392 389. By the time this letter falls into your hands.txt (1/2)

I think that Rustyala Foodsayers was dreaming until the end of his life.

However, that ”dream” is really uncertain, and is followed by a sense of insecurity that can easily be erased if you reach for it.

Those who are born as ”Jewelcrus” will never be able to get rid of that sense of uncertainty. I heard that because the owner of the blood that is the main source of everything has been controlled by this feeling until the day he dies, his daughters will naturally fall into the same category.

However, this me was the only one who was supposed to be ...... different from the rest of the 'Magic Stone Humans (Jewelculus)'.

At any rate, Rustyala Foozeyers is a masterpiece that overcame all the flaws in The Magic Stone Man (Jewelculus).

Before he was born, he invested a huge amount of money and added all kinds of ”techniques” to his blood.

Even this is still a forbidden ”spell” and brainwashing-like mental stability.

Its coordination is perfect, and there are no dead spots in the plan.

Even if he was told right after he was born that he would take the place of the dead, he would not feel at all uneasy.

On the contrary, the more I read the prepared heroic tales, the more I feel proud to be a vessel for the great men of the past. The more I talk to the Levantine faithful, the more I feel a sense of superiority that I was born with this mission.

-- I wasn't afraid to disappear or die.

It's not a lie.

Having read so many heroic tales, I was well aware of the truly unfortunate end of the spectrum.

I thought it wasn't such a bad life to be the cornerstone of heroes while being blessed by everyone else in the world, relatively speaking. ......

In other words, the brainwashing and adjustment of the ”Hoosier State” and the ”Senate” had been a success.

I also understood that this was the kindness of the adults' hearts.

However, unfortunately - I ended up feeling the same anxiety in my heart as the rest of the Jewelculus.

That anxiety is not about the rituals that will eventually come.

There was always only one thing that scared me, when the adjustment was supposed to be perfect.

”New Year 1011.

It was a year after I was born.

A large garden in the center of the Fouzeyards Cathedral.

A large fountain that reaches to the roof, sprinkling cool splashes. Next to it was a simple pews, albeit under a clear sky. In addition, in front of it, there was a row of desks and couches that looked too expensive to be measured.

It looked a bit like a classroom, but I was the only student taking a class there, and I was the only one who had the luxury of teaching on the platform.

And the man who was supposed to be teaching on that platform threw the history books and heroic tales prepared by the ”Senate” into the corner and read to the students one boy and girl's story.

Thus, a boy and a girl, watched by many people, dramatically and beautifully, and of course emotionally, scream out their secret love to each other. Hmmm, just imagine, Lady Rustyala, a boy and a girl screaming out their secret love for each other in the eyes of many people, dramatically beautiful and of course touching. Under the twinkling white light that could be mistaken for a blessing, the world trembles as the crowd shouts their blessings. Wouldn't it be a wonderful ending, as if a huge curtain were being drawn from the sky even now?

Ha, ha. ......

If there was anything that scared me, which was perfectly coordinated, it would be - only this educator's threats.

I listened to the personal theatrical tastes of Hein Helvirshine, the man who is touted as the best knight in the world, and I listened.

'Yes, sir. So that's the end of this story. Thus, the boy and girl who have survived the tribulations will continue to live happily (・・・・・・) for a long time (・・・・・・・). Slowly, happily, together, in a distant land where they don't have to worry about their differences in birth, all the time .......

I was mentally very young at the time, and like dry soil sucks rain, I heard that Mr. Hein's adventure tale of love in its skin.

It was inevitable for my newborn self.

I sat alone on the couch, with no one else around, chewing on the new knowledge I was being given.

'I'll continue to live happily (・・・・・・) all the time (・・・・・・) ......'

-- I feel that this was the beginning of Rastiara Hoozeyars when I worked backwards from the end of my story.

Hence, this is the beginning of my 'Memoirs of the Hero Rastiala Huseyars'.

