped in his tracks. He lifted his head and gazed attentively at the small hut. Lars and Hinako did the same.

The person who constructed this courtyard was a human landscaper. In hopes of taking care of the landscaper, the school prepared a small hut for him.

That landscaper passed away a couple years ago and since the current landscaper was away on official business, there was no one else living here.

“So I’m suppose to live in this comfortable room?”

Kurou harshly glared at Lars who was explaining things nonstop.

“Pretty much. A couple of the higher-ups even wanted her to be placed under house arrest within this academy.”

If it was house arrest, then this facility would probably be even more suitable————Although they figured it was just going to be Kurou by himself, the entire Saber’s upper management still completely shifted this task to Kurou.

“Well then, I’ll leave the rest to the two of you.”

“Wait Lars, where are you going?”

Kurou grabbed Lars as he was about to leave.

“I’m going to school of course. First period has already started, if I don’t leave now......”

“So you’re seriously going to leave all the troublesome matters to me......”

“I’ve been told by my parents that I have to graduate. Well, it is what it is.”

After giving a slight smirk, Lars left without further interruptions.

Since Kurou understood that what Lars said about his parents was true, it was hard to keep him here.

“......There’s really no other way.”

Kurou muttered and proceeded to open the door to the hut using the key Lars gave him.

The interior setup was in a Japanese style. After removing his shoes, he entered inside and thoroughly scoped out the place.

There was an eight tatami living room along with another six tatami Western style room. There was also a conveniently placed kitchen, shower room, and bathroom. Even though from the outside it looked like an outdated tiny hut, the inside decor was exceptionally well adorned.

There was a TV, fridge, and what appeared to be a washing machine. Other things such as tables and chairs were already available. The preposterous sense that this place was not inhabitable was completely absent. It was probably because there was someone who would tidy up around here on occasion.

“Well, living here doesn’t seem too bad. Walking to school only takes five minutes and the facilities here are quite complete.”

According to what Lars said, there was no need for room and board. It seems even the electricity and gas costs were already covered by the school.

To Kurou, it did not seem that bad.

“Ha——, so this is a tatami. It’s my first time seeing one.”

“......”

Hinako took a seat in the living room and affectionately stroked the tatami mat.

It wasn’t that bad but————that was with the prerequisite that this annoying girl wasn’t living here as well.

Except, if protecting her was part of the objective, then there was nothing he could do about it. Kurou had already come to accept this worst case scenario.

“I believe I haven’t made a proper introduction. My name is Kurou.”

“Kuro?”

“Well the sounding is a bit off......whatever, it’s fine.”

“Are you a human? You’re different than the Swordies, do you have a surname?”

“Yes I do. My original name was Katsuragi Kurou. However, if I were to live within Swordie society, there’s no need for a surname.”

“So it’s like that.”

Hinako seems to have understood and nodded.

“By the way Kuro!”

“Calling me by my name directly already? Whatever, what’s the matter?”

“What should I be doing?”

“......”

Regarding this matter, it was something Kurou really wanted to inquire from her instead.

She obviously dressed up in maid attire and told him that she would serve him. However, he didn’t actually know what in particular she should do.

“......For now, just stand up.”

“Right.”

Hinako mannerly nodded and stood up. Kurou once again inspected her.

Her body was extremely petite, approximately 150 centimeters tall. Her hands, legs, and even her waist were slender to the point of seeming unstable. However, there were two massive bulges coming from her chest.

It was probably because that green and black colored maid outfit was quite exposing around the chest. That captivating deep ravine was pretty visible. The skirt was short, as if it was meant to be worn while in combat. It would seem that if there was even the tiniest of movements, her panties would be exposed.

However, did she not have any thoughts at all about this maid outfit seeing as she was completely unprepared for this.

“......”

Kurou couldn’t help but think who was the one that picked this outfit.

No, it should be obvious. It was the one who sent Hinako here————in other words, Manaka. She was someone who kept up with fashion trends. Within the Sabers, her uniforms were always accompanied by a beautiful overcoat stemmed from her interest in these matters.

In the end, if he were to become Hinako’s bodyguard, then there was no need to call Lars in. Calling for himself instead would most likely be a much better option. Instead, she specifically sent Hinako over to the academy thinking this would perhaps be much more interesting.

“About how old are you? What’s your age?”

“I’m 15, turning 16 this year.”

In other words, the same age as Kurou.

There was really no choice but to live with a beauty around the same age under the same roof......of course, if it was a mission then there was no way he would try anything unreasonable.

“......Well, whatever. For now just tidy up the place a bit. Seems like there’s plenty of dust around here. Since there’s a lot of useless stuff piled up in that room, I’ll go ahead and straighten things out over there."

Kurou decided to first clean up the stuff he saw in front of him. Although he skipped school on just the second day since he transferred, he probably wouldn’t be forced to drop out just because of this.

In another room was a bed. Having this room designated as Hinako’s room should be ideal. As long as Kurou could set up a shakedown in the living room he should be fine. He wasn’t one of those sensitive sleepers who couldn’t sleep without a bed. Even though he had a dream the previous night about sleeping on a comfy bed with a lovely wife, that kind of situation was something he was expecting in the years to come.

“I’ll leave tidying up the living room to you. No need to overdo it.”

Kurou pointed to the vacuum cleaner located in the corner of the room and then walked towards the bedroom.

Compared to a casual conversation, Kurou much preferred staying active.

This was because he didn’t know what to do with this————human girl of the same age.

“This must be a vacuum cleaner, it’s my first time near one.”

As soon as Kurou heard this eye-opening statement, he rushed back to the living room.

“You haven’t even used a vacuum cleaner before?”

“I’ve seen other people use it. However, this thing must be broken. It’s not making that whirrrr sound.”

“......Did you plug it in and press the on button?”

He knew that she wasn’t someone who was accustomed to the ways of normal life, but who would have thought that she was clueless on how to use a vacuum cleaner.

Hinako followed Kurou’s instructions, unraveled the power cord and plugged it in.

“Well then, it should be ready now.”

Hinako muttered and began cleaning up the tatami. Although she wasn’t familiar with the fine details, she did pretty much get the gist of operating the vacuum cleaner.

With that daringly skimpy miniskirt along with having to lean over as she moved the vacuum cleaner around, it was quite difficult on the eyes. Every day from now on, he would probably be in the presence of this appearance constantly. Kurou felt a bit tired from this. Being unable to rid himself of this overly revealing maid outfit wearing girl all because of his boss, it was really quite tragic.

“I should probably tidy up here a bit too.”

“Eh!?”

Hinako suddenly began to move the vacuum on top of the table. Kurou did not even have time to stop her. Once the table was thoroughly cleaned up in this fashion, she started to shift the vacuum on top of the TV placed in the corner of the room.

“Hey hey hey! H-H-Hold on a sec, you shouldn’t be cleaning these places! No, just forget about this place......oh yeah, I’ll have you clean up the shower room for now.”

“Understood.”

Hinako nodded her head. It would be disastrous if she were to break the TV or some other electrical appliance.

“Well then, I’ll be going now.”

“Hold on, first set aside the vacuum cleaner.”

Stupid wouldn’t be the right description for her since Hinako seemed to be quite diligent.

It was more than just having a bad premonition about this. If Hinako were to be allowed to mess around with the household equipment, the result would be something quite frustrating. Although this was the case, it would be unbearable if he were to clean the entire place by himself.

Kurou explained in detail how to clean the shower room to Hinako and then sent her off.

“She should be fine......although it won’t be smooth sailing, I should be getting to work myself.”

After depositing the unnecessary furniture the landscaper had into the hut’s storage room, he began sorting through the necessities sent to them by Manaka and then he redid the vacuuming for the living room.

“That’s about it. Well then, is she still cleaning the shower room......”

“Ah——”

“......”

Suddenly, Kurou’s face tensed upon hearing a cry from the shower room.

He had considered ignoring it but that was out of the question. Kurou despairingly looked down.

“I must say, having warm water enter the shower room makes it much more tiring.”
[[File:Kenshin v01 003.jpg|thumbnail|right|400px]]
“This sort of thing, I already know.”

Hinako was sitting inside the bathtub in an unnatural position with her legs laid spread out.

Her tiny skirt curled up, revealing her white striped panties.

In addition, the showerhead that fell into the tub was spraying out water. Her maid outfit was tightly stuck to her body after being drenched.

“Let me first ask, how did it turn out like this?”

“After the water came out, the showerhead started to go out of control. I wanted to grab it but then I fell into the bathtub.”

“Really now?”

It was just as he predicted. Having someone who was incapable of even operating a vacuum cleaner go tidy up the shower room was never going to work.

Kurou took Hinako back into the living room and was currently drying her soaked long black hair with a towel.

Hinako did not reveal an annoyed expression, continuing to let Kurou dry her off.

If he were to remove the maid outfit and rub her body dry, she probably wouldn’t even mind————these types of diabolical thoughts coursed through Kurou’s mind.

“......Well then, you can dry yourself off now.”

“Ok, I’ll do my best.”

Just like that, Hinako dried her half exposed chest and legs.

“Looks like the only thing qualified about you is your body.”

“Yes.”

Hinako nodded.

If she had denied that statement then he would have felt quite troubled. Rather, with her nodding in agreement, it was hard to respond to that. Kurou couldn’t help but clutch his head.

“With this, you’re pretty much just a busty freeloader right?”

“That’s how it is.”

“In that case, stop nodding and agreeing so willingly. Jeez......”

Kurou helplessly stated as he stood up. He glanced over at the time and noticed it was approaching noon. It was most likely due to the heavy task at hand. Or was it because it was tiring having to deal with Hinako. In any case, he did feel quite hungry from all of this.

“First let me ask, are you able to cook?”

“I can eat but I can’t cook.”

“......I see.”

The task of cooking will probably be Kurou’s responsibility for the most part.

From the materials Manaka sent, there seemed to be a large quantity of instant ramen and other instant food products. If it was only for today, this should suffice.

“However, even though you’re a highly regarded girl of the sun cult, it’s surprising that you can’t even handle tidying up. Just what kind of caged bird are you...”

“I’ve never been in a cage before.”

“It’s a figure of speech. Just who in the world raised you......”

“Even if you ask, there’s nothing to say really. It was my first time going outside not too long ago, that’s all.”

“Eh, in that case it’s pretty much like being in a real cage......that said, hmm? For the first time?”

As Kurou walked out of the kitchen, he immediately stopped upon inquiring as such.

“You said you’ve never been outside before......why is that?”

“I was locked within a room.”

“......”

Kurou pressed his fingers against his temples.

In other words, the cause was most likely her imprisonment. If what she said about this being her “first time” was taken at face value, then the reasoning behind “you can’t even handle tidying up” would change once again.

If she were to be raised away from the masses and prevented from doing anything during her entire life up to now......

“Gurr——”. Suddenly, a silly sound echoed.

“......I’m hungry.”

“Well then, we’ll continue this later.”

It was improbable that anyone could be focused on a conversation when their tummy was growling.

Kurou once again headed towards the kitchen.

“Thank you for the meal.”

Hinako set her spoon down and mannerly pressed her hands together.

Despite it being instant curry and instant rice, Hinako held no complaints and finished all her food.

After Kurou finished eating the same thing, he drank a cup of water in one go.

“Well then, for now just let me listen to what you have to say for a bit. You said it was your first time stepping outside, what exactly did you mean?”

“I’ve stayed in one room the entire time ever since my childhood, maybe even from the moment I was born......”

“......”

“On the subject of where this place was, I don’t know even to this day. Although I don’t think it was a sun cult facility.”

This was a serious topic. However, Hinako narrated with a stoic expression.

“A room you say? Then, what kind of room was it specifically?”

“It was quite a spacious room with pure white carpeting and a glass ceiling. There was also a bookshelf, bed, and cushion......there were two doors, one leading to a bathroom and shower room and the other leading to the outside of the room. However, I wasn’t able to leave.”

“Haven’t you ever thought about going outside to take a look?”

Kurou raised a question. It wasn’t exactly a thought-provoking question. If he were to listen intently, it may cause her to feel anxious.

“Of course, but there was always people waiting nearby to stop me. They told me that I didn’t have the founder’s permission......”

“Are you saying that the people you’ve encountered were the ones that have been taking care of you the whole time? So what do you do inside the room all day?”

“Read books, which included holy scriptures and even history books. Although when I was young, I would frequently play around with everyone within the room. However, I’ve spent my entire time reading these last few years.”

“You said you’re only fifteen years old right? Before you were fifteen, was your life always like this?”

“Yes.”

Hinako gently nodded.

If she was the cult founder’s daughter, then having a completely different lifestyle wasn’t exactly something unimaginable.

That was because the religious organization frequently engaged itself in terrorist activities.

However, the possibility of her receiving the cult’s teachings or training in order to take part in fighting against the Swordie government should be set aside for now. Why would she be imprisoned though?

Objectively speaking, Sakurai Hinako was truly a beautiful girl. She even had this air of mystique surrounding her.

If they were to set her out in public, she could even become a major spokeswoman. There would be a lot of value in this. Why they would take special measures in concealing her, it was really quite baffling.

Or rather, what was the meaning behind not letting her out of the cult followers' sights?

No matter how he looked at it, since the information available was lacking, a judgment could not really be made.

“However, right now you’re here. Was it because you escaped?”

“I want to see the world with my own two eyes. It’s not enough to satisfy me just by hearing about it through books and people......those who understood me allowed me to leave the room.”

“Was it those people you had frequent encounters with before? Were those guys followers of the sun as well? Had they been ordered to do unlawful things by the cult founder?”

Kurou tilted his head and pondered.

Even though he didn’t understand the fine details about the sun cult, he was clear on the fact that they complied with the cult founder’s orders, thus risking their lives in combat.

He had experienced that multiple times. The one named Akari also battled for the sake of the organization, this was undeniable.

“I don’t understand either. However, everyone wanted me to escape, for this I wanted to express my gratitude. Although, I’ll most definitely never see them again......”

As Hinako spoke, a fleeting expression surfaced in her eyes.

When Kurou first met her, she was located in the van of the sun cult.

There was probably the fear that she was captured while escaping. Within Tokyo Swordia, the sun cult had their own information network. Escaping with a burdensome girl was certainly not possible.

It would be troublesome for the group that released the cult founder’s daughter. Perhaps the whole crew was captured or more likely, killed. Furthermore, Hinako realized this aspect.

Hinako, she wasn’t just a girl with a complicated standing, she was also burdened with this extremely serious matter————

“Nevertheless, you easily mentioned all these things. These are probably matters that you don’t really want to discuss with other people right?”

Hinako stolidly shook her head.

“That director named Manaka told me that we should be having this kind of conversation right away.”

“Eh, so that’s why?”

“Yes, she said ‘Kuro is a cynical person, therefore it would be best that you say whatever you can say as early as possible.’”

“......I see.”

Kurou did not hold any particular interest in Hinako.

If he were to become her bodyguard, his impression of her didn’t really matter.

However, even if that was the case, Kurou would want to protect Hinako even more if she honestly told him about her personal matters compared to if he knew nothing about her.

Kurou once again faced Hinako.

He wanted to impose one more question.

“Do you know why you were imprisoned?”

“I’m not sure. However, one of the people who set me free told me this, ‘You, you’re this organization’s————no, you’re the hope of all humans.’”

“Hope......?"

Indeed, there was something unusual about Hinako. She could already be considered as an anomaly.

When Kurou first encountered her that night her entire body was enwrapped in light.

“However, calling you the hope of all humans is quite the exaggeration. As far as I know, humans aren’t in despair.”

The people who allowed Hinako to escape were also dangerous sun cultists, this was without a doubt. Nevertheless, wasn’t this just a vain hope instilled in her?

“I don’t completely understand what that meant. However, he also said something like this.”

“What would that be?”

Hinako gazed out the sunlit window and took her time in responding.

“He said, I was the————’girl of the sun.’”

On the following day, sword training once again commenced with a lecture.

Even though Kurou diligently went to class, he didn’t see Lars anywhere. This golden white-haired teenager had always been quite capricious.

Sword training was still the same as two days ago. The students would train with one on one matches. There also seemed to be team battles, studies on the various measures to deal with ranged weapons, as well as practice with the lance, daggers, and other weapons. However, the first years were not at this stage yet. Although Kurou felt that it would be more interesting the way it is.

“However......”

“Yes?”

Kurou leisurely tilted his head and looked at Hinako who was standing by his side.

“Why are you here as well? You’re not planning on studying at the school are you?”

“The director told me to stay near Kuro at all times.”

“Even so......”

Just a while ago during the other classes, Hinako would grab a chair from who knows where and sit in the corner of the classroom. The teachers didn’t mind her doing this. Perhaps it was because Hinako greeted the teachers beforehand.

What was unexpected was Hinako being completely attentive during class. She probably felt invigorated at the idea of going to class. However, this invigoration was also the same for Kurou.

“Guess there’s nothing I can do about it for now. I even thought about you as a possible conversation partner beforehand......”

“Kurou doesn’t have any friends?”

This ojou-sama really hit on a painful subject.

“It’s not that I don’t have any friends. It’s......”

Kurou took a brief glance at Sefi.

She seemed to be surrounded by a couple of girls. It was the girl with the short hair and the plainly dressed glasses girl he met yesterday.

“......!”

Sefi had just caught eye of Kurou and immediately revealed an astonished expression. Following that, she sharply glared back at Kurou.

It seems she intended on keeping her friendship with Kurou hidden from the public, but why would she be angry?

“Well, humans are shameful beings in modern Japan, especially within this academy.”

“I see, although I had already known about this, I never thought it would turn out like this. Kurou is the guy that’s rejected by everyone.”

“......”

Known as the girl of the sun, it appeared that she had a grasp of this superfluous information.

She probably didn’t realize that she herself was being excluded in the same way as well.

“Hmm?”

A female student approached Kurou with a rather serious expression.

Her long brown hair rested on her shoulders. She was a very cute girl.

However, unbefitting of her cute appearance was that she exuded a clear sense of enmity. She was holding her sword firmly in her hands.

“Well then, who are you?”

Kurou inquired frivolously. If he responded to her hostility with the same sort of animosity, then he would be stooping down lower than a child.

“My name is Freya! I feel honored to be speaking with the disciple of the Sword Saint! Don’t shy away just because I’m the number two ranked swordsman in our grade!”

“Oh, number two?”

Once Kurou finished his whimsical response, Freya raised her brow. He was probably seen as an offender for not being surprised upon hearing her number two ranking. Although, Kurou could care less about placement.

“......As for you, just forget about it. You seem to have entered the academy through standard procedures, however......this girl is different! These are the sacred training grounds of the Swordies! Humans who are not servants can’t just visit this place whenever they please!”

Emotions sure run high for this Freya person. Although, being energetic is a positive trait.

“It’s like that? Well, although I do feel apologetic, there’s a reason behind this. I won’t let her hinder you guys so please bear with it for a bit.”

“In that case, I have a proposition for you!”

As if she had predicted what Kurou’s response was going to be, Freya swiftly replied.

“Battle me! I heard you beat Sefi-sama while I was on break. If that was for real, I wish to confirm it myself!”

“Then, if I win, will you approve of her visitation?”

Even if she approves, it wasn’t an official approval. However, if he was able to receive the number two ranked student’s support, then perhaps his situation might somewhat be improved.

“Ha——, you want to determine a winner?”

The person who asked was only watching on with a blank stare. If only Hinako possessed a fraction of Freya’s domineering attitude.

“Everyone wants to see your strength again. I’ll be straightforward, before everyone was only focused on Sefi-sama and probably didn’t notice you at all.”

“I wish to be in the spotlight even more! I would hate to be wounded without being noticed.”

No one laughed at Kurou’s wisecrack.

Even Freya, who was slightly chuckling before, had now kept her lips sealed. They seemed to be uninterested in the jokes of a human.

“Hmm, if that’s the case then you must try your hardest under all the attention. You also have this one advantage.”

“Advantage?”

“You’re the Sword Saint’s disciple, plus you’re a human living among Swordies. Us Swordies————you probably understand the tendencies of Swordie women right?”

“......Well, more or less so.”

“If you are truly strong, then this academy might become your harem one day.”

After that profound statement, Freya raised her wooden sword over her head.

As Kurou was keeping a vigilant watch over her, he felt somewhat stunned.

Although she had joked about monopolizing the girls here, but in actuality, if you thought about their tendencies, the possibility of forming a harem wasn’t completely out of the question.

Kurou took a peek at Sefi.

His goal was to marry and establish his own household, which was the complete opposite of a harem. He had never carefully thought about that sort of thing before. However, upon reflecting over it, just what would be the best choice?

“I won’t go down easily, otherwise I’d make Sefi-sama look bad!”

Freya got into her stance, she was pretty much set.

The number two ranked student didn’t appear to be a pushover. Kurou confirmed this within himself. Although Sefi was ranked number three, there seemed to be quite a gap in strength between the two placements.

In addition, the other party knew about Kurou’s win over Sefi so she probably won’t be negligent in this regard.

Sefi on the other hand reveal a worried expression that was poles apart from her previous unhappiness. She probably understood Freya’s strength very clearly. Of course, she was even more familiar with Kurou’s strength. To still feel worried for him, that says a lot about how powerful Freya is.

No, compared to this, he perhaps felt quite honored to be instilled with a bit of anxiety by Freya.

Kurou slowly began posturing his wooden sword.

The students' chitter chatter suddenly ceased.

Everyone wanted to pay close attention to who wins this matchup.

A human who could beat Sefi, his strength was certainly genuine.

Haha, ok, you guys can have a look. It’ll be displayed for you all to see.

Kurou finished preparing his stance and pointed the tip of his sword to Freya.

At this moment, Freya made her move. It was hard to follow her visually.

In an instant, the distance between Kurou and Freya became increasingly close————

The two of them began their clash of swords.

“No matter how many times I run it over, it still doesn’t make any sense.”

Hinako blankly muttered.

After lunch, in the corner of the living room, Kurou was currently reading through the cooking books he had checked out from the library.

However, he didn’t really take note of the book’s contents very assiduously. In Hinako’s mind, she was replaying the events that occurred earlier today.

“What doesn’t make sense?”

Kurou, who was wearing casual attire consisting of a T-shirt and shorts, leisurely rested on the tatami mat and was reading a manga magazine before standing up impatiently.

“I’m referring to you Kuro. During today’s sword training......”

“Ah, that, you don’t need to worry about it.”

“I want to know even more about matters regarding the outside world.”

Hinako looked towards Kurou once again.

“The sun cult pretty much only reject Swordies. However, those kinds of cultists would only acknowledge the battle strength of a Swordie.”

“Even if they reject them, there’s no point.”

“I also heard that about some of the horrors regarding Swordies. Kanae, who was present during the massive anti-government protests that occurred in some district eight years ago, was someone I used to have numerous encounters with. She would frequently tell me, at that time there was a Swordie sent to suppress the rebellion who possessed monstrous strength.”

“Monstrous......”

Kurou lightly scratched his forehead as he spoke indifferently.

For Hinako, Kanae’s words didn’t present much of a true image.

At the time, Kanae was only a middle-schooler when she had said “the Swordies were swordsmen that could easily cut down humans who were armed with weapons”, yet it was hard to forget those words.

“However, against those monstrous Swordies————Kuro only needed one strike to take her down.”

The strike that Hinako saw from Kurou today seemed to be etched into her mind.

The one known as Freya, who was somewhat of a typical Swordie girl, the moment she raised her sword————the victor had already been decided.

When in the world did Kurou raise his sword, and when did he swing down?

Hinako could not comprehend any of it. In the end, she wasn’t even sure if he had attacked.

By the time she realized it, Freya’s body was already shaking and soon toppled to the ground within the classroom.

Once the sound of her impact dissipated, the spectators who were holding their breath began to whisper to each other.

“The Swordie students all appeared to be staring in disbelief. Kuro, what in the world did you do? I have absolutely no idea.”

“Did the one-hit KO ruin it————, everyone seemed completely disappointed.”

Kurou still maintained his indifferent expression as he smirked.

It looks like Hinako was trying to reconcile the teenager in front of her with the swordsman who knocked out Freya.

He was completely inconceivable.

