Published at 25th of March 2019 11:09 pm

Chapter 95: The worst reunion

The sky garden. It was one of the most prominent date spots in the capital………… apparently.

However, because of Forna’s one to one fight against prince Ragaia the other day, it’s currently a crude-looking, destroyed park.

“…………………………………………” (Arsha)

“Oi, first you prolong our talk, then you wear those hyped-up clothes but suddenly get depressed, like, you’re another troublesome woman, huh.” (Velt)

Ayase and I are sitting on a half broken bench.

After saying she would take a bath and change her clothes, she appeared one hour later, just as promised, but she came with a black party dress that showed her shoulders and a white shawl, like, where is she planning to go?

I was dumbfounded by her appearance.

However, as she came while looking out of breath, she looked at the sky garden that had completely changed from how it used to be, and hung her head down like a boxer after losing a game, and stayed silent for a while.

“No way, I, I didn’t think it had changed this much.” (Arsha)

“They had a massive fight, it can’t be helped. Like, rather than that, I’m more curious about those supposed professionals that are looking at us while showing themselves in the open.” (Velt)

From the shadows, thickets and trees of the park, my childhood friends, the princess’ bodyguards and another princess are observing us from behind cover, while being completely visible.

Even if we’re supposed to have a slow talk like this, I can’t help but notice them.

“You sure are popular as always.” (Velt)

“That goes for you too, right? Rather, I didn’t know that Forna’s fiance that she had been boasting about from a young age, Velt-kun, was you.” (Arsha)

“Yeah, and I heard that you were one of the Ten Heroes of Light from Miyamoto, but I didn’t know you were the princess of the empire.” (Velt)

“I see. ………… Wait a minute. After hearing I was one of the Ten Heroes of Light from Miyamoto-kun, why did you not ask anything more about me?” (Arsha)

“Hm? Well, I just didn’t…………” (Velt)

“You didn’t? Why?” (Arsha)

………… You’re not going to say it’s because you aren’t interested in me, right?

When I answered honestly, she glared at me with a face that looks like it’s saying that.

“Anyway, when did you remember?” (Velt)

“Wait, we have not finished talking yet!” (Arsha)

“It’s fine. So, when did you remember yourself?” (Velt)

I averted the conversation since I didn’t really care.

Then, Ayase paused for a bit and slowly started talking about her life.

“I first regained my memories when I was six years old. To be honest, I couldn’t understand what was happening to me for a while.” (Arsha)

“You didn’t know whether you’re your Japanese high schooler self, or yourself in this world. Something like that?” (Velt)

“Yes, it was. But since my mental age was that of a seventeen-year-old, people saw me as a mature child and praised me by saying I am a genius girl. I actually did have a talent for magic after all.” (Arsha)

“I was a rebellious brat. People found me cheeky, twisted, cowardly, stupid and cold drop out. Well, I didn’t have any talent for magic after all. If I didn’t have Forna and sensei with me, I would’ve definitely rotted away while hating this world.” (Velt)

We talk about our lives. At that moment, Ayase noticed one of my words and asked about it.

“Sensei?” (Arsha)

“Kobayakawa-sensei.” (Velt)

“Haa? Ko, Ko, Kobayakawa-sensei! What, e, even sensei is in this world too?” (Arsha)

“Yeah.” (Velt)

It wasn’t just the students that died.

Our teacher on that bus also died and reincarnated in this world.

Hearing that, Ayase kept silent with an indescribable face.

“I reunited with sensei when I was ten years old. Because he moved over to the capital and opened a ramen restaurant, we realized who we were.” (Velt)

“A ramen restaurant. I see, sensei did…………” (Arsha)

“That was just the start. I was saved by having someone that knew my circumstances and real self. I began to face forwards, and properly thought about living in this world.” (Velt)

“So that’s what happened. Hearing that, I think it was a good thing Kobayakawa-sensei was the first person you met.” (Arsha)

“You were the opposite, so I’m sure it must’ve been tiring.” (Velt)

As I say that, Ayase clenches her fists tightly and nodded.

“That’s true. Without even being able to think about who I was, my way of life was forced upon me. I had to throw my body into strife because of my life as a princess of a warring country, the obligations I shoulder and the flag of justice. In that time, I reunited with Miyamoto-kun, whose family had been killed by humans, and Kagami-kun, who was trying to destroy this world with malice. I thought that we wouldn’t be able to go back to our old selves.” (Arsha)

Thought? Are you trying to say that it’s different now?

