After the game, I went to meet with Rustyala as promised.
　When I looked for them in the 《Dimension》, I didn't see them in the accommodations prepared by the country, and they had reserved one floor of a certain luxury hotel. Since there is a bounty on their heads, they may be trying to conceal their whereabouts as much as possible.

　I knock on a room on the top floor of a luxury hotel.
　It's answered immediately and the door is opened.

'Welcome, Kanami. For now, come on in.
Okay.

　I walk in, wary.
　The interior of the room is not much different from my room. It's a good idea to have a good time with them. If you want to raise a difference, there is a woman who leaves her back to the door that is probably connected to the back room.


[Status]
　Name: Serra Raydiant HP259/263 MP108/108 Class: Knight
　Level 22.
　Strength 6.59 Strength 8.22 Skill 9.52 Speed 11.00 Wisdom 5.72 Magic 7.98 Elemental 1.57
　Inherent skill: Intuition 1.77
　Acquired Skill: Swordsmanship 2.13 Sacred Magic 0.90


　He looks like a wolf beastman who participated in a match with Rastiara.
　He has blue hair similar to Snow's. Her clothes and ornaments are similar to Snow's, and she has a lot of ethnic characteristics. However, her image is darker than Snow's. She is generally flashy and her hair is a deep blue color.

　Sera Raydiant is staring at me with her sharp eyes.
　Unlike Rastiara and Diablo Sith, I can sense a clear hostility from her.

　Rustyala notices that I'm wary of Sera Raydiant and smiles thinly.

'You don't need to be so wary. You're safe here.''
Are you sure about that ......?

　I look at Sera Raydiant's swagger and return the question.

'It's okay, Sera, you're one of us. It's just that she doesn't get along with 'Christ' a bit, though.
Yeah, yeah, .......

　Sera Raydiant sniffed and turned away. At the same time, the hostility dissipated.
　At least they don't seem to have any intention of engaging in a fight here. And they don't seem to have any intention of leaving this place either.

　I'm surprised that I used to be resented by quite a few people.
　I'm very curious to know what kind of life she had: .......

　I accept her presence and quickly cut to the chase.

'So, I wanted to talk to you ....... Rustyala, I want you to destroy my 'bangles' immediately .......
The destruction of ...... 'bangles'?

　Rustyala looks at him curiously.

　That's probably true too.
　He was stubbornly trying to protect the 'bracelet' before, but he's saying the exact opposite. It's no wonder that people are suspicious.

''Ah. "Yeah, I've got a lot going on, and I've decided that I need to get my memory back right away. I'm sure you are willing and able to destroy my "bracelet", and you have the ability to do so. Please, I need your help.
It's a long story, you know: ......

　Rustyala ponders with a serious look on his face.
　I may have been too short on explanations. If I didn't have an explanation for my sudden conversion, there's a chance that he wouldn't trust my story.

'Yeah, there's really a lot going on. 'Yeah, a lot of things have been building up and I've realised that I'm missing something important,' he said, 'and I'm going to explain it to you now. Now, I'm going to explain it to you and I want you to listen--

　If I couldn't win Lastiara's trust here, I would be really limited in who I could rely on. I decided to talk about it without hiding it.

　I've been tormented by a sense of discomfort and frustration for a long time.
　The fact that I met other people who call me 'Christ' besides Rastiara and the others.
　There was a discrepancy between what I remember and what I heard from the people around me.
　And that I was convinced of what I needed to do when I received a warning from a Reaper who could read my depth of mind.

'- I'm really sorry about that time. But if it were me now, I wouldn't refuse to destroy Rastiara's 'bracelet'.
'Hmmm, I see. It's a bit tricky, but then we're not too eager to help. Originally, we were working to bring back Kanami's memories, so ......
Good. ......, then--
Oh, but I'm sorry, but I have a condition.

　Immediately I was going to ask for the destruction of the 'bracelet', but Rustyala interrupted me with an awkward look.

''Conditions ......?''
'Yeah, terms. ...... Can you put our Dear in a good mood for a moment?　My physical condition is back, but my mental health is in trouble. I can't poke and prod.