No matter how unworldly of a person Hinako was, she did realize that the number of humans who were like Kurou were numbered to just a few. A human living among Swordies and able to win against them in swordsmanship, just what path of life results in such a rare existence?

“I want to know. It’s only because I want to experience and witness various things that I would come to the outside like this. I have a great deal of interest in you. How come you can defeat a Swordie as a human? Although it is said that you are the disciple of the Sword Saint, but in the end, why are you the one that she selected as her disciple? Swordies teaching humans swordsmanship, besides you, are there any other instances?”

“If you excessively dig at the roots of someone’s past, you will be seen as quite a nuisance.”

“What did I do that’d be considered annoying? This I want to know as well.”

Hinako undauntedly spoke. Although she felt Kurou was a human full of mysteries, she wasn’t terrified of him at all. Because it was impossible for her to understand his swordsmanship, she wasn’t able to understand the horror behind it.

“Well, there’s nothing about the past that I want to conceal anyways.”

Kurou nonchalantly spoke.

“When I was seven years-old, my parents died. However, my master who I happened to meet by chance————the Sword Saint took me in. From then, during that seven year span until I was fourteen years-old, I put all my effort into learning the ways of the swords......not too long after the Sword Saint’s whereabouts became unknown, I worked for the Sabers. After that, I entered the Sword Academy and even carried an unexpectedly heavy burden with me. That’s pretty much it.”

“What a troublesome life.”

“Don’t indifferently deny another person’s hardship. Furthermore, that last bit of what I said was referring to your annoying comments.”

“Ha, annoying? Since no one has ever said anything like this to me before, it does feel quite refreshing.”

“......”

What the heck, Kurou revealed a complicated expression.

Having been surrounded by the people who treasured her throughout her life, there were many things that felt like a change of pace for her.

“However, I still don’t understand any of this based on your simple explanation. Plus, to easily take down someone like Freya is very baffling. Please go into more detail.”

“Geez, still not letting that matter go I see. That said, even if you were a swordsman you still wouldn’t be able to understand my swordsmanship. Well then, if I were to tell someone like you who doesn’t even have the battle capability of a little dog, there’s no chance you would understand————”

“......?”

Suddenly, Kurou ended the conversation.

He gestured Hinako to stop with his hand as he gazed out the window.

“Umm, Kuro?”

“Quiet. Listen to me, don’t leave my side.”

Kurou picked up his katana that was nearby and stood up.

His previous smirk was now replaced with an anxious expression. Is he the same person from just a moment ago? Hinako carried this suspicion.

This further deepened the enigma surrounding Kurou.

Hinako closely followed Kurou outside.

In order to learn what was unavailable from within that room, Hinako received help from a group of people and was brought to the outside world.

In addition, Kurou was someone who kept provoking her curiosity.

It didn’t need to be said that Hinako would never leave his side.

The small hut Kurou and Hinako resided in was located in a small forest deep within the courtyard.

Although it was a forest, it was also equipped with a pathway leading to an open clearing with the hut and its surroundings. In front of the hut, there seemed to be a parking area that could hold three or four vehicles.

Kurou stood waiting in the center of this clearing as something was approaching them.

“Ugh!......”

Kurou leaned against his katana as he groaned.

Overall, there was this very strange sort of feeling. There was actually a suppressed light force closing in on him, but for some reason a sense of hostility wasn’t detected.

If he knew it was an enemy, he could engage in a pre-emptive strike. However, in this situation where it was still up in the air, he was unable to freely take action.

“Whoever it is seems to have arrived.”

Hinako quietly spoke from behind him.

She was also capable of keeping a calm demeanor and sensing the bizarre aura. Despite her believing Kurou was an odd person, she was somewhat mystifying herself.

“It’s coming from over here this time.”

Kurou redirected his attention and faced the incoming person head on.

From the depths of the shadowy forest, a figure appeared.

The person walked towards them with an exceedingly languid pace, their hair and dress swaying in the light breeze. Indeed, the person was a girl.

She was wearing the Sword Academy’s uniform and hoisted a massive object over her shoulders.

Even though the darkness made it hard to visualize, the object appeared to be both long and wide.

“Ah, it’s her, the one who for some reason kept glaring at me during sword training. She’s also quite cute.”

“......However, the object being held over her shoulders isn’t cute at all.”

Kurou distinctly saw the object being carried on Sefi’s shoulder as she was approaching.

Sefi’s height was about a hundred and sixty centimeters. The scary thing was the object she carried was a sword that was about the same length as her. Furthermore, the width of the blade was abnormally wide and the metallic sheath which contained the blade must have been more than thirty centimeters wide.

Rather than calling it a sword, it appeared to be more like a cannon that she was carrying.

“Umm, Sefi-san? What in the world is that......”

“That means this must be the first time I’ve shown this thing to you.”

Compared to her unexpected entrance, Sefi instead used her usual manner of speaking in response.

Sefi’s cannon————no wait, her sword was being held upright by one hand.

“Wow!”

Hinako was astonished.

Well, can’t blame her for that. To be able to single-handedly grab that ridiculously long and massive sword was unthinkable for any human.

Sefi pressed a button of some sort located on the metallic sheath. After that, the sheath fell onto the ground and a thick blade appeared. Although the light blade wasn’t activated, he understood it was still an extremely ferocious weapon.

“Let me introduce you to my personalized sword————the Starbreaker.”

“Woah, even the name lacks charm.”

This time even Kurou became somewhat surprised.

When Swordies attained their Swordsman title, they were able to receive their own personalized swords.

They were modeled after their parents or master’s style. There were numerous circumstances to be taken into account when having a swordsmith forge one’s personalized sword. At that time, the swordsman would relay all of their preferences and details to the swordsmith and the result was a sword that suited them greatly.

“Starbreaker......Swordies give their swords names?”

Having not understood the prior situation still, Hinako asked in admiration.

“To Swordies, the sword is an object that is comparable to a clone of themselves. Before, the name was given in Swordia’s language, but nowadays using Japanese to name a sword is becoming more and more common.”

“That has nothing to do with it.”

“Isn’t it great though? If you were Japanese, say for example you named your dog Taro——, if other people didn’t know the language, then they might instead call your dog John.”

“Using pet names as an example......speaking of which, does Kuro’s sword have a name?”

“I have nothing of the sort.”

The weapon Kurou used was a katana received from his master. Although it was a good quality sword, to Kurou it was just an object. For someone who wasn’t even a Swordie, he had no intention to name his own sword.

“This stuff doesn’t matter!”

Sefi spoke with a piercing tone, cutting off Kurou and Hinako’s carefree conversation.

“Rou! Don’t you understand the present situation!?”

“No, I don’t get it at all. Sefi, why did you suddenly pull out your sword? Since it’s you, you didn’t have to barge on though, you’re always welcomed in my bed."

“Quit joking around! That said, what in the world do you call this? Why did it turn out like this!? You bring over a maid all of a sudden and you guys are living together in this kind of place!”

“Haha, I probably didn’t mention this to you yet Sefi. Eh? So you know why we are living here?”

“For this sort of thing I had immediately figured it out. That’s because I have people looking into Kurou’s tendencies.”

“I think I know the motives of those investigators.”

It was unlikely that it would be anything such as assassination related activities.

“Before that, I should have asked what Sefi’s motive was. Why did you come here? Why are you pointing your sword towards me?”

“W-Well you see......Rou, your sword goes beyond all expectations.....ah, forget about my motives and all that. Once I cut you down you need not mind that!”

“Of course I’m going to mind!”

As Kurou sharply snarked, he took a step back. Kurou understood Sefi didn’t have any killing intent but he also knew that she wouldn’t threaten and jokingly point a sword towards others.

Even if there was no killing intent, there was no doubt that she was going to take on Kurou seriously.

Regarding the reasoning behind Sefi’s actions, Kurou could only think of one explanation.

“......In that case, there’s something I want to say to that overly inquisitive maid over there.

Kurou looked towards Sefi as he spoke.

“What is it?”

“During the day, Freya probably mentioned it, something regarding a Swordie’s tendencies.”

“Yes it has been mentioned before. However, Kuro rendering that girl to a state where she couldn’t stand up anymore after combat left such a deep impression on me. I had forgotten about what she said accidentally.”

“What an unpleasant manner of speech you have. Whatever, let’s leave that aside for now......Swordies are known as the sword loving race.”

“Loving......swords?”

“Ugh......”

Hinako was dumbfounded while Sefi on the other hand frowned in dissatisfaction.

Kurou paid no heed as he continued his explanation.

“Just like how humans can be drawn towards appearances, smarts, physical capabilities, economic potential and many more things, a Swordie will be drawn towards a strong swordsman. Especially among female Swordies————just when a girl hits puberty, that kind of inclination appears to strengthen intensely.”

“By a strong swordsman......? Hey Kuro, within the Swordies, aren’t females overwhelmingly strong? That means......”

“That’s precisely the case. Normally speaking, Swordie girls always take a liking to other strong girls.”

“It’s probably hard to bear children like that.”

Hinako straightforwardly pointed it out.

Although it was just as Hinako said, however, for her to clearly draw this type of conclusion was really quite impressive.

It was also said that male Swordies were not really obsessed with swords. Usually, they were still into cute girls.

As a result, male Swordies usually will not end up as opponents to the females. Although this could be described as quite tragic, it doesn’t necessarily equate to a lower birth rate.

Another thing was, once puberty ended for a female Swordie, their infatuation with the sword weakens. Additionally, the habits of a female Swordie————usually does not result in many problems in regards to procreation.

“I’ve said it before, I will never have an affinity towards other girls. I don’t have that habit of being attracted to those who are strong. Just like how humans appreciate looks and personalities, there are swords I do like and ones that I don’t.”

“So you mean to say, you like my sword right?”

Kurou maintained perfect composure as he asked.

Right now, Sefi was blushing profusely.

“T-T-T-This cannot be! I have seen Rou’s sword countless times! Why would I even care about that sort of thing! If I were to see it again, there’s no chance that I’d be shocked or anything!”

As Sefi was denying this, she rambled on for quite a bit.

Although the possibility of a harem was quite low, it seems that Sefi had been hooked by Kurou’s sword.

“......Hmm, it’s really quite strange. I understand being fond of a stronger swordsman, but that blonde girl with the ponytail doesn’t seem to have a reason to cross swords with Kuro.”

Hinako remained calm the entire time. Was there anything that could rattle her?

Kurou wryly smiled and continued to elucidate.

“Being drawn to swords, this topic has to be explained further. Under this sort of state, the girls seem to want to battle against their favorite swordsman.”

“So it’s another particularly frightening display of affection.”

“Well, it is what it is. That said, your response is so insensitive.”

For it to be a good, overly inquisitive attitude, it would be nice to see her express some type of shock after learning about the essence of these things.

“I-I already said it isn’t like that. I’m not battling him because I like him! It’s just that, I’d like to slash apart the unfathomable Rou!”

“That’s a very pathetic excuse.”

Kurou wryly smiled and pulled out his katana in one swift motion. With the moon and starlight reflecting off of it, the blade flashed with an icy luster.

“......Overall, it leaves a despairing impression.”

Hinako stated as she slowly walked away from Kurou.

In fact, it was basically as she said.

Sefi was holding her massive sword that resembled a chunk of metal.

In contrast, Kurou carried a katana that was of ordinary length and width.

From a spectator’s point of view, it would appear to be a fight between a cannon and a pistol.

“You should stop spitting out all that nonsense! Rou, if you don’t focus, you’ll die!”

“I won’t die if Sefi doesn’t slash me!”

Sefi turned a deaf ear towards Kurou’s snark reply. After lifting the sword with both hands once again, she suddenly swung downwards.

As Kurou barely dodged it, that thick blade slid right past his body and created a loud impact when it hit the ground. The soil was immediately sent flying and the ground caved in as if there was an explosion.

“It’s not over yet!”

Sefi did not pause one bit as she raised her sword from the ground and slashed at him from the side.

A roar akin to a ferocious gale accompanied the swift sword slash. With much difficulty, Kurou backed off this time to dodge the strike. However, that heavy, thick blade just barely brushed past him and he felt the impact of the ensuing wind pressure.

“Y-You......”

With this, even Kurou broke out in a cold sweat.

Even if he was hacked by a normal Swordie, his body would probably turn into scraps. If he were to be cut by Sefi’s Starbreaker, then perhaps not even the tattered pieces of his body would remain. Although the burial process would be rendered unnecessary, this kind of death was really quite undesirable.

“Oh!”

Sefi’s lightning quick blade came flying by his side as if she wanted to cut him into two. In one swift motion, three trees were even severed. In addition, the trees that were chopped had been sent flying like a twig. The base of the chopped tree carried a gruesome look. It appeared completely mutilated as if it was mauled apart.

“Hey hey.”

Kurou unwittingly gulped.

Going way back, Sefi had always been this straightforward. She was the type to pour all her strength into one attack. With that kind of style, using a long and heavy blade like this was probably the ideal choice.

Kurou would never be able to utilize her type of sword. Even though Kurou’s katana wasn’t necessarily light, it did allowed him to make use of his body’s natural movements. Despite that, he might not even be able to lift Sefi’s Starbreaker let alone wield it. As expected, there was an impassable divide between the physical capabilities of a Swordie and a human.

“Rou! If you keep slacking off like that, even you will be...!”

“......!”

From Kurou’s perspective, Sefi’s sword had numerous weaknesses.

If the strikes were dodgeable, he could continue evading them no matter how many there were————as much he would like to think that was the case, Kurou’s stamina was not on par with hers. Under the pressure of the Starbreaker, who knows how long he could keep up his focus.

Kurou tightly clenched his teeth.

There was no choice, if this were to keep up————

“Sefi!”

Having seemingly been blown away, after he dodged Sefi’s overwhelming downward sword slash at the very last second————

“......!?”

Kurou sprung forward, putting so much power in his takeoff such that it was as if he wanted the ground to cave in behind him, and then slashed downwards.

“Ahh......!”
[[File:Kenshin v01 122.jpg|thumbnail|right]]
Sefi let out a small shriek as she backed off.

Her suit, jacket, and shirt were cut right down the middle as if the strike had been precisely measured. It wasn’t just that though, even her bra was beautifully cut into two halves.

However, the skin beneath the bra remained perfectly unharmed.

With that divine maneuver, Kurou managed to only cut Sefi’s clothes.

“Very impressive Kuro. Even though it would seem that you are a pervert, that technique was truly excellent.”

Hinako stated with a completely composed demeanor.

“Every Swordie can manage this sort of maneuver. It’s nothing impressive really.”

“......No, it’s not like that. To be able to evade my sword, slash my clothes, and do that without harming me or cutting a single hair on my body......there are only a few who could do this even among Swordies.”

“Eh?”

Not letting his guard down, Kurou maintained his stance and tilted his head.

Originally he had thought that if her clothes were cut, Sefi would waver a bit and cease her actions. However, Kurou’s expectations appeared to be completely falling apart.

“You’re very strong Rou. So strong, so strong, so strong, so strong, so strong......”

“Ah!”

While single-handedly wielding her sword, this time she attacked in succession.

She repeatedly struck without any hesitation at all. Her strikes were carefully aimed at his weak spots. Even though Sefi’s face was flushed red, she seemed totally elated. Despite that, her attacks were still pinpoint sharp. It really made him think, “as expected of her”.

“Rou, more, more, come on give me more! Let me feel satisfied!”

“Enough nonsense!”

In actuality, this was practically the first time Kurou had witnessed this habit of “Swordies loving swords”. Seeing a girl take this much enjoyment from it all, it was without a doubt a first time experience for him. Sefi was still very powerful even out of her usual serious demeanor.

Kurou’s last strike was unable to stop Sefi and instead added more fuel to the fire.

Well then, what should he do?

Kurou was evading Sefi’s strikes as he contemplated. With that said, even though he was pondering while dodging like this, Sefi’s attack was not to be underestimated.

“What are you doing Rou! You’ll die if you don’t counterattack, didn’t I say this before!? You are not allowed to die!”

“My goodness, just who is the one trying to kill me here————ah ha, damn it!”

Just as an idea surfaced in Kurou’s mind————he had lost his train of thought.

He no longer had the leisure of idling away in thought. He also couldn’t slash Sefi directly. If he were to kill the princess of the four generals, even if he had a valid defense, there would be no way around the death sentence. Furthermore, Kurou did not wish to harm Sefi in any way.

As a result————

“Sefi.”

Kurou instantly closed in and proceeded to tightly grab the wrist of Sefi’s right hand which was holding the sword. Just like when he sexually harassed her back then, Kurou’s movements completely caught Sefi off-guard. She revealed a stunned expression the moment her right wrist was seized.

“R-Rou......!”

Sefi’s eyes opened wide.

However, Kurou disregarded that as he inched his face closer————

“......Mmm!?”

His lips overlapped with Sefi’s. Her half opened lips looked as if they were being clamped as Kurou’s lips tightly held on.

“Mmm......mmmm!?”

“......Phew.”

He only had three seconds to savor her soft lips.

After Kurou separated from her lips, he kept his close distance and stared at Sefi’s face.

“A-A-Ahhhhhh......”

Sefi’s already flushed red face became even redder this time.

“Y-Y-You idiot!”

Following that, Sefi suddenly turned away and darted off like an arrow.

The Swordies were practically all fast runners. Even Sefi, who was wielding her Starbreaker, disappeared into the forest in a flash.

“......Hmmm, she ran away. Does that mean she doesn’t like me?”

“Is that your impression?”

Hinako snarkily replied as she walked by.

“Even if it’s a girl I meet by chance, I’ll get excited as long as she is cute. Although that doesn’t mean I’ll take a liking to them......do you think it was the same for Sefi just now?”

“You’re asking someone who has been under house arrest for over fifteen years......so......”

Indeed, Hinako wasn’t very familiar with the relationship between boys and girls.

“However, that’s probably what they call a kiss right? It’s my first time seeing one. If you could have sustained it for a bit longer, I would have been able to observe it more closely.”

“Even with this kind of request......I’m not the type to get excited over someone watching me.”

If it were to have lasted a little longer, he probably would have been chopped up by Sefi at that close of a distance.

“How regrettable. Well, she already left, isn’t that a good thing? Although being under attack was a catastrophe, you also got to enjoy a piece of it.”

“That couldn’t be more true.”

With just a quick kiss, she pretty much returned back to her normal state————although this was a simple solution, there were definitely other methods.

The tender feeling of Sefi’s lips, he was able to clearly describe them————if it weren’t under these conditions, he would really like to savor them again some time.

“It was clearly sexual harassment, but to have only been called an “idiot”, I am really quite fortunate.”

“Even so, it would be best if you apologized. Furthermore, the things she left behind must be returned to her.”

With that, Kurou glanced at the sword sheath Sefi left behind.

Although it was just a sheath, it appeared to be quite heavy. If he were to drag this along the ground all the way to the girls dorms, it was very possible that his back would break.

“Aaaahhhh!”

“......!”

Suddenly, a desperate cry was heard in the distance.

The person was without a doubt the same girl that was on a rampage here earlier. The melodious sound of her voice even made that shout a pleasure to the ears.

After that, Kurou took action without a second thought.

Grabbing Hinako’s hand, he ran off.

He had a very bad feeling about this.

In a scenario where even Sefi, who was holding onto her personalized sword, unwittingly cried out for help————

No matter what, he felt what was awaiting him would definitely not be pleasant.

Kurou’s night seems to have been dragged out longer.

“Sefi!”

As he traversed the forest, he noticed Sefi’s figure on the school’s pathway which led into the forest.

She was currently sitting on the ground and pressing against her right hand. Upon closer inspection, her Starbreaker was located a few meters away from her.

“R-Rou......”

Sefi spoke with a sigh of relief. However, Sefi wasn’t looking at Kurou, she was eying the other silhouette standing beside her.

“Hmm......?”

Kurou directed his gaze towards the other figure.

She was wearing a loose fitting robe and because of the hood draped over the person’s face, he was unable to see their expression. However, the petite figure along with the curves showing from the seams of the robe would indicate that she was a girl.

Her right hand was carrying a sword. It was the type of single-edged blade that most Swordies used.

Kurou grasped the katana he had pulled out in his hand and stood in front of the robed girl.

“Who the heck are you? What did you do to my woman?”

“Wait, what!? What do you mean by Rou’s woman!?”

“There’s no need to worry, I’ll definitely make you feel very happy.”

“That’s not the problem! My f-first kiss......was clearly taken away from me, and yet you’re still boasting!”

“Oh, that was your first kiss?”

“Enough, enough!”

“......These two really lack any sense of worry.”

Hinako’s muttering could be heard.

It was exactly as Hinako described, plus Kurou was not the serious type.

“Well, what happened Sefi? Are you hurt?”

“I’m fine, my right hand just feels a bit numb. When I was about to go back to the dorms, I was suddenly attacked by this person.”

“Hmm......”

“Without any explanation, she just charged right at me......it was really hard to believe.”

“You have no right to be saying this.”

It would probably be best if Sefi did a bit of introspection.

Although she did say it was a surprise attack, to be able to send her sword flying meant the opposition’s swordsmanship wasn’t exactly your everyday type. If the average swordsman attacked Sefi’s heavy, thick sword, their own sword would most likely be severed.

“Well, if you’re ok then it’s all good. If you had harmed my girl, I wouldn’t be able to let things end like this————!”

Kurou leaned back and dodged the enemy’s sudden attack.

“......Tch.”

The robed girl smacked her lips. Based on the faint sound that was heard, it was a girl after all.

Kurou positioned his sword and entered his battle stance. That last attack was aimed at Kurou’s throat. In other words, the opponent didn’t have any qualms with taking his life.

“Am I no different? Or rather, you don’t show any mercy to anyone who gets in your way? Well, it doesn’t matter either way. Furthermore, it’s getting late, I should probably dispose of you immediately.”

“......”

Having caught a glimpse of the girl’s face, it appeared that she revealed a twisted smile————

Immediately afterwards, the girl jumped into the air.

“......!”

She sprung high up, as if she had vanished from Kurou’s line of sight. That jump had to be at least four, five meters high.

“Guh!”

She descended like a bullet. The sword she was wielding clashed with Kurou’s katana. An ear piercing sound echoed and sparks violently erupted from the two blades.

The girl then wielded her sword in a dance-like fashion. On the other hand, Kurou consecutively parried her second and third strikes.

“......Guh! This is really dangerous!”

“......”

The robed girl jumped back a few meters. Without even a running start, it was hard to imagine that she was actually able to leap that far away.

“So you are a Swordie after all. In addition, it appears you are knowledgeable in the ancient battle styles.”

“......”

The robed girl did not respond.

The blade she wielded was cloaked by a faint light. It seemed that she was able to jump and utilize the light blade at the same time.

It was quite easy to see that she possessed superb swordsmanship. It was different compared to the battle against the toughened criminal ringleader and the fights against Sefi and Freya, who both lacked actual combat experience. The robed girl possessed this reliable technique and honed her strength by overcoming many hellish trials.

“However, you’re strong, really strong. Seeing someone like you, it’s clear to see how humans lost during the Great War a couple decades ago.”

The battle between humans and Swordies commenced when a massive portal opened which resulted in an abnormal atmosphere.

Furthermore, there were three reasons why Swordies were able to triumph over humans under those circumstances.

The first was the Swordie’s undeniable overwhelming physical capabilities.

Viewing it from the perspective of a human, an ambush with a sword versus an automatic rifle or machine gun was a completely illogical action to take under a normal state of mind. All you do is become a target.

However, from a Swordie’s perspective, humans were the ones who were inscrutable. Many of their soldiers would be bunkered down in narrow entrenchments in an unnatural kneeling or prone position. Leisurely using long-range weaponry when attacking was just asking to be sliced to death.

In what ways were the Swordies even targets? They were able to use their swords to reflect bullets, dodge artillery shells, and close in hundreds of meters in distance instantaneously. The human soldiers using these rifles were just cut down one after another.

And it didn’t just involve head on surprise assaults. Like this robe wearing girl, they hacked at them from outside their line of sight. There was nothing the human soldiers could do against a Swordie’s three-dimensional attack range.

“That said......this is the first time I’ve seen Kurou’s sword clash with another person’s.”

“When you’re unable to evade, that is the only option.”

