Log Horizon Book 6 chapter 3

Book version


Chapter 3: Fallen Guardian


1


It is unofficial, but in Rod Lab, people of the same sub class researching the same topics will form groups known as division or departments.

For instance, chef like Mikakage will experiment with new cooking techniques daily, testing the limits of this action known as cooking. But on top of clean and plentiful water, ingredients and fuel, they need kitchen, ovens, heater, fridge, all sorts of knives, different containers, moulds and equipment like blenders.

In the end, the value of a guild lies in utilising large facilities like this that is hard for a single adventurer to own. The facilities belongs to the guild so it is not for their personal use, but being able to use such top class equipment just by paying a small membership fee is a steal.  And recently, their membership fees are waived because of the profits they bring in with their collaboration with 8th district shopping center.

They are dozens of kitchens with varying size and facilities in Rod Lab, used by 70 odd members of the gourmet department. To coordinate usage timing and booking of equipment, the members have to communicate with each other.


"Ellie~!"

The late afternoon shows a tint of orange as the sunlight hours before evening time bask the room. A casual youth appears.

The plant fairy Ellie is frightened by the sudden visit, her tiny body jumping into the air. The visitor took the chance to hug Ellie.

Wearing a fancy 3 layer shirt, this cleric with bad taste in fashion is Aomori. This useless adventurer is a colleague of Mikakage, also a chef. He is also a part of the gourmet department.

Ellie who has a potato in each hand was spooked, and starts to struggle and wave her hands around.

"Aomori, don't bully Ellie."

"I'm not bullying her. Right, Ellie?"

With the height of a kindergarten child, the fairy wearing the same clothes as Mikakage continues to struggle. This little girl is scared of strangers, in Mikakage's eyes, Aomori is like the terrible uncle who wants to cuddle his niece but ends up bullying her. Ellie's eyes under the chef hat that is similar to Mikakage is starting to tear up.

"Ao.Mori!"

Mikakage threatens Aomori, Aomori says his usual phrase "don't call me Aomori, call me Blue forest" and let Ellie go.

Ellie ran off with the potatoes and hide behind Mikakage, hugging her leg.

"Anything to eat?"

Aomori pulls a chair over and sat down, asking the question that shouldn’t come from a chef. Mikakge points calmly at the pot. Aomori makes his way slowly over, making happy sounds of ‘wah’ as he fill his plates.

Mikakage ignores Aomori as she peel potatoes with her knife. After peeling one, the cute Ellie will hand her another. The petite Ellie stands on her personal stool, the image of the top half of her body and wiggling ears showing on the kitchen table is very cute.

Ellie is a fairy summoned by the druid Mikakage with unlimited summoning time. If Mikakage does not dispel her, Ellie will stay by her side forever. Mikakage treats her tiny familiar like a kid sister, doesn’t dispel her, spending her days eating and sleeping with her. The chef clothing and hat on Ellie is the same style as Mikakage, made by the clothing department of Rod Lab on Mikakage’s request.

Mikakage spent the chaotic time after the Apocalypse with her tiny familiars like Ellie. Her kid sister assistant Ellie, the goods ferrying helper Macanido, Lullaby singer Ochelsea. If they wasn’t with her, Mikakage will definitely fall into depression. Mikakage is glad that she is a druid.


“Ermm…” Aomori calls out to Mikakage, but Mikakage only divert the attention of her ears towards him.

“What dish is this?”

He is probably asking about what is in the pot.

I remember it is… Mikakage tries to recall the answer.

“Eagle beak beans with flute horm buffalo stew. Added salt, pepper, butter and several spices.”

“I see. I don’t understand.”

Aomori replies honestly, Mikakage just shrugs.

It’s useless for him to ask. Mikakage is not good at cooking after all.

Some may be surprised at her saying this despite having the subclass of chef, but Mikakage sees herself as a confectioner, not a chef. She does know how to make a meal, but she basically throws everything into the pot and heat it up. Pressure cooker are so wonderful, you just need to add ingredient and spices and warm it up, and you can make something that can pass off as food. Mikakage thinks this is a great invention and loves to use it.

“Speaking of which… Cheese.”

“Hmmm?”

Aomori who is eating the stew tilt his head. Mikakage is asking for cheese again, and he immediately says ‘Ohh! I forgot. Yeah, it’s done’. He took out something that looks like misshapen tofu from the ice bucket besides him.

Mikakage receives it and sniff. It is cheese.

With this, the number of pastries she can make will increase. Cheese roll? Or basic cheese cakes? Or serve it with pudding. Since she is going to do it, Mikakage wants to surprise everyone.

“Thanks.”

“Yeah.”

Aomori replies between sips of water. He is not a normal chef too.

He change his subclass to brewer, making all sorts of ingredients, a weirdo that don’t make food himself. But that is to be expected.

If you want to make food and serve customers, joining 8th district shopping center and opening a stall would be a better option. Or you can get funding from smaller guilds if you want to move towards mass production and grab a share of the market, Oceanic systems will suit you better. They are developing a catering systems, so it is a great business opportunity.

This Rod Lab, where weirdoes working on new inventions congregate

In a sense, Mikakage and Aomori are the same.

“Making something new again?”

“Yeah.”

Mikakage carefully place potatoes inside the over and sprinkle sugar on it, answering half heartedly. Compare to cakes made from flour, the food made from fresh ingredients like potatoes are always different. Like the moisture and the sweetness, the impact of the ingredients have more variety. She needs to add sugar to make up for the lack of sweetness in the raw ingredients, so she has to be careful in her cooking.

“A door gift?”

“Yeah.”

“Take me with you.”

“No.”

Mikakage rejects him immediately as she put in fresh margarine. Aomori has impure motives behind his request. After finding out about this all girl tea party, he has brought this up dozens of times. Aomori is… Speaking of which, most of the men don’t understand. Chatting idly is a very precious thing.

It is irreplaceable.

Mikakage realize several things after coming to this world.

One of which is how valuable her time with friends are. There are no television, cell phones, movies or manga here. All these forms of entertainment are gone. Describing it as entertainment seems to imply that they are unnecessary, but Mikakage doesn’t think so. No, all the adventurers probably think that is so too.

When the Apocalypse first started, the city was liveless. Even with an immortal body, just eating tasteless food slowly without energy cannot be described as living. Living should be a happy and beautiful thing, there is a need for things to sooth both your body and soul.

(Like cakes, or friends to share your cakes with.)

Thinking carefully, Mikakage feels that the time she spent chatting with friends after school is the best time of her life.

