Chapter 123 (2/2)

Cam’s expression after he finished speaking was refreshed. The Hauria who were also behind him were also smiling. Becoming a new elder, if you think we’d use our power for you guys then you’re sadly mistaken!- their eyes stated.

truthfully, it would be a lie to say that they haven’t calculated that far yet, Alfrerick and their expressions were bitter.

On one side, the people who were waiting around Hajime just watched everything unfold, then they all equally turned their eyes towards Hajime. [I don’t care about anyone other than those important to me! I’m not interested! Pe~!] is what Cam’s behavior was like, it was exactly like a certain somebody.

[It’s as if you’re saying that the Usagininzoku are independent from all the other Demi-humans]

[Alfrerick, you’re always precise. It’s exactly that. From now onwards, the Usagininzoku will be living by the rules of the Usagininzoku. Being incorporated into Fair Bergen’s rules like a goody goody is something I want nothing to do with]

Aides and elders, the short-tempered Zell in particular, were extremely angry at Cam who was haughty. Although Cam had a cool face, the Hauria subordinates behind him were, [Ahh? got a problem with that!*Improvised, not really sure what they’re doing here, ???????*] just like thugs who wanted to mince things up.

Within that, Alfrerick was thinking about something with a difficult expression, almost like ever since Hajime has showed up he’s only been releasing tired expressions, then he talked to Cam.

[Then, Cam. How about if we recognise you guys as, “A race equal to Fair Bergen”. Of course, that also gives you a special guest pass into the elders meetings. If we do this then you’d have no obligations to go along with what the elder meetings decide nor the laws of Fair Bergen, with that in mind, you’d have enough influence as us]

[Hoho~u. Ma~a, that’s not a bad proposal]

Towards Alfrerick’s new proposal, Cam smiled from ear to ear as if stating, [I wanted to hear those words!].

Cam had thought that in preparation for the day when the Empire eventually invades, he wanted some kind of connection with Fair Bergen. However, if he had allowed themsleves to be incorporated into Fair Bergen then he wouldn’t be able to ignore the elder meetings and he’d be restricted from moving around freely. That’s why it was best if they were an alliance only in name or as an external organization.

But, it was obvious that voices of opposition would appear when the Hauria tribe were getting too much preferential treatment. Against that, Alfrerick answered out while sighing.

[They are people who accomplished things as just a single race? Even if Fair Bergen collaborated with all its power, we’d likely not be able to do it. If you think like that, then its more than enough reason to consider them as equals? Besides, there’s also the possibility that this’ll cause the Hauria tribe to cut off all ties with us, do you guys not understand the gravity of loss that’ll be for us? If we form an alliance, they who have been banished will once again create a connection. If so then, things of this degree when compared to the size of their accomplishments isn’t excessive at all]

Although the elders were twisting their heads while grunting out, gunununu, eventually no good proposals came out so the prestige of a single race was somehow pushed through the elders meeting and they decided to go along with what Alfrerick proposed.

[That’s how it is, Cam. As a decision of the elder’s meeting, the status of, “The Alliance Race”, will be given to he Hauria tribe, would that be fine with you?]

[Ma~a, whether we’re recognized or not, what we have to do doesn’t change, but those kinds of things would be alright. Ahh, incidentally, we’re using the big tree towards the south so you guys shouldn’t wander in without permission? We can’t guarantee your lives after all]

They never expected that Cam would place an additional order.

Or rather, he selfishly declared it was his land without permission. As expected, even Alfrerick’s cheeks twitched a bit. Shia who was besides Hajime had covered her face with both her hands. It seems she was embarrassed at her fathers impudence. Her blood father was letting out a Hyaha~ though.

Afterwards, the strangely tired looking elders left and Hajime and them went towards the big tree and were guided into their rooms at Fair Bergen.

The town was still stirring up a big uproar over the Demi-humans returning. Kouki and them were wondering if there was anything they could help with and took off but, Hajime and them decided to relax in the room indifferently.

By the way, Ririana had returned to the Kingdom a short while ago. It was still necessary to negotiate with the Empire and report of the current incident as well, they needed to decide the Kingdom’s next moves.

