[ A-anosa Shimizu-kun... Where were you yesterday. We got worried since none of us know where you were through out the day. ]
Early in the morning, during their breakfast. Aiko voice out her concern during their meal. Others seems reluctant to ask cause Shimizu was emitting an atmosphere like he really don't want to talk about it since last night. But out of concern for him, someone should really ask for it.
[ ... I just... went explore the town Sensei. ] Shimizu replied with small voice.
Since their table was surrounded by curtains, his voice was amplified and could be heard by everyone else.
[ I-is that so... But the next time you went out, you should atleast tell us where you'll go so we didn't have to worry when we can't find you. ] Shimizu only nodded and resumes on his meal.
After that, a silent atmosphere descended and everyone eat their meals without making so much noise.
Seeing that, Tamai decided to break the silence atmosphere.
[ Oh, I just remember Sensei... We already finished clearing out the area you chose on the west part of the town. The process for that was postponed since we need someone to guide us for creating the waterline but... Did you properly rest already? ]
Aiko looked at Tamai and smiles warmly. She do had good students that still worry for her despite of them getting exhausted themselves.
[ Rest assured. My sleep last night was the best since I arrive on this world, so you could say that my body is ready for any kind of problem I'll face today. ] Aiko talks with firm voice while puffing out her chest proudly. She didn't even realized how ominous her statement was.
[ W-well that's good to hear. But please don't overwork yourself again, okay Sensei?.... ] Tamai was taken aback, but he replied with happy tone regardless. He didn't mention anymore that the reason Aiko was able to sleep peacefully was basically because they hypnotized her. Others only smiled awkwardly while Yuka, the culprit, only shrugged her shoulders and continue on her meal. But after a few moments, she too suddenly had an idea flash to her mind.
[ Ai-chan-sensei, I also have something to ask for you? Is it fine?... ]
[ Hm? It's fine though... What is it exactly you want to ask me anyway? ]
For some reason Nana and Taeko on Yuka's side both start giggling and stared at Aiko and the others excitedly.
[ It's a secret... ] Taeko replied with her index finger on front of her lips.
Tamai and co. got curious and starts asking questions about that. But none of the two or Yuka gave anymore explanation about it.
After that, the boys gave up and they all continue on their meal happily. The work for today was piling up, but none of them seems worried on any of it anyway. The only thing they had to do was give everything they got to accomplish anything, regardless of its difficulty.
Aiko's group, accompanied with with her personal guards, David and the others, walks towards their todays location.
[ Oh! It's the Fertility Goddess-sama! ] One of the farmer shouted while waving his hand on Aiko's direction.
The other Farmer and Adventurers' attention was diverted instantly after hearing that. They all turned their gaze on where Aiko's group at, and smiled happily while waving energetically.
[ The God's Apostles and Fertility Goddess-sama! ]
[ Fertility Goddess-sama! *whistle* ] (TN: The whistle here was when the crowd was cheering, not for cat calling.)
[ Good morning, Fertility Goddess-sama! ]
Lots of people starts calling out to them, others were greeting them with full smile, and for some reason, the Adventurers Yuka and Tamai's group subdued were praying attentively. All of this was done without some of them leaving on their respective work.
This was already an everyday occurrence, so Aiko was already getting used to it (probably). But since the work was still piling up with one thing and another, Aiko asked everyone that none of them don't had to give a proper greetings whenever she's around. To avoid getting unnecessarily surrounded by the residents of this town, Aiko asked them to instead focus their entirety on their job, and they could greet them whenever they finish it already, or when the day was over. In other words, they can't talk through them, regarding on worshipping her like a God.
Seeing everyone like that, Aiko waved back at them with a smile, while both of her cheeks were cramping non-stop. Even Yuka and others' expression was indescribable. Only David's group, were smiling triumphantly.
On this past few days, Farmer, Soldiers, Adventurers, and even small children were helping on everydays work, turning this town from a tourist attraction, into a large scale farming industry. It wasn't because the work was easy, the work was devided equally for those who has capability. The Farmers was assigned on tilling the plots with the help of Aiko's tool, the Adventurers and Soldiers were tasked for digging the new water line and carrying stuffs from one place to another, and the small children who were working with Adults, probably their parents, distributing refreshments to everyone.
Everyone was working smoothly. The Job was pretty standard, and seeing everyone who can still smile regardless of their exhaustion makes even Aiko smile genuinely happy.
Even Yuka's group were smiling happily, after digesting the fact that the criminals they caught had turned into devote followers of Aiko. But for some reason, there's a hint of sympathy deep within their eyes.
That's probably because of this world circumstances. They all believes that the God of this world who everyone worshipped, had really sent them here to save humanity. That fact alone makes Yuka's chest constrict painfully from guilt. Their group alone(except Shimizu) knows the true nature of this God, but the fact that they can't share it to anyone brought burden on each if their minds. This was probably what Hajime meant before he told Yuka about the truth of this world. He asked both her and Shizuku to think their next move cause things might get dicey if they act recklessly.
Yuka shook her head from thinking such stuffs. In the first place, Hajime obviously didn't meant it that way. He don't really care what kind of conflict they would face if they make a wrong move. He's just probably making the situation more convenient for him when they met again.
Can I hit him once when we met again!? Yuka thought while clenching her fist tightly *beki*beki* that it makes such sound. Her smile was still on but the small killing intent she was releasing was making everyone around her having a cold sweat.