Kurou slightly waved the blade of his katana.

The blade of the sword didn’t get bent in the slightest. He was left unscathed after clashing against the sword of a Swordie. Under normal circumstances, this was an impossible scenario. That girl’s attack clearly had the force to blast away Sefi’s ridiculously heavy sword......

“As a matter of fact, there’s nothing about it that’s hard to believe.”

The robed girl did not initiate her next attack. Perhaps she didn’t know what to do next.

Kurou smiled for a moment and then decided to enthusiastically answer her suspicions.

“If I were to evade your sword using normal methods, it’d be very challenging. However, I can read the path of your sword————right before you swing it. As long as I can read your planned attack and sense your aura, dodging you won’t be hard at all. It’s all due to Swordies being stubborn in using their speed and strength to wield their sword. With that, I’ll be fine as long as I slightly duck away from the path of your sword after our swords clash.”

“It sounds easy. If it’s easy to accomplish that sort of thing, there shouldn’t be any difficulty then......”

Sefi grudgingly spoke with admiration.

Using the minimum amount of strength required while utilizing the opponent’s momentum in parrying away their sword, thereby breaking up their strike. If there was just one instance where the sword wasn’t wielded properly, not only would the sword be snapped apart but he would most likely end up dead as well. The only time a Swordie’s strike can be parried is when executing top notch techniques in the instant he sees through the opponent.

“In the past, there were people known as samurais within this country. Many of them would wager their life on their sword and were not inferior to the Swordies in any way. Of course, their physical strength was weaker than that of a Swordie. However, to compensate for this————the samurais had ingenuity.”

Hundreds of years ago, even though they only numbered a few, Swordies had already started visiting this world. The number of samurais who fought them seemed quite plentiful in number.

It was said that among them, there were warriors who were capable of winning against the Swordies.

“This swordsmanship was created by the numerous powerful pioneers who used it to battle against Swordies. The remaining records from them were gathered, and codified as————the Olden Style.”

“Ha!”

The robed girl once again jumped into the air.

The moment she landed, she unleashed a full force attack that was repulsed by Kurou’s sword. Following that, accompanying this choreographic movement was a fury of attacks which was fearlessly parried away by Kurou.

The two blades collided, sparks flew in all directions, and a sharp metallic clash sounded.

In a flash, three instant kill slashes came at him, but they were also deflected by Kurou’s sword.

No, it wasn’t just that————

“......!?”

The robed girl was stunned to the point where she couldn’t even utter a sound. That was because there was a small slit in her robe by her shoulder and the skin beneath was faintly bleeding.

“Eh, my slice was too shallow. I really did focus on cutting in deeper.”

Kurou wryly smiled.

As he countered those three strikes, he also slashed at the robed girl.

“You’re very strong. However, you’re nowhere near good enough. Well, you shouldn’t be discouraged just because you can’t keep up with me. I measured my strength against the world’s number one monster every day. Although I was reluctant to do so, I have become quite strong from this.”

Indeed, the robed girl was very competent. Her skills were much more powerful than anyone he had seen in the Sword Academy.

However, no matter what there was no way it could match the world’s most omnipotent, the Sword Saint. Compared to her sword, this robed girl’s sword was not even close in terms of speed and technique.

“If you stop resisting, I won’t take your life. Furthermore, I want to know the reason why you attacked Sefi.”

“......”

The robed girl did not reply. Instead, she suddenly motioned the tip of her sword in a swift circle.

What was the meaning behind this? Just as Kurou thought to himself————

“Flames, go forth!”

The robed girl spoke in a low voice, resembling a voice from hell.

At this time, a flame appeared and wrapped itself around the white light blade————the slender flame was akin to a snake and it shot out straight towards Kurou.

“What the——!”

Kurou was unable to fully evade this unforeseeable attack. The snake-like flame swept past Kurou’s elbow, burning his skin as it sailed through.

“Could it be————mystic arts!?”

Kurou stated in shock.

It was said that Swordies could utilize powers that were the equivalent of magic————

This was the second reason why humans lost the Great War.

Being able to attack from long-range by manipulating flames, water, wind and such, basically the power of the mystic arts, caused a great deal of trouble for the humans during the Great War. Due to the assistance of these dynamic mystic arts, the Swordies were capable of cutting into enemy lines. Mystic arts were without a doubt the deciding factor during the Great War.

“These mystic arts......were supposed to have vanished a long time ago!”

Sefi picked up her sword and stood alongside Kurou.

It was just as she said. After the Great War ended and the portals closed, for some reason the Swordies lost their ability to use mystic arts.

Even those who participated in the Great War were completely unable to use mystic arts in the many years after. Plus, the next generation after the Great War were incapable of using mystic arts right from the start. That was how it turned out————

How odd. The robed girl and Kurou were both different from any other Swordie. Whether it was swordsmanship or mystic arts, there was something peculiar about their essence.

“What the heck is up with you? Are you really a Swordie......?”

“Hmph......”

The robed girl responded with a grunt of contempt towards Kurou’s suspicions and produced another flame snake.

“Tch......!”

Kurou smacked his lips and charged forth. This was so Sefi and Hinako wouldn’t be caught in the flames.

The robed girl expelled one scorching flame snake after another. Since he couldn’t defend the flames using his sword, Kurou could only rely on his predictions to evade the flame snakes.

“Damn it!”

In terms of swordsmanship, Kurou’s was still better.

However, even Kurou did not anticipate there would be an attack involving mystic arts.

If he wasn’t careful, he might be immediately defeated even with the kind of strength he possessed.

“......!”

As the robed girl was manipulating the flames, she also mixed in some direct attacks. After Kurou did his best to evade her sword, he was able to maintain his distance to her.

Setting aside the fact that he was able to do it against just her sword, he was even able exercise such patience when successively attacked by mystic arts as well.

He was already incapable of saying “I won’t take your life”. Not only that, there were only going to be two outcomes if things continue like this, either being slashed or roasted to death.

“Stop————”

“......?”

Suddenly, a brief voice was heard.

Kurou unwittingly looked in the direction of the voice.

The normally stoic Hinako now displayed an expression full of animosity, something Kurou could have never imagined.

“Please stop————”

“......!”

Following Hinako’s shout, the robed girl stopped in her tracks.

The flame snakes that were fired off in quick succession were instantly dissipated. An inconceivable silence shrouded the entire area.

It was hard to believe that the robed girl, who was an exceptionally skilled swordsman, would cease her actions upon hearing Hinako who wasn’t a swordsman or powerful in any way.

However, right now there was only————

Just as Kurou repositioned his sword,

“Sefi-sama!”

From a far distance, multiple shouts and footsteps were heard.

Someone was closing in, shouting as they sprinted.

“......!”

After the robed girl abruptly pedaled off Kurou’s shoulder, she forcefully jumped back. She then hopped onto the branch of a nearby tree.

Just like that, she leaped across the trees along the school’s forest pathway and disappeared.

“......She got away. No, rather we were the ones who were rescued......”

Kurou pressed on the shoulder that she had pedaled off of as he muttered.

Neither Sefi or Hinako had anything to say.

“Sefi-sama, are you here!?”

Leading the pack of people who were approaching them from a distance was that short-haired girl who was always around Sefi. The others consisted of quite a few people from Kurou’s class.

“Since it was already this late at night and you guys still had not returned to the dorms yet, everyone here decided to scatter around in search of you all. However, you guys being unharmed was the best result we could’ve hoped for!”

“Um, thank you, but nothing really happened.”

“......Eh, however, the front of your uniform has been cut open. Don’t tell me......”

The short-haired girl sharply glared at Kurou.

However, Kurou turned his head away, pretending he had no clue to what was going on.

Although he should be grateful for everyone’s overprotectiveness, right now wasn’t the time to relax and smile.

“What in the world, that person just now......”

Hinako once again returned to her stoic expression and quietly muttered.

What just happened? Kurou wanted to ask Hinako.

If that wasn’t Kurou imagining things, the robed girl actually stopped her attack right when Hinako shouted.

Hinako, just what did you do?

“I get the feeling that we are caught in a mess......”

Kurou voiced his complaints and sighed. He had already lost count how many times he had sighed these last couple of days.

There were numerous things he had to reflect over. However, he still had to send Sefi and the other girls back to the girls dorms.

Afterwards, in terms of what he could do————

He can only pray that nothing else will happen tonight.

</noinclude>

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| Back to [[Kenshin no Keishousha:Volume_1_Chapter1|Chapter 1]]
| Return to [[Kenshin no Keishousha|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Kenshin no Keishousha:Volume_1_Chapter3|Chapter 3]]
|-
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</noinclude>

Maou na Ore to Fushihime no Yubiwa:Volume 1 Chapter 3

2013-08-11T23:00:35Z

72.220.105.54: /* Chapter 3: The assigned mission */

==Chapter 3: The assigned mission==

The Ghoul that was suddenly delivered to my house — Zonmi Ra McKenzie.

The one that suddenly confessed to being a Nephilim — Kurose Kyouko.

Being currently trapped between the two of them, I was in a very dangerous position.

It was no joke, though it's not like I could tell how serious it was. If I found a green mushroom<ref>Mario reference.</ref> lying around, I'd pick it up and eat it.

Since I had to sleep soundly at the infirmary's bed until a while ago, the contents of the History lesson went totally over my head. Giving a quick glance to my surroundings, there was one female student giving me a glare as cold as ice. It was Zonmi.

It seems like my previous fleeing somehow offended her.

Hu~m, I should do something about this. Nonetheless, this problem was already not something I could solve by myself. Surely, besides the fact that the conversation steadily grew out of proportion like that, the information was very scarce from the start...

I took a deep sigh.

Then, I remembered the conversation we had right before at the infirmary.

International Monster Association.

Quite a suspicious organization... But it piqued my interest. Giving a careful thought, that was the source of it all — it seems they are pulling the strings.

Maybe there I can find some kind of solution...

A ray of hope from the Heavens. I immediatly looked for it, cell in hand. When in trouble, ask Google-sensei<ref>i.e. he's using the browser function on his cell phone to use a search engine.</ref>.

Results: 12,400 hits — It was faster than I thought.

It seems like the International Monster Association... As a joint of all monster associations, it seems that they are not all located in a single place, but instead they have set up a number of branch offices. Frankly, though I wondered if it was good to have all this information so easily accessible, I was thankful nevertheless.

After looking for the nearest branch office, I saved the address on my cell's memory. It seems that the place was in the area.

"Good! With this it'll be OK."

"... What's what it's 'oh-key'?"

Of course, this voice belonged to Zonmi. The umbrella she carried was sparkling.

With the point dripping red, I wonder whose blood it is.

"I think that this is not good too, I pondered about some things... A plan to overcome this situation.!

"Hoho, you will finally make a contract with me, won't you?"

"How did you arrive to that conclusion! Nobody said so!"

No matter how much you repeat it, I don't plan on getting such a shady job like monster tamer. Better than that kind of job, I'd even part-time washing corpses.

"Or, how should I tell you? Why are you carrying an umbrella even if it's not raining?"

I'd been trying to ask it since a while ago. The water-like blue umbrella in Zonmi's hand, it doesn't matter how you look at it, it's not one you could buy at a convenience store for 500 yen<ref>$5</ref>. Is this what you call "made on order"? It doesn't matter from where she brought it, in any case it's surely prety expensive.

"What a foolish question. We ghouls are weak against sunli — any light-based attack. This is a necessary tool to protect ourselves."

In order to avoid saying "sunlight", she corrected herself like that.

"Hu~mpf. Then, when you face one of those... light-based attacks, what'll happen?"

"When the corruption advances too much, our life is in danger. For the same reason, heat is also a hazard; the season known in the Human World as summer sends each year to hospital 100,000 ghouls."

"Ugh..."

How should I put it, there are 100,000 ghouls?

That's a scene I don't want to picture.

"Ah! Could be that the reason why Zonmi, in the beginning, came to my house in inly her underwear...?"

"Wha-wha-wha-what are you saying so suddenly!?"

"Wasn't that to reduce the body heat?"

"... Yes? Isn't that obvious!?"

"A~h, so that was it, like I thought. This solves another mystery..."

Seems like that cleared all the doubts in my mind.

Even ghouls have their problems. Surely, if they are confined in an airtight space for long periods of time, their body temperature would probably end up rising.

"... By the way, I'd like to ask you something as reference; until now, what did you thought it was the reason?"

"Hu~mph, I thought it was simply your hobby..."

BAM!

"Guah!"

I received a strong hit in my shin with the aforementioned umbrella.

A soothing nice sound resounded through the classroom.

"Ouch... Why, you idiot Chiharu... I got hit too."

Though I had the feeling that I could hear my buddy's moans from behind, I'd like to think it's the air.

That, wouldn't it hurt if it wasn't really a joke?

A lot of things happened and the end of classes drew near.

It was heart-breaking. I didn't know if a mayhem would break before reaching there.

And in addition to that.

I was currently trapped in a real game of tag<ref>鬼ごっこ (onigokko) in japanese, with 鬼 meaning "ogre"</ref> with two monsters that faced me ach time with a "let's make a contract".

Once the lesson ended, I rushed to the toilet even though I didn't have the need.

At noon break, the lunch I ate while seating on a toilet had a strong smell of ammonia.

This kind of moving endeavor, if I don't stop that trouble by today, will end up being the norm.

That's why.

With the signal of the end of classes, because of the aforementioned, I rushed out at full power.

"Ah! Hey, Chiharu! Why are you fleeing, you coward!?"

"Oy, Chiharu! You promised to come with me to catch monsters after classes!"

However, I didn't look back. I had the feeling that I shouldn't look back.

Let's follow what my father told me. Let's head once and for all to the International Monster Association. Though it'll be good if I find some kind of valuable information... The timely end of the noon break + the full speed I came with till here = not a soul around.

I was careful that Zonmi and Kyouko<ref>It said "Zonmitachi", but since they are 2 as for now, I'll better put both names instead of "the others".</ref> didn't chase me. I endend quickly leaving the school.

I hurriedly finished changing into my outdoor shoes by kicking the ground.

Then, as I approached the school gate, I was struck by a heavily uncomfortable feeling.

There there were trucks piled like bricks.

I blinked once. I rubbed my eyes.

It can't be, recently my eyes are must be doing tricks to me.

Hahaha... It seems that somehow or other, the scene I'm seeing right now is not a hallucination.

The countless piled trucks were packed right before the gate, like if someone intentionally put there to obstruct the exit. What a nonsensical view.

"Ha-ru~"

I looked at the source of the voice.

It came from far above. From the top of the piled trucks.

There, squatting slightly, was a slender girl. Struck by the wind, her ponytail swayed right and left.

"Kyouko..."

I couldn't do nothing but stood with my mouth shut.

Unbelievable. Could this all be Kyouko's doing...?

"Sorry, Haru. It's a dead end."

"Hey, hey, this better be a prank."

Is it because of the mood? This girl... gives a different feeling than usual.

The atmosphere froze from the tension.

"... Haru is a bad kid. Since you won't make a contract with me. That's why you ran away."

"Wait a minute! What are you planning to do!"

The time, after school.

Here and there were students going back home, it seemed that they would notice something strange going on.

"Though I think that Haru will somehow be somewhat fine, please don't die. Perhaps, since I can't go easy... I'll obligate you to make the contract by force!"

"Ehm... Hi?"

This is bad.

Kurose Kyouko.

Though it seems she has a reputation in the school of being an angel, right now her expression was, no matter how you look at it, that of a demon. She'll use any means to reach her goals... That's what her eyes were saying.

Then, as if she had thought of something, Kyouko removed her bracelet from her wrist and threw it to the sky.

I wonder what will happen.

The bracelet changed in a flash into a rod<ref>全属棒 (zenshokubou) or all-[included/affiliated/belonging] cane. I don't know how to translate this and I haven't found no info on it.</ref>, isn't that her weapon of choice?

That shape... It's something you usually see on games.

Its design was like a mix of spear and axe. Perhaps it's what they call a halberd.

I think Kyouko won't hesitate to thrust it from the top of the trucks,

"Secret technique: moonsault."

I had a hunch she muttered something like that.

The truck revolved through mid-air. Something incredible revolved through mid-air.

Though I don't think I know what to say, Kyouko, making use of her abnormal superhuman strength, as she started to make a piercing attack, she tossed with force the truck she was standing on.

Describing a beautiful arc, she turned in mid-air. She fell onto me like that.

Along with a thunderous roar as if the earth was splitting, lots of dust danced in the air.

"Wah!?"

I could narrowly dodge that. If my reaction was one second late, by now I would have become as flat as her chest.

"Ah~! Why did you avoid it...? Had it hit, you wouldn't have need to suffer."

Hey, hey. You must be joking... What a ridiculous strength.

"What the heck! Didn't you want to make a contract until just now!?"

"... Maybe it's Haru who doesn't understand anything. To monsters, what's the meaning of the contract with a tamer... If it continues like this and that ghoul girl fetches the contract, I'll act like this."

"..."

That's right, Zonmi also said the same thing before.

But because of that, is it good this contracting by force...?

<nowiki>*</nowiki>GURUN*, Kyouko wielded the aforementioned truck.

That's bad, her reach is too long. I don't think I can avoid being hit.

And if I try to stop the attack, both my arms will end up totally smashed.

Like that, I had a single option left. I kicked the ground and dashed at full power.

"Ku..."

<nowiki>*</nowiki>GOTSUN*, a dull sound echoed through my bones. It seems like I couldn't avoid it by a paper-thin margin.

It seems that my left leg ended up taking serious damage. I don't think I can keep standing very long.

"Sorry, Haru. I really didn't want to show such a violent behavior..."

"Why do you... Show me something like this, Kyouko!"

Or perhaps, could it be that it's bad manners to ask that?

However, I couldn't help but asking.

It's like that, after all? Till now, I was thinking of Kyouko as a human. I don't know nothing about Kyouko as a Nephilim...

"Right... For starters, why don't we talk about our clan?"

While looking from above to me, my leg broken, Kyouko told with a serious tone.

"Us, the Nephilim clan, while being from the giant tribe, are a heretic breed born from crossbreeding between humans and fallen angels... In other words, we are incomplete beings that don't belong to either of the two.

Though our ancestors originally barely subsisted in a corner of the Netherworld, that became a good pretext. The persecuted Nephilim were chased off from their territory and ended up migrating to the Human world."

"... Really, to me it seems like other people's problems."

"They didn't have any other way. When I was born, the Nephilim clan had been already chased out of the Netherworld. That's why I don't know what the Netherworld looks like."

"..."

"Neither monsters nor humans, we are in between. If, once again, we had a chance to regain our place in the Netherworld... That would only be by making a contract with a Monster tamer and attaining some achievements... Although that's my father opinion."

Kyouko laughed bitterly.

Ah, somehow I'm absolutely pitiable.

Kyouko shouldered the destiny of the entire Nephilim tribe.

On one hand, I felt like I was under a kind of joke... About contracts with monsters, that much I understand. Though maybe I noticed it too late.

"Well, then. Haru... This is the finishing blow. You'll be sleeping soon."

<nowiki>*</nowiki>FIUU*, the wind blew. The truck was swung mercilessly.

This time I definitely won't be able to evade. When I closed my eyes with resignation...

"You are truly a useless master, indeed."

Silver hair gently brushed by the wind. A dignified appearance.

Opening my eyes, a slender girl had stopped the truck with an umbrella.

"Zonmi!?"

She was Zonmi. Has she blocked this forceful contacting? Her umbrella blown off to nowhere, her arm bent in an impposible direction with a snap.

"Hey, you, is your arm OK."

"Don't make light of a ghoul. A wound of this degree is only a scratch."

"..."

That's probably true. I don't think she's bluffing.

"I was holding back. Quickly, move from there... Or do you have a plan?"

"... Ah."

I nodded.

What she said back then... I was reminded of it.

I ran. I ran at full speed.

Luckily, it seems like my injured left leg has considerably recovered. Really, I'm grateful of the seemingly magical constitution of my body.

"Ha-Haru... Don't escape!"

She swung the truck downwards.

However, this time I wasn't that scared... I felt an inexplicable calmness.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>FLASH!*

Moving as nimbly as a cat, Zonmi blocked the descending truck with her body.

"... Thank you."

"It-it's nothing, you don't have to thank me. If you want to repay me, do it with actions!"

I looked at Zonmi, whose skull had sunk; let's keep a secret what those bits that could be seen were.

I sprinted towards the gate. Looking carefully at the crudely piled up trucks, there is a gap I could pass through by bending myself a little. Praying that it wouldn't crumble, I quickly passed through the trucks.

This... It's seems like I won't go home empty-handed.

As I sensed a heavy pressure, I headed to the station as fast as I could.

Though I was curious about the course of Zonmi and Kyouko's battle, nothing good could come for me.

International Monster Association. Thought that's quite a suspicious name it has, I couldn't but feel that it had the key to the problem.

I was running with a speed that wouldn't lose even to that of Melos when he wanted to save Selinuntius<ref>Both Melos and Selinuntius are characters of the story [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Run,_Melos! Run, Melos!].</ref>.

I boarded a train that arrived with good timing.

<center>× × ×</center>

After reaching my target place, I was speechless.

If I thought that it'd be an easily recognizable place... There was the indispensable neccesity for a home's dinner table, the local based retail shop "Sakurazaka butchery".

Seriously...? Is this my hometown...?

Looking at "Sakurazaka butchery" like the map told, it was a run-of-the-mill tattered and inconspicuous building. It seems that the International Monster Association's branch office was located at the third story.

Since I asked... I hope I can get some results.

Filled with anxiety, I went up the stairs. While I was going from second to third floor...

... A pink snake appeared before my eyes.

With its swollen belly, it looked like a never seen before species.

Is this... A monster?

Twirling it's tongue, it seemed to be saying "follow me" without words.

What the heck... Could this be some kind of trap?

But, even if I worry, it can't be helped. As if following the snake, I passed through the door of the branch office. Inside there was such a mess that it resembled, for example, a so-called "jumbled bedroom of a college student". There were so many books and documents scattered everywhere that it was difficult to find a place to stand.

Taking a look inside, there was a collapsed person on top of a slightly large desk. It was a woman.

She had long eyelashes on her narrow eyes. A well-proportioned nose. Long, glossy and slightly wavy fair hair.

With an overall composed atmosphere, a person that gave the feeling of an unbelievably pretty young woman.

[[File:Maou_na_Ore_to_Fushihime_no_Yubiwa_p101.png|thumb]]

"You were... Let's see... Chiharu-kun, if I'm not mistaken?"

"That's right, but... Who are you?"

Though having one's own name disclosed gave a tinge of uneasiness... That much was crystal clear.

Knowing my name, this person surely... is somewhat related to Monster tamers.

"I'm Luka. Everybody calls me that.<ref>i.e. without honorifics.</ref> I'm the Monster tamer entrusted with the protection of this area... I's fine if you call it a kind of recognition."

The Monster tamer that guards this area... I've heard that there are many IMA branches throughout the world. Could it be that each one has a Monster tamer in charge of each section?

"This is the branch office of the International Monster Association, isn't it? Isn't the public information about it a bit too open?"

"That's right. It seems like in the olden days they liked to be a little more concealed, but now it's different. Wouldn't you understand by looking at the situation outside? That's not something you can hide for long."

"... How did the world end like that?"

"That's what we want to know, Chiharu-kun. Before long, the world will approach an unprecedented crisis. That's why this time we assumed the risk of recruiting a large number of Monster tamers. We expect your participation."

"..."

Though she is talking about a risk, even I did know that she meant the Monster rebellion of the reports.

Softening the traffic through the Abyss Gate that connects the Netherworld and the Human World.

Is that the extent of the risk we must assume...?

"Then, did you want to ask only that?"

".. No, I came here to day to ask something."

"Fu, fu; what do you mean?"

Luka-san showed a captivating smile.

I told her the whole story.

My election as a Monster tamer. Being stuck in the middle of a conflict between the Ghoul and Nephilim clans. The scattering sparks of the confrontation those two had just a while ago.

'Ah, this person must be consulted about things like this a lot.'

Luka's attitude while listening to my talk was enough to make you think like that.

However, only a little.

If there was something that piqued my attention, was the manner in what, in the middle of my speech, Luka-san contained her laughter... I wasn't telling nothing funny.

