Hello everyone!
Sorry, took a long time to update (again). New anime, manga, LN and WN I'm currently reading right now, so I took a month for a break and read some for references.
Also, I tried creating new fanfic but it gets shuts down by the fandom cause Kouki would be the center of the story. It's all fine now, cause why am I releasing a new fanfic if the one I'm currently writing didn't get half way through yet.
Anyway, that's all I have to say...
Enjoy~...
Early in the morning, on the Training Ground of Heiligh Kingdom...
[ KORAAAAAAA! What are you doing lazing around like that! ]
An angry voice resounded. It's Kuzeli Reil, one of the Knights Captain, and a member of Royal Guard.
She was without a doubt, a beautiful Onee-san for Aiko's students, but that voice that sounded like a delinquent somewhere, makes everyone stiffened without exception.
Then, why was she angry in the first place, the answer was...
[ I'm doing my best as you see captain... I'm not lazing around at all... ] A flat voice that lacks life on it enters Kuzeli's ear.
A vein bulge on her forehead. Kuzeli makes a bee line for the knight, grab both of her shoulder and starts shaking her up while shouting [ Your fighting less weaker than an infant, your eyes looks dead, and you can't even stand properly! ]
Just like she said. The Knight's looks were more like a zombie than a warrior.
Kuzeli stops shaking and glared at the Knight in question.
But instead of cowering in fear, the Knight only let out a sigh of despair.
[ Captain... Can I take my leave for now. I don't feel so good, I need to go to infirmary... ]
[ And why is that! You look better to me, you know! ]
The Knight let out a sigh of despair again and looked straight into Kuzeli. Those eyes of hers, lacks any light and looks exactly like a dead fish.
[ My heart is in pain... ] The Knight replied while holding on the chest part of her armor.
[ Stop spouting stupid nonsense! ] Kuzeli said before hitting the Knight's head with her wooden sword.
Nobody knows if she's just weak or Kuzeli's hit on her was too strong, but that strike on the Knight's head put her unconscious.
Kuzeli let out a sigh and approach the boy on front, who was silently watching them. It's Atsushi Tamai.
[ Sorry about this Tamai-sama, she's been like this since the Hero's party left. ]
Tamai, who was watching the other Knights drag the unconscious Knight to the corner, returned to his senses.
His gaze move back and forth at the Knight and Kuzeli, while replying [ I-it's fine really. I'm the one who asked you a favor in the first place. ]
Kuzeli bowed and replied [ Thank you very much... ] with apologetic expression.
A week already passed since they had become Adventurers, and Yuka's party continues to polish their skills.
Tamai today asked Kuzeli to fight mutiple Knight simultaneously. A feat only Kouki could do before.
Tamai had been polishing his dual weild sword style non-stop, and he came with an idea that instead of monsters, he would fight skilled fighters at the same time. This way, he can polish his reaction time with enemies who uses combination of attacks, launched in synchronised, and far more unpredictable.
Kuzeli and the Knights too was surprised. There's 4 of them already, attacking Tamai with synchronised attacks, but they can't even land a decisive hit. He's been parrying and blocking almost all of their attacks with unbelievable reflexes without moving at his position.
But on Tamai's perspective, he's still not skilled enough. Not only he can't block everything, his hands was full on defence that he can't even counter attack. Deep inside, he was thankful at that previous Knight who wasn't fighting seriously.
Tamai let out a sigh in exhaustion and decided to continue the conversation.
[ If you don't mind me asking... Why, is she like that? ]
[ Well... I don't know when, but recently she became obsessed with Shizuku-sama, for some reason. She's still a member of the Royal Guard, so I was hoping she would take this training seriously... ] Kuzeli let out a sigh in exasperation at the end.
Tamai could somehow understands if a man became obsessed with Shizuku, but a woman to be obsessed with her was out of his imagination.
[ W-what do you mean... by obsessed? ] Tamai asked hesitantly in confusion.
[ I don't know when it started but, she's been calling Shizuku-sama, "Onee-sama" for some reason. And whenever the Hero group went out, she'll get depressed and turn into a no good person like she is right now. ] Kuzeli sighed in exasperation again.
Tamai knows that, other than boys, there's also girls who was infatuated with Shizuku even back in Japan, but what he didn't know was the existence of a group called "Soul Sister".