After walking for a few minutes, their destination entered to Aiko's line of sight. Lots of people gathered, and everyone seems to be having some sort of expectations. Ahead of her sight was Fred, the mayor of this town, along with his secretary.
[ Ouhhh! Fertility Goddess-sama! It's good to see you today! ]
[ T-thank you Fred-san. Sorry about yesterday that I took the rest of the day off. ] Aiko said before bowing apologetically.
[ What are you saying Fertility Goddess-sama? You've done plenty for us, and all we can pay you is, with our gratitude. Letting you take rest is necessary for you to perform at your best. ]
[ I-is that so, hehehe... ] Aiko scratches her head while smiling shyly.
[ Also, the God's Apostles did plenty enough to help us. Thanks to them, the west part of Ur is on it's final phase, and the other parts of town is also progressing far more smoothly thanks Yuka-sama, Taeko-sama and Nana-sama here. ]
Yuka and the others only diverted their gaze with cheeks flushed red. They were obviously embarrassed from getting complimented.
[ And it was also thanks to them that the number of incidents happened on the whole town decreased drastically compared to last year. I say, they are the finest warriors I know despite their age. ]
[ I-is that so... I'm glad that my students was plenty of help... ]
[ I really can't thank you enough, Fertility Goddess-sama... ] Fred says before bowing respectively. The warm smile on his face and the small tear gathering on the corner of his eyes was enough to express how deep his gratitude was.
Seeing that, everyone on the surroundings also bowed deeply towards Aiko's group to express their deep gratitude.
Only the silver haired Secretary next to Fred, was keeping her head high, and only watched the scene with emotionless eyes.
Seeing that, Aiko hurriedly asked [ S-stop that! In the first place, it is my job, so it's my responsibility to take care of it. No need for anyone to bow in front of me. ] She can't bear the guilt. The fact that she's only helping them so that the Kingdom won't kick out her and her students, makes her heart ache.
[ But it's a fact that you saved this town, Fertility Goddess-sama... You saved us. ] Fred replied. He didn't stop from bowing, even after Aiko's plead.
[ O-ok! Ok! I get it! N-now, everyone lift your head up, and we still have lots of job to do, okay!? So stop with the bowing for now! ]
Hearing that, everyone starts lifting up their heads one by one, and they all stared in Aiko in disbelief. After a few moments, everyone smiles happily. Aiko's innocence, and pure intentions to help despite her face like she seems struggling, warmed everyones' heart.
Seeing that, Aiko again smiled awkwardly, before turning her gaze to huge field in front of her.
It's empty plot with only shallow level of water.
[ Yosh, is everyone ready?! ]
[ OOohhhhh! ] Everyone shouted excitedly.
[ Then... Let's get to work! ]
That's the cue, and Aiko starts giving instructions to everyone. The tasks for today was pretty simple, but it required lots of people's help to accomplish as soon as possible. The men were tasked to spread the manure everyone gathered in the past few days. In such a large field, there's no doubt that it would take some time to finish. Even Yuka's party was bound to help, along with David's group. They were wearing their P. E uniforms, which they happen to bring with them before summoning. (TN: The P. E uniforms is base on Anime, and it's definitely questionable how they brought it before they got summoned.)
It's quite surprising there's no problem occur even with countless Adventurers within the area. But some of them were trying to attract Aiko's attention. Even David's group didn't miss a chance to appeal too on Aiko. Most of them also starts bickering with each other, arguing on trivial stuffs, like Aiko's nickname or on how some of the group even went and built a throne for Aiko to sit on. But suddenly...
[ ... ]
A wave of killing intent burst somewhere on the field, and all of the Adventurers and David's group who were being a nuisance a few moments ago, starts shivering in fear. Their sweat from exhaustion turned cold from the intensity of killing intent. But nobody dared to turning their gaze where the killing intent were coming from. They all just returned to their task like it was natural.
[ Y-Yukacchi... I didn't you could do that? ] Nana asked in fear.
[ Ye-yeah. The last time I feel that was during the party on the castle. ]
The source of that killing intent surprisingly comes from Yuka. She had unlocked Intimidate all by herself. But that should be expected. With her affinity on learning any kind of skill, and dealing with different kind of nuisance everyday, she would eventually unlock that skill that should only be available to a monster somewhere.
Taeko and the other already seen Yuka dealing with all the Adventurers trying to mess with them, by realising a wave mana while holding out her deadly daggers. Nobody knows when she had unlocked this, but the number of times they had seen she use it was only today.
But for some reason, it was far inferior to one they don't want to remember.
What differentiate Yuka's Intimidate to Hajime's, was their purpose. Yuka's used it in desire to scare her oppnents, while on Hajime's was his pure intention to kill. That small difference has a huge impact to the effect of the skill. Even Nana and Taeko could understand it to that degree.
[ I just learned it yesterday, and it was surprisingly easy when you learn it. ]
[ No, no, no, no, Yukacchi. It wasn't that easy acquiring skills on this world. ]
[ This is absurd. Y-you're losing your common sense Yuka-chan. ]
Yuka only stared at her friends in confusion and shrugged her shoulders before returning to her task. The boys near them were doing their task properly, but judging from the cramped smile on their faces, and eyes full of resignation, they obviously heard Yuka's statement, and can't help but get hopeless seeing how Yuka got stronger everyday.
