Seiken Tsukai no Kinju Eishou

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They were an unconventional group.

Their height and physique didn’t match, but everyone wore jet-black robes, hoods and hid their faces with masks modeled after a goat’s skull.

They walked in line without making any noise.

No one spoke either.

Only an old woman, who felt similar to a dead tree and was at the front, had her face visible. She sounded the bell she had in hand as she walked.

*Bell*…. *Bell*….

As if the sound of the lonely bell resounded from the depths of h.e.l.l.

Such a bizarre group advanced right in the middle of the pedestrian traffic at noon.

The city was dyed with a strange atmosphere.

But the strangest thing was――that not even a single person shifted their attention to the group.

No one found it weird. No one was surprised. No one pointed at them.

Like the march of the dead outside of the hours intended for it.

A person disrupted the pace.

They suddenly separated from the line and turned away to the side.

A parent and their child were waiting for the traffic light in their direction.

The very young boy sobbed and shouted loudly.

– Okasan! Okasan! Those are ghosts!

He screamed as if catching fire.

His fingertip was clearly pointing to the strange group.

The mother didn’t see anything.

She was at a loss and confused by the reaction of her son who suddenly fell into panic.

The person who separated from the line went straight towards the boy.

The terrifying ghost approached and the boy finally began to feel attracted to it.

And, ――

The ghost stopped walking.

And put a finger on the terrifying mask and slowly took it off in front of the boy.

A woman with a beautiful curly beige hair showed her face from below that.

The boy immediately stopped crying since it benefited him.

The mother seemed to be getting more amazed, but her eyes were glued to the beautiful woman.

– You can see us, can’t you?

The beautiful woman asked with a soft voice.

The boy nodded nervously.

– I see――it means you are a Savior.

The beautiful woman smiled amicably and the boy responded with a smiling face without understanding the reason.

– Well, will you do a promise with Onee-san? If you have mysterious dreams in the future and you are worried about them, visit France. 『Cradle of the Sun』will welcome you.

The words of the beautiful woman were difficult; the boy inclined his head to the side in doubt.

– It is fine if you do not understand it now. Just remember it when the time comes. This is a good luck charm for that.

The delicate fingers of the beautiful woman touched the boy’s chest.

And the woman wrote characters on the body of the boy with her index finger as she was.

Traces of light were drawn on the clothes and ancient magic characters were written.

– Yes, we are done. It did not hurt, right?

When the spelling finished, the beautiful woman patted the boy’s head.

Then she parted from the shy boy, looking happy and returned to the line of ghosts.

『Chloe――』

Her name was called by a conspicuously tall man.

『A solicitation to come to j.a.pan, huh? I’m so excited』

They said in French.

A white man with a splendid aquiline nose took his mask off dignifiedly and turned up.

『That’s great, isn’t it? 「Don’t let it stagnate. Harvest new blood and mix it」 Just as Charles-sama taught us』

A black man, who was next to them and also took his mask off, turned up.

『n.o.body seems to know where or what ghost-like Saviors are sleeping. Just like me, kahaha』

Another person took his mask off, a cheerful dandy with an olive-brown tanned skin turned up.

『My apologies for cutting into the conversaaation. I think this is exactly what Haaaaimura said. I wonder if j.a.pan is a location famous for the production of Saaaaviors. My apologies if I’m mistaaaaaken. But Andou and Shiva are j.a.panese, aren’t theeey? I wouldn’t rely on something like a lifeboat, but I think the one Chloe-san called out to is correeect, I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sooorryyy』

Another person took the mask off; a dark skinned woman began to cry gloomily.

『Heh. Stop joking around. Is there a limit to new blood? I’m absolutely against even Asians getting in the splendorous『Cradle of the Sun』』

Another person took off his mask; a young white man with drooping eyes and whose face incarnated arrogance turned up.

The reactions of the five people.

The beautiful woman called Chloe,

『My bad for disturbing the line. If Charles-sama were to be here, I am sure he would have done the same thing, just, now…』

She explained and apologized for her grandstand play.

Most of her companions forgave her with a nod, only the man with drooping eyes spat out「Heh, don’t go borrowing Charles-sama’s authority, you deceiver」with a low voice.

Every person who formed this line were Dark Saviors, the heart and core of the French Division.