Mikakage reminiscence about her middle school days, going to a fast food restaurant and ordering a 100 yen milk shake after club activities. She will empty her brain and chat and laugh until the sky grows dark. Back then, she thought this is something that will always be there and such days will never end. After moving on to high school, she grow apart from these friends and go straight home after school. Although she spent her time on manga and games instead, but Mikakage learned the importance of the warmth between people after coming to this world.

Mikakage is a bit introverted by nature, but she has Ellie now. Her tiny partner that is even more shy than Mikakage. When Mikakage are together with Ellie, she will become mysteriously motivated, thinking that she has to take the initiative to greet others for Ellie’s sake. She wants to protect Ellie from making a troubled expression, giving her the strength to keep calm before a world class beauty like Raynesia. But the truth behind her calmness is because she knows about the careless side of the princess.

The pastry Ellie likes are loved by everyone.

Making new pastry for her friends is the biggest joy for Mikakage, and the focus of her daily life. Fortunately, she makes enough money from selling pastries and handing in recipe reports to live comfortably. Because of this, Mikakage is living everyday meaningfully everyday after the apocalypse.

Although the new findings from the gourmet department makes her uneasy, but the results seems to be bearing fruit. Even though they have to survey in lots of places, it is interesting once they got used to it.

"Really, is that gathering so important?"

Mikakage ponders about Aomori's bashful question. Of course it is important.

Making pastries.

Sharing it with everyone.

Chatting about all sorts of things.

There is nothing that is more important. Men always wants some form of results, which is not good. Things need to be done slowly, with adequate heat and timing.

Mikakage wears a big oven mitts and takes the freshly baked cream potatoes out of the ovens, presenting it to Aomori for him to eat. This is new experimental pastry. Aomori gasp happily, but this is just a test, not good enough for the tea party participants. It is a bit better than testing poison, so it's fine giving it to Aomori.

"Yeah, it is important. Very important. There is definitely nothing more important."

"Huh? More important than your relationship with me?"

"That sort of thing is worse than burnt jam."

Aomori become depressed. Mikakage ignores him and cleans up the kitchen appliances.

Even if Aomori complains, he will still finish the potatoes, and the shy but caring Ellie will console him.



2


Raynesia was surprised when she learned the young man visiting.

Raynesia knows this important person, but she didn't expect him to visit her or anyone ever.

When aristocrats visits, they will inform several days or even months in advance. For better or worse, Raynesia and her staff has gotten used to unexpected guests after living in the 'water maple consulate' in Akiba for a while.

It's the same this time, Raynesia received the report after the visitor enters the drawing room.

With Elissa's help, Raynesia grooms her hair and change her dress. The young man is from 'that side', but he is not a noble. More importantly, both of them are people of the land living in Akiba, so there is no need to dress up too formally. Because of this Raynesia opts to wears a slender one piece dress with long sleeves.

The pink snowy dress is a gift from Marielle of Crescent moon alliance. It is less prominent among the clothes she received, Raynesia like this dress a lot.

Seeing Raynesia rushing over, the guest stood up to receive her.


"You look as wonderful as ever, Lady Raynesia."

The youth bows his head politely. His name is Kinjyou, the young leader of the Kunie clan operating in Akiba.

"Sorry for the wait."

Raynesia returns the greeting.

While waiting for Elissa to prepare her tea, there is an uncomfortable silence.

Raynesia don't know this young man well. Rather, the only thing she knows is that he is the young leader of the Kunie clan. The Kunie clan has a unique place amongst the people of the land, an influential force in Yamato.

Yamato is roughly split into 5 domains.

In the barren north is the Ezzo Empire; in the extreme south is the seafaring nation Ninetail dominion; the fallen state that is overrun with monster Fourland Dukedom; the successor of the Westlande dynasty, Holy Empire Westelande; last of all is the 'League of freedom cities Eastal' that includes Maihama ruled by Raynesia's grandfather, situated in eastern Yamato.

The 5 domains share a common currency. Full gold, and it's denomination half gold and quarter gold, known collectively as gold. Not only Yamato, Raynesia heard the other continents are all using the same currency.

The currency that has been in use since ancient times. The Kunie is the clan controlling all the bank around the globe.

Inheriting several technology of the ancient Alv, they carry out long distance trades without relying on the intercity transport gates. By applying this technology, the Kunie is able to operate banks around the world.

But hey are not a banking clan.

Their duty is the management of the Alv's magic techniques.

Although they are best known for running the bank, the Kunie are also in charge of the maintenance of the magic barriers in the 'League of freedom cities Eastal'. The 30 odd cities with magic barriers have ancient magic circle built underground to power the defenses of the city. It prevents any monsters for invading and also powers the mobile suits of the guards.

Apart from a few cities that is against the aristocrat system in Holy Empire Westlande, all the cities in Yamato are supported by the Kunie clan.

With their heavy responsibilities, they are in a sense much more important than the nobles family. When Raynesia is posted to Akiba, her grandfather told her everything he knows about the Kunie clan.

But the Kunie clan does not seek fame and power since ancient times. They simply do their assign duties, and doesn't bother with anything else other then finishing their task. That is the impression the aristocrats of Eastal have of them.

They are shrouded in mystery, a people of the land clan that has been working hard to maintain the operation of this world. This is how normal people of the land and Raynesia sees them.

"Please have some tea."

That is all she knows. Raynesia don't know what to talk about, so she start by offering him Elissa's tea. On the table are green tea she purchased recently.

Kinjyou takes a sip with his eyes squinted slightly.

Elissa said that he is a young man. After meeting him face to face, that is the only way to describe him. But after observing this man with purple pupils, black hair and high collar tuxedo, she is unable to tell his age.

He is definitely older than Raynesia, but how old is he compared to that monser warrior Krusty? His smooth contours of his face makes him look young, but the veins on his hands seems to be old. Raynesia has never met anyone whose age seems so indefinite.

"I am sorry about this sudden intrusion. There is something of grave importance I need to report to Lady Raynesia and apologize."

Kinjyou put the cup back on the table with a serious face.

"May I ask what is the issue?"

"According to reports from the Guard room, a mobile suit has been stolen."

"Eh...?"

"The thief is a guard, one of the Kunie clan."

Raynesia don't think of herself as a dull person, but she really don't understand these word this time.

She can feel the blood draining from her body.

The revelation made her dizzy and and her vision turns black.

Mobile suits are one of the legacy of the Alv, a special suit of armor made to protect a specific zone. The biggest difference from normal armor is that it is powered by magic from an external source which enhances the abilities of the user.

The combat powers of the people of the land are low in this world. Not just adventurers, they can't even fend off mid level monsters. The people of the land can only survive in this world because of several helpful elements.

