OKIH 47

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Chapter 47

s i d e Kawazu

"...... was it really okay to send Tarou alone with this atmosphere? There were even three people watching us during our sightseeing yesterday"

"Hn? Are you worried about him?"

The girl from another world said that, she came into the room worried.

When I asked, Sailor Soldier kept her arms crossed and her eyebrows showed hinds of unhappiness.

"Does it mean that Kawazu-san isn't worried? Even though he's been gone fore a while now?"

Hm, that's indeed the case, but if you ask if I'm worried then the answer is no.

"Well...... they will most likely execute whatever it is they've planned. They might even go as far target his life"

And with all the ease like dealing with with the neighborhood's dangerous dog.

There were even eyes all over town, and there are soldier lying in wait that have surrounded our accomodations. 

Going out alone in this situation would be like putting a target on your head.

"...... isn't that bad? Have you thought of something?"

Sailor Soldier seems to be deeply considering something, but it's probably going in the wrong direction.

"No no, not especially. Won't it be fine? Rest your worries and let it be"

"What's with that......!"

Sailor Soldier finally raised her voice, looking very anxious.

She had probably felt a sense of crisis ever since we came here.

That's incredibly remarkable for ordinary humans, and it's natural to worry.

Coming here, it's the happy-go-lucky brat that's weird, as usual.

No, is it possible that he can feel danger?

It's fine if it's just a matter of thick-headedness, but if you act based on the fact that you don't instinctively feel fear, chills would run down my spine.

Actually the current situation doesn't neccessary warrant itself to be called as a crisis...... it's normal at this point.

"Hm, speaking of Elves, they're a specially kind of prideful race even amongst fairies. 

They're notably conceited about being unbeatable when it comes to magical technology.

They can't gracefully accept losing.

My...... or maybe they're reacting as if they've lost.

Using their magic and wisdom, it's not strange if they think they can easily crush a human that only has enormous magical power"

Such temperament could also be said about humans.

Putting it into an extreme perspective, if you're told that you yourself are exeptional and unparalled, a feeling of pride would eventually blossom.

But it's somehow a bit unfair to compare with 'That.' 

"That doesn't that give us all the more reason to go and help!?"

Sailor Soldier could no longer hold back after hearing that narrative.

Distressed, Sailor Soldier's actions of grabbing her equipment and jumping out looked quite dazzling.

"...... impatient girl"

I let out an unenthusiastic sigh while looking out the wide open door.

It's just the thoughtlessness of youth.

I'm troubled as I can't express this evaluation with my own mouth, so what would be a good way for me to get the message across?

Without knowing the extent of his magical power, Tarou would indeed be a convenient amateur.

That ignorance is sometimes enviable. I kinda feel old.

"She went after all, is that okay?"

Tonbo asked above my head, but I don't feel that there's a need to stop her from going.

......keep this a secret, but it it might be better that way.

"Not okay. But that's youth. What, she won't be easily defeated with that pendant that Tarou made. And before that guy gets into a pinch, Tarou will finish everything and go out"

"...... won't the elves be pretty pitiful then?"

"I don't know that much. The ones who started it are at fault"

"Uwah......"

Well that girl can let loose as much as she wants, but it was the other side who were the ones that were guilty first.

There's nothing to do about it.

Actually, I would like to give my compliments if you have the nerve to come.

"Don't go too far away from me, alright? After all, we're acquainted with Tarou so we can become his weakness. Then again, that kind of guy might just abandon me"

Then again, my relationship with 'That' is too torturous that I had to laugh. For some reason, I felt something patting my head, so I promptly looked up.

"It's okay. Taro will also save Kawazu-san"

While having my head patted, and listening to the unchangingly unworried dragonfly, I smiled for another reason.

I see. That's possible, and fine if so.

"Hohoho, that would be good. But getting saved by that guy...... won't be interesting"

"Naturally"

Tonbo puffed up her chest, and I snickered, then I feel that I'm still quite young.

