Yuusha, Aruiwa Bakemono to Yobareta Shoujo

"This is what happened in this city then. Did you get the idea?

"… did that really happen? If it was about 8 years ago, I'd be old enough to tell the difference. And yet, how can you not remember me at all? I can't forget such a catastrophe."

Catalina asked her stepmother, who had finished her old story, with a strange look on her face.

I knew my mother-in-law was praised as a brave man, a hero, etc. I did my own research, but I still thought it would be quick to hear it directly from him. She was a reluctant mother-in-law, but she finally told me if she had lost Catalina's stickiness.

"Look, it must be because you were sick and asleep. I can't help but have“ vague ”memories. It's not good to have memories of a bunch of demons pushing over. Sometimes it's better to forget."

My mother-in-law smiles gently. Catalina, embarrassed, unwittingly turns away.

The deviant end was decorated with a single painting. The painting is delicately painted, even in the eyes of the amateur.

Stepmother in fine armor and sword. Plus the look of two familiar women. The three of them were smiling calmly, shoulder-to-shoulder.

"This is the painting from that time?

"That's right. Looks like the painter who painted this is totally here now. I'm famous for the stubbornness of not taking any jobs I don't like."

"Ah, maybe I've heard of that person. The painting will make a hell of a lot of money. If you're having trouble with your life, why don't you just sell it?

"You can't do this because this is my treasure. I teach swordsmanship so it doesn't happen."

My mother-in-law stands next to Catalina. I look at it with a nostalgic, and somewhat spicy expression.

"I hope one day, again, there will be a day when the three of us line up like this. Like that time, we all laughed..."

My mother-in-law wipes my eyes. Catalina fixed the position of her glasses and pretended not to look.

Catalina, who is inexperienced in life, doesn't know what words to hang when this is the case. Even if it's comforting, the right words don't come to mind.

A woman came into the living room at the right time.

Silca said she has been helping orphanages run by her mother-in-law since their inception. With a calm personality, she rarely gets angry. I don't laugh much. It doesn't mean it's cold. The children often take care of me.

Conversely, it is Catalina who is kept one step away. Words are tight, eyes are bad. Words that denigrate me more than words that care about me come to mind. I don't know how this happened. I gave up that this was my original personality.

"... were you two looking at the painting?

"Oh, Silca. Yeah, we were just talking a little back in the day. Talk about those days."

"Hehe, when I look at that painting too, I remember it well. About that time. About the Colognes and Yatum. I was wondering if they'd pick me up someday. When I woke up in the morning, I thought everyone was having fun like they were back then.... I've never made it happen."

"Silka. If that was it, I'd decorate it somewhere else. I'm sorry I couldn't care less."

"No, it's not hard. Because it's an important memory. So keep it decorated all the time. Besides, it's a painting of a dear fellow Dean."

'Isn't it?' And when Silca smiles in a prank, her mother-in-law smiles bitterly.

"Please stop. You know I'm not a" Dean ”pattern. Teaching the kids is all about the basics of swordsmanship and body surgery. You're the one who uses your head."

"Don't worry, Catalina will be your teacher one day. This kid is really smart. Hey, Catalina."

"Uh, uh, yeah. Well, I don't even have to think about it."

Catalina, suddenly told the story, did not know how to react and had no choice but to respond vaguely.

"It's okay, Catalina. Because I won't force you to stay here. Think for yourself and choose for yourself. That way I'm sure you won't regret it. … this is the person to sell it to."

Her mother-in-law shows her white teeth and laughs furiously, removing the apron and stretching it wide. The larger body is further accentuated.... and those breasts that are more abundant than people.

"Shall I take you all for a walk? Silca must have come for us. I'm sorry I talked to you."

"It's okay because I'm not in a hurry. They're all running around outside. Well, I'll be there first."

That's what Silca said. She left the living room. Only Catalina and her mother-in-law are left in the large living room.

This living room is large enough to still afford all the children in the orphanage. It was this orphanage that was created by remodeling the mansion that my mother-in-law lived in as a child. This is why we gather and feed children who lost their parents in the former Star Church civil unrest.

I don't think I'm the orphan's in-laws, but I think he really likes people. He almost put his personal possessions into this orphanage that he made as an adventurer. Now I get paid to join Art's vigilante or teach swordsmanship. Turn down the invitations of the clerks from every country you visit again and again.

"Hey stepmother. There's only one thing that bothers me."

"What?"

"How the hell did the hero get home? The basement hundred floors must have been full of magic vegetables. There's no way I could live. It's in the Church Civil Unrest."

"…… I wonder why. Strange. It must have been a miracle. Well, this is the sanctuary of the Church of the Stars."

