Chapter 509

Machine World Arc This is Different From What I Thought-

She wears it in the end. I knew it.

Gazes that seemed to say that were focused at behind Hajime. Of course, the target of the gazes was Yuuka.

「……Nnu…………uu………」

She was hiding behind Hajime’s back. Her hands were pressing down on the long poncho that was pointlessly designed to look worn out to cover herself more.

The back was long while the front was short. So to say it was a cloak that looked like a fishtail dress. If she held the poncho like that, the front part that already only had miniskirt length would lift up even more but……

“This poncho is the last fortress! I’ll defend it to the death-“ Yuuka-chan’s desperation was as though she was saying that, so she wasn’t self-aware of what she was actually doing.

To add to that, the science fiction style pilot suit was skintight, however, that was exactly why it seemed to be rubbing the body on various spots, so apparently the stimulation was giving direct attack for each step she took.

The suit was made with fixation to its fabric so it didn’t chafe, rather the feel on the skin was excellent but……but that must made Yuuka felt even more bothered instead.

After all since some time ago she had been letting out small voice that sounded somewhat coquettish if they strained their ear.

Also, currently Hajime and co were walking through the former territory of Mother that was still called as the Heaven even now like in the past.

Jasper family was walking at the front as the guide. Hajime and co were following behind them.

Jasper and Mindy had been talking about various things with Hajime and co since some time ago but, the boys of Jasper family were mostly looking inattentive. On top of that they were obstinately fixing their gaze forward.

Amusingly their ears were red. They were truly gentlemanly with how they weren’t trying to steal a glance. Conversely speaking, Yuuka was looking so er*tic that they thought they mustn’t look.

Like the youngest boy (12 years old) who was muttering 「Don’t think it don’t think it-. Shiittt, but it keeps filling my mind. How’s the state of below that cloak!? Hah!? Wrong, that’s not it! I’m not imagining anything like that──aah, but it keeps filling my mind-. I just can’t help but thinking of how it looks below the lewd big sis’s cloak──」 while tearing off his hair.

Ai-chan-sensei, patient for you desuu! Yes, Shia-san! I’m on it! Prescribing the medicine for the heart!!

*Flaash* There was light and the boy temporarily regained his calm. However, the abyss deep inside the cloak that was brought about by the lewd big sis (in the eyes of the boy) had grasped the boy’s mind and wouldn’t let go!

Don’t imagine it, don’t peer into that abyss. But the more he disciplined himself like that the more he became curious instead! The charm of the lewd big sis (in the eyes of the boy) was boiling up the boy’s innocent curiosity ceaselessly!

By chance it might have been too late for him. Sexual disposition that had been warped once wouldn’t return back to before……

At this time, nobody knew that this boy would later become the first fully fledged fashion designer who would leave behind his name in the history of Coltran……but that was a story for another time.

Also, the girls were glancing back over their shoulder without any reservation. Small voices like 「She’s going that far……」「I somehow guessed it. Yuuka-oneesan, she still hasn’t」「Yeah. That’s why she’s desperately doing her best」「Let’s cheer for her!」 could also be heard from them.

It was painful to stay there. Well, that was why she was using Hajime as a wall to hide from the children though.

「Y-Yue-san. The perception blocker is working properly right?」

Yue who was walking beside Hajime looked back over her shoulder.

「……It’s working it’s working. It’s super working.」

「Why so lighthearted!?」

Yuuka became drastically more anxious. Yue’s atmosphere as though she was going to beckon with her hand saying 「How about becoming a lewd Onee-san too?」 and her gaze that seemed to have accepted her as a comrade already were fanning up that anxiety even more.

She clutched the perception blocker artifact Hajime gave her (pin badge shaped ──the designs were all the same with smiley mark) even stronger like someone getting attacked by evil spirit clutching a cross.

She was clutching it together with the long poncho so the front got lifted up even more. It had practically reached until the hip joint……

Listy who was being carried by snugly sitting on Hajime’s right arm and putting both her arms around his neck narrowed her eyes.

「You shouldn’t wear it if it makes you that embarrassed.」

「!?」

It was a clean hit from an extremely reasonable opinion. 「Uuu」 Such moan slipped out from Yuuka. Her mouth was closing and opening like a goldfish seeking air without being able to say a single word more.

And so the ally of maiden got on stage in her place.

「Haa~, this is why you’re hopeless Listy. You don’t get a maiden’s heart nano.」

Myuu who was similarly being carried on the left arm shook her head over dramatically as though to say 「Yare yare daze」. At the same time she was also screwing in her own arms around papa’s neck saying 「Your arms are on the way though?」.

Vein pulsed on Listy-chan’s forehead from Myuu’s attitude. She was also strengthening her grip to absolutely never let go.

Of course, the arms had been continuously tightening until now from right after papa got badgered for a carry. There was no way this was the aim but, papa’s carotid artery was being splendidly cho~~~~ked.

His consciousness might sink into darkness like stone if he let his guard down, so he couldn’t relax for even a moment.

Well, putting that aside.

「T-this isn’t like that……Nana and Taeko had gone through a lot to prepare this, so as expected, it would make me feel guilty if I don’t wear it……besides everyone was looking at me expectantly so I just read the atmosphere you can say……」

Yuuka started muttering excuses that nobody was listening to.