I strained my ear to listen to the fun-sounding commotion outside.

s i d e Tarou

I heard a strange sound when I was putting my guard up, and cautiously opened my eyes.

Then before I knew it, my field of vision was clear, and it was pretty quiet.

"......?"

"What...... the......?"

Checking it out, I could see the five figures look somewhat surprised.

Then I understood that something is finally over.

I decided to remain standing at attention, as I didn't do anything in particular. I felt like I heard a strange sound, like glass shattering.

Is this it?

In any case, if it's on the level that it can't be noticed that it was over, the secret W was anticlimatic. 

"Huh? Are you done after this? Whatever you were doing looked incredibly flashy that I could only be surprised by it but...... really? Just this?"

"Ah...... yes, just this...... only"

The Elf responded with extreme awkwardness, so there's no doubt about it.

I see, so it's over with this......

Then it's my turn.

"Oh hou! ...... well then! FUAHAHAHA! I don't know what magic you were trying to pull off, but it didn't seem to do anything to my twenty-two layers of magical barriers!"

Honest numbers are just right!

There might actually be more, but I didn't count so who knows!

I decided to laugh, speaking the lines I prepared beforehand and with exaggerated gestures, like a staged play.

It's kinda sad how no one reacted at all, even though I tried to act as cool as possible.

Lifelessness? I already graduated from that.

"You don't need that much......"

"...... is that so. Well then, please get used to it from now on. Then again, we won't really see each other that much"

Let's pretend nothing happened.

I was about to withdraw, but the Elf man in the middle called out to stop to me.

"U-ugh. Is that all! We tried to take your life, you know?!"

"Oh? When? I didn't feel that my life was threatened at all"

"......!"

The good looking middle-aged Elf didn't have any more words for that.

But if it's really just at this level, then time when I was roared at by Kamase-san was definitely several times scarier.

Compared to that, today, I was just brought into a strange room and had myself subjected to some light.

I was actually quite relieved when I saw that illusion.

And now they looked desperate, whereas they were flustered earlier.

"Then can you please wait a moment! Won't you at least ask for something as a sign of our apology!?"

"Yes? ...... well I'll accept anything that you wanna give really......"

And apology now that you were full of killing intent just earlier......

Just how much do you think you can play your game?

If you're that desperate, then I feel a bit sorry for you to reach that state.

"Oh right! Then how about this, we give you someone from us elves!"

"...... yes?"

"There are poweful people amongst the elves, and we can give you a servant! It could serve as your hands and feet, and would surely do an excellent work!"

Oh wow, these guys go way beyond my expectations.

Is this an employment transfer? No, the nuance feels like it's closer to human trafficking.

Even I had to wrinkle my brows to this.

"......hmm. I'll say this clearly. I don't like that kind of thing"

"!...... then don't you have anything that you want!?"

To ask me if there's anything I want.

I'm sorry to the overly persistent guy, but I really can't think of anything.

"Nothing in particular"

They predictably choked on their words after my quick reply, but they still had the spirit to not give up.

"T-there should be something, yes? Right! What about gems? We shall offer some Elven treasures"

"Hmm. It's a shame but you guys don't have anything that I want.

Not to brag, but you can't please me with gifts, since I think that they're not difficult. I can make anything"

"T-then, what is it that you want?"

He asked with a pleading voice, so I replied.

"Something like...... a relationship on mutual trust? Although, you don't seem capable of such a thing"

"......!"

The impression of 'Prideful Elf' sounds exaggerated, but it is accurate.

Their behaviour until now is anything but based on trust.

I prepared to leave for real when I thought that the conversation is over at this point, but I suddenly heard a voice, and I just had to stop my steps.

"Ahaha! You've beed one-upped!"

The atmosphere that was greatly tensed up was suddenly broken, a playful laughter echoed through the room.

Wondering what's going to happen next, I started to look around and saw something blue flutter downwards.

