Log Horizon Book 6 chapter 2

Free for all to use, courtesy of kind anon who gifted me the book.




Chapter 2: Craced Wing


1


"Just give in okay? Fu fu, just need to entrust your body to me. I won't do anything bad to you alright."

"Marielle. You are acting like a perverted old man."

"Ah, ah wahh!"

Akatsuki is sitting at the edge of the couch, glancing at the chaos of the room.

This is a beautiful meeting room. The peach colored wallpapers are brand new and the decor is filled with grace and feminine elegance. The coffee table along with the luxurious tea set and the ladies in the room creates a gorgeous atmosphere.

The host Raynesia maintains her usual smile with a hint of uneasiness. That is natural. The clothes Marielle wants her to wear is a nurse uniform.

Even Akatsuki thinks it is too adventurous.

"This dress is... a bit small for me."

Raynesia shakes her head like a trembling rabbit. Wrong move, Akatsuki thought. Marielle replies "Don't worry! Our seamstress tailor it perfectly for you!" as she moves in to capture Raynesia.

This roundabout way of declining Marielle won't work. If it is Henrietta... that will be worse. Akatsuki shakes her head after thinking about it.

"Eh, like this? This way?"

"Not this way. Yahh!"

"Marielle... I told you not to use this action."

"Ah wah wah!"

Serara stands besides them at a loss. She obediently follows Marielle's instruction 'bring me that hairband over there' even while flustered, making the hierarchical relationship in Crescent moon alliance clear.

"Aren't you going to rescue her?"

The female adventurer sitting opposite Akatsuki holding a elegant tea set is Rieze. She is a sorcerer in D.D.D with a head of blonde hair. Akatsuki heard that this beautiful lady with a slender body is the captain of the training corps.

Akatsuki shakes her head in response to Rieze's query.

She has some experience with this situation. Akatsuki was in Raynesia's position not too long ago, suffering their antics frequently. Although most of the attacks came from Henrietta, but it's not much different from the current situation.

The number of victims will double if she moves in now. Akatsuki needs to protect herself.

The point is this room have been transformed into the dress up room of Crescent moon alliance by demons.

"Is that so."

Rieze drops her gaze onto her red tea without any hints of accusation.

Akatsuki picked up the red bean bun on the plate and takes a small bite. It's sweet and savory, one of the perks of this mission.

But Akatsuki thinks calling this chaotic tea party a mission sounds weird.

She is here on Shiroe's request after all. It might be just a small errant, but Akatsuki think of it as her bond with Shiroe. Akatsuki will continue to take part in the tea party for the following month.


It was just Akatsuki in the beginning.

She drinks her tea in awkward silence under the suspicious gaze of Raynesia, and leaves after 15 minutes. About a week later, Marielle joins in. She comes alone sometime, other times she will bring some friends from Crescent moon alliance along. Following that, Rieze who is drinking tea in front of her and ladies from several other guilds also frequents this tea party.

To be honest, Akatsuki is not motivated to do this.

She is familiar with the girls of Crescent moon alliance like Marielle, Henrietta and Serara, but it is hard to sit with the members of other guilds. Akatsuki thinks that they must be disappointed at her for being unable to hold a conversation.

Surprisingly, apart from the members of Crescent moon alliance, the one Akatsuki can speak comfortably with is Raynesia.

There are about 15 female adventurers who has shown up at this tea party. Although Marielle attends frequently, it's only 2 or 3 times a week. Each participants have their own responsibilities in their respective guilds.

The most consistent participant who visits daily is Akatsuki. Although she is only doing it to keep her promise with Shiroe.

"Woah. Your skin is beautiful, as expected of the princess."

"La, Lady Akatsuki. Erm... help me..."

"Ah wah wah..."

"Non non. I will be gentle!"

But seeing each other so frequently doesn't mean they are now friends. They only progressed to the stage where they can chat idly.

But it is troubling when Raynesia hints at Akatsuki to save her. Because Akatsuki is also a prey in this game. Akatsuki shrinks her body thinking that she will be able to survive this if she makes herself smaller. But her interesting actions catches the attention of Henrietta.

"Akatsuki chan♪ Why are you curling up like a ball?"

"!"

Akatsuki jumps and denies in a panic, making Henrietta smile. But she did not press on further today. She is probably satisfied just by teasing Akatsuki.

The exhausted Raynesia walks to Akatsuki's side to seek refuge. Even after being toyed with for so long, she is still sitting elegantly with her knees closed. She is wearing her usual expression, but her eyes are dead tired.

Akatsuki pours tea into Raynesia's cup.

She knows how exhausted Raynesia must be.

The mastermind Marielle takes new costumes from her bag of holding and lines them up with the help of Serara.

And the scary thing is the swimming costume that is part of the line up. She doesn't even care it is in the middle of winter now. Akatsuki feels sorry for Raynesia.


Raynesia is a very beautiful girl. She has a delicate neck, slender frame supporting her elegant shoulder contour, a small face and long luscious silver hair that shines like silk. She has a gentle nature and is always smiling and never speaks loudly. A real high society lady.

(Ah, but she is a princess, that is different from a being a lady right?)

Akatsuki who is thinking this way considers 'princess' to be something like a higher job level than 'lady'. Thinking like this really makes Raynesia appear to be on a higher grade.

The first meeting between Raynesia and Akatsuki was rather tense.

On the day they decided to march for Sand Leaf, Akatsuki helps Raynesia to change her clothes under Shiroe's instructions... or more accurately, stripping off her dress and forcing her to put on another set of clothes. Raynesia must think of me as a barbaric person, Akatsuki thought. Raynesia is still wary of her ever since the daily tea party started, and is jumpy even now.

But Raynesia didn't avoid Akatsuki blatantly or ignores her words.

Raynesia puts careful thought to every sentence and converse as warmly as she can. The princess with such a good upbringing impresses Akatsuki deeply. Her memory is good and can comprehend topics after bringing it just once. Akatsuki understands why Raynesia is so popular.

"My adventurer guests, is this your usual dressing?"

Raynesia says in a perplexed voice. She is talking about the nurse uniform she is wearing. And a mini skirt on top of that. Although Raynesia is not very tall, but her proportions are perfect and her breast forms a beautiful curve, so this suits her well. Akatsuki shakes her head with complicated emotions. No matter how you dice it, there is only a very small minority of adventurers who dress like this daily. (There is still players who does so, thanks to the cultural influence of Elder Tales.)

Raynesia gets more depressed after confirming the negative answer.

Every action of hers is like the beauty in a drawing, making Akatsuki feel even more complicated.

(If I act more like she does my lord surely would... No, he won't.)

Akatsuki thinks.

But Raynesia don't have the body of an adventurer or the ability of an Assassin. There is no way for her to be Shiroe's bodyguard. Akatsuki is unwilling to give that up. She knows how willful her thoughts are, but she can't stop the bleeding from her wounded heart.

"... Yeah... Yeah. Nurse uniform... hah? Yeah, I said nurse uniform. The dressing which girls in the medical industry wears... I see."