「Yep yep, right you are, Yuuka-chi ?」

「I get it I get it. Protein is it」

「You two are also too lighthearted!」

Behind Yuuka, Nana was joining her hands behind her head, while Taeko was nodding 「Yep yep」 like a greatly satisfied designer by the appearance of the model she supported.

But there was zero sign of them listening to what Yuuka say. The replies they gave were truly random. Rather than giving attention to such thing, they were simply enjoying the appearance of their best friend that they had dressed up (?).

Yuuka glanced at Hajime who was walking in front of her. Because Myuu and Listy were hitting each other over Hajime’s head his hair was getting messed up but he showed no sign of looking back.

「What’s with him……」

Even though she put it on, she wasn’t looking her way at all since some time ago……

Didn’t he want to see……?

Such voice of the heart seeped out and a super small voice slipped out. It could be seen like she was little bit downhearted.

And so Kaori poked at Hajime’s arm. At the same time, telepath, switch on.

『Hajime-kun? Isn’t it bad to ignore her after making her wear that?』

『No, in the first place I didn’t say that I want her to wear it or anything.』

『Saying that after that blatant atmosphere is unfair isn’t it?』

『Goshujin-sama. The truth art that thy love Yuuka’s reaction correct? Thy enjoy her reaction of what she art wearing rather than the outfit itself.』

『I’ve been thinking this from before but, Hajime-san. You’re a bit meany only with Yuuka aren’t you?』

Hajime felt Tio’s amused gaze and, Shizuku and Liliana’s fixed stare *jii~* and shrugged. For the time being the matter of what was he was feeling behind that gesture was set aside.

「Sonobe」

「! W-what……?」

「Don’t take off the cloak okay?」

「Yes? There’s no way I’ll take it off! My dignity and shame will die the moment I lose this!」

「I see. Then good. Don’t let anybody else see it no matter what.」

「Obviously! There’s no way I’ll show this appeara──Hm? ??? ……Eh?」

Yuuka reflexively raised her voice, but midway Hajime’s words got in her mind and she was at a loss for words. She pondered the meaning of the words and her gaze wandered around. Then she interpreted it in her own way and her cheeks silently turned red.

She suddenly fidgeted around while slightly looking up to stare at the back of the head of Hajime who still wasn’t looking back. She didn’t even realize the two girls who were observing her *jii~~* from both sides.

「H-hey, Nagumo. What you said just now, in other words, that……」

「The summit looks like it’ll be good background, make some pose and look over here later please.」

「You think I’m a cosplayer!!? I’m absolutely not doing photo session or anything!!」

A splendid tsukkomi. The she rained punches *poka poka* on Hajime’s back.

Naturally, the distance became even closer than before. And then, the distance didn’t return to before even after the punches were over. The distance was still so close that she could reach just by extending her hand a little.

「What’re these two showing off at us?」

「Kaaah, we’re the one getting embarrassed from watching! But so envious!」

Atsushi and Noboru were dispirited. Noboru was leaking out his honest desire 「If Liu-san do something like giving me such cute punches in embarrassment, I’m confident I’ll ascend to heaven instantly」 at the same time.

Ryuutarou and Suzu who were at the very back were composed as expected. They were looking at each other with a wry smile, but they were also leisurely watching the exchange before them in amusement.

How to say it, it felt like the atmosphere of two was already that of lovers, or middle-aged husband and wife.

It was then,

「Do you get it, nano. This blockhead dunce Listy. This is what they call a maiden’s heart nano.」

「Just where?」

Myuu was pointing at Yuuka, but Listy went 「Haa?」 and stared back fixedly. It seemed that the thing called a maiden’s heart was something that Listy completely didn’t understand.

Even though she would i~~nstantly go funya funya when she was with papa, why can’t she understand? Even though she was also fidgeting when she got put on papa’s lap. Is it because that’s not maiden’s heart but daughter’s heart nano? Myuu thought in her mind with confusion while,

「Good grief, to not have any growth in that field at all……you better be more diligent in your study nano.」

「That “yare yare daze” attitude, I’ll hit you with my wrench if you don’t stop right away.」

Vein was pulsing on Listy’s forehead seeing the shrugging Myuu’s “yare yare daze attitude”.

The 「My my……」 mutter from Remia mama kept on coming seeing her daughter who had completely become provocative. But, she must have gotten used to it. Somehow or another, she was regaining her usual smile, because there was also something heartwarming between the two who showed zero sign of stopping their conversation.

Yue and others seemed to also feel something heartwarming. But, Yuuka had no presence of mind to feel that. She was muttering 「D-don’t fight about me……」 like a heroine from somewhere seeing the two quarreling using her as the topic.

Perhaps that was why. She also got selected for the role of tragic (?) heroine.

The hopping mad Listy-chan hopped down from Hajime papa’s carry. She seemed to be thinking of something and approached Yuuka’s side,

「I don’t know what the hell this maiden’s heart is but, in short, you wanna seduce Oto──Ani-san right? Then, wearing something like this is no good right?」

She quickly flipped up Yuuka’s so-called last fortress with an outstandingly natural movement. Yes, the poncho’s front that was already short even at the best of time got flipped up.