Why, didn’t she return at once, it was a simple story……from just a few minutes ago. Until Ririana said that she wanted to return to the Kingdom, Hajime had completely forgotten about her existence. When she passed through the gate, it’s needless to say but something was shining within Ririana’s eyes. *I.E. she was crying*

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Midnight

Even now, clamor can be heard throughout the whole town. They may have been holding some kind of celebration and feast somewhere.

Within that, Hajime and them who were relaxing as they desired inside of their room. But, there was one person who was strangely restless.

It was Shia. Since a while ago, she’s been frequently glancing at Hajime and thinking about something.

To begin with, the person in question was receiving a lap pillow from Yue and was partly dozing off into the world of dreams, so he wasn’t aware of Shia’s state. As expected, his bones gave out after having to carry thousands of people. Yue was gently stroking Hajime who became dull as he relaxed his body, [Fumu], she looked at Shia sideways as she tilt her head.

Right afterwards, she looked at Teio and Kaori who were besides Hajime and were looking at her enviously. And once again, [Fumu], she nodded, she slowly called out to Kaori and Teio.

[…..Kaori, Teio. You want to perform the lap pillow?]

[Eh? You’ll switch with us?]

[Mu? Of course I want to]

Teio and Kaori gave her eyes filled with expectations and Yue incidentally laughed.

[…..I’m just asking]

[ [……..] ]

Yue had a smile on her lips as if something foolish happened. When they saw that, a blue vein appeared on Kaori and Teio’s forehead. Furthermore, Yue also said, [How is it, you’re jealous right?], as she tightly held onto Hajime’s head.

[……Yue, are you asking for a fight? Are you?]

[Fufufu, mistress, that annoyed me quite a bit]

[…..Are we doing this?]

Towards Yue’s provocative smile, the two people, [If it’s the continuation from the daytime then I’ll take you up on it!], they said while getting up. By the way, the winners of the matching during the daytime was the Yue and Shia pair.

[……..If you catch me who’s running, I’ll allow you to be next to Hajime for this night]

[ [ ! ] ]

As expected, they couldn’t hold a mock battle within the town so Yue proposed a game of tag. And the reward for victory was unprecedented. Kaori and Teio’s tension became high even though it was midnight.

When Yue confirmed the reaction of the two people, she gently placed Hajime’s head onto a pillow and stroke him once lovingly. And as if not affected by gravity, she gently jumped towards the window and just like she was dancing, she opened the window as she turned around.

On that occasion, [What?] she glanced towards shia and blinked her eye for a moment. Shia seemed to realise Yue’s intention and with a small smile she nodded in gratitude.

[……Game Start *english*]

As Yue let out those words she slipped out from of the window and in the next moment, she merged with the darkness and disappeared.

[Ku, I’ll definitely catch her! For the sake of sharing a bed!]

[Fufu, I won’t lose]

With a yell full of spirit. Kaori with her silver wings and Teio who grew dragon wings, jumped out from the window.

Shia who was the onlooker didn’t follow them though because she understood that Yue had purposely provoked Kaori and Teio, so she intended to take advantage of the chance that she was thankful for obtaining. Excitedly, she went by Hajime’s side and gently woke him up.

[Hajime-san, Hajime-san……please wake up]

[N? What’s wrong, Shia. Or rather, just a while ago Yue and them left but…..you didn’t go with them?]

Even while he was still half asleep, Hajime had felt from the flow of magical power that Yue and them had left through the window, why are you still here? he tilted his neck.

[Eh~tto, it seems that I missed it somehow or another, that kind of feeling]

[…..Somehow or another, huh]

[Uu~. Rather than that! Everyone else has left, should we also go out for a stroll? I don’t know anything about Fair Bergen’s interior]

Because of Shia’s hair color, she wasn’t allowed out in public, so the first time she’s been to Fair Bergen was with Hajime and them. At that time as well, since they suddenly left immediately she didn’t have time to explore the whole town.