The work continues without any problem after Yuka's interaction? with Aiko's followers, and noon arrives with everyone covering upto half of today's task. Everyone obviously was exhausted, but thanks to the refreshments brought by Foss and Michael half way through, everyone's exhaustion was lifted down even just for little bit. The rest was filled up by Aiko's motivation and everyone's desire to prosper.
At that time, Yuka along with Aiko, Nana, and Taeko were discussing something with Michael. Like Foss, his restaurant was pretty famous too throughout the town, and he was also pretty famous from processing all kind of spices that brought by the Adventurers from the mountains. It was common knowledge amongYuka's party that Yuka's family owned a restaurant back on Earth, so the boys concluded that Yuka was probably asking to be thought about the cooking of this world, or rather are they discussing something else? Tamai's group thought while drinking the juice prepared for everyone.
Rather than Yuka, the one getting excited was both of the Owners of the famous restaurants and inn of this town. The boys can't comprehend anymore, so they all chalk it to their imaginations and returned back to their work.
Aiko looked at the report presented by Fred, and her gaze turned back to the field before calling out to everyone.
[ Everyone!... That should be all for now! Let's take a break first, and resume later at the afternoon! Goodwork everyone! ]
[ OOOOOHHHHHH! ]
Seeing Aiko's happy smile, it was a sign that they made a huge progress today, that it makes everyone glad for each others effort.
Everyone went out of the mud field, wash themselves up before returning to their houses for lunch. As for some of the Adventurers, Michael's family offered a rice ball like dish and all of them seems satisfied enough already. Among those was the group that was harassing them just yesterday. Michael's family can't help but stared at them in fear and confusion, but seeing that they apologize to them sincerely, they happily served the food they made, free of charge.
[ Let's get some lunch too, Ai-chan-sensei! ] Nana said excitedly while washing herself and the others with water magic.
[ Yes, let's do that. ] Aiko smiles warmly. Watching her students enthusiasm brings warm to her heart.
Aiko has dozens of things to think about, but at the time like this, she could just throw all of it on the back of her mind, and just have fun like the rest of her students.
Fred smiles warmly seeing that, before speaking to Aiko.
[ Then, may I have the honor to invite everyone of you for lunch? ]
[ Hm? Oh, no need for that Fred-san. It seems you too didn't get any rest yesterday, so I suggest you should get some. Sorry about leaving all of that work to you though. ]
[ O-oh... Did it show on my face? I can't believe you'll worry for somelike me, Fertility Goddess-sama... ]
[ What are you saying Fred-san? In the first place, it's technically my fault that you didn't get a proper rest. ]
The amount of work left by Aiko yesterday was tremendous. Fred knows he's one among who suggest to Aiko to get some rest, but he didn't expect that him carrying out her duty would put him with such burden. This also explains his gratitude to Yuka's party for helping out with the other tasks.
[ Then I'll take your offer then, and get some rest. ] Fred bowed and said [ I'll take my leave here, Fertility Goddess-sama... ]
Everyone watched Fred's back with warm gaze. They too was thankful to him for taking Aiko's place on leading everyone while she was resting.
They were all smiling like that before an unpleasant feeling wells up. Yuka, Nana, Taeko, Tamai, Akito, and Noboru turned their gaze where that feeling comes from and saw the silver haired secretary looking at their direction with emotionless eyes. She's just looking at them, but Yuka's party felt like someone was watching too. They were about to call out for the secretary, but Aiko suddenly noticed something and voice out her concern.
[ Wait! Where's Shimizu-kun!? ]
After Aiko's outburst, Yuka and the others' gazes ran across their surrounding.
[ I just saw him helping with us though! Did he went back to the inn befoee us? ]
[ Me too! I thought he was drinking juice with us at one moment, and I didn't even noticed that he's gone!? ]
[ By any chance, is he like Endou!? ]
Tamai, Nobrou, and Akito's voice resounded. Even the girls were quite disturbed by the fact that nobody noticed him missing until now. Is he really the 2nd Endou? they thought.
[ Calm down for now! Let's split up and try to find him! ]
[ Yeah! Shimizu-kun should be somewhere in this town! ]
[ SHIMIZUCCHI!! ]
Yuka, and Taeko properly shared out their good ideas while Nana alone shout out Shimizu's name like she was his mother, looking for her lost child on the grocery store.
[ Yes, let's split up! Sonobe-san and Miyazaki-san go to west! Sugawara-san and Atsushi-kun to the south! Nimura-kun and--! ]
Aiko gave out instructions like a proper adult, but because of her panic state, David and the others interrupted Aiko, and immediately voice out their idea to try and alleviate Aiko's concern.
[ Aiko, you should head back to the inn for now with your students and get something to eat. We'll look for Shimizu-sama in your stead. ] David said with calm voice.
[ B-but--! ]
Aiko tried to reason out, but the others butted in on their conversation.
[ Yeah! Leave it to us Aiko-san. We'll find him soon before you finish your lunch! ]
The rest of Aiko's personal bodyguards nodded in agreement.
[ B-but... If we all look for Shimizu-kun, we will find him in no time so... ]
[ Aiko... Just trust us... ]
[ B-but... ] Seeing David's eyes full of confidence, there's no doubt that they'll really do their best to find Shimizu as quickly as possible, but Aiko wasn't convinced yet.
