Star Spirit World Arc The Ninth Commander?

"So, what do we actually do?"

　Glancing at Shia who was determined to stop her friend from going mad (in a sense), Hajime returned to his topic.

　He prompted an answer to Mew's question about whether they would be able to reunite with Eric and the others.

"Y-yes, that's right..."

　Shia's burning gaze made her cheeks flush a little and she cleared her throat.

"We cannot invite Eric and the others here."

　With a very serious look on his face, he came to that conclusion.

"Well, Big Sister Dahlia. The kings said that it's okay now, and that they've all reflected on their actions."

"Didn't you say that Dahlia's dedication is certainly paying off?"

　When Myuu raised her eyebrows in a pleading manner, Shia also placed her hand on Dahlia's shoulder and smiled gently――and at that moment, she caught a glimpse of her dilated gaze at the edge of her vision!

　It's dangerous!!" she exclaimed, pulling her smile and hand away. With a serious face she took the stance, "I'm just telling you the facts." Even Yue-sama smiled at this.

"Is that so... I'm glad. Really..."

　Dahlia patted her chest in deep relief. Even though she was in a faraway land, her heart was probably filled with worries about her homeland and the world.

"We've been working really hard these past two years. We've been trying to stabilize our lives, investigating and monitoring the restricted areas, and trying to find countermeasures... We didn't have the time to even look into the state of the country."

　There seems to be talk of checking the situation in each country once next year.

　This is because the basis of living has stabilized and the investigation report has reached a level where it can be judged as necessary and sufficient.

"Thank you for the good news. And, Myuu-sama and Shia-sama, please don't worry. I am not refusing to be reunited with Eric and the others."

　In other words, it would be fine if he went to meet her himself. But that meant he didn't want to invite Eric and the others to this place, or to this village.

"Of course, in that case it would be a 'visit' and not a 'return home'..."

"It's your responsibility as the village chief, isn't it?"

　Dahlia smiled and nodded in response to Tio's confirmation. Yuuka raised her hand looking a bit apologetic.

"Um... sorry for interrupting you. But first of all, why did Dahlia and the others end up in such a dangerous place?"

"We needed a new place. A new homeland that wouldn't be easily reached by the hands of other countries."

"...A new home?"

"Yes. If the spirit beasts had left the continent, I would have thought that the current forbidden areas would have been nothing more than unexplored land..."

　Dahlia puts her hand to her cheek and looks troubled. It seems she hadn't anticipated the uniqueness and danger of the Forbidden Area's ecosystem.

　But if that was the case, surely he could have just found another place. And in the first place, a "new home"...wasn't it just a temporary departure until the human world settled down?

　Naturally, everyone had the same question. Hajime asked it on behalf of everyone.

"There seem to be quite a few people in this village... who are they? Are they devout followers of the Saint who followed her?"

"No, Your Majesty. In fact, I would even say that my presence was an unpleasant one to the people here."

　What's going on? Hajime and the others looked at each other. They didn't sense any hostility from the villagers towards Dahlia. On the contrary, all they felt during their detour was trust and respect.

　Dahlia's smile took on a slightly bitter expression.

Currently, about 3,000 people live here.

"""so much!?"""

　Atsushi, Noboru, and Ryuutaro all spoke at once. Hajime and the others' eyes widened at the number of people, which was greater than they had expected.

"We have bases other than the village. One each to the east, west, north and south, a base to monitor the evolved beings of the named class, a relay base to use when investigating the interior, and an evacuation base in case of emergency."

　Apparently there aren't even a thousand people in their home base, the "Village." Many of them are out investigating during the day, so it's even worse.

"All of these approximately 3,000 people... are people who lost loved ones to divine punishment."

"a..."

　Someone said that in a voice. It felt like it was one of Yuuka's group, but also like it was Shia who opened her eyes wide in surprise.

　I had heard about it but hadn't really paid much attention to it until now, but there were certainly many sacrifices made.

　Noticing this, Ryuutaro and the others quietly put down the souvenir weapons they had been cherishing. They looked awkward as they remembered how excited they had been. Myuu also pursed her lips tightly.

　Dahlia, who was serving, took her seat and said in a soft voice, "Please don't worry about it." As if to proactively convey that there was no need to stiffen the tea, she took a sip of the tea she had made herself, looking pleased.