The close aides who supported the 11th Paris Saint-Germain.

The best pupils of the magic a.s.sociation『Cradle of the Sun』.

The dark-side Templar knights who turned their wisdom and mana into swords.

They were called《Les Élémens》*.

*TN: The elements.

Especially the six people including Chloe who took their masks off, they were Rank experts.

『You guys, this is not the place to be chattering. We’ve arrived』

Chloe and the others shut up as they were reprimanded by the old woman who walked at the front.

A 20-storey building with somewhat stained white walls was on their path.

「ホテル  ニューカッスル」was written at the entrance in katakana*.

*TN: It says: Hotel Newcastle.

『Hey, hey… Stop joking around. Charles-sama is staying in this worn-out hotel? Who was the one who arranged it?』

『Chloe and Émilienne I think』

『I had no time because Charles-sama told us all of a suddeeen. I’m sorry, I’m soorryy』

『Well, that person being selfish and a bother is something habitual. There’s nothing we can do about it』

『Is this the best hotel around here? It’s been completely reserved, so it won’t be an inconvenience when it comes to s.p.a.ce at least』

『That’s why I said to not chatter. I’m exasperated by you lot, you know?』

They went through the entrance in succession, following the old woman who scolded them.

The employee at the reception desk didn’t notice the presence of Chloe and the others.

The subordinates left the lobby and the old woman with Chloe and the others got in the elevator for staff only.

They gallantly threw off their robes with the exception of the old woman.

The costume that appeared from below that was also jet black.

They wore sabers on their waists that matched their business suits.

The whole top floor became a single suite.

There was a lobby for exclusive use to the suite as soon as they got out of the elevator, three domestically-produced high quality sofas shaped like a C surrounded a gla.s.s table and their master spread an English-language newspaper on the front one.

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Charles couldn’t wait for the elevator doors to open as he shook his legs unconsciously,

『You’re late. Don’t keep me waiting』

He reprimanded them, looking ill humored.

Chloe and the others looked at each other’s face, saying “good grief!”. All of them had written『I thought he would say that』on their faces, there was no person who reconsidered so.

『There was nothing we could do. Since Charles-sama made us leave the country all at once with that same face from the beginning, he did not give instructions to those who remained there. We would be troubled even if we were told that one or two days earlier. It is impossible』

Chloe explained on behalf of everyone how troublesome it was.

No, it was more a retort than an excuse, but Charles just snorted with a「Humph」 looking uninterested and didn’t say anything else.

Naturally, Chloe wasn’t going to be――punished by incurring his rage.

When Charles messily folded the newspaper and threw it,

『Hey. How long are you going to stand still? Can’t you start talking?』

He glared at the close aides.

Chloe and the rest looked at each other’s face again and confirmed the characters『How bothersome』written there and sat down on the sofas one after another.

The hotel had a modern interior design.

As if young company directors served a young businessman.

It was a conference room for venture business, but this was the royal court of a modern magic a.s.sociation.

『So, are the negotiations with Haimura doing well?』

The big man with aquiline nose Zlatan confirmed the current situation first.

Charles suddenly started talking about going to j.a.pan, and his subordinates rushed out without delay by themselves without having the time to put preparations and arrangements in order. Three days had pa.s.sed since that day.

This impatient master of them.

Anyone could predict that when he arrived in j.a.pan he went to see Haimura Moroha.

『What a foolish question. Does it look like it’s going smoothly?』

Charles became sulkier.

『Kahaha, this is the stubbornness of Zlatan’s boss. If it were going well, you would have returned with Haimurchan without meeting us』

『Don‘t laugh. Your laughter irritates me』

『It’s been three days since I saw the displeasured face of Charles-sama, what a sight for sore eyes! Kahahaha』

The cheerful dandy Dario laughed off with excitement.

Charles had an even sour expression now.

『I’m sorryyy. I actually thought it was absolutely impossible to negotiate the solicitation with Charles-samaaaaa』

『Should I go instead of you tomorrow? Don’t bother him too much and don’t make this more complicated』

Charles glared at the gloomy weeping woman Émilienne and the black young man Blaise who said so,

『Can I trust you? Even though I bowed my head… the seventh person turned me down with an impudent att.i.tude, of all things. Will I forget this humiliation?』

He shook with rage, shook his legs even more violently and pushed the table.