David's group was exhausted in various senses, so it's should be obvious that Aiko and her students was exhausted too. So as a men they claim to be, David thought it was only natural that they should be the one to take this task and let Aiko took some rest.
Seeing that the conversation between Aiko and David's group wont progress any further, Yuka decided to meddled in.
[ Let's leave it to them, Ai-chan-sensei... ]
[ Sonobe-san?... ] Aiko turned her gaze to Yuka in disbelief.
The others also look at Yuka like she was crazy before turning their gaze back at Aiko, but at that moment, they all smile in understanding and nodded in agreement on Yuka's statement.
[ Yeah Sensei! They'll find Shimizu in no time. There's no way he'll leave the town for no reason, right? ] Tamai said with unconcerned tone.
[ ...Y-yes, that's true, but- ]
[ How about this... If they didn't find him after lunch, we'll help too on searching for him. ] Noboru followed up.
Yuka and the others were looking at Aiko in concern, and she wasn't dense enough to not see that, they too were worrying not only for herself but also to their classmate.
Aiko looked at her students for few seconds, before letting out tired sigh.
[ ... I, understand... I'll leave it to you for now, David-san, Chase-san. If you can't find him within the town, report to me first and we will help you search for him. ]
[ As you wish! ]
David declared, before taking a deep bow respectively along with the other Templar Knights.
Of course there's plenty of help they could count to judging by the number of Templar Knights throughout the town, so Aiko could atleast compromise that much.
[ Then... Let's go? ] Aiko said before heading towards back to their inn. Her footsteps was slow, and she keeps holding out on her head, like he's enduring a head ache.
The others don't know what to say anymore, but to help Aiko even for just a little bit, Akito casted Heal on her to minimize her exhaustion, before following after her.
The water sprite Inn was full to the brim. Adventurers, Merchants, and Ur's residents were happily eating while chatting peacefully. Looking closer, most of the people inside were among the volunteers who helped from today's tasks.
Seeing the arrival of Aiko, everyone inside the Inn went wild and starts calling out to her. Most of them were thanking her, while others was her devote followers, who was trying to invite her to have lunch with them.
It can't be helped so Aiko, just waved back at all of them before walking passed through everyone.
The group was still on their clothes they wore on the field. They wash it to some degree, but there's still some traces that could be found, so others asked to change first, before eating.
Just to confirm it, they went and checked Shimizu's room first, hoping he was there. But as expected, he's wasn't on his room too, which leaves everyone puzzled on his whereabouts.
It didn't take long for everyone to change on their clothes and they head down stairs to get something to eat.
The number of people decreased, but there's still lots of them who waited patiently to greet Aiko once again.
Aiko and the others was guided on their reserved seats by Foss, and gave their orders without a second thought. Their thoughts shouldn't hinder their everyday lives. Everyone was still baffled for the unknown reasons and location of Shimizu, who went missing for the second time. He wasn't so weak that someone could just kidnap him out of the blue, and each one of them was keeping an eye on each other just in case, so it was really a mystery if none of them had any idea where he went.
It will take time before their order arrives, but the fact that nobody was talking, it makes the atmosphere quiet unbearable. Yuka's party was worrying too, but they had enough enough that they could take it out of their mind casually. The problem was Aiko, who was sitting next to them while looking at her trembling hands. She was mumbling to herself since they arrived here, which makes everyone worried.
Aiko should knew Shimizu's capabilities, but that doesn't mean she could just chalk it to the back of her mind. And what's making her worried non-stop was nothing but her regrets.
Hajime's deeds carved deep inside her mind, and she can't help but link anything else into him whenever a thought of any kind enters to her mind. Everyday, she was drowning in thoughts on how to handle him, or on how she should act if same situation occur again.
She didn't know, she don't understand anymore. Is it the right thing for him to do that? such thought enters to her mind casually. What if others becomes like him, what should I do? and another.
Everyone watched Aiko with pained expression. Even back at the Kingdom after Hajime's genocide, whenever Aiko enters to her thoughts, she would always make such expressions, but nobody knows how to deal with it. Consoling her should be the best idea, but that would likely put down her problems for a short time, and nothing else. It would solve nothing, and Aiko might worry more that her students were worrying for her.
While everyone was like that...
thuk*thuk*
The sound of plate being placed on table resounded in front of them.
[ Ow! S-sorry about that... ]
[ Oh, Foss-san! It's fine, it's fine... ] Aiko replies with awkward smile.
[ It wasn't my intention to disturb you on your thoughts but... Is there anything I could help with? ] Foss said while casually placing the rest of the dishes they ordered.
[ ...Huh? W-what do you mean by that? ] Aiko thought that Foss might be asking if there's something they need, like a glass of water or an extra serving, but looking at his gazes, full of concern, makes Aiko confused.
[ I mean... I've been handling this inn for a very long time, and I've seen different kind of person already and... ] Foss trailed off before placing the last plate.
He stand in front of everyone before forming a warm smile and asked [ Is there anything I can help you with? ]
Aiko looked at Foss in confusion before forming a sad smile. [ The truth is one of my students, Shimizu-kun, went missing. And nobody knows where he is right now. ] she said while looking at delicious looking food in front of her.
Foss thought that this wasn't exactly what Aiko was thinking, but that should suffice. And to lightened up her mood a little, he decided to reassure her.