One of them is the ancients that are the heroes of the people of the land, and the adventurers roaming the land raising humanity's enemies. The other reason is the magic barrier that protects the major cities.

Lastly are the of guards equipped with mobile suits.

People of the land who are enhanced by the power of the mobile suits can outmatch an adventurer. Although it is limited within the city, they have the power to teleport and send criminals to prison. The guard uses this ability to maintain order in the city.

But there is a limit to its usage. The mobile suit that drains a tremendous amount of magic just on standby mode can only be activated on the streets.

"That is correct. Mobile suit can only be used within city limits. Without the magic supply from the giant magic circle built underground, the user won't be able to move a finger, a unique feature of this armor. As the magic supply wavelength is unique to each city, it will just be a heap of junk once you take it away from Akiba."

Kinjyou continues explaining to the stunned Raynesia.

"In summary, this matter is of grave importance. Although it becomes junk once you take it away from the city, it is still terribly powerful within the city limits."


The power of the mobile suit can be increased through adjustment. It's power is beyond level 100 on the streets of Akiba. This power is necessary to keep errant and violent adventurers in line, so being more powerful than adventurers is within expectation.

Raynesia is able to take up the post in Akiba as a woman is all thanks to the mobile suit providing security for her. The official reason Raynesia came to Akiba is to take responsibility for going to the adventures for aid in the war of Sand Leaf without the League's permission. The reason why the defenseless Raynesia moves into the adventurer city with only small group, is because her grandfather already took into account the existence of the guards.

But this powerful backing has leaked, which raised several other points.

"Could it be... the murderer is..."

Facing the question of the pale Raynesia, Kinjyu nods.

"Correct, the action of this criminal is linked with the Kunie clan. It is a shame, but that is the truth."

This is like a nightmare to Raynesia.

Clan Kunie, or rather the guards going out of line is unacceptable. This is something that the people of the land has never thought of for hundreds of years.

But this explains several mysteries.

That's why the guard system of Akiba is unable to detect the murder. The surveillance system is made against the adventurers and the people of the land, it won't detect anything from a fellow guard. The combat actions of a guard is not a crime, but an enforcement of security.

That means the murder case won't ever be detected.

The criminal wearing the mobile suit has power that outmatch the adventurers. Raynesia who has no experience in battles don't understand how much more powerful he is compared to adventurers, but there already has been news of several victims falling to him.

Most importantly, the Kunie being involved in this raise 2 major concern.

First, this clan penetrates deeply into their daily lives, an existence just like the air we breathe. Be it the security of the streets with the guards or the global banking network, these systems is rooted deeply in both the people of the land and adventurers society. Their safety and convenience forms the foundation of the societies in this world.

But wouldn't it be scary if this foundation is to crack? Without specialized education, Raynesia is unable to imagine how disastrous it would become, but she can feel the clouds of unease forming.

The other important point is more direct. Even though it is by the Kunie clan, the people of the land killed an adventurer.

Adventurers are totally different from people of the land. Even though their appearance are similar, but they are completely different organism with drastic difference in potential. By going through battles repeatedly, adventurers are to progress their strength by leaps and bounds. Just one high level adventurer can rival a band of a hundred knights made up of people of the land.

Right now, the adventurers in Akiba are protecting Raynesia and supporting her. But isn't their action influenced by the weakness of Raynesia and the others? Even if that is not everything, Raynesia knows it is a part of the reason.

If this reason is gone, the relationship between the adventurers and the people of the land might fall out of balance.


(Why is this happening...)

Raynesia's mind is full of remorse and sadness.

She can't describe it any other way. Why did this happen after she assumes the post here, is it because she made that speech? Why does this have to happen? The Kunie clan that made no mistakes in hundreds of years, just have to pick this moment when Raynesia is in Akiba to screw up, it is really incomprehensible.

"This happens because of our mismanagement, I offer my sincere apologies."

"Ermm... for the Kunie clan... Is there something you can do about this?"

Raynesia probes hopefully.

Although she can sense it before probing, she still asked anyway.

"I am terribly sorry Lady Raynesia. The movements of the mobile suit will stop if we cut off the magic supply. But the defensive magic barrier in the city will also be lost. To reactivate it, I have to say it would take 10 years. That is all I have to say."

The magic circle barrier protecting Akiba from invading monsters that must not be deactivated.

The fact that this magic circle is supplying power to the murderer hits Raynesia hard.



3


Akatsuki in the waiting room warms her hands with a tea cup while wearing a meek expression.

She's not doing it because it is cold or there is nothing else to do.

How much of it is an accident and how much is this the schemes of the maid Elissa? With her keen hearing thanks to her tracker subclass, Akatsuki is able to hear every word in the drawing room next door.

From the content of their conversation, this is not something Akatsuki can settle alone. Only a major guild like West wind brigade or D.D.D can handle this, it might even require the strength of the Round table council. Without question, this is a major crisis for Akiba.

Akatsuki cannot pretend she didn't hear anything.

The princess that is as beautiful as the moon must be worrying about how to convey this to the adventurers. Having heard about the murderer before Raynesia makes any moves has major repercussions.

So Akatsuki decides to meet the princess, but thinking carefully, that might be too rash. The reason probably lies in the sense of duty to her lord. Since Shiroe wills it, she has to see Raynesia's face at the very least. That's all. Right now, Akatsuki do not have any strength to meddle with affair of others.

She walk silently to the balcony from the waiting room. Her figure is just like a shadow with her low profile clothes. Leaping to the balcony of the meeting room 3 meters away is as easy as moving across tatami for the super human adventurers.

In the shade of the window frame with elaborate carvings, on the other side of the bubble like lace curtain is Raynesia. The young man she was talking to earlier probably left, leaving Raynesia alone to bury her face in a cushion.

How strange, Akatsuki thought absently.

Raynesia is always so gentle, bright, keeping her back straight, a beautiful young lady who makes others envious. Her pretty silver hair, slender neck and proper manners that is always under control gives her an air different from adventurers. Their difference is not because of Raynesia's beautiful silver locks and her slender neck, but because of her polite manners. Having the charm to convince any adventurer, that is the type of girl Raynesia is.

But the Raynesia right now is leaning forward deflated, with her face buried in a cushion supported by her hands. it is not like Raynesia to act this way.


"I can't."

She hears these words through the glass.

The soft voice is like the chime of a bell, but her helplessness and troubles are obvious.

"I really can't."

Raynesia is shaken, her silver hair is shaking like a waterfall.

"... Why, why now... why me?"

Raynesia seems to be getting smaller.

After a long sigh, Raynesia becomes a frail girl.

"Why can't things go right..."

Akatsuki nods while standing on the veranda in the winter sun. She understand this feeling.

