Hagure Yuusha no Aesthetica:Volume 4 Prologue

Prologue - The Thing That Signaled The End Of Peace

Part 1

Soft sunlight filtered in.

Sunlight spread its comfortable warmth, foretelling the coming of spring. Gentle wind blew into the room from a window which had been kicked open, dancing lightly on a white lace curtain.

To manage the returnees from the different worlds, a district and government with a special purpose were provided.

The sunny spring weather continued to spread on a huge man-made island that stood tall on what was once a landfill, part of the Tokyo Bay.

Still, despite the sunlight and good weather, an ominous feeling seemed to hang over the Ousawa residence.

The reason for such ominous silence was the thing standing down and a little in front of the house's front gate.

...... Oh.

Ousawa Akatsuki sighed in his mind. Including her, Inside were the figures of four people in Akatsuki’s room.

This house belonged to Akatsuki and Miu.

Also, Miu's friends were there, Izumi Chikage and Doumoto Kuzuha.

“。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。”

Akatsuki sat down on the couch, and you could see a girl who sat next to him.

The name of that beautiful girl was Ousawa Miu. The name that actually belonged to Akatsuki’s little sister.

However—the girl over there now wasn’t actually Akatsuki’s little sister.

When Akatsuki was summoned to another world, Alayzard, after the painful end and defeat of the Demon King Garius, the Demon King committed his daughter into the hero’s care, right before his death.

Myuu, That was that girl's real name.

Even though the Demon King Garius was now dead and gone, the danger to his daughter remained, so Akatsuki brought her back to this world as his lost sister Miu. Then, with the name of his sister who was no longer with them, they started living together, going to the agency Babel, which was founded with the aim to control and train the boys and girls who returned from different worlds.

Yet, everything had not gone perfectly and so problems had arisen. One problem was that Myu began her relationship with the hero as the daughter of the demon king he killed. Her father's enemy had been Akatsuki. It was the source of a kind of a hatred that could never really be cured or forgiven.

While settling into that kind of life, both had a short time trying to learn to trust each other while living together. Then a pursuer was sent from Alayzard to kidnap Myuu.

The one who was sent was ironically trying to become the next hero of Alayzard, like Akatsuki, a human summoned from this world called Phil Burnet. The mortal combat that unfolded during the Ranking War established by the school 'JPN Babel' that Miu and Akatsuki attended was due to this Phil.

Phil had made a contract with a higher dimensional being, the evil dragon, Zahaku, though Akatsuki still defeated him. During the battle, Miu risked her own life so as not to involve their surroundings too much, having been brought back from the brink of despair by Akatsuki's strong persuasive skills. Finally, the level of trust between the two became something worth relying on.

Though on the other hand, the incident would have never occurred were it not for a certain secret of Miu's. People inside the school are faintly aware that Miu is hiding something.

Above all in the ranking tournament, Akatsuki and Miu's group with Chikage and Doumoto was embroiled in a war between Phil, also they know that Phil's goal was Miu, thus making it harder to conceal the secret longer.

The ranking tournament ended, and when they came back home. Akatsuki decides to let Miu choose.

Continue to hide your secret or tell those two the truth.

After a struggle, Miu decided to tell them her secret.

As a result Akatsuki sent a video message to Chikage and Doumoto, to confirmed their meanings.

-This matter should be keep quite, otherwise it will be life-threatening. Miu has a very big secret, if you really are interested, Miu herself will reveal it to you.-

"How does that sound?"

To Akatsuki's questions both Chikage and Doumoto answer the same.

"I want to hear."

Concise answer.

So the next day after noon, Chikage and Doumoto came to the Ousawa home.

- The above is the long and short history of entire matter.

Part 2

The ominous silence continues.

Akatsuki scratched his cheek, looked at the clock hanging on the wall. Time is exactly half past one in the afternoon, Chikage and Kuzuha have been sitting in the living room for a half an hour.

It is school hours.

But today is a normal day, Akatsuki and the others don't have to go to school after the end of tournament, JPN Babel officially entered the school spring break.

A full ten days, before they must returned JPN Babel school, to the teen girl from another world this is a rare vacation.