[ I just saw him just a few hours ago. I thought he was on errand cause he requested lots of food, but it seems that wasn't the case, huh? ]
Hearing that, Aiko asked, [ You saw him!? ] in loud voice. [ Where did he go!? ] She added.
Foss was taken aback for a second, but he replied regardless. [ W-well... I thought he was on errand so I didn't ask him. S-sorry, but I have no idea where he went... ] He said before bowing apologetically.
[ But isn't this good Ai-chan-sensei!? At very least we know that he's safe! ]
[ Yeah! That Shimizu, casually leaving without telling us! ]
[ He's probably training by himself, cause he's shy! ]
Others starts talking about what Shimizu might be doing at this time. There wasn't a trace of worry could be found, and they'll just jokingly insult him cause of his personality.
Even Aiko can't help but smile seeing that.
[ Shimizu-kun might return before evening so we should stop worrying for now and let's eat. I'm hungry already, you know? ] Yuka said with a casual tone.
And suddenly... *brgrrrrr*
Multiple stomach starts rumbling loudly, and everyone blushed in embarrassment.
Seeing that, Aiko took the initiative and starts eating lunch.
[ Everyone, let's eat! Itadakimasu! ]
[ [ [ [ [ Itadakimasu! ] ] ] ] ]
Everyone's voice echoed loudly inside the restaurant and everyone's attention gathered on them. But none of them took notice of it and they all enjoyed their food instead.
Fearing that he might ruin the mood, Foss walks away without saying anything, he went back to his job serving the other customers and suddenly...
clinging*
The sound of entrance door resounded and everyone turned their gazes towards the door.
There's a Young, blonde haired Adventurer standing there happily, while examining the place with sparkling eyes. Behind him was probably his party members, consist of 4 men, looking between on their 40's.
[ Welcome! ] Foss greeted with a smile.
[ Oh, u, uhmmm... ] Seeing Foss approaching on their direction, the blonde haired young man starts fishing something on his racksack. It's a letter.
Foss stared at it for a few seconds, and his eyes went wide seeing the emblem on it.
[ From the Guild Master of Fuhren!? ] Foss exclaimed. Everyone's interest was piqued in no time. Receiving a recommendation or personal quest from the Guild Masters proves that, that someone has capabilities.
[ Y-yes... We were sent here by the Guild Master of Fuhren branch. ]
Some Adventurers looked at them in doubt. Looking how nervous the young man was, he's obviously an incompetent, but for some reason, his party receives a direct quest from the Guild Master himself. They can't help but doubt it untill...
[ Oh! By the way. My name is Will Cudeta, of Cudeta household. ]
A Noble! Everyone inside thought in surprise. That makes sense now. The household probably has connections to the Fuhren's Guild Master, and the quest was acquired through that.
[ uhmm... W-what can I do for you Will-sama? ] Foss asked nervously.
[ We just arrived on Ur town to take some rest before proceeding on our quest beyond the mountain range, so we were just hoping you could rent a room for us to use? ]
Foss ran his gaze through the letter's content, and let out a somewhat apologetic sigh [ ...I am very sorry Will-sama. Due to the large number of people visiting cause of current season, we're fully boked right now. So we're out of rooms for you to lend but, I could get you to my acquaintance if you really need it, how about it?... ]
[ Hmm? Is that so? Well it can't be helped. We'll do something about it ourselves so thank you for your kindness. ]
[ No, I didn't do anything to be thank of. ]
[ ...Then, we're gonna leave now. Thanks again! ] Will said before turning back his heels to leave.
Foss waved at them while watching their backs with warm gaze.
Meanwhile, nobody bothered to see the commotion from the table Aiko's group was using. Their table was isolated by curtains and can't see through, so nobody among them had noticed. Or rather, they were talking with each others while enjoying the food wholeheartedly, so nobody cares on what's the commotion outside the curtains was all about.(TN:I'm just wondering how Foss knew about Will's party, and Aiko and the others only met him on the mountains, so I created this scene for Will's introduction.)
They all talked to each other about the current events some of them missed on the past few days. This also includes their own training regimen they created for themselves. Nobody had missed a day that they forgot to train themselves, even while performing their duties as a guard throughout the day.
Watching her students chat happily was enough to make Aiko smile warmly. She can't wait to hear what Shimizu would share once he gets back. That's she waits... she waits patiently... everyone's mood beside her was pretty good, and can't bear to break it by mentioning her worries...
The food gone long cold, and everyone around Aiko had ran out of topic to talk about. What remains was their worry that everyone was trying to avoid mentioning.
[ They sure are late... ] A depressing voice resounded.
What comes next was complete silence. This town wasn't so big that a group of skilled Templar Knights would likely fail on finding a single person. What if?... Aiko was attacked by her anxiety and her mind filled with different possibilities. She shook her head to try and erased those, but it was replaced again with more bad thoughts.
After a brief silence, Yuka took a deep sigh and stands on her seat.
[ Sonobe-san? ] Aiko said while staring at Yuka in confusion.
[ We still have to return to the paddy field. Everyone is waiting, Ai-chan-sensei. ]
Hearing her unconcerned tone, Aiko panics a little.
[ But... how about Shimizu-kun? ]
Everyone nodded in agreement.