Naturally, the perfect fit suit (Crotch area!) became exposed. Not only the groin and navel’s line, the plump thighs and the splendid inverted triangle gap, and then──

「Nnnyaaah!?」

Yuuka froze for a moment because she didn’t comprehend what had been done to her. She became pigeon-toed with an astonishing speed and pulled down the poncho with all her strength.

And then, her head snapped up in a flash. Her eyes met Hajime.

Listy just hopped down so he was looking back wondering what she was doing. Nice timing. No, was it the worst timing?

Yuuka reddened like she was going to erupt. Her expression was overflowing with shame as though she was thinking that she wanted to enter a hole right away if there was one. Was it just her imagination that she caught glimpse of satisfaction inside Hajime’s eyes?

But, before Hajime or perhaps Yuuka could say something, an additional attack came from Listy-chan.

Her expression was becoming exasperated by Yuuka who was crouching down while pressing her front. Then her hand reached toward the back of the poncho.

「Big sis Yuuka. Just what in the world you wanna do? It’s pointless if you hide it right. Cmon, don’t act wishy-washy like that and act bold!」

She was going to flip up the back part forcefully too like that. Most likely, Yuuka was being designated as a “wussy Onee-san” inside Listy.

If you can’t muster your courage then I’ll give you a push! There was no doubt that was how Listy was feeling. ……Though perhaps she was simply feeling irritated.

Yuuka’s butt almost got exposed once more, furthermore toward Nana and Atsushi and others too who were walking behind her! But, just when that was on the verge of happening,

「Stop that you idiot! Nano!」

Myuu swiftly leaped from papa’s arm. She rotated once in midair while slapping down Listy’s hand from above.

She then landed with one knee & one hand spread out──the so called hero landing pose. A beat passed and the poncho’s tail fluttered back down. Barely safe!

Ryuutarou, Atsushi, and Noboru whose gazes snapped aside the instant it almost became visible felt relief even while giving applause to Myuu.

Because, Yuuka was looking back over her shoulder toward them. The glint in her eyes seemed to say that she wanted to bury everyone if there was a hole. No, rather she would dig a hole if there wasn’t one. The hole would surely be opened either on their eyes or their forehead.

The embarrassment immediately came to the forefront and she started trembling fiercely so the three felt relief for the time being.

「Stupid stupid stupid! Stupid Listy! Look at what have you done to Yuuka-oneechan nano!」

「I just tried to take it off though? You got a problem?」

「I got nothing but problem! Nano!」

Listy-chan not only didn’t look guilty at all, rather she was looking dissatisfied.

Myuu’s cheeks were twitching while she pointed at Yuuka who was still crouching.

「Look nano. Onee-chan is shivering like she has just gotten assaulted by a violent man. That was an outrageous violence nano!」

「Why the hell’s that? Certainly it’s an embarrassing outfit but cloths is cloths right? It’s not like she’s naked.」

The words embarrassing outfit apparently piled on more embarrassment. The shivering became heavy trembling. The girl’s honest opinion was magnifying the damage to Yuuka’s heart……

「Something like this isn’t any different from naked nano! That’s why she’s wearing the poncho!」

Not any different from naked……that’s right isn’t it, this is crazy isn’t it……Yuuka finally became tearful.

「That’s why I’m telling you, that’s pointless.」

「What is!」

「It’s embarrassing but she still do her best to wear it right? Because she want to make Ani-san happy. If that’s what she decided, than she should stick to it till the end no matter how hard it is. Being half-hearted ain’t good.」

「That’s! …………True!」

Ah, they agree on that……Hajime and others who were watching the exchange between the two girls who stopped walking almost stumbled to hear that.

At the same time, they also thought 「Isn’t her core too firm for a ten years old girl?」 about Listy’s words. Their expressions also became speechless.

And then, Yuuka became blatantly depressed from being called 「Half-hearted」. Her posture of hugging herself while crouching down switched into getting on all fours on the ground.

「That’s true but, that’s not it. That’s exactly what a maiden’s heart is about nano. It’s embarrassing wearing a daring outfit, but I want to be thought well by that person I have a feeling for! I want him to look! Aa, but as expected it’s embarrassing to be seen! But~, it’s something like that nano!」

Myuu joined her hands in front of her chest and explained about maiden’s heart like a stage actress.

The romance tale master (self-proclaimed) Liliana was heavily nodding yep yep in agreement. Apparently the shoujo manga of great teacher Sumire had been influencing Myuu’s sensitivity deeply.

Of course, Yuuka-oneechan was covering her face with both hands. Don’t explain it objectively……She looked like she wanted to say that. It looked like Myuu hit the bull’s eye.

「Unable to be honest but still working as hard as she can, that’s what good about it. Why can’t you understand nano!?」

It was an argument that wasn’t based on logic. Rather it could even be said as passionate. Exactly like when Hajime spoke of his hobby.

After receiving that much explanation, surely even Listy would stop to think about it. Her eyes glanced at Yuuka. Yuuka-chan felt that glance and twitched.

Next, Listy looked at Hajime. Hajime-san twitched from sensing a stray bullet heading his way.