　A girl named Dia, I recall from memory.
　She's the girl who cried a lot when I first met her, and also the dangerous person who cleared Mr. Rail's house.

'Well, you're the girl who cried when she saw me the other day ......?　Wouldn't it be counterproductive if I met you?
'No, I don't think it's going to get worse ....... 'Christ' is the person Dia trusts the most. They were each other's first partners, and they got along very well together. So, if Kanami is kind to her, I'm sure she'll be in a much better mood. Maybe.
'Oh, you were that close ......?'

　A revelation I never expected to hear.
　I questioned my sanity in the past when I'd chosen that bombastic girl as my first partner.

'Yes, we're that close. I've had to go through a lot of trouble because of our unusual relationship: ......

　Rustyala lets out a tired sigh as he remembers something. He doesn't seem to be lying.
　And then she starts to complain more.

'It was really unfashionable for Dia to lose the light in her eyes day by day. I'm a real hero for holding that runaway girl in check. The Allies should send me at least a thousand thank you notes. If I hadn't stopped them, the Allies' territory would have been physically chipped away, right?
Is she that bad ......?
''But if she helps me destroy the 'bracelet', it's a hundred man power. She may be that, but she's an expert in sacred magic (specialist).
...... I see. Okay, I'll talk to him.

　I drink Lastiara's request.
　If the story is true, he's definitely someone useful in the destruction of my 'bracelet'.

Good. Well then, Dia will be in the next room messing around. Have a nice day.

　He then points in the direction of where Serah Raydiant is standing.
　She seems to be behind the door at her back.

　As I approach, Serah Raydiant is the first to speak up.

'Are you sure, my lady?'
Hmm?　What?
Master Diaz is in danger now. If you're not careful, this man may die at the beginning of the encounter. ...... Well, I don't really care if this man dies.

　Then he said something very disturbing.

'Kanami can do it. No, it can't be anyone but Kanami. I feel like I'm doomed to show up at this time.
'...... reality is not your favorite story, young lady, is it?　Just because the timing is right doesn't mean you'll be successful.
I know. But I'm still confident that I'll be fine. It's ......, Serra. Clear the way for them.

　When Rustyala pleaded, Sera Raydiant had no choice but to open the way.
　I can see the door to the next room. However, my steps stagnated in front of that door.

　A horrible, death-defying magic is leaking from the door.

'Christ Eurasia. If you are to die, you must bring Lady Dear back to her senses before you die.

　Furthermore, Sera Raydiant makes me uneasy.
　His harsh words made me feel a little uneasy about my past.

'...... What did I do to you, me?'
Yeah, I did. I've been humiliated.
Yeah, sorry about that: ......

　I apologize and approach the door.
　Then, as I put my hand on the doorknob of that door, I take one last look.

'Well, aren't you just trying to get the girl named Dia to be in a good mood?　Are you sure you're insane?　
'To an ordinary person, it might seem insane. Well, I can communicate with Dia's feelings, though. ...... Just maybe Kanami wouldn't even be able to talk to me.
Yeah, yeah, .......
Still, Kanami will be fine. I trust her.

　Rastiala had a trust in me that was wasted.
　She's about to send me off without a care in the world.

　I twisted the doorknob on the door, full of anxiety.


◆◆◆◆◆


　It was a dark room.
　All the doorways were blocked and the light from the windows was blocked by curtains.

　On a bed in the corner of the dark room, a girl was sitting gymnastically against the wall.
　She is sniffing her nose while repeatedly hiccupping.

　Apparently, she was after crying a lot.
　I know that the cause of this is me - the 'past me (Christ)' or something like that. I'm reluctant to do so, but I'll take responsibility for that and focus on helping the girl in front of me for now.

"Uh, uh, ....... Are you okay ......?

　But what's scary is scary.
　The information that comes to light by "watching" is beyond disturbing.

　I'm sure you'll be able to find out more about this in the future. In some cases, there is even a possibility that this entire fleet could be blown up.

