Arifureta Shokugyou de Sekai Saikyou (WN)

Chapter 499

Star Spirit World Arc The Hero’s Triumphant Return

『Eh? I don’t want to though.』

The legend of the savior Shia. The “Take 2” of that beginning was being played by Yue after doing a very careful selection. Because Shia was watching her with eyes that looked like ＜●＞＜●＞.

The figure of Shia who took out Drucken warily right after being summoned then slowly appearing from inside the light was truly a fitting scene for the beginning of a legend.

She showed no carelessness or opening. It was extremely awesome how she was smiling fearlessly as though to say bring it on no matter how impossible the task is. It was truly picturesque.

Myuu, and not just her, even Yuuka and others were also cheering 「Oo, so cool!」 seeing that. The soldiers who were turned into audience were also becoming excited like it was only natural.

Then, the reply that came right after Louis politely requested the salvation of the world was that. Blunt. An immediate answer where even a sign of hesitation was nonexistence.

「……Shia, art not the result the same no matter where the scene art censored?」

「I-it’s not like that! Right after this talk! The intention! That’s important!」

Yue’s return stare stabbed Shia. Shia shook her rabbit ears vigorously.

I’m disillusioned. I’m not the savior’s fan anymore……the atmosphere of the place hadn’t become like that but, atmosphere like they had been awakened from a dream could be felt from some of the soldiers.

「Calm down, all of you. The point that Shia-dono made at that time was wholly justified. This refusal, it is an expression of her sincerity and kindness.」

Eric made a nice follow up in order to stop the commotion and agitation from spreading.

「Well, I guess. If she instantly accepted without thinking, I would disparate her “This d.a.m.n early day Amanogawa-“. 」

「That’s, considered an insult for Hajime huh……」

Shizuku muttered with a conflicted expression. Shia wiped up her cold sweat.

「T-that was close desuu. If Hajime-san said something like that to me, I wouldn’t be able to get out from bed for a week.」

「Getting called “early days Amanogawa” is that shocking!?」

「It’s understandable. Even I wouldst not be able to feel good from that. I wouldst feel plainly depressed……」

Words that would make even that hardcore M dragon who considered insult=reward get mentally damaged. Wasn’t that already a type of “curse”? Shizuku thought with twitching expression.

「Kouki-, good for you. You got Nagumo to fix “early days” on your name now.」

「Kouki-kun, he really has worked hard……I’m happy for him as his childhood friend.」

「……Haha, I can imagine Amanogawa-kun making complicated expression to the extreme if he’s here.」

Just like Suzu-said, Kouki who was in another world right now was currently making a complicated expression at the present. It feels like someone is badmouthing me? But I can’t argue back because it’s the consequence of my own doing……He was thinking like that with murky feeling……. Hero, how scary.

The past replay was still playing forward even while such exchange was going on. Shia’s true intention came to light.

Which was,

『My life, belongs not only to me alone desu.』

She said that she had family, and that family treasured her greatly, so she herself had to treasure herself just like them. That was why,

『──I, have to prioritize protecting my life above all else.』

Shia Hauria decided the order of her priority with unshakeable resolve, for the sake of all the people who loved Shia Hauria. She declared, that she would abandon all of them because she treasured herself more.

She proclaimed that, without even a shred of guilt or gloom.

「Myuu~~! As expected Shia-oneechan is kind nano!」

『Fufufu……you are, a kind person.』

Myuu whose expression looked like she was stuffing her face full with exceptionally sweet candies said those words that overlapped with the words of the past Dahlia.

「True……even though it would be more advantageous for the negotiation if such proclamation wasn’t made.」

「My my, but Liliana-san, that’s one of Shia-san’s good aspect isn’t it? She’s always straightforward. To a pleasant degree.」

Remia squinted her eyes as she said that. Liliana too said 「Yes, certainly」 and nodded with a smile seeping out on her face. In contrast, Aiko looked depressed for some reason..

「Uu, it’s just as you said. I, it was just for an instant but, I thought it would be better if she pretend to cooperate. I’m depressed. I’ve gotten poisoned by Lily-san……」

「Aiko-san? What do you mean by that? Hey, please look over here for a second. Hey I said!」

Well of course, she must meant that she had been influenced by the black-hearted princess who sometimes would show glimpses of wicked aura like 「Manipulating the ma.s.s is as easy as taking a candy from a baby!」 or 「Just as planned!」.

Hajime and others thought that, but they ignored the byplay because they wanted to concentrate on the past replay for now. The matter of Liliana drawing near toward Aiko was being taken care of by Remia who was admonishing 「My my」 with a troubled face anyway.

Besides most importantly,

『If I promised, I would have to keep it no matter what. With my, and also my family’s pride on the line.』

She wouldn’t lie. She couldn’t make a promise that she didn’t plan to keep.

Because, my most beloved person said that and protected my family and me to the end.

Hearing the unspoken meaning in Shia’s words, somehow it made the soft part in their hearts to be touched, making them feeling ticklish. So it wasn’t the time to care about anything else other than the past replay.

「Shia……」

「Heheh, as Hajime-san’s wife I can’t do something irresponsible after all. Yes」

Both Hajime and Yue must also be remembering the time when they first came to Fea Bergen and negotiated with the elders.

The two lovingly fluffed the rabbit ears that Shia shook around with a bit of embarra.s.sment.

Kaori and others had also watched the past during the Tortus trip. Yuuka and others had also at least heard the story, so they smiled warmly seeing the three acting so close.

「I’m guessing, that there is something that happened between Shia-dono and the two of them in the past.」

Eric and others in the past could only accept the literal meaning of what Shia said. They only considered the words as a show of Shia’s sincerity.

But, looking at how the three were acting right now, it was easy to guess that those words were based on experience.

「Umu. See, Shia’s clan was originally looked down as the weakest. Even their fellow rabbit people thought the same. In addition, Shia herself was also weak, however due to her specialness she was shunned by her birthplace.」

「A lot of things happened, and at the end she along with her whole clan got sentenced to death…….」

「Wha-, Shia-dono? Along with her family? Impossible……」

「Shia-sama was weak……such thing, I cannot even imagine it.」

「You’re lying right? In other words, eh? She was persecuted?」

Eric, Louis, and Phil were all dumbfounded. Even Greg, even though he said no word, his eyes widened in shock.

Their voices weren’t that loud, but the nearby soldiers must have heard too. They too looked at each other in bewilderment.

They couldn’t hide their turmoil from hearing the unimaginable past of the strongest and unrivaled hero who punched even the G.o.d.

The past replay was still progressing even while that was going on. Finally the a.s.sault of the celestial people began.

The past Louis reached out to save Shia. The scene of Shia dodging that was played. Louis’s face that seemed to say 「Eh? You’re joking right?」 made Nana and others burst into laughter.

「Those art the truth. Then, what saved Shia and her family from such situation was Goshujin-sama and Yue at that time.」

「Hajime-kun and Yue had their own objective, which required the help of Shia and her family. Their interests matched. But, the elders said that they’ll prepare replacement for Hauria clan.」

「I see……so Nagumo-dono chose, to go together with Shia and her family. Because that was what he promised.」

「Choosing a single clan rather than the side with greater power and influence……choosing honor rather than the logical decision. That was what Nagumo-donodid.」

Tio and Kaori smiled and nodded together.

They didn’t know the detail. But, they understood that was the start for those three in its truest sense.

「But, but still……uumu, I can’t believe it.」

「Certainly, thou wouldst not be able to imagine it from all the superhuman feats the current Shia hath done.」

「No, it’s not that. Rather, I can accept the part of how she was weak. It played just now in the past replay right? The talk about asking help.」

──Getting elbowed, bathed in electricity, kicked, and at the end, blown away into a swarm of monster.

Shia mentioned that. Her encounter with Hajime. Although Tio and others had already known that, even they reflexively looked toward Hajime with gazes that seemed to say 「Uwaa」 despite already hearing that story for many times.

「Those are unbecoming deed toward a girl asking for help. Judging from the brutality of the acts, “the person she asked for help” must be Nagumo-dono without a doubt. For such man to keep his promise……」

「That’s what confused thee!?」

Tio reflexively made a tsukkomi.

Kaori smiled wryly. She glanced at Tio beside her. She imagined that his majesty Eric definitely couldn’t ever imagine how even such pretty woman before his eyes had actually gotten pile bunkered in the a.s.s before, and not only that, it also caused after-effect (?) that turned her into a dragon with fatal weakness in the a.s.s.

Though of course, she would never mention such abnormal fact proactively. Even without that, the mode of life of this dragon with mental exhibitionist fetish would get exposed anyway. The person in question had no intention to hide it after all.