Chloe and the rest looked at each other’s face.

All of them had written『He never pulls back, huh』there.

However, Charles didn’t notice at all the look of the subordinates and continued.

『It’s decided. No matter how strong he is, he’s a brat who doesn’t understand the principle of things. After all, he wasn’t an adult who would understand the means called negotiations. As for children, they do what their child company do』

Charles declared annoyed as if spitting out.

Chloe was frightened.

“No way, that, already?” Her mind was confused.

Charles’s hasty decisions weren’t something new, but everything had its limits.

『Please wa――』

Chloe remonstrated,

『*Phew!* I was waiting to take you at your word』

She was disturbed by the whistle of the young man with drooping eyes Charon who lied on his back with legs outstretched on the sofa.

『You’re skipping Plan B and C and you’re going with D already? I’m going to enjoy myse――』

『Please wait, Charles-sama!』

This time, Chloe interrupted Charon’s words and shouted.

『Plan D is the last resort! A plan we should avoid as much as possible!』

『It’s as Chloe says. It will become a full-scale conflict with the j.a.panese Division. No, on the contrary, if we do a bad move, we’ll be isolated in the White Knight Organization and we’ll face a barrage of criticism. As I said, please don’t bother him and make things worse than this, alright?』

Blaise immediately endorsed her.

But Charon peeled his eyes and ranted.

『Will you stop fooling around!? We’ve isolated long ago when Lightning Empress downheartedly surrendered to Haimura! If that’s the case, then what happens around us has nothing to do with us, so we should do as we like, shouldn’t we? Don’t take the situation so lightly!』

『In the first place, being told that losing your allies is the same as a dilemma is resentment』

Zlatan reb.u.t.ted full of confidence and without wavering like a rock.

『No boss, how about this? If it’s about discussing, then we’ve never had allies in the first place, or we have them? 「We」are「us」, Even the French Division is strictly speaking our limbs but not our friend』

Dario boasted as he perfumed himself,

『That’s right. You beat me to it』

Zlatan a.s.sented solemnly.

『The old woman’s opinion is… the same as usual?』

『Why do you say that? I’m a worthless prophet. Prophecies aren’t opinions, and you know that』

『Émilianne?』

『I’m soorryyy. If Charles-sama says it, I’ll fight anyone without hesitaaation』

『Everyone except the old woman and Blaise agrees with Plan D…』

Chloe felt like her stomach became cold.

Without anyone meeting each other’s gaze, the discussion ended like this.

Even Blaise, who opposed it together with her from a while ago, showed a behavior that said that he would follow the majority.

The dispute would begin from this moment, everyone stayed calm with a daring expression even though they didn’t know what kind of controversy the「Cradle of the Sun」would be thrown into.

She had no choice.

Chloe moved her neck to the left and right and prepared herself for the worst.

『This is so counterproductive… please reconsider it, Charles-sama』

She left her seat, kneeled at her master’s feet and appealed directly as if imploring.

『I know that Charles-sama came to j.a.pan with his memories catching at a straw. But avoidable conflicts should be definitely avoided』

– Why? I’m not afraid of anything. It doesn’t matter what means I use or if I’m slandered as a demon, I’ll absolutely get Flavie back.

『You will use any means!? Even if you rescue her, Flavie herself will not be pleased』

『Mu…』

Charles, who heard the complaint, put a sour expression on his face.

A face that meant she hit the mark instead of being displeased. And this.

『Heh, This deceiver is now borrowing the name of Flavie?』

『Shut up, Charon!』

Chloe turned around and fixedly stared at the young man with drooping eyes.

Then turned around to Charles,

『Please. Please let me negotiate. I will definitely get Haimura to nod yes』

She appealed with a greater resolution in her eyes.

Being despised as extremist, challenging the hopeless and next-to-impossible human domination, dirtying his hands little by little every day and trying to thrust his hands into the fire for his loved one again――if all this was Charles’s readiness.

Then Chloe’s oath was to try keeping his hands clean even if a little.

This was her atonement because she couldn’t do anything that horrible night five years ago.

『Hmm』

Charles closed his eyes and snorted, looking displeasured.

『I won’t. I hate wasting my time』

『Charles-sama!』

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『So, make it succeed at once』

『…. Thank you very much』

Chloe had no intention of prolonging the negotiations from the beginning.