Rieze starts mumbling to herself.

It's telepathy.

Raynesia looks shocked and become embarrassed.

"The length is just right. It is about 15cm above the knee!"

Raynesia will also notice the gaze of others as she pulls on the skirt of her nurse uniform. But the inelastic material is unable to hide Raynesia's thighs. Pulling it taut does nothing other then accentuate her figure.

Raynesia looks at Akatsuki with pleading eyes, asking her to 'please help me' as she says 'Ermm...'. Akatsuki is not sure what to do either. Although Rieze is elegant and polite, but she pulls such pranks from time to time. Akatsuki grunted softly at Rieze and gives her a reproaching look.

Rieze laughs merrily as she fidget with her ears and says "It's a joke, the telepathy was just an act." Akatsuki feels the joke was in bad taste. Raynesia also looks at Rieze unhappily.

Rieze bow her head slightly at Raynesia.

"I'm sorry. I was feeling slightly jealous."

"Eh..."

"Because my lord is devoted to the princess. By taking up this security detail, I can even be exempted from today's training."


Weak spot, she is poking at her weak spot.

It is indeed so.

Akatsuki and Marielle came to this conclusion after a discussion.

The people of the land princess over here needs to be protected. Ever since the Libra festival incident, there is a group lurking somewhere in Akiba that is working against this city. If they wants to harm Akiba, they will not hesitate to drag the people of the land into this.

For adventurers, the worst case scenario would just be a trip to the cathedral to respawn after dying, but it is different for the people of the land. If Raynesia is to come into any harm, Akatsuki don't even need to think too deeply to understand the ripples it would create. Relations with Raynesia's grandfather who is the ruler of Maihama and chairman of the 'League of freedom cities Eastal' will sour or even break down.

Princess Raynesia is protected by people of the land knights sent from Maihama city. But they are people of the land after all, their level is around 30. If any adventurer tries to harm the princess, the escorts will not suffice.

Akiba are also guarded by the violence detecting security system. But even if they apprehend the culprit, Raynesia won't be able to respawn if she is killed.

Akatsuki thinks Shiroe has foreseen all this, that is why he assign this task to her. It is the same with Marielle. With Shiroe out of action during this period of time, Akatsuki can only do give her all to fulfill this mission.

But when this situation is brought up from the lips of the graceful girl from D.D.D, it felt like she is poking at Raynesia's weak spot.

It is hard for Akatsuki to look straight at Raynesia whom Shiroe is worried about.

When did she became so weak? Even Akatsuki herself isn't sure.

(This is so unlike me.)

(It shouldn't be like this.)

She should be happy that Shiroe is relying on her.

But she is comparing herself to Raynesia and the other girls.

She wants to get stronger and live up to Shiroe's expectation.

Akatsuki has been working hard at this, but her world seems so dark and narrow, tormenting Akatsuki.

Surrounded by the elegant laughter of others, Akatsuki feels alone.



2


Night falls earlier in the winter, the sun has already set when she left the consulate. Henrietta feels the streets of Akiba is beautiful. Although it is dimmer than Tokyo back home in the old world, but compared to the how dark the night of this world can be, the night scene in Akiba feels elegant and graceful.

There are several dark buildings standing tall in the blue night of Akiba. The evergreen ancient tree with branches spreading far and wide. Magic light shines from up high over the street warmly. Henrietta feels this gentle fantastical light is more gentle and pleasing than the bright fluorescent street lamps.


"The sun is setting much earlier now."

"That's right."

Henrietta nods and agrees with the blonde girl walking besides her.

Rieze takes a scarf out of her bag of holding and wrap it around her neck. The excess hangs down her back, it appears to be a scarf for men. "What is with this thing, it's so tedious to use, and has so many layers." Rieze complains in a cute manner as Henrietta adjust the scarf for her.

With the lower half of her expression hidden by the scarf, Rieze mutters "Thanks". She looks embarrassed with her shifty eyes. Henrietta laughs softly as she says "don't worry, it's a simple matter."

This young girl she befriended recently looks like a perfect lady from the outside, she probably wants to go the route of a ice cool beauty. But she give off glimpse of her caring side from time to time, making her so cute. She is definitely much younger than she looks.

"There is no need to work so hard, you are already a fair lady."

"Eh?"

Rieze turns to face Henrietta, who just push Rieze along by the shoulder gently.

"Alright now, let's hurry before the place closes."

"Okay."

The duo head for in the direction of main street in this soothing atmosphere.


Henrietta is in Crescent moon alliance while Rieze is in D.D.D. Although they are in different guilds, but the 2 of them often leave together after the tea party at the 'Water Maple consulate'. Marielle and Serara left early to prepare for dinner while Henrietta and Rieze goes shopping for food to supplement the meal.

After the Apocalypse, the adventurers eat their delicious meals everyday. It is an enjoyable thing, but it is also a hassle. Only those with the subclass of chef are able to prepare tasty food, which is less than 10 percent of the population from what Henrietta knows.

After the formation of the Round table council, there are numerous people changing their subclass to chef, but it is not strange for a small guild with less than 10 members to have no chef. Although a guild with hundreds of members will definitely have one with the chef subclass, but preparing food for hundreds of people is a heavy burden.

To compensate for such situations, they need to buy the food made by people of the land either as take away or eating out.

"What do you want to buy Miss Henrietta?"

"I'm getting fried chicken. Marielle has been nagging me to buy some."

They chat as they shop for food in the mall. They timed their trip to be just before closing time, when the stores are trying to sell off their merchandise and touting for sales.

"Fried chicken cutlets?? Did you say fried chicken cutlets? Shop at my stall lady! Garlic flavored just 3 gold for 1kg!"

Henrietta brought 3kg generously.

There are more than 40 starving adventurers in Crescent moon alliance, this is not be enough. It will be gone before you know it.

Rieze besides her brought quiche with hazelnuts. For a guild with its own cooking department, this is just snacks.

The shopping mall is doing great.

Just like Henrietta and Rieze, adventurers out shopping are flooding the mall, and you need to watch your surroundings. Especially the adventurers returning from their battles who are still wearing armor or holding their staff, so they need more space than the old world.


After finishing their shopping trip and squeezing their way out of the mall, Henrietta's memory in the tea party became hazy. Just walking in the mall is a tiring task, she just want to go back to her guild even if it is just 1 second faster.

Henrietta was surprised when Rieze said "Akatsuki seems rather depressed'. That is the thing Henrietta is concerned about.

"You can tell?

"It's that obvious."

Akatsuki looks languid recently. She keeps to herself even when there are things troubling her and adopts a polite demeanor, so most people won't notice. Henrietta knows because she has been watching Akatsuki since the Apocalypse.

But she was surprised that even Rieze can tell. Rieze only come into contact with Akatsuki at Raynesia's tea party. That means they have been acquainted for half a month.

Henrietta is impressed with Rieze.

"Miss Akatsuki is more senior than me right?"

Is Rieze referring to biological age or the amount of time spent playing Elder Tales? Henrietta nods her head ambiguously.