"Yeah, I more or less understand... Chiharu-kun is still a child."

"I'm... a child?"

"Yeah, a child. Concretely, the kind of child that eats his hamburger with ketchup."

"what's with that evaluation standard!?"

"Adults eat plain oroshiponzu<ref>A japanese sauce made of soy, citrus juice and grated radish.</ref>."

"What, I didn't know!?"

I was worried to be told that my common sense didn't resemble the common sense of the world.

"Then, in the end. Which monster do you choose."

"Which one... Would it be a problem if I don't choose?"

"Yeah, I'd say a big one. You are seriously a good-for-nothing."

"..."

Those words hurt deeply as if they were arrows.

How do I say it... Luka-san is someone with a mysterious atmosphere.

Rather talkative and loving to joke, it was like her eyes could see through anything as if it were totally transparent.

"Well, why don't you try to change your way of thinking? Which one would you like as a girlfriend?"

"What's with that kind of twist?"

We're not making any progress... Concluding that, I tried to go right to the point.

"Frankly, I'd like that you taught me a way so that no one gets injured. Please teach me a way so that Zonmi, Kyouko and me will all be happy."

"How sweet. Don't you think you are asking for something unreasonable?"

"... I suppose."

"There's one way."

"There is!?"

Looking at her eyes, I understood. She's like Manami... Someone born under the star of extreme sadism. Perhaps, making fun of people is her only way to have fun.

"However, though it would be fine to teach you, there are conditions. Will you do me a favor?"

Luka-san let out a captivating laugh.

Sincerely, even though I was annoyed because I felt like I was dancing on the palm of her hand, I nodded reluctantly.

"In short words, since about three days from now I want to go on vacation, I'd like you'd guard this area in the meantime. Could you? Yo seem like a reassuring comrade. You see, since while I'm entrusted with this task, I don't have the chance of traveling afar..."

"Wa-Wait a minute! Is it OK leaving that kind of serious duty to other people to do!?"

"Don't worry, don't worry. It's a special situation."

Even when you talk about it incredibly lightly, isn't that quite a serious duty...

"If something important happens like having to guide a newbie tamer, as long as you don't act unstylishly, that's fine. Be at ease."

"A newbie tamer... Hey, I haven't agreed to become a Monster tamer yet..."

"Is that so!?"

Luka-san began to talk like she had just remembered something.

Are you ignoring what I say...?

"I'll kindly give you some advice. As you know, newbie tamers have to chose one out of three monsters given that match their own aptitude, who will become their chosen partner. Do you understand the meaning of this?"

"Eehm, what's the meaning?"

"Right now, there are two monsters before you. Those two where both proposed as choices to you. As far as I know... Should there be one other more?"

"And that one... has yet to appear?"

"You should take that possibility into account. It seems... That your misfortune has only just started."

"... Don't say something ominous that seems like a line from a cancelled manga."

Though I was curious about the words Luka-san had said, I feel we should follow the track we were on for now.

To guard the area while Luka-san is gone... I don't understand well, but should I try to ask Zonmi and Kyouko to collaborate for the time being...?

With my chest filled with determination, I left behind that place.

<center>× × ×</center>

"I'm home!"

"..."

Zonmi appeared when I was changing out of my outdoor shoes at the entryway after returning home.

On top of the worn-out clothes I gave her, for some reason she was wearing an apron, but it was OK.

That's... Supposed to be a gag?

There was a large knife stabbed into Zonmi's forehead.

"Hey... Is your head OK?"

"Wha-Whaaat!?"

Zonmi raised her voice with her mouth open wide.

"What do you mean!? I'm normal, as you can see; don't lump me together with a pervert like you!"

"... No, it's not that. I mean this, this."

"Ah!"

*JAM*, I extracted the knife that was stuck into Zonmi's head.

If I remember correctly... The one stuck on Zonmi's head was my favorite.

"I mean, how couldn't you notice that you had a knife stuck on your own forehead...?"

When I pointed that out, Zonmi puffed her cheeks.

"It cant be helped, can it!? Since us ghouls don't bear such an illogical system like what's known as sense of pain!"

She rebutted angrily.

No, no, the sense of pain is something important. It's an important signal that our body sends us as a SOS... Though we could say... That ghouls were seemingly immortal from the start, they have no need of such a function.

"Well, who was the one who did such a horrible thing?"

Surely, that must not be self-inflicted.

While I had a hunch about who was the culprit, I had to at least ask.

"It was Chiharu's little sister. I don't know why, but she suddenly stabbed me."

"As expected."

Frightening.

Had Zonmi not been a ghoul, what did she plan to do?

Fiuu... I had been on the verge of shouldering a crime that would have haunted me my whole life.

"Well, I still have many questions..."

"Yes, like?"

"After that, how did end your battle with Kyouko?"

Though I'm worried by my sister's insurgence, that comes first.

I couldn't see any big injuries on Zonmi's body, with the excetion of her forehead, and since she has returned to my home, does that mean she had won?

"I have no excuse. I managed to corner her, but... In the end, she managed to slip out at the last second."

"... Is that so?"

More than enough.

That Kyouko that boasted such a superhuman strength as being able to wield a truck with one hand managed to slip out. Zonmi's true ability is probably more than I expected, though.

"Mmm... Mmmm!"

For some reason, I could hear my sister shrieking.

"Hey, Zonmi... By the way, what did you do with Manami?"

"If you mean your sister, didn't I restrain her with ropes so she didn't act violently?"

"..."

She calmly told me. What are you doing with other people's little sisters, you punk.

When I was about to voice that, Manami appeared tied in a turtle-shell bondage...

"Oo... Mmm..."

She probably tried to mutter "Onii-chan!", but I couldn't understand it due to the towel stuffed into her mouth.

Even if I was curious of where could Zonmi have learnt to tie a turtle-shell bondage when there's no chance for that within a normal lifestyle, right now that didn't matter.

"Wait, I'll help you right now."

"... Please, stop. Once you unbind her, what if she goes on a rampage again? To contain her brutishness, isn't it better to leave her like that?"

"Is my sister some kind of beast?"

Come to think of it, the transfer student introduced herself like that on her first day.

Zonmi truly hates humans...

I thought about that while I removed the towel from her mouth.

This situation... Rather than your run-in-the-mill teasing, somehow I got the opposite feeling.

"... Haaah! O-onii-chan! Who is that!? She didn't die even though I killed her, she's totally weird!"

"Calm down, Manami, aren't you the weird one? For starters, it isn't ethical to kill someone.

I don't know why, but I seem to be surrounded by people without a speck of common sense. Crap, now my head is hurting.

"You zombie girl! Don't get near my Oniiiii~-chan! Scram!"

"I'm not a zombie. I'm a proud ghoul, Zonmi."

Zonmi muttered a complaint.

Ah, of course she'd fuss over that.

"Well, about stabbing kitchen knives on people's foreheads... it's bad, OK?"

"Bu-but sheee~! She came all of a sudden and said 'I'll live together with oniichan'! I won't allow that!"

"Did you say that... Zonmi?"

"Yes. So that something like today's doesn't happen again. At least until the end of our agreement, don't leave my field of view."

"..."

Certainly Zonmi could also help me with other things when going out of the house. I don't know when Kyouko would try to make a contract by force again.

"Listen, Manami... We don't have another option. Even though I don't want to go along with that, but the circumstances don't allow us to not live together..."

"Wha-what? You have to cohabitate even when you don't want to go along?"

"We~ll, there are some deep issues..."

"Onii-chan... Could it be that she's your sex friend?... That's it! I won't allow it! Kill, I'll kill her! Onii-chan, untie me! I have to kill her!"

"What things are you saying?"

"Urk!"

I poked Manami in the forehead.

As you see, Manami has a tendency to easily go on instant rampage, but if you talk things with her, she has good sense... Though even I wasn't sure if that's really the case.

"Mmmph<nowiki>~~~</nowiki>! Onii-chan, how cheeky. For this, I'll whip you later a hundred times as a punishment."

As I expected, she has always been like this...

"Se-se-se-sex fr..."

For some reason, Zonmi's face was as red as a tomato and muttering something under her breath.

"Hurry, untie me quickly! Onii-chan is being tricked by this demon! I must open your eyes!"

"If I untie you, you shall listen to the circumstances."

"Mmm~"

I unbound Manami's ropes.

I'd wish that once I'm done no more troubles arise, but maybe that's wishful thinking...

<center>× × ×</center>

Later. After wasting a whole hour persuading Manami, we went to have dinner. Over the round table there was a menu of karaage accompanied by salad and miso soup that, while simple, suited our tastes.

I was surprised that Zonmi made all of this without help.

Something that was bothering me, it seems that Zonmi was wearing an apron earlier because she was preparing to make dinner.

The sweet oily aroma of the deep-frying greatly aroused our appetite.

"Ooh, this is delicious."

The outside was crispy while the inside was juicy. At the same time, a nice spicy flavor filled my mouth.

"Is that so? I learnt how to make it to suit your tastes."

"Mmm~. Onii-chan exagerates! When he's in front of a beauty, he just makes a stupid grin! You glutton!"

"If that's so, try to eat too."

Showing her dissatisfaction, my sister threw the karaage into her mouth.

"...!"

"How's it, delicious?"

"Hmph. It's really not a big deal! The food onii-chan cooks is a hundred times more delicious!"

Despite saying that, Manami moved the chopsticks with amzing speed... This fellow's not honest.

Since we have no father and mom has been living overseas because of work forever, I was usually in charge of cooking. It wasn't my intention, but something inevitable.

It's not like Manami couldn't cook... But if I let her, I don't know what would she mix with it. No, I'm not joking.

"That was surprising. Zonmi, you cook really well."

"Of course. That's because to us monsters, food is an indispensable source of magical power."

"Eeh~, so it's like that."

It seems like magic replenishment works like normal nutrition.

"This miso soup, in particular. It doesn't lose to the one I usually make, even though the ingredients are all the same... Huh?"

"That miso soup alone was done by your sister. She stubbornly kept telling me 'I'll make it'..."

What the heck. I had a very unpleasant premonition.

"... Sorry. I'll go throw this out the sink."

"Ah! Onii-chan, meanie! This time I didn't put anything weird!"

"As if I believe you! You have to many antecedents! Be sincere, have you put anything dangerous in it?"

"I really didn't put anything this time... Well, except for a handful of love..."

"... As I thought, I'm throwing it out."

"Uwaaaaaaaa! Time out, onii-chan! It was 30,000 yen for ten grams! I used up my meagre savings to buy it!"

"As if I know!"

I had to take advantage well of this momentum to get rid of the miso soup.

"Gyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!"

Manami emitted a strange sound like that of an uprooted mandragora.

"..."

Zonmi stared at us siblings usual behavior with such a cold gaze that could almost freeze.

No, what am I saying. Really... what was that?

"... Well, then, have you come with a plan to overcome that?"

"Yeah, about that..."

I told her about what happened earlier with Luka-san.

"Is that so? If that's what Luka said, we can trust that information."

"Eh, you know her? Is Luka-san a celebrity?"

"The Snake charmer Monster tamer... Luka the Snake tamer. A competent Monster tamer that's first in the list to become the next Maou. Having accomplished innumerable achievements, she's a charismatic celebrity even in the Netherworld."

I see. I thought she was someone with an extraordinary aura around her, but was she such an amazing person?

"To protect the area... Is it? Since, in the first place, it's not like anything big will happen, the degree of difficulty of that mission should be very low."

"... There shouldn't be any big incidents in this area."

"That's why, we shan't be negligent. For that, from tomorrow onwards, we have to successfully guard this area."

"Eh, but school..."

"It ended half destroyed during my battle with the Nephilim. It will be closed for a while."

"..."

I take back what I said.

Police, help! Something big has happened!

My chest is filled with feelings of guilt.

Incidentally, when I looked at Manami, 'Mph!', with her lips pursed, she looked displeased for some reason.

"Hey, in other words, isn't that a date?"

"Absolutely not, why don't you listen to what people say?"

"Liar! Even if you give this or that pretext, isn't that two people spending all day together? That's a date, after all!"

"Ha, ha, what things you say, Manami. Hey, Zonmi, say something..."

"Da-da-date... Date..."

Zonmi was looking down, her cheeks dyed red for some reason.

... Hey, why didn't you deny it.

"Mmmmph. See, like I said! I definitely won't approve it! It's too early to go on a date with oniichan, how audacious!"

"And what would you expect me to do, spending all day sleeping at home?"

Even if I conceded and called it a date, I don't know why would I need approval from my sister.

"I will also go with you. It's only fair."

"Sorry, I don't understand. First, there's no benefit from your tagging along."

"There are benefits."

"Isn't that at best a punchline with something like a low-acidity shampoo?"

"It's not... Or should I say I have doubts of your sense of humor..."

While she threw me a scornful glance, 'Ahem!', Manami cleared her throat and continued.

"Onii-chan, wouldn't it be bad if you somehow ended up shopping for clothes or underwear with this Zonmi?"

"Wah!"

The moment she heard Manami's words, Zonmi's body twitched.

"Ah~. Now that you mention it, her clothes are indeed worn out. As expected, we should buy her new ones."

"Don-don't worry, I don't need them. These clothes are more than enough.

"... Now that you mention it, it seems that somehow you were able to wear our school uniform, from where did you get that?"

"That... I got it from Luka. She also helped me with the school admission."

"Eeh, so it was like that...?"

I had been wondering till now, but that cleared it.

During the two days I hadn't seen Zonmi, she was at Luka-san's place.

"I mean, was there where you changed into that zombie underwear? You didn't perhaps kept wearing it, right...

When Manami asked that with scornful eyes, Zonmi's body twitched like a golden fish out of water.

"Hey... Could it be... You..."

"I-I din't have other way! I couldn't ask any one to buy me underwear! I-I simply kept wearing those I like... Hey, Chiharu! Don't look at me with those eyes!"

"Ha, ha..."

This means tomorrow we three will end up going shopping.

Of course, about guarding the area, however... I'm certain even a monk would be worried.

<center>× × ×</center>

Later.

Zonmi decided to take a bath, and meanwhile I secretly slipped out of the house.

My aim was, of course, to see how things were going on at Kyouko's side.

Leaving behind a note that said 'I'm going to the convenience store', I went out.

Right now I could be easily attacked but, nevertheless, I couldn't simply leave it be. Even assumming that Kyouko is a monster, it didn't change the fact that she's my childhood friend.

Walking by the street at night, after a short while I saw Kyouko's apartment. It was made of wood and you couldn't call it nice even as flattery. When I was a kid, I often came here to play, but recently I didn't have many chances to visit.

Will she be fine... that girl.

Don't worry. Even if she gives an impression of stern behavior, she's unexpectedly softhearted...

""Ah!""

While turning a corner on the road, I ran into a jersey-clad Kyouko.

"..."

Kyouko held a supermarket bag. At this hour... Perhaps she aimed for the last-minute discount goods<ref>In Japan, supermarkets start giving discounts to unsold goods a little while before closing tiome in order to get rid of them. For more info, go see or watch the ''Ben-To'' series.</ref> I know since I often also do the same.

"Yo!"

Same as before, There was an awkward mood, but since it was this time, I loudly greeted her.

"What a surprise. You are a shocking idiot... You won't live long."

"Yes, I'm an idiot, did you notice it at last, you idiot?"

Of course it's not like I didn't feel uneasy.

But, right now, I shouldn't leave Kyouko, her eyes full of doubt, alone. That's why,

"Hey, do you want to talk for a bit?"

I made up my mind and broke the ice like that.

I hadn't been to Kyouko's place since elementary school, it really has been five years.

"Ha, ha, ha, it hasn't changed in the slightest, your house."

"Stop it! It can't be helped if since the start we didn't have many things!"

Kyouko's room had only the necessary minimum furniture, living with a simplicity you wouldn't expect of a girl her age. At school, Kyouko gives a gorgeous impression. If those guys in class knew, they'd surely faint.

"Would you like something to drink?"

"Aye."

"Calpis, perhaps?"

"No, I don't like the calpis you serve here beacause it's watery!"

Silent kick (ommitted).

"Barley tea, please."

"OK."

As we conversed like that, I was relieved.

Good, Kyouko hasn't changed.

At least it seems I don't have to worry being suddenly attacked.

Unintentionally, I remembered the times I came to this house to play in elementary school.

When was it?... Since playing with girls was embarrasing, my relation with Kyouko ended up straining. Also, could it be because of the deep memories this place held?... As this house hadn't changed in the last five years, I felt a strange sense of security.

A while later, Kuoko returned with cups on both hands.

"Say, don't you think I could attack you?"

Muttered Kyouko while lowering her back to the floor.

"Did you plan on attacking?"

"Well. You've seen my battle with that ghoul. There's no reason for that kind of thing. Sorry, Haru, that time... Somehow it ended like that."

"Is that so? That's good. Since I also want my first time to be with the girl I like."

Playing dumb, Kyouko chuckled a little.

"Haru, please look behind for a moment."

"Why so sudden?"

"It's fine."

Being told that, I turned back.

Let me see, I feel that recently things always develop like that... Specially today.

When I turned around after hearing a 'Now it's fine', I found Kyouko had removed her clothes.

Wearing nothing but her underwear, Kyouko's upper body, though unconsciously trembling, gave a sense of earnestness as she said the following:

"I'll show you from now on, my true form."

"... OK."

As soon as she told that, black things clearly sprouted from Kyouko's back.

Covered by thin hair, they became the shape of wings.

It would be difficult to compare them with something of this world, but if you force me to do it, they were closer to bat wings... They weren't things you could call lovely even as flattery. They were eerie wings that stirred up unpleasant and disturbing feelings.

"This is only a part, If you wish I can fully transform. Want to see?"

"No, that's OK..."

Better refrain from that. As what I'm seeing doesn't give a very pleasant feeling, if I see more than that my head will probably hurt.

"Since about when..."

As a shadow covered her face, Kyouko muttered:

"I was aware I wasn't I human ever since I was born... I didn't learn it. It was harsh. Even while concealing my true self, I couldn't become close to anyone..."

"... Why din't you tell me until now?"

"I couldn't, this form... is revolting, right?"

"..."

I couldn't either deny or confirm it.

While one must be able to solve his own problems<ref>The literal translations is "one must finish no matter what laundry", which I take it means "one must solve his own problems, no matter how difficult they are"; if you know an equivalent english expression, feel free to change it.</ref>, I couldn't make an instantaneous decision.

"While it may seem a trifling matter to other people, I often pondered about what kind of person I was. Always wondering for what reason I was born."

"..."

"But, you know? Recently, at last, I had a chance to make good use of this power. That was when I knew Haru had been chosen as a Monster tamer. I was glad. If I could display my power for the sake of someone close to me, I thought wouldn't it be a happy thing in the end?"

"Really?"

So she was thinking about that kind of things.

"But it's too late. It may be too late. Today, you know, when I gathered my stregth and decided to open I my heart, there was already other girl besides Haru. I was scared. I felt she had stolen the place I'd just found... that's why I made a fool of myself. Why did it end up like this?... In addition to this creepy things... I made myself be hated..."

Kyouko looked downwards, droplets dripping from her eyes.

... Now that I think, Kyouko has always been like this.

Really, who was it she got from that bad habit, pretending to be tough with a composed face... She ends up shouldering all of her troubles alone.

That's why today I'm extremly happy.

This fellow has conveyed her true intentions to me.

I softly put my hand on Kyouko's head and gently stroked her hair.

"Aren't you always causing a ruckus? I got used to it long ago."

"But..."

Worried about Kyouko, I said.

"Kyouko, the elementary school graduation album. On the column of our dreams for the future, do you remember what I wrote I wanted to be?"

"... A stag beetle."

Those were records labeled as 'Dark History' on my internal memory folder.

"Correct, they have it good. They are free to eat nothing but watermelon. Moreover, they are cool because they have horns."

"... What do you mean?"

"Don't you understand? My dream hasn't changed since then, I still wan't to be a stag beetle! That's why, don't worry, you wings are honestly cool. They are not creepy at all."

"... Aren't you stupid. Saying this kind of things even though you are in middle school..."

"That's it, you hadn't noticed until now, stu~pid?"

That day, Kyouko cryed.

What's more, they were happy tears.

Because of that, I got home late and was severely tied by the two girls awaiting there.

I cried too.

Since those two's punishment honestly wasn't a joke. Saying 'Human, it would be best if you died.', I feel you don't want to know the rest.

Perhaps, I won't forget in my life what happened today.

What I'm saying, I feel this is the most dense time in my life.

[[File:Maou_na_Ore_to_Fushihime_no_Yubiwa_p131.png|thumb]]

 

<noinclude>==References and Translation Notes==
<references />

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|-
| Back to [[Maou na Ore to Fushihime no Yubiwa:Volume 1 Chapter 2|Chapter 2]]
| Return to [[Maou na Ore to Fushihime no Yubiwa|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Maou na Ore to Fushihime no Yubiwa:Volume 1 Chapter 4|Chapter 4]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

Chrome Shelled Regios:Volume15 Chapter2

2013-08-06T00:49:54Z

72.220.105.54:

===Chapter 2: The Impassioned One===

Samiraya Miruke burned. She was staring at the poster with burning passion. She was in it. On the poster was also her name. Though her supporters came, hoping to see her smile, she was showing them a severe expression.

It might feel like boasting to others, but she felt the atmosphere to be more grand and just. Not that she wanted to become an idol. She knew she wasn't cut out for that. And so she wanted to convey her passion through her expression.

Samiraya wanted to become the next Student President.

She would be in grade 5 next year. She had been working in the Student Council for the past year, and she had accumulated a certain amount of experience. She had always been looking at Karian, the current Student President who was about to leave his role.

Samiraya was a person with no good points except for her seriousness, and so she was the class prefect and she sometimes went to help out in the Student Council. She didn't plan to be here. It was all done without deliberation, and somehow, she ended up here.

But now Samiraya's heart was boiling, and her wish to become the Student President was becoming more and more intense.

"How is it?" and so she asked herself full of confidence.

One part of the dormitory had been turned into her conference room as a Student President candidate. All her strategic meetings would be held here.

"Um, not so sure."

Beneath her glasses was the listless face of Reu Mashu, whose gaze fell to the piece of paper on the clipboard in his hand. The conference room could hold ten people but now there were only Samiraya and Reu in it. Samiraya was listening to the street survey result of a certain magazine from Reu. She knew the editor wasn't that good at what he did, but she was still concerned about the result.

And then what Reu said was of a disappointing result.

"Though the head organization is here, it doesn't look that much different."

Reu was one year younger than her, but their relationship had become very good since they met each other in the Class Council and found out that they were both from the same city.

"As I thought. People aren't interested in the election because of the administration side of things. Anyway, Sami is the last in the rankings when it comes to experience and public exposure."

Samiraya was already 20 years old, but she didn't look that much taller than Reu because of her height. But the most important thing was she was better than Reu when it came to being calm and steady. There were other supporters, but most of them were related to the Student Council. Samiraya was too, that was why she was one of the candidates. No other supporters were present in this conference, not because of fairness, but because they were all too busy. In general, the most complicated things had been taken care of, but the jobs that were to come were piling up like mountains. The job for next year was crucial, but what was most important was the present.

If this attitude was held not just within the Student Council, then it was no wonder that no one was interested in the election.

"To enter the election in this situation, votes will naturally flow to the person with high public exposure," Reu sighed.

But Samiraya hadn't considered that point.

"That can't be true. Besides, we just need to increase our publicity from now."

"How?"

Reu picked up her spirit at Samiraya's optimism.

"If it's about publicity, then the best person should be a Military Artist."

Her lively reply was the signal of her actions.

"Uh? Reu. What is it?"

Samiraya and Reu had finally arrived at the classroom of the third year. Samiraya suddenly grabbed hold of Nina's hand, who was getting ready for class.

"Are you interested in the election?"

"Ha?"

Nina was in a fluster as she looked at Samiraya whose eyes were emitting light.

[[image:CSR vol15 067.png|thumb]]

"Ah, well, you...... are a candidate for the Student President position."

Nina remembered the poster. There was only a face on the poster. Because the poster didn't show Samiraya's full body, Nina didn't realize she was this short.