Although they left people who could be trusted in their country, it was way too unreliable to keep such a distinguished main force that included Charles in j.a.pan indefinitely.

It would become a big issue if a dreadnought or fortress metaphysical were to appear in France, and given that they have appeared quite frequently these days――two in j.a.pan and one in Russia ――it was dangerous.

『I don’t want your thanks. Go quickly』

Charles waved his hand as if driving a dog away.

However, Chloe got to the elevator in high spirits, her mood wasn’t damaged at all.

She pa.s.sed in front of Charon and,

『Heh, interesting, isn’t it? Isn’t Charles-sama being too soft with this deceiver?』

A snide comment hit her.

『You feel like complaining about Charles-sama’s decision?』

『Heh. It’s just that you borrow someone’s authority every single time, it sickens me』

『Take it easy. We can relax for a while, so let’s drink j.a.panese sake. Come on, now you go, Chloe-chan』

Dario nicely controlled Charon. Chloe nodded and got in the elevator.

『The boy is called Haimura, he was born with a terribly strong, brazen and misfortunate fate. Never look down on him』

『Understood. Thank you, babsama』*

*TN: Baba means old woman.

Chloe looked for the figure of her master just before the elevator doors closed.

She concluded that Charles maybe went back to his bedroom.

(I will certainly make you meet with Flavie again)

Chloe swore once again without him knowing.

Moroha had a dream.

His beloved little sister said in his chest.

– Are you… really going to inherit Saratiga…?

Flaga responded while hugging her closer.

– I decided that a long time ago. Don’t make me say it again and again.

The moonlight flowed in through the window.

To the dark room.

It made the silhouettes of the two who embraced each other stand out.

– Becoming the protector of the holy sword means that one is no longer a person, isn’t it? Does it mean that Flaga stopped being Flaga?

– Even you have that imposing image, isn’t that right, young woman of the holy sword-sama? But no matter what others say, Sarasha is Sarasha for me.

– I just have to stand and laugh in front of everyone. But that’s not the same for the protector of the holy sword, is it? You stand in h.e.l.lish extremely dangerous places and keep fighting without being allowed to rest, right?

– That’s the best, you know?

– Why…?

Flaga boldly smiled at her.

– Because I can protect your freedom without being molested, you know?

His little sister listened and leaned her face on his chest as if hanging her head.

Then with a dispirited voice,

– I imagine that it’s so difficult that you want to cry?

– But you’ll comfort me like this, won’t you?

– But not that we shall never cry in public?

– I’ll just cry next to you and you’ll just cry next to me. Hasn’t always been that way since Hahue died? Isn’t it the same?

*TN: Hahue is a formal way to address one’s mother.

– I don’t want Nii-sama… to be a protector. I want you to live in peace…

– I don’t need peace. I want to become a protector and always be with you.

The slender body of his little sister trembled in his arms.

Her raptured and shaking eyes stared at Flaga standing out in the darkness.

– I… I’m beyond salvation… I love you, Nii-sama.

– I’ve been beyond salvation since a long time ago too.

Flaga closed his eyes and softly kissed her lips.

Flaga’s dream was interrupted right there and Moroha awakened.

The sensation of Flaga rapidly became distant as the sleepiness faded.

But instead, he realized that a soft sensation was touching his head.

It was a small hand.

A gallant manner of using that hand that caressed Moroha’s head all this time.

– Hmm…

Moroha vacantly opened his eyelids.

His roommate Maya was in front of him.

She kneeled next to the bed and caressed his head all this time.

– What is it…?

– Moroha had a nightmare, so I was worried desu.

– Me…?

– You were muttering something and your face seemed to be happy and sad desu.

――Seemed to be happy and sad.

That was exactly the kind of dream he was having.

– I see. Maya is so kind.

He thanked her and grabbed the hand that was caressing him. Maya smiled like an angel.

– What time is it now?

– It’s not 10 am yet desu. You will be in time for the appointment even if you get up slowly desu.

– 10 am?

Moroha jumped up with futon and all. He planned to get up at 8 am today, even though it was Sunday.

How long was the nightmare he was having? How long was Maya caressing his head?

Moroha was full of guilty.

However, with that same angelic smile she had, and without being worried at all,

– Good morning nanodesu, Moroha.