"A new era of redemption and trial. But not everyone has been able to accept it."

　The goddess's deep love and the fact that carrying out her divine punishment was a soul-wrenching and agonizing decision are known throughout the world.

　So, I get it. Everyone understands it intellectually.

　It couldn't be helped, that man's works had forced God to make this decision.

　I know it.

　But the heart is not determined by logic alone. If those who have lost loved ones are asked if they can continue to look forward and live, especially if they have respect for God and nature in their hearts...

　It was only natural that there would be people who thought it was impossible.

"While I spend my days preaching God's teachings so that we do not repeat the same mistakes, I have often felt the suffering and frustration of those people."

　Dahlia's words did not reach his wounded heart.

　On the contrary, the silent pressure to conform seemed to be growing day by day, as they wondered why they were rebelling against the teachings of the "Saintess," why they couldn't agree and cooperate for the sake of the future of mankind, and whether this was the behavior of those who were incompatible with the new era and were traitors.

"Perhaps I should call this a blessing in disguise? My existence was becoming a nuisance to the human world."

"I heard he was really popular... I guess that's a blessing in disguise."

　Nana said with an indescribable expression, but in truth, for Dahlia, the numerous marriage proposals had only caused her headaches, so she was actually fortunate to be in a situation where she had had to leave the human world.

"...So, let's take these homeless guys and head to a new world, shall we?"

"Yes, Yue-sama."

"...Throw away your status, your honor, and even your everyday life with your loved ones?"

"Yes, Yue-sama."

　Yue looked straight at her, and Dahlia returned the look with a straight gaze.

　"I see," Hajime and the others agreed. Dahlia hadn't left the country just because she thought she was getting in the way.

　By putting himself in at least the same circumstances as those who had given up many important things and were unable to adapt to the new era, he was able to empathize with them from the bottom of his heart.

"If they can't adapt to the new era, if they can't walk in the same direction, should we abandon them? Should we exclude them for the sake of the future? That's not possible. That would be the same as before. Mutual understanding and coexistence... not giving up on those things is what is necessary for the new era."

　Eric and the others will sort out the human world somehow. I'm sure we've left behind a lot to make people think that way.

　In that case, my role is to be as close as possible to those who are on the verge of straying from the human world.

"About three thousand people... It seems everyone was surprised that it was a large number, but no, that's not the case at all. It's only three thousand people."

　In fact, there are far more people who, despite carrying their sadness, look forward and are determined to live in accordance with the values ​​of the new era.

"In that case, what will happen if we can't even be there for those few people? We won't be able to face our benefactor who was by our side until the very end."

"Dahlia..."

　Dahlia looked at Shia with a gentle gaze. Shia returned the look with a troubled yet happy look.

　We stared at each other intently....tears welled up...

"...the conversation is still ongoing?"

"Oh, yes. Sorry."

　Yue-sama was strict. Dahlia and Shia quickly straightened up.

"I see. Dahlia can't just call Eric and the others on her own. It has to be as a result of a consensus at the very least."

"Thank you for your understanding, Your Majesty."

　It would be unsettling if the top brass, who are promoting the values ​​of a new era, were to suddenly step into the new territory that they themselves had worked so hard to create.

　Dahlia's consideration was entirely natural.

"Umm, Dahlia-san. Are my, our existence, alright? Also, you said it was proof that the gods are watching over us..."

"Shea-sama is the one who stopped that god. Rather, everyone feels a strong sense of gratitude towards her. Some even worship her."

"Faith?! That's a bit..."

"Regarding the matter of the gods, we must not forget that wherever we go, the gods are watching us, and this is something I often mention."

"On top of that, you can live your life with dignity as usual. I'm assuring the people here that you have nothing to be ashamed of. Even if you can't join in with the majority, you're not going against God's will."

"It is as Shizuku-sama says."

　As expected, this person really was a "Saint", Yuuka and the others, as well as Aiko, Liliana, and even Kaori and the others, showed Dahlia a mixture of admiration and respect.

　In the midst of all this, Myuu suddenly turned to Dahlia with sparkling eyes.

"Big Sister Dahlia is a kind, strong and wonderful person after all."

「My! Myuu-sama, I'm sorry for your excessive words.」

　Dahlia put her hand on her chest and bowed happily. Miu continued, "But..."

