Editing Hagure Yuusha no Aesthetica:Volume 4 Chapter 3 (section)

===Part 6===

A breeze within Forestnium brought in a surge of sweet aroma.
 
It should be a product of the forest’s grassy smell merging with the air.
 
The gently blowing breeze was no doubt a cool and comfortable gift that the nature gives to all things.
 
Within this forest, the demon race was raising livestock or planting rice, living a life without wars. Right now in Forestnium’s city square, there stood a tall and slender female Izumi Chikage. As Chikage closed her eyes and tried to concentrate, a faint light appeared in front of her outstretched palms. Unfortunately this only lasted a few seconds, then the light faded.
 
“……Looks like it still doesn’t work.”
 
Chikage shook her head and sighed.
 
“——Still cannot use magic?”
 
A flat tone suddenly appeared from behind her.
 
“Yes.” Chikage turned around and saw Doumoto Kuzuha, who was behind her, shrug helplessly.
 
“Today is already the third day, looks like we still need a little more time.”
 
“I’ve also just tried it as well, the results were still the same.”
 
Kuzuha, who was sitting on the floor, moved her line of sight downwards. A dark elf girl was currently leaning against Kuzuha’s lap and sleeping, Kuzuha gently stroke the girl’s hair. Under these circumstances, Chikage could not help but narrow her eyes.
 
“……It seems like she likes you.”
 
“Yes……”
 
Kuzuha stared at the sleeping Riruru. Her expression was somewhat confused.
 
“I’ve never touched such a small child before. I do not know what to do.”
 
“Just act naturally, just like now. Intentionally trying to please the kids could easily lead to unnecessary resentment.”
 
“I’m so sorry……I was born in the way where no one likes me.”
 
“I did not mean this……”
 
Chikage shook her head with a wry smile.
 
“Class rep, showing your truest side won the goodwill of Riruru, this is also the best way to get along. And once you win the trust of a child, it is equivalent to have won the trust of an adult.”
Chikage looked down at herself. The clothes she was wearing were exactly the same style as Miu. This clothing was particularly lent to Chikage by a women in the village, and Kuzuha also had one but with a smaller size.
 
“At the beginning, everyone only accepted us because we were Miu’s friends. But this relationship is too weak, we still had to think of a way to win everybody’s trust.”
 
Saying up to here, Chikage turned back and look back at the city square.
 
“…But having such a good relationship seems to be too exaggerated.”
 
A slightly smiling Chikage stared at the village children playing around with Kaidou.
 
“Kaidou, it’s your turn to be “it”!”
 
“You must count to 100, you can’t cheat! Or else you will have to recount again!”
 
Although the children’s tone was quite rude, but Kaidou didn’t seem to care.
 
“Cheat? Don’t joke around. Facing you little brats and I still have to cheat? In just a few moments, you’ll be found by me.”
 
This sentence seemed to enrage a few of the girls.
 
“Kaidou, you can’t take it easy on the girls, or else we won’t play!”
 
“Okay Okay……Then let’s begin!”
 
While Kaidou began to count, the village children suddenly screamed out and dispersed in all directions. Chikage seeing this, could not help but sigh.
 
“Playing hide and seek with the village children every day, he really doesn’t get bored. It really makes one impressed.”
 
After saying this, Chikage suddenly remembered something.
 
“Class rep, did you know? I’ve heard that some of the forces surrounding this forest seemed to have started to retreat.”
 
“I’m not too sure about that, who said it?”
 
“The investigation team just came back, I’ve heard them say it. Looks like Akatsuki’s actions seem to be working quite well.”
 
“Yes……That’s good.”
 
Kuzuha was relieved, and she gazed at the distant sky.
 
Standing beside her, Chikage also looked up at the blue sky.
 
“I wonder what their circumstances are, but……”
 
Chikage’s tone seemed to be filled with confidence.
 
“War will certainly not break out between the human and demon races.”
 
“……100. Hahaha, you guys acknowledge your fate now!”
 
Kaidou, who had finishing counting to 100, began to search for the whereabouts of the children.
 
At this moment——
 
“——“
 
Kaidou glanced at Chikage and Kuzuha. But he did not greet the two of them, but quietly continued to move forward.
 
Walking at the same time, Kaidou Motoharu muttered to himself. His expression was extremely serious, but his voice was as quiet as a mouse.
 
“……It’s not time to relax yet.”