'Yes. They continue to be very happy together. It's a very enviable thing to do while talking about your creation. Yes, I really do envy you. ......

The knight Hine, unusually dressed like a teacher, clenched his fists and made a strong case for the future of the characters of his creation.

But I was still not as emotionally invested in the story as he was.

The reason for this, as a newborn, I would tell him. It was a question that only a novice 'reader' who started reading creative stories could ask.

'Spend Happily Ever After ....... Mr. Hein, is that ever going to be the case after these pages?

What?　What ......, are you talking about after this?

'Here's what follows. Where is the rest of that last page?

I looked around, searching for a book with the same title. Mr. Hein scratched his cheeks as if a little annoyed, then slowly shook his head.

'There is no continuation. That's what books are for. When the writer stops, the story is over.'

...... is it over now?　But I want to read more books. I'd like to know more about the rest of it, the happy life, Mr. Hein.

I felt so strongly about it because I liked the story.

But the educator in front of me smiled gently and said not to worry.

''It's all right, Miss. Sure, this is the end of the story, but without a doubt, the boys and girls will continue to live happily ever after. I have no doubt about that much.''

So Mr. Hein assured me.

But I feel differently than he does.

I don't think there is any doubt. The next page might be followed by ”I thought it was actually--” and then a few years later there might be a sentence that says, ”When we actually lived together, we didn't fit in that well.

...... Okay, I get it. So that's the end of the story. I give up.

But I nodded honestly.

The right way to enjoy a book is Mr. Hein. I could determine, thanks to the common sense etched in my blood, that I was only blurring the boundaries between creation and reality.

Perhaps sensing my frustration, Hein-san replied with a wrinkled brow, though her smile did not falter.

''I can't help but understand your feelings, Miss. But let's believe it. The two of you who have overcome hardship will be rewarded with such a reward ....... At least, that's what I believe, and I always read my books.

Believe that, read the book: ......

I would learn how to read - 'reading' - from Mr. Hein.

I was puffing out my cheeks in discontent, but the idea was strangely easy to swallow.

The next page continued, ”They will always be happy--” and I was sure it was more fun to believe that they would live happily ever after, even after all these years, ”They will live happily ever after.

'Certainly, yes, ....... It's more like a ...... 'dream' that way. After all, a story is only dramatic and full of hope.

As easily as if it had been set up from the beginning, I easily learned the basics of 'reading' in Mr. Hein's style.

'I see you're convinced. ...... So let's get back to class now, shall we? No matter how quickly your daughter swallows the class, it will affect my assessment if she is caught doing nothing but changing her mind.

With that, Mr. Hein placed the book he had brought in with him on the pew with great care and picked up a history book on Hoosiers that had been haphazardly placed on a nearby couch.

The original class was back in session.

However, throughout that class, I continued to ruminate on the story that Mr. Hein had read to me. I envisioned in my mind the rest of the story in my own way, believing that the later story, ”Slowly and happily for both of us, all the time ......” as I had been taught, would be a very happy time.

--In the early chapters, I really learned a lot from the knight Hein Helvirshain.

It's not merely about knowledge and how to fight.

It included a wide range of things, even how to spend my days and enjoy life.

As a result, within a year, I would become the hobby that Mr. Hein wanted me to be.

I've really grown to love reading books.

I especially liked the 'adventure' genre and began to admire the 'heroes'.

After all, a large part of my class was the history of the battles of Lord Tiara Hoozars in the Levantine tradition of Hoozars.

Because I was the vessel for the successful re-birth of Lord Tiara, I was able to get more emotionally involved in that story than anyone else.

In that legendary battle, Lady Tiara, with her ”long hair as beautiful as flowing gold sand” just like mine, played a major role, and it made me feel as if I was there a thousand years ago.