"... I am not very sure. I heard she is a veteran Assassin. She looks like one too."

On the luscious green pathway between the mall and the guild building, Rieze continues to speak softly. In the cold winter, she is breathing out white air as she speaks.

"She came to observe our training once. No, maybe more than once. The only time I sensed her is just that one time. But she watch our training for 4 hours."

"Is that so..."

Henrietta can only answer this way.

She can guess what Akatsuki is troubled about. But to stare at the training of a major guild for hours, how does this petite young girl really feels? It must be really heart breaking, Henrietta imagines. But Henrietta is unable to say she understand her pain.

Henrietta has no experience in major raids, she is a normal adventurer. She was not a top ranked adventurers when Elder tales was just a game.

"We thought it is someone who wants to join our guild. Although it sounds wrong for me to say this, D.D.D is a great guild. It is a good environment to be in if you want to join in major raids... And we are working hard to make it so. Although the members are idiots. They start acting like children when we encounter battles. Wrong, they are kids. Kids who are more childish than real children. Just like a bunch of Americans rushing to a BBQ, they are like kids running to fight in a raid. That's why I thought she wanted to join us."

"I don't think so."

"... Correct. I found that out pretty soon."

Rieze stares at the ground and nods when Henrietta corrected her.

"Anyway, I reported this to my lord. There are some who think she is a spy. But the reply is to ignore her. He is okay with her observing our training unconditionally."

She calmly steps on a fallen leaf, leaving her boot mark on it and continues.

"Some of the prideful kids in our guilds isn't happy about this. Although it is not something to worry about, but my lord gave me a new assignment shortly after this."

Henrietta sigh as she looks at the proud blonde girl who is a little bit shy. Having a crush on Krusty is pretty rash right? She sympathises with Rieze just recalling the man who makes difficult demands with a nonchalant expression.

But it is the same for Akatsuki who has a thing for Shiroe.

Compared to them, Henrietta is much more reserved.

Although thinking about Shiroe stirs her heart a little, but it is still within understandable range. In this world with little entertainment, seeing Shiroe being intimate with Akatsuki or Shiroe enjoying his time with Minori, she doesn't feel any pain in her heart. Rather, it is more like the affirmation of happiness.

Henrietta holds on to her one sided love from a safe distance. But with her being satisfied so easily, Henrietta has no right to criticize the effort of Rieze and Akatsuki.

"The way Krusty... lord Krusty puts it, he owes a lot to Mr Shiroe. That's why he gave permission for Akatsuki to observe. If she opt to join us, it will be a good deal. But soliciting Miss Akatsuki is prohibited."

Rieze stops the topic since she doesn't know how Henrietta feels about this.

"Is that so."

Such an arrangement is definitely possible, Henrietta thinks.

Shiroe probably don't know about Krusty's thoughtful actions.

She doesn't get whether guys are dense towards such things or just prefer to go in a roundabout manner. This can be easily resolved if they approach Akatsuki after noticing something was up. But from Akatsuki's standpoint, she would be at a loss if they approach her.


(What Akatsuki is after... is confidence.)

Things which some takes for granted. Others won't even know where to start in order to achieve it.

Marielle is such a person. This friend of Henrietta who is like the sunflower illuminates those around her with her bright nature. Henrietta don't have the confidence to smile like that. She feels she will never have the heart and personality to shine for everyone.

This is unique to Marielle. It's something only a handful of person like Marielle possess, but is absent from most people like Henrietta.

On the other hand, Henrietta knows people who lack confidence no matter how hard they work. For people like this, every second that passes by is a torture. Henrietta has seen people who hold such fear and self abased feelings. She met a few when she was graduating college. Such people are jumpy where ever they go, tired in both mind and soul. They will even bear a menacing attitude towards others.

Henrietta feels she is like this when she reflects on herself.

Unshakable confidence... She don't have the confidence to safeguard the things that are the most important to her. This confidence can only be earned as a result of experience and effort.

For example, maintaining your friendship with others.

Or holding a job without troubling your company.

Getting married... With such a choatic setting in place, even going to matchmaking session is impossible. But worrying about the love life of your friends while being the accountant of a guild is a pretty good way to kill time.

Becoming the hero that brings everyone back home will not fall on her. To protect her juniors with the things she has learned, that is the role Henrietta give herself.

Instead pf brooding on tasks she can't do, she works on things she can.

This is not anything major, just a normal conclusion by a normal person.

"Not getting what you want is a common thing in this world."

Rieze says as she buries her face in the big scarf designed for men.

That's right, this is obvious.

This is all too normal for commoners.


This is the live most people live, growing accustomed to the fact of not getting what you want. Henrietta is used to it. It's probably the same for Rieze.

But that doesn't mean there is no complains.

They are used to not getting what they want, and there is nothing they can do about it. But that doesn't mean they can accept this fact so simply. It stops you in your tracks. It is impossible to go on without adjusting to this, but going with the flow makes you nothing but a walking corpse.

Henrietta thinks Akatsuki is shining brilliantly.

This foolish girl is weak. It's a weakness which Henrietta numbs in the name of 'growing up', a weakness of getting hurt easily. It is a weakness, but also an asset.

Henrietta also knows this weakness is tormenting Akatsuki.

Henrietta do not wish for her beloved Akatsuki to suffer this pain.

But she thinks it is impossible for her.

She don't know where to start, and is aware that this is not something others can help with. Henrietta reflects about herself. She is not sure how she became like this in the first place.

"The only thing we can do is stay by her side."

"That's... true."

Rieze probably knows this too and answer curtly.

(That darker than black Shiroe is really...!)

Henrietta lets out a big sigh without Rieze noticing.

With his close ally in a bind, what is that incredibly smart youth doing right now? The Shiroe who is able to see through any schemes seems to be blind when facing this type of situation.

... Or maybe, this has nothing to do with his eyesight, he might just be wearing binoculars he just can't remove.

Henrietta who is thinking about slightly rude things smiles bitterly.

She wants to treat Akatsuki better. Let's bring clothes for Akatsuki to dress up tomorrow. The cloud clears in Henrietta's heart when she think about this. She browse through the catalog in her mind. This is all for Akatsuki's sake, she convince herself.

This is just another peaceful indigo night in Akiba.



3


On this very same night, this group of people wants to change the peaceful night scene with their guts and will.

Known as 'the most glamourous guild in Yamato server', this is the harem guild with girls of iron discipline, West wind brigade.

It has a high ratio of ladies to men (this doesn't mean they are all girls). Just like it's names suggest, the ground floor lobby is glamorous as usual with dozens of members focus on preparation.

Most of the members are girls, but the atmosphere are not sweet.

With armor cladding their limbs, they are a gathering of beautiful young ladies ready for battle. They chat in a soft voice as they look at their leader Soujiro.

The boyish Soujiro surveys the lobby. The group who will 'sortie' tonight in Akiba comprises of 24 people. With 4 parties of 6 adventurers, they organized themselves into a full raid. All those present are level 90 and above.