"A petal"

It was a petal of a blue flower.

For some reason, petals from blue roses fell like confetti.

"???"

In the face of quite the meaningless event, my mind went blank.

However, the Elven individuals seem to understand what is going on.

Why are there falling flowers, don't you understand what is happening? That's suspicious to begin with.

"I-it can't be! Why this person!?"

"Eh? What?"

How do I describe it, they have incredibly distressed expressions.

I turned to them while they were in that state, as I didn't know what situation this is. That man came down, along with the fluttering roses.

"What's that......"

My face is in the most surprised state that it has been since I came here.

Out of nowhere, a blonde man slowly fell with prepared sounds of violin.

His chest was visible with his fluttering clothes that one might expect to see in a carnival.

To be honest, had I been told to wear it, I would immediately have to refuse.

But since it's a blonde person with excellent features that is wearing them, they look stylish. People who are genuinely gorgeous to this level are quite rare.

The blonde carnival from the ceiling floated towards me, then he offered a blue rose and flashed a golden smile.

"My! I heard that an interesting guest had arrived, and I couldn't just stay still! I finally decided to reveal my face!"

"Oh, Great Elder, Why are you here!"

The elves revealed their astonishment, and the golden man was quick to control them.

"Non! I don't like to be addressed that way. A rose that blossoms in the moonlight, call me Moonlight Serenade!"

A-rose-that-blossoms-in-the-moonlight-Moonlight-Serenade-sama, in all and every sense that I could think of, descended.

s i d e Captain

""""" Nouooooo!!!!!"""""

Elven warrior danced like leaves in the sky.

They could do nothing in the storm-like battle, but be blown away.

"...... how could this be!!"

I'm alone, in spite of myself.

Those guys, they were strong, prepared warriors who had undured all kinds of training.

Seeing them easily trampled like garbage felt like a nightmare.

But the nightmare isn't over.

The one who created this insane situation was the lone girl in front of me, while all the senses inside my head refuses the fact of the matter.

She knocks down rows of soldiers near her, fighting her way until the Parliament Tower.

"Damn it!!"

I pulled on my bow and arrow, and shot.

This bow of thunder imbues the power of lightning to arrows, it's my heirloom.

An attack is like a thunderstorm!

Once it is fired, one will be instantaneously pierced within a flash. (T/N: redundancy kept)

A flash of lightning should silence the target.

A small sound of thunder could be heard, as the arrow flew straight.

"Fu!!"

But the itself lightning was immediately struck down.

I doubt my own eyes at the absurd spectacle, but it was undeniably reality.

"This arrow...... you're the person that shot and broke my sword, aren't you? I liked that sword, you know?"

"...... hiiiii!!"

When I heard the girl talk about it, screams were ripped from my throat before I knew what I was doing.

The girl must have found my screaming to be a kill-joy, as she sighed and moved her gaze away from me.

"...... a well, I don't have the time to deal with you right now"

The sword in front of me was pulled back, and I managed to survive.

While I was feeling relieved, a sense of defeat sprung up from the bottom of my belly, and I clearly know that my face was distorted in ways that it's never been before.

I followed the back of the girl who had ran away, but before she got very far, she stopped. I also stopped.

Checking out what's happening, a familiar armor had blocked the girl's path.

"...... you came after all, Naito-san"

"Yes...... I have something here that I must do no matter what"

A fullplate armor and a two-handed sword.

But the other side was intercepted.

I don't care about such a thing.

Stopping that girl, somehow could possibly do that has appeared.

I opened my mouth and let my emotions take over.

"You're too slow! Hurry and deal with that girl, Dark Elf!"

The usual commanding tone.

But in that moment, something suddenly stood before my eyes.

When I noticed that it was a sword, my conciousness somehow got distant.

"Shut it...... next, it will land between your eyes"

And with the last thing I saw being the girl's heavy eyes, I lost conciousness.

s i d e Tarou

"...... and another one has appeared"

What's this guy gonna do?