After the end of spring break is also the beginning of a new school year.

Today is the first day of spring break, and the weather is good, clear blue skies. Akatsuki is itching to finish things early, and go out with everyone. However, as Miu remains silent, the air in room is also getting heavier and heavier, could not find out how to break the impasse, the breakthrough point.

Although this matter is related to Akatsuki, after all, its Miu's own problem. In the end how to cut to the chase, should be decided by Miu herself.

Create an entry point ...... that should not be a problem.

After Akatsuki slight smile, warped his arms around the back of Miu.

"-!"

Miu suddenly screamed.

Looking down, racking her brains, trying to find a way tell her secret, when suddenly her body slightly startled. Originally thought it was her illusion, but Miu soon found out why.

"Huh ------?"

She stopped thinking, and her mind went blank.

Unknowingly, Akatsuki left hand begins to rub Miu breasts from behind.

Miu with a very satisfactory look, gazed at her left breast as it changes shape.

"Hmm? very soft."

Akatsuki comfortably played with Miu's boobs, suddenly a confused look on his face.

"The atmosphere get so stiff, I thought your breasts after feeling the atmosphere, would also stiffen."

"Feel the atmosphere, don't joke like that!"

Miu screamed, and s right hand was imprinted on Akatsuki's face at the same time.

She stood up, and crossed her arms to protect her chest.

"A girl's chest being soft, has nothing to do with this atmosphere!"

Then the slap came to mind, Akatsuki smiled.

"Why are you so loud? I thought you were dumb."

"Well ......?"

Miu slightly dumbfounded, she doesn't understand the meaning of Akatsuki words.

Akatsuki gave a gentle smile and says:

"I can understand your feelings, and also understand that you do not know how to say it, however, it wont help to dilly-dally. Izumi and Class Rep specifically came visit because of you, they can't wait forever."

"Ah ......"

Miu's awakens and suddenly looks at Chikage and Kuzuha sitting on opposite sofa.

Akatsuki took action without warning, two of them don't even know how to react. After Miu's eyes rendezvous with Chikage and Kuzuha, they reveal an awkward smile. However they maintain total silence same as before, awaiting calmly for Miu to continue. The reason they remain silent is because they did not want to pressure Miu.

So they chose to wait.

"...... Sorry."

Their sympathizing make the Miu feel sorry, but Chikage actually shows a faint smile.

"No need to apologize, you don't have to hurry."

Why?

"Because I told the class rep, I here to listen Miu secret from her own lips."

"Yes, you do not need to force it."

Chikage yielding to Kuzuha , and then they smooth things over for Akatsuki.

"Classmate Ousawa we are very grateful for your kindness, but such things cannot be rushed. We are willing to wait here until the Miu is ready."

"Well, I had wronged you."

Akatsuki nonchalantly shrugged, his face had a satisfied smile.

He put his hands behind the back of his head, and his body fell into the sofa once again.

Then he slowly closed his eyes, he no longer seems to intervene.

However Ousawa Miu is very clear, Akatsuki lured out of something more than just her beautiful sounds.

It also includes Chikage and Kuzuha, in order to resolve Miu inner struggle with doubt, Akatsuki deliberately coerced them into talking about their innermost feelings of concern for Miu.

Although many consider it meddling, but it also exemplifies Akatsuki thoughtfulness.

....You pushed me forward.

Miu can't help but remember that Akatsuki ask her if she would like to tell Chikage and Kuzuha everything, also everything he said at the time –

No matter what the final decision is, I will single-handedly protect you. Because of Akatsuki's words, Miu made up her mind, and decided to tell her secret to Chikage and Kuzuha.

Indeed Miu does not want get them involved, after all, their scores are too complex, moreover is hiding the enormous crisis. Although Chikage and Kuzuha met Phil in the ranking tournament, even fought Phil, Miu could have made up an excuse to get over it. Since she doesn't want Chikage and Kuzuha involved in their grudges.

But that way, they will sooner or later discover Miu deceived them.

When that time comes it is bound to generate insurmountable distance between each other, the friendship during ranking tournament will also vanish into thin air.

Chikage and Kuzuha will drift apart from Miu, and eventually exclusion.