It's a group of girls and women who had connections with Shizuku(one-sided), and declared themselves as her little sister. The number of its members here on Tortus and even back in Japan was unknown.
Seeing the expression of Kuzeli, who was tired for a completely different reason, Tamai decided to took a break for now instead. They only had started an hour ago and he don't feel any fatigue anywhere on his body, but he didn't how to console someone in this situation. In other words, it's only his consideration to Kuzeli.
Tamai approach where food and drinks placed neatly on the table. He took a glass of water and gulped it down in one go.
[ How did it go, Tamai-san?... ] A warm voice echoed inside Tamai's ear.
He turned his gaze where the voice was, and found Liliana, looking at him with warm gaze.
[ It's a good training, Liliana-san... I just need a few more adjustments, and I'll get the hang of it later. ] Tamai replied with an awkward smile.
[ I do appreciate your help guys, but please... don't push yourself too hard, okay? ] Liliana replied with apologetic expression.
[ You don't have to worry about that. We chose to do this ourselves. ]
In this passed week, Yuka's party has been going around on the nearby towns, exterminating monsters sends out by those Demons. Those guys became crafty and starts attacking those towns that had been visited by Fertility Goddess. They were only using small monsters who specialize on hiding their presence, or flying type to get crossed inside the country's border without alerting the Kingdom.
As the result, Liliana was pressed to rely on the stay home group, cause she can't split the army into multiple group to help these towns in need. A war could break out any moment, and she wants easy access to the entire army so she can move them the moment's notice.
This might be one of the Demons scheme to weakened the Humanity. Number was there only advantage afterall, adding the strains on everyone's mind by implanting impatient wound be a huge hinder for the incoming war.
Tamai didn't know how much they contributed for the Humanity, and how deep Liliana's gratitude for them ran. He himself felt a little guilty about it. When they're only going around to train and find an alternative way to get back home, Liliana was thanking them wholeheartedly. He's already aware this world's God true nature, and even a week already passed, Tamai still failed to act normally in front of her.
At this time he wondered, how Yuka, Shizuku, and Kaori acts around Liliana normally when they themselves known the truth already.
A sigh leaked out again, and Tamai starts stuffing his mouth with light meal provided for everyone.
He looked to the side, and found others training diligently.
Akito were training Taeko to use magic more efficiently. While Noboru were doing a training with Nana.
The two were doing a skeet shooting like training, by destroying a ball of ice toss by Nana far into the air. This will help improve Noboru's effective range, and accuracy.
Tamai continues to watch the others until Kuzeli approached him with a substitute training partner for him.
Which was rejected awkwardly by Tamai. He knows his limit, and 3 people was already beyond his skills. Even though, they were using wooden sword, he doesn't want to get hit too much.
Tamai starts his training with Kuzeli and the others.
The group trained without breaks. They would only stop to rehydrate themselves and returned to what they were doing after.
Liliana on the side watched them with apologetic expression. Of course, she noticed their weird behaviour recently. She didn't know why, but other than Yuka, Taeko and the others were obviously avoiding her. That's why she would deliberately spare some time to watch their training, or join them on the table. But even with that, Taeko's group didn't bother to talk with her unless it's necessary, which brings an uneasiness into her heart.
Liliana thought, that Yuka and the others were only helping them to find their way home, since they were trapped in this world anyway. That's why, she can't help but felt guilty when they were pushing themselves to the limit to fight. It's mostly their fault, why these children had to fight with their lives on the line.
After Hajime's fight against the church, Liliana doubt Aiko and the others would put their trust on them anymore. That mostly the reason why she offered to them to do what they want. She don't want force them anymore to do what they don't want. Even if they decided to live here in the Palace for free until they went home, she won't object such absurd idea. But contrary to her expectations, Aiko and her students were still doing what they can to help the Kingdom, which makes Liliana very happy.
Liliana took a sip on her tea, and sighed in exhaustion.
It's almost noon already, so Taeko and the others decided to get some break before lunch.
The group approached the table near Liliana, and starts wiping themselves with towels provided. Among the group, only Tamai took some damages, so only him was drinking an health potion on top of mana potion he had to take to replenish their mana.
They starts talking to each other, updating their progress while subconsciously ignoring Liliana's existence on the side.