[ We will look for him, so Ai-chan-sensei don't have to worry and just return to your task today... ]
[ I could postpone that though! What's important right now is to find Shimizu-kun as soon as possible! ]
Yuka turns around and smiles warmly.
[ Why are you worrying too much, Ai-chan-sensei? He's definitely safe, and we will find him soon. Right guys!? ]
Everyone jerked in suprise after getting addressed by Yuka. After seeing that confident gaze of hers, everyone formed a self-deprecating smile. They can't believe they were doubting their comrades, and even their own skills.
[ Yeah! Just wait Ai-chan-sensei! We will search even under rocks just to find Shimizu-kun! ]
[ Just wait for us okay!? We will have dinner together with him! ]
Hearing Nana and Taeko's enthusiastic reply, the boys also nodded in agreement. They too has confidence that they will find Shimizu in no time.
Seeing them like that, Aiko smiles apologetically and reply with hopeful tone.
[ Then, I'll leave the task on finding Shimizu-kun to all of you. Take care yourself okay? ]
Everyone nodded before leaving they leave their table in hurry. They all went outside the inn and ran their gaze on the surroundings.
[ Noboru, can you trace Shimizu from here? ]
[ Just wait a second... ] Noboru took a deep breath, then after that [ Predator. ] he muttered and his retinas turns completely white.
He ran his gaze to the surrounding with laser focus. He don't want to miss any kind of traces to find Shimizu no matter what.
Due to immense training, Noboru had unlocked one of Predator's derivatives, the Tracing. It's a skill that let the user track their target in different means like; footsteps, mana after using a spell, and on rare occasions, scent. Adding the fact that he can see through walls, it's no joke that he could find Shimizu in no time.
This was one of the reason why Yuka wasn't worried about Shimizu's whereabouts in the first place. There's plenty of method to find him, and Shimizu wasn't a type of person that will put himself in danger.
What makes her worry from the beginning was the ominous vibe they could feel since the last time he comes back after went missing for almost whole day. He didn't mention anything about any of his activities at that day, but he was obviously up to something.
[ Hmm... that's weird... I can't see any of Shimizu's trace. ] Noboru said, full in doubt.
[ What!? That's impossible! Foss-san said he went here first before he's gone missing. ]
[ Yeah! It takes a whole day before his traces vanish, right? ]
Akito and Tamai's remark was correct. [ That's why I said it's weird. There's no clue to trace him. ]
Everyone turns silent after that.
Shimizu was a Dark Mage, and a skilled one at that. Erasing or hiding his traces was no doubt, possible. They didn't know why, but he was purposely erasing his traces, knowing someone might follow him.
Yuka turns her gaze back at the inn window and saw Aiko, talking happily with Foss. She was probably complementing the food they ate.
[ Ok let's split into two. Nimura, Copy Noboru's Predator, and you'll lead the 2nd group. Lets search the outskirts of the town.] Yuka said before turning her gaze back to her party members.
Hearing that, Akito began chanting Mimic while others sharpened their own senses. It didn't take long for Akito to copy the Predator and his retinas also turns white.
[ Nice, Nana-chan go with them. Leave anything as a sign to where you searched. Our group will pass by on the paddy field we all worked on, to look for clues just in case. After that we will proceed searching on the outskirts. After we search the whole vicinity, and didn't find Shimizu anywhere, we will return here and discuss for out next plan... ]
Nana nodded with hardened resolve.
[ Okay, are you guys ready!? ] Everyone nodded [ Let's go! ] taking that as a cue, everyone starts moving.
Yuka, Noboru, and Taeko dashed at the south part of the town, while Akito, Tamai and Nana went to the opposite direction.
The sun was up, and the breeze was fresh. But the atmosphere enveloping the town brought a bad feeling to the entire group.
Hours had passed since Yuka's party went out to search for Shimizu. They already covered almost the entire outskirts of the town, and one might wonder about that mysterious countless pillar of stone and ice that suddenly erected outside the town.
Yuka and Nana had used Rock pillar and Ice pillar as a land marks at the areas they already searched.
[ There! ]
A loud voice resounded, and a gust of wind suddenly passed by.
[ There's traces of magic here. And it's definitely Shimizu's mana, but... ] Akito said while annalyzing their surroundings, partially confused.
They were on a small hill, surrounded by number of trees. It wasn't an isolated by any means, but it was enough to hide from anyone's line of sight.
[ For some reason...There's two different Magic Wavelength. ]
[ Huh? Who's the other one? Was Shimizu meeting someone here? ] Yuka said, also confused.
[ I don't know but, most likely, the other party involved didn't bother hiding their magic traces and Shimizu himself too... If that was the case, was other guy flying?! ]
[ What do you mean by that? ]
[ Cause other than Magic Wavelength, there's no other visible traces like footsteps. ]
Yuka fell into deep thought. As far as she knows, flying with magic with steady pace doesn't exist. Flying with magic like Yue did should be considered as gliding, so there should be atlease footsteps left behind by the other party.
[ By any chance... Did Shimizu-kun got kidnapped? ] Taeko said with a hint of worry on her voice.
[ It's possible. But who has the power to do that? ]
Other than the Monster of the Abyss who has unimaginable strength, one race only comes out from everyone's mind.
[ The Demons?! ] Noboru said in loud voice.