"Samiraya Miruke. Please look after me. How about it? Help out in the election. The head position of the Military Arts program is waiting for you."

"You're the first person to say that to me directly for now," Nina said with a bitter smile.

"Ara, so have there been other people asking for the same?" Reu said.

Nina nodded.

"Two came. Um, how about we talk over it somewhere else."

She didn't feel comfortable when gazes from other students gathered on her.

"Sure."

But Samiraya didn't move.

"I want to relay my thoughts to everyone. That way, someone will tell me if there's something wrong with it. Now I want to tell everyone why I need Nina Antalk."

"No. That's enough," Nina shrugged and looked at Reu for help.

She could tell Samiraya's personality just by looking at her expression. But just what was that cold smile afterwards? Anyway, there didn't exist a student who would point out Samiraya's mistake. Nina found out from other candidates the reason why she became involved in the election, but she didn't understand. Because the 17th platoon became famous in this Military Arts Competition. Nina was in the third year and so was the center of the platoon that was mainly made up of juniors. Their rank in the platoon matches was third. She didn't feel much difference in the gap between her team, Gorneo's 5th platoon and Vance's 1st platoon. The 17th platoon acted as the infiltration team in the last Competition. The 17th platoon was the sign of new power.

Nina felt that this praise was similar to when Sharnid was in the 10th platoon. Perhaps it was the same. She felt honored to be on the receiving end of it. But that didn't mean she would allow herself to be taken advantage of just for the sake of the election.

"Sorry. Others have already said that I'm not mature enough. The job of the Military Arts Head is a bit too much for me."

"It's all right. Reu is in the same year as you. If I win, then she will become the Vice President."

"Ah? Really. I haven't heard of that," Reu was surprised.

"Uh? Have I not said this before? Karian didn't set a Vice President position, but I need it. If Reu isn't here to help out........."

Reu touched her own head. It felt strange, but it looked like Samiraya really did forget to say it to her. She was unexpectedly clumsy.

"Then let's do it together!"

Samiraya's smile was like a budding flower. Nina felt that that this smile suited her better than the forced solemn expression she had on the poster. Still, she shook her head.

"I'm really sorry. I have something I must do as a Military Artist. I really am not suited to becoming the Head of Military Arts."

"I see."

Samiraya let go of her hand. Nina felt guilty at her regretful expression.

"Uh, that can't be helped then." But Samiraya then looked at her with a smile. "But will you help out when I become the Student President, Captain?"

"Of course. Let me know anytime if the 17th platoon can help out in any way."

"Then goodbye. I'll turn Zuellni into a better city. Just you wait."

At her confident proclamation, for a split second, Nina felt that she saw the figure of Samiraya overlap with Zuellni.

"Well, this is hopeless. What should we do next?"

Samiraya Miruke didn't feel down. She talked with Reu as they walked in the corridor.

"It was my judgment to go find Nina."

To act when she thought of something was both Samiraya's strength and weakness. She would listen to others' opinions, but she liked to act before listening, especially this time.

Before, Leu had smiled at Nina, thinking that she had really acted like herself, but it seemed that she hadn't understood the meaning.

"The hardest person to understand is oneself", thought Leu as she involuntarily said it.

"I approve of finding a Military Artist to become a partner, but if it were me, I wouldn't have chosen Nina. Even if she is indeed very popular, if she actually was chosen as Military Arts Head it could evoke dislike from other people."

"Why?"

"She's too young, and since she's popular at the same time, there are people who dislike her. Nina especially gives people the impression of standing out too much, and more importantly when she formed the seventeenth platoon she aroused some disputes. There are definitely many people who see her as unsuitable."

Moreover we don't need two people who do things recklessly without using their brain, Leu thought in her heart but didn't say from her mouth.

"Mmm, that’s true, she's a bit difficult."

At Samiraya taking Nina's side and uttering laments, Leu was really a bit shocked. Putting aside ages for now, it was really naive if you looked at it, she could even become your rival. Leu thought this but did not say so, not because she didn't want to, but because even if she did it wouldn't be of much use.

"Since it's like this, who's good then?"

"As for whom, that hasn't already been decided."

At Leu's prompt, Samiraya thought about it for a bit, and reached an answer herself.

So, afterwards they once again squeezed into a class, arriving in a fifth-year classroom.

Gorneo was in the classroom by himself being depressed. That feeling made it hard for someone to approach. Leu felt that the entire classroom exuded a sort of tense atmosphere, and it was difficult for one to stay there.

"There, there's a bit of a hard-to-talk atmosphere."

Leu felt the tense atmosphere in front of the entrance, and didn't enter the classroom.

But-

"Why?"

Samiraya didn't notice, and as if she completely hadn't noticed the atmosphere, loudly called out, "Excuse me," and directly walked towards Gorneo.

With Gorneo, Samiraya seemed even smaller.

"What do you want?"

That low, bored voice was unable to sway Samiraya.

"It's our first time meeting. I'm the fourth-year Samiraya Miruke. Actually, I have something to request of you......"

"If it has something to do with the election, no way."

"Whats that, you already know why we were looking for you, that makes things easier to say."

"As I said, no way."

But Samiraya hadn't heard his words in the first place.

"If I become the Student Council President, I would like to invite you to become the Military Arts Head."

"Didn't you hear me, no way."

"But, other than Gorneo-senpai, who else is qualified to be the Military Arts Head?"

"That......"

"Gorneo-senpai is a fifth-year, as well as the captain of the fifth platoon, second in strength only to the Military Arts Head Vance's platoon. Whether it's strength as a Military Artist or leadership ability, there's no one better than senpai. I think it's only natural for you to be the Military Arts Head. Since it's like this, why do you refuse?"

It was different from the attitude she had when talking with Nina, not only her momentum, but her arguments also became more aggressive. It quite surprised Leu.

"For me, the higher my station, the worse I perform."

Hearing the remarks that he said to Samiraya, even Leu could understand but he still showed a difficult, pained expression. Could it be that he had some regrettable situation? Moreover, that it was only because of his situation that he was this irritable?

"If even Gorneo-senpai has no way to carry it out, then I can't insist. But even so, I still wish to become Student Council President. Because I have things I must fulfill. So I ask for your help," Samiraya said.

Leu felt that in Samiraya's simple words was a kind of incredible strength. Something that made one unable to refuse, only permitting submission. More strength than even a thousand words.

Gorneo was a person who remained calm in whatever situations. This couldn't be felt from Nina, and actually even Samiraya thought that it wasn't possible for Nina to become the Military Arts Head.

Gorneo stopped his low groans, seeing his own statue-like, unmoving manner reflected in Samiraya's pure eyes, and Leu involuntarily symphasized with his expression.

But, with this kind of situation, Gorneo definitely was not on the list of any other Student Council President candidate. Moreover, since they had been refused by him, and so relied on Nina's ability, Samiraya was convinced.

Even if things were like this, if Gorneo were to promise here, then she would have great superiority when compared to the other candidates.

(Come on)

Leu also became unexpectedly enthusiastic.

"I don't have the time to think about those kind of questions right now." As Gorneo said these words, the bell signalling the start of class sounded simultaneously. That meant there was no time left.

Leu and Samiraya had no choice but to return to their classroom.

When teaching ended that meant that class was over. Leu walked over to Samiraya with a bit of worry, who was preparing to pack her things to leave.

"Well, let's go to Gorneo-senpai together."

At the same time, she indeed held some worry in her heart.

"Wait a bit."

Leu endured her headache, and directly grabbed Samiraya's collar and dragged her to the fifth-year classroom.

"What are you doing!"

"Calm down," Leu said, dragging Samiraya towards the conference room.

"Then, what is it?"

She obstinately made Samiraya sit on the simple chair. At this moment she seemed like an older person, and completely didn't look like someone who wanted to become the Student Council President.

"We've said we were going to convince him, but how should we go about convincing?"

"That, we have to be enthusiastic."

"You fool who doesn't use her brain."

"What?"

"Just enthusiasm won't produce any results."

"Then what else can we do?"

Even if her eyes were filled with hope, it still wasn't enough.

"Before plans, we have to gather intelligence. Even if we haven't even talked to Gorneo-senpai directly, we've head from Nina. Never would have thought he was such an ill-tempered person."

Even if he didn't seem very nice, she didn't think he would make the classroom's atmosphere such pandemonium.

Then, there must be some reason.

"First we need to understand the reason, and if we can do that then we can provide him with assistance. If we do that we'll get into his good graces, so then won't we create some good feelings in the other party?"

"Um, it sounds very cunning."

"Then, when the other party has difficulties, if we don't do anything, do you think they will say, 'ah, I have a bit of trouble~ could you help us~'? I think the other side's situation is favorable."

"You don't have to get mad."

"I'm mad. Because I did feel that I was being a bit cunning, but being told this directly, I can't help but get mad. However, if the other party has some trouble, helping them out isn't anything bad."

"So then let's first gather intelligence."

The panicked Samiraya and the not-so-calm Leu began the operation like this.

At this time, someone entered the room,

"Sorry to disturb, are you busy?"

The person who entered was the current Student Council secretary, called Shirley.

"Ah, Shirley."

"This is from the President."

Shirley took out a cake box.

"Wow, that's generous, is this okay?"

"There's no problem, the other candidates also have it."

"Alright, let me get you a cup of tea."

Leu walked out of the room to boil water. Shirley was the current Student Council Secretary, and was already a fifth-year, who would remain in Zuellni next year. In addition, she was also a supporter of Samiraya.

"Ah, if only that were true."

When Leu returned, Shirley said this.

It seemed that while she was out of the room boiling water, Samiraya had already carried out an explanation of the situation.

"Because of the battle last time, the vice-captain Shante was hospitalized, and has not left the hospital yet."

The previous commotion had injured many people. Most of them had recovered and been released from the hospital, but there were still unconscious students, and there were still students who had to go to the hospital. Leu had heard a male Military Artist that she recognized saying that it had really been a tragic battlefield. He had also been injured, but had been released from the hospital without injury. Even so, he would sometimes unintentionally express his detached thoughts.

During the commotion, his Military Artist heart had suffered a severe blow.

"Then, he cares so much about that person named Shante that it made his temper become so poor?"

"Could be. I'm not too clear on their individual situations, but in the end the relationship between the two is very good."

Shirley's words earned a nod from Samiraya.

"Then, for Shante's rehabilitation, we'll go together to provide assistance."

Leu also thought that there was no other way.

"But there's a possibility that we won't make it for the election period."

Shirley was calmer than Leu, and she who was under Karian's command and directly participated in Student Council matters had the steady calm that Leu and Samiraya did not.

"Of course, if he could become a joint candidate for the Student Council, that point alone is very superior. In the list of Student Council candidates, some Student Council President candidates have perfect social skills and connections. If his name is not with any of their names, if that's the case, then it's worth a look."

"But, do we have time?"

"Right, time is of the essence. Moreover the polling is next month. The other candidates have already recommended their own Military Arts Head candidates."

She had to find and decide on candidates for the other branches. She also could not go without preparing a draft for her speech. The things she had to do were plenty.

But, to other people, the significance of the 'Military Arts Head candidate' was definitely a more important place than the candidates for other branches.

It was expected that for most students, for most people, they very much cared about who the Military Arts Head was. As the person who would have to protect them, the one who stood there had a symbolic force.

"But if Gorneo-senpai loses......?"

"Also, the seventeenth platoon's Nina Antalk had more poularity."

"No, we've already been refused."

"It could be that she's not good for it. Still, after that is the fourteenth platoon's Shin Kaihan, and the third platoon's Winse Karud."

As she listed these names, Shirley showed a subtle expression. In terms of strength, the seventeenth platoon and the fourteenth platoon's Shin Kaihan were the same. But among the platoons that she had observed, he had a bit of frivolousness. The captains of all of the platoons from before Nina had also heard of this, and their frivolous impression of him was a negative element.

In this regard, Shin and Winse were complete opposites. Nina and the current Military Arts Head Vance had characters that were rather similar. But Winse gave people an unyielding feeling. An oppressive unyielding feeling like Vance and Gorneo was okay, but it seemed that his oppressive feeling was almost focused on neuroticism. If would be fine if he were only the captain of a small platoon, but to command the entire body of Military Artists, one needed to have a bit of flexibility.

She had said too much. She knew. However, from those who had actually achieved records, produced a sense of trust, had flexibility in moving a team, and who had a calming appearance, and who was able to stand by Samiraya while she was Student Council President as the Military Arts Head, there was no one more excellent than Gorneo.

"Ah, you're missing someone."

Seeing Samiraya and Leu, Shirley continued speaking.

"Who?"

"Layfon Alsief."

She was already taking this as a joke.

Saying something that frightening, she must definitely be joking. But she was unaware of the effects of her own joke, as she enjoyed tea and cake. She left on her job, returning to the Student Council room.

"What does everyone think about what Shirley's opinion just now?"

For now first put the question of the Military Arts Head to the side, and begin sorting out the other personnel candidates, Samiraya said.

Leu had a sort of a bad premonition. However you looked at it, Samiraya was the most important. Thinking to here, Leu said a strange sentence, "Okay, it's decided," and then began to depart.

"Who knows? I don't think he will approve."

In her mind had emerged Layfon Alsief.

The new first-year who had joined Nina's platoon with a preeminent strength, who most likely surpassed the Military Arts Head Vance. Nina's expression toward him was a "so powerful" evaluation. Her Military Artist friends also praised his "awesome" strength. She didn't really understand the professional reviews, but for the most part those words should be the case.

Ordinary students could only confirm the strength of Military Artists there, but even watching the inter-platoon battles Leu again sighed, "powerful".

What this entailed was that the Military Artist layfon was extremely powerful.

Before the battle with Falnir, she had never heard anything of him like training for the match in the stadium.

Perhaps it was true that Nina led him in popularity, and this part she reckoned was something he disliked. But in Military Arts strength, he definitely would defeat the opponent. It was definitely the case that, regardless of good or bad, the foundation of Military Arts was strength.

The people who used their strength in his birthplace Grendan definitely thought this way.

But then, she thought that this alone wasn't enough, as expected. She only knew that for an ordinary person, this was very amazing.

"Hmm, yeah."

Unexpectedly, Samiraya also thought so.

"Sami, have you met Layfon?"

"Mmm..."

Towards Leu's surprised expression, Samiraya nodded her head.

"But not from the beginning."

Samiraya muttered as she looked at the ceiling.

"We met during an inter-platoon match. I knew his strength and popularity. However, I had no way to explain it clearly, and I thought there was some difference."

"That's true."

Samiraya relaxed, beginning to sort out her materials. She searched for the materials on section chiefs that should be collected. Other candidates wouldn't become like this, would they?

As expected, the problem lay in the Military Arts Head.

"What should we do?"

"So did things first start with Shante-senpai?"

"Hmm."

As Samiraya nodded her head, Leu began thinking carefully.

"Mmm, if we go visit holding a sympathetic attitude, it's still not that good. Moreover suddenly wanting to go to the hospital is the same."

"Right, that's true."

"What should we do, hmm..."

Even Leu couldn't instantly think of a good method.

"First, what kind of a person is Shante-senpai, we should first examine her habits together."

"Then, the examination of her habits will be assigned to Leu."

"Wait a second."

"I'll first go visit her."

"Don't worry about it, I won't let Gorneo-senpai notice."

Leu hadn't stopped speaking, but Samiraya had already left.

"Ugh, I was careless......" Leu sighed, realizing that the draft for the speech had not been prepared.

"I guess I'll go prepare it."

Her head started to hurt, since who exactly was the candidate? She thought of complaining to Samiraya later, but this was an almost useless action.

Actually, Samiraya going to the hospital to visit had not disturbed her.

In that room, Shante slept deeply on the bed, seemingly the same as during competitions, a red-haired girl with a petite frame.

Samiraya was aware that she herself was a small existence. Shante was also small.

Shante had lost consciousness.

She had no problems with her body. But she just wouldn't wake. That kind of state had continued up through today. Samiraya thanked the doctor who informed her of the patient's condition, and hurriedly left the hospital.

She didn't even have the energy to return to the school building, but then she had no way to let down her baggage. She didn't know what to do, but seeing bench, Samiraya sat down.

"Well......"

Maybe she didn't have any way to think about it.

The last commotion had been fairly long ago, and most of the injured people had been released from the hospital, even Samiraya presumably knew this. Even so, she was still hospitalized.

Perhaps that way of thinking was too simple.

She still lived, but she was unconscious.

Perhaps this obscured too many possibilities. Thinking of this, Samiraya could understand Gorneo's impatience.

Current medical technology was said to be able to treat anything unrelated to the brain or Kei vein, and it was said that even lost memories would be recovered.

But, even if the body was recovered, what could the medical students do if they declared that the body was unharmed but could not understand the reason why she was in a coma?

What could the person do who waited for her to wake up?

She really couldn't comprehend it.

"Uwah......"

Samiraya let out a soft and lingering sound. When she advanced she advanced with all her might, and when she was downcast she stayed downcast till the end, that was Samiraya. She herself didn't know whether there were any other situations between these two people.

Right now Samiraya was completely downcast. She didn't even know what she herself should do to make things better. For her own election, she thought of using the Shante who had not woken up from a coma - even if she understood her shallowness, she still could not help but blame her own stupidity.

"Wu...... Sure enough, I can only rely on other people."

Even so, she first had to think about the problems around her. Perhaps it should be said that all people were like this.

"Excuse me, are you okay?"

Hearing a voice, Samiraya raised her head. That moment, she saw the topic himself walking over.

"Layfon Alsief."

"Excuse me, where are you uncomfortable?"

Even though she knew the name of the person she met, it wasn't something particularily surprising. Platoon matches were seen everywhere. It had happened before that he was addressed by his name.

"Uh, hmm. I was just thinking about my situation, and I was a bit down."

"Could it be that you are a Student Council President candidate?"

"Yeah. I'm Samiraya Miruke, nice to meet you."

"Ah, nice to meet you."

They shook hands, following the recent habit of this place. Not knowing what to do, they sized each other up, the two of them feeling a bit awkward.

"Hah......"

The two both sighed. This time it was really a meeting that would surprise people.

"......What?"

"No, no, what's wrong, it's clear that there's something just from looking at Senpai."

"What, you want me to apologize because your mood is down?"

"That's not what I meant, um, I, uh, how should I say it......"

"Really, don't just get depressed whenever."

Even if he mouthed protests, he didn't know why, but he felt that Layfon's depression had nothing to do with Samiraya.

"What? Was there something that made you lose heart in the previous battle?"

"......"

"Ah, never mind, never mind."

Looking at Layfon's expression, which had become gloomy during the chat, Samiraya felt anxious.

"Um, sorry."

"It's okay, it doesn't matter. Feel free to sit down."

"Okay."

The two people sat in a row on the bench.

But, he regretted it after sitting down. The two were very gloomy, but even if they sat together, it wasn't any use. They silently prayed that they could quickly return.

"So, do you have some kind of problem?"

"No......"

"You already don't want to talk?"

"Sorry."

"Fine!"

If she wanted him to return, she shouldn't have asked him to sit. Samiraya pouted and looked towards their front, devoid of people.

"If I may ask, does Senpai have a problem?"

"What? You don't want to talk about your own trouble, but want to listen to other people's situations?"

"Um, sorry."

They went silent again. But Samiraya was quickly unable to endure this kind of silence.

"So, was the battle this tiresome?"

"Hmm?"

"Us normal people have no way of understanding the emotions that people hold in the middle of battle. I want to hear about your way of thinking."

"Speaking of that, indeed it feels tiresome sometimes."

"Ah, is that so......"

Samiraya muttered in a small voice. She had not really thought about it before this.

"It really is choking. The people next to you can just easily disappear......"

"No one's left?"

"You, could it be that you can't say any comforting words?"

"Sorry."

"It's alright, I'm not the only one like this. Rather, I don't have the experience. But, perhaps I haven't experienced any situation more painful than this."

"......"

"Because I hold it and understand it, when I don't say anything it instead makes me suffer more."

"That......"

"Ah, well, I understand. Even things are that way I should still keep living on. Especially for me who has set becoming the Student Council President as my target, I have to consider the people who are living. There are no adults in Zuellni, so we all must be adults, so I can't ignore the reality placed in front of me.

Afterwards, she let out a big sigh. She sorted out her thoughts for a moment, selecting suitable words.

"However, the people who were once in the Academy City have been long gone. They all leave because they graduate. This place doesn't have death. If we follow the rules of the Academy City, graduation is like dying. We have no way to request the aid of those people. We can't see them again. Maybe. Some people think that people who were born in different cities won't encounter each other again, but that is rational thinking. It's just the same as dying. Because they will already only appear in your memories."

"......"

"But memories are a form of solace. It's nothing more than that. That's how things are. That, that......"

When had this started, it wasn't her thoughts about Gorneo, but rather her own situation.

What was the reason for her longing to become the Student Council President?

"It's right in front of us. But I'm not bound by it. I don't want to be smug towards everyone, I want to be able to be sure of everything. That's where the problem lies."

"That......"

"Ahh, how embarrassing. I've just been spouting my head off. Anyway, that's all."

Samiraya satisfactorily said she understood her own thoughts.

"The problem is that right now if other people see me I won't feel any shame."

"Huh."

She saw that in Layfon's eyes flashed an inexplicable meaning. There were shadows. But, was this normal and commonplace for him, or had he been guided by dark things? She had no way of judging. Because she didn't understand the ordinary him, this was something she could do nothing about.

So, Samiraya had no way to hold back the things she had noticed and not said.

"In this Academy City, people get replaced every year. I myself had been here for six years. This world endlessly advances. In that kind of environment it's not possible to live leisurely. One needs to have something they want to do. If you have something you want to do then you will quickly and straightforwardly go do it. So we have to act."

"......But, you might be defeated, or nothing might happen, so then what do you do?"

This was something that Layfon disclosed from deep inside his heart. But to Samiraya, this was impossible to comprehend, and she really didn't understand Layfon's situation.

If Nina and Felli were there, perhaps this dialogue would not have been interrupted, and they would have understood.

But, Samiraya didn't know. Even if could see some desperate signs in his words, right now was not the time to hesitate.

"Losing isn't anything bad. Wasting time on regret is too much of a pity. Since you can't find it, why not try doing something else. My fundamental problem is that I don't know whether I have the ability to serve as the Student Council President or not. I have times when I want to rely on my friends or when I don't feel that many people support me, and I don't know if I can win the election. But I still want to try. So I'm doing it. When I feel that it won't work, then I'll think about looking into something else. That's why I always know what I want."

Layfon was overwhelmed by the momentum of her language, and Samiraya stood up. Even for the petite Samiraya, when she stood up she could look down upon the seated Layfon. However, the shadows swayed in his eyes as he looked upwards.

"Perhaps it's only because I don't have any responsibility that I act when I want to act. But, isn't it good to be able to rest when you want to rest? Even if it doesn't really match what I just said, even though you've lived in an Academy City for six years, your life definitely won't end in only six years."

"But......"

"The Military Arts Competition has already ended. Zuellni's crisis has already passed. Next year is a year to rest."

Samiraya announced this, but didn't stop her steps, since she had found something that she wanted to do. All that was left was action. Samiraya Miruke's thought of a question while simultaneously running and pondering.

It had to do with Layfon Alsief.

It had to do with having him become the Military Arts Head.

(It won't do. I feel like he's not very reliable.)

But, she also thought the reason for that kind of unreliability was because the shadows of things were binding his feet. Even if he didn't become the Military Arts Head, it would be good if some day those shadows disappeared.

Either way, he was a student of Zuellni.

But, this way of thinking lasted nothing more than a moment.

Flying aboard the tram that had just stopped in front of the station, no matter what she wanted to convince Gorneo. She had been thinking of that situation all along.

Later, the name Gorneo Luckens was impressively written in the Student Council supplement that the Samiraya faction published.

<noinclude>
{{Regios Nav|prev=Chrome Shelled Regios:Volume15 Chapter1|next=Chrome Shelled Regios:Volume15 Chapter3}}
</noinclude>

Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei:Registration Page

2013-07-29T15:25:05Z

72.220.105.54:

To re-iterate the registration procedure:

*You are required to register which chapters you wish to work on. One portion of text per translator, please.