「Oto──Ani-san, like something like this?」

「Because this is the era of diversity.」

A vague answer. Exasperated gazes that didn’t know what to say to that flew from Ryuutarou and others at him, but of course he ignored them!

「I see……there’re also times when the process is more important than the result. Is it something like that?」

「It’s something like that nano.」

「I see……so there’s also something like that.」

「That’s right nano. There’s also something like that nano.」

For some reason reconciliation and understanding were growing between the two girls. As expected it seemed they suited each other in strange places.

Myuu then said 「Myuu will give you some reading called manga that Obaa-chan……papa’s Okaa-san drew nano. Use that to study maiden’s heart to your heart’s content, nano」, followed by Listy saying 「WHattt!? Something that Oto──Ani-san’s Okaa-san made!? Y-you’re going to give that to me? ……T-, tha-, thank……youu」 as though she was squeezing out the gratitude from his mouth while being unable to fully hide his happiness.

Myuu looked satisfied being able to teach about the concept called maiden’s heart even if for a little bit. She whispered 「Good grief it’s not easy being the big sister nano」 inside her heart while concluding the talk.

Also, the manga set of Sumire-sensei wasn’t something that she brought in this trip because she wanted to enjoy it when there was free time.

It was for gift from the start. For someone somewhere who she would definitely confront in this trip.

Myuu too wasn’t honest with how she made no mention of that. To this Remia-okaasan too went 「Oh my oh my ? Ufufu-」. Of course, Yue and others were also grinning seeing that.

But however,

「Yuuka-oneechan can do her best on Yuuka-oneechan’s own pace nano. After all Yue-oneechan and everyone all lack shame in some respects, so Myuu love Yuuka-oneechan’s adorableness more instead nano!」

「「「「「!!?」」」」」

The Onee-chans who lacked shame were bombed by the sudden stray bullet.

The mentioned by name Yue and, Shia who often called an exhibitionist and, Tio who didn’t even need to be mentioned naturally came to mind. But even Shizuku and the others reflexively pressed their hand on their chest, perhaps because some recent this and that came to the mind.

Mysteriously, Kaori was the only one who looked calm. Not only that, she was making an exasperated face that seemed to say 「Hear that, she say everyone you know? How about everyone act a bit more restrained from now on?」.

Veins pulsed on the foreheads of Yue and everyone. They exchanged gaze and nodded to each other in the same beat.

Around tonight, Kaori would surely face an inquisition. The inquisition of the wive~s.

But putting aside that unproductive feud of the Onee-chans.

「Yuuka-oneesan.」

「Sorry for being a wuss……please, spare me already……」

Apparently the frank argument of the two girls had reduced the HP of Yuuka-oneechan’s heart to zero. Her heart was completely broken. Before anyone realized she had switched from being on all fours to pressing her legs and stretching them out as she collapsed on the ground.

As expected after seeing this, anyone would think that that they had overdone it even with the maiden’s heart and what not excluded. Listy knitted her eyebrows,

「I’m sorry for trying to take it off forcefully.」

And bowed her head sincerely.

「Thank god, it’s still not too late for Listy-chan.」

「Yeah, Nagumo is a guy who gonna say something like “Even if it’s 100% my bad I can’t lower the head that I don’t wanna to lower!” after all. It’s a great thing being able to apologize properly.」

Suzu and Ryuutarou’s words stabbed Hajime papa. He was whispering something like 「I’m saying something like that only to that shitty hero……」. Yue also got hit by the spray from it. After all those were words that she had once said to Kaori. These damn similar husband and wife……such gazes rained down on them.

While such exchange was going on, Listy’s apology entered Yuuka’s ears and she returned to her senses. She lifted up her head.

「Ah, no, it’s not like it bothers me so it’s fine!」

She be unable to endure having a little girl bowing her head to her. Yuuka hurriedly told Listy to lift up her head already.

「Is that so?」

「That so!」

Yuuka energetically stood up to show how fine she was. She even jumped from the momentum that the bottom of her poncho floated. Also her breasts were swaying too, which was visible even over the poncho.

Listy stared still at such Yuuka before she nodded once,

「Big sis Yuuka is pretty. Desu」

「Heh?」

Perhaps Listy had obtained some degree of understanding from Yuuka’s behavior. Listy resumed talking with forcefully added polite language at this late, but to Yuuka the meaning of Listy’s sudden words was more important.

「I think you’ve a really great style too. Desu」

「E-err, thanks?」

Were the sudden words meant as apology or compliment? However, she didn’t feel any lip service from Listy’s words. To her it looked like Listy was doing her best in her own way to convey something to her.

「Err, that’s why, umm……aah, I can’t explain it well, desu-, but!」

「Y-yes?」

「The outfit is just outfit and anyone pretty is pretty no matter what so you can just be bold! ……Is what I thought. Desu」

In other words it was that. She must want to say that the pilot suit looked good on her regardless of everything. There was nothing to be embarrassed about. She was charming so there was no need to hide using the cloak.

She acted roughly not simply because she felt annoyed or because she got provoked by Myuu’s provocative words. She thought Yuuka was a pretty person who had nothing to be ashamed about with her appearance, so she took action to give a push to the back of the wishy-washy Yuuka. That must be what it was.