While Kaori was thinking such thing,

「Then, could it be Shia-sama’s strength is……for the sake of going together with the two of them?」

Louis asked that question while already half-convinced of the answer. While looking at Hajime, Shia, and Yue, the three of them standing side by side. Such sight looked very “natural”.

「Fufu, amazing right? A child of clan who couldst not even kill a bug, and scared of even small animal, traversed through numerous carnages even while bawling, driven by the simple feeling of “wanting to be together with the two people she loved”. She kept standing up no matter how many times even when covered in mud, and finally she arrived to be a hero who beat up even G.o.d.」

Tio bragged with an expression that was overflowing with pride as though she was boasting about herself.

Another commotion spread out through the soldiers. The past Shia was carrying Dahlia in princess carry while protecting her from the attack of the celestial people.

It’s the beginning of legend (deep meaning)! Such cheers rose. Watching the scene made them truly felt like they were watching the encounter between the main character and the heroine.

The soldiers who were within hearing range were curious to both the projection and the talk that their gazes and necks kept swiveling to left and right.

「Aa, Shia-sama. So that time, you came running to where I was in such situation.」

「Y-yes, well. More importantly Dahlia-san, your expression is a bit slovenly……」

「Aah, how embarra.s.sing! Even though it was I myself who did that, what a truly pathetic response to give! If I can go back to the past, I want to pinch my own face-」

「……I think that’s a normal response though?」

「No, Yue-sama! If it’s now I’ll be able to bow at the same time with my awakening and explain the situation with a smile!!」

「「No, on the contrary that’s scary」」

Surely, even Shia would distance herself from Dahlia if she really did react like that.

「O-oi, Dahlia. Is this alright for you? Certainly this is a precious chance of being able to watch the recording of that time but……rather than watching something that you already knew, won’t it be better to listen about Shia-dono’spast?」

「Ah, it’s fine, Eric. I already know after all.」

「Whaatt!? Since when, where!?」

「Aa, come to think of it I talked about it a little didn’t I. At the night of the first day of the summoning when I stayed in the palace. And while waiting for Hajime-san to come pick me up, when you came several times with tea that you brewed yourself.」

「Tsu!!? I never received any report about that from Dahlia!」

Eric looked at Louis and others. Louis and Greg and also Phil shook their heads vigorously. All of them stared at Dahlia. She should be still just a “duke’s daughter” at that time. In her awareness and also her action guidelines!

Dahlia wordlessly averted her gaze.

「T-to report the hero’s private matter like that, it would be too disrespectful.」

It was an extremely private matter, something that they only talked for a bit during teatime. Shia too was still wary at that time, so she didn’t talk about her family and friends in detail.

And so, Dahlia’s excuse was a proper one.

If Shia learned that Dahlia reported their conversations in detail, she definitely wouldn’t talk about it anymore after that.

But, in that case Dahlia wouldn’t stay quiet and firmly stated that was the reason. She wouldn’t avert her gaze like this. And so, Eric stared reproachfully.

「And the actual reason?」

「…………Even I, have desire to monopolize.」

It was a past story of the hero who wasn’t even something that would really affect national interest, something that only she alone knew. What a sweet feeling it was to know that!

What, it’s not really a problem! Do you have any complain!? Dahlia-san glared back severely as though to say that. It was a kind of unjustified anger.

「Just because of that, you stayed as the only one to know about Shia-dono’s past…………that’s cheating!」

「Cheating……so childish. Didn’t you mention just now how you have grown up?」

「That’s that, this’s this!」

Eric and Dahlia glared at each other.

It was as though they had returned to their childhood. It was a stupid quarrel. Louis ma.s.saged his forehead, while Phil let out a snort, and Greg was losing interest and returning his gaze back to the past replay.

And, inside that past replay, there was Shia who was doing everything she could to avoid fighting and talking with the attackers instead, but the other side wouldn’t deign to listen. Far from that, they said things like how she was an inferior being condescendingly……

「「「「Here it comes absurdityyyyy-」」」」

The first ones to cheer were Hajime, Myuu, and then Ryuutarou, Atsushi, and n.o.boru. As expected for those who knew romance “a straightforward right straight” was exciting.

The celestial person flew like a pinball.

The soldiers were dumbfounded and couldn’t make any sound, meanwhile a huge iron ball was manifested from empty air and it was shot up like a joke.

And then, it smashed through the cloud while very easily breaking into the speed of sound. The sight of the iron ball radiating shockwave of light blue color to every direction could be seen.

「A-a hole at the sky……」

「F-foremannn-, from the sky celestial people are-!」

「Who’re you calling foreman, call me commander……」

The celestial people were a race that possessed transcendent power. They were truly the “G.o.d’s apostles” of this world. It would take a human with high-cla.s.s talent to just barely be able to offer them a fight. A chance of victory would become barely visible for those with world-cla.s.s talent. They were the very personification of such threat.

Those being, were falling down like flies.

The voices of the soldiers were trembling from watching the hard to believe sight. Surely among them there were also some who were watching Shia’s fight properly for the first time. No, perhaps that applied to most of them.

Inside their hearts that were full with only praise and curiosity, the emotion of awe and veneration was also forming. It could be seen clearly even from outside.

「「「I get youu~~~」」」

It was Yuuka, Nana, and Taeko who said that.

No, in the first place. It was unknown just how many tens of tons the compressed lump of metal weighed, but how could such thing got sent flying until above the cloud by an individual’s personal strength? Midway, there was the sight of a white membrane gotten blasted through wasn’t it? That was the sign of breaking through the sound barrier right? Thinking normally that was just strange wasn’t it? Mister Law of Physic, are you doing your job? Their faces were asking those questions.

『So impudent desuuu!!』

The surviving celestial people fired flame and lightning that covered the sky, but it was wholly erased off with a swing of the war hammer together with those words.

『That’s impossible!?』

「「「「「That’s impossible!?」」」」」

The voice of the celestial person overlapped with the soldiers’ voices.

「「「「「Isn’t that right~~」」」」」

This time Aiko and Liliana joined. They had a distant gaze. How can the sound barrier broken through so quickly? Their faces seemed to say. For shockwave to fly just from a swing, it was incomprehensible.

「W-wait! That’s a bad move nano!」

「That’s right! Shia is the t.i.tle holder of “This bugged bunny, she can’t be stabbed with sharp thing though, seriously”!」

Myuu and Kaori who were watching the battle while holding their breath spontaneously yelled.

The celestial people were attempting a close-quarter combat with sword that was covered with light. The voices 「Aa~」 slipped out from imagining how that attempt would clearly result even without anything like Future Sight.

Sure enough,

──*Claang*

A sound that shouldn’t come from human body rang out.

『Ha?』

『Eh?』

「「「「「Haae~~~~??????」」」」」

The celestial people’s eyes turned into dot, the same like the soldiers. Their understanding couldn’t keep up anymore. Just what am I watching here? They thought while simultaneously tilting their head and looking up above their head aa~~bsentmindedly.

「You guys! Just give up on comprehension!」

「It’s just as Sakagami said! If you try thinking deeply……you’ll get swallowed!」

「Just accept it that she’s that kind of creature.」

Ryuutarou and Atsushi also joined in. With the same transparently clear expression like Nana and others, n.o.boru even started emitting an aura like the founder of a new religion.

「……Hajime-san, Hajime-san. For some reason, I’m being treated like the abyss lord though? Please say something to them!」

「……………………Sorry, Shia. There ain’t a thing I can say-」

「Whyyy!?」

Even though you’re my husband, you don’t have any objection even if your wife get treated like something hard to describe!? Shia raged while grabbing Hajime’s collar. Next, she looked toward Yue but she too……

「……Sorry, Shia.」

Yue quietly averted her gaze.

「Why!? I’m extremely normal desuu! As long as there is effort and spirit then anyone can do──」

「……The technique that fused magic power and willpower──」

「The Ultimate Battle Bunny Bunny Art desu.」

I won’t give up on the naming that I’ve worked hard to think of. Cherish it! Such wordless pressure burst out. How very Hauria.

「……Tsu, the Ultimate Battle Bunny Bunny Art! By the time you learned that I thought, aa, Shia has finally became an existence that is outside logic huh.」

「Whaddyameannn!?」

She meant that it was strange to use effort and spirit to accomplish something that couldn’t possibly be achieved somehow with effort and spirit.

Because, Shia hadn’t continuously devoted herself in immersing her body within both magic power and willpower for half of her lifespan like a certain director.

The projection was still continuing even during this.

Double Lariat to snap two people’s necks at the same time! Use those corpses as barrier! Yakuza kick on solar plexus!

This is violence! Overwhelming violence! As expected violence will solve 90% problems of this world! Such scene that practiced Hauria principle in actual practice was playing──

And then,

『I’ll send you flying till the moon-!! Desuu!!』

The finishing attack. A silhouette was flying toward the brightly shining full moon with powerful speed──and vanished.