The star balls stormed and the lower level of the underground labyrinth completely collapsed. The current underground labyrinth is inaccessible due to intense magic contamination. The entrance is tightly sealed, and the junction reconstructed by one of the heroes, Edel Weiss, is preventing the spread of magic vegetables. There may still be a number of demons walking wide inside.

With the blockade of the labyrinth, the skilled adventurers who were in the city were no longer looking for new jobs.

The Adventurer's Guild turned into a place to teach technology and knowledge in exchange for gold. Former guild masters like Rob, Bogan, and Kraw remain as mentors. Catalina also occasionally participates using her stepmother Conne, but unfortunately she was not properly a swordsman or ranger. I also got their ink, so I'm pretty sure. On the contrary, it comes to my mind surprisingly easily about magic. Catalina decided to set the course for the sorcerer.

Many adventurers have left, but the city has shown considerable liveliness. My stepmother said it used to be more amazing.

The city of art has undergone a smooth reconstruction thanks to the hand of Pope Nicarag. Many astronauts visit this place, the sanctuary of the Star Church, on pilgrimages. An escort is attached to protect the Christians, and merchants come and go to make them guests. Every item is gathered from the continent for every transaction. People come to me for it.

As far as the merchants are concerned, this city of art is the safest and easiest to do business with. The natural disasters that occurred throughout the continent caused catastrophic damage to the major cities of each country. There are signs of war that have begun to flow, and this city, which is neutral and sheltered by the Church of the Stars, is the safest place for merchants.

"Hey, don't delude me. If we do something about that dark magic vegetable inside that junction, we'll put it in the underground labyrinth again, won't we? It could be an incentive to work it out. Even though I'm an apprentice, I'm a magician."

"Get inside that, what the hell do you want?

"If it's a place with a lot of magic vegetables, you'll definitely make progress with your magic training. Remember the lost magic in the inheritance. That magic is used to destroy the demons inside. Then I'd be a hero, too, wouldn't I?

Catalina has a dream of being a hero. I want to be someone who gets a glimpse from everyone. I want you to acknowledge your existence. It is extra because there are people nearby who have accomplished it.

"…… If that's the case, you should ask the person."

When my mother-in-law said only one word with her smiley face, she just left.

My stepmother's name is Matari Art. He is a hero who fought for his true brother, who sinned in disappearing the Great Junction, and reclaimed the Magic Book of Junction.

Katarina was entrusted to Matari by Adele Weiss, the second hero magician. You still can't tell me how it happened or what the situation was. It's also about Catalina's fruit parents. One day, I promise I'll tell you everything. I don't know when that is.

And the third of the heroes. The hero of the tragedy that took the heretic Ilgachev without sparing us. A man who is not supposed to be dead, who has returned from the sanctuary where certain death comes. An unconscious brunette woman that Matari calls a brave man. I'm still in one of the orphanages, and I keep sleeping.

Catalina hasn't even heard a voice yet. I don't even show signs of waking up. Can we say that people in this situation are alive? Isn't it just not dead? Just breathe, just absorb nourishment, just keep sleeping. Until everything is exchanged, you will never have your own will.

With the plants there. - No, plants are better. They can live on their own. The most suitable thing to describe her would be a doll. Decorative toy.

Catalina once said to Matali, who takes care of the doll diligently every day, that it's better to just kill her and make it easier on her. Because I felt like I couldn't watch anymore. It was an unexpected word out of kindness, but it was the gaze of cold anger that returned.

I never got beat up, but this was the first time my whole body was trembling with fear. I think the anger that pushed me to death, the intention to kill, etc., was directed at me.

Matari had a terribly cold eye and stabbed the nail hard to tell me not to say the same thing again.

Since then, Catalina has stopped asking questions about unnamed heroes. Because Catalina also understood the subtle neglect of people's emotions. He said it was a scar that no one wanted to touch.

◆

Matari moves the unconscious brave into a wheelchair and slowly begins to push. From behind, the children who couldn't wait for themselves follow the bustle.

- Five years ago now. It's about three years after the brave entered the underground labyrinth alone and became an unrequited man.

After reconstructing the Great Junction, Adele suddenly appeared, unable to understand the news. With a black front carriage.

Adele, who hadn't seen her in a long time, was in a terrible mood. The pink color that was her symbol is completely invisible. He wore a black robe, his complexion was completely exhilarating and he had lost his vitality.

I haven't talked to Edel since we had our fight breakup.

At that time, when asked what had been done to the brave man, Matari went mad and asked Adele fiercely. It frees me from suffering - because in its name, I did the same thing as the specimen magician Beans. The treatment was an end in itself, but there was no reason to forgive it.

As a result, the brave men died and the city of art brought peace. What's left is unwanted fame. I thought I'd go after him, but I couldn't leave Silca behind. If she dies, she won't be able to live either. It wasn't very much for art humans at that time, such as the room to provide for orphans.