"The people here are also nice."

"Why did you think that?"

"Well, if you just want a new world, you don't need to be here. But you're all here because you want to keep the people of your country safe, right? You're researching all these useful things because you thought they'd be useful to everyone."

　We can't be together. We can't live in the same country with the same values.

　But that doesn't mean I want the people of my country to be unhappy.

　Even though I am far away, I hope that the future of my country and its people is bright.

　It was the same feeling that Dahlia had. The same thought for the future of humanity.

"That's such a sweet gesture! They're such lovely people!"

"Myu-sama..."

　Dahlia's eyes welled up with tears. The people who had lived here, holding hands and supporting each other, were practically family.

　The parents were overcome with warm emotions as the child understood the family's feelings and efforts and told them how wonderful they were.

"As expected from His Majesty's daughter. I am deeply impressed and grateful to you, Dahlia."

"Myu?"

　Myuu tilted her head, wondering why she was being thanked and simply wondering, "Is she confused?" Lemia looked at the girl with an exceptionally gentle gaze and patted her on the head, saying, "Good girl, good girl."

　Ryuutaro and the others, who had seemed a little awkward at first, seemed to relax.

　At that moment, there was a very timid knock. Dahlia answered, and the door was then slowly opened.

　A woman in her mid-thirties wearing clean-looking white overalls, an apron, and a beret appeared.

"S-excuse me. Dahlia, I'm ready, so I can come anytime--"

　I guess he intended to report that it was ready for dinner.

　Until his gaze caught Shia's eye.

"Wow, really a savior?! Those fluffy bunny ears, what a beautiful face. A thousand times more wonderful than I imagined."

"Eh? Ah, well, thank you?"

"Ah, ahhhh, answer me?! Ah, ah, ah."

　Hajime, Myuu, and Kaori, who were well versed in otaku culture, thought to themselves. What a perfect example of "reaching the limit". Just like a fan who has just met their favorite idol.

　Dahlia gave me a brief introduction with a wry smile. He seems to be the head chef of this "village." He was one of the first to develop cooking methods for the local plants and animals, including their effects, and was one of the key players in supporting the development of the village.

"Wow, what an amazing person!"

"Hmmmm!?"

　A strange voice leaked out. Her face was bright red and she looked like she was about to collapse. Although she was a beautiful woman with androgynous features, her appearance of being completely shaken up was quite amusing.

(Is this person one of the "believers" that Dahlia was talking about?)

(I thought the same thing at the royal palace… Shia-san really does have a lot of female fans.)

　Liliana and Aiko were whispering to each other. The uncle skinheads were also respectful, but they didn't seem upset at all, which made me think so even more.

"Well, we are the ones who are indebted to you, and we are the ones who gave you the job on this unexpected visit, so please don't be so bossy."

"Hii?!"

"Why are you scared?!"

　Shea stood up and approached him, trying to soothe him, but the head chef stepped back. He never made eye contact with her. He held out both hands, as if rejecting her.

　The head chef shouted at Shia, who was genuinely shocked.

"My favoriteDear Mr.It's too precious."

"What do you mean!?"

"I understand."

"What do you mean!?"

　As expected, it was Hajime, Myuu, and Kaori. Of course, Kaori's favorite has always been Hajime.

　The one person who was more than the others was Yue. She understood otaku culture and was prepared to fully accept Hajime who enjoyed it, but if asked if she could sympathize with him with the same enthusiasm, she would have a troubled look on her face.

　But, just like Kaori, she was certainly a "Hajime fan", so she very very well understood the feeling of "it's too precious, I can't handle it"!

　That's what I feel every day!!

　Perhaps noticing the inner heat of Yue & Kaori, it seemed as if Tio, Shizuku and the others were pulling back a little――Oh, Yuuka nodded with an understanding look that seemed to say "I see. So this is what "precious" is..." and then she looked at Hajime and her cheeks turned slightly red...

　Yue and Kaori looked at her with gazes that seemed to say, "Do you understand, Yuuka?" Yuuka averted her gaze with the speed of light.

　Meanwhile, Shea approached the head chef, who had been cornered against the wall (he wasn't actually cornered), but she regained her composure and asked for a handshake with a smile.

"By all means, let's get along--"

"Getting along?! Ah, ahhhh, with me?!"