Character-wise, and overwhelming denseness is seeping out.

It would primarily be a mistake to compete.

The person in front of me had a presence that I just don't think I could compare to.

This Elf called Serenade was grinning and laughing as he was checking me out unabashedly.

"Alright~! Is it you? The human with an immense amount of magical power. I'm sorry for having you come all the way just to say 'hello'. The truth is, I myself wanted to go out and meet you, you know? But these little ones were absolutely against it and they won't let me go.

I understand that they'd be lonely without me, but I guess it's simply hard if your parents might be leaving, isn't it?"

"Erm......"

"This is a rare changce to meet, since you are a man who could possibly become my friend! However, is it regrettable? Since we're too isolated, correspondence with other places might as well be inexistent. It's really a dilemma" 

I had finally found an opportunity to interrupt Serenade-sama's one-sided continuous chatter.

"Let's see...... who might you be? Anyway, is Moonlight Serenade your real name?"

"Non! I heard from the Fairy Village's Queen that you make nicknames for people! It seemed interesting, so I came up with my own nickname! I was initially worried that you might not understand it, but it seems like you can. How is it? Isn't it a beautiful name that truly suits me? Additionally, I even got a rose from another world!"

I could hear it, as it reached me without difficulty. (T/N: a name which isn't censored)

However, it was a sparkling person that brought his own nickname.

"Yes, and you would be?"

"Me? I am the one who rules over all Elves. Perhaps it's easier to understand if I say that I am the head of the High Elves? It could also be said that my existence could be considered as a forefather to these guys"

He puffed out his chest, and pointed to the five who I thought were high up.

Everyone present confirmed that his words weren't lies.

So this sparkly person really is the most significant figure among Elves, and he is also older than the high-and-mighty five.

But no matter how I look, he looks to be just in his early twenties.

"...... you look rather young"

I somehow manged to utter the words, and Serenade-sama shrugged his shoulders, as if saying 'I don't know what you're talking about'.

"Didn't you know? The more mana you have, the longer you live! The Elven race especially have long lifespans! Would looks even matter then? Am I wrong?"

"...... that's right"

Indeed, that nature is the type that would do whatever he wants.

It means he could be using magic to maintain his youth, there's even the possibility that he's just using a transformation.

I admire that the things that could be left have remained, and I feel like there's no problem to this person's existence itself.

While I was helping myself in contemplating about various things regarding a non-standard existence, Serenade-same hovered over my face. 

His expression looked like he was really interested.

"That's why we should be friends. From now on, we would be living at the same time for a very long while"

"...... now that you mention it, I haven't really thought about it. That's a real possibility"

Even Kawazu-san lived for five hundred years.

If you have an outstandingly large amount of mana, you can live for a very long time.

Then just how long would I live?

Thinking about it carefully, it's a story that could make me shudder.

"However, you're quite interesting. You're human, but even I can't see your limits. Your magic is varied as well"

"Er, well...... I was taught by someone I know"

"Oh, such a person exists? Was it a human?"

"Ah, well, at one point? He's ...... human?"

He's now an amphibian though. 

It's fine if I don't really say that.

I didn't lie.

However, Serenade-sama was thoroughly impressed.

"My, you can no longer underestimae humans. Don't you think so?"

Unexpectedly, he addressed the last part to the arrogant middle Elf from earlier.

Naturally, he was unable to react fast enough, and replied after a pause.

"Yeah......"

"What 'yeah'. I have been watching you guys all this time, you know? How long has it been since I left our village in your hands? ...... I think it's about six hundred years or so, now I decided to appear since it's been a while and what! Your method of doing things utterly lack beauty! I have always told you that Elves must be elegant, have I not?"

Serenade-sama was a little angry at this time.

But the man stood up, as if he had a valid reason.

"However, that one is too much of a danger for us!"