That is the result of lying.

...... But -

Miu clearly feels that she doesn't want that.

Chikage and Kuzuha are the first friends Miu made in this world, and she does not want to lose these two.

Admittedly, even if she chose to tell the truth, Chikage and Kuzuha may still choose to leave. But even so, it is better than in the case that she doesn't tell them and they end up estranged.

So ......

"....Chikage, Class Rep."

Miu has been psychologically prepared. She only has to stand up straight, and look straight ahead into their eyes.

And prayed in her heart, and hoped that both of them will accept her secret.

"Do you really want to listen to my story? Uh... It may take a long time."

So Miu looked at Chikage and Kuzuha, slowly reveled her life story.

Including herself being a resident from the alternate world of Alayzard, also about being the Demon King's daughter, while more detailed account of her relationship with the Akatsuki, and why they came to this world from Alayzard. Then went on to illustrate why she is posing as Akatsuki's sister, Phil Barnett's true identity, as well as conspiracy and the purpose behind it.

After whole story is over, is the moment when the Sun began to set.

When she looked up at the clock on the wall, Miu discovered after she first began to speak a full three hours have passed.

At the end of this conversation, Akatsuki suggests that you may wish to take a break.

The set of four tea cups on the table were empty.

"I ...... I will make more tea."

Miu place the empty cups on the tray, and flew into the kitchen.

After placing all tea cups in the sink, Miu turn on the burner to boil some water on the stove, let out a big sigh.

The flowing water from the faucet, causing the water in the stainless steel sink to drain in a circle motion.

Miu got lost in the sound of running water, so it took some time.

"-Hey, I know its tough."

A familiar voice coming from behind. looking back, Akatsuki is leaned on the wall at the entrance of the kitchen, with a very calm look on his face.

"Ah ......"

Miu nodded quietly, and turned back to the sink, pick up the scouring pad and gently scrub the Cup.

Akatsuki moves slowly towards Miu, not saying a word.

"Ah ......"

Washing the cups Miu's vision suddenly dark, she turned out to be in Akatsuki arms. Akatsuki was hugging Miu's head from the side, Miu had to stop the Washing, feeling a bit helpless.

"Come on, I broke the cup?"

"Relax, how can I possibly injured a woman with a hug?"

After joking, soft comfort.

"It was hard on you ......"

"...... Ah."

Akatsuki warmth compared to Miu's trembling voice.

Leaning on Akatsuki's chest, Miu slowly closed her eyes, her body is involuntarily moving along with Akatsuki.

Where Miu is concerned, letting Chikage and Kuzuha know the truth, took a great deal of courage. Akatsuki knew the meaning of this extraordinary decision, naturally Miu usually spares, but she understood Akatsuki's intentions so she no longer resists, and accepts Akatsuki's care.

After all the secrets were out, Miu was unable to go back.

The trio's friendship will continue to grow, or will end, the decision is left to Chikage and Kuzuha.

"I hope they can feel my sincerity ......"

"That's not a problem."

Akatsuki pats Miu's back, indicating she doesn't need to worry.

Then he puts both hands on Miu shoulders, and gently removes her body.

"I went to make tea, you should be the first return to the living room."

"But ......"

Miu face is gloomy, apparently because she is confused to how Chikage and Kuzuha will answer.

Facing Miu's uneasy look, Akatsuki has an especially gentle one.

"When Izumi and Class Rep got a request over the phone, at that time they did not know what to think. But they came anyway not knowing the outcome, now they fully appreciate what you told them and the position your in, so they hope to be first to tell you."

How?

"If you insist I can accompany you, I have no opinions either way."

After some consideration, Miu made a decision, Akatsuki will respect her decision.

So Akatsuki was left alone in the kitchen.

The tea Kettle has reached its boiling point, and currently awaiting for water temperature drop down to a suitable temperature for tea.

After filling the cups with the teapots, Akatsuki silently counts.

Gradually decreasing figures, symbolizing the anticipated of an upcoming moment.

After Akatsuki counted down from 10, from the living room came a voice.

Crying, trembling voice, representing the unquenchable cry caused by the releasing of emotions.

