358 355. Until no one is gone.txt (1/2)

'--Good morning. Brother.

I wake up as one milestone ends.

The usual cold sensation and the usual gentle voice of Yotaki had brought me back in a thousand years.

My eyes widen and I raise myself from the bed at the example inn. In front of me, Yotaki, who had been shaking my shoulder, is staring into my eyes.

Even though a thousand years have passed, we siblings still exchange the same greetings to each other.

”Ah, good morning ....... Yotaki.

She smiles at Yotaki.

My sister confirms it and smiles back, too, and leaves the bed to stand by the window.

On the other side of the window, it's the same as always.

The pale morning sun is filling the air, and snow is falling steadily.

As I look at the snow, I reaffirm my state of mind at the same time.

Right now I'm in the middle of a happy life with Yotaki in the United Kingdom.

But my memories of that life are vague, and I can't even remember yesterday clearly.

Soon I'm digging up my memories as best I can tell.

'As I recall ......, yesterday I went to the labyrinth with Dia and ....... I met Flanlure at Alais's mansion and ....... So .......

I found many living remnants of Saint Tiara in this confederacy, and I was forced to 'see past' her life.

That's why until a few minutes ago I was dreaming of a scene from her departure a thousand years ago.

Confirming that Tiara was interacting with us 'gentiles' and acknowledging the inevitability of this post-millennium (now) confederacy. In that way, I was summoned and I got on a roll and spoke of the values and game knowledge of the original world, and that's why we have the Allied Nations today.

In the Confederation, there are labyrinths, 'levels', and 'status', and no one thinks it's strange. It has taken root as a single culture. It's all because of ”Gentiles (me)”.

However, to be honest, it is not so important.

What I should have paid attention to in my current recollections is not me, Tiara, or the Apostle Sith, but - Yotaki (...).

A thousand years ago, Yotaki had been summoned before me.

The disease had improved without my seeing it, and I, a fool, believed it without a doubt.

Under Yotaki's watchful eye, I developed a ”spellcasting technique” and I, being an idiot, thought it was my talent.

And it was Yotaki who recommended that Tiara accompany me on my first journey.

All of this has greatly influenced the end of the thousand years ago. Without a doubt.

I maintain a smile and ponder in front of Yotaki's eyes.

Yotaki also keeps a smile on his face and answers my earlier soliloquy.

''...... Hah, brother. You are sleepwalking. It wasn't yesterday that you went to the labyrinth.

He denies my last memory and I ask back.

'What, not yesterday ......?'

That was days ago.

With that being said, I continue the process of digging back into my memory.

Soon, my sister's words were proven.

That day, I returned to my room and performed the magic ”Dimension Graduate, Prequel (Recall)” - but dimensional magic that interferes with time drains an enormous amount of magical power, so after an hour or so, I immediately was released. And I had a memory of being invited by Yotaki, having dinner and going to sleep - I had a memory of being invited to sleep.

The next day, I also remembered that I went up to the Alais family's mansion and went to teach Dia, Flanlure, and the others ”Sword Art”. Mr. Fenrir and his grandchildren and disciples were also there, and as the winner of the Dancing Competition, I told everyone what I had learned from Rowen, the one who stole the reason for the earth.

Naturally, the people of the Alais family were curious about the skills and ideas of the Alais family head, Rowen, a thousand years ago. ...... In the end, they had to go for days to ....... The search for the labyrinth, which was not that high of a priority, was greatly delayed and ....... So I went to ......--

'That's right ....... That's right ....... It's like I was so sleep-deprived that my memory was lost.

'There's nothing to apologize for. I'm well aware of your brother's weakness for mornings.

Yeah. I can't help it, I'm getting out of bed. ...... Maybe it's because I have low blood pressure?　Ha ha.

Hmm. Brother, rumor has it that blood pressure has nothing to do with it.

Laughing and admitting that Yotaki was right, I get up and calmly go about getting ready for the day.

Before I know it, days have gone by, but it's not enough to get me too upset.

My sense of time is wrong - it's possible that I'm really skipping time, but that's okay. There's something else that's important.

After calmly answering that and getting ready, Yotaki walks out of the room.

''Well then, let's go.''

Yeah, let's go.

I follow behind them and leave the inn.

I walk down the white street and head towards the big tree in the middle of the confederacy - not the end side.

I question that direction.

'Hey, aren't we going to the labyrinth ......?'

There is no more teaching 'swordplay' in the Alais family.

That's why I thought today was the day I would return to exploring the labyrinth, but apparently that wasn't the case.

''You're still sleepwalking. That's this afternoon. We're going to see Dia off today, right?''

Forget it.

We understand the meaning of that word when we walk to the edge of the Confederacy.

There is no defensive wall in the Confederation to protect it from the outside world. The borders of the country are defined by drawing a large 'magic stone line' (line).

In other words, when you come to the edge of the Confederation, what spreads out is a frontier plain. But now, due to the weather, it had been turned into a snowfield.

In the midst of this snowfield, only the trade routes leading to other countries have been cleared of snow.

A thick light brown line was drawn on the white ground.

There were several carriages lined up there that seemed to be for nobility. And Fenrir-san and the followers of the Alais family, who seemed to be the representatives of this group, were also lined up, and mixed in with them, Dia was also standing there.

Dia's shoulder-length golden hair was fluttering in the wind, and she was wearing a beautiful silk outfit that I had seen somewhere before. She no longer looks like a completely noblewoman. I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work.

I'm not going to be able to get it right. And this carriage .......