The more I ”read,” the more I felt as if ”I” (Tiara) had met the apostle and become a saint. I felt as if I had become the founder and united the nations of the continent to fight against the evil apostles. I felt like I became a hero and went on an 'adventure' all over the world, and I ...... enjoyed it from the bottom of my heart.

''--Hmmm.''

A chuckle escaped me.

The female knight of the escort beastman, Serah Raydianto, who was listening to it next to me - Serah spoke to me in a gentle voice.

''You really like books, miss, don't you?''

”New Year 1012.

On this day, I was still using my free time before class to 'read'.

By this time, I had read through all the books in the Hoosiers, so I was just rereading my favorite, the lore from a thousand years ago.

'Yes, I love it. It's the only thing I enjoy in a boring cathedral.

When I responded immediately, Sera turned her attention to the nearby exercise space and suggested another hobby.

'As for me, I'd like to recommend more sword and magic training: ....... Now, I can keep you company and ......

'Hmmm, sorry. If anything, I prefer to read books. ...... Oh, if it's a sword instruction book, I'd be more inclined to read it. If possible, it would be nice if it came with an autobiography by a master.

A body full of my 'qualities' would be able to understand most of it just by reading it.

However, seeing me only sit down and not put it into practice, Sera's sigh grows deeper.

''Huh. All of this is because of Hein's education policy. That man brings in all those books for nothing. ......''

'You don't like books, do you, Serah?'

'I don't really dislike them. I don't like difficult books, but ...... I do buy and read these things sometimes at my own expense.

Sera picked up one of the books piled on a nearby platform.

It was a love story in the skin of the adventure story that Mr. Hein had brought with him in the beginning.

'A story about being united with a lord who is bound by the red 'thread' of fate. ...... I think it's lovely.

Blushing slightly, Sera's eyes narrowed.

The way she pondered the story of the book, she didn't have her usual manly air about her.

Although not much was known to the knights of Fuzzy Yards, she surprisingly had a taste for girls. However, with her man-hating nature, she only shows her current expression to the same s*x that she has allowed herself to be. ......

I'm glad to see that rare expression and hope that her story will be a happy one forever.

''Hmph, I agree with you. I hope that one day, Sera will find a good-looking man tied to her by the red thread of fate.

'Well, I didn't mean it that way: ......!　And besides, rather than me, the young lady will one day be the one who deserves it...

After saying that much, Sera stopped speaking.

With a huff, her edgy face turned pale.

Really, Sera-chan is an easy to understand and pretty woman. She looked as if she was about to commit suicide now, realizing halfway through that someday (...) future is not for me.

I smiled gently and rambled out an arrogant answer to show that I didn't care.

'Hmmm, are you worthy of me? ....... But it's not every day that a man can stand on a par with me here, is it?　I'm not proud of it, but it's quite something. This 'Present Man God' Rastiara Huseyers-sama's beauty is. Hmph.

Lady: ......

It was a joke, Sera could tell that she was joking.

However, in all seriousness, she tightened her expression and replied in her seriousness.

''Yes. There aren't many men worthy of a woman as dainty, kind-hearted, modest and caring as the young lady ......!　And if they do show up, they will be severely vetted by this Serra Raydiant!　It's up to me to see if I'm really the man who can make your daughter happy: ......!

I have a feeling that no one will pass the test if it's left up to Sera. ...... Something tells me that no one will pass the test. If the time comes, it looks like the judging will be ...... done by someone else. Let's leave it to Ragné-chan or something like that.

Oh, come on, girl!　Does that mean I'm inferior to Ragne!

To put it bluntly, that's what I'm saying.

As I said this, Sera opened her big mouth and began to lament, ”Oh no .......

However, it was worth the unpatterned and stout joke, as she was no longer about to harm herself.

At that time, the girl who just mentioned her name appears from the bushes in the garden.

''--Haha. I felt like my name was being called - the knight Lagune has appeared. I'm going to be able to see that the young lady is showing her nasty side and annoying her seniors.