*Registration is on a "First Come, First Served" basis. Please register your intended chapters on the project's registration page.

*Maximum number of translators per volume is two, unless the volume is a collection of smaller stories. Another way to interpret this is no more than two translators should be working on the same "story arc".

*Translators may only register for portions of one volume at a time within each project. This is to prevent "biting off more than you can chew".

*The Registration page is not a binding contract, and translators are encouraged to negotiate between themselves which portions to register for.

*Anonymous Translated Contributions are required to inform [[User:Thelastguardian|thelastguardian]] and the designated Project Supervisor of the intend Chapters as shown on the corresponding Registration page before any major contribution.

*Portions that are not updated for a significant time may be taken over by another translator after getting permission from the Project Supervisor. The new translator is encouraged to start over to maintain consistency, but the old translation will not be deleted at least until the new translation is finished (and probably not for some time after that). 

==''Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei'' series ==

===Volume 1===
::*Magic High Schools Are—— - [[User:larethian|larethian]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 0 - [[User:larethian|larethian]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 1 - [[User:larethian|larethian]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[User:Hazue|Hazue]], [[User:larethian|larethian]], [[User:Seitsuki|Seitsuki]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[User:Dreyakis|Dreyakis]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[User:Dreyakis|Dreyakis]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[User:Kanannon|Kana/Tenjouten]] - '''Completed'''
::*Afterword - [[User:Arczyx|Arczyx]] - '''Completed'''
::*The Late Great Favorite - [[User:Arczyx|Arczyx]] - '''Completed'''

===Volume 2===
::*Casting Assistant Device - [[User:Seitsuki|Seitsuki]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - [[User:Seitsuki|Seitsuki]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - [[User:Dreyakis|Dreyakis]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - [[User:Dreyakis|Dreyakis]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - [[User:Dreyakis|Dreyakis]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 10 - [[User:Dreyakis|Dreyakis]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 11 - [[User:Dreyakis|Dreyakis]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 12 - [[User:Seitsuki |Seitsuki]] - '''Completed'''
::*Afterword - [[User:Royaloyalz|Royaloyalz]] - '''Completed'''

===Volume 3===
::*Chapter 0 - [[User:Seitsuki|Seitsuki]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 1 - [[User:Dreyakis |Dreyakis]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[User:Dreyakis |Dreyakis]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[User:Dreyakis |Dreyakis]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[User:Dreyakis |Dreyakis]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[User:Dreyakis |Dreyakis]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - [[User:Dreyakis |Dreyakis]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - [[User:Dreyakis |Dreyakis]] - '''Completed'''
::*Afterword - [[User:Royaloyalz|Royaloyalz]] - '''Completed'''

===Volume 4===
::*Preamble - [[User:EnigmaticAxiom|EnigmaticAxiom]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - [[User:Seitsuki|Seitsuki]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - [[User:Dreyakis |Dreyakis]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 10 - [[User:Dreyakis |Dreyakis]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 11 - [[User:Dreyakis |Dreyakis]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 12 - [[User:Dreyakis |Dreyakis]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 13 - [[User:Dreyakis |Dreyakis]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 14 - [[User:Seitsuki|Seitsuki]] - '''Completed'''
::*Afterword - [[User:Royaloyalz|Royaloyalz]] - '''Completed'''

===Volume 5===
::*Summer break - [[User:Seitsuki|Seitsuki]] - '''Completed'''
::*The honour student's supplementary lesson - [[User:Dreyakis|Dreyakis]]
::*Amelia in Wonderland - [[User:zwabbit|zwabbit]] 5/40
::*Friendship, trust and the dubious lolicon [[User:Sashiko|Sashiko]] - '''Completed'''
::*Memories of summer - [[User:Seitsuki|Seitsuki]] - '''Completed'''
::*Presidential elections and the queen [[User:Sashiko|Sashiko]] - '''Completed'''
::*Afterword

===Volume 6===
::*Chapter 1 - [[User:Dreyakis |Dreyakis]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[User:Dreyakis |Dreyakis]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[User:Dreyakis |Dreyakis]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[User:Dreyakis |Dreyakis]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[User:Dreyakis |Dreyakis]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - [[User:Dreyakis |Dreyakis]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - [[User:Dreyakis |Dreyakis]] & [[User:Seitsuki|Seitsuki]] - '''Completed'''
::*Afterword - [[User:Royaloyalz|Royaloyalz]] - '''Completed'''

===Volume 7===
::*Chapter 8 - [[User:Dreyakis |Dreyakis]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - [[User:Dreyakis |Dreyakis]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 10 - [[User:Dreyakis |Dreyakis]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 11 - [[User:Dreyakis |Dreyakis]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 12 - [[User:Dreyakis |Dreyakis]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 13 - [[User:Dreyakis |Dreyakis]] - '''Completed'''
::*Afterword - [[User:Royaloyalz|Royaloyalz]] - '''Completed'''

===Volume 8===
::*Chapter 1 - [[User:Sashiko|Sashiko]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[User:Sashiko|Sashiko]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[User:Seitsuki|Seitsuki]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[User:Sashiko|Sashiko]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[User:Sashiko|Sashiko]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - [[User:Seitsuki|Seitsuki]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - [[User:Seitsuki|Seitsuki]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - [[User:Seitsuki|Seitsuki]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - [[User:Seitsuki|Seitsuki]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 10 - [[User:Seitsuki|Seitsuki]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 11 - [[User:Seitsuki|Seitsuki]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 12 - [[User:Seitsuki|Seitsuki]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 13 - [[User:Sashiko|Sashiko]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 14 - [[User:Seitsuki|Seitsuki]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 15 - [[User:Seitsuki|Seitsuki]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 16 - [[User:Seitsuki|Seitsuki]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 17 - [[User:Sashiko|Sashiko]]- '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 18 - [[User:Sashiko|Sashiko]]- '''Completed'''
::*Untouchable-The Nightmare of 2062 - [[User:Sashiko|Sashiko]]- '''Completed'''
::*Afterword

===Volume 9===
::*Chapter 0 - [[User:Dreyakis |Dreyakis]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 1 - [[User:Dreyakis |Dreyakis]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[User:Dreyakis |Dreyakis]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[User:Dreyakis |Dreyakis]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[user:setsuna86|setsuna86]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5
::*Chapter 6
::*Chapter 7 - [[User:Seitsuki|Seitsuki]] - '''Completed'''
::*Afterword

===Volume 10===
::*Chapter 8 - [[User:Dreyakis |Dreyakis]]
::*Chapter 9
::*Chapter 10 - [[User:Sashiko |Sashiko]]- '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 11 - [[User:Sashiko |Sashiko]]
::*Chapter 12
::*Afterword

<noinclude>
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; padding: 0.2em; border-collapse: collapse;"
|-
| Return to [[Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei|Main Page]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

[[Category:Registration Page]]

Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4 Chapter 4

2013-07-18T09:36:11Z

72.220.105.54: /* Part 3 */

==Chapter 4 - Beowolf's conspiracy==
===Part 1===
Anya who also went to the capital Fontain city, met with Milgauss as she had originally planned.

Since last month, they had not met for a long time. The Milgauss today don’t seem to be quite right.

Although his true face was still covered with the same silver mask, but he wrapped a dark cloak around his body in this hot summer.

"..Come with me."

Ignoring Anya’s questions, Milgauss passed through numerous alleys. Then with the use of an underground secret passage they sneaked passed
Fontain city’s stronghold.

Along the way they were not caught by any guards even when it should be the martial law period.

Anya was thinking while walking along the passage.

''- What connection does Milgauss have with the Knight Countries....? A mere peasant wouldn’t know the existence of this underground secret
passage.....''

''In fact, let alone the public, there ain’t even a guard here. Is this passage use by the royals to seek refuge.....?'' Anya thought of this
possibility.

''If it is so, why does Milgauss know the existence of such a route?''

"We are going to climb upwards."

After hearing Milgauss’s whisper, Anya cast aside all the distractions. There is a stone staircase in front of them.

Anya stared after she had reached the surface from the underground secret passage.

She is at an apron specifically for the use of landing of the aviation ship.

The first ship that greets her eyes is the Zepharos mega airship- Beowulf's bow.

As for Chevron’s airship Crown Solas , Holy Espada Agency’s shrine ship Esperanza and Lautreamont’s airship Silvanus, are lined up together
side by side at some distance away from Beowulf.

It is as if Beowulf had been isolated.

On the other hand, at the other end of the apron, Fontain city stands majestically in the night full of lights.

After Milgauss gave a glance at a castle, he headed towards Beowulf silently.

===Part 2===
Inside the Beowulf- Milgauss and Anya came to a room where it was labeled "war room" with the Empire’s language. After entering the room, young noble stepped forward to greet them.

"Phew..... I had waited for you for a long time, Milgauss."

The young guy’s hair is blonde and he had a pair of gray eyes. He is a beautiful guy<ref>美男 binan, beautiful man, something you can usually
see when reading Josei manga. </ref> that someone will mistake him for a chick.

At the same time, he can be seen as someone who practiced martial arts. Despite his slender body wrapped in clothing that was overly

decorated, but his lean physique can still be seen.

''- This man is Klaus, Wadanhuoer’s border’s baron....!''

She had once heard about this man's deeds before. Now, this is the first time she saw him, Anya gasped in his presence.

He is the head of the Viderhausen family and also the ruler of the Wadanhuoer. At the same time, he is also the patron for Milgauss. Even
when he was still a young man in his twenties, but in he is now at the same level as an officer in the Empire’s army.

Not only that, this time, he is also preparing to attend as an agent for the Zepharos Emperor in the Continental Congress ‘Elysium’...

"Ah! My Milgauss! You really came!"...

Klaus place his glass on his table, stood up and hugged Milgauss.

''- What....! T-Two men hugging together! Or...... is it normally used in the Empire as a greeting?''

Anya who stood by the door blushed.

"Well, this room is really.....! Filled with steel and greasy smell, can you even imagine how do I feel when I was waiting for you? What took
you so long?"

"I was forced to. Since the Continental Congress is around the corner, the security is very tight outside. I must wait until night time to
make my action."

"Hmm, you're also right."

After Klaus released Milgauss, she spoke while smiling.

“I’ll first hand your left arm to you.”

Klaus pointed at the steel box on the table.

"This is the latest model sent from the Empire. Its strength is enough to even match with a chariot."

"I’m really grateful for it."

After Milgauss thanked him, he placed his hand on the box.

A heavy metal sound can be heard when he opened the box.\

Regardless of how you look at it, the object in the box is a 'human's arm'.

“Hik…”

Anya almost screamed and she quickly covered her mouth. With a closer look, at the end of the arm, there a an electro-mechanical-like object.

''-Mechanical...... prosthesis?''

Klaus for the first time looked at Anya who held her breath.

"Are you the girl from the Tantalos tribe? I have heard about you."

"Y-Yes! I’m Anya, the leader of the Tantalos tribe.”

Anya stood at her spot and nervously replied. After all, he is Milgauss’s patron and she shouldn’t be rude.

"Hmm. From the surprised reaction, about Milgauss’s left arm, it seems that you are still in the dark."

"Left arm ......?"

Anya was puzzled.

She happened to catch a glimpse of Milgauss throwing off his cloak on the floor from the corner of her eyes.

"...!"

Anya eyes widened.

Milgauss’s left arm is without its lower half starting from his elbow.

The long empty sleeve was swinging. Anya then realized why Milgauss must cover his upper body with the cloak.

"It happened ten years before. A guy who had lost his name, status, fame, and his left arm strayed into our home territory. He who had
committed major taboo in his homeland was cursed-"

"Cut the crap, Klaus."

Klaus’s story came to a halt when Milgauss scolded. Anya was a little disappointed. With just a little bit more, she can find out about
Milgauss’s past.

"Oh, I’m asked to stop. It is a pity, right?"

“N-No… Nothing.”

Anya felt embarrassed. She felt that she cannot hide anything when being watched by Klaus.

"By the way, ojou-san, your muffler is really special, is that part of your folk costume?"

A sudden changed of topic stunned Anya.

Regardless of what seasons, Anya always has the muffler with her, as if it was part of her body. When she removed the muffler to disguise as
a town girl or a waitress, the empty feeling around her neck made her felt insecure.

"Yes, in the mountains, the is a custom where different clans exchanges their children to conclude a peace agreement. When I was given to
another clan when I was a child, I already had this scarf.... In other words, this muffler is a proof of which clan I was born in."

"Hmm, I am always madly in love beautiful things. Beauty can overcome anything, do you not think so? I kept Milgauss by my side just because
of this reason."

"Err......"

Anya was dumbfounded. What is this person actually talking about?

"Ahh.....What is there to be dumbfounded of. Your muffler is very unique and really beautiful-"

"You have gone off topic. Klaus quickly take the device out."

Milgauss who had turned around and faced them had put on his prosthesis arm.

===Part 3===
Klaus led Milgauss and Anya to the armory.
Anya thought that is would look like a warehouse. When the elevator doors opened, she was shocked.

The wide armory was located at the back of the ship. It was even big enough to rival the city hall.

This place was supposed to be designed to park the combat aviation ship armored vehicles and for storing ammunition. But there were no weapon-like objects that could be seen.

However, deep in the armory, there was a machine that looks like an ‘infidel’s altar’.

“That is…”

A streamlined-shaped container was fixed above Anya. It was about ten meters above the ground.

It looked like a single-seater aviation ship’s cockpit, but its exterior was beautifully decorated. Normal weapons simply cannot be compared with it.

However even when it had a god like beauty, there is still a dark feeling lurking from inside. When it was careful observed, it is more like
a coffin and gave a chilling feeling.

There were many cables hanging from the bottom of the capsule which connect to the mechanical device on the ground.

Looking at the whole picture, the huge device can even match with an adult dragon. The side of its body was studded with numerous large pieces of Bright Dragon Crystal.

''- This is a magic guided device....!''

At the same time Anya gasped, Klaus talked to her:

"Have you found out about it, ojou-san? This is the same type of device with Milgauss’s ‘Tyrfing’."

When she heard the word ‘Tyrfing’ Anya was still wondering about it, but soon remembered. ‘Tyrfing’ should be the huge sword that Milgauss
used when summoning the Necromancia.

Klaus walked to the side of the huge device.

“Thanks for your hard work.”

There were a few researchers near the device as well as ten or so technicians were working right now. The researchers were dressed in white robes, while the technicians were dressed in work clothes.

"It is rare for Klaus-sama the come personally..."

An old man who was thought to be the leader bowed respectfully.

"Yo, Dr. Hoffman. How is the progress?"

"As you can see, the assembly work is almost finished. We had now entered the final inspection stage. It is just that...... Since that device
runs with the Millenium as a power source, you must be careful with it. Final inspection is bound to finish in a night time. "

Anya wondered if she heard it wrong. The Millennium- a rare mineral which was formed when the body of a dead dragon was buried in the ground
for a few thousand years. A vast majority of it was used as the fuel of an Airship.

"After the inspection had ended, the experiments can be carried out tomorrow afternoon. Alternatively, if my lord can help prepare the
experimental material, then...."

After listening to of Dr. Hoffman’s report. Klaus revealed a satisfied smile.

"No problem, we will help prepare experimental material. Please continue with the operations."

"Of course, Klaus-sama."

After Dr. Hoffman bowed again, he returned to the device.

Klaus again looked at the device with a looked of reverence.

"It was a beauty until an extended where it cannot be describe with, the ancient civilizations' skill were really amazing. It felt like it
was far beyond the scope of a human’s capabilities. Hey, Milgauss, come here and have a look too."

Milgauss silently walked forward and stopped beside Klaus’s shoulder.

Klaus was in a trance.

"Magic guided device ‘Yggdrasil’.... I chose its name. Do you not think that this name suits it well?"

Contrary to Klaus, Milgauss answered coldly.

"The name doesn’t matter. The problem is whether it can be used or not."

"Hehe, this answer really suits your style. Frankly speaking, in the past, no one knows its true purpose when this device was unearthed from ‘Xonotone Ark<ref>The ARK here is a ship not an armour</ref> ’. When Beowulf’s engine was excavated, the empire’s nobles were all excited. But nobody was interested in ‘Yggdrasil’. Thanks to this, I can buy it for a cheap price."

"How can those guys understand the true value of this device."

"Haha, you're quite ruthless. Anyway, I'm surprised by your knowledge! Because you had just only read the information, but you had known
‘Yggdrasil’ nature. But I personally still doubt it. With this device.... can we really force young dragon Eco to be awakened? "

"-!"

Anya who heard Milgauss and Klaus’s conversation from behind shuddered.

After listening to Klaus, Anya only understand the contents of her mission. In fact, Milgauss hadn’t even told her about her mission.

''-Is the prey that is going to be put in the capsule.... young dragon Eco?''

Anya felt her spine freeze. She remembered Eco’s innocent big smile while eating a meat in the students’ restaurant to eat meat surfaced in her mind. At least as far what Anya know, Eco is only a naive and gluttonous little girl.

Although her temper is bad, she is still a young dragon who was born only a few months ago. Also, she was welcomed by a lot of the students as a mascot of the student council.

It is difficult to link Eco and such a dark experimental device together.

''- Why is Milgauss-sama so persistent about young dragon Eco? He even makes use of the Continental Congress.... the value of the little girl, is it worth the risk to make this risky move?''

Casting aside Anya’s distrust, Milgauss and Klaus were still talking.

"You don’t have to bother with this so much, Klaus. You just need to have faith in me."

"Wow, what confidence."

"As long as you follow what I say, it is just a matter of time you will gain control of the dragon’s power. Even the next Emperor's throne is at your fingertips."

''Next Emperor-'' these unexpected words tightens Anya’s facial muscles.

"I’ll be waiting for the day where your promise come true, Milgauss. Then, ojou-san.”

Anya was shocked by Klaus who suddenly turned back. Klaus’s handsome face just moments before was now like a ghost.

"By hearing our conversation just now, you should know what your mission is , right?"

"Capture.... young dragon Eco?"

"Correct answer. Milgauss, you have a very good underling."

Despite being praised, Anya was not quite happy.

"The Melancholy of Anya ~A.S.S.1365.7~" is closed.

==References and Translation Notes==
<references />

<noinclude>
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; padding: 0.2em; border-collapse: collapse;"
|-
| Back to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4 Chapter 3|Chapter 3]]
| Return to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4 Chapter 5|Chapter 5]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4 Chapter 4

2013-07-18T09:25:47Z

72.220.105.54: /* Part 2 */

==Chapter 4 - Beowolf's conspiracy==
===Part 1===
Anya who also went to the capital Fontain city, met with Milgauss as she had originally planned.

Since last month, they had not met for a long time. The Milgauss today don’t seem to be quite right.

Although his true face was still covered with the same silver mask, but he wrapped a dark cloak around his body in this hot summer.

"..Come with me."

Ignoring Anya’s questions, Milgauss passed through numerous alleys. Then with the use of an underground secret passage they sneaked passed
Fontain city’s stronghold.

Along the way they were not caught by any guards even when it should be the martial law period.

Anya was thinking while walking along the passage.

''- What connection does Milgauss have with the Knight Countries....? A mere peasant wouldn’t know the existence of this underground secret
passage.....''

''In fact, let alone the public, there ain’t even a guard here. Is this passage use by the royals to seek refuge.....?'' Anya thought of this
possibility.

''If it is so, why does Milgauss know the existence of such a route?''

"We are going to climb upwards."

After hearing Milgauss’s whisper, Anya cast aside all the distractions. There is a stone staircase in front of them.

Anya stared after she had reached the surface from the underground secret passage.

She is at an apron specifically for the use of landing of the aviation ship.

The first ship that greets her eyes is the Zepharos mega airship- Beowulf's bow.

As for Chevron’s airship Crown Solas , Holy Espada Agency’s shrine ship Esperanza and Lautreamont’s airship Silvanus, are lined up together
side by side at some distance away from Beowulf.

It is as if Beowulf had been isolated.

On the other hand, at the other end of the apron, Fontain city stands majestically in the night full of lights.

After Milgauss gave a glance at a castle, he headed towards Beowulf silently.

===Part 2===
Inside the Beowulf- Milgauss and Anya came to a room where it was labeled "war room" with the Empire’s language. After entering the room, young noble stepped forward to greet them.

"Phew..... I had waited for you for a long time, Milgauss."

The young guy’s hair is blonde and he had a pair of gray eyes. He is a beautiful guy<ref>美男 binan, beautiful man, something you can usually
see when reading Josei manga. </ref> that someone will mistake him for a chick.

At the same time, he can be seen as someone who practiced martial arts. Despite his slender body wrapped in clothing that was overly

decorated, but his lean physique can still be seen.

''- This man is Klaus, Wadanhuoer’s border’s baron....!''

She had once heard about this man's deeds before. Now, this is the first time she saw him, Anya gasped in his presence.

He is the head of the Viderhausen family and also the ruler of the Wadanhuoer. At the same time, he is also the patron for Milgauss. Even
when he was still a young man in his twenties, but in he is now at the same level as an officer in the Empire’s army.

Not only that, this time, he is also preparing to attend as an agent for the Zepharos Emperor in the Continental Congress ‘Elysium’...

"Ah! My Milgauss! You really came!"...

Klaus place his glass on his table, stood up and hugged Milgauss.

''- What....! T-Two men hugging together! Or...... is it normally used in the Empire as a greeting?''

Anya who stood by the door blushed.

"Well, this room is really.....! Filled with steel and greasy smell, can you even imagine how do I feel when I was waiting for you? What took
you so long?"

"I was forced to. Since the Continental Congress is around the corner, the security is very tight outside. I must wait until night time to
make my action."

"Hmm, you're also right."

After Klaus released Milgauss, she spoke while smiling.

“I’ll first hand your left arm to you.”

Klaus pointed at the steel box on the table.

"This is the latest model sent from the Empire. Its strength is enough to even match with a chariot."

"I’m really grateful for it."

After Milgauss thanked him, he placed his hand on the box.

A heavy metal sound can be heard when he opened the box.\

Regardless of how you look at it, the object in the box is a 'human's arm'.

“Hik…”

Anya almost screamed and she quickly covered her mouth. With a closer look, at the end of the arm, there a an electro-mechanical-like object.

''-Mechanical...... prosthesis?''

Klaus for the first time looked at Anya who held her breath.

"Are you the girl from the Tantalos tribe? I have heard about you."

"Y-Yes! I’m Anya, the leader of the Tantalos tribe.”

Anya stood at her spot and nervously replied. After all, he is Milgauss’s patron and she shouldn’t be rude.

"Hmm. From the surprised reaction, about Milgauss’s left arm, it seems that you are still in the dark."

"Left arm ......?"

Anya was puzzled.

She happened to catch a glimpse of Milgauss throwing off his cloak on the floor from the corner of her eyes.

"...!"

Anya eyes widened.

Milgauss’s left arm is without its lower half starting from his elbow.

The long empty sleeve was swinging. Anya then realized why Milgauss must cover his upper body with the cloak.

"It happened ten years before. A guy who had lost his name, status, fame, and his left arm strayed into our home territory. He who had
committed major taboo in his homeland was cursed-"

"Cut the crap, Klaus."

Klaus’s story came to a halt when Milgauss scolded. Anya was a little disappointed. With just a little bit more, she can find out about
Milgauss’s past.

"Oh, I’m asked to stop. It is a pity, right?"

“N-No… Nothing.”

Anya felt embarrassed. She felt that she cannot hide anything when being watched by Klaus.

"By the way, ojou-san, your muffler is really special, is that part of your folk costume?"

A sudden changed of topic stunned Anya.

Regardless of what seasons, Anya always has the muffler with her, as if it was part of her body. When she removed the muffler to disguise as
a town girl or a waitress, the empty feeling around her neck made her felt insecure.

"Yes, in the mountains, the is a custom where different clans exchanges their children to conclude a peace agreement. When I was given to
another clan when I was a child, I already had this scarf.... In other words, this muffler is a proof of which clan I was born in."

"Hmm, I am always madly in love beautiful things. Beauty can overcome anything, do you not think so? I kept Milgauss by my side just because
of this reason."

"Err......"

Anya was dumbfounded. What is this person actually talking about?

"Ahh.....What is there to be dumbfounded of. Your muffler is very unique and really beautiful-"

"You have gone off topic. Klaus quickly take the device out."