"Non non non! Flimsy case! If it's danger, it's a matter on how you deal with it. Anyway, it is an issue of the principles that goes along with your methods. For now ...... this situation demands a punishment"

"Hiii! That's!"

Serenade-sama passed the final judgement.

The Elves turned blue.

It seems like that punishment is very frightening for the Elves.

I don't understand it though.

After Serenade-same was done with the verdict, he turned to me with his usual smile and apologized.

"Oh no, I have shown you something unsightly. I would like to apologize, but these aren't words from them. Is there really nothing I can do?"

Although it was spoken lightly, it was a completely effective attack.

I find myself troubled now even though I have heard that same offer earlier.

I thought that there would be no meaning in giving computers to this race which seemed to insist on building walls against others, but that doesn't seem to be the case. This guy seem to be acquainted with the Queen.

Thus, I decided that it would be fine to give computers. Before that however, I remembered something that bothered me a little.

"Ah, there may be?"

"Oh? What is it? Anything, I give you my word that I will handle it properly"

He seems willing to grant anything. It's a good opportunity so I tried asking for that.

"Then it's about the dark elf who took us sightseeing. She seems to have some problems, so can you please help her? There were those things on the neck and foot too"

"Nn? A Dark Elf, is it? Hmmm...... "

Serenade-sama had a playful expression, like he thought something interesting, and so I added,

"It caused some inconvenience while we were sightseeing, like that one about the payments"

"Hahaha, I see! Ah! I know. It was the one who was guiding you guys yesterday, yes.

It would be easy enough to release them, but whether want that......"

Serenade-sama smiled meaningfully, but I didn't think it would be a complicated story.

"Why is that?"

When I tried putting on some airs and asked, Serenade-sama had a genuinely seems to be having fun, then he had a mischievous expression.

"Oh? Are you interested? Then I could tell you, but are you prepared to hear it? You would be invading other's privacy after all"

Hm, that's right. However, I won't be able to do anything without knowing the situation. 

I nodded.

s i d e Sailor Soldier

We fought a fierce battle inside the Parliament Tower, completely turning it into a battlefield.

Before I realized it, we entered a room covered in black marble. Naito-san and I unblinkingly faced each other.

I faced her back in the forest, but I could feel more spirit from her this time.

"...... would you mind moving away from there? You shouldn't have any grudge against Tarou, right?"

When I threw her that question, she faintly trembled.

"......of course. However, it is my duty to carry the Village's wishes. You however, is there a reason why you would risk your life for him?"  

She returned a question to me, but it didn't require much thought.

" Of course. Tarou is the only lead I have in order to return home. I can't just easily let him come to harm.

Besides, it is enough of a reason to risk your life when your friend is in danger"

I don't know how my words will be received.

But Naito-san took a deep breath and firmly held her sword.

It appears that the discussion is over.

"Is that so...... that's right. Then we have nothing more to talk about"

"You're right, then I will push through! Field of Swords!!"

"I gladly accept the challenge!!"

With those words, swords reunite with hands.

Naito-san once again covered her face with the helmet's visor.

On a one-on-one fight, scattered cursed swords are inconvenient.

I set up two swords, and prepared for the battle that's about to start.

The swords' powers were Strength and Accelaration.

A considerable amount of time had passed since Tarou was called.

I can't waste any more time.

I raised my body's physical output to it's limit.

s i d e Tarou

"She and the others you see, are children of sinners"

"The Dark Elves?"

I didn't hide the dissatisfaction in my words.

I already knew that.

Serenade-sama had a slightly difficult face.

"That's right. Relations with people outside the Elf Village is strictly forbidden.

Elves are fairies but don't they resemble the form of humans quite a bit? That may be the reason that the blood could easily mix with others'. But Fairies' characteristics are quite recessive, and when it crosses with other races, it will disappear within a few generations.

That is why this rule is very important for us Elves to continue our race.

However...... there are times that love burns for the very reason that it forbidden, they sometimes break the prohibition and beget a child.