No, there’s no way that’s true.

They can’t go back now. That’s something you should know too.

Otherwise, Samejima, Miyamoto, Kagami and everyone wouldn’t have to go through such tiring feelings.

“Fufu, just kidding.” (Arsha)

Ayase showed a slightly lonely smile as if saying she understands.

“Forna told me about you. She said Velt Jeeha has no interest in war. That’s why he didn’t become a soldier. You might think that I have changed plenty too. But…………” (Arsha)

“I understand.” (Velt)

That’s why I told her I understand.

“I understand that you want to say you still had no choice but to do it. Everyone said that too.” (Velt)

“Asakura-kun?” (Arsha)

“My standpoint of it was that you could choose the option to not do it. So, I’m not planning to go self-importantly say whatever about you guys, and I’m not planning to persuade you either.” (Velt)

Since I didn’t have to shoulder anything important, I can’t truly understand the pain in their hearts.

A half-hearted consolation is also unnecessary.

So, this is all I can say.

“Well, I’m glad that we could meet like this again.” (Velt)

Regardless of what kind of life we had walked, we should at least enjoy our reunion.

Even if we can’t go back to our old selves, if even our reunion is full of sadness, there’s no chance of salvation.

“Yeah………… uu-, uu………… yeah!” (Arsha)

I didn’t look to my side. I didn’t look at Ayase’s face right now, no matter how loud she sniffles.

“Fufu, but Forna is lucky~.” (Arsha)

“Hah?” (Velt)

“Even though you aren’t interested in war, she’s so important to you for you to jump in and risk your life.” (Arsha)

I became a bit embarrassed as Ayase looked at me with a somewhat teasing smile.

“Make sure to take care of that girl.” (Arsha)

“Well, as long as she doesn’t abandon me.” (Velt)

“She competed with me a lot in the empire national military academy when we were ten years old. And every time, she always boasted about having a lover or about how many times she has kissed.” (Arsha)

“That little precocious brat. No wonder everyone in the capital was grinning while looking at us.” (Velt)

“It’s true. In mock battles, she would start talking about how she definitely wouldn’t lose against me, who doesn’t know of love. She really was rude. Even though I have fallen in love before. ………… Not as Arsha, but as Ayase though.” (Arsha)

At that moment, Ayase came close and stared into my face as she winked while smiling.

I reflexively tried to take distance, but as if saying she won’t let me go, Ayase grabbed my hand.

I can hear people screaming, “kyaa,” and, “princeeeess,” but Ayase didn’t care at all.

“Before when I was Ayase, all sorts of people had relied on me. Since I knew that was trust, I was proud of it and was desperate to meet their expectations. I didn’t even rest cram school so that my grades would not be affected by being a class committee member, cultural festival executive committee, working as part of the student council and working as the president of a club, and I even lacked the time to sleep. Fufu, it was really weak compared to my life now though.” (Arsha)

I know. No, I didn’t know how much she was doing, but I remember that she collapsed from the fatigue of working too hard.

“One day, I collapsed from over working, but all I remember is the back of the person who carried me to the school infirmary​, that for some reason seemed so reliable.” (Arsha)

“………… Ho………… ho~.” (Velt)

“You know, I hated that person. After all, he was a person that only came on important days like the athletic festival or the cultural festival. Without understanding how much hard work I put into preparing for those days, he just settled it with ‘I’m not interested’. What do you think about guys like that?” (Arsha)

“Well, he’s an extremely cringy chuunibyou guy.” (Velt)

“Exactly. On top of that, his behaviour is bad, his mouth is bad and his personality is bad too. He’s lived the exact opposing type of life that I did. On top of that, when someone teased him for carrying me on his back, he just said ‘I’m not interested in her’. What do you think about him?” (Arsha)

“Maybe he………… had someone else he liked?” (Velt)

“That’s right. It’s exactly as you say. Regardless of what he said, that person always followed a certain girl with his eyes. Even though he would be rude, he immediately gets embarrassed, laughs a bit and ends up trying his hardest to fulfil that girl’s requests. But since he couldn’t be honest, the people around him seeing it just got irritated.” (Arsha)

“What a troublesome guy.” (Velt)

“Yes. He really was a troublesome person. That’s right………… I wonder why………… I had been following his troublesome behaviour with my eyes ever since the day he carried me on his back. I must have become curious since he was a person that was the exact opposite of myself.” (Arsha)

Even though I get more embarrassed the more I listen, Ayase didn’t let go of my hand, to show that she won’t let me escape.