「…………oou」

Voice that had never been heard from Yuuka leaked out. She reddened again. Apparently the girl’s straight punch dealt critical hit to her heart.

「Nicely said! Nicely said there, Listy-chan!」

「Fufu, you really get it even though you’re still so young. Indeed. Yuuka who is secretly going to gym to train in order to be able to stand side by side with the lined up beautiful woman and girls, possess the body that will make even the same gender go gaa gaa!」

「「How can she not show it off!!」」

Nana & Taeko spread out their arms widely with splendid harmony like stage actresses.

They did what they were doing not fully because they wanted to see Yuuka’s embarrassed look. A part of it was because they wanted to show off the body line that Yuuka had developed with daily effort.

It was this SF pilot suit outfit that could sufficiently capitalize on that!

Seriously? The doubting gazes of the male group were directed to them, but putting them aside.

「……Listy, good job.」

「Yep, that’s right. That line is like the protagonist of gal game and ero game that Hajime-kun often played.」

「Wait a second. Why do you two know the title of that type of game I played? Right, Kaori-san? Oi」

「I often asked the manager of the game shop that Hajime-kun is a regular at.」

「Managerrrrr!!」

Apparently his package doctrine and his way of lifing that preferred hunting out game in game shop were in vain. The shop owner wasn’t the type of person who would leak out his customer’s private information but, Kaori-san, just what in the world did she do to him……

Putting that aside, being told straight 「You’re a beautiful person」 from the girl made Yuuka-chan became on cloud nine inside her heart.

「T-that’s right isn’t it. Clothes is just clothes. Rather this clothes doesn’t expose any skin! There’s nooothing to be ashamed at all about it compared to Shia’s usual outfit!」

「……Can I ask to not bring me out as comparison every single time in this kind of occasion?」

Shia’s protest and reproachful gaze, of course they didn’t reach Yuuka who was getting into some kind of strange high tension.

「There’s a limit at how uncool I can be if I stay a wuss after Listy-chan is cheering me on like this! That’s why, I’ve decided! ──I’m taking it off!!」

Umm, can’t we keep going already? Not many people go through here but, the researchers are also using this path though……Jasper who was looking troubled like that since some time ago became startled.

Mindy-san returned his big brother’s face to look forward *Creak-* with an amazingly quick response.

The boys were shaken 「「「「「EH!?」」」」」, and the aforementioned boy was doing seiza on the ground for some reason. His eyes were wide open with the face of a man who had hardened his resolve to stare deep into the abyss.

The girls, seeing Yuuka reaching out toward her poncho screamed KYAAAAAAAH shrilly in joy (?). Though Kaori, Shizuku, and Aiko immediately called out 「Stop!」 to halt her.

It was already too late.

「I’m not naked so there’s nothing to be ashamed of!!」

Yuuka-chan resolutely tore off the poncho even while her face turned bright red. The poncho then was tossed away heroically. Nana caught it with a jumping catch as though she had been waiting for that exact moment.

At the same time,

「Even though I told you don’t.」

Black shadow flew out from Hajime’s “treasure warehouse”. It was the coat that he wore even during his Tortus era. With liquid metal incorporated into it too, it was the improved version that had grown to posses even flight ability like the mantel of a certain strange doctor.

It enveloped Yuuka in the place of poncho. Like she was putting it on from her shoulders.

It splendidly hid Yuuka’s spunky suit only figure. Hajime also closed the distance to stand in front of her at the same time when the coat flew, so even Jasper who was near them at the front couldn’t see.

The aforementioned boy who was doing seiza on the ground was lamenting 「Why-, why do you do that-」 while hitting the floor. The gazes of her sisters spoke, 「This boy is no good. We need to do something quickly……」. The eyes of the boys were also speaking, 「No, it’s already too late for him……」.

Yuuka looked down open mouthed at herself. Next she timidly looked up at Hajime in front of her.

「Well, I won’t deny what Listy say. Though, you’re going to regret doing this later anyway, so hide it properly.」

「Y-yeah……」

Yuuka nodded obediently and her hands held her opened front to properly hide her body. Heat was gradually spreading through her face.

There, Nana suddenly yelled 「Aah! You took off the poncho too roughly so it’s tornnn!」. Her voice sounded really faked.

Even Taeko spoke 「Aa, it’s truee! The butts might be completely exposed like thiss!」 with a monotone inflection.

Do you two need to go that far……exasperated gazes that seemed to say that were directed toward the two from Ryuutarou and others, but Nana and Taeko were busy sending glances at Yuuka.

Yuuka’s eyes wandered for a bit, then a beat later.

「A-apparently it’s like that so……can I borrow this?」

「Whatever.」

Hajime easily turned around. Behind him Yuuka was fixing the coat properly on her body happily, while Yue and others were watching over her with veeeeeeery warm eyes.

「Myuu, is this a maiden’s heart too?」

「Yes nano. This too is a maiden’s heart nano.」

「Don’t tell me, this is her aim from the start?」

「There’s tactician maiden’s heart too but, this is a natural maiden’s heart nano.」

「I see……so even maiden’s heart has several types. So complicated.」

「Yes, a maiden’s heart is complicated nano.」

Myuu and Listy were having such serious talk even while naturally holding up their hands toward Hajime asking to be carried.