''-- Yeah, I know. I know, I know, Rustyala. "I know, I know, I know. I know, I know, I know, I know--

　Dia-chan doesn't turn around to look at us and continues to mutter in a nasal voice.

　Yeah, it's just plain bad.

　I choose my words carefully.

'Dia-chan, calm down ....... I need you to calm down and listen to me .......

　Hearing my words, Dia-chan stops muttering.

'Dia, chan ......?　Who are you: ......--

　Then he turned to me, confirmed my presence, and froze.

'--Ki, Christ......?'

　She's staring at my face with a dumbfounded look on her face.
　Taking advantage of the opportunity, I try to approach Dia-chan.

　But it was rash.
　Seeing my approach, Dia-chan's red bloodshot eyes widen.

''-- Ah, ah, ah, gee, is this a hallucination?　Oh, I'm seeing things again. I'm not good at this. I'm too quick to create an illusion of convenience and then run away. It won't work. It won't do me any good. I can't help Christ with that kind of weakness. You can't win him back. I know, Rastiara, I know, I know, I know. I know what I have to do. We must be strong!　Stronger than you deserve to be in the company of Christ!

　Along with a crazy monologue, the evil magic power swells.
　I sense a powerful wave of magical construction, and I duck down as quickly as I can.

　Then a flash of light rushes to the place where my body used to be.

　It's not a metaphor or anything - I see a laser light with tyrannical heat pass through. I drip cold sweat as I see the edges of my clothes scorched.

　I feel a hole in the room behind me. It's a tremendous penetration. Since this is a private room on the top floor, the magic has successfully rushed through to the sky.
　Maybe Rastiara is staying here so that Dia-chan's magic won't cause damage to people who aren't involved.

'What, eh ......?　Oh, did you avoid ......?

　Dia-chan sees my evasion and gets a scowl on her face.

'Dia-chan, calm down ....... I'm just here to talk to you .......

　I speak to her slowly and gently.
　But the closer I get to her, the more distorted Dear's expression becomes.

''Oh, ah, ah, ah, ......!　Don't talk to me with your face and your voice!　Don't talk to me, don't talk to me, don't talk to me, don't talk to me!

　Then, the same disasterous magical power fills the room as before.
　Its vibrations are stronger and more numerous than before. If I don't do this, this ship will sink.

　I spin my thoughts on how I can stop the girl in front of me.

'Christ didn't call me 'Dear,' you're a fake!

　I think back to all of Dia's statements.
　Then I decide that the reason she's mad at me now is that I'm a fake.

'Oh, you're a fake!　To Diah, I'm a sham!　But that doesn't mean you have to attack them!　I'm on your side!

　I dare to admit that I am a fake.
　Instead, I make a strong impression that I am an ally.

'Mi, ally ......?'
'I'm on your side. I'm going to help you get your 'Christ' back.
'Don't confuse me: ......!　Don't look at me like that and say something like 'Christ': ......!
'Sure I look like 'Christ' and yet I'm not 'Christ'. But I'm not your enemy. I'm not in your presence out of hostility.

　I choose to put myself in Dear's shoes as much as possible in the conversation. And I guess what she's missing. I'm sure I can understand that feeling now. She's probably just as far away from her significant other as I am.

　As I talk to her, I approach her and reach out to her.

It's going to be okay. I'm sure your loved one will come back. I will be there to help you.
'I'm not coming back ......, I'm not coming back ......!　They're not coming back anytime soon: ......!

　I take Dearest's distressed arm.

"I'll get it back, I promise. So just relax: ......
Let go of me!　Hey!　Don't touch me!

　Diah tries to shake me off. However, her strength is weak. It's partly because her muscle strength is low in terms of status, but it's probably because of her physical condition that she's not strong enough.
　I keep a gentle grip on my arm and pat Dia-chan's head with my other hand.

'...... It's okay. Calm down.

　What she needs right now, I thought, is a sense of security.
　This is because it's what I'm looking for the most right now, without someone as important as her.