"Eh, yes. Cooking is my hobby, so I would love to learn how to cook these dishes--"

"Hands on hands and knees?! Dismembered?!"

"No, I didn't say that much--"

"So, the rumors were true after all... The Savior-sama loves women more than men! That's why he didn't even look at the four handsome men who have status and honor that Balted boasts of, and instead loved Dahlia-sama!!"

"What is that rumor???"

　Shia's gaze suddenly turned to Dahlia, who covered her face with both hands.

　Apparently, the rumors are true.

　Nana and Taeko's expressions become more lively!

"All the mysteries have been solved!!"

"Eh, what? What's wrong, you two?!"

　Suzu, who was next to her, flinched at the sudden loud voice. Nana and Taeko looked triumphant, like detectives who had discovered the truth.

"I'm talking about the women who greeted me repeatedly at the royal palace, Suzuchi."

"They didn't just want to catch a glimpse of their savior! So, that is--"

"So... what do you mean?"

"I was just hoping for one chance!!"

"Wh, what did you say?!"

　Suzu, being the easy-going one, went along with it for the time being. But, she never expected something like that. The girls she met at the royal palace were all aiming to become the second or third Dahlia, in other words, to become Shia's lover...

　While thinking this, not only Suzu but everyone there looked at Dahlia.

　Then Dahlia covered her face with both hands and said in a mosquito-like voice...

"...Whenever I talked about Shia-sama, I got carried away...and before I knew it, such rumors had spread...I explained that Her Majesty - she has a husband called Hajime-sama..."

　The information is accurate!

　With that mindset, and because he had also dutifully explained how he had a very happy relationship with his other wives, the rumors had gradually changed to, "Shia-sama has built a harem of women" and "Her husband is the only man allowed to serve her, he's seriously amazing".

　And when he realized it, he couldn't stop it.

"Offu..."

　A silly voice leaked out from Shia.

"I see...we were Shia's harem members."

"That was a blind spot. I thought I was marrying Master, but in fact I was being married to Shia."

"...Hmm, when I noticed, I had been adopted by Shia."

"Don't tease me!"

　Hajime, Tio, and Yue nodded to each other with extremely serious expressions. Shia roared with a bright red face.

"Shi, Shia...maybe you look at me like that too."

"Shea-san, please be gentle, okay?"

"I'll blow away both Kaori-san and Lily-san, you know? At about Level VII."

　Please stop. Putting Kaori aside, I'm going to die... Liliana immediately apologized. Shizuku and Aiko opened their mouths to join in the fun, but quickly closed them.

"Well, by the way, the kings said that Dahlia-oneechan would probably want to accompany Shia-oneechan! Is that so? Yes!"

"Myu-chan...what an able-bodied girl to read the mood."

　Yuuka was somehow eye-opening, or rather, recently she had been showing signs of being proactive as she tried to learn various things about the Nagumo household, but leaving that aside.

　Also, Nana and Taeko were smiling and saying, "Oh, Yuuka-chi. It's a super slow pace but it seems like you're doing your best," but let's put that aside for now.

"Fufu, I never said that for sure, but it seems you saw through me."

"Oh? So Dahlia wants to come to our world?"

　Hajime-san's eyes seemed to shine with some kind of spark. Liliana reacted with lightning speed! She stared at him as if she could see through his every word and action! But,

"That is true. However, that is a dream for the distant future."

"Because there's still a lot that needs to be done, isn't there?"

　Liliana was the first to react, no, to sympathize with Dahlia's words. Perhaps they had something in common as people in the same position, making the same choice.

　Dahlia also met Liliana's gaze and nodded deeply with a look of sympathy.

　Then, he gently placed his hands on her chest, and the girl closed her eyes, dreaming of a future with the man she admired.

"Ten years, twenty years, or maybe even further down the line. When I feel that my role is over, well... I'm sure the Nagumo household will have more members by then, so if I can be added to the ranks of those in charge of looking after them, it would be the most wonderful life I could have, that's what I'm dreaming of."

　That's how I confessed my desire.

　It was such a pure, humble dream, and it warmed my heart.

　And as Dahlia talked about her dreams, she seemed such a pure person, and there was even an air of untouchable holiness about her, so no one could say anything.

　After a while, it was, perhaps as one would expect, Shia who spoke first.

"It will come true, absolutely. I guarantee it."