Taeko and the other knew that she wasn't at fault. They already considered telling her about the God's circumstances, but Yuka put a stop to it. If they want to open this revelation, they need a strong evidence to back them up. As a result they can't converse or look Liliana properly.
Liliana sense the wall between the group, so as starters she decided to open up a topic to attract their attention.
[ ...I just noticed, everyone... Where, is Yuka-san? ] Liliana said while looking around.
[ Hm? Oh Lilycchi, Yukacchi didn't mentioned you? Actually, Jenny-san of Adventurer's Guild, requested Yukacchi to head there early in the morning. I don't know the details, but they mention something about promoting her into silver rank. ] Nana replied cheerfully. She seems getting used to it now, on how to act in front of Liliana.
[ Is that so... Oh, I just remember. My retainer mentioned someone getting promoted into silver rank a few days ago. I didn't noticed it was for Yuka-san. It's kinda busy lately, sorry if I can't hold a party about it. ] Liliana replied with sad expression.
Everyone looked at Liliana worriedly. At her age, to push herself to help everyone else was quite admirable.
[ Y-you don't have to do it, really. If Yuka-chan is here, she would insist on not to do it. ] Taeko replied. She stammered a little, but her act was still good enough.
[ ...If you say so. ]
The conversation died there, and what's left was an awkward atmosphere where they can't even meet each others eyes.
Seeing the unbearable atmosphere, Liliana made a follow up immediately.
[ T-then... Why didn't any of you go with her? ] Liliana asked while tilting her head in confusion.
[ Yukacchi said she would only go there and leave after receiving the promotion. She should be here already but... What's taking her so long? ]
[ Maybe the Adventurers there starts a little party for her. I bet Sonobe can't leave unless the party is done. ] Tamai answered.
[ Yeah... She's too considerate for other people afterall. ] Akito followed up.
The group smiles warmly from imagining Yuka's current situation.
[ Also, Ai-chan-sensei wants to talk to us on lunch. That's why, instead of training outside, we decided to train here and wait for lunch time. ]
[ I see... Then, do you mind if I join you on lunch? ]
[ Huh? What are you saying Liliana-san? Of course we don't mind. ] Noboru replied.
[ Really!?... ] Liliana asked excitedly.
[ Yeah! This is your castle after all. ] Tamai followed with a smile.
Liliana's smile froze, and her excitement died down.
The boys don't know why, but they can hear her whispering [ It's because of that, huh? ]
Taeko and Nana glared at the boys, and immediately talks to divert Liliana's mood back to normal.
[ S-soreja, let's meet there Lily-chan. We'll change first before Ai-chan-sensei scold us. ]
Taeko said before heading inside the palace.
[ See you later~ ]
After Nana's words, others followed suit and went inside the palace.
While the group were walking, a sound of cutting through wind resounded, and a scream of [ Ouch! ] [ Ow! ] and [ Why me too!? ] could be heard.
It seems Taeko manipulated her whip and hit the boys in the head behind her. Her skills to use her weapon to hit someone on her blind spot was the result of her hard work.
The boys only looked at Taeko in combination of anger and confusion, but atleast one of them knows he's innocent. Regardless, he was still hit along with the two, is this the power of friendship?
Inside the dining area, where only the clacking sound of silverware could be heard. An heavy atmosphere were lingering.
Liliana, who was among the people inside, glance at the side that causes this heavy atmosphere. It's Hatayama Aiko.
Compared to Taeko and the others, the atmosphere created by Aiko was completely different. That's probably because of piled up work given to her by the new Pope.
The death of Ishtar was officially announced, and Aiko was used to mediate with multiple conflicts happened inside the capital as for the aftermath.
That also includes the conflicts of Nobles against the Royals. She was forced to lie, in front of hundreds of people, and the guilt weighing her mind was tremendous.
Aiko herself knows the importance of her job. This would also protect her own students and she herself wasn't against on this absurd ideas. She also blame herself, cause she was the one who chose the next Pope randomly without checking their background, so it was just her, reaping what she saw.
And as a result, Aiko's time to look after the students shrink down, and she could hardly get any rest. But she was thankful now, seeing that there's no commotion happening in these past few days. Which lead to another stressful assignment given to her, and causes her mood to distort.
Liliana was thinking of a way to lightened up Aiko's mood, but the only one who could do it was her own students. She again glance to the far side of the table and looked at her only hope.