Hajime too quickly stopped walking and naturally carried them up on his arms again.

「Oi oi, boss. You already have this many pretty wives and it’s still ain’t enough?」

Jasper talked to such Hajime with a half-teasing and half-sarcastic tone. Hajime’s gaze flew toward him. He conveyed 『Jasper! Behind you, behind!』 with lips movement and his gaze but,

「Eh? What did you say? Wait, what’s with you guys too so suddenly. Gathering at the edges of the path like that」

Jasper-san was slow to guess. He ran his gaze at Yue and others who suddenly opened a path by gathering to the sides of the path.

Apparently the children also noticed and they hurriedly lifted up the seiza boy. Mindy was also informing Jasper with a low voice and tapping his shoulder hurriedly. But, it was too late.

「N-Nii-san! People are──」

「G-governor?」

「!!?」

Suddenly a female’s voice that didn’t belong to anyone in the group called out to him. Jasper grasped the situation with that. He turned around with a clunky movement like a machine that hadn’t been oiled for long.

There was a woman at her thirty wearing white coat there. She had a stiff and slackless look with her hair tightly bundled up. Most likely, she was a researcher that Jasper mentioned.

She looked terribly bewildered. Her hands were holding a bunch of paperwork, but several dozens papers at the top were fluttering down, but she showed no sign of noticing.

「Ah, no, it’s not what you think! These people are──」

「……These people?」

She followed to where Jasper was looking before this. To the other end of the passage where none of the children were at, and then at the both sides of the path where he was running his gaze at just now.

Of course, the staff couldn’t perceive anybody wherever she looked.

「You were acting really formal for talking to your family……」

「Eh? Ah, oh, no──」

It was only after this late Jasper realized that the woman didn’t notice the presence of Hajime and co. Mindy held her head in her hands. You’re too shaken up! Stupid Nii-san! She looked like she wanted to say that.

The staff glanced at such Mindy then her expression turned from confusion to great worry. Right after that, her expression tensed and be filled with determination.

「Governor, I don’t know what are you doing here with your whole family but, let’s return back home! Come, quickly! Immediately! Take a relaxed long rest!」

「Heh? No, I’m extremely healthy though──」

She wasn’t listening to Jasper’s confusion and words. The female staff glared angrily at Mindy and even scolded 「What’re you doing even though you’re with him this whole time!」.

「Anyway, please go home and rest! The children too! Just to be safe, I’ll also call for a medical officer, now, quickly!」

「W-why! I told you that there’s no problem!」

He was in the middle of showing Hajime and co around. Jasper protested that there was no way he could go home, but the female staff looked at him as though to say 「It’s you who don’t know what you’re talking about」 instead.

「You were talking to empty air cheerfully just now. What is not problematic about that?」

「Uu」

Truth. Hajime and co were nodding while lining up in a single row at the side of the path. This research staff, apparently she had really good sight and hearing. It looked like she completely witnessed Jasper’s strange action.

「N-no, that’s why it was me talking with these guys──」

「Since when you started calling your little brothers as “boss”? B-besides…………I also heard some words about not having enough pretty wives……」

The female staff was blushing a little. Yue and others all started grinning 「Ooh?」.

「T-that’s a misunderstanding! It’s not like I’m saying anything like──」

「And if I can say more, not only you neglected your work, you even used governor authority to use helicopter even though normally you would properly submit the application for it first correct?」

「……Yes, I did. I’m sorry.」

「No, it’s the governor authority, so that’s fine. It’s just not something that you usually do. Yes, it’s not like we’re confused by the reason you got into panic and flew away while ignoring us, and then going to pick up Listy-san, and then taking a day off right after that……yes, those aren’t really any problem.」

「Really, sorry……」

It seemed that Jasper also got restless and panicky for the reunion with Hajime and co. Apparently it made his consideration for his surrounding became a bit sloppy.

「More importantly! The governor is not the only one who seems to be acting strange. Even Listy-san and Paolo-kun too……」

「「Eh?」」

The seiza boy, aka Paolo-kun pointed at himself. He exchanged gaze with Listy and both of them tilted their head wondering 「What is she talking about?」.

「Listy-san was pushing out her hands at the middle of the path for some reason and then stopped moving completely, and Paolo-kun sat down while hitting the floor while looking really upset and yet……you two aren’t even self-aware at all!」

「「Ah……」」

Yue and others nodded 「I see」. Certainly, if she couldn’t perceive Hajime and co, the two would definitely look like that to her.

Similarly, Jasper and co also nodded 「I see」. They thought 「This is bad. There’s no way to explain that at all!」.

「Looks like this is even more serious than I imagined……. Hah, so it’s something like that!」

「What do you mean!?」

「Governor noticed some kind of abnormality. That was why, you chose to recuperate together with family. But, the situation worsen. You judged that it won’t be solved with simple recuperation and came here!」

「The situation is certainly worsening here! Even now at this moment!」

「As I thought!」

「Ah, no! That’s not──」

The female staff took out some kind of device from her pocket and pressed a button. Immediately hurried footsteps could be heard from the corner at the other end of the corridor.

It seemed that it was some kind of device for signaling an emergency.