"Everyone."

Soujiro's voice raise the tension in the hall. Aside from the 24 girl raid group, other members are present to lend their support. There are twice the numbers of the raid group gathered here.

"I have stress this many times, the enemy is of unknown origin. Please keep your guard up.  He is more powerful than any single one of us... including me. Please don't take him on alone. Also, moving alone is prohibited. Maintain formation and report in periodically. The contact person will be Nazuna."

"Yeah. Since we are doing this, let's get it right. Don't push yourself everyone. Once you engage the target, assume formation alpha and drag the fight out. We assigned 2 healers to each party, so we are lacking in terms of firepower. Don't assume you can accomplish anything with just 1 party. The mission objective is to report back any sightings, and slow him down. OK?"


Nazuna is wearing loose home clothes as she speaks slowly.

If there is a need to be nervous, she can leave that to the parties going out to do that.

No problem. She trust her comrades.

The secret to the success in raids of a small guild like West wind brigade matching up to major guilds like Black sword knights lies in their unity and common goal.

Right now, West wind brigade is fuming in anger in their quest to apprehend the culprit.

Nazuna who bundled her black hair behind her inspects the members moving out. They have made ample preparation in terms of equipment and tactics. Nazuna nods at the members who promised to stick to the plan.

"Well then, your shift will be over in 2 hours. The 2nd raid group's formation and preparation will be done here. There will be supper when you come back, look forward to it. After a 2 hour break, you will need to move out again, so don't get too relaxed. Like Souji said, the enemy is overwhelmingly strong. Don't forget this point. Okay, I leave the rest to you Souji."

"Hmm... What else is there to say? What I want to talk about has already been said. Alright then, there is only one goal. The culprit who assaulted our family... cut him down."

Soujiro is a young man that gives the impression of the sunlight in the spring.

He is smiling at everyone as usual without a hint of panic in his speech, but his words are ice cold, freezing the mood in the hall. A female cleric who seems to shiver from this cold air squeezed out a reply from her stomach. Not a single member is concerned that night has fallen.

The 4 parties rush out of the hall in high spirits.


The West wind brigade guild hall incorporates Japanese style in its layout.

The place wasn't like this in the beginning, it slowly morph into its current state because of Soujiro and his member's interest. In order to conduct troop inspection before the patrol, the furniture has been moved out of the way.

Soujiro pulls a wooden chair to the hall and sit on it.

He is on standby, but has no intention of going back to his room or the dinning hall.

"They are making pork ribs soup in the kitchen."

Nazuna informs Soujiro out of concern, but he just shake his head with a smile.

(It would be great if Shiroe or Kazu is here.)

Nazuna puts her hand on her chin.

She has been like this since the old world, she is taller than normal girls and have a voluptuous body. Although it is not at the gravure level, but her figure is still great. Some comment 'it looks pleasing to the eyes', but she feels troubled by it. With her feet shoulder width apart and her arm crossed, she looks older and more mature.

As a pioneer members with a helpful nature, Nazuna earns the trust of those around her. Because of this, Nazuna is recognized as the vice guild master in West wind brigade. Nazuna thinks that compared to the charismatic leadership of Soujiro, she is more comfortable running the guild from behind the scenes.

The members are all good kids who adore Nazuna, and she loves them too. West wind brigade is family to Nazuna. Living together after the Apocalypse make Nazuna feels that everyone is family.

But beneath the kind and warm mask Soujiro wears all the time, she catches glimpse of Soujiro's serious expression, making Nazuna feel bashful as she reminiscence about old times.

But Soujiro is right this time.

The opponent is the murderer threatening Akiba in the night. As one of the 11 guilds of the Round table council, West wind brigade has the obligation to defend the security of Akiba. Patrolling the streets are expected of prominent battle guilds, and Nazuna agrees with this.

Furthermore, the murderer laid his hands on a comrade from West wind brigade.

Kyoko respawned at the cathedral. She didn't lose much in terms of memory or items. Kyoko fears the Murderer, but she can still face him in combat, that's what she said. But an assault is still an assault. The murderer laid his hands on a family of Nazuna and Soujiro.

Unforgivable.

That's how Nazuna feels.

She knows Soujiro shares her wrath. Although Soujiro's judgement can be too direct at times, but that is his nature since the tea party days. It sounds good when you describe it as no hesitation or worries, but on the flip side it means he is merciless and cruel.

Nazuna thinks Soujiro is not as warm and gentle as the ladies of Akiba portrays. No, he might feel like a warm and kind young man, but that is not his true nature.

He just happens to act this way.

Soujiro is gentle to women. He act this way to almost all ladies.

He is not doing this out of kindness. This is simply the way he is.

It is the same with his instruction to take revenge on the murderer who harm his girl. He didn't do it because he particularly likes Kyoko. He is just this type of young man.

This is a principle of sorts. When his mechanical thinking makes a decision, even Nazuna cannot influence this aspect of him. Nazuna can delay or call off this decision though. She can advise him to 'link up with black sword knights first' or 'it's better to leave this issue to the Round table council'.

But Nazuna cannot warn him or guide his growth.

The only one who can influence Soujiro this way is Shiroe or Kazu.

Because the idea of protecting girls is deeply rooted in Soujiro's thinking, Nazuna's advise is unable to reach him.

Soujiro is gentle to girls. This is not just a good point, but a bad point he needs to correct.

In West wind brigade, Nazuna can be seen as one of Soujiro's girlfriends.

But for Nazuna, she thinks of Soujiro as a kid brother.

Someone that makes her worry and she cannot leave alone.

For Soujiro to act like a guild master normally and wearing this facial expression is just a streak of lucky coincidence. Nazuna won't be surprised if this young man Soujiro Seta destroys himself or his guild somehow. That's just the way Soujiro Seta is.

(But I love him. I love with all my heart.)

Nazuna fidget with Soujiro's hair subconsciously as she thinks.

Although she really likes him, but there is no mistake in saying this young man is abnormal.

He can even rival the murderer.

That's why he can manage a guild full of level 90+ girls and even lead them to the top of the raids competitive charts.


"What is it?"

Soujiro ask Nazuna with his eyes wide open. He is worried about the silent Nazuna. Nazuna feels troubled as she smiles at him. She can't help it because they are family. She will make up for the things Soujiro lacks and avenge her other family member Kyoko who fell under the blade of the murderer.



4


The white fog is setting near her feet, even the smell of the wind is becoming gentle.

The night seems as dense as a drop curtain and gradually turns transparent and gentle. This is the feeling of the coming dawn.

Although the streets of Akiba is still covered in darkness, the pressure is much lesser than the tense and heavy night.

The sky slowly turns dark blue. Even though everything is quiet, time is still passing slowly.

Akatsuki is tired after patrolling the whole night.

Although adventurers won't get tired just from staying up one night, but searching for the enemy on high alert all this while is a heavy burden mentally.

(I'm hungry...)

Akatsuki thinks

She really wants to drink a warm bowl of corn soup.