There are so many difficult things in this world, but the things you can do well is so limited. It makes you remorseful and frustrated.

"Isn't there any other way? ...Can't they just close an eye? Can't... they just let me go?"

Akatsuki hopes so too.

Who doesn't?

But it accomplishes nothing.

Akatsuki think everyone has been betrayed before. Not all of your wishes will come true. Something you thought is in your hands, something you achieved, something which you think belongs only to you, will one day fade away and slip from your grasp.

Because she is too insignificant, she wonder sometimes whether wishing for something is wrong in the first place. Maybe the majority of this world consist of being bullied.


"What should I do?"

Raynesia who is forced into a corner ask herself, so Akatsuki reply.

"Discuss this with someone from the council?"

"Wouldn't this turn into a conflict with the adventurers?"

"But the facts will be known sooner or later. But it is difficult to convey this tactfully."

Slipping in through the barely opened window, Akatsuki stands before Raynesia without disturbing the curtains.

She feels a sense of nostalgia. She saw her lord assume the same position before. But it had been so long since that day. The one before her is not the black haired lord, but a silver haired princess.

"Guess I have to inform them..."

"I'm not sure myself."

"Why isn't the mind reading monster here right now... He always shows up when I don't want him to, but he's not here when I need him."

"Mr Krusty is heading towards the Goblin's 'Citadel of seven falls'."

"I know. Even if you say that... Ah, that's not what I want to talk about."

"..."

"That's not what I meant!?" Raynesia spring up and face Akatsuki. The lips she is biting on is trembling, she tries to maintain her composure, but the corner of her eyes are turning red.

"Eh, ah, ermm."

She sit down properly in a hurry, straightening her back in front of the standing Akatsuki. Because Akatsuki is petite in size, their eyes are at about the same level if she sits up straight. Raynesia gaze downwards uncomfortably. Akatsuki feels sorry for startling the princess.

Akatsuki didn't plan to eavesdrop or intrude like this.

"Eh, eh... so... did you hear everything..." Facing the probing eyes of Raynesia, Akatsuki nods. Raynesia gives up and says with a voice growing softer "Is that so."

Time passes gradually between the 2 dumbstruck ladies.

Akatsuki is out of ideas, so she takes out the red bean bun from her bag she purchased for lunch and give it to Raynesia. The 2 girls sitting side by side on the couch munching on the 2 half of the bun in silence.

"The murderer is a people of the land?"

Akatsuki ask and Raynesia answers Akatsuki's slowly.

"Yeah. That's right... the Kunie clan who guards the city had a mobile suit stolen. Because this mobile suit is the equipment of the guards, so it possesses immense battle capabilities and won't alert the authorities when going into combat. I am... really sorry."

"Why?"

"Eh?"

"Why was it stolen? Who stole it?"

"The culprit is still unknown. Whether the mobile suit is being operated by the defector of the Kunie clan is uncertain. His motive and hiding place are also unknown."

"I think he is hiding in the sewers."

"Sewers?"

Akatsuki express her thoughts.

"From what I have heard, he won't hide outside Akiba. If that is the case, the place that has not been searched and is inconspicuous will just be the sewers."

According to Raynesia, the murderer has obtained the strength of a guard.

Although Akatsuki was stunned for a moment after hearing this, she grasp several important points.

The combat prowess of the murderer is probably over 100 and closer to level 110. The level 90 adventurers won't be able to match up to him.

At the same time, he can't leave Akiba since he is using the powers of the mobile suit. He will lose his prowess once he leaves. Considering all this, his hiding place are limited.

But capturing him will be next to impossible.

In order to suppress the criminals, the guards have the ability to teleport. It is a useful skill when punishing PK actions, but it is also the perfect escape mechanism in the hands of the murderer.

He can escape safely even when surrounded by a raid group.

"Is that so..."

Akatsuki looks at the girl in front of her.

The highest noble in Yamato, the daughter of clan Corwen.

The legendary renowned beauty of Eastal.

The bridge between the people of the land and adventurers, the driving force behind the victorious Sand Leaf war.

The bewitching princess of the silver moon.

The girl in front of her is known by so many names, but looks so normal.

She munch on her red bean bun despite her gloomy expression, a normal girl you can find anywhere. Akatsuki feels that Raynesia looks at her in the same way.

"Troubled?"

"Very troubled."

The 2 of them chats casually, filled with their personal issues. Akatsuki can see herself when she looks at this beautiful silver princess.


Akatsuki's lord instructed.

Protect the people of the land princess Raynesia.

Akatsuki interpret this as an escort mission. But she can feel that is not what Shiroe meant.

(What do my lord wants to protect...)

If the objective is to protect the safety of the princess, is there a need to attend the tea parties? If she just wants to protect herself, is there any meaning behind Raynesia hosting these parties? What is she missing? Do Marielle and Henrietta already knows the true meaning behind this?

Akatsuki wants to tell princess Raynesia 'it can't be helped'.

Too many unfortunate things are happening. It is too much for her to handle and realize her wishes. All this cannot be helped. Akatsuki lacks the capability to create miracles with her hand. Apart from 'can't be helped', she don't have any words to console Raynesia.

She can add another sentence 'you tried hard' to console Raynesia.

Akatsuki has seen her in action during the conference of the lords. She also heard Shiroe's high praise for the princess. She has been protecting her on the side all this while, that's why she can say 'you tried hard'.

But does she has the right to say this. As the daughter of aristocrats, the representative of the people of the land. This girl who is shouldering the burden heavier than any of the 11 guild masters of the Round table council. Akatsuki wonders if she should say that.

After thinking this far, Akatsuki bears some respect for the silver haired girl in front of her. That's why she comes here daily to protect her up close.

Even though she is searching madly for a more powerful combat abilities, even if she finds it hard to return to her own guild house, Akatsuki is cares about Raynesia.


"I will go take a look."

Akatsuki stands up.

The opponent she is looking for is a people of the land. Since he has a unique teleporting device, there is another way to find him. He probably hides in the sewer during the day and watch the entire city by night... He will probably teleport to somewhere adventurers cannot enter and observe from the dark.

"Eh...?"

"I will accomplish my mission. Because I have seen how hard you tried."

Raynesia did not touch anything when she reach out her hand.

Akatsuki who has obtained a hint has move out for the streets of Akiba from the open window.








4


10 pairs of eyes stared at the flashes of silver.

The colliding blades leave flashes of light like meteors, gone in the next instance.

They cross each other path as if they arranged before hand, clashing into each other. The echoes sound closer to crystals being cut instead of the noise of steel clashing on steel, as they oppose each other.