The result would be Dark Elves like her.

She chose the way of slavery in order to redeem her mother's sins.

You cannot build a tomb in a village for a sinner"

"...... haah, I see"

It still unpleasant even though there are proper reasons for it, so the problem lies on the label.

Serenade-sama continued some more.

"It's a story of courage. She didn't do anything wrong herself. Knowing that she would be treated coldly, and have a standing similar to a slave, she continues to remain here. The same with the bear, their proposals were only accepted because of their exceptional talent. Aren't they strong?"

It's as Serenade-sama says, the strength of Naito-san and the bear is a cut above the rest.

I held my head and groaned, wondering what should I do.

I understand the circumstances. Then the pair's wish could be this way 'With this, our parents' sins would be forgiven'.

But they are just in front of me, and I didn't think that their cooperation would be that complicated.

"Hmmm, then they just want some sins to be pardoned, right? Won't it be solved if you just grant that pardon?"

It may be something that was prohibited, but surely, that was a thing of the past.

There's also such a thing as amnesty.

Their mothers should be Elves as well.

In that case, Elves themselves aren't democratic, if water leaks then this great people will have to make allowances accordingly.

Serenade-sama nodded normally, as I seem to get it.

"Well that's correct. However, is it really fine?"

"What is?"

Serenade-sama rebutted meaningfully, he had a mean smile and he neared my face.

"She and the others are also protected by their current status.

It may be the status of a slave, but they are allowed to stay in this village precisely because of that reason.

Once they are pardoned, they won't be any different from ordinary dark elves.

Then they won't be welcomed in the village anymore"

"Can't you do something about that?

I stared into Serenade-sama's eyes as I said that.

Their greatest wish would certainly being able to live peacefully.

It would normally be inconvenient to to change residence.

Is it really impossible for them to be welcomed as friends within the Elf Village?

However, he shook his head.

"I wonder about that. Even if I were to allow it, the villagers won't just accept it.

I've heard that there is a village for dark elves, but I don't know if they would accept people who served in Elven Villages"

Serenade-sama sadly turned his face.

I don't even know what he's saying, but whatever I want, it's not like I'm bound by such a thing.

I'm wondering about suspending their release for such a reason.

"I think it would be enough of an apology for me if you would guaranteed at least that much, won't it?"

After speaking out my thoughts, Serenade-sama's eyes glinted suspiciously, and it felt as if my reflection in his eyes are warped and distorted.

I was just wondering what he's thinking about, when he said some outrageous things.

"Aren't you quite greedy...... then why don't you just rule over this Elven Village?"

"What?"

For a moment, I wasn't able to comprehent what he said. Serenade-sama just kept a lazy smile.

"If you wish it, there's no problem, you see?

Accordingly, you could change things to ensure that dark elves will be accepted. 

In fact...... with powers like yours, you could easily change the world to your liking. 

How about it? If you want the world, we wouldn't spare any effort to assist.

That would be a sound investment if you ask me"

This surprised me, and the other listening elves sucked in a breath.

I quickly answered Serenade-sama, who was looking deep into my eyes.

"...... what's with that troublesome-sounding proposal?"

It's something that I don't even need to think about.

However, it didn't seem to be a mere joke, as Serenade-same maintained that suspicious smile.

"Is that so?"

"There's no discussion if it becomes too troublesome ...... I think? I never wanted to enter public service? Moreover, those things don't matter, it's fine as long as those two can live normally.

Can you do it? Can't you do it?"

Rather than that, this is the problem.

If it cannot be done, then I won't ask for anything else.

I prepared myself that this would be the end of the conversation, no more of the useless segways. 

After a brief silence, Serenade-sama started to laugh too happily.

"Hahahahaha! You're quite mean when you know that I can't refuse! Of course I can do it! I will follow whatever you want! You guys are fine with it as well, right?"

With that, the mysterious atmosphere from earlier was immediately broken.