Nyanta's special soup with lots of corn inside.

But she is on the crumbling overhead bridge right now. Her comrades from Log Horizon are still sleeping in this early hours before dawn, she can't expect warmth from anyone.

The late night patrol is done behind her companion's back. She is envious of a certain female member in her guild, and wants to obtain strength that can rival that of major battle guilds, that's why she is leaving every night to track the murderer. She can't bring herself to tell her companions about this.

As she survey the streets that is gradually turning bright, Akatsuki sighs.

This unspeakable feelings and exhaustion, Akatsuki knows herself this is the expected result of her willful investigation. The desire to become stronger is to feed her ego in the first place. Shiroe and Naotsugu have never ask this of her. And they definitely didn't request her to track the murderer, Akatsuki knows she is acting without any basis.

She might witness the battles of high class guilds if she hunt the murderer.

And she might see them using Over skill.

If thing goes well, she might get a clue about learning it.

These are all assumptions. A plan that is full of 'maybes'.

Akatsuki understands too, and it gets harder for her to share her thoughts with her friends.


Passing through the main street, Akatsuki goes along the flyover leading to the center of Akiba.

The streets of Akiba welcomes the morning after the darkness retreats. The breeze in this winter morning is chilly enough to cut through your skin, stripping the warmth from Akatsuki's face. Her body is freezing from wearing her ninja garbs for the whole night. It was fine when she was moving around with a tense mind, but she became cold when she stops and look around the city aimlessly in the coming dawn.

She is moody.

Of course she is, she wandered the streets for the whole night with nothing to show for it.

Akatsuki made her way up a concrete debris covered in moss and standing on top of the rubble. This is probably the platform of the central metro station, but is now a courtyard in the sky supported by the trees. The air is still freezing, but the wind has been blocked by the trees, giving Akatsuki a slight reprieve.

This large building is not an independent zone, but an open zone within the streets of Akiba. There are no set entrance, anyone can enter just by jumping from the flyover.

Akatsuki walks down the stairs onto the central square lost in thought... She continues to think as she sits on a rotting bench.

Akatsuki is not that tired.

She just don't feel like moving.

She feels her stomach become heavy when she sits, as if there is something solidifying inside, an unbearable sensation.

Akatsuki is surprised as well.

Why is she sitting on a bench and looking at this scenery? The fact she is at a dead end is right in front of her.

Akatsuki kicks a pebble. There are twisted ancient trees growing all around, and pebbles lies all over this place that used to be a platform. From the look of the birds flying off, she must have startled them.

The gloomy Akatsuki thought about many things.

Things about guilds, matters regarding Shiroe, stuff about the idiotic low class Naotsugu, Nyanta and his delicious meals, things about her junior, stuff about Crescent moon alliance, and all the enemies she has fought so far.

And also matters regarding Minori.

A girl among girls. Petite and cute. cuddly like a ball. Outgoing, isn't shy and has proper manners... but that isn't much. Akatsuki thinks this kind of cute will just get her a bit of popularity in school, and she can be too direct sometimes.

She don't know how to cook or where to buy nice clothes since she is a middle schooler. Her taste in bags are childish. She gets so excited when talking to Shiroe, her high pitch voice definitely irritates Shiroe.

Akatsuki but her lips.

What am I thinking about.

So shallow.

She is surprised at how narrow her mind is.

Her reflection in the mirror is twisted and ugly. The bitterness known as jealousy eats at Akatsuki. Minori didn't do any wrong.

Minori has never been hostile towards Akatsuki. But Akatsuki belittles Minori's action akin to a brat who don't know her place. Even though her heart know it isn't true. Although Akatsuki knows Minori is a hardworking and cute junior. Akatsuki can't help feeling jealous of this capable middle school girl.

She can't stand brooding over this by herself. The sensation of jealousy that is suppressed when everyone is together spreads out in her heart, drowning her like an out of control torrent.


Akatsuki takes a few deep breath.

She loosen her clenched fist slowly.

The shadows of the tree with all its leaves fallen in the winter, as well as the shade of the evergreen coniferous tree covers the courtyard.

A sound like a bell chime came from somewhere.

It was the bird from before. In this abandoned ancient ruins, the winter air has a clean feel about it. Even the dry air that turns your breath into white fogs is an important part accentuating this beautiful scene.

In this dazzling white light, Akatsuki feels she is a dark stain. A stain that spreads if you rubs at it. Even the black hair Akatsuki is so proud of becomes disagreeable when she thinks this way.

Akatsuki thinks maybe Shiroe don't like black hair, preferring bright hair colors like Minori's instead. Thinking this way makes her stomach feels hard like a rock.

Akatsuki knows very well Shiroe won't discriminate anyone by hair color. Shiroe won't be concerned with physical traits and be bias towards anyone over small things like hair color.

The reason Akatsuki is pondering about something as dull as 'does he prefer brighter hair colors', is because of jealousy.

The jealousy in Akatsuki is staining her image of Shiroe.

Akatsuki is belittling Shiroe because of her jealousy right now.

(What right do I have to address him as lord?)

Akatsuki understands why she sat on this bench.

Because she don't want to return to Log Horizon's guild house.

Just like a grade schooler playing truant from cram school.

It's funny when you think about it. It's escapism on the level of children.

Akatsuki is cold, painful and in a miserable mood. Even though she has such an important home and happiness, in her quest to protect this happiness, she spent the whole night chasing after a source of power. But this result in her finding it hard to return. Akatsuki reproaches herself, this is putting the cart before the horse.


Minori, Tohya and the junior team is out hunting and will be camping out tonight.

She won't see them even if she returns now, and she knows Nyanta will welcome her warmly.

So all her talks about not wanting to go home is just Akatsuki being temperamental.

Akatsuki is aware she is just being proud.

But she can't let it go.

(I want to see my lord...)

Akatsuki thinks. This wish seems to bind her chest tightly.

She wants to see Shiroe. Even just for a bit, she wants to talk to him. She wants to get close and tug on his cloak. She wants to pour black rose tea into Shiroe's tea cup. Just like the times when they sat on the couch and look at the scenery outside the window. When Shiroe makes complicated faces while reading complicated letters, she tries to imitate his face.

But she can't fulfill her wish here. She don't feel qualified to live peacefully by Shiroe's side with the pride she is holding on to. If she return now, she will always be the 'bonus item' that comes along with Shiroe.

Akatsuki thinks that's fine too.

Staying by Shiroe's side, basking in the sun together with him, living as his ninja is also a bliss.

But that is just self deception.

Being satisfied just with this is just being bashful. Minori taught her this.

A swallow that is unable to fly won't be able to keep up with Shiroe one day. There will be no other way but to leave.

Her thoughts is similar to before, going round in circles. No matter what, she is just thinking about herself. She hates herself for being so self centered.

There won't be anyone who likes a girl like that. Always thinking about herself and unable to make friends. That's why she can't face Shiroe now.

That is the instruction Shiroe gave her.

"...I will stay at an inn today."

Akatsuki forces her legs to support her heavy body.