Watched over by Nazuna and her comrades, Soujiro is dueling to the death with the murderer.

Soujiro wields his katana so smoothly it doesn't give off any air of threat. But Nazuna knows that Soujiro's every strike brings unavoidable fear to his foe. It looks gentle because of how graceful he swings the blade. Soujiro and even perceive the evasion path of his opponent before swinging his katana, every blow of his is deadly.

The murderer uses the strange gauntlets on his hands and feet to guard against Soujiro's attacks.

This is not normal swordsmanship. It is akin to the instinctive actions of feral beast as he fights with a glee that comes from killing other humans.

Before the sparks even fade, the murderer counter attacks from his off balance position.

Unlike Soujiro, there are no techniques to his offence, just taking wild and powerful swings.

But because of his chaotic style, his attack is fast and unpredictable

Nazuna's comrade Kyoko fell under his blade before, while Nazuna is cradling the heavily injured Kawara.

"The director is amazing..."

The girl in Nazuna's arms muttered, the members on standby behind Nazuna is probably saying the same thing.


The original plan was to surround the enemy with their raid group.

Enbart Nelles.

Level 94 samurai.

This murderer who exceeds Soujiro by one level is not an adventurer in Nazuna's eyes. Calling him a samurai is ridiculous.

Nazuna has always watch over the growth of Soujiro the samurai. The samurai in Elder Tales can indeed learn a huge variety of skills. Although some are just upgrades of skills learned in lower level, but there are still 40 unique types to master. Although a player won't be able to learn all available skills, but the techniques used by Soujiro and the murderer are obviously different.

That is not a warrior. His fighting style is fundamentally different from an adventurer.

It started off with a party battle.

One of the scouting party of West wind brigade encountered the murderer, but he slipped away. Soujiro's party standing by in their base moved out and corner the murderer in this narrow alley with a party.

But the plan to surround the murderer failed.

In this alley situated between 2 abandoned buildings, there are no way to fight as a party. Except Soujiro, no other person can stand up to the unorthodox swordsmanship of the murderer.

The off tank kawara took several hits and is badly hurt, Nazuna and the other mage was also hurt. If Soujiro didn't charge in to pressure the murderer, some of them would have been sent to the cathedral.

Nazuna is thankful.

She isn't thankful because Soujiro saved her.

She think it is fortunate that no woman was fell in front of Soujiro.


If sound can hurt people, the battle would be surrounded by piles of bodies. The winter breeze in the evening is cold enough to freeze your skin off. The murderer's sword cuts through the air towards Soujiro.

In the air that is so cold that white fog forms even if you hold your breathe, Soujiro parries the blow.

This is Soujiro's overskill, Clairvoyance.

Nazuna don't understand it fully, but it seems to be a defensive overskill. Soujiro describes it as following the route in the air. Soujiro learns a new skill and is fending off the attack of the murderer thanks to that.

Soujiro is having a hard time.

The normal Soujiro won't block attacks, but dodge them and parry them.

Since Soujiro can't do that, it means the murderer's attack are fast and sharp.

One such unavoidable blow came, slicing off the shoulder guard of Soujiro's warring era samurai armor.

The other comrades don't understand, but Nazuna is biting her lips.

That attack broke through the protective barrier Nazuna casted on Soujiro. Protective barrier can be cast before battle, a spell that prevent HP from taking hits. It is an invisible bonus HP. The water like effect of the barrier shatters. Although everyone can see this happen, only the caster Nazuna herself understands how much damage was negated.

Nazuna's 'holy barrier' is equivalent to 20% of Soujiro's HP. This means that Soujiro would have lost 1/5 of his HP without the barrier. Seeing this power that rivals a major raid boss, Nazuna is burning with worry. Soujiro won't be able to take many of this attack.

She is already chanting in preparation of casting 'holy barrier' again, but 'holy barrier' is not a skill she can use consecutively. Using a combination of heals and barriers to protect her friends from harm is Nazuna the Kannagi's way of fighting.

Casting protective barrier repeatedly will drain a lot of MP which will put them at an disadvantage. But if she don't do this, she will feel like she is treading on a wire. If she use defensive magic and is noticed by the murderer, she might be targeted next.

But she can't protect or heal Soujiro if she runs away.

She can only keep watching the battle and understand her capability. She have to keep on casting barriers even though they are as weak as paper.


(What is with this guy. This is a huge gamble.)

She can understand some things because she is a Kannagi.

Because the guild West wind brigade is not big in scale, but still manages to be one of the leading guilds in the server for raids. As the healer of such a guild, she understand something.

She knows the battle is not going well.

They are still hanging on because the tank is Soujiro. If not for Soujiro, Nazuna is sure they will be massacred.

But even Soujiro cannot handle all the blows.

In a major raid, it is impossible to fend off all the attacks of giant dragons or titans. For major raids they will need 1 tanks supported by 3-10 healers to hold the line, leaving the attackers to deal damage.

But they are lacking in both attackers and healers right now. Most of the tactics for major raids are not applicable for such a narrow alley.

Nazuna and the others will have nothing to fear if the opponent is an adventurer or a normal monster. But this murderer is more powerful than they imagined.

And also-

"Ku!!!"

Soujiro's attack was dodged.

The murderer slip to Soujiro's right, his figure like an insect as he slash at Soujiro's thigh. Although Soujiro evaded with a leap, his movements are no longer graceful like a dance. He is at his limits.

Consecutive attacks, strikes that disrupt his balance, carefully planned blows, the murderer is able to evade all this with his weird movements. And he is keeping this up.

He burrows through Soujiro's attack and got behind Soujiro.

If they can land a hit, no matter how good their foe is, he can't be a major raid monster. But they just can't hit him. If this goes on, even if Soujiro can keep on tanking, the front line will still fall when Nazuna's MP is exhausted.

And also...

(If we are still here, Soujiro won't be able to withdraw.)

Nazuna concludes.

"...Mr Soujiro."

"Director."

"Oh no, I can't watch."

Nazuna hears the painful cries of her comrades. Nazuna's duty was to heal their wounds, but she can't afford to right now. Helping them will drain what ever meager MP she has left.

Her panicking heart starts searching for another way to withdraw.

Asking Soujiro to go first is impossible. There is no way he will leave his friends behind. And if Soujiro who is engaging the murderer is to run, that's inviting the murderer to cut him down from the back.

Nazuna can't withdraw first for the same reasons too. If she leaves, the best scenario is her barrier lapsing after 30 seconds effective time. Once the barrier is gone, Soujiro will take HP damage. To keep Soujiro alive so they won't be hunted by the murderer, Nazuna can't leave.

What about the other girls?

Karawa, Olive and the others can go first, that is the correct way.