"Shia-sama...fufu, thank you."

　Shia assured in a quiet voice, and Dahlia smiled happily.

　Shia began to glance at Hajime. It was obvious what he wanted to say.

"Leave it to me!"

"Oh, thank you... But, that seems like an awfully forceful reply."

"You're just in your head!"

"There's something strange about your tone."

"...Shia, you really don't need to worry about it."

"Is that so?"

　Shia was suspicious of Hajime-san who was unexpectedly filled with enthusiasm. However, Liliana was even more suspicious.

　Yue meditated, so I thought it was okay... but I still wasn't completely satisfied. After all, I felt like there was a look of exasperation in Yue's eyes.

　Well, that's beside the point.

"Umm, so what about the meal...?"

"""""a..."""""

　In the corner of the room, the head chef was clutching his beret to his chest, looking lost. I had completely forgotten about his existence. Perhaps thanks to that (?), he seemed to have calmed down.

　At the same time, it's very well timed.

--Kuuuuuuuh~~~

　A cute sound resounded loudly. Miu's cheeks were red and she placed her hands on her stomach.

　Although he drank tea until his stomach was full, it seemed his stomach still hadn't calmed down one bit. This is natural for a growing child, but it seemed as if even his stomach was reading the air.

"Shall we continue our conversation over dinner?"

　Dahlia stood up with a sad look on her face.

　Of course, there was no objection.

　after that.

　Hajime and his party had a lively conversation about the past five years in Dahlia and the plans for the rest of the trip while enjoying the expected Monjayaki style lunch in a terrace-like dining area where they could get a panoramic view of the waterfall and the cliffs below.

　Meanwhile, the villagers, who had been agitated by the Savior's arrival, seemed to have regained their composure.

　Once again, I explained the purpose of my visit and told them that it would have no negative impact on the village...

　The rest goes without saying.

　The arrival of the Savior and his party erupted in loud applause and celebration in the village.

　A procession like a pilgrimage would form around Shea, and when she gave a brief speech on the stage, the atmosphere seemed like the birth of a new religion.

　Doing my best to ignore the looks from Kaori and Aiko that were like "Friends♪ Friends♪" and somehow managing to dissuade me from founding a new religion, I once again took a look around the village's facilities - the blacksmith's shop, the compounding facility, the plant and animal research laboratory, and the training grounds.

　Ryuutaro and his friends decided to go on a hunting expedition using weapons made from evolved monster materials.

　Mew hits it off with the dual sword users.

　Hajime, on the other hand, would have passionate discussions with mineralogists and receive special minerals as souvenirs.

　Yuuka, who seemed to be in frequent contact with Emily for some reason taught her about the effects of plants and special insects and ended up receiving them as a souvenir.

　As the sun set, a grand party began, with people from other bases also joining in.

　When Dahlia sang, she seemed to fit in with the festival atmosphere.

　For one night only, Miracle Eye and Pretty Lily are back!! Back!! Back!!

　Led by Magical Mew, Aiko's nightmare - no, the miraculous idol magical girl unit that unfolded in the town of Ur performed songs and dances.

　Of course, the party was a huge success.

　Then, noticing his daughter giving Yuuka passionate looks, Hajime's father goes berserk and takes the outrageous step of forcibly transforming Yuuka into the magical girl Yuuka-chan using the liquid metal's mimicry function.

　Naturally, the magical girl Yuuka lost her temper. Knives flew at Hajime.

　If you bounce it back with a laugh, the result will be like the incredible street performance that once excited the people of the Heilig Kingdom during its reconstruction, and the atmosphere in the venue will reach its climax.

　From that point on, it was all about desperation.

　Yuka tried her best to act like Yuka-chan. Her two best friends were rolling around laughing, while Atsushi and the others were laughing and taking pictures (of course, they ended up eating the vegetable sticks)...

　Aiko and Liliana were also singing and dancing with all their might for Myuu!

　Hajime was also looking at it with expectation!

　Above all, Miu-chan has already introduced her as the fourth member, placing her in a mysterious trust, saying "There's no way Yuuka-oneechan would refuse!"

　Yuuka was good at reading the atmosphere so refusing was no longer an option for her.

　As a result, that night seemed to have become a legendary night for the village, no, for the Celestial Spirit World as they would pass it on to the human world in the not-too-distant future.