She felt drained even though she is not tired, this must be a psychological illusion.

The winter breeze blows across these foreign lands without any answers for Akatsuki.



5


Raynesia close her eyes from the cold.

It's obvious that closing her eyes won't relieve the chill.

It is rare of her to visit the streets of Akiba like this.

Even thought she was posted, or exiled here, Raynesia is still the 2nd daughter clan Corwen which chairs the 'League of freedom cities Eastal', one of the 2 Dukedom in Yamato. Because of security reasons, she seldom goes out. Even if she leaves, she will be going by carriage, not walking on the streets in casual wear like this.

If Marielle from Crescent moon alliance didn't told her 'Let's eat breakfast outside today!', she wouldn't have left her home.

Elissa and her guards will usually oppose her from leaving, but this is Akiba. With a few veteran adventurers by her side, she will be much safer than staying in the Water maple consulate. For some reason, Elissa has speedily made preparation for her to go out, so she is unable to decline.

"It's so fluffy."

"You should wear your hat."

And so, Raynesia walks down the streets of Akiba between Marielle and Rieze.

She is wearing a short coat with soft fur today.

In the end, Raynesia is not aware of what she has in her wardrobe.

Her maid will choose her dressing and change several times a day, which is the norm for noble ladies. But because of Raynesia's lack of interest, so this feeling is even more extreme.

That's just the way she is. And she doesn't feel any joy from changing her clothes. If no one bothers her, she is confident of spending the whole year in a one piece linen dress.

Raynesia has went through education as a noble and understands she needs to dress appropriately according to the time and place.

Even though it is a hassle, Raynesia knows her silver hair are rare. Clothes that fits her silver head are hard to find, and unfortunately doesn't include pajamas.

That's why Raynesia is not sure of what clothing she has, she only have the idea that there are all sorts of dresses inside.


"The anti-cold equipment for low levels are limited after all."

In the group walking together, someone talk to Raynesia from behind. It is a girl named Mikakage.

She is also a member of the tea party, a friendly and bubbly young girl.

"That's right."

Raynesia answers simply.

Raynesia replies so obediently because Mikakage is one of the people she go against. Not because Mikakage is an adventurer. She is a chef who brings all sorts of delicacy when she visits, Raynesia don't want to upset her.

Raynesia is not too sure, but there seems to be 2 sorts of chef among adventurers.

One has high chef level, but is mediocre as a cook. Another type is real chef with both skills and chef levels... That's how it is. The chef level is suppose to reflect the skill of a cook, but others will criticize him as 'waste of talent' or 'fake chef', which confounds Raynesia.

Even though Raynesia is not familiar with the cultures of adventurers, she knows that Mikakage is a real chef. The delicacies she brings along all taste great.

Confectionery that are so fine, desserts similar to gems. Aside from the snacks, the pork miso soup and mushroom rice she brings occasionally are great as too.

Mikakage describes cakes as a work of art, while other food are entertainment. Raynesia can only tilt her head in confusion. She feels all her food has a nice and gentle taste.

Mikakage took off the scarf around Raynesia's neck and hang a strange ornament on it. The little fairy that is always following Mikakage tries her best to catch a glimpse. The ornament is a doll of a puppy, it appears round and lazy, looking cute in Raynesia's eyes

"I didn't modify it much, but how is it? Does it feels warmer?"

"Yes, it is very warm."

People of th3e land can't make such a small and delicate doll, the best they can do is wood carving, this is the first time Raynesia is wearing as a decoration. Compared to jewelries and ribbons, Raynesia feels this is closer to the dressing of an adventurer.

"Pretty."

Mikakage nods in agreement. Marielle leans over from behind and says 'That's great!' with a beautiful smile.

The lady Marielle is also a frequent visitor of the Water maple consulate.

She always brings all sort of clothes, making Raynesia think she is a fashion designer of some tribe. But after asking around, she found out that Marielle is one of the 11 members of the Round table council. One of the governing clan leaders of Akiba.

Raynesia was tense in the beginning, but grew accustomed to her.

When Raynesia found out that Marielle is from a governing clan, she converse with her like a lord. But Marielle always treats Raynesia like a dress up doll, or chat about idle things in the city or hold mini concerts.

Marielle is always cheerful, likes parties and is always smiles.

The first to address Raynesia as Sia is her. Her family calls her Raysi at home sometimes, but no one address her as Sia. Raynesia was troubled in the beginning, but got used to it eventually.

The tea party with the female adventurers is now part of Raynesia's daily schedule.

Raynesia is the winter rose of Eastal, but Sia is a ignorant people of the land girl posted to this adventurer city. Sia is an aristocrat and an ambassador, and will imitate businessmen when negotiating business sometimes, but she is not the winter rose of Eastal.

Raynesia notice that the blond girl who is matching her pace in front of her worrisome steps has turn around to look at her. This girl is Rieze, from one of the 11 governing clans, D.D.D. The leader of the order of knights, the bane of Raynesia... Krusty's clan member, she seems to holds a high rank within the clan.

Rieze also frequents Raynesia's tea party, an intelligent maiden. Her actions are closest to the noble among the participants. But compared to the inflexible socialites of Eastal aristocrats, she is much more enlightened.

She learned the word enlightened from Rieze.

It means 'wearing clothes that won't constrict your stomach and enjoying Custard Dorayaki.

What a great word.


In Raynesia's eyes, all the adventurers are amazing.

Not just Raynesia, probably all the people of the land feels the same way. Elissa once sigh and said "Now that you mentioned it, I forgot they are adventurers'.

Adventurers are too different from them, it is too hard for her to comprehend.

Raynesia has met with many people of the land, and all of them ask her similar questions.

... What are adventurers like?

... How do we get along with adventurers?

After moving into Akiba and becoming a bridge between the people of the land and adventurers, she meets with people of the land guest everyday, trying to discuss and resolve their problems. She will introduce adventurers to them to do business, or find adventurers who are willing to take on quest. Raynesia don't think she is up to the task, but since no one else is doing this, she has to do this.

Even if others ask her what are adventurers like, Raynesia also don't know the answer. Among the people of the land, the most ignorant one might be Raynesia. She meets with adventurers more than others, so the things she don't know is ever increasing.

But she understand several things.

Adventurers are just adventurers.

Raynesia thinks the biggest mistake the people of the land nobles made during the lord conference in the palace of eternal ice is to treat adventurers like aristocrats.

Adventurers are not nobles, treating them as one won't make things go smoother. Adventurers are also not peasants or knights, they are not even people of the land. So you can't treat them with the expectation and culture of the people of the land.

Raynesia thinks that is the reason the conference ended in failure.

Adventurers are just adventurers, there is no other terms to describe them.

But Raynesia is able to use terms to define most of the people around her. Duke is a duke, baron is a baron, knight is a knight, a servant is a servant. Citizens are people living in the city, villagers live in a village. hunters hunt, lumberjack cut down trees.