The group of students right there was too busy reading and scribbling, that they managed to ignore the unbearable silent atmosphere. Liliana already tried to converse with them during lunch and she could hardly get any reply. It's Shimizu Yukitoshi and the others.
Unlike the others who train outside as an Adventurer. Shimizu's group coop up inside the Royal library and study diligently. As a Dark Mage, he specialize curses and debuffs while others specialize on support skills and large scale spells. The Kingdom provides plenty of books containing, spells, magic theory, and ancient curses for them to study into, which explains why they didn't join Yuka's party to train.
The only time Liliana saw them was when they eat together with the others, or when Akito and Nana invited them to train on the Training ground.
At that time, everyone displayed their skills perfectly, except Shimizu. Other than his offensive spells, they hadn't seen him used any kind of curses. Except his skills when they only had started, nobody knows yet what's his capabilities now.
Liliana glanced again at Aiko on her side and sighed in exhaustion. At the time like this, she imagined how the Monster of the Abyss would blow away all of her problems at ease. If only he accepted her proposal.
But Liliana's mood becomes happy when she heard the people approaching this room, chatting behind the door.
The door was opened loudly because of the silent atmosphere, and the people who just entered looked them with complicated gazes.
[ K-konichiwa~ Ai-chan-sensei, Lilycchi, everyone! ] Nana greet them excitedly.
Taeko and the others enters the Dining area and immediately took a seat next to Aiko and Liliana.
[ Yo, Shimizu, everyone! Why are you all so far! Come sit here next to us! ] Tamai said while pulling the chair next to him.
Nobody knows why, but Shimizu clicks his tongue and looked at them in annoyance for a second there. Regardless, he accepted the offer and they all sit quietly next to Tamai's group.
[ Then. Any progress today? ] Akito asked with a smirk.
Shimizu looked at him with tired gaze and nodded in confirmation.
[ I see, that's good Shimizucchi! Guys, just ask us when you want to train with us outside. You can count on us, you know? ]
Shimizu didn't say anything and nodded again to Nana's statement, before returning to his work.
Everyone knows that Shimizu was an introvert. Even back in Japan, they could hardly talk with him, so they don't know him that very well. But seeing him study while eating, tells that he was an hard worker too like everyone else.
The maids inside, immediately moves and prepare the food for the rest of stay home group. Their respect for Yuka and the others sky rocketed unlike before when this group declined to fight on the front line.
Unlike the Hero, Yuka and the others had save more people than he did, so they live up to their name as God's Apostles who will save their nation.
[ Yuka-san weren't with you everyone? ] Aiko asked in concern.
[ Yukacchi was promoted into silver rank, Ai-chan-sensei. So she'll comeback this afternoon... maybe. ] Nana replied while averting her gaze from Aiko.
[ Nevermind that for now Ai-chan-sensei. What is it you want to talk about? ] Taeko said, going straight to the main topic.
The food was already ready, Taeko and the others digs in without hesitation.
Aiko looked everyone with warm gaze, and a sighed leaked out from her.
[ Jitsuwa, the church already gave me a project. So I'll be leaving you all for now. ]
[ ... Eh? Is he serious? You went through this entire week with hardly any rest, and now he'll just give you new job to work into? ] The paused there showed how surprising news it was.
[ Talk about black company. With due respect but, I find that Pope quite annoying compared to Ishtar-san. ]
Even though that's disrespectful for the church, the new Pope obviously abusing his authority to push the Fertility Goddess to her limit, which makes sense why they find his existence annoying.
Looking at Aiko's tired state, Liliana and the maids could sympathize with the students.
[ Also, the way he touch Ai-chan-sensei, makes me wanna punch him in the face. ]
Liliana and the maids flinched from hearing Taeko's statement. On their perspective, other than over working his subjects, this new Pope was no doubt, a kind person.
The students already met this new Pope, and despite his handsome figure and calm expression, his over all personality resembles a lunatic. Adding the fact that, they knew exactly what kind of God they worships, it's already beyond them to put their trust on church.
Hearing their complains, weighed down Liliana's guilt
[ Well, on behalf of Otnis-sama... I apologize. ] (TN: Otnis Yaeger is his full name. Father of Hajime's personal maid.)
Taeko and the others looked at Liliana and, they all smiled warmly seeing such sincerity.