But that requires a distraction. If the girls are to take off all of the sudden, the murderer might switch his target and ravage the girls. It is up to Soujiro protect the girls, but it is hard to say whether he can manage. That is how good the murderer is.

She pray for an opportunity. Time passes as she thinks and the night grows dim. The hellfire emitted by the murderer's blade makes the shadows sway as the evening goes on.

Soujiro's sword seems more hesitant. The battle is at an impasse. Even Soujiro might fall if he has any mental lapses.

Amd them. the black swallow descends.



5


Running on the branches of the trees growing around the guild building, she leaps off at the tip of the branch.

The thinner branches are better. Although the thicker ones feel safer, it is not suitable for her to 'fly'.

Akatsuki repeats this action as she fly around Akiba.

Just like the roads on the ground, there is also a path in the sky. Convenient footholds like branches or rooftops, balconies or broken signboards. From the ruins to the ancient trees all over the city, there is a path for people to travel in the sky.

She wonders when she started using these routes subconsciously.

This is not an option in the game world.

She can't do this when the Round table council was just founded. She started doing this without much thought after returning from Sand Leaf. Although she don't remember when she learned this, but now she knows such convenient routes in Akiba exist. Akatsuki discovered that she is subconsciously observing the air current, position of the buildings, walls and trees.

Her hair sways in the wind.

If her hair feels heavy, it means the air is getting humid and it's going to rain.

If she feels her body being pulled, that means the wind is picking up and some paths is inaccessible.

Akatsuki is able to grasp all these details, mastering amazing skills that sets her apart from other adventurers traveling in the sky.

She is just moving as usual, but her limbs more nimble and her body is warming up.

The instant when she put her weight on a branch and calculates her next trajectory, she is not just aware of her body movements, but the wind as well. She has done this dozens of times, but now it takes only half the strength as usual to travel from branch to branch, and the momentum sets her up for the subsequent jumps too. When did she notice such details?


Her short conversation with Raynesia loops in her head.

She is not used to thinking about the problems of others and is unable to summarize her thoughts well. Raynesia's image, Raynesia's words, her own thoughts, her own reply. These things keep forming and disappearing like bubbles from within Akatsuki.

It disappears before becoming words, so Akatsuki is also not sure what is motivating her.

Raynesia is working hard.

Only these words stays in her chest.

She thinks its time to reward Raynesia's efforts.

She glance at the setting sun to the west and perk up her ears, feeling her consciousness expands outwards. The detecting skills she is always using captures the conversations spoken in the streets of Akiba.

Let's hurry back to the guild and make onion soup.

Where should we hunt tomorrow?

Let's have dinner somewhere alright? It's... it's my treat!

I'm looking for a new business venture.

Our tactician is really strict.

Would you please go on a date with me?

An adventurer can eat twice my portion.

No, 3 times.


These are all unimportant casual chats and forgettable conversation. But they sound so clear to Akatsuki today.

These are probably personal secrets.

After finishing their work for the day, they will spend the evening with their loved ones. Or they will wonder what tomorrow will bring, these are the little wishes everyone thinks of. Although the words she overhears are insignificant, they are still secret private affairs.

Akatsuki is not certain, but these are probably important words for the individual. Akatsuki understands its importance today.

She is not sure what it is, but Akatsuki stumbled on something important.


Because she is thinking about these things, she is already rushing into the battle zone when she discovered the battle.

Her ears picked up faint sounds of swords clashing, and she changed her route, taking 2 minutes to reach the scene of battle. The moment she detected the fight from a 15 story high building, she charge into the gap between the 2 building immediately.

She kicks off the walls of the building to accelerate in addition to free falling.

She holds the hilt of the Kodachi strapped behind her waist and hold her breathe as she strike like an ice pick.

As she goes through the thin layer of air made by magical equipment, Akatsuki finally grasp the situation.


A party is fighting with the black murderer. The tank is a samurai with only one healer still in the fight. The party is falling apart.

The tank is the guild master of West wind brigade Soujiro, one of the 11 guilds that forms the Round table council.

What Akatsuki is doing is known as 'kill stealing' in MMO. When a party is fighting another opponent, an adventurer outside the party joining the fray without permission. Because doing this is akin to robbing the EXP and loots of others, it is not only bad manners and shameful.

And the party in question right now is one of the top guild in Akiba right now. If it is the usual socially awkward Akatsuki, she will definitely be troubled and find it hard to approach them.

But it is different now.

Her mind is full of things that happened this morning.

Because of all sorts of things happening in the morning, she can't take in anymore information into her brain.

With her feverish mental state, Akatsuki can see the world dozens of time clearer than usual and jumps.

She slash horizontally from the right performing 'Accel fang'.

It didn't hit. She already knows. She kicks of the wall and did a 'Viper slash' in mid air.

After being parried, she somersault and uses 'Killing assault'.

Akatsuki understands from the first attack that the murderer is very powerful. Akatsuki can't beat him.

But she won't stop either.

Hoping to get any tiny hint from the opponent, she uses 'Venom strike'.

She retreat to avoid the enemy's sword. It's not enough. She forcefully performed 'Gust step' to move behind the opponent. But it's still no good. Even though the enemy's glowing green sword threatens to break through Akatsuki's defense with it's freezing slashes, Akatsuki continues to advance calmly. She uses 'Accelerator fang' even when she feels the fringe on her right hair being cut off.

Too shallow. Again! She deftly adjust her movements and uses 'Accelerator fang'.

Quicker, faster, speedier.


Akatsuki notice a watery barrier around her body.

This is the protective spell of a Kannagi. She can tell it is a higher caliber than Minori. This should be the support of the healer she saw.

But Akatsuki understands this is a meaningless insurance. The murderer is still waving his sword at the samurai in front of him. That's why he is not counterattacking Akatsuki much, that's why she is still alive. If it was one on one, Akatsuki would be dead by now.

It is hard to stomach, but the young man wearing a ponytail despite being a man is one of the top ranked vanguards in the server. Soujiro seta, guild master of the West wind brigade. Akatsuki can't match up to him in both fame or achievement. But even the renowned Soujiro can't suppress this dark murderer.

"Run!"

She can tell Soujiro's response from the corners of his lips rising.

His strong eyes looks towards Akatsuki. He may look younger than Akatsuki, but Akatsuki instinctively knows she won't want to see his intimidating side. Regardless, Akatsuki is still fighting like a mini hurricane.

"Why?"

Soujiro ask so naturally that Akatsuki is dumbstruck.

She just yelled on reflex, Akatsuki herself don't even know why she did that. The monster people of the land that outmatch Akatsuki by far.