"Uuu, Nagumo. Remember that."

　The date had already changed and it was late at night.

　At a time when the villagers, Hajime and his group were probably asleep, exhausted from all the commotion, there was the figure of Yuuka walking alone through the outer corridor that was set up to trace the outer edge of the cliff.

　I couldn't fall asleep easily, so I thought that taking a bath would help me relax, so I went to the open-air bath built on the cliff.

　But being alone like that just makes me remember all sorts of things.

"Just because you wanted to make Myuu-chan happy, you made me dress like that..."

　I gazed upon the big, round moon. The moonlight was brilliant. I didn't have any problems even without a light source.

　Therefore, even though Yuuka's cheeks were flushed with a heat that was different from the heat after the bath, she looked very refreshed.

"Well, I didn't really mind when you said it looked good on me though..."

　No, wait. Even so, it was embarrassing. Apparently it's a character from a magical girl anime that Miu-chan likes, but isn't it an elementary school character? But I'm a university student? In the first place, why is an elementary school girl wearing such a risqué costume! What's going on with magical girls these days! ...But, I heard that Sumire-san and Shuu-san liked cosplay too, so maybe Nagumo likes girls who don't mind cosplaying after all? He apologized and tried to put me back in my original clothes halfway through, but he looked really disappointed... so maybe he thought it would suit me because I was the one who put that costume on me? If that's the case...

　Yuuka can't stop thinking about so many things that she doesn't seem to be able to fall asleep.

　However, he was lost in thought, looking at all sorts of faces, until he spotted a certain figure.

"...Hmm? Is that Dahlia?"

　A woman in a maid's uniform disappears behind the building. It's definitely Dahlia.

"What's wrong with you this late at night?"

　I somehow feel like he was concerned about what other people thought of him.

　I'm curious. Very curious.

"...Just to be on the safe side. It's just to make sure it's safe."

　Yuuka made excuses to herself as she lightly jumped over the parapet. Making sure to muffle her footsteps as much as possible, she quietly peeked around the back of the building.

"Huh?!"

　I wanted to praise myself for not raising my voice. That's how surprised I was.

　That's because Dahlia was having a secret rendezvous. And the person she was having a secret rendezvous with was...

"Your Majesty..."

"Dahlia"

　It was Hajime! I instinctively covered my mouth and pulled my face back. I pressed my back hard against the wall, desperately trying to suppress my pounding heartbeat.

　Take one deep breath.

(Wh, what are you upset about? It's nothing! I just had to take care of something or something, or something!)

　"Sneaking around behind a building, out of sight, late at night?" another part of me calmly remarks.

　There's no way I won't check. There's no way something like that could happen to Nagumo! I thought to myself, raising my voice in my mind, and once again I sneaked my head out from around the wall.

　While Yuuka was upset, she seemed to have gone a little further inside. The voice was quite far away. However, I could still hear fragments.

"...I want that. Dahlia is--. If that's what you want, then I--"

"Y-Your Majesty? But, I--"

"It's okay, there's no problem. We won't let the people around us find out -- and also, we'll have to make sure we have the time..."

"Is it really alright? Shia-sama, this is――"

"--So, it's still a secret. --Don't tell anyone... We can be together--"

"... I'm so happy. This Dahlia - His Majestychild・cormorant・stomach・, I will accept it."

(Nooooo, this is totally what it's about! Dahlia-san looks so happy! Nagumo! I'm disappointed in you! Making a move on a maid! You cheater!)

　That's the worst! Of all people, she's Shia's friend! Is it because she's a maid? Do you really like maids that much!? Dahlia is certainly a wonderful maid!

　But, even so...

　That's right! There's no way Yue-san would stay silent――

"By the way, Yue is aware of it."

(Yue-saaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!! There's a limit to how broad-minded you are!!)

　Yuuka's inner screams didn't stop. For some reason, tears also began to overflow.

　Come to think of it, the reason he was bothering Dahlia so much in the daytime was to see if she was suitable to be the new bride? I imagine this and it makes sense to me.

(Dahlia wants nothing from me... No, no! That's not it!)

　Yuuka pulled her face away again and shook her head vigorously.

　Before anyone noticed, the conversation had stopped, and Hajime was looking at me suspiciously, "What has that guy been doing for a while now?", or rather, he had just started walking towards me...