What left after that was only Shia standing still while tapping her war hammer on her shoulder.

With the moon on her back, the figure of Shia standing at the center became even more unreal. The moonlight became her background light, as though there was a rabbit silhouette floating on the moon too.

「Awesome……」

Wonder who was the one muttering that? The place fell completely silent, making that voice that leaked from the heart echoed excessively loudly.

The soldiers could only look up to the sky without any word of rejection. They were trembling slightly, perhaps because of feeling emotionally moved or feeling awed. Either way, the shock from witnessing a legend was apparently more than enough to rob the freedom from their body and heart.

「I-it’s decided nano. It’s so perfect that nothing can’t surpa.s.s it nano! Papaa! Please take pictures! Nano!」

「Complete agreement. I’ll store them in the clear file.」

「If possible Myuu also want some acrylic key holder and stands nano!」

「Can’t wait to put my skill in use for it!」

「Why are you two planning to turn me into promotional goodsss-!」

「It’s only natural. It’s unthinkable not to immortalize a picture of you that is this perfect and cool and pretty!」

「……I think I get your feeling. That’s just how perfect this scene is. Shia, cool.」

「Heh? I-is that so?」

The past replay ended. Gazes naturally gathered toward Shia.

Shia fidgeted because of Yue’s words while looking over at her surrounding. She saw Kaori and co, and also Yuuka and co nodding yep yep in agreement.

Putting aside the absurdity that was impossible to comprehend, what was cool was cool. There was just no objecting that.

Combined with her resolute att.i.tude that persisted to her principle from the start till the end made it even cooler.

Dahlia too was looking her way longingly. Even if she didn’t understand all the other world terms, she looked like she had somehow guessed that they were talking about making something from cutting out the scene just now. As expected from a maid. Unlike Eric and the soldiers who had “?”marks floating over their heads!

「N-next! Let’s go to the next place already!」

「「Are youu feeling shyy~~~?」」

「Aah geez! Hajime-san and Yue-san too, please don’t poke at my cheeks like that!」

I was able to deal with the situation properly rightt? Even when I got tossed out into an unknown place on my own, I was able to stick to my own principle as befitting Hajime’s wife and Yue’s best friend right?

Shia agreed to visit this place of the beginning because she wanted to convey that, but as expected it seemed she became embarra.s.sed by the unreserved praises to her. She pointed at the direction of the capital to escape it.

Though judging from her blushing cheeks, her swishing rabbit ears, and her shaking rabbit tail, the happy embarra.s.sment inside her heart couldn’t be hidden at all.

Cute……the gazes of Haijme and Yue became warm, and of course it wasn’t limited to just them. Some of the soldiers were even pinching their nose from the destructive power that the embarra.s.sed figure contained.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

「Umm, Hajime-san. Why aren’t we heading to the palace directly?」

The magic power fueled car Brieze was leisurely running on the highway toward the capital where there were trees growing spa.r.s.ely along the way.

It was in open car mode, a feature that Hajime had added before anyone realized. Furthermore, it was also towing a pa.s.senger carriage that had comfortable leather sofas on both sides inside.

There were Eric and others riding horses at the right side, followed by the soldiers who were also riding horses at the rear.

「We’re going to watch your battle versus Udar anyway, so coming from outside will be better right?」

「No, in that case we can just directly teleport to that spot……」

「……What, Shia? You want to watch it that badly, your cool scene?」

「N-no, that’s not what I-」

「You’re completely yearning for more huh? This d.a.m.n recognition hungry monster-」

「……So sad. Even Shia has turned into that monster that often showed up in internet-」

「I’m saying! Please don’t keep teasing me you two! That’s not what I mean at all desuu!」

Eric was smiling wryly seeing the exchange happening between Hajime and co.

It wasn’t like they didn’t use teleport at all. The low hill at the front. The capital would come into sight after the pa.s.sed it. They would head until that spot near the capital. The place where Shia and Udar fight was also nearby.

But, in that case it would certainly be better to directly teleport there. Shia’s question was completely proper.

There was a reason why they didn’t directly teleport there. There was also a reason why they were bringing the soldiers who originally should be tasked to guard the place of the summoning.

The cause was none other than the suggestion from Eric.

Also, that reason had been shared with everyone other than Shia.

Kaori and others including Myuu at the backseat, and even Yuuka and others who were sitting at the pa.s.senger carriage, they were all desperately holding back their expressions from grinning while not saying much.

「Come to think of it, Eric-san said something about a request didn’t he? And Phil-san also went off alone right after the teleportation.」

「A-as expected from you. Phil should have erased his presence when he separated from us……」

Fee~ls like something is strange desu. Shia directed such gaze of suspicion toward Eric.

Eric was visibly looking fl.u.s.tered. Dahlia’s expression became troubled 「You’re still bad at hiding secret. Even though that’s unbecoming for a king」.

「Stop that already Shia-oneechannn. Since when you become someone who is so distrustful toward others like that nanooo」

「A really monotone candid advice!?」

When she looked at the backseat, there was Remia-san whispering something into Myuu’s ear.

「The you from before wasn’t that kind of personnn. Return back to the you of that timeーー」

「Remia-san! Just what’re you making Myuusay!」

「Oh my oh my! Since when you become someone who is so distrusting toward others like that, Shia-san. I’m feeling so sad……」

「So fussy desu」

The helping hand from Remia-san was perhaps that kind of thing. Something that was undoubtedly cited from a speech in a scene of some soap opera.

The car had ran until the foot of the hill while they were having such exchange. What was left was only to go up the hill. They would be able to take an unbroken view of the capital at the top.

In other words, they would be within the distance where nothing could be hidden anymore.

Shia’s rabbit ears were twitching.

「Nnu? I wonder what’s this? It’s like it’s really noisy over there.」

「Haha, it looks like the retainers who stayed behind had done really well.」

Shia turned a dubious gaze toward Eric. But, Eric’s gaze was turning toward Hajime. His expression was like a child who succeeded in his prank, but deep grat.i.tude could be seen in his eyes.

「I was confused when it was mentioned that the outside of the capital will be the best viewing seat, but it now makes sense after knowing how it is possible to view the past like that. Certainly, the spot where the battle against Udar-sama took place is none other than the best special seat.」

「If we’re going to view it anyway it’ll be better to have a lot of audiences.」

「Yes. I’m grateful. The people will surely rejoice too. I have no doubt it’ll serve to be a good reward for their hard work during these five years. At the same time, it’ll also serve as a good reminder. After all humans……are creature that tend to forget even a threat to themselves.」

「I guess. Well, we too are thankful for being able to receive warm welcome. Our interests match in this. So don’t worry too much about it.」

Hajime and co arrived at the top of the hill while Shia was unable to insert herself into the conversation.

Like that, she witnessed the reason why they went out of their way to not teleport directly to the destination.

──WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHH!!!

──Shia-sama~~~~!!

──Savior-samaaaaaaaaa!!!

「Hoe!?」

The cheers were so loud that it felt like there was a physical impact slamming on them. That was the welcoming that Shia and Hajime and others experienced.

People, people, people. People were flooding their sight. The highway until the capital was completely lined up with a crowd of people. Midway there was a large crater that was surrounded by fence. Around it was like a stadium with full seat.

All of them praised and waved their hands with a smile toward Shia when she appeared above the hill.

Shia was overcame with surprise while her gaze reflexively looked around at Hajime and Eric and the others.

She then finally realized,I see.

The car was turned into open car mode and the security guard soldiers coming along with them, and even Eric and others personally coming to pick their group, everything was for the sake of this.

Phil vanished must be for notifying the people here about their arrival too.

Yes,

「A welcoming parade, is it?」

「Well, something like that.」

During the Tortus trip it was a private affair so they refused Queen Luluaria’s request, and yet it wasn’t so this time. Shia was confused and asked why.

If Shia was notified about this beforehand, she might refuse it for exactly the same reason, and part of it was simply because Hajime and others were feeling mischievous. After all it felt like despite all the people here calling her the savior, Shia herself looked like she had little self-awareness about it.

「……Shia, how about you wave back at them for now?」

「Heh? Ah, I-I guess?」

Yue’s eyes were very gentle. Hajime and others were also the same. Shia’s head was full with questions. That was exactly why, she stood up and waved her hand reflexively when Yue told her.

A loud cheers that might even be thrice louder than before thundered. Even the air felt like it was rippling with electricity.

「Uhhyaa~~~h, awesomeee!」

「It’s like a live venue!」

「It really feels like a super idol makes her long-awaited appearance in this spot huh!」

「This must also be the effect of Dahlia-san’s missionary work……even so her popularity is just sky high.」

Nana and Taeko unconsciously ducked their heads. Atsushi and n.o.boru’s faces were slightly twitching from the pressure that the crowd was radiating. They were astounded by just how fanatical the crowd was.