[ That explains. If they used flying monsters as means for transportation, they could travel at high speed without leaving any traces. The news about the summoning of God's Apostles should already reach their ears. It's possible that they would kidnap, or worse, eliminate us one by one. ]
[ ... ]
Hearing Yuka's assessment, Noboru and Taeko fell silent.
Seeing her teammates like that, Yuka took a deep sigh and gives her next command with in calm state. She can't risk them acting recklessly if ever, what she said is true.
[ Since we've already finished searching. Might as well return to the inn. It will get dark soon, and Ai-chan-sensei might worry more if we can't return before it gets dark. ]
Hearing Yuka's calm voice, the other two also calmed down, and voice out their thoughts.
[ Yeah... Sensei might scold us if we didn't return befoee night. ]
[ Also, Nana-chan and the others should be also returning on the inn at this moment too. ]
Heaeing their replies, Yuka smiles. But before she could dash towards the town's direction...
flap*
A faint sound of wings flapping, reached her ears. Yuka shifts her gaze towards the sky, and saw a crow flying towards the mountains' direction.
Without hesitation, Yuka drew out a single dagger with smooth motion, and threw it at high speed.
Yuka's gaze went wide when she saw how it dodge her dagger, and immediately used Homing and catch the crow off guard with her strings. The crow tried its best, and struggles against Yuka's grip, but a thin silver string went through its neck, and it was decapitated instantly.
Yuka calls back her dagger, and held the dead crow dangling into his hand.
[ We're being watched, huh? ]
If Yuka would react to any kind of small sound she heard by throwing a dagger at that, she was either a lunatic or a psychopath. Which was why that Taeko and Akito knows that she probably reacted from the faint malice she felt from that crow. Which was a normal judgement, they hope.
[ But... why? ] Taeko asked in confusion.
[ ...We already toppled their previous monster attacks from different town near Kingdom, so it wasn't surprising if they try to eliminate us first. ]
[ But if that was the case, they should intercepted us by sending more powerful monsters on one of the monster subjugation we initiated. ]
[ That's true... We already started stopping those monster invasion since we start becoming Adventurers with Shizuku-chan, and Kaori-chan, but the difficulty hasn't risen yet even for a little bit. That means, they should have different intentions this time... ]
[ What... is there plan this time? ]
[ I don't know... Tonikaku, let's get back for now and report what we find here to Ai-chan-sensei. ]
Yuka didn't say anything anymore, and immediately used Steel Legs, dashing towards the town at high speed.
The other two poured out their remaining mana on Body Strengthening to try and catch up to Yuka.
It didn't take long for them to arrived at the inn, and saw the commotion happening outside.
[ Hey, Shimizucchi! Where have you been!? We were worried, you know?! ]
Nana was arguing to a man covered from top to bottom with black robe. It's Shimizu.
He didn't answer and instead, scoffed, before turning on his heels towards back to the inn.
Yuka landed next to Nana and immediately threw multiple daggers at the inn's door to block Shimizu's way with her strings. And it didn't end there, even Taeko used her whip and restrained Shimizu from his spot.
[ Wait, Sonobe-san, Sugawara-san!? ] Aiko shouted before she tottering near Yuka and Taeko.
[ Just wait a little bit Ai-chan-sensei. We just have something to ask him. ] Yuka said with cold tone.
Yuka walks in front of Shimizu and activated her Intimidate.
[ Where have you been, Shimizu? ] The lack of intonation on her voice displays how serious she was.
Shimizu didn't answer her question, but he was muttering something.
Yuka turned her gaze to David's group, and they immediately step forward to report what they know.
[ We just found him loitering around the town, and when we said Aiko was looking for him, he obediently went with us. We just met with Aiko before you arrive, Yuka-sama. ] David said, sweating a little in nervousness.
Yuka stared in him in confusion.
[ What were you doing before they find you, Shimizu? ]
[ ~~~... ] Shimizu continues muttering, and Yuka can't comprehend what he was saying.
For safety measures, Yuka sends a signal with her gaze to her party members, and they immediately took a fighting stance while putting Aiko next to them.
Shimizu is dangerous, Yuka's gaze said that. Tamai, Nana, and Akito don't had the leeway to question that, and they instinctively took a fighting stance along with Taeko and Noboru.
[ You don't want to answer, huh? I'm afraid we will have you grounded. You're not allowed to leave without permission until you gave us some answers. ]
Aiko's eyes widens in suprise. She was about to shout again, but a firm voice suddenly entered their ears.
[ Mind Slip ]
Shimizu's voice was loud enough for everyone to hear. It was their first time hearing Shimizu talking that loud, and they were caught off guard by that.
Everyone around him kneeled, while others slumped back on the ground after a wave if black colored mana passed by.
Mind Slip was a dark attribute spell that temporarily seals the target's memory for few seconds until the current time. It's should be a single target spell, but with enough modifications, it could turned into a AoE spell.
That's why, the whip holding him loosed and he managed to break free. Even the string blocking his way fell limpy on the ground and he immediately passed by without turning his gaze back to his victims.
It didn't take long for someone to recollect themselves, and they immediately get back on their feet.
[ Tsk! Wait Shimizu! ]
Yuka clicks her tongue in annoyance, and was about to rush inside to chase after Shimizu, but a small girl blocks her way.