Everyone has their duty, living within their area of responsibility. This is something that is obvious. Raynesia is Raysi, the granddaughter of a duke, the winter rose princess. She has never questioned this all her life, and never resisted, thinking all this is natural.

But she sense that she can't comprehend adventurers using this standards. She might not know the correct answer, she realize she has to find out the meaning behind their existence and their duties in this world.

The members of clan Crescent moon alliance includes chefs. If she can classify adventurers so simply, it will be easier to deal with the adventurers. Just like the knights of Maihama, the employed maids moving into the castle, or arrogant young nobles.


But Marielle, Rieze and Mikakage are too special, Raynesia is unable to do that.

All the adventurers are like a special gem polished personally by the hands of god. All of them are different, shining in the crowd.

"Hmmm? What is it?"

Marielle turns around and ask with concern.

Raynesia smiles and says 'Nothing'. Mikakage ask after seeing her reaction 'Hungry?', making everyone laugh. Do I look that hungry? Raynesia is a bit worried. Adventurers always carries snacks in their bags, and everyone is taking out something for Raynesia to eat.


Raynesia's group turns north at the junction.

"This way?" "Yeah, that's right."

Marielle and Rieze who are chatting are dressed lightly.

Unlike people of the land, adventurers prefer clothing that lets them move with ease, even in winter. Marielle is wearing a short skirt, exposing her pants underneath. Raynesia thinks that is very cold, but Marielle don't seem to mind.

Rieze is wearing a coat with a scarf, but she is still wearing a white shirt with a tight skirt. Compared to them, Raynesia and Elissa who is standing behind her are dressed in thick layers.

Raynesia saw Akatsuki suddenly.

Marielle ask Mikakage: "Is Milky Margaret this way?" Mikakage run off to scout ahead, so the 2 ladies who is chatting with Raynesia goes ahead. As Raynesia is catching her breathe, she saw Akatsuki appears in the entrance of a building.

Akatsuki is biting her lips.

The petite figure leaving in the opposite direction, looks like a lost child.

All sorts of emotion rises in Raynesia's heart. She feels as if she has been spending several hours in the night looking at the ceiling.


Raynesia wants to call out, but the words is stuck in her throat before materializing.

She is not sure what to say.

Raynesia feels like the vines shrinking because of the water collected on its leaves. Akatsuki seems to have lost all her vitality and is dragging a heavy heart. This is a side of her Raynesia has never seen.

She looks like a child.

Raynesia thinks.

Raynesia always think of this black hair girl to be a short sword made from obsidian.

With the beauty of a gem and the strength Raynesia cannot fathom.

Raynesia ponders with her brain which she feel is mediocre, but gives up. Akatsuki is gone anyway, lost in the crowd. Akatsuki didn't notice Raynesia and the others, as they pass each other by from a distance.

At this point, she feels perplexed and stuffy.

But this is nothing unusual.

Raynesia experience all sorts of emotions before. Most of the guest are not welcomed by Raynesia, but she knew from young how it feels like to hide in her blanket and immerse in the darkness. She is confident about hiding in her blanket.

Raynesia shakes her head to refresh herself.

In the city of Akiba, she is fresh negotiation consultant. She needs to change her mood and refresh herself often.

"Hey~ Sia~ what are you doing? It's this way~"

This voice made Raynesia hurries along with her trouble steps.



6 (Online 48 part 1)

"Princess~ Princess~?"

Elissa calls out to her mistress.

She tried calling for Raynesia since the room is silent, but Raynesia just stay on her couch depressed.

She is downcast and at a loss, her silver long hair flowing down her round shoulders like a waterfall. This young lady's sorrowful air can make the corporal whose face full of scars known as 'the beast' to encourage her gently: "Don't be so depressed, I will help you".

Lady Henrietta once described her as 'a puppy caught in the rain'.

It is a dreamy, lonely, melancholic and gloomy figure.

The perfect display of a frail and cuddly person.

But Elissa knows very clearly.

Raynesia right now is so exhausted she don't want to move.

"Prin~cess."

"Elissa...?"

Raynesia raise her chin and gaze upwards.

The contours of her face is as smooth as a boiled egg, with wet eyes.

Don't misunderstand. Her teary eyes is not because she remembered something sad or was moved emotionally, it's because she is holding back a yawn.

"Alright. Aren't you tired? Your humble servant Elissa will prepare your bedroom in just a bit, please wait a moment. Would you like some tea? Maybe dessert?"

Elissa ask her.

It has been some time since her lunch with the group of lady adventurers it's not surprising if she is hungry now.

But Princess Raynesia because of her metabolism or some reason just won't get fat no matter how much she ate. Be it meat or cakes, her skin is smooth like a baby. She can eat all she wants without getting fat, which makes others envious.

After the Apocalypse and the Akiba revolution that follow after, all the dishes has wonderful flavor. With half a year gone, the revolution has penetrate deep into the people of the land society. From the nobles to the peasants, everyone is enjoying this whole new experience.

Because of the delicious food, some people might overeat. Most of the people of the land aristocrats have gained weight. But Raynesia is the exception and didn't fatten up, making Elissa feels complicated. Elissa limits herself to one cake every 3 days, she doesn't have Raynesia's metabolism rate.

"No thanks."

Raynesia shakes her head lightly, leaning exhausted on the couch, supporting her face with the back of the couch. If a hotblooded apprentice knight with a crush on Raynesia were to see her like this, he will definitely have a nosebleed.

(Although it doesn't mean anything to me.)

Elissa approach Raynesia casually, lifting Raynesia's feet with indoor slippers on and put them on the couch after bending them at the knees. Raynesia doesn't resist as she lies on the couch.

Fir the beautiful princess of Maihama, this is an unlady like pose. If a man happens to see it, they might misunderstand. No matter how she really is on the inside, Raynesia was educated to be a princess, even her family wouldn't have the chance to see this pose of hers.

(I don't want to see that too.)

After re-positioning Raynesia's feet, Elissa uses a broom to sweep under the coffee table and couch.

"Princess."

"What is it."

"What did you eat today?"

"Cream soup."

"Ehhh... Is it adventurer style?"

"It seems to be the meat of 'flame boars'. It was great."

"It's so festive recently."

"That's right."

Raynesia cleans the room thoroughly while conversing casually with the princess.

This room is cleaned daily, so it didn't take too much time. Cleaning is a chore Elissa has to do as a maid, but there is no need to go to the extent of lifting her mistress feet onto the couch. Maids who does that to normal nobles will probably be executed. Because Raynesia is a clueless person... correction, a generous person, that's why Elissa dares to do that.

But there seems to be a tea party everyday, if she finish up now, the maid on duty the next day will have an easier time. There will definitely be female adventurers visiting tomorrow as well. Especially the petite lady Akatsuki who has dropped by without fail these 10 days.

"You look very tired today."

"Yeah."

Raynesia answers lazily.

She must be exhausted. But that's natural. Henrietta and Marielle have been toying with her after all dressing her up after coming back from breakfast. Elissa smile bitterly as she recalls the cries of her mistress begging for mercy.