「To challenge the G.o.ds, overturned the decision that shouldst be absolute, saving mankind……truly a grand feat.」

「True. The time she spent here was also short, and only a limited number of people got into contact with her at that time, so she became even more of a “legendary character” over here.」

「If someone like that come nearby, of course they’ll become this crazy.」

「The people of Tortus are also similar like this toward Hajime-san who defeated Ehito. That’s just how much their hearts were saved.」

Tio, Shizuku, Kaori, and Liliana directed their gazes warmly toward Shia.

Shia looked back over her shoulder toward them. Then Aiko and others also continued.

「All of them want to express their grat.i.tude. Surely they all wanted the chance to thank you directly.」

「Shia-san only thought of what happened here as “a bit of adventure” at best but……it’s fine you know, for you to feel prouder about it.」

「It’s just as mama said nano! Shia-oneechan, you’ve protected all those people over there nano! You’re a hero nano!」

「That’s right. That’s why, you don’t need to get that startled. How about you act prouder?」

Myuu and Yuuka’s words made Shia looked toward the cheering people once more.

She only persisted in following her principle and acted according to her and her family’s pride. She only did what she could. Surely if it looked like the situation was impossible for her, she would prioritize her life above all else.

That was why, she didn’t think of what she had done as a grand feat at all.

She understood that they called her the savior and felt grateful to her. After all the people at the Village were also like that.

But, a crowd that easily numbered more than ten thousand formed a walkway of triumph on the road toward the capital. And they all were welcoming her, not Hajime, or Yue, or anyone else. As expected such sight bewildered her.

She thought that all these were a bit exaggerated. She even felt dispirited.

「I had Hajime-san’s help at that time, and the reformation of the world was all thanks to Yue-san and others. That’s why it’s not like I did all by my own strength……」

「……But, it’s Shia who is in the mind of the people of this world. Their feeling for you is genuine.」

Yue was directing an extraordinarily gentle gaze toward her. Even Dahlia and Eric were smiling softly at her.

「I think even family head-sama wouldn’t act if not because of Shia-sama’s wish. Your feeling and action, they moved other people’s hearts.」

「You were only involved with a limited number of people previously so you might not have enough self-awareness but……these five years, although you were gone from here, Shia-dono’s existence was definitely one of the pillars supporting their hearts. Please, I hope you can accept their grat.i.tude.」

「Dahlia-san, Eric-san……」

Brieze slowly started moving. Her gaze moved toward Hajime.

「It was Eric who asked me for this but, I was the one who okayed it. Even if this kind of thing feels like a bother for you Shia, well, forgive me. It’s my selfishness.」

「Selfishness, is it?」

Her heart was still not calming down as though she was floating in the cloud for some reason. Her rabbit ears were also swaying restlessly. Her expression looked absentminded pohee~.

She waved her hand almost unconsciously toward the people who were gradually getting closer. She looked toward Hajime.

And then, she gasped from his words.

「──I wanted to be a hero.」

Those were the words that Shia’s mother, Mona once said.

She wanted to become a hero who could stand against everything that wanted to take away her important people and protect them. That was the bold desire of her who was born as the weakest race and also with the weakest body.

In the confrontation against the empire, that wish came true through Shia and Karm and others. Hauria became heroes for their brethrens.

The figure of Shia, her expression when she reported that in front of Mona’s grave was something that Hajime remembered vividly.

「Shia, you became a hero for your brethrens. You made your mother’s wish came true in her place. But you know, as expected nothing beats a child surpa.s.sing their parent right?」

That was the wish, feeling that Hajime harbored after taking Myuu as his daughter. Surely Mona should feel the same.

「You told me that she was someone with burning eyes and heart but, from where I stand Shia is more amazing. Because, Shia is someone who is like a sun after all. Your eyes and your heart too.」

「U-umm, Hajime-san. It’s a bit embarra.s.sing though……you saying that in front of everyone like this……」

*Fidget fidget* Hajime’s unrestrained words were already no different with a seduction. Shia couldn’t stop herself from turning red.

Yue and others were watching. With really wide grins. Dahlia-san was blushing crimson. Eric and others , and the crowd at the front that had gotten really close had their chests shot (metaphor) seeing Shia’s embarra.s.sed expression.

「The daughter with eyes and heart that are like sun has surpa.s.sed her mother’s wish, saving not only her breathrens but even a whole world. Then, there’s no way I don’t wanna see it. The figure of “Hero Shia Hauria” being praised by the ma.s.s.」

「Hajime-san……」

That was Hajime’s selfishness. No, surely it was also the selfishness of Yue and others.

She was struck dumb. The words to express her erupting feeling wouldn’t come out.

But, the feeling as though the inside of her chest was constricted was painful but sweet.

Her rabbit ears started flapping in high speed. Her rabbit tail was swaying so fast it was like it was leaving behind afterimages.

The crowd was already right before her eyes. Before she realized it, the call of “Hero Shia Hauria” had been yelled on repeat with beautiful harmony. They called her neither the savior or braver, but “hero”.

Surely, this too was Hajime’s doing. After all he was exchanging look with Eric like someone who had succeeded with a mischief.

「Geez……」

Her chest was filled to the brim with a feeling that she couldn’t express using words. She could only whisper like that.

The car stopped. The cheers of the people were growing smaller bit by bit. In contrast, the shine in their eyes brightened and there was color of expectation for something in their expressions.

Shia moved her gaze to Hajime, then to Yue, Tio, Kaori, Shizuku, Myuu……and to Eric and others at the end. Then she looked toward hajime once more.

Hajime smiled and spoke strongly.

「You’re the main character of this tale. Shia Hauria is the protagonist.」

Now, show us the figure of our family member getting praised, the hour of triumph of the comrade who we are proud of.

That expectation was unspokenly conveyed. The meager wish of her family and comrades that just felt so warm.

Shia didn’t hesitate anymore. She tightly clenched her tear ducts that almost loosened up. Her rabbit ears straightened up tensely.

She held her head high with dignity and looked straight to the front. Her whole body was enveloped in beautiful faint blue light.

Like that, while the people became stirred Oooooo-, she spoke for the first time with a volume that was amplified using the application of body strengthening.

It was the first voice that announced the hero’s triumphant return.

「Everyoneeeeeee!! ──I’m backkkkk!!!」

She was so embarra.s.sed that copied a bit of anime material though.

──UOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

──WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!

Loud cheers that shook the air reverberated once more.

「Please show it to me okay! The proof that everyone has worked hard to move forward even with all the sadness and suffering and confusion burdening all of you! Your figures that lived in this new era!」

Shia jumped on the car hood and vibrated her voice like so. Furthermore she energetically hopped around *pyon pyon* while waving her hands.

Her figure, before anyone realized it was projected in the air on a gigantic screen, an enlarged projection using s.p.a.ce magic.

Yue-sama smiled 「Fuh」. Nice show! Hajime and others gave her a thumb up.

Although the crowd was taken aback for a moment by the projection that appeared in empty air,

「Shiashia, she’s completely an idol.」

「Exactly that!」

Suzu unconsciously muttered. Ryuutarou laughed heartily while agreeing with her. That was just how much the figure of Shia hopping around while waving her hands and throwing smiles around was shining bright.

Who cares about the detail! Such mentality instantly spread through the whole crowd.

After that there was only a storm of excitement and delight.

The wild enthusiasm of the people didn’t look like it would die down for a while yet.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

And so,

「……Hey, Myuu-chan. This, by chance can Shia be my replacement? How about Wonderful Shia?」

「Yuuka-oneechan, that topic, can you not bring it up right now?」

n.o.body noticed how at the back seat Yuuka was secretly trying to pin away the “fourth member” status to someone else.

.

AN: Thank you very much for reading this every time.

Thank you very much too for the thoughts, opinions, and reports about misspelling and omitted words.

The Star Spirit World arc is planned for two more chapters. This Shirakome has the bad habit of having too much fun and wrote too much, so in the end it’s still just an estimate (common knowledge). Please accompany me in this for a bit more.

※Material introduction

– I’m not the savior’s fan anymore

From [Kancolle]’s 「I’m not Naka-chan’s fan anymore」.

– Foreman, an angel from the sky is-!

From [Laputa: Castle in the Sky]. Also, the current Shia can go Balus (physically) on the celestial people’s floating island.

– She can’t be stabbed with sharp thing though, seriously

From the nickname of [Negima]’s Rakan, 「Rather that man, he can’t be stabbed with sword though, seriously」Star Spirit World ArcThe Hero’s Triumphant Return

『Eh? I don’t want to though.』

The legend of the savior Shia. The “Take 2” of that beginning was being played by Yue after doing a very careful selection. Because Shia was watching her with eyes that looked like ＜●＞＜●＞.