That's why Matari put in all his property and opened an orphanage. Using Art's Mansion, where the Lord is gone.

He engaged in reconstruction work to forget the hard things and took away all the children who had lost their families. They looked at each other to lick the wound, crying when they wanted to, angry when they wanted to, laughing when they wanted to laugh.

As time passed, many families formed. Did Silca's grief also begin to heal a little, and she began to show her emotions again.

Matari was also able to understand why Edel had done that little by little. It must have been the truth that I wanted to save. Though the deeds backed him up and drove him to a desperate battle, to death.

That was five years ago. This is what happened when Adele came in with a black robe.

Matari tried to apologize for what happened before, but Adele blocked it. When I returned to the carriage, I brought a girl.

The girl's name is Catalina Nubes. A sad girl whose resuscitation was attempted and failed by Russ. The body should have been buried then. But I guess the mad necromancer didn't give up. With complete resuscitation, Edel has resuscitated Catalina.

Matari glanced at Edel and asked him what he intended to do.

"I want to entrust this child to you. I also have the money. I can't grow it myself. So, please. '

'- Thank you for coming. Mother-in-law'

Catalina, planted with false memories, rushed over here without any doubt. Calling Matari my mother-in-law gave me a pure smile.

I glance at Adele for her intent to kill. They didn't just revive humans, they even manipulated their memories.

Matari didn't seem to understand what Edel was doing. This woman hasn't changed anything since then. Any means will be used for the purpose. Even if it results in injury to you or your surroundings.

Matari was fiercely bitter, but chose to accept Catalina. There is no sin in this child. Because that's all I knew.

Nodding silently, Edel gave a slightly soothing expression.

'... Actually, I have another child I'd like to entrust to you. Please accept her, too. If you feel like it, I don't mind if you slaughter me and throw it away. "

With that said, Adele leads us to the black front carriage that has taken Matari.

- There was one girl inside.

As it was 5 years ago. Matari stares at the brunette girl in amazement. Numerous questions arise with joy.

Were you alive? Then why didn't you contact me immediately? Where have you been? Is the body okay? - Besides. Besides, how can it remain as it was then?

Matari hugged the girl's body so hard that she shook off all her doubts. But I'm not responding. No matter how much Matari rocks, there's no response.

"The soul did settle on the new flesh I created. But I won't wake up. I really don't wake up. I tried everything, but no. I can't wake up! If I keep doing this, one day I'm going to kill him with this hand, so I'm going to entrust it to you... '

Matari punched Adele in the face with all her might as she looked back. Kick up that body over and over again.

This woman has sinned again. Not just Catalina, but even the brave ones. Build flesh and let your soul dwell. This woman has fulfilled the crazy ambitions of Las Nubes and Beans she once took away. Whatever the purpose, it is not an acceptable act.

After all, this guy only thinks of humans as magic material. He becomes a horse rider with a whimper, clenches his fist, and looks down in anger. This woman, she kills on this spot now.

- When Matali cemented her resolve, Catalina hugged me hard.

"Mother-in-law, stop," she cried. This was also a plot by Adele, and the idea of the lower house came to an end for a moment.

Adele had a ready look on her face. If you want to kill me, kill me now, and my dead voice leaks.

'I'd be really happy if you killed me. But these kids, please. That kid, too, will wake up one day, I'm sure. Because the soul, the soul is sure to dwell. All I have to do is wait for the day. Please, Matari. I can't do this. I can't stand it, I'll kill you crazy. Hey, please!

If Matari refuses, Adele will kill the brave and choose to die.

Now that I know that, I have a silent and unconscious brave man and decided to return to the orphanage. What Edel does is not what he finds out. Will you commit suicide or will you work on another new experiment? What is the purpose this time? I don't understand it at all and I don't want to.

Either way, I'm not the one to judge this woman. This crying and clinging Catalina, or the brave man who regained consciousness. You won't be qualified to live long on the sacrifice of the brave and earn fame for it. I don't deserve to be the one who feels a little happy that the brave man came back like this.

When he looked back again, Adele was getting up and riding into the black front carriage. Adele seemed like a tired old woman, and there was no such thing as a necromancer who was once full of pride and confidence. Whoever wraps his cloth around him slowly runs his horse.

Perhaps we'll never see each other again. Matari dropped it off with all the mixed emotions in.

◆

The line between Matari and the orphanage came to the top of the hill, where you can overlook the city of art.

Circumference of art is regularly patrolled by denominational soldiers, so security is maintained there. The merchants are also stopping the carriage to rest.

But a step out of the control of the Church is a hell of a situation. The bandits walk wide, the mercenaries party for work, and the poor peasants sell their children or kill them with their own hands.