She was smiling at the start but gradually became more serious while fixedly staring at me.

Her eyes………… are passionate…………

“That kind of troublesome person came to the field trip and had an expression that showed determination in it. It came to me immediately. It was like, ‘ahh, this person is going to confess to the person he likes during the field trip, isn’t he.’” (Arsha)

“E, eh? Eh! Wai, you, how did you know that!” (Velt)

“That’s why………… the moment I realized that, I also became determined. To tell that person that they are always on my mind and I just can’t help it. ………… I finally ended up doing it in the next world though.” (Arsha)

No, wait. You wait.

The guys that are peeking at us probably find our conversation incomprehensible, but your face right now is totally showing what you’re going to do. Wait a minute.

That’s something even I…………

“Puh………… ufufufufufu.” (Arsha)

“Ah.” (Velt)

“Just kidding. How was it? Did you get even a little shocked?” (Arsha)

Ayase suddenly lets go of my hands and starts laughing.

“Eh?” (Velt)

As I raise a strange voice from not understanding what’s going on, Ayase shows a someone painful smile and shakes her head.

“That was the love story of a girl called Ayase, who does not exist in this world. And, I am the princess of the Archline Empire, Arsha Archline, who is living in this world. Just like you live as Velt Jeeha and not Asakura Ryuuma.” (Arsha)

Yeah, that’s right. It’s just as you say.

Regardless of our details, we’re living in this world after all.

“It is the same for you, right?” (Arsha)

“Yeah, it’s just as you say.” (Velt)

“That’s right, you are cherishing your current life, instead of chasing after the illusion of the girl Asakura Ryuuma liked, right?” (Arsha)

…………………………………………………… Hm?

“Ara? What is it?” (Arsha)

Sile~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~nce

“Hey. What is it? You suddenly became all silent like that.” (Arsha)

Without being able to say anything, I felt awkward and averted my eyes.

However, in the next moment, probably because she noticed something, Ayase stood up from the bench, came in front of me, looked at me with reproachful eyes and asked with a different tone of voice.

“Hey, Asakura-kun. Surely you don’t still…………” (Arsha)

“Wha. What? What’s up with you, making that kind of face.” (Velt)

“You………… surely you won’t say………… that you still………… like Kamino Mina, surely you won’t say that you still like Mina.” (Arsha)

………… Yeah, let’s become defiant.

“What, is, is that wrong?” (Velt)

“Of course it’s wrong!” (Arsha)

She hit me hard and I was sent flying over the bench.

“Wha, what the hell are you doing!?” (Velt)

“Hey~, what do you mean by this, Asakura-kun! I thought you were Forna’s lover?” (Arsha)

“Ah~, explaining that is too troublesome but basically, there’s just a whole bunch of reasons.” (Velt)

“Look here, you are Velt Jeeha! Have you not parted from your past as Asakura Ryuuma? Why are you still thinking about Mina!” (Arsha)

“Don’t just go saying selfish stuff like parting! In the first place, even the reason why I’m on a journey right now………… is…………” (Velt)

Ah………… I feel like she’ll get angry at me again if I say this.

No, it’s my life after all, so it doesn’t matter to Ayase and there’s no reason for her to get angry at me, but I reflexively stopped talking.

However, Ayase seems to have understood everything from just that.

From her reproachful eyes, she then started looking down on me with super ice-chilled eyes.

“That reminds me, why were you able to help the empire when you were supposed to have been living in the Elfarshia Kingdom without getting involved in war? Considering the distance, it would have taken at least one month.” (Arsha)

“Tha, that’s………… I was just coincidentally nearby during my journey…………” (Velt)

“Why were you on a journey? ………… Hey? Asakura-kun?” (Arsha)

At that moment, from her ice cold expression, Ayase then tilted her head with a friendly grin, that held a terrifying sense of intimidation.

“Ufufufu, surely not, Asakura-kun. While saying ‘I’m not interested in war’………… surely you didn’t think about the possibility of Mina being somewhere in this world………… and decided to go on a journey to find Mina, right?” (Arsha)

She’s amazing. As expected of a champion that’s given as much praise as Forna.

