357 354. "Contract".txt (2/2)

From the way he looked at her, it was clear that he used to have the same attitude as the Sith.

According to the previous story, the 'Stealers of Reason' have been chosen and therefore each of them have been deprived of something important. It's easy to imagine how much they resent you ...... if you say such things in that state.

That's why no one is following you: ......

Please tell them for us. ”Please tell them on our behalf that we're sorry. And that we are deeply sorry. Just those two things. Of course, if you can, we'd like you to join us and bring us here: ......

Learning from the past, Mr. Diprakra doesn't try to force it. But I'm sure that he is very eager to join up with the 'Stealers of Reason' and cooperate with them.

I frown and ponder.

''Those people are the same 'things that steal reason' as me and Yotaki, aren't they ......?　A being who can turn the 'demonic poison' of this world into power: ......

Mm. At worst, I can simply be a messenger. Our goal in this case is to make it known that we are ready to receive you in Huzzyaz.

...... I'll be sure to bring him back. It's a plus for me to have more friends here.

After calculating, he decided to recruit.

To be honest, I had just felt that I was at a loss for spellcraft development in the past few days.

I've tried all the spellcasting techniques I can think of with my current knowledge. I've read most of the material in this castle, and I can't even get any new ideas. The apostles were too hard-headed, too good at using existing technology, but not at all good at developing it.

He glanced at Yotaki, who was nearby.

He's pale. He coughs occasionally, but if he doesn't exercise or even perform large scale spells, he doesn't suffer from breathing difficulties.

However, he still hasn't been cured of his constitution to inhale the 'Demon Poison'. They have found a remedy, but it has not stopped the poison from eating away at his body. It's not surprising that his condition could worsen at any time and he could be in danger of death.

--We need to hurry and move our spell development to the next stage.

From what I've heard, the other 'reason-stealers' are dealing with unique powers that even the apostles don't understand. He's a good person to get new information and ideas from. And simply put, two more companions with high 'qualities' also means that the speed of spell development will be doubled.

I don't want to leave Yotaki, but if my sister's healing is my top priority, there's no reason for me to stay here. Even if it's worth the risk, it's worth coming into contact with another 'reason-stealing' group.

After coming to that conclusion, Diprakra-san gives a slightly misunderstood reply.

'............. ...... While I'm away, I'll concentrate on healing Yangtaki. And I promise to protect you in addition to that. I want you to believe that I'm putting Yotaki's safety ahead of Serdra's interception.

No, I trust you on that. I was better at developing the game than you, but other than that, I'm no match for Di Prakula. The stability is different.

Mr. Di Prakula matches his appearance - he has the composure of a skilled old doctor.

Unlike me, who is always upset whenever Yotaki shows a bit of distress, he will treat you without any mistakes.

''So, Diprakra-san. What kind of people are the 'Stealers of the Darkness' and 'Stealers of the Fire' that I'm going to pick up?

...... Similar to Uzumi. I'm sure that as soon as you meet them, you'll recognize that they are your own kind. I'm sorry to say, but I'm sure they'll agree that we're both weak.

'The likes of ......?　Same, vulnerable people: ......

The Stealers of Reason are weak-minded and have acquired powers unworthy of others.

Certainly, I can say that they are similar to me now. If that's the case--

'Then I think even I can get along with you ....... So Mr. Di Prakula has decided from the beginning to let me go.

'Yes. That's what we've been expecting from you from the beginning. ...... We originally decided to summon you because we heard from Yotaki that Uzumi is skilled at understanding the weaknesses of others.

An unexpected name came up and I moved my eyes.

There was Yotaki, who was nodding strongly while maintaining a smile.

I understood that not only Di Prakra-san, but also my sister's expectations, and I--

I promise. I will definitely bring you two here. Diprakra-san and Yotaki, you can stay here and prepare for the welcome party.

'Yes!　The story is settled: ....... I'll be ready to leave at once. I'll talk to the King of the Fooziers now.

Biding his time, Mr. Diprakra started to move.

However, at the first step, Yotaki, out of his line of sight, raised a hand and a voice.

''--Wait. One last thing. May I begin?

Diprakra-san stops.

Not only me, but also Sis-san and Tiara turn their gazes to Yotaki.

And I listen to their suggestions.

''Tiara, will you also follow your brother?　I am not fit to endure the journey in this condition. Please help your brother instead of me.

It was about the whereabouts of the tiara that hadn't been talked about.

Basically, the apostles don't have people other than the 'Gentiles' in their sights. My sister is going to supplement that.

''Eh, Yotaki sister ......?　Are you sure?　I'd love to go with you, but I dare not tell you. ......

Not well, in every sense of the word.

I say the reason why.