Countries fail to put in place effective measures, but rather see this situation as an opportunity and an end to encouraging territorial expansion.

In the Kingdom territory of the Central Border Zone, there are rumours that the names of the PLA will be settled. I'm not going to visit a peaceful world yet.

"…… Mr. Brave. This world is the same. I'm sure you'll laugh. That's what the world says."

Matari speaks to the brave. The kids are snooping around like they're having fun. Silka watches quietly so that no one comes out.

Catalina, hands-on, approached.

"Hey stepmother. You really don't know this guy's name?

"It's a shame. He said he didn't care if he could identify his name. I thought you might tell me someday."

"Then you can put it on yourself. How dare you be a brave man forever?"

Catalina touches her glasses like a prank. Sure, it's uncomfortable to call me brave until hours, but that's why it can't be named.

Matari has even fought through the last five years in a narrow space of hope and fear. Hope that one day you'll wake up. Fear that one day you'll stop breathing and die again.

The act of naming may work in a bad direction. It's just horrible to think about. I don't even want to imagine it as a joke.

I can only see a few reasons why Adele said she couldn't stand it. To this hope and fear, if added to the consciousness of sin, it would be very, but not normal.

Catalina doesn't seem to mean it either, so she's whining about the proper thing, wondering what kind of name it might be.

"Come on, don't play in people's names. Because brave men are really scared when they piss you off. I'm the one who'll be pissed off later."

"Whatever you name it, you win. If you don't like it, you just have to wake up right now and stop me. That way you'll be all hail."

"At all, you'll always be a child. You are. Study common sense as well as magic. You should have your sexual roots fixed once in the church."

She is usually a serious and well looked after daughter, but there are occasional glimpses of brutality. Matari has been trying to fix it but there is no sign that it will improve. I guess that's Catalina too, but lately it's starting to flow in the direction of accepting it.

"There is no way that a star god can be flabbergasted. I believe only what I see. Besides, I'm almost an adult. That's when you'll tell me all about it. I'll make sure you keep your promise."

Catalina with a serious look on her face. Should the truth be told one day? Matari is still lost.

But I guess I should know. If I were in the opposite position, I'd be stuck wanting to know right away. Unlike herself, Catalina is a really impatient daughter.

"…… I know. I have to keep my word. 'Cause there's a scared bird watching."

In the sky the usual white whale swirls loudly, trying to show itself.

"Is that the Holy Bird? Everyone who comes to this city is creepy. White whites that tell the signs of vice."

"If that were true, we wouldn't be in the world anymore. Not at all."

"Is that true, too? My mother-in-law is right. I knew you couldn't trust superstition."

I don't know if the white whale above is the holy bird of that time. Because I was gone at some point when I realized it.

But when Matari and the others bring the brave men for a walk, they always show up. As if watching the brave from the sky.

It's time for Matari and the others to leave the scene. Bird habits are more accurate in time than humans. The kids understand that, and now they're completely clock-backed.

"Hey, isn't it time? That bird's still flying around fine."

"………… What is wrong?

The white whale never flew away as usual, and today it continued to swirl for some reason. After a few moments of shaking his body, he suddenly descended into a wheelchair where the brave man sat.

A very rare sight also rushes the children who were playing around. Silca is also interesting.

Sitting on the lap of a brave man, a white whale sits in a satisfied expression and sounds in a mood.

Matari turned his gaze to the brave man after he had done his eyes to the white whale.

"Huh?"

"That being said, I have to name it anyway. It's kind of embarrassing to call me Mr. Brave, and it's other people's behavior to call me that guy. That's why I thought about it. If you leave this to me..."

Catalina has been talking about something since earlier, but it doesn't come into Matali's ear.

While I suspect it's an illusion, I speak up to confirm it.

"Yu, brave man,?

"- Hey, hey."

Matari hugged him from the top of the white whale to the body of a brave man who had completely lost weight. I heard a scream like a crushed frog coming from down there.

He rolls off a wheelchair with the brave man and rolls from the hill.

The children panic. Silka makes a small scream. Catalina is circling her eyes about something.

"I've been waiting a long time. Really, really."

"Ooh, dude. This, this, this, this, this, this, this is a sign."

"Yes, all sorts. Really, there was a lot going on. Something hard, something sad."

Matari buries his face in the brave man's chest and bites his teeth desperately in search of tears. Is this real? If it's a dream, how cruel is it?

The feeling of gently stroking Matari's hair. Slowly looking up, the face of a brave man who slightly distorts his mouth.

"Wow, my, really, hey, ha-"

"Hey, what's your name? Ho, what's your real name?

When Matari asked in tears, the brave man moved his thirsty lips, slightly but one by one.

Hearing it up close, Matari nodded many times and smiled with a full smile.