Arifureta Vol 3 Chapter 9 (2/2)

“N? Now that you mention it… I am Hajime, Nagumo Hajime”

“… Yue”

“I see, Hajime-san and Yue-chan”

s.h.i.+a said their name several time to remember it. But, Yue dissatisfied and objected her.

“… Use -san. Failure rabbit”

“Fue!?”

s.h.i.+a was puzzled by Yue commanding tone, it seems she think Yue was younger because of her appearance. When she heard Yue is a vampire and older, she immediately apologize by prostrating. For Yue, it’s not like she hate her. Though don’t know why… For example when Yue glance at certain part of s.h.i.+a there seems to be hatred, though the reason is not certain!

“Come, for now failure rabbit get on the back” (my note:and Yue hate-o-meter will be maxed when a part of s.h.i.+a touch her)

Hajime, being used to Yue’s brilliant mind, instructed s.h.i.+a to hop on. And that’s resulted in s.h.i.+a’s confusion. It can’t be helped because there are no two wheeled vehicle that moves by using magic in this world. However, because s.h.i.+a understood it was some kind of vehicle, s.h.i.+a slowly sit behind Yue.

Even though it was a tandem seat using a certain demonic beast’s leather, because Yue was small there is enough s.p.a.ce for them. And s.h.i.+a being suprised by the softness of the seat start leaning forward to Yue, pressing her weapon.

Yue who was suprised with the feels start to slip away to the front of Hajime. Her pet.i.teness fit perfectly between Hajime’s arms. Apparently, Yue can’t stand the feeling of the weapon that hit her. Hajime reveal a wry smile after guessing the reason while Yue entrust her weight into Hajime have a bitter expression.

s.h.i.+a say, “Eh? Why?” without understanding what happen, then cling to Hajime’s waist with happy expression. Hajime as the usual just poured in his magic and drove along. It’s not like he does react or anything if you ask him. But it was a lie if he say no.

Without noticing the conflict in Hajime and Yue’s mind, s.h.i.+a ask a question over Hajime’s shoulder.

“U,umm. Even though faster is better… Is this a vehicle? What kind is it? Moreover, Hajime-san and Yue-san is a magic-user right? Even though it shouldn’t be able to use here…”

“ah~, I’ll explain on the way”

While said so, Hajime increase his magic and accelerate the bike. The vehicle move smoothly, over Hajime’s shoulder, s.h.i.+a’s scream “Kyaaa~!” can be heard. The ground and wall seems to flow to their back as they go.

In the bottom of the canyon s.h.i.+a clung tightly into Hajime while closing her eyes because of the speed, after a while maybe because she get accustomed to it, s.h.i.+a gradually becoming excited. When Hajime goes around a curve to avoid a large rock, she make noise excitedly.

On the way, Hajime start to explain why they can use  magic and drive this bike, about how Hajime’s arms was something like an artifact. And s.h.i.+a only able to open her eyes wide in astonishment.

“Eh, then, both of you also able to directly manipulate magic, also capable to use unique magic…”

“Ahh, something like that”

“… N”

For a while s.h.i.+a’s mind turn blank in surprise, suddenly, she buried her face onto Hajime’s shoulder. Then, somehow start to sobs.

“… What is it now? Once become noisy then get depressed and now crying… You are trully emotionally unstable”

“… Too late?”

“What is too late? What do you mean? I am normal! … It just that, when I think I’m not alone… Somehow it make me happy…”

“”…””

It seems because of her ability similar to the demonic beast, she always think she was the only one in this world and that make her feel the solitude. Her family raised her for 16 years and called her a family member although it brought dangers to them, even fleeing into Sea of Trees for her sake, that must be their affection. Even so, no, because of it, the feeling of solitude because “she was different from the others” can be felt.

Hearing s.h.i.+a’s words, Yue turned silent while thinking. It seem her expresionless face is losing more color. Hajime is somehow able to understand Yue feelings now. Probably, Yue’s circ.u.mstance almost the same as s.h.i.+a. Both of them capable to directly manipulate magic and using unique magic, With no one that can be called “kin” in that era.

But, there is a definite difference between them. While Yue did not have family that love her, s.h.i.+a had. That’s something give her a complex feeling along with envy. Added that from s.h.i.+a’s perspective, Yue was a “kin” that she finally met. It was a complicated matter.

To Yue’s head, Hajime patted then stroked it.For Hajime who was raised in rich country, j.a.pan, with affection received from the parents, although there are no “kin”-like existence, the solitude that he feels can’t be compared to existence of a Queen, of Yue. Therefore, he doesn’t have anything to say that can help her. He can only show her that she is not alone “now”.

Even though Hajime had completely changed, but there is still kindness for those he cares about. Rather, if he didn’t met Yue, that would have also disappear from him. Yue is the one who stopped Hajime from falling into the path of heresy/sc.u.m. Because Yue is here, Hajime can retain his humanity. As proof, Hajime will protect her promise with s.h.i.+a. To protect Haulia tribe from empire’s Soldiers so they can guide him in the Sea of Trees.

Whether Hajime’s feelings were transmitted or not, Yue let loose her tension and lean her back into Hajime. As if she want to be spoiled.

“Umm~ Did you forget me? Here I said “It big news. I am not alone anymore. Because I have you by my side” or something like that then I cry? I, need to be comforted you know? To be spoiled you know? Even so, even though the chance is here, why suddenly you go to your own world! I am lonely! Please take me too! Even though, you two…”

“”Silence failure rabbit””

“… Yes… Sob…”

To the whimpering s.h.i.+a, suddenly make a ruckus that make Hajime and Yue shout instinctively. However, to left alone crying girl and make the world of two can be called cruel. Added that she got yelled, s.h.i.+a was truly pitiful. But, her strength is her strong point. In her mind “First I must make them call me by name~ after all they are comrades I finally found. I won’t let them go~!” became her new goal.

Meanwhile, Yue and Hajime yelled echoed then demonic beasts’ roar can be heard in the distance. Apparently there are lot of demonic beasts in front of them.

“! Hajime-san! We will arrive soon! That demonic beasts’ voice is… close! Close to father and the other’s place!”

“Daa~, don’t shout near my ear! Did you hear! Hang on tight because I’ll increase our speed!”

Hajime pour even more magic power, and the bike start to accelerate further. Wall and ground flow past them fast.

After 2 minutes. They stop with a drift when they see dozen of RabbitMan tribe are under attack.

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