'No, no!　It's not safe for me to be the only one: ......!　In case you've forgotten, Tiara is a princess: ......!　There's no way the people here would allow that to happen!

I'm going to insist that it's not okay for royalty to accompany me.

'Master, I think it's all right. Your fathers are fascinated by the apostles, and they really believe that the two 'gentiles' are the saviors. If I tell them I need my master's assistance, they'll definitely give me permission to do so. ...... Originally, I was made to be a child that wasn't there, and I might be rather pleased.

However, along with the information I didn't want to know too much about, I learn that the country of Hoozeyers is poised to back me up to the hilt.

Furthermore, Di Prakula, after a bit of contemplation, agrees with Yotaki's opinion.

...... I think that's not a bad idea. It's not likely that the thieves will be wary of Tiara, and having a local guide will make things a lot faster. It's a good thing that Thiara's leveling up has given her many times the physical abilities of an ordinary person. It's perfect for the Whirlpool Shield.

Hearing the true feelings that seemed to leak out, I frown more.

''Ta, a shield is ....... Diprakra-san .......

Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. ...... No, it's the perfect travel companion!

As I stare at Diprakra-san, who still looks like she's not out of her old values, Yotaki picks up the rest of the conversation.

''Tiara, you don't want to be your brother's shield?''

'Nope. I've sworn to do anything for the Master who saved me.

That's why I don't want to take her with me, because I know Tiara will answer immediately. I was trying to tell that to Yotaki, and before that--

'So, can your brother (・・・・) be a shield for Tiara?'

It was also a question that I would always have to answer immediately.

'If ....... If the tiara comes with you, I'll definitely protect you. No matter what happens, I will never be--

I don't want to let anyone die. He didn't even say the words ”I don't want you to die,” but that thought seemed to be conveyed to Yotaki, who smiled at him before concluding the story.

''Then please help and protect each other and get through the journey. ...... Or rather, I want you to understand that I'm worried about sending you off on your own, brother. Tiara is like a watchdog, so to speak. A watchdog to make sure your brother doesn't do anything stupid.

Apparently, Yotaki seemed to trust this little girl Tiara more than me.

Understanding the meaning of this, I would check with her.

''...... Tiara, are you sure?''

There are many problems. Too many to count.

That's what I tell Tiara, with a stern look.

Still, I check to see if she wants to follow me--

...... I want to have an adventure.

As if to spit it out, Tiara replied.

'Adventures (...)?'

'Yeah. I've always been bored ....... I've been in a cage since I was born. Just a prison, tormented by sickness and waiting for the end of losing my life. All I know is what I learned from books. I was jealous of the heroic tales, the adventure stories, and the people in them. I envied the lives that I had lost or acquired at will. -- I was envious of them.

Chirpily, Tiara speaks her true feelings.

And then she looks up, stares back and says, leaning forward as if their faces are about to come together.

I'm having so much fun now that I'm out of that basket. I'm having so much fun now that I'm out of that basket. But I'm greedy ...... and I really want you to join me in my master's adventures. I'd really like to have more and more fun. So--!

At the end of it all, unlike the me I once was, Tiara utters her own selfish wish.

'I want to go with my master ......!　Wherever you are, you can go to ......!

As he said it, Yotaki smiled and Diprakra-san nodded deeply.

--determined.

When it comes to this, I can't be the one to push my opinion through. I can only do my best to fulfill the expectations of everyone here and the wishes of the girl.

As usual, I swallowed what I wanted to say and mouthed my response.

'...... All right. Then let's go together, Tiara. Let's go on a journey with me to save the world.

”......!　Yes!　Thank you, Master!

Tiara smiled as if she was about to blossom and hugged me.

I look down at the girl at her chest, my expression never breaking from my smile. Yotaki, who watches over the two of us, smiles as well. Apostle Diprakra nodded in satisfaction, and Apostle Sis's mouth was slightly aggrieved.

It's a smiling act. ......

A new beginning for Tiara, a girl who has been unhappy until today.

It's a scene to celebrate, and it's not a scene of bitterness on her face.

The start of the story full of hope.

The end of a milestone--

--This is how me and Tiara started our first journey.

A thousand years ago, there was such a coincidental and inevitable departure.

At that time, the five of us were smiling, and we were indeed friends.

However, as we already know, the cooperation between them gradually crumbled from here on out.

A thousand years later, all five of us here - all five of us here - will be scattered.

The five of us will all have completely different goals, and each of us will continue to fight in solitude.

Knowing this, the expression on my face as I watch this one scene is distorted.

In the end, it was proven that people can't understand each other.

I was confronted with the fact that the words ”we're all in this together” were just an illusion.

My face becomes bitter.

I feel my magic power running out and go back once more.

A thousand years in the future awaits at the end of this journey.

Until the end of the world (Hoozeyards)...