Maya said and *smack*, kissed Moroha’s cheek.

– Good morning, Maya.

Moroha returned the favor and kissed Maya’s cheek.

This was their morning greeting.

He was surprised at first when Maya badged him, but he was told that this was normal at Maya’s home and the princ.i.p.al’s, so in the end, it became their daily routine.

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He wasn’t that much against it, rather, he was scared because it seemed he would end up becoming aware of Maya as a girl.

Now he completely got used to this greeting and he could greet her every day with a calm feeling.

「Tee-hee」, the two smiled at each other.

Moroha got out of the bed and headed to the washbasin.

Because he had an appointment with Satsuki, Shizuno and the others before 12 o’clock, he had no time for breakfast.

He brushed his teeth with a shiny and new cup and brush placed on the washbasin.

Maya always kept them clean.

They said that cleaning would be done alternately by the two of them, but,

– Moroha has school and Striker’s special practices are towards the end of the day, so it’s complicated for you nanodesu. That’s why leave aaall these kind of things to Maya who has no school and so much free time that she feels she would die desu.

Maya stubbornly didn’t ask him.

He washed his face, wiped it with a soft and brand new towel provided next to the washbasin.

When he returned to the room in a refreshed mood, Maya had took out the ironing board and removed the wrinkles of the shirt that Moroha was going to wear today.

She was so admirable, he was moved to tears.

– You always save me, Maysan.

Moroha joked and pressed the inner corner of his eyes,

– That’s a secret between us nanodesu, Morohsan.

Maya also did the same.

The two people chuckled at each other. Then they prepared for departure.

Maya was supposed to go out with him, so they changed their clothes.

– Are those new clothes?

– Mari-onee-chan bought me these yesterday desu.

She wore an extremely mini dress on top of leggings and a frilled blouse.

However, Maya struggled to fasten the b.u.t.ton on the back of the dress that was just bought so Moroha fastened it.

– Does it suit me?

Maya spun like a fairy.

The hem of the skirt fluttered daringly because it was extremely short, but there was no problem because she had leggings below that.

– It does. The collaboration between cuteness and liveliness is great.

He replied frankly and Maya showed a smile on her whole face.

Finally, Maya stored the growing crystal that decorated the place next to the TV in a pocket and now she was ready to go.

They locked the room and went out together.

– Now that I think about it, you’re unusually wearing leggings. Why is that?

– Because they feel incredibly good desu!

Moroha gave Maya a ride on his shoulders as they left the dorm and walked on a public road.

– Oh woow, so this is how tall people look desu.

Maya was in a joyful mood.

– There’s no way this is your first time someone gives you a ride on their shoulders, is it?

– Maya’s father was very, very weak so he didn’t do it anymore once I was 4 years old desu. I almost don’t remember it nanodesu.

He certainly needed strength.

– … Were you thinking now… that Maya is heavy?

– Hmm, who knooowws? Maya had seconds during dinner yesterday.

– T-that’s the hearty appet.i.te of a growing child, I can’t help it desu. Even girls have second helpings desu.

Maya hit his head many times but it didn’t hurt because she had no strength, she was so cute.

– It’s a joke. You aren’t heavy at all, well, maybe just a bit? I’ll give you shoulder rides from now on.

– … Is Maya the replacement of a scarf or something?

They went to the station while chatting childishly like that.

From today and every day of the week until the school festival, they decided to practice for the coffee shop.

They could do minimal preparations, but doing something was better than nothing.

They secured a location and could cook with a great number of people. It seemed that the church, which were friends with Sophia, had a large kitchen, and they decided to lend their place in exchange for voluntary service such as helping with cleaning and distribution of rice after an emergency.

For the time being, they decided to divide into a shopping group and a cleaning group, and Satsuki, the original proposer, was the leader of the shopping group. Moroha and Shizuno were also in the shopping group.

That was why he went to the meeting place in front of the station ――or so he intended, when he was suddenly called out.

– Are you Haimura Moroha?

The first intersection after he left the dormitory.

A woman, who leaned on the postbox, straightened herself as soon as she saw Moroha’s face.

A white woman with an impressive, rich, curly and beige hair.

She was in her mid-twenties.

A beautiful woman who seemed to be a model working for an elegant fashion magazine.