「Wait, what are you──」

「Yes, that’s true! Nii-san and Listy, and even Paolo suddenly started talking to imaginary friend! We wish to get the opinion of the experts by all means!」

「「「!?」」」

Mindy-san abruptly confessed. What’s she saying? Jasper & Listy & Paolo-kun were all looking shocked.

Hajime and co also thought 「Isn’t that excuse too crude?」, but they saw staffs came running from the corridor ahead yelling 「What’s wrong!」「Why is someone pressing the emergency call for the governor!?」「Did something happen to that person!」「I thought that his condition was strange since this morning!」, they guessed it.

As they thought, Jasper was apparently very loved here. A group of nearly ten people showed up in the blink of eye. Every one of them looked worried and anxious. freeωebnovēl.c૦m

Perhaps even more people would converge here as more time passed. Arguing back and forth here wouldn’t be a good plan even if Hajime and co gathered at the edges of the path to avoid them.

「Please bring them to the medical room! We’ll──head to Mother’s grave. We’ll pray for the recovery of the three of them. Because that’s the only thing we can do……」

「Mindy-san……yes, we understand! Leave the governor and your two siblings to us!」

「Mindy!? You──」

Mindy’s grief and request that showed her trust to them made the pressure of the staffs swelled up. The family was the one feeling the most worried here. And so they had to hold tight in their place! They thought.

And so 「Now! Quickly to the medical room!」「Mobilize everyone with medical knowledge!」「Activate as many examination devices as possible!」 they all raised their voices hurriedly while surrounding the three altogether and urged them to return back to the path they came from protectively.

「It’s a misunderstanding! I’m not strange or anything! I’m just seeking the abyss!」

「He’s speaking incomprehensibly……this might be a serious illness-」

「Hurry! Just carry him up!」

「Uwah, don’t lift me! I’m going together with Oto──Ani-san!」

「That’s why let’s go together with your big bro Jasper-san okay?」

As expected even Listy apparently couldn’t act violent with the staffs who were only worried about them and got instigated by her big sis on top of that.

In the end, their resistances were futile.

「Mindy! I’ll leave the rest to you~~~~~」

「Betrayal! Mindy-neechan! You betrayed meeeee!!」

「I’ll return back right awayyyyy~~~~~!!」

Jasper got dragged by two people holding him from the sides, while the two children were carried on stretchers with two people each carrying them saying Heave ho! Heave ho!

A beat passed.

「Now! Everyone, let’s go!」

「「「You switch so quick-」」」

Mindy clapped and urged everyone to move on with a smile so cheerful that Yuuka, Nana, and Taeko reflexively made tsukkomi.

「You’ve gotten really tough, huh?」

「I’m the governor’s closest family. I’ve experienced quite much on my own.」

Hajime looked like he didn’t know what to say. Mindy responded with a wry smile.

In any case, the risk of discovery left thanks to the noble sacrifice of the three.

Hajime and co looked at each other, and they all looked like they didn’t know what to say as expected. Then they advanced forward.

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Like that they arrived to a wide space.

It was slightly dirty or damaged here and there. There was a wreckage of a machine that had lost its original shape completely at the center. There was also something coil shaped that was broken and fell halfway from the ceiling.

The wreckages of the machine soldiers had been collected, but it was clear to see that there had been an intense battle here.

Yes, this place was none other than the room where Endou Kousuke got summoned. Just as planned. First they were going to watch the scene of that time when Aby got summoned.

「Err, is it okay to not wait for Jasper-san and others?」

Yuuka who looked like she was wearing overly long sleeves now due to size difference was checking while looking toward the entrance.

The children of Jasper family were going 「Just what are they going to start here?」 with looks of excitement. Their eyes were sparkling with curiosity. No sign of worry for their eldest brother and little sister and brother could be seen there.

「A part of me want to wait for them but……most likely the research staffs will also come with Nii-san and the others if they come here.」

Only Jasper family knew that the wreckage was a “summoning device”.

Even the research institute had hypothesized that this place must be some kind of important facility because the sign of fighting here was greater than other place, but although they had investigated and researched, sure enough the wreckage was too advanced that they didn’t even have any estimate what function this place could have.

They had completely thrown the towel. There were many other places that should be researched than here, so at present, the research staffs didn’t come to this place often.

The governor was going to gather his whole family in this kind of place……

Certainly, that would look suspicious. Not in the sense of suspecting the family was scheming something, but in the sense of suspecting their sanity.

「Well, we’re going to record it anyway. We can watch it as many times as we like later so it’ll be fine.」

「I don’t think Endou will think it’s fine at all though?」

Ryuutarou’s tsukkomi was naturally ignored. As though to say it was fine to have as many material as possible for bullying Abyssgate.

「Now, let’s watch quickly nano! Before Listy come back! Now now!」

「My my, really Myuu. You’re being mean like that again……bad girl」

Remia mama’s scolding naturally got ignored. As though to say that she would do anything if it was for asserting dominance over Listy.