Making sure her mistress is appropriately dressed is Elissa's duty.

Managing Raynesia's wardrobe is also Elissa's responsibility.

Her mistress is very beautiful, so planning her daily dressing is a challenge.

For example, after meeting with a certain merchant, she can't wear the same thing when meeting the same merchant again, or they will think the women of the dukedom is always wearing the same clothes and look down on them. That's why she has to plan Raynesia's clothes for morning, noon and evening. She has to keep a detail log of the accessories she wore too, that is one of the duties of a maid.

For people of the land aristocrats and merchants, they can just follow the usual protocol. Although it is tedious preparatory work like solving a jigsaw puzzle, it is not much when they think of it as part of their job.

But it is harder when dealing with adventurers, since they have nothing to refer to. If it is a formal audience, they can match the dresses according to the purpose of the audience or the customary protocol. But the tea party recently are private events, dressing too formal might upset the adventurers. But even if she can pick any casual clothes, Elissa is not sure what is the standard for 'casual' among adventurers

The clothes adventurers wear varies too much. Most adventurer differentiate between combat armor and their street clothes, but there are no obvious guideline. There are some who live their lives wearing metal armor all day.

There is another problem. Elissa wants to know the preference and customs of the adventurers, and investigated the dresses and clothes that can't really be defined as dresses in Akiba, but the pricing is a mess. Corwen is a grand noble clan, even if the equipment of adventurers are expensive, they can still afford them. But Elissa can't understand the pricing standard. 2 similar silk shirt can have a 50 fold price difference.

The store clerk explains that the materials are different.

The more Elissa learns about this, the more surprised she gets. A boot made from the leather of a one eye iron ox, or the breast plate for woman made from 'Dancing pelicans' are sold by adventurers in stores. They need to hunting high level mythical beast to craft such clothes, even the Dukedom with their top level wealth among the people of the land cannot afford to buy all of them.

The dressing carnival is actually the result of a discussion between Elissa and Marielle. Thanks to Marielle assuring her 'just leave everything to me', and bringing plenty of clothes over, The wardrobe Raynesia can use for adventurers is expanding.

To achieve this, Elissa does not hesitate sending her mistress to the dress up festival. If she don't do this, Raynesia won't participate actively. Elissa thinks this is a good dose of medicine for Raynesia.

Elissa holds a lot of respect for Raynesia. She remembers the brave front Raynesia put up at the lord's conference, making her proud and inclined to applaud her mistress. But Raynesia is basically lazy and cowardly, a girl with a pillow for head. (Meaning her brain is full of feathers.)

But it is hard to say whether she bears this respect when serving Raynesia.

(Well, this is all for lady Raynesia's sake.)

Elissa thought as she spread out the rug.

Not just clothes.

Having a friend of the same gender about your age is a invaluable experience too.

Putting Elissa who is the daughter of a low ranking noble aside, it would be hard for Raynesia from the Corwen dukedom to find a suitable spouse.

Elissa reminiscence Raynesia with the perfect smile in the palace of Maihama or the palace of eternal ice. The society of noblemen are very strict. Especially for young girls, even a small scandal might be a fatal wound.

In order to survive under the gossiping court sparrows that is ever watching, Raynesia learned graceful manners. To protect her grandfather and her family name, the mask Raynesia chose to wear is perfect. In the end, she won the legendary fame of the 'winter rose of Eastal'.

But because of this, Raynesia do not have anyone she can call a friend. Although Raynesia is close to Elissa, but she is just a maid after all.

"Although you seem so reluctant, you seem to be having a good time."

"What...?"

"Elissa is glad you have made some friends."

This is true.

Elissa feels that Raynesia has a richer variety of expression in this half month.

"But they are not friends right?"

... But she got a surprising answer.

"What are they then? The princess seems so happy... Although it is troubling at times..."

"They are adventurers."

Facing Elissa's query, Raynesia answers without much thought.

"This is not an enjoyable chat. Adventurers are different from us. Way too different. All the customs I know doesn't apply to them. If we can't convey our emotions in the form of words, they won't understand us, that is the only way to converse with them."

This is correct.

Adventurers holds no reservations in terms of social status. They will even invite Elissa when holding a tea party. Elissa has gained some knowledge after getting posted to Akiba. Henrietta who holds the same attitude towards work like her, Rieze who feels a bit like her sister back in town, and the hardworking Serara who she wants to have as a colleague.

But like Raynesia mentioned, there is a big difference between adventurers and the people of the land. There are times when they can't come into terms, and they can't figure out what each other is doing. But that doesn't mean they can't work together.

Elissa learn all this from Raynesia herself.

So she ask Raynesia.

"But you seem so..."

"You have to convey your feelings of joy even if it is just a tiny bit, same with sadness. You have to bear gratitude when you feel happy. You can't convey your emotions if you don't do that, That's what I am doing. Elissa understands too right? The real me is lazy and cowardly... and irresponsible. Be it social circles or nobles, whatever is fine. I will be happy in a life where I can nap everyday. I don't understand something like that anyway."

Raynesia mutters in a bored tone.

"This is work."

"... Is that so."

"..."

Raynesia shift her gaze and leans on the back of the couch. To describe it in words, she thinks it is a bother and don't want to care about anything, an irresponsible attitude. But her lazy demeanor is as moving as a painting, the privilege of being a beautiful young lady.

The only one who can see this side of the princess is Elissa.

Playing the role of the perfect lady in public, it is the same with all the people of the land noblewomen. She shows the forthright side of her before the female adventurers, but she can't help sitting properly like a cat ill at ease. This might be the psychological barrier the unfathomable princess put up unconsciously.

(... And there is also that man.)

Raynesia thought about that bulky young man with sand color hair. Raynesia seems to have opened her heart to that youth. But her inability to lie plays a big part, she had no say in this from the very beginning.

Is there anything Raynesia wishes for?

She wants to convey her joy even if it is just a small happiness.

That's how Raynesia put it.

But doesn't that mean she is happy about it after all?

Even though she is so exhausted that she dozes off before dinner, she can get up from bed the next morning without the maids waking her. She pick her dressing carefully as she looks forward to the day. Elissa feels that she is not treating this as work, but as an enjoyable activity with friends.

Raynesia is living every day happily after coming to this place filled with adventurers.

But Raynesia herself who is looking out the window at the scenery dyed blue outside is unaware of this simple fact. Maybe she is avoiding the term friends. Or maybe this is the first time she is experiencing this? Or she has already given up on this aspect of life. Elissa don't know.

Elissa feels sad when she think about this.

With her beauty, plenty of compliments, wealth and social status, this young girl seems to give the feeling of giving up sometimes. If the courage she displayed at the lord's conference stemmed from her disillusioned heart, that seems so sad.

Raynesia who is gazing out the window looks dreamy and beautiful, with a bored expression on her face. Elissa sighs seeing her mistress this way.

Elissa wants to help her mistress, but she knows that advising her normally is futile.

Elissa knows very well that Raynesia's stubbornness is at the same level of her laziness.



Chapter 2 ends