This is natural. Not only is his level higher than adventurers, his abilities are boasted by the mobile suit armor. If you look closely, the hands and feels of the murderer is bulking up because he put on the mobile suit forcibly. The light glowing from the his armor proves he is drawing magic from somewhere, protecting him from harm with a barrier.

There is no way Akatsuki can win. Soujiro probably can't either. Defeating this monster in such a narrow alley is impossible. They will need a large number of adventurers to subdue him. But why did she shout out loud? Was she hoping to lure the murderer away to help Soujiro?

Behind Akatsuki's thoughts full of turmoil, she can see the image of Shiroe looking towards the sky with a sight.

"Why>"

"Because defeating him and solving the problem are not the same thing."

The alien takes a swing at Soujiro, and Akatsuki attack with all her might.

'Assassinate'. Although it causes over 10,000 points of damage, she can only slightly deflect the dark, heavy and huge gauntlets of the murderer.

"That's why you should run!"

"I cannot agree to this."

Facing another warning, Soujiro deepen his smile as he slashes his sword down.

The murderer kicks out from an uncanny angle, but Soujiro dodges and as it brushes the fringe on the right of his face. After losing ground just like Akatsuki, Soujiro advance and slash his sword upwards, making a cross with his previous attack.

Soujiro is very strong. Probably several times more than Akatsuki.

She can see tell from Soujiro's short exchange of blows.

That's why Soujiro should understand that he can't cut down this monster in a place like this. Why didn't he run? Akatsuki thinks he is a stubborn man. Speaking of which, all the men in this world are stubborn. Tohya and Rundelhaus in the junior team are very stubborn. Instead of being stubborn, Naotsugu is just too dumb to change his bad habits. Master Nyanta is more stubborn than he looks. Putting cucumbers in salad is the best evidence. The only one not stubborn is her lord Shiroe who listens to her words patiently.

"Left!"

Akatsuki stops abruptly as a violent piece of metal brush before her nose.

The blow she avoids barely was dodged by Soujiro who is looking at Akatsuki calmly.

Watching all this, Akatsuki feels a sense of longing and mystery.

Soujiro smiles as he faces the murderer and Akatsuki, which intimidates Akatsuki.

The normal Akatsuki would have sense the overwhelming pressure that tells her to run.

But she didn't feel it now.

Akatsuki feels there is something important which she don't quite understand here. Soujiro is not intimidating Akatsuki. Akatsuki feels that he is trying to convey something.

Although Akatsuki feels sorry for not understanding the things Soujiro is trying to tell her, but she knows it is something very important.


"Miss Nazuna. Please head back first."

"...I understand. I will wait for you in the guild hall."

Akatsuki finally understand that Soujiro is continuing to this losing fight with the murderer to protect the young girls who are exhausted. As a last act of support, barriers are casted on Akatsuki and Soujiro, who attacked fiercely to cover Nazuna's retreat.

Both the graceful continuous attack of Soujiro and the skills used by Akatsuki has no effect on the murderer. Dozens of attacks falls in succession. Being able to battle the murderer for so long with just 2 people feels different from the murder cases so far, but Akatsuki can't spare any thoughts for this.

Even with the wide gap in their strength, she still swings her blade desperately.

Akatsuki feels that even if she give her all here, she still can't change the cheap life of adventurers who can respawn in the cathedral. She has been insignificant, slow and weak after all.

But Akatsuki feels that Raynesia is working hard.

Before she know it, the barrier has already been exhausted. The chill she feels doesn't seem to be from the winter breeze, but from the wide area attack from the murderer in front of her. Soujiro who is tanking the attacks has less than half his HP left. The time they have left is dwindling.


"Alright then, I should offer a gift to my juniors."

Soujiro speaks some unfathomable words and change his stance.

In the eyes of the Kendo girl Akatsuki, it is a beautiful middle guard stance... in Kendo terms, this is the stance of straight eyes. <TL: Seigan no Kamae>

"But I don't have anything impressive to say."

In front of the stunned Akatsuki, Soujiro swings his sword smoothly. A simple nondescript strike. This is followed by the murderer's counter which misses.

"Look closely, listen carefully."

This time, it is a bone breaking attack from the murderer. It collides with the strike Soujiro made at the same time. They separated in the air filled with Soujiro's frozen blood, and clashes again.

"To become stronger, you need to keep thinking. Don't give up, keep training."

Akatsuki joins the fray swinging her Kodachi with all she has got.

Such an important thing was damaged because Akatsuki didn't understand its seriousness and crumbled.

That won't do. Her heart is full of sadness.


"... This is not really an explanation, but that is the truth behind all Overskill."

The murderer spins with his waist as the focal point, turning into a small scale typhoon of destruction.

Not yet. Akatsuki thinks. She touched something, but doesn't understand it.

She needs to want it more. This is the feeling of regret Akatsuki doesn't feel often.

Feeling that it is such a pity to lose something.

But the blade slashes down with a roar, threatening to break this feeling of Akatsuki into pieces.

Her wish for this thing she can barely touch with her fingertips are shattered by this blow. Akatsuki and Soujiro 'died' bearing unimaginable pain.



6


Not every tea party turns into a dress up exhibition.

The weather this morning is bad, Raynesia's drawing room is all quiet.

The atmosphere of the tea party is determined by the participants. When Marielle is around, the atmosphere is more lively and festive. When only Henrietta is around, it becomes a pure chatting session.

It is elegant and peaceful when Rieze is around.

Members from Crescent moon alliance and The Roderick firm are not coming today. Rieze informs the puzzled Raynesia. She welcomes the tactician trainer and lunch together, enjoying green tea poured from a giant tea pot.

Outside the window are overcast clouds on the verge of crying.

The blonde adventurer sitting opposite her on the small sofa set looks out the window.

Raynesia is has grown familiar with the adventurer named Rieze. This polite and gentle lady is from the same clan as that monster Krusty.

The two of them can't even hold a proper conversation.

Raynesia is not too concern about this. She was worried in the beginning and tries to make small talks. But the young girl told Raynesia there is no need to be concerned, so Raynesia doesn't try to force a conversation.

But they are not on bad terms or have nothing to talk about. If there is a topic, they can still chat about it, that is the relationship between the 2 young girls Raynesia and Rieze.

Raynesia is not in the mood to talk today anyway.

The people of the land guardian that is suppose to uphold the law in Akiba is attacking adventurers. There have been several victims. Raynesia feels hot and bothered just thinking about her petite friend who left for the streets after saying unfathomable words.

Why is the situation like this? Why me? These questions circles in her head and endlessly.

Her melancholy self is like the overcast sky as she frowns.

"The Tokyo here is cold, the winter is probably going to be freezing."