When he reached his destination, his eyes met with Dia's and he let his voice trail off.

Then, seeing her sullenness, he realized everything.

'-- Kanami, it's goodbye for once.

Dia leaves the Confederacy.

The reason for this is told by Dia's own mouth.

'I've already got everything Diablo Sith wanted here: ....... I've got to go now: .......

Dia looks not at me in front of her, but at the Allies behind her with distant eyes.

She is probably remembering the time when she first came to the Confederation. The time when I came here as a level 1, with no hope, and on the run.

''At first, I came to the Confederation to get power and money. I thought it was the only way to shake off this position of being the reincarnation of an apostle.

As Aikawa Uzumi, I knew I should say something.

I was just thirsty, stuck up and unable to interrupt the conversation.

'But I think it was ...... an excuse to get away from the real problem. I'm sure that what I really wanted was someone to acknowledge that (...) 'me'.

Now Dia is trying to settle her own story.

Unlike some dumb children, it's a happy ending, that's for sure.

Dia knows the meaning of her birth and has arrived at a meaningful ending.

That's something we should rejoice and celebrate as friends.

'I've always wanted someone who would listen to the end of my stupid story and stand next to me, who would recognize my way of life - that's what I've always wanted. It's been a long, long time coming. ......

Long ago ......?

Just hearing those words sent a bad feeling down my back.

'And I got to meet Kanami. I was able to say goodbye to the root of me - and to the Apostle Sith (・・・・・・) (・・・・・). From now on, I'm free.

Sys......

Dia speaks with a smile that combines release and contentment.

I watch her with a smile.

I've made a lot of friends that I trust. It's just that I'm embarrassed to say this in front of Maria's guy.

Her cheeks turn red and she scratches the tip of her nose in embarrassment.

Then he turns his gaze to his surroundings and spreads his hands out as if to introduce me.

'I've made some friends, properly. That's Fran and the whole Alais family.

Flanlure was already sitting in the carriage, waving to us.

He seemed to understand that this time was important to Dia, and he seemed to be taking care of us and keeping his distance.

'I can finally go home ....... In a real sense, I can pick up the 'me' I left back home. I can face my parents and my brother, this time .......

The words were similar to the wills of the guardians (guardians) they had seen off until now.

They were words that indicated that Dia had already completed the final chapter and had entered the epilogue.

And now, the last page of the book is turning over.

Dia takes my hand in both of hers and tells me - ”I'll see you later!

'See you later!　Kanami: ......!

At that word, I stand my ground.

'............!'

I can't find the words to say as his hand remains tightly gripped.

Unable to see, Yotaki breaks the stillness.

''Brother ....... What is it, don't you have anything?

He urged me to return the goodbye.

To which I hesitated, pondered and chose.

'Oh, ah, ......'

To be honest, I don't want to leave Dia. But I knew with my rational mind that I should keep away from her under the current too worst circumstances (・・・・・・・・・).

I couldn't say a word to stop him or say goodbye, so I was quick to say--.

' -- 'Lost to Aeka' and 'Past time, nostalgic man, sorrow. 'All for the blessing of new beginnings' --

I composed those words.

It's a 'chant' that I got from 'Past Vision' just a few minutes ago.

Hearing that, Dia rolled her eyes, but smiled happily.

''Chanting'' ......?　Haha, Kanami is so Kanami until the end.

I don't think I've ever heard of Dia.

Which means that indeed Diah has parted ways with the Sith.

'A blessing for a new beginning, or ....... That's a good one. I've lost a lot of things, and I've made mistakes, but I'm ready to keep trying. Thank you, Kanami ......!

Deere interprets the meaning of the word 'chanting' in its own way.

It's not wrong.

It is right, and we receive it.

'-- ”-- 'Lost to Aeka', 'Past, time, nostalgic man, sorrow. 'All for the blessing of new beginnings' --

Dia 'chanted' and inflated his body's magic power slightly.

It is true that a 'deal with the world', a 'spell' was made.

However, knowing the details of that transaction, I have mixed feelings.

In other words, the Sith are already here--.

I squeezed Dia's hand back, not the Sith's, and returned the goodbye.

'Take care ....... Dear .......

'Oh!　Don't worry about that!　I'm stronger now!　And I'm not even a level one anymore!

Dia hates the damp air and speaks with a pleasant effort.

After shaking my hand wildly in a buzzing motion, she lets go of my hands and retreats, looking at me.

'--Then I'm off!

With that, Dia walked into the carriage with Flanlure.

I wave to her and wave her off. Then, Fenrir-san calls out to me. Along with my oath as a knight.

''Ancestor. In the name of my ancestors, Lady Dear will protect you.

Thank you ....... Deere is definitely strong, but it's comforting to have an adult like you to protect her: ......

I promise. Then....

With a deep bow, Fenrir-san also entered the carriage.

After everyone finished boarding, the carriage slowly started to drive.

It drives down the trade route and away from the confederacy.

Dia is leaving.

My face must have been anxious as I watched it.

Yotaki, who is next to me, holds my hand instead of Dia's.

''Brother. You don't have to look like that, I'll be back soon. Yes, soon--''

He encourages me with a smile that hasn't changed at all throughout the day.

But his hands are frighteningly cold.

It's a cold air that can't be explained by the weather alone, the snow.

When I'm convinced that magical cold air is definitely leaking from Yotaki's hands, I'm struck with vertigo.

''............!!!''

My vision and body wobbled and I prodded my knees.