[ You don't have to apologize Lilycchi. It's not like it's your fault really... We just want, that, to, uhmm... ] Nana trailed off. She don't know how to explain what she felt exactly.
Liliana tilted her head and looked at Nana on confusion. After seeing her troubled expression, Liliana smiled, and decided to shift the topic instead out of consideration.
[ On the other hand, what is it Aiko-sama wants to talk about? ]
Aiko looked at Liliana in confusion and said [ I already said it though. ]
[ Eh- that's all you want to talk about, Sensei? ]
[ You even went this far to invite us on lunch. ]
[ Yeah, rather than that, you could just inform us on Training ground, and after that, take the rest of the day off. ]
Noboru, Tamai, and Akito said while looking at Aiko in concern.
Truth be told, the idea of helping Aiko of course crossed to their minds already, but the conflicts Aiko had to face can't be solved with brute force, so they had no choice but to keep doing the way they do things, and protect Aiko on their own ways.
[ No, the reason I invited you all here is because... I'll be leaving tomorrow. ]
Taeko and the others went silent. They all looked at Aiko in confusion. Then after a few seconds...
[ [ [ Ehhhhhh!! ] ] ]
...They all stands and shouted in unison.
[ What do you mean tomorrow, Ai-chan-sensei!? ]
[ Isn't that too sudden!? ]
[ Are they out of their mind!? ]
[ Aren't they even aware of your state!? ]
[ Are they stupid!? Are they stupid!? I'll say it twice since it's important, ARE THEY STUPID!? ]
Complains floods in from Taeko, Nana, Akito, Noboru, and Tamai. Nobody could retort to Tamai anymore cause of the tension.
Even Liliana were taken aback.
Looking at everyone's perspective, someone would really doubt that person's sanity if the person in question were too demanding to someone who's willing to help them.
[ E-everyone, c-calm down! ]
[ You know we can't do that, Ai-chan-sensei! ]
[ Yeah, they are going too far, you know? ]
The racket of students continues, for a few more minutes, until Liliana decided to meddle in...
[ Everyone!... J-jitsuwa, this task was given to Aiko-sama a few days ago... ]
Liliana could sympathize with Taeko and the others, but expected, she can't neglect that they were complaining on the Holy Church because of misunderstanding.
[ I know, I already said that you could do whatever you want, but Aiko-sama... she decided this herself... ]
The noise died down, and they all looked at Liliana who was looking at everyone with eyes filled with guilt.
Everyone's feeling started to calm down, and Aiko decided to followed up.
[ That's right everyone... I decided to help this Kingdom on my own volition. Even if I'm not a combat class, I would do what I have to do to protect all of you... ]
Aiko paused and looked everyone with gaze filled with determination.
[ I would tire myself down if I have to just to bring you all home safe and sound, Nagumo-kun included. I haven't given up on him yet, but I don't want to repeat the same mistake as before. I will do what it takes so I could protect everyone away from any danger. ]
Aiko had this resolve even back before she discovered Hajime's survival. She, who was powerless at that time, resolves herself to protect her own students no matter what it takes.
Hajime's deed at that party only strengthen that resolve of hers. That's why, even she looks like half dead already cause of exhaustion, she won't give up.
Taeko and the others was unaware of Aiko's resolve, but seeing her now makes them dumbfounded for serveral reason. They thought that they should be the one protecting Aiko since she's a non-combat, but it seems it's in the other way around.
Taeko sighed and smiles warmly at Aiko.
[ If Ai-chan-sensei said that then, we won't say anything anymore... ]
[ ...Thank you. ] Aiko said before smiling brightly.
[ But... Let us atleast help you this time. ]
Nana and the others nodded in agreement.
[ That shouldn't be necessary. You all should stay here in the Palace and stay away from danger. ]
[ Ai-chan-sensei, we've already faced countless danger in this past few days, don't you think it's already late for that? ] Nana said with a smile.
[ I-I know that, but you see... I don't know if any of you really can help me out on this. If you're here in the Palace, you all can continue being Adventurers and help out the Kingdom on your own way. ]
[ Then... We will be your guard, Sesei! ] Tamai blurted out.
Aiko stared at him in suprised.
[ But, I already have bodyguards, you know? I don't think that's really necessary. ]
[ It is necessary, Ai-chan-sensei! If you're doing your best to protect us, then we'll do the same for you! ] Taeko immediately replied.