Akatsuki knows the owner of the voice, but also knows why the others are crying.

So he continued to stay in the kitchen.

Ousawa Akatsuki can tell what kind of tears a women sheds, and if they need to be protected or not.

In this case, Akatsuki knows these are tears of sadness.

If she shed tears of sorrow, Akatsuki would of immediately rushed into the living room.

However, this time the tears are not the same.

These tears belonged to the two people at her side.

So ......

"...... Good."

Akatsuki shows a satisfied smile, then suddenly remembered something.

"- Miserable, this moment arrived sooner than expected, causing me to lose count."

All my attention was focused on the living room, the finally boiling water might be too cold now.

Ousawa Akatsuki scratched his cheek, exposing helpless smile.

"Worth mentioning. After crying the whole body cools down, perfect time for a good cup of warm tea."

Part 3

(translated text)

Part 4

War should have ended.

Human and demons were at war for a long time in the alternative world of Alayzard.

A young man came from an alternative world has come to overthrown the Demon King, and put an end to the war.

The young man's name is Ousawa Akatsuki.

However, when Akatsuki arrived in Alayzard he wasn't powerful. Urging Akatsuki to become a powerful force in the eyes of the brave men, and then beat Galious who was strongest Demon King in the history, that is why Akatsuki was summoned. but at that point in time there already existed a hero.

The Knight who the leads the great nation against demons, Leon Esuperio.

Leon became the symbol of hope, however he met with an untimely death.

In order to protect Akatsuki, Leon used his own flesh and blood to resist the Maou Galious fierce blade. The Demon King took Akatsuki's only friend in this new world, right in front of him.

After that hope disappeared, even the grand city El Da was captured by the Demon King. The desperate Alayzard people, releasing there frustration they directed anger at the Akatsuki. Subjected to relentless slander and attacks from the people of Alayzard, Akatsuki chose to disappear, only in return got more severe criticism.

Everyone thought Akatsuki was a run away coward.

But Akatsuki did not run away.

He went alone to live in <God’s Interlayer> a place that only gods to occupy, risking his life at every turn until he finally learns how to manipulate his body's "Renkan Keikikou." After finishing his training, Akatsuki immediately went to participate in the battle to retake the seize city of El Da, not only to save the trapped and helpless Princess Listy, but even repels the demon army, He led the people's Liberation Army to final victory.

Run away coward, has become a great hero of Sylphid. Then a miracle happened.

After a lot of suffering, after overcoming many hardships, Akatsuki finally became a Hero in the hearts of everyone, but mourning the death of Leon, Leon Esuperio remained the "hero" for people who refuse to accept Akatsuki, let Akatsuki cast a 'rogue hero' stigma.

Akatsuki embraced the "rogue Hero" title, after a long battle, and finally successful overthrow the demon lord Galious, brought hope to the people of Alayzard for long-awaited peace.

- And rightly so.

"Akatsuki ......"

Alayzard Great nation of Sylphid youngest Queen, softly calling out a familiar name.

Listy El Da Sherfied - She traveled with Akatsuki, one of the heroes that was devoted to overthrow the demon lord Galious.

Even now, she still remembers the trip to overthrow the Demon Lord, Akatsuki frequently mention..

- After the overthrow of the Demon Lord, true peace can come Alayzard.

Akatsuki single-handedly defeated the Demon King Galious and became Hero in the minds of the people, but the force of the conspirators eager goals, so he was still a hated figure in a small proportion of residents in Sylphid.

Alone and burdened with everyone's reputation slander, Akatsuki quietly return to his world. Took everything away from the center of the storm, praise or blame, is the best choice.

Listy and past comrades Zechs and Lotier tried to stop Akatsuki, because they didn't want Akatsuki to disappear quietly.

However, Akatsuki's explanation has persuaded them, additionally requires the three to ask themselves, in the end exactly what must be done for Alayzard to have true peace, Akatsuki is also clear that he must return to his own world, to prevent certain people's ambitions. Akatsuki is very strong-willed, and no room for compromise, Listy just remained quite.