『Who are you?』

– I’m Chloe Jallet. Call me Chloe.

He asked in English but she replied back in fluent j.a.panese.

– You could tell that I am a top bra.s.s of the French Division? I am sorry for being like this as if I were to ambush you. And for visiting you so suddenly. I could not get an appointment because I did not know your contact address. Besides, if a beautiful woman were to visit your dormitory, you would end up standing out and that would be a problem for you, don’t you agree?

The woman named Chloe made herself seem like she was kidding.

When he heard “French Division”, Moroha took Maya down from his shoulders and stood in front of her.

However, he didn’t take a stronger imposing att.i.tude

He grasped that this woman called Chloe was a polite and decent person based on what he heard now.

Unlike that guy who came from somewhere and all of a sudden, saying「Don’t keep me waiting」.

– I want to talk about something important. Do you have a minute?

– I’m sorry. I have matters to attend now.

Moroha followed the etiquette and replied, adjusting his tone of voice.

– Then let’s do this another day, can you tell me when you are free?

Moroha thought for a while what he was asked with a serious expression.

– Is it perhaps to talk about the scouting stuff again? If so, then I’m sorry, but I turned it down already.

– This is why I am asking you. I want you to listen to me. Only once will suffice.

Moroha thought what he was supplicated as he scratched his head with a serious expression.

He felt something like anxious signs from Maya’s hands that clung to him.

Maybe Chloe would visit him nonstop to have a talk.

And each time she would make someone near him nervous just like her.

He was really sorry for that.

– Will this really be the last time?

– Yes, I promise. This person from the White Knight Organization promises it to the S-Rank.

She expressed exaggeratedly, but this time she didn’t give an air of a joke.

Chloe nodded with a grave expression.

– I understand. Then let’s get this done.

It was better to solve it now rather than being followed around all the time.

Moroha thought so, informed to Chloe and called Shizuno with his cell phone.

『h.e.l.lo? Did something happen?』

– Something small popped up and I can’t go with you. I’m sorry, but can you explain it to everyone?

『By「everyone」you mean「Ranjou-san」, right?』

As expected of Shizuno-san, she knew him very well.

『She’s really looking forward to setting the coffee shop with you. If she were to know you can’t come, she’ll cry, you know? It’ll be a tough task to calm her』

– What should I do to repay you…?

『Just listening to those words is enough?』

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As expected of Shizuno-san, she didn’t request things so easily.

“It will be a huge price to pay”, Moroha had no other person to rely on as he thought so.

– … Please.

『Moroha doesn’t rely on other women but me, yes?』

– Eh?

『*Call ended*――*Tsuu*, *Tsuu*, *Tsuu*』

As expected of Shizuno-san, she was perceptive.

She didn’t grasp the contents of this “minor business”, did she?

– Shall we go, Chloe-san?

– You are sweating too much, but… will you use this?

– No, don’t worry about me.

Chloe offered a handkerchief, but Moroha declined.

– Is Maya going to return to the dormitory?

– I will accompany Moroha desu (smiley face).

– Nice. Do you want to eat delicious food with Onee-san?

Moroha was a bit troubled when he saw Chloe, who kneeled to match her eyes with Maya’s, laugh free from worries.

(She truly doesn’t seem to be a bad person…)

Rather, if someone like Charles would have come, it would have been easier to turn them down.

Moroha, who saw Maya and Chloe beginning a light friendly chat instead of greetings, moved his eyes to the station and looked at it for a while.

A desolated autumn breeze blew through and shook his bangs.

(I’m sorry, I can’t go with you, Satsuki)

Satsuki was certainly looking forward to preparing the coffee shop.

Until she were told by Shizuno.

Even Moroha was looking forward to it.

Besides――was it because of what he was dreaming this morning?

He wanted to see Satsuki’s smile and wanted to meet her, he felt so bad.

(I’ll properly speak with Chloe-san to avoid future troubles, so forgive me, alright?)

Then he would go to Satsuki hurriedly.

Joining her in the middle of that was fine too.

Moroha decided so, severed the lingering affection that told him he wanted to meet her right now and that throbbed in his chest and started walking, prompting Chloe.

– Is this place okay? Or do we enter a store?

Moroha shook his head in denial to the confused Chloe.