「Then, shouldst I do it? It wouldst be better for Yue to concentrate on the perception blocker and illusion after all, and just now she blundered from focusing too much on Yuuka’s stripping.」

「Don’t call it stripping! You make it sounds like I got naked!」

「That’s true. I only caught a glimpse but, Yuuka-chan, your body has gotten far better than what I saw before. I unconsciously felt captivated.」

「It’s like you’ve been preparing for this trip isn’t it? I could feel your drive.」

「Kaori and Shizuku too can you two stop looking at me fixedly like that!?」

That was why, they were late in noticing that a staff was approaching. Apparently it was also the same with Shia and others.

「That was a lewd body.」

「Yes, very lewd.」

「Shia and Lily too what’re you two saying so seriously like that!?」

「Yuuka-san, there’s nothing wrong with building a lewd body but, I think lewd behavior that give bad influence to innocent boy is no good!!」

「Can you shut up Ai-channn!? Also stop saying lewd lewd repeatedly like that-」

The bright red Yuuka-chan hugged herself to hide her body while still wearing the overly long sleeves. Enough already! Show the past quickly! It’s painful staying here with all the boys desperately looking away while counting the bullet holes on the wall! She pleaded with her eyes.

「Got it got it. Tio, please.」

「Umu, leave it to me. Wait for a little. I’m searching for the time axis.」

Tio closed her eyes. Immediately, magic power that resembled the night sky and twinkling stars made the whole room gleamed. It instantly stole the hearts of the children. Waah, cheers rose up.

Before long Tio opened her eyes.

「Right there!」

The past was projected. The original room without any wreckage or damage overlapped on the reality.

Dozens of fully armed machine soldiers were surrounding an altar. Right after that, the ceiling’s coil sparked and a pillar of light was connected between the ceiling and the altar.

『My thanks. Remnant of old era who fail to die』

A voice that contained plenty of delight resounded. It was Mother’s voice. The bodies of Mindy and others jerked for a moment.

『Other world’s power, resource, all of them are on the palm of my hand……』

The summoning device sparked even stronger and the light was like flashes. Hajime’s group and Mindy’s group reflexively lifted up their hands to cover their eyes.

『Now, come forth. Someone of other world. Become my nourishment together with your disrespectful brethren!!』

Maybe it was just their imagination but Mother’s voice sounded merry. Was it still not enough for her even though she had built a rock solid dystopia? She looked like she was dreaming of the many powers she would be able to obtain from other world.

That guy appeared in front of such Mother.

『AAAAAAANBILIIIIIVABLEEEEEEEE!!!』 (TN: Unbelievable said in Engrish)

Really, it’s unbelievable. Hajime-san and co made a face that seemed to say that.

The space that was filled with radiance that could even be said as fantastical along with a pillar of light, added by the malicious aura of Mother. The eyes of Mindy and the children who were holding their breath before such spectacle turned into dot.

It couldn’t be helped. Because, manifesting at the upper part of the pillar of light was a man in black, who for some reason was making the pose of a raging hawk.

The man slowly descended to the altar. Perhaps the gravity control was working.

The man’s pose subtly changed on the way. From a raging hawk to the pose of a bird that looked like it would take flight anytime now. His chest was puffed out, while his hands were held horizontally. Only his wrists were flapping like wings even now.

Of course, nobody understood why he was doing that.

Look, even Mother was speechless.

Meanwhile, the lord who slowly landed on the ground showed not even a shred of confusion from being summoned. Rather he did a hero landing pose as though to say that was the most important thing.

And then, of course he did a turn.

『The abyss has swooped down upon this place!! Welcome me with a thunderous applause!!』

A push up of the sunglasses. Then he crossed his arms with a slightly tilting posture. Last he exhaled fuh and smiled with only his lips.

Nail it! A perfect summoning scene! He looked like he was thinking that.

Unfortunately, it didn’t look like anyone here including the children of Jasper family was able to agree with him. Of course, Mother who was still being silent was also the same.

And yet, the machine soldiers all pointed their gun barrel toward him even without order. What a profound mystery. Were they instinctually on guard? In the presence of this impossible to understand odd creature of another world?

In any case, the feeling of the past Mother and Mindy and others were surely in agreement, no doubt about it. That was to say,

「「「「「Somehow this is different from what I thoughttt!!」」」」」

Isn’t that right, Hajime and others thought.

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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.

Sorry that the story doesn’t progress at all. My pen would subconsciously race on paper when I start writing Yuuka or Hinorin. Well, Aby is the one that make my pen race the most though.

※Material introduction

– Won’t you become a lewd Onee-san too

From Akaza’s「Won’t you become a demon too?」 of [Kimetsu no Yaiba].

– I can’t lower a head that I don’t want to lower!

From Saito of [Zero no Tsukaima].

– I’m not naked so it’s not embarrassing!

From 「It’s not panty so it’s not embarrassing!」 of [Strike Witches]. At that time Shirakome thought that the difference of genius and pervert is paper-thin.

– This boy is no good. We have to do something quickly……

From the MC of [Death Note] thinking 「This guy is no good……I’ve to do something quickly…」.

※Sorry but please let me to make announcement! The complete Blu-ray Box of Anime Arifureta will be released at 25 September!

In addition of Anime first and second season, unbroadcasted OVA, picture drama, and various other things are apparently included inside too. There’s also special perks for each shop so please check it out no matter what.

Official site /bluray/3685