Aiko was taken aback from how pushy Taeko was. Looking at the rest of the students, they seems going with Taeko's statement. Except for Shimizu's group who was only looking everyone with tired gaze.
[ E-everyone, I do appreciate your concerns, but, look, my bodyguards consist of skilled Templar Knights. If ever problem rises, they'll definitely protect me at all cost. ]
[ That's more of a reason we should be there for you Sensei! ] Tamai shouted.
[ Eh-? ] Aiko tilted her head and everyone inside the room stared at Tamai in confusion.
Taeko and the others also stared at him, but in different reason. They seems in pain and annoyed on something.
[ I-is something wrong everyone? ] Aiko asked in concern.
[ No, it's nothing Sensei... ] Tamai said without meeting Aiko's gaze.
Yes. Days had passed already, but Yuka's party still didn't tell regarding the truth of this world to Aiko and even Shimizu and the others.
One factor was that, everyone was too busy on their own. But the main reason was, the danger from knowing such information.
They had faced multiple investigations from the new Pope himself, but thanks to Yuka's help, they getting out of it without cost. It seems the Pope was being warry against the rest of God's Apostles, given that one of them causes a major tragedy. The space they had to work into was slowly shrinking, and they can't afford to increase the chance of getting caught off. That's why they didn't dare to open up this information to Aiko. It's for everyone's sake afterall.
But Liliana could see through them without effort.
[ E-everyone, is something wrong? Recently, all of you seems restless or something. ]
[ Nothing!... Nothing, Lilycchi... ] Nana answered while averting her gaze.
[ Yeah, there's nothing to worry about Lily-san... ] Taeko followed up with a smile.
Liliana stared at them for a few seconds and smiles warmly.
[ Well, if you say so. I wish you could tell me if there's something bothering you, but if you insist, I won't pry to it any longer. ]
Taeko and the others was dumbfounded at first, but then they smiled in appreciation. The guilt inside their chest grew bigger from seeing Liliana's consideration to them.
[ Let's leave that for now... I want to ask if it's really fine to decide on your own without Yuka-san's opinion? ]
[ Don't worry Lilycchi. Even if Yukacchi is our leader, we can think and decide on our own, you know. ] Nana replied with a confident smile.
[ T-that's not what I meant, Nana-san. It's just that, maybe we should wait for Yuka-san before you make any move. ]
[ Oh, right... But trust me, Yukacchi will definitely agreed to this without a second thought. ]
The rest of the students except Shimizu's group nodded in agreement.
[ I-is that so. Well, you can do what you want anyway, so~... I wish you good luck. ]
Nana smiled in satisfaction from hearing that.
[ With that Ai-chan-sensei! You will be in our care now. ]
[ Wait! I haven't given my approval yet, you know! ] Aiko protested.
[ There you go again Sensei *sigh*... We can handle on our own, you know. So instead of worrying about us, you should take care of yourself instead. ] Akito said with a hint of exasperation.
Aiko fliched from hearing that. She heard their resolves already, but as expected, they were all still kids that she needs to take care of.
[ B-but-! ]
[ No buts... We will be your guard from now on. And that's final. ] Tamai talks before Aiko. complained.
Aiko got overwhelmed and sit down quietly on her chair.
Seeing her like that, Taeko and the others smiles while looking warmly at her.
[ Yosh! Let's get going and catch up on Sonobe! Resupply is must a remember? ] Tamai said with excited tone.
[ [ [ [ YEAH! ] ] ] ]
Suprisingly, Shimizu joined in pumping his fist with everyone. His voice was low, but everyone smiles warmly seeing him motivated.
[ Oh, Shimizucchi will be joining us now huh? ]
Shimizu stared at Nana and nodded in agreement.
[ Yosh! Let's gets some necessities and we'll see what you got later. ] Akito said with serious tone.
After compromising their plans, they all start eating peacefully.
In the middle of their lunch, Noboru got an idea and decided to asked Aiko something.
[ Ow, by the way Sensei. Where's your next destination? Might as well gather some info on that place for safety measures. ]
Aiko put a finger on her cheek and starts thinking while looking up in the ceiling. She's too cute regardless of her age.
[ Hmmm~... If I remember correctly- it's... Lake, Town of Ur? ]