Like, even though I haven’t answered, she seems to have understood the answer already.

“Hm~~~~~~~~~~~m.” (Arsha)

“…………………… What, is that bad?” (Velt)

However, she has no reason to get angry at me. I became defiant because of that.

Then, while strongly holding my collar, Ayase vented her feelings at me, without showing any part of her cool face.

“You must be joking! Why, why would you do something like that!? You can’t say much about Kagami-kun! You are still being influenced strongly by Asakura Ryuuma too!” (Arsha)

“It’s not like I’m causing anyone trouble!” (Velt)

“What are you going to do about Forna! While knowing Forna’s feelings, while talking to Forna in a suggestive way, while knowing that Forna is fighting for the world with her life on the line, you were going on a journey to search for Mina? That kind of thing, I cannot allow it!” (Arsha)

Uwa~o, my ears hurt. Yeah, that’s right. It’s just as you say.

That’s right. I’m a sheetty asshole that was searching for a woman while everyone was fighting for the world, for humanity.

But you know,

“Of course, Forna is important. But, since this is something I can’t just give up, it can’t be helped.” (Velt)

“You rebellious Tsunderekura-kun, you have become defiant now.” (Arsha)

“Rather than becoming defiant now, I’ve always been open. But the thing is, regardless of whether I’m Velt or Asakura, that’s my objective in this life.” (Velt)

“Wha, what was that?” (Arsha)

Ayase’s fist is trembling. She’s expressing her anger at me, saying this is too stupid.

Well, there’s no reason why she can say that to me, but she does have the right to do so.

“Ayase. You knew what kind of sheetty asshole I was from the start. I repeated worthless things day after day, and was a man that had no worth in living.” (Velt)

“That is…………” (Arsha)

“But you know, when I did actually die, I ended up regretting. That was because my life was so fun that I wanted to live longer. The person that taught me that, the person that made me think that way, was Kamino.” (Velt)

“Even so…………” (Arsha)

“I still haven’t said anything to her. I haven’t given anything back to her. And even though I normally wouldn’t be able to say anything if I die, I’m living like this. So, I want to tell her no matter what. That I was saved by you. That it was fun. That I’m grateful. ………… And, if in this world………… she has any problems, I want to help her. That’s my way of putting a distinction to my past life.” (Velt)

That’s right. Rather than an attachment, this is a distinction.

And, it’s something I want to do from the bottom of my heart.

“Then………… what. Are you going to confess when you meet her or something?” (Arsha)

“I was thinking about that when I was ten years old. However, I’m not at that level anymore. I just want to repay her.” (Velt)

“Then, are you only going to marry Forna?” (Arsha)

“A, ah? I wonder………… well, she’s looked after me a lot and I’m grateful to her. Recently I’ve been thinking it would be okay to give the rest of my life as Velt Jeeha to her.” (Velt)

“I see………… then, if Mina says she likes you when you reunite with her, you would reject her confession, right♪?” (Arsha)

“Wha, what? Kamino, to me?” (Velt)

No, like, there’s no way that would happen.

Well, that’s probably impossible.

Yeah, that’s impossible.

Uh huh…………………… impossible?

“Why does your face look like you are imagining it!” (Arsha)

“Guho-!” (Velt)

I was slapped in the face.

“Ahhh, I see. You really are the worst! I cannot forgive you! I am really angry now!” (Arsha)

“Tsu-, it, it’s fine, isn’t it!? It’s not like I’m troubling you or anything!” (Velt)

“What about me, I am the one that is backing out for Forna’s sake, persuading myself that I am no longer Ayase and wanted to show off, saying that it was just something of the past!” (Arsha)

“Like I care about that!” (Velt)

“That’s unfair! Unfair! You just coincidentally met us without much care, but only when it comes to Mina, you say things like wanting to find her or wanting to be of power to her, it is unfair!” (Arsha)

“Who cares! In the first place, you have a countless number of strong allies with you anyway!” (Velt)

“No! I………… I was watching you all along! I liked you from long, long ago!” (Arsha)

Ah………… while crying………… she went and said it…………

Well, yeah. I knew since Samejima told me in the past, but would you really say it at this kind of timing?

“Giiyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!” (Soldier)

“Gowaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!” (Soldier)

“Hogyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!” (Soldier)

“Priiiinceeeess Arshaaaaaaaaaa!” (Soldier)

“ｈｄｆｐ２３ｉｕｒｆｄｊ２＠ｌｐ３ｍ；ｅｓ，ａａａａａａａ ａｍｏ３＠０ｉｒｆｊ２ｐｌ３；ｗｍ!!!” (Soldier?)

――――――!!!

Leaving aside stuff about Asakura, Ayase, the contents of the conversation and whether or not they understand it, the Yellow Jaegers, humanity’s great allied forces and the champions of humanity came out of cover all together and made me fall over.

And, I was pushed down in a horse riding position onto the sobbing princess…………

“Ve Ve Vel Veltttt~~~.” (Forna)

While Forna, who was wobbling while approaching me like a zombie, and…………

“Makyokushin Karate, Heaven Axe Kick!” (Ura)

“Uo, that was dangerous!” (Velt)

I reflexively rolled to the side to dodge it.

However, if I didn’t, it would’ve been dangerous. She would’ve totally killed me.

The one who suddenly did an axe kick from the sky to kill us and ended up making a hole in the ground was clad in a dark aura…………

“Fufu, fufufufufu, I came to search for you since it was getting late………… and yet, what are you doing, Veltttttt!” (Ura)

“Loord! Loord! I, I, who should I be calling your lady?” (Musashi)

Ura, whose bright red eyes are shining enough to make me want to call her a demon king, and Musashi, who flusteredly shouts.

“Ura, Musashi, I thought you guys were house-sitting.” (Velt)

She came to search for me since I was getting late, but………… I give up…………

“Gusu-. Who, who are these girls, wait, a demon!” (Arsha)

“Arshaaaaaa! I did not quite understand the contents of your conversation, but I heard you had liked him since long ago! What do you mean by that!” (Forna)

“You guys better stop saying you like someone’s man, it’s not funny! You damn thieving cats!” (Ura)

“Uoooon, who, who is my lord’s lady~!” (Musashi)

Well then, what should I do about this worst possible development…………

Kuhahahaha, worst? This? That’s not even funny.

The word ‘worst’ isn’t something to use so easily.

I was about to really understand that in just a few more seconds.

That’s right, for me, the worst is…………

“Ara ara, what might this commotion be all about?” (?)

One woman appeared.

It really was sudden.

No, this is the empire.

I had forgotten that it was completely possible for ‘this’.

The moment I heard that woman’s voice, it felt like time had stopped.

Under this situation that isn’t even serious, my heart sprung up the moment I heard that voice.

No, it wasn’t just me.

“…………………… Eh?” (Ura)

Even Ura, who was overcome by anger, became dumbfounded at hearing that voice and seeing the owner of that voice.

“Everyone, I was searching for you. Did something happen for you to gather in a place like this?” (?)

That woman was beautiful.

She’s probably older than us, but I could see an adult seductiveness in her cute expression.

She’s wearing the Yellow Jaegers’ yellow coat and a black hat with a wide brim.

Her hair is iridescent, fluffy and long. Her body line is thin, and above all…… no, that kind of thing doesn’t matter!

“Ah, o, oh, vice chief!” (Soldier)

“Hi!” (Soldier)

“Hello, thank you for your hard work.” (Soldier)

The moment they saw her appearance, the Yellow Jaegers and humanity’s great allied forces gave a normal greeting.

“Wha, what is it. It’s not like it there is any problem with it.” (Arsha)

“Ara ara, for even the princess to be this flustered, is something wrong?” (?)

Even Ayase is talking to this woman normally.

However, in my heart, and in Ura’s heart, we can’t stay normal.

There’s no way we could stay normal.

“This woman…………” (Velt)

“Yo-………… you, you are…………” (Ura)

As Ura and I are so agitated that we can’t make talk properly, Ayase sighs while introducing us, without knowing the circumstances.

“Ahh, it must be your first time meeting her, Asakura-kun. She was a former general of the empire but she is currently supporting me as the vice chief in the Yellow Jaegers, and like Forna and I, she is one of the Ten Heroes of Light. You have at least heard of her name, right? The smiling…………” (Arsha)

Before Arsha says her name, Ura jumps out, covered in brutal, sinister anger.

“Gyanzaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!” (Ura)

That’s right. My trauma.

And, the woman that killed Samejima!

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