Milgauss who had turned around and faced them had put on his prosthesis arm.

===Part 3===
Klaus led Milgauss and Anya to the armory.
Anya thought that is would look like a warehouse. When the elevators doors opened, she was shocked.

The wide armory was located at the back of the ship. It is even big enough to rival the city hall.

This place was supposed to be designed to park the combat aviation ship armored vehicles and for storing ammunition. But there was no weaponed-like object that can be seen.

However, deep in the armory, there was a machine that looks like an ‘infidel’s altar’.

“That is…”

A streamlined-shaped container was fixed above Anya. It was about ten meters above the grounds.

It looked like a single-seater aviation ship’s cockpit, but its exterior was beautifully decorated. The normal weapons simply cannot be compared with it.

However even when it had a god like beauty, there is still a dark feeling lurking from inside. When it was careful observed, it is more like
a coffin and gave a chilling feeling.

There were many cables hanging from the bottom of the capsule which connects with the mechanical device on the ground.

Looking at the whole picture, the huge device can even match with an adult dragon. The side of its body was studded with numerous large pieces of Bright Dragon Crystal.

''- This is a magic guided device....!''

At the same time Anya gasped, Klaus talked to her:

"Have you found out about it, ojou-san? This is the same type of divice with Milgauss’s ‘Tyrfing’."

When she heard the word ‘Tyrfing’ Anya was still wondering about it, but soon remembered. ‘Tyrfing’ should be the huge sword that Milgauss
used when summoning the Necromancia.

Klaus walked to the side of the huge device.

“Thanks for your hard work.”

There were a few researchers near the device as well as ten or so technicians were working right now. The researchers were dressed in white robes, while the technicians were dressed in work clothes.

"It is rare for Klaus-sama the come personally..."

An old man who was thought to be the leader bowed respectfully.

"Yo, Dr. Hoffman. How is the progress?"

"As you can see, the assembly work is almost finished. We had now entered the final inspection stage. It is just that...... Since that device
runs with the Millenium as a power source, you must be careful with it. Final inspection is bound to finish in a night time. "

Anya wondered if she heard it wrong. The Millennium- a rare mineral which was formed when the body of a dead dragon was buried in the ground
for a few thousands of years. A vast majority of it was used as the fuel of an Airship.

"After the inspection had ended, the experiments can be carried out tomorrow afternoon. Alternatively, if my lord can help prepare the
experimental material, then...."

After listening to of Dr. Hoffman’s report. Klaus revealed a satisfied smile.

"No problem, we will help prepare experimental material. Please continue with the operations."

"Of course, Klaus-sama."

After Dr. Hoffman bowed again, he returned to the device.

Klaus again looked at the device with a looked of reverence.

"It was a beauty until an extended where it cannot be describe with, the ancient civilizations’s skill were really amazing. It felt like it
was far beyond the scope of a human’s capabilities. Hey, Milgauss, come here and have a look too."

Milgauss silently walked forward and stopped beside Klaus’s shoulder.

Klaus was in a trance.

"Magic guided device ‘Yggdrasil’.... I named its name. Do you not think that this name suits it well?"

Contrary to Klaus, Milgauss answered coldly.

"The name doesn’t matter. The problem is whether it can be used or not."

"Hehe, this answer really suits your style. Frankly speaking, in the past, no one knows its true purpose when this device was unearth from ‘Xonotone Ark<ref>The ARK here is a ship not an armour</ref> ’. When Beowulf’s engine was excavated, the empire’s noble were all excited. But nobody was interested in ‘Yggdrasil’. Thanks to this, I can buy it with a cheap price."

"How can those guys understand the true value of this device."

"Haha, you're quite ruthless. Anyway, I'm surprised by your knowledge! Because you had just only read the information, but you had known
‘Yggdrasil’ nature. But I personally still doubt it. With this device.... can we really force young dragon Eco to be awakened? "

"-!"

Anya who heard Milgauss and Klaus’s conversation from behind shuddered.

After listening to Klaus, Anya only understand the contents of her mission. In fact, Milgauss haven’t even told her about her mission.

''-Is the prey that who going to be put in the capsule....is young dragon Eco?''

Anya felt her spine freeze. She remembered Eco’s innocent big smile while eating a meat in the students’ restaurant to eat meat surfaced in her mind. At least as far what Anya know, Eco is only a naive and gluttonous little girl.

Although she temper is bad, she is still a young dragon who was born only a few months ago. Also, she was welcomed by a lot of the student as a mascot of the student council.

It is difficult to link Eco and such a dark experimental device together.

''- Why is Milgauss-sama is so persistent about young dragon Eco? He even make use of the Continental Congress.... the value of the little girl, is it worth the risk to make this risky move?''

Casting aside Anya’s distrust, Milgauss and Klaus were still talking.

"You don’t have to bother with this so much, Klaus. You just need to have faith in me."

"Wow, what confidence."

"As long as you follow what I say, it is just a matter of time you will gain control of the dragon’s power. Even the next Emperor's throne is at your fingertips."

''Next Emperor-'' these unexpected words tightens Anya’s facial muscles.

"I’ll be waiting for the day where your promise come true, Milgauss. Then, ojou-san.”

Anya was shocked by Klaus who suddenlyturned back. Klaus’s handsome face just moments before was now like a ghost.

"By hearing our conversation just now, you should know what is your mission, right?"

"Capture.... young dragon Eco?"

"Correct answer. Milgauss, you have a very good underling."

Despite being praised, Anya is not quite happy.

"The Melancholy of Anya ~A.S.S.1365.7~" is closed.

==References and Translation Notes==
<references />

<noinclude>
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; padding: 0.2em; border-collapse: collapse;"
|-
| Back to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4 Chapter 3|Chapter 3]]
| Return to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4 Chapter 5|Chapter 5]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4 Chapter 4

2013-07-18T09:25:04Z

72.220.105.54: /* Part 2 */

==Chapter 4 - Beowolf's conspiracy==
===Part 1===
Anya who also went to the capital Fontain city, met with Milgauss as she had originally planned.

Since last month, they had not met for a long time. The Milgauss today don’t seem to be quite right.

Although his true face was still covered with the same silver mask, but he wrapped a dark cloak around his body in this hot summer.

"..Come with me."

Ignoring Anya’s questions, Milgauss passed through numerous alleys. Then with the use of an underground secret passage they sneaked passed
Fontain city’s stronghold.

Along the way they were not caught by any guards even when it should be the martial law period.

Anya was thinking while walking along the passage.

''- What connection does Milgauss have with the Knight Countries....? A mere peasant wouldn’t know the existence of this underground secret
passage.....''

''In fact, let alone the public, there ain’t even a guard here. Is this passage use by the royals to seek refuge.....?'' Anya thought of this
possibility.

''If it is so, why does Milgauss know the existence of such a route?''

"We are going to climb upwards."

After hearing Milgauss’s whisper, Anya cast aside all the distractions. There is a stone staircase in front of them.

Anya stared after she had reached the surface from the underground secret passage.

She is at an apron specifically for the use of landing of the aviation ship.

The first ship that greets her eyes is the Zepharos mega airship- Beowulf's bow.

As for Chevron’s airship Crown Solas , Holy Espada Agency’s shrine ship Esperanza and Lautreamont’s airship Silvanus, are lined up together
side by side at some distance away from Beowulf.

It is as if Beowulf had been isolated.

On the other hand, at the other end of the apron, Fontain city stands majestically in the night full of lights.

After Milgauss gave a glance at a castle, he headed towards Beowulf silently.

===Part 2===
Inside the Beowulf- Milgauss and Anya came to a room where it was labeled "war room" with the Empire’s language. After entering the room, young noble stepped forward to greet them.

"Phew..... I had waited for you for a long time, Milgauss."

The young guy’s hair is blonde and he had a pair of gray eyes. He is a beautiful guy<ref>美男 binan, beautiful man, something you can usually
see when reading Josei manga. </ref> that someone will mistake him for a chick.

At the same time, he can be seen as someone who practiced martial arts. Despite his slender body wrapped in clothing that was overly

decorated, but his lean physique can still be seen.

''- This man is Klaus, Wadanhuoer’s border’s baron....!''

She had once heard about this man's deeds before. Now, this is the first time she saw him, Anya gasped in his presence.

He is the head of the Viderhausen family and also the ruler of the Wadanhuoer. At the same time, he is also the patron for Milgauss. Even
when he was still a young man in his twenties, but in he is now at the same level as an officer in the Empire’s army.

Not only that, this time, he is also preparing to attend as an agent for the Zepharos Emperor in the Continental Congress ‘Elysium’...

"Ah! My Milgauss! You really came!"...

Klaus place his glass on his table, stood up and hugged Milgauss.

''- What....! T-Two men hugging together! Or...... is it normally used in the Empire as a greeting?''

Anya who stood by the door blushed.

"Well, this room is really.....! Filled with steel and greasy smell, can you even imagine how do I feel when I was waiting for you? What took
you so long?"

"I was forced to. Since the Continental Congress is around the corner, the security is very tight outside. I must wait until night time to
make my action."

"Hmm, you're also right."

After Klaus released Milgauss, she spoke while smiling.

“I’ll first hand your left arm to you.”

Klaus pointed at the steel box on the table.

"This is the latest model sent from the Empire. Its strength is enough to even match with a chariot."

"I’m really grateful for it."

After Milgauss thanked him, he placed his hand on the box.

A heavy metal sound can be heard when he opened the box.\

Regardless of how you look at it, the object in the box is a 'human's arm'.

“Hik…”

Anya almost screamed and she quickly covered her mouth. With a closer look, at the end of the arm, there a an electro-mechanical-like object.

''-Mechanical...... prosthesis?''

Klaus for the first time looked at Anya who held her breath.

"Are you the girl from the Tantalos tribe? I have heard about you."

"Y-Yes! I’m Anya, the leader of the Tantalos tribe.”

Anya stood at her spot and nervously replied. After all, he is Milgauss’s patron and she shouldn’t be rude.

"Hmm. From the surprised reaction, about Milgauss’s left arm, it seems that you are still in the dark."

"Left arm ......?"

Anya was puzzled.

She happened to catch a glimpse of Milgauss throwing off his cloak on the floor from the corner of her eyes.

"...!"

Anya eyes widened.

Milgauss’s left arm is without its lower half starting from his elbow.

The long empty sleeve was swinging. Anya then realized why Milgauss must cover his upper body with the cloak.

"It happened ten years before. A guy who had lost his name, status, fame, and his left arm strayed into our home territory. He who had
committed major taboo in his homeland was cursed-"

"Cut the crap, Klaus."

Klaus’s story came to a halt when Milgauss scolded. Anya was a little disappointed. With just a little bit more, she can find out about
Milgauss’s past.

"Oh, I’m asked to stop. It is a pity, right?"

“N-No… Nothing.”

Anya felt embarrassed. She felt that she cannot hide anything when being watched by Klaus.

"By the way, ojou-san, your muffler is really special, is that part of your folk costume?"

A sudden changed of topic stunned Anya.

Regardless of what seasons, Anya always has the muffler with her, as if it was part of her body. When she removed the muffler to disguise as
a town girl or a waitress, the empty feeling around her neck made her felt insecure.

"Yes, in the mountains, the is a custom where different clans exchanges their children to conclude a peace agreement. When I was given to
another clan when I was a child, I already had this scarf.... In other words, this muffler is a proof of which clan I was born in."

"Hmm, I am always madly in love beautiful things. Beauty can overcome anything, do you not think so? I kept Milgauss by my side just because
of this reason."

"Err......"

Anya was dumbfounded. What is this person actually talking about?

"Ahh.....What is there to be dumbfounded of. Your muffler is very unique and really beautiful-"

"You have gone off topic. Klaus quickly take the device out."

Milgauss who had turned around and face them had put on his prosthesis arm.

===Part 3===
Klaus led Milgauss and Anya to the armory.
Anya thought that is would look like a warehouse. When the elevators doors opened, she was shocked.

The wide armory was located at the back of the ship. It is even big enough to rival the city hall.

This place was supposed to be designed to park the combat aviation ship armored vehicles and for storing ammunition. But there was no weaponed-like object that can be seen.

However, deep in the armory, there was a machine that looks like an ‘infidel’s altar’.

“That is…”

A streamlined-shaped container was fixed above Anya. It was about ten meters above the grounds.

It looked like a single-seater aviation ship’s cockpit, but its exterior was beautifully decorated. The normal weapons simply cannot be compared with it.

However even when it had a god like beauty, there is still a dark feeling lurking from inside. When it was careful observed, it is more like
a coffin and gave a chilling feeling.

There were many cables hanging from the bottom of the capsule which connects with the mechanical device on the ground.

Looking at the whole picture, the huge device can even match with an adult dragon. The side of its body was studded with numerous large pieces of Bright Dragon Crystal.

''- This is a magic guided device....!''

At the same time Anya gasped, Klaus talked to her:

"Have you found out about it, ojou-san? This is the same type of divice with Milgauss’s ‘Tyrfing’."

When she heard the word ‘Tyrfing’ Anya was still wondering about it, but soon remembered. ‘Tyrfing’ should be the huge sword that Milgauss
used when summoning the Necromancia.

Klaus walked to the side of the huge device.

“Thanks for your hard work.”

There were a few researchers near the device as well as ten or so technicians were working right now. The researchers were dressed in white robes, while the technicians were dressed in work clothes.

"It is rare for Klaus-sama the come personally..."

An old man who was thought to be the leader bowed respectfully.

"Yo, Dr. Hoffman. How is the progress?"

"As you can see, the assembly work is almost finished. We had now entered the final inspection stage. It is just that...... Since that device
runs with the Millenium as a power source, you must be careful with it. Final inspection is bound to finish in a night time. "

Anya wondered if she heard it wrong. The Millennium- a rare mineral which was formed when the body of a dead dragon was buried in the ground
for a few thousands of years. A vast majority of it was used as the fuel of an Airship.

"After the inspection had ended, the experiments can be carried out tomorrow afternoon. Alternatively, if my lord can help prepare the
experimental material, then...."

After listening to of Dr. Hoffman’s report. Klaus revealed a satisfied smile.

"No problem, we will help prepare experimental material. Please continue with the operations."

"Of course, Klaus-sama."

After Dr. Hoffman bowed again, he returned to the device.

Klaus again looked at the device with a looked of reverence.

"It was a beauty until an extended where it cannot be describe with, the ancient civilizations’s skill were really amazing. It felt like it
was far beyond the scope of a human’s capabilities. Hey, Milgauss, come here and have a look too."

Milgauss silently walked forward and stopped beside Klaus’s shoulder.

Klaus was in a trance.

"Magic guided device ‘Yggdrasil’.... I named its name. Do you not think that this name suits it well?"

Contrary to Klaus, Milgauss answered coldly.

"The name doesn’t matter. The problem is whether it can be used or not."

"Hehe, this answer really suits your style. Frankly speaking, in the past, no one knows its true purpose when this device was unearth from ‘Xonotone Ark<ref>The ARK here is a ship not an armour</ref> ’. When Beowulf’s engine was excavated, the empire’s noble were all excited. But nobody was interested in ‘Yggdrasil’. Thanks to this, I can buy it with a cheap price."

"How can those guys understand the true value of this device."

"Haha, you're quite ruthless. Anyway, I'm surprised by your knowledge! Because you had just only read the information, but you had known
‘Yggdrasil’ nature. But I personally still doubt it. With this device.... can we really force young dragon Eco to be awakened? "

"-!"

Anya who heard Milgauss and Klaus’s conversation from behind shuddered.

After listening to Klaus, Anya only understand the contents of her mission. In fact, Milgauss haven’t even told her about her mission.

''-Is the prey that who going to be put in the capsule....is young dragon Eco?''

Anya felt her spine freeze. She remembered Eco’s innocent big smile while eating a meat in the students’ restaurant to eat meat surfaced in her mind. At least as far what Anya know, Eco is only a naive and gluttonous little girl.

Although she temper is bad, she is still a young dragon who was born only a few months ago. Also, she was welcomed by a lot of the student as a mascot of the student council.

It is difficult to link Eco and such a dark experimental device together.

''- Why is Milgauss-sama is so persistent about young dragon Eco? He even make use of the Continental Congress.... the value of the little girl, is it worth the risk to make this risky move?''

Casting aside Anya’s distrust, Milgauss and Klaus were still talking.

"You don’t have to bother with this so much, Klaus. You just need to have faith in me."

"Wow, what confidence."

"As long as you follow what I say, it is just a matter of time you will gain control of the dragon’s power. Even the next Emperor's throne is at your fingertips."

''Next Emperor-'' these unexpected words tightens Anya’s facial muscles.

"I’ll be waiting for the day where your promise come true, Milgauss. Then, ojou-san.”

Anya was shocked by Klaus who suddenlyturned back. Klaus’s handsome face just moments before was now like a ghost.

"By hearing our conversation just now, you should know what is your mission, right?"

"Capture.... young dragon Eco?"

"Correct answer. Milgauss, you have a very good underling."

Despite being praised, Anya is not quite happy.

"The Melancholy of Anya ~A.S.S.1365.7~" is closed.

==References and Translation Notes==
<references />

<noinclude>
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; padding: 0.2em; border-collapse: collapse;"
|-
| Back to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4 Chapter 3|Chapter 3]]
| Return to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4 Chapter 5|Chapter 5]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4 Chapter 4

2013-07-18T09:21:37Z

72.220.105.54:

==Chapter 4 - Beowolf's conspiracy==
===Part 1===
Anya who also went to the capital Fontain city, met with Milgauss as she had originally planned.

Since last month, they had not met for a long time. The Milgauss today don’t seem to be quite right.

Although his true face was still covered with the same silver mask, but he wrapped a dark cloak around his body in this hot summer.

"..Come with me."

Ignoring Anya’s questions, Milgauss passed through numerous alleys. Then with the use of an underground secret passage they sneaked passed
Fontain city’s stronghold.

Along the way they were not caught by any guards even when it should be the martial law period.

Anya was thinking while walking along the passage.

''- What connection does Milgauss have with the Knight Countries....? A mere peasant wouldn’t know the existence of this underground secret
passage.....''

''In fact, let alone the public, there ain’t even a guard here. Is this passage use by the royals to seek refuge.....?'' Anya thought of this
possibility.

''If it is so, why does Milgauss know the existence of such a route?''

"We are going to climb upwards."

After hearing Milgauss’s whisper, Anya cast aside all the distractions. There is a stone staircase in front of them.

Anya stared after she had reached the surface from the underground secret passage.

She is at an apron specifically for the use of landing of the aviation ship.

The first ship that greets her eyes is the Zepharos mega airship- Beowulf's bow.

As for Chevron’s airship Crown Solas , Holy Espada Agency’s shrine ship Esperanza and Lautreamont’s airship Silvanus, are lined up together
side by side at some distance away from Beowulf.

It is as if Beowulf had been isolated.

On the other hand, at the other end of the apron, Fontain city stands majestically in the night full of lights.

After Milgauss gave a glance at a castle, he headed towards Beowulf silently.

===Part 2===
Inside the Beowulf- Milgauss and Anya came to a room where it was labeled "war room" with the Empire’s language. After entering the room, young noble stepped forward to greet them.

"Phew..... I had waited for you for a long time, Milgauss."

The young guy’s hair is blonde and he had a pair of gray eyes. He is a beautiful guy<ref>美男 binan, beautiful man, something you can usually
see when reading Josei manga. </ref> that someone will mistake him for a chick.

At the same time, he can be seen as someone who practiced martial arts. Despite his slender body wrapped in clothing that was overly

decorated, but his lean physique can still be seen.

''- This man is Klaus, Wadanhuoer’s border’s baron....!''

She had once heard about this man's deeds before. Now, this is the first time she saw him, Anya gasped in his c presence.

He is the head of the Viderhausen family and also the ruler of the Wadanhuoer. At the same time, he is also the patron for Milgauss. Even
when he was still a young man in his twenties, but in he is now at the same level as an officer in the Empire’s army.

Not only that, this time, he is also preparing to attend as an agent for the Zepharos Emperor in the Continental Congress ‘Elysium’...

"Ah! My Milgauss! You really came!"...

Klaus place his glass on his table, stood up and hugged Milgauss.

''- What....! T-Two men hugging together! Or...... is it normally used in the Empire as a greeting?''

Anya who stood by the door blushed.

"Well, this room is really.....! Filled with steel and greasy smell, can you even imagine how do I feel when I was waiting for you? What took
you so long?"

"I was forced to. Since the Continental Congress is around the corner, the security is very tight outside. I must wait until night time to
make my action."

"Hmm, you're also right."

After Klaus released Milgauss, she spoke while smiling.

“I’ll first hand your left arm to you.”

Klaus pointed at the steel box on the table.

"This is the latest model sent from the Empire. Its strength is enough to even match with a chariot."

"I’m really grateful for it."

After Milgauss thanked him, he placed his hand on the box.

A heavy metal sound can be heard when he opened the box.\

Regardless of how you look at it, the object in the box is a 'human's arm'.

“Hik…”

Anya almost screamed and she quickly covered her mouth. With a closer look, at the end of the arm, there a an electro-mechanical-like object.

''-Mechanical...... prosthesis?''

Klaus for the first time looked at Anya who held her breath.

"Are you the girl from the Tantalos tribe? I have heard about you."

"Y-Yes! I’m Anya, the leader of the Tantalos tribe.”

Anya stood at her spot and nervously replied. After all, he is Milgauss’s patron and she shouldn’t be rude.

"Hmm. From the surprised reaction, about Milgauss’s left arm, it seems that you are still in the dark."

"Left arm ......?"

Anya was puzzled.

She happened to catch a glimpse of Milgauss throwing off his cloak on the floor from the corner of her eyes.

"...!"

Anya eyes widened.

Milgauss’s left arm is without its lower half starting from his elbow.

The long empty sleeve was swinging. Anya then realized why Milgauss must cover his upper body with the cloak.

"It happened ten years before. A guy who had lost his name, status, fame, and his left arm strayed into our home territory. He who had
committed major taboo in his homeland was cursed-"

"Cut the crap, Klaus."

Klaus’s story came to a halt when Milgauss scolded. Anya was a little disappointed. With just a little bit more, she can find out about
Milgauss’s past.

"Oh, I’m asked to stop. It is a pity, right?"

“N-No… Nothing.”

Anya felt embarrass. She felt that she cannot hide anything when being watched by Klaus.

"By the way, ojou-san, your muffler is really special, is that part of your folk costume?"

A sudden changed of topic stunned Anya.

Regardless of what seasons, Anya always has the muffler with her, as if it was part of her body. When she removed the muffler to disguise as
a town girl or a waitress, the empty feeling around her neck made her felt insecure.

"Yes, in the mountains, the is a custom where different clans exchanges their children to conclude a peace agreement. When I was given to
another clan when I was a child, I already had this scarf.... In other words, this muffler is a proof of which clan I was born in."

"Hmm, I am always madly in love beautiful things. Beauty can overcome anything, do you not think so? I kept Milgauss by my side just because
of this reason."

"Err......"

Anya was dumbfounded. What is this person actually talking about?

"Ahh.....What is there to be dumbfounded of. Your muffler is very unique and really beautiful-"

"You have gone off topic. Klaus quickly take the device out."

Milgauss who had turned around and face them had put on his prosthesis arm.

===Part 3===
Klaus led Milgauss and Anya to the armory.
Anya thought that is would look like a warehouse. When the elevators doors opened, she was shocked.

The wide armory was located at the back of the ship. It is even big enough to rival the city hall.

This place was supposed to be designed to park the combat aviation ship armored vehicles and for storing ammunition. But there was no weaponed-like object that can be seen.

However, deep in the armory, there was a machine that looks like an ‘infidel’s altar’.

“That is…”

A streamlined-shaped container was fixed above Anya. It was about ten meters above the grounds.

It looked like a single-seater aviation ship’s cockpit, but its exterior was beautifully decorated. The normal weapons simply cannot be compared with it.

However even when it had a god like beauty, there is still a dark feeling lurking from inside. When it was careful observed, it is more like
a coffin and gave a chilling feeling.

There were many cables hanging from the bottom of the capsule which connects with the mechanical device on the ground.