The figure of Shia who took out Drucken warily right after being summoned then slowly appearing from inside the light was truly a fitting scene for the beginning of a legend.

She showed no carelessness or opening. It was extremely awesome how she was smiling fearlessly as though to say bring it on no matter how impossible the task is. It was truly picturesque.

Myuu, and not just her, even Yuuka and others were also cheering 「Oo, so cool!」 seeing that. The soldiers who were turned into audience were also becoming excited like it was only natural.

Then, the reply that came right after Louis politely requested the salvation of the world was that. Blunt. An immediate answer where even a sign of hesitation was nonexistence.

「……Shia, art not the result the same no matter where the scene art censored?」

「I-it’s not like that! Right after this talk! The intention! That’s important!」

Yue’s return stare stabbed Shia. Shia shook her rabbit ears vigorously.

I’m disillusioned. I’m not the savior’s fan anymore……the atmosphere of the place hadn’t become like that but, atmosphere like they had been awakened from a dream could be felt from some of the soldiers.

「Calm down, all of you. The point that Shia-dono made at that time was wholly justified. This refusal, it is an expression of her sincerity and kindness.」

Eric made a nice follow up in order to stop the commotion and agitation from spreading.

「Well, I guess. If she instantly accepted without thinking, I would disparate her “This d.a.m.n early day Amanogawa-“. 」

「That’s, considered an insult for Hajime huh……」

Shizuku muttered with a conflicted expression. Shia wiped up her cold sweat.

「T-that was close desuu. If Hajime-san said something like that to me, I wouldn’t be able to get out from bed for a week.」

「Getting called “early days Amanogawa” is that shocking!?」

「It’s understandable. Even I wouldst not be able to feel good from that. I wouldst feel plainly depressed……」

Words that would make even that hardcore M dragon who considered insult=reward get mentally damaged. Wasn’t that already a type of “curse”? Shizuku thought with twitching expression.

「Kouki-, good for you. You got Nagumo to fix “early days” on your name now.」

「Kouki-kun, he really has worked hard……I’m happy for him as his childhood friend.」

「……Haha, I can imagine Amanogawa-kun making complicated expression to the extreme if he’s here.」

Just like Suzu-said, Kouki who was in another world right now was currently making a complicated expression at the present. It feels like someone is badmouthing me? But I can’t argue back because it’s the consequence of my own doing……He was thinking like that with murky feeling……. Hero, how scary.

The past replay was still playing forward even while such exchange was going on. Shia’s true intention came to light.

Which was,

『My life, belongs not only to me alone desu.』

She said that she had family, and that family treasured her greatly, so she herself had to treasure herself just like them. That was why,

『──I, have to prioritize protecting my life above all else.』

Shia Hauria decided the order of her priority with unshakeable resolve, for the sake of all the people who loved Shia Hauria. She declared, that she would abandon all of them because she treasured herself more.

She proclaimed that, without even a shred of guilt or gloom.

「Myuu~~! As expected Shia-oneechan is kind nano!」

『Fufufu……you are, a kind person.』

Myuu whose expression looked like she was stuffing her face full with exceptionally sweet candies said those words that overlapped with the words of the past Dahlia.

「True……even though it would be more advantageous for the negotiation if such proclamation wasn’t made.」

「My my, but Liliana-san, that’s one of Shia-san’s good aspect isn’t it? She’s always straightforward. To a pleasant degree.」

Remia squinted her eyes as she said that. Liliana too said 「Yes, certainly」 and nodded with a smile seeping out on her face. In contrast, Aiko looked depressed for some reason..

「Uu, it’s just as you said. I, it was just for an instant but, I thought it would be better if she pretend to cooperate. I’m depressed. I’ve gotten poisoned by Lily-san……」

「Aiko-san? What do you mean by that? Hey, please look over here for a second. Hey I said!」

Well of course, she must meant that she had been influenced by the black-hearted princess who sometimes would show glimpses of wicked aura like 「Manipulating the ma.s.s is as easy as taking a candy from a baby!」 or 「Just as planned!」.

Hajime and others thought that, but they ignored the byplay because they wanted to concentrate on the past replay for now. The matter of Liliana drawing near toward Aiko was being taken care of by Remia who was admonishing 「My my」 with a troubled face anyway.

Besides most importantly,

『If I promised, I would have to keep it no matter what. With my, and also my family’s pride on the line.』

She wouldn’t lie. She couldn’t make a promise that she didn’t plan to keep.

Because, my most beloved person said that and protected my family and me to the end.

Hearing the unspoken meaning in Shia’s words, somehow it made the soft part in their hearts to be touched, making them feeling ticklish. So it wasn’t the time to care about anything else other than the past replay.

「Shia……」

「Heheh, as Hajime-san’s wife I can’t do something irresponsible after all. Yes」

Both Hajime and Yue must also be remembering the time when they first came to Fea Bergen and negotiated with the elders.

The two lovingly fluffed the rabbit ears that Shia shook around with a bit of embarra.s.sment.

Kaori and others had also watched the past during the Tortus trip. Yuuka and others had also at least heard the story, so they smiled warmly seeing the three acting so close.

「I’m guessing, that there is something that happened between Shia-dono and the two of them in the past.」

Eric and others in the past could only accept the literal meaning of what Shia said. They only considered the words as a show of Shia’s sincerity.

But, looking at how the three were acting right now, it was easy to guess that those words were based on experience.

「Umu. See, Shia’s clan was originally looked down as the weakest. Even their fellow rabbit people thought the same. In addition, Shia herself was also weak, however due to her specialness she was shunned by her birthplace.」

「A lot of things happened, and at the end she along with her whole clan got sentenced to death…….」

「Wha-, Shia-dono? Along with her family? Impossible……」

「Shia-sama was weak……such thing, I cannot even imagine it.」

「You’re lying right? In other words, eh? She was persecuted?」

Eric, Louis, and Phil were all dumbfounded. Even Greg, even though he said no word, his eyes widened in shock.

Their voices weren’t that loud, but the nearby soldiers must have heard too. They too looked at each other in bewilderment.

They couldn’t hide their turmoil from hearing the unimaginable past of the strongest and unrivaled hero who punched even the G.o.d.

The past replay was still progressing even while that was going on. Finally the a.s.sault of the celestial people began.

The past Louis reached out to save Shia. The scene of Shia dodging that was played. Louis’s face that seemed to say 「Eh? You’re joking right?」 made Nana and others burst into laughter.

「Those art the truth. Then, what saved Shia and her family from such situation was Goshujin-sama and Yue at that time.」

「Hajime-kun and Yue had their own objective, which required the help of Shia and her family. Their interests matched. But, the elders said that they’ll prepare replacement for Hauria clan.」

「I see……so Nagumo-dono chose, to go together with Shia and her family. Because that was what he promised.」

「Choosing a single clan rather than the side with greater power and influence……choosing honor rather than the logical decision. That was what Nagumo-donodid.」

Tio and Kaori smiled and nodded together.

They didn’t know the detail. But, they understood that was the start for those three in its truest sense.

「But, but still……uumu, I can’t believe it.」

「Certainly, thou wouldst not be able to imagine it from all the superhuman feats the current Shia hath done.」

「No, it’s not that. Rather, I can accept the part of how she was weak. It played just now in the past replay right? The talk about asking help.」

──Getting elbowed, bathed in electricity, kicked, and at the end, blown away into a swarm of monster.

Shia mentioned that. Her encounter with Hajime. Although Tio and others had already known that, even they reflexively looked toward Hajime with gazes that seemed to say 「Uwaa」 despite already hearing that story for many times.

「Those are unbecoming deed toward a girl asking for help. Judging from the brutality of the acts, “the person she asked for help” must be Nagumo-dono without a doubt. For such man to keep his promise……」

「That’s what confused thee!?」

Tio reflexively made a tsukkomi.

Kaori smiled wryly. She glanced at Tio beside her. She imagined that his majesty Eric definitely couldn’t ever imagine how even such pretty woman before his eyes had actually gotten pile bunkered in the a.s.s before, and not only that, it also caused after-effect (?) that turned her into a dragon with fatal weakness in the a.s.s.

Though of course, she would never mention such abnormal fact proactively. Even without that, the mode of life of this dragon with mental exhibitionist fetish would get exposed anyway. The person in question had no intention to hide it after all.

While Kaori was thinking such thing,

「Then, could it be Shia-sama’s strength is……for the sake of going together with the two of them?」

Louis asked that question while already half-convinced of the answer. While looking at Hajime, Shia, and Yue, the three of them standing side by side. Such sight looked very “natural”.