(That's not true, but... ugh, waaaaahhh, I can't stay here any longer! I'm going back to my room.)

　Yuuka loudly spat out lines in her mind that would probably get her found dead the next morning and then she sprinted away.

"Umm, Your Majesty. Given the circumstances, perhaps there has been a misunderstanding?"

"Misunderstanding? … Ah, I see. Ah, that guy…"

"Fufu, she's adorable isn't she?"

"...Well, I won't deny it."

　I had no idea what kind of conversation was taking place.

　And so.

"Nana! Taeko!"

"Whaaat?! Wh, what?!"

"Enemy attack?!"

　Nana and Taeko jump out of their seats. Since they are aiming to become agents in the future, perhaps their mindset is different, but unlike the slightly sleepy Nana, Taeko wakes up quickly.

　However, Taeko's vigilance was instantly dispelled. Incidentally, Nana, who was still a little sleepy, woke up in an instant.

"I-I might have no choice but to become a maid."

　Seeing their best friend pleading with tearful eyes, Nana and Taeko looked at each other.

　After a pause, he grinned. There was no sign of any irritation from being woken up. It was as if he was saying, "This guy is getting interesting."

　So there was only one answer.

"Leave it to me!!"

　Yuuka's outfit for the next day had now been decided.

※bonus

　It happened after Yuuka had witnessed Hajime and Dahlia having a secret meeting and left.

　Under the same moonlight, the Goddess Lutoria was receiving a petition at the base of the Star Tree.

"Please, please reconsider. Please grant me the honor of serving at the knees of the great goddess once again!!"

　Prostrating themselves, they were beings with wings on their backs - Tennin. There were two of them. One was a young woman, the other an older man.

　The one desperately uttering her wish was a young woman, with her silver, princess-cut hair shining in the moonlight and a look in her eyes that seemed extremely proud.

　The man was in his sixties and looked good with a Kaiser mustache. He was probably the girl's chaperone. He kept glancing at her with a worried look, and seemed nervous about incurring the goddess' displeasure.

　The two were priests. They were the only link between the goddess Lutoria and the Celestials, who were forbidden from entering the isolated island as a rule. They were messengers.

「We have always been with God's will since the beginning of history. That will not change in the future! So why... why are you distancing us from you!」

　Seeing the woman pleading desperately with a tearful face, Lutoria felt like sighing.

　This child doesn't understand God's will.

(There are always exceptions to everything...)

　Many of the celestials, including the Heavenly King, understand the meaning of living outside the Holy Land and agree with Lutoria's heart and desire.

　However, there are certainly those who are indulged in the sweet title of God's Apostle, and the woman before him is one of them.

「I will manage these foolish humans perfectly! I will carry out God's will correctly! So, please――」

"Heavenly KingAstrus"Daughter of. Please understand. Those words are proof that you do not understand my intentions."

"--!"

　It is not surprising that the king would assign his own daughter to such an important role as a priest. However, it seems that he is neglecting her education too much.

　A look of shock and concern appeared in the Goddess Lutoria's mind.

　Has the King's eyes become clouded to appoint as a priest someone who has not yet escaped the rigid idea of ​​being a chosen people, or has he also become foolish in front of his daughter?

(No, perhaps that is why? To change the mindset of those who will lead the next generation?)

　But it's a kind of irreverence, like asking God to educate your daughter.

　Lutoria had an indescribable expression on her face.

　The princess and priestess opened her mouth to say something more, but an elderly male priest stepped in to stop her.

　But in the end there was no need to stop.

"Where is Sheeran?! I'm right here!!"

　It appeared from the roots of the star tree. It was shining brightly and for some reason was walking like a model.

　Needless to say, it was that no-good name――No, it was Soare. In truth, she had been sealed away at the base of the Star Tree, wrapped in a cocoon of roots, by Lutoria.

　It broke the seal and came flying out now. It was noisy, and I had thought of locking it away to encourage reflection until Hajime and the others went to the next world, but...

　To think he'd come out after burning down the roots of the Star Tree.

　Mother Lutria's eyes were filled with death. "You just burned a small part of the Star Tree, right?" she said. "Depending on the situation, isn't this a rebellion against God?" she said.

"Soare, who is allowed to come out――"

"Mother! Shia iswhereWherefart?"