[…..Ma~a, I guess that’s fine]

[Yes! It’s a midnight date! …….It sounds a little obscene]

[I don’t know about that*A who cares, feeling*]

Somehow or another, he felt that Shia wanted to talk, truthfully he wanted to continue sleeping but, Hajime decided that he had no other choice but to follow along. Shia joyfully clung onto Hajime’s arm tightly. Then the two with their arms entwined walked out into the midnight of Fair Bergen.

After about 10 minutes, as the two people who were on a stroll were having an innocent talk, they came to notice that they’ve walked far enough to not hear the town’s clamor anymore. And they also noticed that something at the top of the trees were shining out in pale blue light.

[Ah~, those are Montofaruta, Hajime-san]

[Montofaruta?]

[Yes, its a butterfly which emits a pale blue light just like the moonlight. They crowd onto tall trees because of the wind, in the night they look just like cheerful stars in the sky. Except, it’s not known when they’ll actually emit their light so this is quite a rare sight. You either see it only once a year or see nothing at all]

[He~e, they’re certainly beautiful things]

The two who were looking upwards, decided that since it was such a rare sight they should get a closer look so they quickly climbed up higher on a tree, they found a thick branch and sat down beside each other. For a while, they enjoyed the light that the Montofaruta emitted just like a planetarium.

How many of them were there? slowly Shia began to open her mouth.

[Ano, Hajime-san]

[N?]

[Thank you very much. For a lot of things that I can’t put in words….really, thank you very much]

[……Ahh. If you want to fully show your gratitude. Then I’m expecting things from you when we take on the great labyrinth]

[Fufu. Isn’t this when you usually say “Don’t mind it”?]

Shia laughed giggly towards the Hajime-like answer. However it quickly changed into a difficult expression and she turned her gaze onto Hajime.

[What should I do to repay Hajime-san?]

[If it’s repaying then didn’t I just receive it?]

[That was just words wasn’t it. I want to repay your kindness in some kind of form. Can you think of what I can do which’ll make you happy? ……If Hajime-san desires it then, I’ll do anything. Really, anything]

Shia’s Usamimi’s moved around ~Piko Piko~ and she edged her but into contact with Hajime. Her eyes that were looking at Hajime were already moistening and contained heat, and her sighs contained enough heat that it seems like it’ll burn on contact. The implied meaning, Hajime had certainly understood what Shia was saying but, he was daringly pretending to have not noticed.

[…..It’ll be fine as long as you’re still the same happy-go-lucky woman and laughing. You’re our mood-maker after all?]

[Mo~u, what’s with that, happy-go-lucky you say! Even though you hugged me in front of the Emperor and said I was important! This is the scene where say, [Then I’ll have you repay with your body then, guhhehhehhe!], and attack me isn’t it. Please read the atmosphere]

[It seems that we need to have a thorough talk about the image that you see me in]

[You’re a single-minded good for nothing]

[Being single-minded there is usually a good thing though]

Shia puffed out her cheeks to show that she was dissatisfied. However, she quickly hung her head down disappointedly. Her Usamimi’s also hung down as if they suddenly lost their power.

[……I’m serious, I want to do something to thank you. Ever since I’ve met Hajime-san and everyone else, I’ve l always gave it my all*I think, ?????????????*. Although Hajime-san and Yue-san says that its fine if I just laugh but, just being with you 2 will naturally make me feel happy, it’s definitely nothing like showing gratitude]

[But still, you’re our companion right? I don’t think you have to continuously think about such things]

[It’s courtesy in intimate relationships. I want to properly thank Hajime-san and Yue-san as well. …..I’ve thought about it variously but, I just can’t seem to think of anything. Hajime-san says that he doesn’t need my body after all…..even though he tightly embraced me and said I was important, to tell me that I’m not needed…..]

[Don’t sulk now…..]

Hajime was showing a troubled expression now that Shia was being timid. Even though he was being told that she wanted to express her gratitude, helping someone related to you was the natural course of action, really, just one word, [Thanks] would have been enough.

But, for Shia, those feelings didn’t seem to sit well with her.