「Fufu, amazing right? A child of clan who couldst not even kill a bug, and scared of even small animal, traversed through numerous carnages even while bawling, driven by the simple feeling of “wanting to be together with the two people she loved”. She kept standing up no matter how many times even when covered in mud, and finally she arrived to be a hero who beat up even G.o.d.」

Tio bragged with an expression that was overflowing with pride as though she was boasting about herself.

Another commotion spread out through the soldiers. The past Shia was carrying Dahlia in princess carry while protecting her from the attack of the celestial people.

It’s the beginning of legend (deep meaning)! Such cheers rose. Watching the scene made them truly felt like they were watching the encounter between the main character and the heroine.

The soldiers who were within hearing range were curious to both the projection and the talk that their gazes and necks kept swiveling to left and right.

「Aa, Shia-sama. So that time, you came running to where I was in such situation.」

「Y-yes, well. More importantly Dahlia-san, your expression is a bit slovenly……」

「Aah, how embarra.s.sing! Even though it was I myself who did that, what a truly pathetic response to give! If I can go back to the past, I want to pinch my own face-」

「……I think that’s a normal response though?」

「No, Yue-sama! If it’s now I’ll be able to bow at the same time with my awakening and explain the situation with a smile!!」

「「No, on the contrary that’s scary」」

Surely, even Shia would distance herself from Dahlia if she really did react like that.

「O-oi, Dahlia. Is this alright for you? Certainly this is a precious chance of being able to watch the recording of that time but……rather than watching something that you already knew, won’t it be better to listen about Shia-dono’spast?」

「Ah, it’s fine, Eric. I already know after all.」

「Whaatt!? Since when, where!?」

「Aa, come to think of it I talked about it a little didn’t I. At the night of the first day of the summoning when I stayed in the palace. And while waiting for Hajime-san to come pick me up, when you came several times with tea that you brewed yourself.」

「Tsu!!? I never received any report about that from Dahlia!」

Eric looked at Louis and others. Louis and Greg and also Phil shook their heads vigorously. All of them stared at Dahlia. She should be still just a “duke’s daughter” at that time. In her awareness and also her action guidelines!

Dahlia wordlessly averted her gaze.

「T-to report the hero’s private matter like that, it would be too disrespectful.」

It was an extremely private matter, something that they only talked for a bit during teatime. Shia too was still wary at that time, so she didn’t talk about her family and friends in detail.

And so, Dahlia’s excuse was a proper one.

If Shia learned that Dahlia reported their conversations in detail, she definitely wouldn’t talk about it anymore after that.

But, in that case Dahlia wouldn’t stay quiet and firmly stated that was the reason. She wouldn’t avert her gaze like this. And so, Eric stared reproachfully.

「And the actual reason?」

「…………Even I, have desire to monopolize.」

It was a past story of the hero who wasn’t even something that would really affect national interest, something that only she alone knew. What a sweet feeling it was to know that!

What, it’s not really a problem! Do you have any complain!? Dahlia-san glared back severely as though to say that. It was a kind of unjustified anger.

「Just because of that, you stayed as the only one to know about Shia-dono’s past…………that’s cheating!」

「Cheating……so childish. Didn’t you mention just now how you have grown up?」

「That’s that, this’s this!」

Eric and Dahlia glared at each other.

It was as though they had returned to their childhood. It was a stupid quarrel. Louis ma.s.saged his forehead, while Phil let out a snort, and Greg was losing interest and returning his gaze back to the past replay.

And, inside that past replay, there was Shia who was doing everything she could to avoid fighting and talking with the attackers instead, but the other side wouldn’t deign to listen. Far from that, they said things like how she was an inferior being condescendingly……

「「「「Here it comes absurdityyyyy-」」」」

The first ones to cheer were Hajime, Myuu, and then Ryuutarou, Atsushi, and n.o.boru. As expected for those who knew romance “a straightforward right straight” was exciting.

The celestial person flew like a pinball.

The soldiers were dumbfounded and couldn’t make any sound, meanwhile a huge iron ball was manifested from empty air and it was shot up like a joke.

And then, it smashed through the cloud while very easily breaking into the speed of sound. The sight of the iron ball radiating shockwave of light blue color to every direction could be seen.

「A-a hole at the sky……」

「F-foremannn-, from the sky celestial people are-!」

「Who’re you calling foreman, call me commander……」

The celestial people were a race that possessed transcendent power. They were truly the “G.o.d’s apostles” of this world. It would take a human with high-cla.s.s talent to just barely be able to offer them a fight. A chance of victory would become barely visible for those with world-cla.s.s talent. They were the very personification of such threat.

Those being, were falling down like flies.

The voices of the soldiers were trembling from watching the hard to believe sight. Surely among them there were also some who were watching Shia’s fight properly for the first time. No, perhaps that applied to most of them.

Inside their hearts that were full with only praise and curiosity, the emotion of awe and veneration was also forming. It could be seen clearly even from outside.

「「「I get youu~~~」」」

It was Yuuka, Nana, and Taeko who said that.

No, in the first place. It was unknown just how many tens of tons the compressed lump of metal weighed, but how could such thing got sent flying until above the cloud by an individual’s personal strength? Midway, there was the sight of a white membrane gotten blasted through wasn’t it? That was the sign of breaking through the sound barrier right? Thinking normally that was just strange wasn’t it? Mister Law of Physic, are you doing your job? Their faces were asking those questions.

『So impudent desuuu!!』

The surviving celestial people fired flame and lightning that covered the sky, but it was wholly erased off with a swing of the war hammer together with those words.

『That’s impossible!?』

「「「「「That’s impossible!?」」」」」

The voice of the celestial person overlapped with the soldiers’ voices.

「「「「「Isn’t that right~~」」」」」

This time Aiko and Liliana joined. They had a distant gaze. How can the sound barrier broken through so quickly? Their faces seemed to say. For shockwave to fly just from a swing, it was incomprehensible.

「W-wait! That’s a bad move nano!」

「That’s right! Shia is the t.i.tle holder of “This bugged bunny, she can’t be stabbed with sharp thing though, seriously”!」

Myuu and Kaori who were watching the battle while holding their breath spontaneously yelled.

The celestial people were attempting a close-quarter combat with sword that was covered with light. The voices 「Aa~」 slipped out from imagining how that attempt would clearly result even without anything like Future Sight.

Sure enough,

──*Claang*

A sound that shouldn’t come from human body rang out.

『Ha?』

『Eh?』

「「「「「Haae~~~~??????」」」」」

The celestial people’s eyes turned into dot, the same like the soldiers. Their understanding couldn’t keep up anymore. Just what am I watching here? They thought while simultaneously tilting their head and looking up above their head aa~~bsentmindedly.

「You guys! Just give up on comprehension!」

「It’s just as Sakagami said! If you try thinking deeply……you’ll get swallowed!」

「Just accept it that she’s that kind of creature.」

Ryuutarou and Atsushi also joined in. With the same transparently clear expression like Nana and others, n.o.boru even started emitting an aura like the founder of a new religion.

「……Hajime-san, Hajime-san. For some reason, I’m being treated like the abyss lord though? Please say something to them!」

「……………………Sorry, Shia. There ain’t a thing I can say-」

「Whyyy!?」

Even though you’re my husband, you don’t have any objection even if your wife get treated like something hard to describe!? Shia raged while grabbing Hajime’s collar. Next, she looked toward Yue but she too……

「……Sorry, Shia.」

Yue quietly averted her gaze.

「Why!? I’m extremely normal desuu! As long as there is effort and spirit then anyone can do──」

「……The technique that fused magic power and willpower──」

「The Ultimate Battle Bunny Bunny Art desu.」

I won’t give up on the naming that I’ve worked hard to think of. Cherish it! Such wordless pressure burst out. How very Hauria.

「……Tsu, the Ultimate Battle Bunny Bunny Art! By the time you learned that I thought, aa, Shia has finally became an existence that is outside logic huh.」

「Whaddyameannn!?」

She meant that it was strange to use effort and spirit to accomplish something that couldn’t possibly be achieved somehow with effort and spirit.

Because, Shia hadn’t continuously devoted herself in immersing her body within both magic power and willpower for half of her lifespan like a certain director.

The projection was still continuing even during this.

Double Lariat to snap two people’s necks at the same time! Use those corpses as barrier! Yakuza kick on solar plexus!

This is violence! Overwhelming violence! As expected violence will solve 90% problems of this world! Such scene that practiced Hauria principle in actual practice was playing──

And then,

『I’ll send you flying till the moon-!! Desuu!!』

The finishing attack. A silhouette was flying toward the brightly shining full moon with powerful speed──and vanished.

What left after that was only Shia standing still while tapping her war hammer on her shoulder.

With the moon on her back, the figure of Shia standing at the center became even more unreal. The moonlight became her background light, as though there was a rabbit silhouette floating on the moon too.