　Listen to what I'm saying..." Mother Lutria said in irritation for a moment. Glancing at the two stunned priests, she cleared her throat.

"I thought you would make a fuss, so I had you leave while I was sealing you away. Of course, chasing after you would be outrageous, right?"

　Soare, who had been looking around restlessly like a love-struck girl, suddenly stopped at that moment.

　and,

"Hii."

"--- Princess, please stand back."

　Soare turned her head like a broken toy, rattling, rattling, rattling, so much that the Royal Priestess and the Uncle Priest trembled in fear.

"So, what are you talking about? Please remember your former self once more--"

"--Why would you do something like that?"

　It was disrespectful to interrupt the words of a mother goddess. However, before she could reprimand him, Mother Lutria had a thought.

　This is a bit unpleasant... or so I thought.

　That's because Soare's eyes were so dark. Not the eyes of a beloved mother. Udal and Lila were standing behind Lutria. Oros had circled around behind Soare and was peeking out from the ground.

　Then, a visitor arrives, throwing the situation into further chaos.

　An oval-shaped glow suddenly appeared, and a figure appeared from the "Gate".

"Goddess Lutria, there's something I'd like to ask. Could you make an exception and let me take just Dahlia Shuwaikh to the other world? I'd like her to travel back and forth as an ambassador to that world. Of course, there will likely be various conditions, starting with the requirement of secrecy, so I'd like to discuss that with you... Ah, of course, I understand the first condition. I also understand your feelings of not wanting to let your child go outside. But, I think we also need someone to act as a bridge between you and us. Something like a shrine maiden of the goddess. Ah, would it be a priest here? In that case, I'd like to make an exception and return her spiritual essence just to her, is that okay?"

　The moment he arrived, he started babbling away wishes that seemed to break their promise, a being who seemed like the embodiment of the concept of disrespect――It was Hajime-san.

　The Goddess Lutria's cheeks twitched. She tried to remain calm and opened her mouth to give him some criticism - but before she could,

"You are the one who caused suffering to my father and the army; no, you are the man who was the reason we were abandoned! And you made Dahlia Shuwaikh a priest?! A priest is someone who speaks for God. The most honorable role in the world! I can't forgive that!"

"Nagumo Hajime! Why did you come alone?! How inconsiderate! If you're going to come, you should come with Shia!!"

"Huh? What are you guys?"

　The roots of the star tree suddenly became noisy.

　Lutoria thought.

　It wasn't like this in the past.Divine spiritchildThere was never an instance of rebellion among the children, nor was there an instance of any child expressing an opinion.

　It was common for them to shed tears of joy and prostrate themselves just by seeing him.

　Moreover, he never imagined that he would meet such an unreasonable bastard from another world who would ask him for a favor as if he were a friend...

　And yet, this is what it looks like now.

　Where has the dignity of the goddess gone?

"Lady Lutoria! Please look upon this! Even if it means my body being destroyed, I will strike back at that monster! With my bravery, please grant my petition!"

"P-Princess, please stop."

"Nagumo Hajime, call Shia. Come on, hurry up. We haven't even had a proper conversation yet! Come on! Hurry, hurry!!"

"Shut up. I'm talking about something important now... So, Goddess Lutoria, there are always exceptions to everything, so how about we just meet with her in person for now? If we talk to her directly, she should think that she's the child of someone we can trust. After all, she's just outside the gate."

　There are always exceptions. I was just thinkingRidiculeYayuIt feels like that's happening to me and it makes me a little irritated.

"Now, this is normal!!"

"Please stop, Princess!"

"Nagumo Hajime! Shia! Hurry, Shia!"

　The Goddess let out a deep sigh at the noise in her normally silent sanctuary.

　and,

"...How did this happen"

　Well, it's probably mostly his fault.

　Lutoria then looked at Hajime who had mercilessly knocked down the Royal Priestess who had jumped on her (and Soare too, since they were being noisy) with an equal punch.

"Ah… that's it. Yes, it was self-defense. I was the victim. So please don't complain with comments like, how dare you treat my beloved child like that. So, Dahlia, can I call you?"

　He'll probably not leave until he gets his point across, even though he says he wants to discuss it.

　The gaze of Goddess Lutria, who had fully realized this turn of events, exuded a deep sense of disgust from the bottom of her heart.