[ No more, Sonobe-san! That's enough! ]
[ But Ai-chan-sensei-! ]
[ No buts! I can't overlook what you guys did to Shimizu-kun! Let me handle the rest and I'll talk to him. ] Aiko said before dashing inside the inn.
Everyone followed suit and they all went upstairs. The residents that were peacefully eating inside the inn curiously turned their gazes on the commotion. They were all shocked how defiant one of the God's Apostles towards the Fertility Goddess.
[ Hey Shimizu-kun, wait! Open the door, please! ] Aiko said while repeatedly banging the door with both of her fists loudly.
[ Ai-chan-sensei, get back! I will kick the door open! ] Yuka said with firm voice.
[ I just said no more, Sonobe-san! Also, you can't destroy someone else's property! ]
[ But Ai-chan-sensei! He just casted a spell to everyone without a second thought! There's no way I'll let him get away without consequences! ]
[ If you continue pressuring him, we might not get any answer from him, you know!?... Just, just let me talk to him, okay. ]
Aiko stand frim in front of everyone without removing her gaze on the door in front of her.
Tamai, Noboru, Akito, Taeko, and Nana only stared on Aiko's back in concern. Foss, who chased after them after hearing the commotion, can't do anything but stared at the dumbfounded group. He didn't know the circumstances but he knows it was serious enough that he can't meddled with it.
Knock*knock*
Aiko knocks on the door calmly, and talks to the person on the other side with soft voice. [ Shimizu-kun, please... Would you spare some time to talk? If you have problems, we can talk about it if you want... ]
Aiko stared at the door and waits for a reply... but nothing came back.
She repeatedly pleaded to Shimizu behind the door with tearful eyes.
Nobody knows why, but everyone felt like a huge rock was placed on their backs. They have to obey Aiko despite knowing how dangerous Shimizu was. One wrong move and they'll be crushed if not by Aiko's feelings, but by Shimizu himself.
Yuka knows, that even if she explains what they saw, Aiko might consider it a lie since they lack evidences. If she wants to explain it, she needs Shimizu to be there to confirm the truth. She didn't if he will lie his way out of it, but she was confident she could dig out more information from him.
Hours had passed, and Yuka's party was still waiting in front of Shimizu's room. Aiko's voice becomes hoarse and her hands was bleeding. Akito considered of healing Aiko, but he wants her to stop so bad, that he decided not to and let the pain itself stop her. But Aiko was surprisingly tough, even with non-stop bleeding from her wounds, she continued knocking on the door.
Seeing that, Taeko pull out her whip and restrained Aiko.
[ ...S-sugawara-...san... Let me go. I need to speak-... with Shimizu-kun. ] Aiko said with low voice. They can't see until now, but she was obviously crying this whole time, judging by the dried tears on her face.
[ Ai-chan-sensei... ]
Seeing Aiko like that, breaks her heart, that Taeko herself wants to cry. She didn't know what Aiko had to carry until now, and she was still too young and foolish to understand adults like her. And that goes the same for everyone...
And so, Yuka decided to talk to Aiko once again.
Yuka holds her hands [ Heal... ] and casted basic healing spell with warm voice. Her hands along with Aiko shines red orange, and Aiko could feel the pain slowly disappearing.
[ Ai-chan-sensei... How about you? Do you have problems you want to talk about? We will listen to it no matter what... ]
Aiko's puffy red eyes went wide. She feels like she wants to cry again, but she knows she can't. She was the only adult among them and she wants them to rely on her, rather than her relying to them. She wants to maintain this status as an adult until this case was finished.
[ I'm fine... But Shimizu-kun is- ]
Yuka interrupted Aiko by touching both her cheeks. Her hands was still glowing red orange, signs that she's still healing her.
[ Is that true?... ] Yuka asked with doubtful eyes, while pouting. It was kinda cute that everyone around her blushed red.
Even Aiko blushed too, and replied with small smile leaking out. [ ...Yes, it's true. ]
Yuka knows she didn't mean what she said, but she was satisfied enough to see that Aiko could still smile regardless.
[ Then it's fine. For now let's get something to eat. I'm gonna ask David-san and the others to keep an eye on his room and we'll talk to him tomorrow. There's no way he can trap himself in his room without food and something drink, right? He'll come out eventually, and once he went outside, you can talk to him at that moment... ]
Aiko didn't reply and continue staring at Yuka with dumbfounded expression.
Taeko untied Aiko, and put back her whip back to her waist.
Yuka turns around and finds everyone staring at her while smirking.
[ What? ] She asked in confusion.
[ Kawai... pupupu~. ] Taeko said with teasing tone.
Yuka blushed and red and immediately take a lead to hide her embarrassment.
[ Let's go! I'm sure everyone is hungry, also Ai-chan-sensei must have finished today's task. Consider this as a celebration for her hard work! ]
Everyone stared at her with small smile, and immediately followed after her. Aiko was still feeling down, but she's still has her students as pillars for her to stay strong. If she shows her students anykind of incompetency, they might grow disobedient towards her like a certain someone.
At that night, everyone forget the commotion that happens, and threw a celebration for the town's progress so far. It was so fun, that Aiko had managed to make a really big smile. It was so pure and genuine that it might capture anyone's heart after seeing it once.
After that, they all went into bed and slept like nothing happened today.
.
.
.
The morning sun rises, and it didn't take long to discover... that Shimizu's room was empty.
He disappeared again, and didn't came back for days...