「Awesome……」

Wonder who was the one muttering that? The place fell completely silent, making that voice that leaked from the heart echoed excessively loudly.

The soldiers could only look up to the sky without any word of rejection. They were trembling slightly, perhaps because of feeling emotionally moved or feeling awed. Either way, the shock from witnessing a legend was apparently more than enough to rob the freedom from their body and heart.

「I-it’s decided nano. It’s so perfect that nothing can’t surpa.s.s it nano! Papaa! Please take pictures! Nano!」

「Complete agreement. I’ll store them in the clear file.」

「If possible Myuu also want some acrylic key holder and stands nano!」

「Can’t wait to put my skill in use for it!」

「Why are you two planning to turn me into promotional goodsss-!」

「It’s only natural. It’s unthinkable not to immortalize a picture of you that is this perfect and cool and pretty!」

「……I think I get your feeling. That’s just how perfect this scene is. Shia, cool.」

「Heh? I-is that so?」

The past replay ended. Gazes naturally gathered toward Shia.

Shia fidgeted because of Yue’s words while looking over at her surrounding. She saw Kaori and co, and also Yuuka and co nodding yep yep in agreement.

Putting aside the absurdity that was impossible to comprehend, what was cool was cool. There was just no objecting that.

Combined with her resolute att.i.tude that persisted to her principle from the start till the end made it even cooler.

Dahlia too was looking her way longingly. Even if she didn’t understand all the other world terms, she looked like she had somehow guessed that they were talking about making something from cutting out the scene just now. As expected from a maid. Unlike Eric and the soldiers who had “?”marks floating over their heads!

「N-next! Let’s go to the next place already!」

「「Are youu feeling shyy~~~?」」

「Aah geez! Hajime-san and Yue-san too, please don’t poke at my cheeks like that!」

I was able to deal with the situation properly rightt? Even when I got tossed out into an unknown place on my own, I was able to stick to my own principle as befitting Hajime’s wife and Yue’s best friend right?

Shia agreed to visit this place of the beginning because she wanted to convey that, but as expected it seemed she became embarra.s.sed by the unreserved praises to her. She pointed at the direction of the capital to escape it.

Though judging from her blushing cheeks, her swishing rabbit ears, and her shaking rabbit tail, the happy embarra.s.sment inside her heart couldn’t be hidden at all.

Cute……the gazes of Haijme and Yue became warm, and of course it wasn’t limited to just them. Some of the soldiers were even pinching their nose from the destructive power that the embarra.s.sed figure contained.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

「Umm, Hajime-san. Why aren’t we heading to the palace directly?」

The magic power fueled car Brieze was leisurely running on the highway toward the capital where there were trees growing spa.r.s.ely along the way.

It was in open car mode, a feature that Hajime had added before anyone realized. Furthermore, it was also towing a pa.s.senger carriage that had comfortable leather sofas on both sides inside.

There were Eric and others riding horses at the right side, followed by the soldiers who were also riding horses at the rear.

「We’re going to watch your battle versus Udar anyway, so coming from outside will be better right?」

「No, in that case we can just directly teleport to that spot……」

「……What, Shia? You want to watch it that badly, your cool scene?」

「N-no, that’s not what I-」

「You’re completely yearning for more huh? This d.a.m.n recognition hungry monster-」

「……So sad. Even Shia has turned into that monster that often showed up in internet-」

「I’m saying! Please don’t keep teasing me you two! That’s not what I mean at all desuu!」

Eric was smiling wryly seeing the exchange happening between Hajime and co.

It wasn’t like they didn’t use teleport at all. The low hill at the front. The capital would come into sight after the pa.s.sed it. They would head until that spot near the capital. The place where Shia and Udar fight was also nearby.

But, in that case it would certainly be better to directly teleport there. Shia’s question was completely proper.

There was a reason why they didn’t directly teleport there. There was also a reason why they were bringing the soldiers who originally should be tasked to guard the place of the summoning.

The cause was none other than the suggestion from Eric.

Also, that reason had been shared with everyone other than Shia.

Kaori and others including Myuu at the backseat, and even Yuuka and others who were sitting at the pa.s.senger carriage, they were all desperately holding back their expressions from grinning while not saying much.

「Come to think of it, Eric-san said something about a request didn’t he? And Phil-san also went off alone right after the teleportation.」

「A-as expected from you. Phil should have erased his presence when he separated from us……」

Fee~ls like something is strange desu. Shia directed such gaze of suspicion toward Eric.

Eric was visibly looking fl.u.s.tered. Dahlia’s expression became troubled 「You’re still bad at hiding secret. Even though that’s unbecoming for a king」.

「Stop that already Shia-oneechannn. Since when you become someone who is so distrustful toward others like that nanooo」

「A really monotone candid advice!?」

When she looked at the backseat, there was Remia-san whispering something into Myuu’s ear.

「The you from before wasn’t that kind of personnn. Return back to the you of that timeーー」

「Remia-san! Just what’re you making Myuusay!」

「Oh my oh my! Since when you become someone who is so distrusting toward others like that, Shia-san. I’m feeling so sad……」

「So fussy desu」

The helping hand from Remia-san was perhaps that kind of thing. Something that was undoubtedly cited from a speech in a scene of some soap opera.

The car had ran until the foot of the hill while they were having such exchange. What was left was only to go up the hill. They would be able to take an unbroken view of the capital at the top.

In other words, they would be within the distance where nothing could be hidden anymore.

Shia’s rabbit ears were twitching.

「Nnu? I wonder what’s this? It’s like it’s really noisy over there.」

「Haha, it looks like the retainers who stayed behind had done really well.」

Shia turned a dubious gaze toward Eric. But, Eric’s gaze was turning toward Hajime. His expression was like a child who succeeded in his prank, but deep grat.i.tude could be seen in his eyes.

「I was confused when it was mentioned that the outside of the capital will be the best viewing seat, but it now makes sense after knowing how it is possible to view the past like that. Certainly, the spot where the battle against Udar-sama took place is none other than the best special seat.」

「If we’re going to view it anyway it’ll be better to have a lot of audiences.」

「Yes. I’m grateful. The people will surely rejoice too. I have no doubt it’ll serve to be a good reward for their hard work during these five years. At the same time, it’ll also serve as a good reminder. After all humans……are creature that tend to forget even a threat to themselves.」

「I guess. Well, we too are thankful for being able to receive warm welcome. Our interests match in this. So don’t worry too much about it.」

Hajime and co arrived at the top of the hill while Shia was unable to insert herself into the conversation.

Like that, she witnessed the reason why they went out of their way to not teleport directly to the destination.

──WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHH!!!

──Shia-sama~~~~!!

──Savior-samaaaaaaaaa!!!

「Hoe!?」

The cheers were so loud that it felt like there was a physical impact slamming on them. That was the welcoming that Shia and Hajime and others experienced.

People, people, people. People were flooding their sight. The highway until the capital was completely lined up with a crowd of people. Midway there was a large crater that was surrounded by fence. Around it was like a stadium with full seat.

All of them praised and waved their hands with a smile toward Shia when she appeared above the hill.

Shia was overcame with surprise while her gaze reflexively looked around at Hajime and Eric and the others.

She then finally realized,I see.

The car was turned into open car mode and the security guard soldiers coming along with them, and even Eric and others personally coming to pick their group, everything was for the sake of this.

Phil vanished must be for notifying the people here about their arrival too.

Yes,

「A welcoming parade, is it?」

「Well, something like that.」

During the Tortus trip it was a private affair so they refused Queen Luluaria’s request, and yet it wasn’t so this time. Shia was confused and asked why.

If Shia was notified about this beforehand, she might refuse it for exactly the same reason, and part of it was simply because Hajime and others were feeling mischievous. After all it felt like despite all the people here calling her the savior, Shia herself looked like she had little self-awareness about it.

「……Shia, how about you wave back at them for now?」

「Heh? Ah, I-I guess?」

Yue’s eyes were very gentle. Hajime and others were also the same. Shia’s head was full with questions. That was exactly why, she stood up and waved her hand reflexively when Yue told her.

A loud cheers that might even be thrice louder than before thundered. Even the air felt like it was rippling with electricity.

「Uhhyaa~~~h, awesomeee!」

「It’s like a live venue!」

「It really feels like a super idol makes her long-awaited appearance in this spot huh!」

「This must also be the effect of Dahlia-san’s missionary work……even so her popularity is just sky high.」

Nana and Taeko unconsciously ducked their heads. Atsushi and n.o.boru’s faces were slightly twitching from the pressure that the crowd was radiating. They were astounded by just how fanatical the crowd was.