After watching Akatsuki return to his own world, Listy, also shouldered a mission after overthrowing the Demon King, this temporally peace must become true peace. Akatsuki was in particular concerned about the Demon King demise, and the relationship with the people of Alayzard between surviving Demons. If unable to make a friendly alliance, at least it should avoid unnecessary conflicts, otherwise war will inevitably break out to once again - Akatsuki frequently mention that while traveling with him.

Listy agreed with Akatsuki's views, but she is also very clear that the Alayzard people hold a deep seeded hatred towards Demons, in fact, Listy too. In a battle 5 years ago the Devil army captured the King, the people who heroically died in battle isn't only Leon, but also Listy's parents. Above all the Sylphid's King and princess of royal families were killed in this war. Listy can not forget those tragic memories, and other unforgivable atrocities of Demons.

However, Listy has become Sylphid's Queen, if the surviving Demons continued hold a deep seeded hatred, and even tried to go to war, is undoubtedly Sylphid soldiers will be on the front line. Wars are disputes between nations, of course, its Queen must shoulder the responsibility of the success or failure of a country. As Queen, for the sake of the well-being of all the people, must sometimes have to sacrifice themselves in exchange for peace. Nowadays Demon King Galious has passed away, fair to say that was between humans and demons should also put the period.

......But ......

Listy slowly raised her head, staring at the sight.

Numerous armed soldiers lined up, behind of Listy.

In the Middle is Sylphid Kingdom's army.

On the Right is Disdia militarist imperial army.

On the left is 阿列古拉斯达 religious army.

Based on military alliance agreement, the three armies together form the attacking formation.

The line of sight invariably falls on the direction the army is facing.

Thousands of miles of forest that stretches the national border line.

The other side of the forest, is the Demon country of 盖尔贝.

With the Demon King Galious death, 盖尔贝 is home to many surviving demons.

They hated the war, and lived a quiet and peaceful life in the forest.

- This is the outside of their imaginations.

However, the situation has changed.

Sylphid and Disdia surveillance forces deployed along the border, were routed overnight.

Enemy forces attacked the army camp in middle of the night. A narrowly escaped soldier's testimony and the conformation from the scene aftermath were proof. According to survivors they were attacked by demons.

"Ah...Her face does not look good."

Suddenly these words passed into her ear, Listy turned around and looked at the young man.

The sound comes from Sylphid kingdom General, Zechs Doltrake, who is staring at the forest.

"The Queen's face has a hesitate and uncertain expression will be heavy blow to the morale of the troops. How about this, I find several people to escort you to return to La Dia?"

Even in the face of the Queen of Sylphid, Zechs comments remain severe.

After all, the friendship between Listy and Zechs, has already gone beyond the relationship between the queen and generals.

In addition to Listy, there were other two people who traveled with Akatsuki to overthrow the Demon King.

One of them is a High Elf Loutier Trum. After overthrowing the Demon King, Loutier become a the fine commanding officer in Sylphid Kingdom, assists Listy in governing the entire kingdom.

The other person is the present Zechs.

After suffering many hardships together had already developed a firm friendship, being a general Zechs was nominally a subordinate of the Queen, but to Listy, Zechs is seen as irreplaceable comrade based on this friendship, Listy was fully aware that Zechs words stem from his care, and meant no harm.

So ......

"...... Sorry, I did not notice my expression, but I will change it so can I continue to stay here."

After being the sorry for showing her innermost feelings, Sylphid queen again with resolute eyes staring straight ahead.

Listy El Da Sherfied is very clear about what is going to happen here at the moment.

So Listy despite Zechs, Lotier and her guard's opposition, the Queens insisted on standing on the front line.

War.

Listy knew exactly.

The war between human and demon, will once again start soon.

They are unable to realize the aspirations of Akatsuki legacy.

Apart from war, there is no other option.

Since war is inevitable, whatever the outcome, she must witness the start and end of war with her own eyes.

The sun climbed high almost noon.

The Three-country coalition armies calmly started the attack.

Target is the resting place of demons - wandering-forest.

But.

This war has no Demon King.

This war has no Hero.

No Demon King and no hero, how can you draw a line?

Since then, I have been thinking in my heart.

In the end, where did I go wrong?

Translator's Notes and References

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