Oh, Ragné.

Ragne Kaikwola, the youngest 'Celestial Knights' (Celestial Knights), moved like a wild animal and sat down next to me with a whimper.

''But you're reading again. The young lady never gets tired of it either.

Then, just like Sera, she picked up a suitable book nearby - only she was the only one to say the exact opposite in The Seven Celestial Knights of Heaven (Celestial Knights).

'I'm not very good at this sort of thing. When I read the print, my eyebrows get squeezed together.

I was a little unhappy with that impression.

So when I turned to the book in her hand, trying to wrap it up somehow to make Ragne-chan a like-minded person as well - I was surprised that I didn't recognize the title of the book.

'Huh?'

I feel like I've read ...... in the past year.

As I recall, it wasn't a royal adventure story, but a tragic love story that was popular among the daughters of the nobility.

I faintly remember that it wasn't just a royal tale, it was quite strange.

It's the story of a nobleman's daughter who meets a 'gentile' from a different world than this one - a different world. The setting is the same labyrinthine confederacy as here, and although it starts out as a typical love story, the main character dies in the middle of the story. Nevertheless, the story continues unhurriedly, which is impressive, and by the end ...... what happened?　It had a happy ending. ...... I feel like it was a happy ending.

They seemed so happy on the last page that I had the book within reach of me to reread it again sometime. ...... Otherwise, there would be no reason for the book to be here.

'-- Lagne, you're training with the Chancellors today, aren't you?　Why are you here?

However, my process of checking my memory was interrupted by Sera's voice interrupting me.

''I'm with the ladies, and we've just entered break time! Well, the training of the President and the others has been hard and grueling lately. Please ask the young lady to make the training light.

You do that, and you spoil your daughter right away ......!

Unlike the other 'Seven Celestial Knights' (Celestial Knights), Ragne-chan is very easy to talk to me.

Even though I know that such a role has been given to me by the Hoosier State, I will still talk to her as the best friend I can find.

'That's how much is expected of you, Ragne, isn't it?　After all, he's the secret child of that Mr. Hein and Palinclone. ...... The treasured children that often appear in heroic tales!

'No, I think that sidelong claim that came from somewhere is the main reason why my training is so caustic: ....... Where did you hear that, young lady?

'I was the first to hear, or rather, to start bickering with the secret children. ...... To be honest, I was annoyed that I was the only one studying, so I got Ragne-chan involved. Lagne-chan, all you do is look around the cathedral grounds and you always seem to have a lot of time on your hands, don't you?

I knew it was the girl!　Oh, I've been feeling that way, dammit. It's a cushy patrol job that's just so easy to do, girl. ......

Spitting out a curse, Ragne gingerly rests her head on my lap.

I think Ragne is really good at playing the role of a friend.

Even though I know it's her job, this is how I enjoy talking to her. In my personal opinion, she is the one who does the most work in The Seven Celestial Knights of Heaven (Celestial Knights).

And as if she's tired of that work, Ragne looks at the scenery around her while squinting her eyes.

''Haha ....... Shucks, this garden ....... It's really beautiful, isn't it ......?

Garden?　Yes, it's very beautiful. They say it's the best garden in the Confederacy.

'Oh, it's really beautiful ....... I want to stay here with the young lady forever. ...... Haha.

I thought it meant that she wanted to keep skipping her special training, but when I looked at her face, I realized that it wasn't.

I never once saw Ragne's expression as she muttered, ”All the time, I'm going to keep going ......” as she repeated.

There is no doubt that he is smiling.

But I felt like what was accompanying it was not joy or comfort, but frustration and regret.

Sometimes I don't know what Lagune is thinking about. She is always full of energy and has a sunny expression - but the backlight of the day is too strong to see anything through.

If I could see into the depths of her mind now, it would only be for someone with a special ”eye for observation”. Just when I thought that, a new 'Celestial Knights' appeared again.