Although Serenade-sama's words were phrased to be a question, but it didn't leave any room for refusal.

The five high-elves reluctantly nodded, and so the deal was concluded.

"Then it's all good"

I was also satisfied with the successful transaction, and so my heart settled.

Well with this, I would also pardon the annoyances that we've encountered yesterday.

However, while I was nodding in satisfaction, Serenade-sama bitterly smiled towards me.

"Hmm, so this is how you like to use your power. I don't hate it ......but it would be better if you think more about the the impact of that power to your surroundings"

"...... so I'm often told. I myself am thinking about it......"

If I'm reminded about it this often, then it's probably not enough. It is incredibly difficult to thoroughly think about it.

Once the discussion was over, Serenade-sama clapped his hands once, then he grabbed my shoulder.

"Now then, why don't I show you around the Elf Village after this! You can't have seen everything the place has to offer?"

"Let's see ...... that may be true"

What do I do with this attitude, just right after the interrogation?

But I don't really have a reason to refuse.

"Also about that computer? I've heard it from the Queen. It interests me very much! I would like to hear about it, since we have the time! Plus, you get interesting benefits when you roam around with me. You see, you'll get to buy things at half the price when you're shopping in this village! That's the benefit for being a VIP!"

Ah, I see, half-price.

It's really different when you're renow......ned!

"So it's you!!"

Serenade-same had a strange look when I suddenly blurted that out.

"Hm? What is it, did something intersting happen?"

I saw a terrible oppression on Serenade-sama who wasn't aware of anything.

However, just when I was about to look around the village as a proper VIP and have the majority of the people treat me as such, this person might unexpectedly be unpopular.

The moment we stepped out of Serenade-sama's waterfall, a miserable sight greeted us.

"Wh-what is this?"

"...... this is something that would put our sightseeing on hold, I guess?"

When I first entered it, it's a place that didn't even have a scratch on it, now there's no surface that doesn't have at least a scratch.

Cracks ran along the walls and pillars, and it can be said that those beautiful shadows disappeared without leaving a shadow.

We immediately determined the cause.

It was two beautiful female warriors, locked in a deadly fight right in front of us.

Sailor Soldier held Naito-san down, and the battle to the death was nearing it's finale.

When a sword was aimed at the other's throat, it seems like it will have a dangerous conclusion.

"...... haa...... haa. It seems to be my win, I won't be defeated by a wavering sword"

"haa...... haa...... then kill me"

"Haa...... no thanks. Since I won, just do as I say, alright?"

How could this be ...... can I raise my voice?

In this kind of situation, if I left them on in their conversation, will some sort of spiritual exchange occur?

But we can't actually just leave it be.

I gently scolded them in that ghastly atmosphere.

"Heeyy...... I'm sorry to interrupt, but what is this?"

It seems that they finally noticed our presence.

With a jolt, they were clearly surprised.

"Tarou! You're...... safe"

Sailor Soldier, why is there an enormous dent over there?

"...... how? And are you not ****-sama?!"

Behind me is of course, the great Serenade-sama.

Naito-san ceremoniously turned, forgetting her injuries in her panic.

"Yah-hoo. You look like you did your best~. Our talks just finished, and we were just about to look around town...... but I would like for him to do something first"

"Eh? What's that, I didn't know this"

I turned my eyes to Serenade-sama at his unexpected mention, he was just smiling.

"But this is my house. Now it's in this state~? You can easily fix it, can't you?"

"It should be fixed, but why me!?"

Suddenly being told to do so, I would get tired even with magic.

Serenade-sama just said this with a frank face,

"That girl...... is the swordswoman with you right? And she came here because you worried her, didn't you? There won't be a punishment if you just cleaned up"

"...... that may be so but!"

That kind of talk is unfair, isn't it?

And you help too!

Serenade-sama dodged what I was about to say, with impeccable timing.

"But if that's the case...... if you remain here, you might hinder his magic! Then why don't you two go back! Return to the inn and change! I'll also accompany you!"