「To challenge the G.o.ds, overturned the decision that shouldst be absolute, saving mankind……truly a grand feat.」

「True. The time she spent here was also short, and only a limited number of people got into contact with her at that time, so she became even more of a “legendary character” over here.」

「If someone like that come nearby, of course they’ll become this crazy.」

「The people of Tortus are also similar like this toward Hajime-san who defeated Ehito. That’s just how much their hearts were saved.」

Tio, Shizuku, Kaori, and Liliana directed their gazes warmly toward Shia.

Shia looked back over her shoulder toward them. Then Aiko and others also continued.

「All of them want to express their grat.i.tude. Surely they all wanted the chance to thank you directly.」

「Shia-san only thought of what happened here as “a bit of adventure” at best but……it’s fine you know, for you to feel prouder about it.」

「It’s just as mama said nano! Shia-oneechan, you’ve protected all those people over there nano! You’re a hero nano!」

「That’s right. That’s why, you don’t need to get that startled. How about you act prouder?」

Myuu and Yuuka’s words made Shia looked toward the cheering people once more.

She only persisted in following her principle and acted according to her and her family’s pride. She only did what she could. Surely if it looked like the situation was impossible for her, she would prioritize her life above all else.

That was why, she didn’t think of what she had done as a grand feat at all.

She understood that they called her the savior and felt grateful to her. After all the people at the Village were also like that.

But, a crowd that easily numbered more than ten thousand formed a walkway of triumph on the road toward the capital. And they all were welcoming her, not Hajime, or Yue, or anyone else. As expected such sight bewildered her.

She thought that all these were a bit exaggerated. She even felt dispirited.

「I had Hajime-san’s help at that time, and the reformation of the world was all thanks to Yue-san and others. That’s why it’s not like I did all by my own strength……」

「……But, it’s Shia who is in the mind of the people of this world. Their feeling for you is genuine.」

Yue was directing an extraordinarily gentle gaze toward her. Even Dahlia and Eric were smiling softly at her.

「I think even family head-sama wouldn’t act if not because of Shia-sama’s wish. Your feeling and action, they moved other people’s hearts.」

「You were only involved with a limited number of people previously so you might not have enough self-awareness but……these five years, although you were gone from here, Shia-dono’s existence was definitely one of the pillars supporting their hearts. Please, I hope you can accept their grat.i.tude.」

「Dahlia-san, Eric-san……」

Brieze slowly started moving. Her gaze moved toward Hajime.

「It was Eric who asked me for this but, I was the one who okayed it. Even if this kind of thing feels like a bother for you Shia, well, forgive me. It’s my selfishness.」

「Selfishness, is it?」

Her heart was still not calming down as though she was floating in the cloud for some reason. Her rabbit ears were also swaying restlessly. Her expression looked absentminded pohee~.

She waved her hand almost unconsciously toward the people who were gradually getting closer. She looked toward Hajime.

And then, she gasped from his words.

「──I wanted to be a hero.」

Those were the words that Shia’s mother, Mona once said.

She wanted to become a hero who could stand against everything that wanted to take away her important people and protect them. That was the bold desire of her who was born as the weakest race and also with the weakest body.

In the confrontation against the empire, that wish came true through Shia and Karm and others. Hauria became heroes for their brethrens.

The figure of Shia, her expression when she reported that in front of Mona’s grave was something that Hajime remembered vividly.

「Shia, you became a hero for your brethrens. You made your mother’s wish came true in her place. But you know, as expected nothing beats a child surpa.s.sing their parent right?」

That was the wish, feeling that Hajime harbored after taking Myuu as his daughter. Surely Mona should feel the same.

「You told me that she was someone with burning eyes and heart but, from where I stand Shia is more amazing. Because, Shia is someone who is like a sun after all. Your eyes and your heart too.」

「U-umm, Hajime-san. It’s a bit embarra.s.sing though……you saying that in front of everyone like this……」

*Fidget fidget* Hajime’s unrestrained words were already no different with a seduction. Shia couldn’t stop herself from turning red.

Yue and others were watching. With really wide grins. Dahlia-san was blushing crimson. Eric and others , and the crowd at the front that had gotten really close had their chests shot (metaphor) seeing Shia’s embarra.s.sed expression.

「The daughter with eyes and heart that are like sun has surpa.s.sed her mother’s wish, saving not only her breathrens but even a whole world. Then, there’s no way I don’t wanna see it. The figure of “Hero Shia Hauria” being praised by the ma.s.s.」

「Hajime-san……」

That was Hajime’s selfishness. No, surely it was also the selfishness of Yue and others.

She was struck dumb. The words to express her erupting feeling wouldn’t come out.

But, the feeling as though the inside of her chest was constricted was painful but sweet.

Her rabbit ears started flapping in high speed. Her rabbit tail was swaying so fast it was like it was leaving behind afterimages.

The crowd was already right before her eyes. Before she realized it, the call of “Hero Shia Hauria” had been yelled on repeat with beautiful harmony. They called her neither the savior or braver, but “hero”.

Surely, this too was Hajime’s doing. After all he was exchanging look with Eric like someone who had succeeded with a mischief.

「Geez……」

Her chest was filled to the brim with a feeling that she couldn’t express using words. She could only whisper like that.

The car stopped. The cheers of the people were growing smaller bit by bit. In contrast, the shine in their eyes brightened and there was color of expectation for something in their expressions.

Shia moved her gaze to Hajime, then to Yue, Tio, Kaori, Shizuku, Myuu……and to Eric and others at the end. Then she looked toward hajime once more.

Hajime smiled and spoke strongly.

「You’re the main character of this tale. Shia Hauria is the protagonist.」

Now, show us the figure of our family member getting praised, the hour of triumph of the comrade who we are proud of.

That expectation was unspokenly conveyed. The meager wish of her family and comrades that just felt so warm.

Shia didn’t hesitate anymore. She tightly clenched her tear ducts that almost loosened up. Her rabbit ears straightened up tensely.

She held her head high with dignity and looked straight to the front. Her whole body was enveloped in beautiful faint blue light.

Like that, while the people became stirred Oooooo-, she spoke for the first time with a volume that was amplified using the application of body strengthening.

It was the first voice that announced the hero’s triumphant return.

「Everyoneeeeeee!! ──I’m backkkkk!!!」

She was so embarra.s.sed that copied a bit of anime material though.

──UOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

──WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!

Loud cheers that shook the air reverberated once more.

「Please show it to me okay! The proof that everyone has worked hard to move forward even with all the sadness and suffering and confusion burdening all of you! Your figures that lived in this new era!」

Shia jumped on the car hood and vibrated her voice like so. Furthermore she energetically hopped around *pyon pyon* while waving her hands.

Her figure, before anyone realized it was projected in the air on a gigantic screen, an enlarged projection using s.p.a.ce magic.

Yue-sama smiled 「Fuh」. Nice show! Hajime and others gave her a thumb up.

Although the crowd was taken aback for a moment by the projection that appeared in empty air,

「Shiashia, she’s completely an idol.」

「Exactly that!」

Suzu unconsciously muttered. Ryuutarou laughed heartily while agreeing with her. That was just how much the figure of Shia hopping around while waving her hands and throwing smiles around was shining bright.

Who cares about the detail! Such mentality instantly spread through the whole crowd.

After that there was only a storm of excitement and delight.

The wild enthusiasm of the people didn’t look like it would die down for a while yet.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

And so,

「……Hey, Myuu-chan. This, by chance can Shia be my replacement? How about Wonderful Shia?」

「Yuuka-oneechan, that topic, can you not bring it up right now?」

n.o.body noticed how at the back seat Yuuka was secretly trying to pin away the “fourth member” status to someone else.

AN: Thank you very much for reading this every time.

Thank you very much too for the thoughts, opinions, and reports about misspelling and omitted words.

The Star Spirit World arc is planned for two more chapters. This Shirakome has the bad habit of having too much fun and wrote too much, so in the end it’s still just an estimate (common knowledge). Please accompany me in this for a bit more.

※Material introduction

– I’m not the savior’s fan anymore

From [Kancolle]’s 「I’m not Naka-chan’s fan anymore」.

– Foreman, an angel from the sky is-!

From [Laputa: Castle in the Sky]. Also, the current Shia can go Balus (physically) on the celestial people’s floating island.

– She can’t be stabbed with sharp thing though, seriously

From the nickname of [Negima]’s Rakan, 「Rather that man, he can’t be stabbed with sword though, seriously」

– Are you shyy?

Imagine the intonation or the look of Happy of [Fairy Tail].

– I’m back!

It seems the original material is from Anavel Gato of [Mobile Suit Gundam 0083].

– Who cares about the detail!

Apparently the original material is from [Black Angels].

PreviousTable of ContentNext

– Are you shyy?

Imagine the intonation or the look of Happy of [Fairy Tail].

– I’m back!

It seems the original material is from Anavel Gato of [Mobile Suit Gundam 0083].

– Who cares about the detail!

Apparently the original material is from [Black Angels].