"Tokyo...?"

Rieze sudden comment pulls Raynesia back to reality.

This should be the language of the ancient Alv, meaning 'Paradise of the east'. In the Cinderella Castle Raynesia grew up in, the words Tokyo can be seen on ancient metal signs.

"Ah, that, its a term adventurers uses. It refers to the region around Maihama, Akiba and Shibuya."

Raynesia nods at this explanation.

This fits with Raynesia's shallow knowledge of the world.

"Did Lady Rieze hail from a place warmer than Tokyo?"

"Although it is warmer but it is still in Tokyo... Yeah, it is warmer. The winter is not as cold. We are afraid of the cold so we will wear thick layers of clothes and just stay indoors."

(... Afraid of the cold? Stay indoors?)

She don't understand the words of the adventurers.

The perplexed Raynesia meets her eyes with Rieze's.

Rieze quietly place her cup back on the saucer and looks at Raynesia for a moment. Raynesia is not sure how to face this gaze as she sees Rieze smile warmly and gently for the very first time.

"My place of birth is a small city in Tokyo."

"It's not in Akiba?"

"No. It's a city called Kiyose. Using the terms here... it's near Nobidome District. A place that seems to have things, but is actually insignificant."

"But..."

In Raynesia's memory, Nobidome district is the nest of aquatic monsters. There are no towns, not even a village there.

Raynesia was stunned at how surprised herself is.

"Isn't Lady Rieze a noble?"

She asked because she has always assume Rieze is an aristocrat or came from a powerful clan. All adventurers has gone through education beyond normal peasants. Among them, Rieze and Henrietta shows exceptional grace and dignity befitting a noble when conversing with others. This is not superficial courtesy. People who are raised and pampered as they grow up are all nobles in Raynesia's eyes.

It doesn't really matter whether they are aristocrats. Raynesia ponders why she is stunned by this. She has never discriminated others because they are peasants or adventurers. She search for an answer in her heart and got an answer.

"Yes, that is correct. I was born and raised in a small normal family, educated in a normal school."

"..."

"There should be things like school here right? It's a place where the children are gathered to be educated. All children has to go through compulsory education in the place I was from."

She really don't know anything about Rieze.

She don't know anything about Akatsuki, Henrietta, Marielle, Serara, Nazuna, Mikakage and Ranya.

Krusty too.

she really don't know anything about adventurers.

She is reminded time and again of her lack of knowledge. Raynesia is ashamed at her ignorance.


"Now that you mentioned it... When I was little, I was really naughty. Those kids shows... they don't have that here, so I should say children's tales. I like the contents of fairy tales. Because of my interest, I spend a lot time with the boys. But I stopped doing that I was 10... I wanted to be a pure maiden but failed and was teased. I like studying and is good at it. I was rewarded if I do well so I got even better. But when being good at studies becomes the norm, I don't get praised anymore..."

"Ah..."

Raynesia knows how that feels.

She is good at behaving well and smiling. She don't feel uncomfortable sitting properly after growing up. She only do this because of the praises. Raynesia loves her parents, grandparents and all her family.

But it has become her 2nd nature now, it's as if she forgot how to behave any differently.  In the beginning, she wants to make the people she loves smile, she wants them to be happy.

"I was an honor student in school. Probably because I am good at handling adults and studying. It's not something I worked hard to learn, but my natural talent. My town has several large hospital and many elderly people. So compared to the gaze of other kids, I was more concerned with the gaze of the adults. In that sense, I was happy to have joined D.D.D. Because there are people who can crush the pretentious me, and people who tells me there is no need to spend my whole life brooding over this."

"Ermm."

Raynesia interrupts with a strong voice.

This something she shouldn't hear.

She is not qualified to hear this.


Raynesia always thinks of Rieze as a strong woman, a noble and a natural adventurer. Raynesia feels ashamed to have thought this way. In the end, she did not understand Rieze as an individual.

When she realize this, she understands how small the world she know is.

She was not ignorant of the world because she was educated as a princess of Maihama. Her view of the world is narrow because she ignores the things right in front of her.

Raynesia has always worked hard.

She understand what this sentence means now.

Doesn't it implies 'I have been watching'?

To not even grasp this, Raynesia is really naive.

"I was born in Maihama. As a princess, I was raised by my nanny... I am not familiar with the games others plays. I felt fortunate have a happy and prosperous life. To have pretty clothes and plenty of food, my live was never in danger too."

Raynesia starts the topic with a soft voice.

"Academic wise, I have several teachers in the castle. It might be an elite education in the eyes of people of the land, but nothing to be proud of compared to lady Rieze and the others."

Raynesia is not sure what to say as she rumbles on.

She is doing this ritual of sharing her story like Rieze did.


"I was probably after the compliments of my clan and hid my true self away. Actually... I am afraid of troubles. I want to sleep lazily until noon and bask in the sun leisurely. I can't follow conversations that are too deep. I will even yawn with my mouth closed sometimes when I am bored."

To confess all this to the thoughtful Rieze requires a lot of courage.

But Raynesia didn't plan to stop talking even after seeing Rieze's reaction. That swallow like girl has probably flown far away.

"I came to this city because I thought I will be able to avoid all these troublesome formalities. I am not proficient in negotiations and taking responsibilities even now. I feel like crying when faced with things I don't understand. I think I am just suitable to live my life eating rice balls and dazing away. But, that is not what I am... meaning because I am a princess... I can't do all that. Although I really don't know if this is true."

Raynesia hates herself for not being able to express herself properly.

Krusty is probably able to read her mind.

But that won't do.

If she don't do it right, Raynesia will not have any bonds linking her to this blonde lady or the swallow like girl.

She can hear the quiet chuckle of Elissa in her heart. Her temper rises for a moment and blurt out crude words that is unlike her.

"Maybe, there are important things somewhere, because they are important, so I want to hold on to them. That's why I think I have act like a princess... But my strength alone is not enough, that's why..."

"Yeah."

"I want to express myself properly to lady Rieze. Not only lady Rieze, but also lady Akatsuki and lady Marielle too. Or else, I won't have the rights to be close to lady Rieze or live in Akiba... Even my arrogant thoughts of protecting everyone will be lost."

"Express yourself correct?"

Rieze laugh at these words. She calmly fulfills Raynesia's wishes while hiding her embarrassed tones.


"Well, this type of things is embarrassing to say even when you are in high school. This is not something I can say so directly... This is my first advice to you. Wanting to 'express yourself' is too hard to understand. Raynesia, even though I am an adventurer, I hope we can be friends."

The unworldly princess is gifted an important thing in an unexpected place.



End of Chapter 3