"Eh, that is, I came here to help him......"

Sailor Soldier was being led by the the unknown brute elf, but the person herself wasn't intending to get involved.

"Hahaha, you don't have to worry yourself about that! We have talked about it! He had openheartedly accepted his fault in the matter! Let's just treat everything until now as water under the bridge!"

Serenade-same said such a thing.

By the way, would receiving an apology be something like this?

But this forced labor is another story altogether!

"No um! Wait! This is cruel no matter how you look at it!"

I managed to delay the quickly departing Sereade-sama, but he just looked over his shoulders, grinned, and raised a finger.

"Computer ...... don't you receive a request in exchange for accepting it? I heard the Dragons' Chief happily talk about that pond of alcohol"

"...... khu-!"

And so he had opened it.

I can't deny that.

Looking at the Parliament tower that was reduced to ruins, I became further dejected.

If you rampage that much, the soldiers would be quite done in......

Cure everyone for now...... how long would it take to repair everything?

"Haa...... let's do it"

Since I can't just leave it, I decided to start on healing.

By the way, Life Rescue helped me a lot.

The Elf Village was a truly interesting destination, with a lovely cityscape. 

The food was varied, people who like sweets and people who like spicy foods would respectively be able to fully enjoy their preference.

However, just be careful as it is slightly insular.

You should be cautious before you're quite familiar with the place.

Go and visit if you can, and try to make Elven friends.

When an Elven friend took us around, we were told that they were transitioning to be a kind and courteous place.

I bought too many souvenirs because of that, and I may have caused them an inconvenience.

I sighed as I wrote my travel diary.

"I almost died...... it really had a variety of people"

And I muttered the part where I almost died.

Then I suddenly received an unfamiliar mail, and I opened it with a bad feeling.

The sender immediately revealed himself.

But the contents of the mail signed  -Blue Rose, was a little hard to grasp.

"What [According to your wishes, I arranged everything so that it would be without a hitch. The rest is up to you, okay?"

The rest is up to you?

What did I ask for again?

I got a strange feeling from the meaningful sentence.

Closing the mail, I tried not to think too deeply into it......

After a few days, I understood why I don't like this mail.

Because a big furball and a fullplated armor brought their luggage into the Fairy Village.

"This time, I would be of help to you, I'm called ******. Tarou-sama, I would like to receive your permission!"

"Gau!"

"Um...... why are you here?"

"No um, we were given some options, so we chose this ...... are we a bother?"

"No, I dind't say that......"

Staring up anxiously should be cheating.

Honestly, I prefer a smooth-sailing life rather than a turbulent one, but why is it like this?

Anyway, I confirmed that the places where the curses were, and they were neither on her neck, nor on Kuma Emon's foot.

He seems to have kept his promise.

But I clearly remembered that he should've let you live in the village normally, right?

So what happened now, all this talk about serving me and all? 

"Yes! We've heard the whole story! We decided that we must repay you for your kindness!"

"Gau!"

Ah, I finally get it.

That bastard put them up on this, didn't he?

But there's a problem with Naito-san and Kuma Emon.

They immediately went under someone wing the moment that they were released.

I think that it would be nice if they enjoy their freedom a little more, but that seems to be wishful thinking.

"You guys have troublesome personalities, you've finally been free after all"

"...... we're sorry for that"

However, staying in the village might not be so bad.

If the Queen gives her permission, they would be able to live as they please.

Then...... will I live with Naito-san under the same roof?

Heyhey, while Sailor Soldier is away to search for clues on returning to the previous world, this seems to be a Magari's replacement.

Didn't she say she's going to serve? In what way?

Is it cohabitation?

I feel a little giddy.

"Well then...... um, where do you guys intend to live? In my house?"

I waited for their answer enthusiastically.

"No, we're going to build a house in the forest. It's a different direction to seperate things"

"...... of course"

My fleeting dream quickly flew away.

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