[If Hajime-san has fallen for me then I wouldn’t be going through all these hardships. I’d fully service (thank) you…..ha~a, there’s no helping it then. I’ll try harder to be much more useful than before as we travel in order to relay my thanks]

[I see]

When Shia shrugged her shoulders, once again, she looked up towards the Montofaruta up above.

While looking at her stature, Hajime was suddenly beginning to remember when he embraced Yue and Shia in front of Gaharudo.

Being truthful, that was pretty much done unconsciously. Once he came to, he had already embraced both of them.

As of now, the huge feelings of declaring someone as “Special” could only be said to Yue. That’s something that can be firmly declared. However, even if it was unconsciously, the reason why he held Shia within his arms was…….

Thinking up to that point, Hajime had a smile filled with self-mockery.

How could this be, ma~a, it was because he was selfish. While saying that no one was able to be on par with Yue, to have the desires to possess Shia, it was truly selfish. Once he realised it, Shia’s existence somehow became much larger than before. At the very least, as much as Yue where he unconsciously embraced her so that he wouldn’t lose her.

Although he’ll likely still hold more feelings for Yue than any other person, even still, he doesn’t seem to be able to deceive himself about his desire for Shia anymore. Once he became aware of it, he wasn’t able to pretend that it wasn’t there. If so then, do your best so work hard, how about taking on the attitude of the girl who came with them? Hajime suddenly thought.

[Eh, Ehtto, what is it? It’s extremely embarrassing to be quietly stared at….]

Once he came to, Shia’s cheeks were dyed red blushing shyly and squirming nervously. Her Usamimi as well as if saying, [U~u, why are you looking~], it suddenly dropped down, occasionally, she’d squirm around and look towards Hajime.

Hajime’s eyes soften up when he sees Shia like this and he reached out with his hand. And her shy Usamimis were gently stroked.

[Ha, Hajime-san?]

[……Na~a, Shia. I’ve got a favor I want to ask…..]

[A favor? Of course, it’s fine! Feel free to ask for anything]

For a moment, she was surprised by Hajime’s words, since she could show her gratitude even a little bit, Shia consented willingly while smiling.

[No, lets see, I kinda want to lie down for a bit. If you’re up for it, can I ask for a lap pillow?]

[Fu~e, even if you didn’t ask, please use it anytime. Sa~a, please step right up]

[Thanks]

Although Shia showed a slightly disappointed expression from Hajime’s request, she was happy that she was giving him a lap pillow and she patted her thighs with a bright smile. Hajime expressed his thanks with a smile and laid down without hesitation.

Because Shia wore a miniskirt, he was able to fully feel the feelings of her thighs. A soft and warm puffy feeling supported Hajime’s head. It faintly resembled Yue’s, as a sweet scent tickled his nose.

[Fufu, it’s unfortunate for Kaori-san and Teio-san. Around this time, they’re fighting against Yue-san in order to give Hajime-san a lap pillow, but I’ve already taken it ahead of them]

[Ma~a, Yue’ll win anyways so there’s no reason to worry about it?]

[You shouldn’t say such things. Since they’re want to make Hajime-san fall for them they’re working hard. Really, I wonder when will Hajime-san finally fall for me~]

[…..Will you give up?]

[No way~]

[I see~]

Shia was gently stroking Hajime’s hair. Hajime narrowed his eyes as he became comfortable. And as payback, he played with Shia’s hair that hung down before him. The pale blue white hair was really mysterious when it was combined with the light being emitted by the Montofaruta that were above them.

If someone had seen Shia and Hajime right now, they would have surely had an face which vomited due to the sugar. That was how sweet those two’s atmosphere was. Right, it was exactly like the separate world that Hajime and Yue created.

However, unfortunately, although it was the atmosphere which was created with Yue that Shia longed for, she didn’t notice at all. On that part, perhaps Shia could truly be called a regrettable rabbit.

Even with the actual person not realising, the sweet time continued to flow gently. Within the moonlight where the Montofaruta illuminated, Hajime and Shia were enjoying their time alone with each other.

*lol Author notes that it’s getting near the end so there should at least be some kind of progression with another girl other than Yue*