Looking at the whole picture, the huge device can even match with an adult dragon. The side of its body was studded with numerous large pieces of Bright Dragon Crystal.

''- This is a magic guided device....!''

At the same time Anya gasped, Klaus talked to her:

"Have you found out about it, ojou-san? This is the same type of divice with Milgauss’s ‘Tyrfing’."

When she heard the word ‘Tyrfing’ Anya was still wondering about it, but soon remembered. ‘Tyrfing’ should be the huge sword that Milgauss
used when summoning the Necromancia.

Klaus walked to the side of the huge device.

“Thanks for your hard work.”

There were a few researchers near the device as well as ten or so technicians were working right now. The researchers were dressed in white robes, while the technicians were dressed in work clothes.

"It is rare for Klaus-sama the come personally..."

An old man who was thought to be the leader bowed respectfully.

"Yo, Dr. Hoffman. How is the progress?"

"As you can see, the assembly work is almost finished. We had now entered the final inspection stage. It is just that...... Since that device
runs with the Millenium as a power source, you must be careful with it. Final inspection is bound to finish in a night time. "

Anya wondered if she heard it wrong. The Millennium- a rare mineral which was formed when the body of a dead dragon was buried in the ground
for a few thousands of years. A vast majority of it was used as the fuel of an Airship.

"After the inspection had ended, the experiments can be carried out tomorrow afternoon. Alternatively, if my lord can help prepare the
experimental material, then...."

After listening to of Dr. Hoffman’s report. Klaus revealed a satisfied smile.

"No problem, we will help prepare experimental material. Please continue with the operations."

"Of course, Klaus-sama."

After Dr. Hoffman bowed again, he returned to the device.

Klaus again looked at the device with a looked of reverence.

"It was a beauty until an extended where it cannot be describe with, the ancient civilizations’s skill were really amazing. It felt like it
was far beyond the scope of a human’s capabilities. Hey, Milgauss, come here and have a look too."

Milgauss silently walked forward and stopped beside Klaus’s shoulder.

Klaus was in a trance.

"Magic guided device ‘Yggdrasil’.... I named its name. Do you not think that this name suits it well?"

Contrary to Klaus, Milgauss answered coldly.

"The name doesn’t matter. The problem is whether it can be used or not."

"Hehe, this answer really suits your style. Frankly speaking, in the past, no one knows its true purpose when this device was unearth from ‘Xonotone Ark<ref>The ARK here is a ship not an armour</ref> ’. When Beowulf’s engine was excavated, the empire’s noble were all excited. But nobody was interested in ‘Yggdrasil’. Thanks to this, I can buy it with a cheap price."

"How can those guys understand the true value of this device."

"Haha, you're quite ruthless. Anyway, I'm surprised by your knowledge! Because you had just only read the information, but you had known
‘Yggdrasil’ nature. But I personally still doubt it. With this device.... can we really force young dragon Eco to be awakened? "

"-!"

Anya who heard Milgauss and Klaus’s conversation from behind shuddered.

After listening to Klaus, Anya only understand the contents of her mission. In fact, Milgauss haven’t even told her about her mission.

''-Is the prey that who going to be put in the capsule....is young dragon Eco?''

Anya felt her spine freeze. She remembered Eco’s innocent big smile while eating a meat in the students’ restaurant to eat meat surfaced in her mind. At least as far what Anya know, Eco is only a naive and gluttonous little girl.

Although she temper is bad, she is still a young dragon who was born only a few months ago. Also, she was welcomed by a lot of the student as a mascot of the student council.

It is difficult to link Eco and such a dark experimental device together.

''- Why is Milgauss-sama is so persistent about young dragon Eco? He even make use of the Continental Congress.... the value of the little girl, is it worth the risk to make this risky move?''

Casting aside Anya’s distrust, Milgauss and Klaus were still talking.

"You don’t have to bother with this so much, Klaus. You just need to have faith in me."

"Wow, what confidence."

"As long as you follow what I say, it is just a matter of time you will gain control of the dragon’s power. Even the next Emperor's throne is at your fingertips."

''Next Emperor-'' these unexpected words tightens Anya’s facial muscles.

"I’ll be waiting for the day where your promise come true, Milgauss. Then, ojou-san.”

Anya was shocked by Klaus who suddenlyturned back. Klaus’s handsome face just moments before was now like a ghost.

"By hearing our conversation just now, you should know what is your mission, right?"

"Capture.... young dragon Eco?"

"Correct answer. Milgauss, you have a very good underling."

Despite being praised, Anya is not quite happy.

"The Melancholy of Anya ~A.S.S.1365.7~" is closed.

==References and Translation Notes==
<references />

<noinclude>
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Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4 Chapter 4

2013-07-18T08:15:57Z

72.220.105.54: /* Part 1 */

==Chapter 4 - Beowolf's conspiracy==
===Part 1===
Anya who also whet to the capital Fontain city, met with Milgauss as she had originally planned.

Since last month, they had not met for a long time. The Milgauss today don’t seem to be quite right.

Although his true face was still covered with the same silver mask, but he wrapped a dark cloak around his body in this hot summer.

"..Come with me."

Ignoring Anya’s questions, Milgauss passed through numerous alleys. Then with the use of an underground secret passage they sneaked passed
Fontain city’s stronghold.

Along the way they were not caught by any guards even when it should be the martial law period.

Anya was thinking while walking along the passage.

''- What connection does Milgauss have with the Knight Countries....? A mere peasant wouldn’t know the existence of this underground secret
passage.....''

''In fact, let alone the public, there ain’t even a guard here. Is this passage use by the royals to seek refuge.....?'' Anya thought of this
possibility.

''If it is so, why does Milgauss know the existence of such a route?''

"We are going to climb upwards."

After hearing Milgauss’s whisper, Anya cast aside all the distractions. There is a stone staircase in front of them.

Anya stared after she had reached the surface from the underground secret passage.

She is at an apron specifically for the use of landing of the aviation ship.

The first ship that greets her eyes is the Zepharos mega airship- Beowulf's bow.

As for Chevron’s airship Crown Solas , Holy Espada Agency’s shrine ship Esperanza and Lautreamont’s airship Silvanus, are lined up together
side by side at some distance away from Beowulf.

It is as if Beowulf had been isolated.

On the other hand, at the other end of the apron, Fontain city stands majestically in the night full of lights.

After Milgauss gave a glance at a castle, he headed towards Beowulf silently.

===Part 2===
Inside the Beowulf- Milgauss and Anya came to a room where it was labeled "war room" with the Empire’s language. After entering the room, young noble stepped forward to greet them.

"Phew..... I had waited for you for a long time, Milgauss."

The young guy’s hair is blonde and he had a pair of gray eyes. He is a beautiful guy<ref>美男 binan, beautiful man, something you can usually
see when reading Josei manga. </ref> that someone will mistake him for a chick.

At the same time, he can be seen as someone who practiced martial arts. Despite his slender body wrapped in clothing that was overly

decorated, but his lean physique can still be seen.

''- This man is Klaus, Wadanhuoer’s border’s baron....!''

She had once heard about this man's deeds before. Now, this is the first time she saw him, Anya gasped in his c presence.

He is the head of the Viderhausen family and also the ruler of the Wadanhuoer. At the same time, he is also the patron for Milgauss. Even
when he was still a young man in his twenties, but in he is now at the same level as an officer in the Empire’s army.

Not only that, this time, he is also preparing to attend as an agent for the Zepharos Emperor in the Continental Congress ‘Elysium’...

"Ah! My Milgauss! You really came!"...

Klaus place his glass on his table, stood up and hugged Milgauss.

''- What....! T-Two men hugging together! Or...... is it normally used in the Empire as a greeting?''

Anya who stood by the door blushed.

"Well, this room is really.....! Filled with steel and greasy smell, can you even imagine how do I feel when I was waiting for you? What took
you so long?"

"I was forced to. Since the Continental Congress is around the corner, the security is very tight outside. I must wait until night time to
make my action."

"Hmm, you're also right."

After Klaus released Milgauss, she spoke while smiling.

“I’ll first hand your left arm to you.”

Klaus pointed at the steel box on the table.

"This is the latest model sent from the Empire. Its strength is enough to even match with a chariot."

"I’m really grateful for it."

After Milgauss thanked him, he placed his hand on the box.

A heavy metal sound can be heard when he opened the box.\

Regardless of how you look at it, the object in the box is a 'human's arm'.

“Hik…”

Anya almost screamed and she quickly covered her mouth. With a closer look, at the end of the arm, there a an electro-mechanical-like object.

''-Mechanical...... prosthesis?''

Klaus for the first time looked at Anya who held her breath.

"Are you the girl from the Tantalos tribe? I have heard about you."

"Y-Yes! I’m Anya, the leader of the Tantalos tribe.”

Anya stood at her spot and nervously replied. After all, he is Milgauss’s patron and she shouldn’t be rude.

"Hmm. From the surprised reaction, about Milgauss’s left arm, it seems that you are still in the dark."

"Left arm ......?"

Anya was puzzled.

She happened to catch a glimpse of Milgauss throwing off his cloak on the floor from the corner of her eyes.

"...!"

Anya eyes widened.

Milgauss’s left arm is without its lower half starting from his elbow.

The long empty sleeve was swinging. Anya then realized why Milgauss must cover his upper body with the cloak.

"It happened ten years before. A guy who had lost his name, status, fame, and his left arm strayed into our home territory. He who had
committed major taboo in his homeland was cursed-"

"Cut the crap, Klaus."

Klaus’s story came to a halt when Milgauss scolded. Anya was a little disappointed. With just a little bit more, she can find out about
Milgauss’s past.

"Oh, I’m asked to stop. It is a pity, right?"

“N-No… Nothing.”

Anya felt embarrass. She felt that she cannot hide anything when being watched by Klaus.

"By the way, ojou-san, your muffler is really special, is that part of your folk costume?"

A sudden changed of topic stunned Anya.

Regardless of what seasons, Anya always has the muffler with her, as if it was part of her body. When she removed the muffler to disguise as
a town girl or a waitress, the empty feeling around her neck made her felt insecure.

"Yes, in the mountains, the is a custom where different clans exchanges their children to conclude a peace agreement. When I was given to
another clan when I was a child, I already had this scarf.... In other words, this muffler is a proof of which clan I was born in."

"Hmm, I am always madly in love beautiful things. Beauty can overcome anything, do you not think so? I kept Milgauss by my side just because
of this reason."

"Err......"

Anya was dumbfounded. What is this person actually talking about?

"Ahh.....What is there to be dumbfounded of. Your muffler is very unique and really beautiful-"

"You have gone off topic. Klaus quickly take the device out."

Milgauss who had turned around and face them had put on his prosthesis arm.

===Part 3===
Klaus led Milgauss and Anya to the armory.
Anya thought that is would look like a warehouse. When the elevators doors opened, she was shocked.

The wide armory was located at the back of the ship. It is even big enough to rival the city hall.

This place was supposed to be designed to park the combat aviation ship armored vehicles and for storing ammunition. But there was no weaponed-like object that can be seen.

However, deep in the armory, there was a machine that looks like an ‘infidel’s altar’.

“That is…”

A streamlined-shaped container was fixed above Anya. It was about ten meters above the grounds.

It looked like a single-seater aviation ship’s cockpit, but its exterior was beautifully decorated. The normal weapons simply cannot be compared with it.

However even when it had a god like beauty, there is still a dark feeling lurking from inside. When it was careful observed, it is more like
a coffin and gave a chilling feeling.

There were many cables hanging from the bottom of the capsule which connects with the mechanical device on the ground.

Looking at the whole picture, the huge device can even match with an adult dragon. The side of its body was studded with numerous large pieces of Bright Dragon Crystal.

''- This is a magic guided device....!''

At the same time Anya gasped, Klaus talked to her:

"Have you found out about it, ojou-san? This is the same type of divice with Milgauss’s ‘Tyrfing’."

When she heard the word ‘Tyrfing’ Anya was still wondering about it, but soon remembered. ‘Tyrfing’ should be the huge sword that Milgauss
used when summoning the Necromancia.

Klaus walked to the side of the huge device.

“Thanks for your hard work.”

There were a few researchers near the device as well as ten or so technicians were working right now. The researchers were dressed in white robes, while the technicians were dressed in work clothes.

"It is rare for Klaus-sama the come personally..."

An old man who was thought to be the leader bowed respectfully.

"Yo, Dr. Hoffman. How is the progress?"

"As you can see, the assembly work is almost finished. We had now entered the final inspection stage. It is just that...... Since that device
runs with the Millenium as a power source, you must be careful with it. Final inspection is bound to finish in a night time. "

Anya wondered if she heard it wrong. The Millennium- a rare mineral which was formed when the body of a dead dragon was buried in the ground
for a few thousands of years. A vast majority of it was used as the fuel of an Airship.

"After the inspection had ended, the experiments can be carried out tomorrow afternoon. Alternatively, if my lord can help prepare the
experimental material, then...."

After listening to of Dr. Hoffman’s report. Klaus revealed a satisfied smile.

"No problem, we will help prepare experimental material. Please continue with the operations."

"Of course, Klaus-sama."

After Dr. Hoffman bowed again, he returned to the device.

Klaus again looked at the device with a looked of reverence.

"It was a beauty until an extended where it cannot be describe with, the ancient civilizations’s skill were really amazing. It felt like it
was far beyond the scope of a human’s capabilities. Hey, Milgauss, come here and have a look too."

Milgauss silently walked forward and stopped beside Klaus’s shoulder.

Klaus was in a trance.

"Magic guided device ‘Yggdrasil’.... I named its name. Do you not think that this name suits it well?"

Contrary to Klaus, Milgauss answered coldly.

"The name doesn’t matter. The problem is whether it can be used or not."

"Hehe, this answer really suits your style. Frankly speaking, in the past, no one knows its true purpose when this device was unearth from ‘Xonotone Ark<ref>The ARK here is a ship not an armour</ref> ’. When Beowulf’s engine was excavated, the empire’s noble were all excited. But nobody was interested in ‘Yggdrasil’. Thanks to this, I can buy it with a cheap price."

"How can those guys understand the true value of this device."

"Haha, you're quite ruthless. Anyway, I'm surprised by your knowledge! Because you had just only read the information, but you had known
‘Yggdrasil’ nature. But I personally still doubt it. With this device.... can we really force young dragon Eco to be awakened? "

"-!"

Anya who heard Milgauss and Klaus’s conversation from behind shuddered.

After listening to Klaus, Anya only understand the contents of her mission. In fact, Milgauss haven’t even told her about her mission.

''-Is the prey that who going to be put in the capsule....is young dragon Eco?''

Anya felt her spine freeze. She remembered Eco’s innocent big smile while eating a meat in the students’ restaurant to eat meat surfaced in her mind. At least as far what Anya know, Eco is only a naive and gluttonous little girl.

Although she temper is bad, she is still a young dragon who was born only a few months ago. Also, she was welcomed by a lot of the student as a mascot of the student council.

It is difficult to link Eco and such a dark experimental device together.

''- Why is Milgauss-sama is so persistent about young dragon Eco? He even make use of the Continental Congress.... the value of the little girl, is it worth the risk to make this risky move?''

Casting aside Anya’s distrust, Milgauss and Klaus were still talking.

"You don’t have to bother with this so much, Klaus. You just need to have faith in me."

"Wow, what confidence."

"As long as you follow what I say, it is just a matter of time you will gain control of the dragon’s power. Even the next Emperor's throne is at your fingertips."

''Next Emperor-'' these unexpected words tightens Anya’s facial muscles.

"I’ll be waiting for the day where your promise come true, Milgauss. Then, ojou-san.”

Anya was shocked by Klaus who suddenlyturned back. Klaus’s handsome face just moments before was now like a ghost.

"By hearing our conversation just now, you should know what is your mission, right?"

"Capture.... young dragon Eco?"

"Correct answer. Milgauss, you have a very good underling."

Despite being praised, Anya is not quite happy.

"The Melancholy of Anya ~A.S.S.1365.7~" is closed.

==References and Translation Notes==
<references />

<noinclude>
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</noinclude>

Talk:Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei:Volume 7 Chapter 13

2013-03-07T01:52:37Z

72.220.105.54:

....Holy crap. [[User:Draeke|Draeke]] - [[User_talk:Draeke|Talk]] - 02:23, 4 March 2013 (CST)

Epic [[User:James Gobilzkame|V33]] 03:14, 4 March 2013 (CST)

Daaaamn! That's some heavy shit and now for the flash back volume...

Yanagi gave the order for his troops to RTB.
I get the jargon but others might not, just use full "Return to Base" here?[[User:SonodaYuki|SonodaYuki]] ([[User talk:SonodaYuki|talk]]) 04:19, 4 March 2013 (CST)

I agree, no reason to shorten it. It just creates a unnecessary footnote. [[User:All Nighter94|All Night]] ([[User talk:All Nighter94|talk]])

You should pretty much assume that all acronyms are copied straight out of the original text, so they should stay as is. [[User:Rava|Rava]] ([[User talk:Rava|talk]]) 09:00, 4 March 2013 (CST)

Ah, then a footnote should be fine, in that case.[[User:SonodaYuki|SonodaYuki]] ([[User talk:SonodaYuki|talk]]) 09:16, 4 March 2013 (CST)

What does Halloween have to do with being a christian ??

Kaze no Stigma:Volume3 Chapter 2

2012-09-20T20:51:17Z

72.220.105.54: /* Chapter 2 Small Client */

== Chapter 2 Small Client ==

Let’s go a few hours back in time.

“Seeii!”

With a sharp exclamation, Ayano swung Enraiha down. The divine sword granted by the king of the flame spirits to conquer the devil, burned and exorcized in a single stroke the revengeful ghost hunting the construction site.

“.............fuuu”

Confirming the ghost’s annihilation, Ayano restored Enraiha back to its scabbard – her own body. Immediately, from behind a vapid sound can be heard:

'''Bu, bu, bu'''

“.................!”

Looking over the shoulder at the sad sight, sproing, she faced the source of the noise with a villainous discernment. That gaze, with no exaggeration, contains several times more killing intent than when facing the vengeful ghost.

Basking in those murderous eyes, Kazuma finally stopped the act – clapping hands – giving such a dull sound. But as evidence he wasn’t particularly sorry, his predatory, his predatory smile didn’t disappear.

“.................”

With a challenging look that could kill people by sight, Ayano stared at Kazuma very long. The usually sloppy facial expression. A slack attitude from which you couldn’t feel a trace of tension. That was acceptable. Even if he appears relaxed, it’s impossible for this man to be less than prepared before a battle.

But even so, around his head, or to be more accurate, from around his jaw and lower, there was a thing, as one would expect, she cannot stomach. The width of Kazuma's body increased by 20%. Nor did he get fat, much less put on muscle. He was bundling up in layers of clothes.

At the topmost he was wearing a fluffy down jacket. Stuffed with lots and lots of feathers. He seemed to be extremely warm. Also, how many extra clothes is he wearing underneath to appear to have doubled the thickness of his arms? Furthermore, a scarf is rolled around his head; he wears gloves – the origin of those dull applause.

No matter how you look at it, it’s a flawless winter-sports-watching-look.

If he were to hold a warmed canned coffee in his hand, before killing the vengeful ghost, Ayano would have tried to decapitate Kazuma first.

Ayano focused that thorny glance on Kazuma. The reason he was standing in this place was because he was supposed to act as Ayano’s guard. To conclude, it wasn’t to watch other people’s fight from a safe place, with an appearance that would slow down his movement.

Despite it, this man is –

“Just by standing there distractedly, to be given money, what a good social position, huh?”

Sarcasm with all her might. But naturally, that degree of scorn doesn’t get through Kazuma’s thick skin.

"I agree. The suzerain favors me so!”

Toward Kazuma's frivolous, sneering response, Ayano felt a fairly serious killing intent. She shouted, leaving anger take it’s natural course.

“I’m sick of it! Why does Father hires you for this kind of job!?”

“Don’t ask me that”

Certainly, so far, Juugo never allowed Ayano to take a job unassisted. But, the duty of being an escort held so far by the practitioners of the branch families nowadays was entrusted to Kazuma alone.

Of course, he was being paid.

No matter how nasty his personality was, Kazuma is top class practitioner. His remuneration is by no means inexpensive. In spite of this, Juugo, even on these trifling ghost extermination jobs, obstinately continues to employ Kazuma.
On jobs like there, Kazuma literally doesn’t lift a finger. Ayano does all the work by herself. This man stands before her eyes for the sake of profit.

''You’re just a pimp!''

Irritating but inevitable, Ayano decided to allow herself a modest recreation. Staring at that hateful, frivolously laughing man, she says in a tone that allows no objection:

“I’m hungry. We’re going to dinner”

Kazuma scowled slightly.

“Do you want to extort money from me again?”

“Why are you complaining? There’re easy money at best”

“That’s different. If I were to name it, my job is like insurance. There is no need to move until an opponent you cannot manage alone appears.”

In reply to Kazuma’s solemn exposition, Ayano sternly trusted her finger in front of him.

“In case of insurance, isn’t there supposed to be a refund?”

“If he were to refund every time, the insurance man would immediately go bankrupt”

“You’re safe. Because you still make a lot of profit”

Obstinately, Ayano strongly insisted. Even Kazuma became generous after securing such a comfortable job and wasn’t in the mood to unconditionally refuse her. Even his rebuttal lost their usual severity, containing sweetness similar in some respects to a pre-established harmony.

“Well, fine. If it’s just food”

In the end Kazuma gave in. Ayano stiffened her mouth already turning into a broad smile, proudly nodding.

“Very well. Let’s go then. Yukari told me about a delicious French restaurant”

“...........French, huh?”

Kazuma calmly drew Ayano’s attention, who already started walking.

“Whether it’s French of ethnic it doesn’t matter but will they let us in, dressed like this?”

Ayano turned around, twitching her eyebrows. Her attire was the usual school uniform. Because this suit is an important ceremonial dress, it said everything is OK, a mighty item.

But Kazuma –

“Why don’t you dress properly?”

“Fool”

With a single word Kazuma cut down and thrown away Ayano’s criticism.

“Why do I have to dress up in the exorcism business?”

“That wouldn’t be too bad. Perhaps you will become better looking”

“Leave me alone. It can’t be helped if my partner is not worthy enough to dress up for, right?”

It goes without saying but those words can’t help but incur Ayano’s displeasure. Arching her eyebrows in anger she commands:

“Do you hear me? From now on, during the job wear a necktie. Do you understand?”

“I refuse” Kazuma answered instantly.

That quick reaction clearly denoted that there is no place for negotiation.

“What a cheap skate!”

“Do you think that’s where the problem is?”

During this vigorous match full of boos and irony the couple walked to the station. Although the ambiance was stormy, those two’s back and forth argument, not wanting to be separated, snuggling as close as they like, looked like nothing else but some sort of matrimonial quarrel – maybe.

Eventually both were admitted in, even without neckties, settling down after searching for the most expensive (this is essential) restaurant.

“Well, something like this”

“Don’t <<something like this>> me! You always order the most expensive thing on the menu! Do you bear some grudge against me?”

Ayano bent her head slightly to one side and gazed at Kazuma with a completely curios look.

“ – Eh, you thought I didn’t?”

Being treated by Kazuma to dinner, as a matter of fact, this is not the first time. Or perhaps I should say, it already became an after work custom.

Harassment for the sake of diminishing, even if just a little, Kazuma’s profits obtained without working at all. Ayano explained her actions like this and she herself truly believed so – at the very least, at a superficial level.

“Before I met you I didn’t know”

Hands joined before her chest, like a dreaming maiden, Ayano whispered with a voice shaking with delight.

"The meal other people treat me to could be so delicious.”

Ecstatically and with eyes closed, she is looking forward to Kazuma’s reaction. However, the severe retort she certainly
believed would come, no matter how much time passes, doesn’t appear.
She opens her eyes, looking at Kazuma. The man sitting in front of her turned an absentminded gaze outside the window.

He didn’t hear a word from Ayano’s provocation.

“What are you looking at?”

“Hmmm? Ah......”

Brought back by Ayano’s voice Kazuma’s eyes barely return to her.

“Nothing”

“...............hmm”

to be continued