– “There’s no such thing as a free launch”, it’s what my aunt taught me.

They faced each other on the bench of a small park in the neighborhood.

Recently, kids preferred to enjoy themselves with games so there was no one here. They spotted it while pa.s.sing by.

– Err… Does the Ojou-chan eat anything sweet? Shall I buy something? *

*TN: Ojou means little girl in this context and kanji used.

– There’s no such thing as a free lunch desu (smiley face).

Moroha patted the head of the orikou-san who was sat between his knees.

*TN: Orikou means well-behaved child/pet.

– You sure are dependable, aren’t you?

Chloe consented as she smiled wryly.

A chilly wind blew fiercely in the three-person park.

The uninhabited playground equipment.

The engine sounds of cars that pa.s.sed by the neighborhood were heard fading.

Chloe by no means brought up the topic.

She looked like she was thinking “from where should I start?” as she peeked at the expression of Moroha that she met for the first time.

– Your j.a.panese is very good, you know? Are you a negotiator?

He didn’t intend to give her a hand, but he got tired of being in silence, so Moroha talked to her.

– Charles also used it, but in his case, establishing a conversation doesn’t have another meaning, does it?

– Bu――――

Chloe burst into laughter and covered her mouth with both hands in panic.

She thought that it was a perfectly fitting phrase, but she shouldn’t laugh because it was about her master, she resisted as her stomach hurt.

(Oh…?)

On the contrary, he blinked his eyes.

How should he put it? It was an unexpected reaction.

Moroha was under the impression that Charles oppressed his subordinates with fear like Lightning Empress, but Chloe’s reaction――felt a bit relaxed towards Charles.

If it were the former Russia, then the other person who heard a funny story of her master would have shrunk back in fear and withered.

– I- I am sorry.

Chloe wiped the outer corner of her eyes while still looking amused and explained.

– Do you know that we are magicians? Language is important in black magic. It is one of the mysterious culminations, you see? That is why I am not special, if you are a magician, you will learn tons of languages: Shintoism, j.a.panese-style Onmyodo and Mikkyo, Shugendo――so it is natural to be well versed in j.a.panese language which is the nucleus of those and many others.

– But Chloe-san is a Kuroma, isn’t she? Dark Arts are different from black magic. Don’t you think that it’s a waste to be well versed in j.a.panese unrelated to Dark Arts?

– I don’t think so. Don’t you know? We, all the Dark Saviors of the『Cradle of the Sun』 , use j.a.panese when chanting.

– Really?

Moroha unconsciously exchanged glances with Maya.

Maya also had her eyes rounded.

– Why? Isn’t that pointless? Shouldn’t it be better to do it in French?

In order to use Dark Arts, Kuromas followed 2 required steps.

First: to spell ancient magic characters.

This one was absolutely essential, one had to accurately put the spell as it was stipulated into written form.

Second: A strong image for the miracle to trigger.

The stronger the image, the greater the effect.

Kuromas chanted a spell, a spelling which was done for the reinforcement of the image. This was an extreme argument: it could be done in any language and if one decreased the efficacy, it could be abbreviated.*

*TN: Efficacy is the furigana reading for image.

But naturally, Moroha, who was a Kuroma, knew that,

– On Earth, there is no complex and abstruse language that can express fine nuances like j.a.panese. That is why there is no language more suitable for image reinforcement than j.a.panese.

Chloe’s explanation was an unnecessary principle that Moroha didn’t know and wasn’t worried about because he was j.a.panese.

– So you don’t know what’s useful for Dark Arts?

– It has been our frequent topic since long ago, you know? If Andou, a j.a.panese with native j.a.panese language, were a Dark Savior, who knows how stronger he would become as a caster, but if we talk――

Chloe, who ended up talking so lively, suddenly realized that and held her tongue.

– I am sorry. My words ended up deviating too much. I do not know the reason why this came for.

She really looked embarra.s.sed.

– But I’d like to hear that story more?

– Impossible. I would like to get straight to the point.

Chloe slipped out one last chuckle, then coughed and put a serious face.

Moroha felt a bit disappointed.

– “Why do we want to invite Haimura Moroha to France?” It is what you are thinking, but I would like you to listen the real reason for that.

Chloe said so and casted down her long eyelashes.

– This is a painful story for me to remember. Yes, it was five years ago――

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