　With the help of a past I don't even know, I calm Dia-chan down.
　The "Christ" resemblance of me caresses her, and she seems to have loosened up and started to shed tears.

'Ughhhhhh ......!

　And then he just let his head rest on my chest.
　I shed tears and hiccup and let out a weak voice.

Ugh, Christ oh ....... I'm trying so hard, but Rustyala is bullying me ....... I'm trying to take out the bad guys, and he says no to this and no to that ....... I don't know what to do anymore .......

　I keep crying.
　She doesn't understand anything, she just calls me 'Christ'.

　I couldn't do anything in return, I just kept listening to Diah's weakness.


◆◆◆◆◆ ...


'It's all right now, Christ......, not Kanami.'

　After listening to Dia-chan for an hour or so, I was finally released.
　It was worth it, but Dia-chan regained her composure.

　I managed to get her to understand that I was a different person, Kanami, who had lost her memory of Christ, while fulfilling Rastiara's request.
　Then I brought Dia back to the next room, and Rustyala and I began to talk about the rest of the main topic.

''Well then, let's move on to the destruction of The Bracelet.
'Oh, yeah, that's in there but ....... Do you want to keep it that way, Dear ......?

　Dear is on the bed in the corner of the room, wrapped in a blanket, looking at me. Apparently, she was very embarrassed by the abomination she had just witnessed.
　It's good that she calmed down, but it's troubling that she's so far away from me.

　When I turn my attention to him, he quickly hides his face with a blanket.
　He's kind of like a small animal.
　Like a cat or a squirrel or something like that.

''As long as you calm down and listen to me, I'm fine with anything. I mean, you've become a lot more girly, and it's delicious in person. It's soooo good!
'Oh, yes ......'

　Rustyala looks at Dia with a disgusted look on his face. She looks like she's going to drool at any moment.

　Feeling my gaze, Rustyala's expression returns to a serious one and clears his throat.

''Gosh. You can leave the ...... 'bracelet' to me and Dia. We'll remove it slowly after we beat up Kanami.
Removal?　You can destroy it without being so lukewarm. Don't hesitate.
'Hmm, hmm ....... I'm not being shy, I'm simply afraid to break it. I don't know what's planted in it.
Is this about that suicide technique you mentioned before?　But what's the point of worrying about that, right?
'That part is fine. Me with my entire magical knowledge and Dia with the world's highest magical power. If we work together, we can dismantle any magic formula if we have the time. As long as there's a safe way to do it, I'm willing to take the time to choose it.
I see. ......

　Rastiara is thinking about the worst and formulating a plan. For example, he's probably thinking that this 'bracelet' could be an explosive device. That's why he's insisting on removing it rather than destroying it.

...... Okay, I get it. Then let's remove it. Then I'll ask you to do it right now.

　Agreeing with Rastiara's policy, I quickly ask.

'Oh, ah, ....... Um, that's a no-no.
What?

　But Rustyala shook his head.

''Not right now. If we do it here and now, we'll definitely get in the way.''
Disturbance?
Yeah. I'm sure Snow is listening to me right now, right now.
'What ......?　To Snow, talk to ......?

　I'm surprised to hear the name of an unexpected person.

'With Snow's abilities, he can eavesdrop on all of this Vualhura. I think he's probably still chasing the sound of Kanami right now,
Can Snow's magic go that far: ......?
''Snow, who has mastered vibration magic without attributes, can do anything against sound. The fact that this fleet is full of high-class ships is a pain. There are many magic stones that can be used as a medium, so Snow's special magic power can penetrate as much as possible. Probably, they'll hear you no matter where you are.
'Sure, if you say so, you could do it, but ......, are you sure about ......?'

　All she heard from Snow was the magic that transmitted vibrations. However, there was a good chance that the monstrous girl was holding out her own magic.

　A non-attribute wizard like Snow might have the magic to sense vibrations.

'If I tried to remove the 'bracelet' right here, Snow would definitely interfere with it. I'm sure Snow is very dependent on Kanami right now, so there's a chance that she will turn us into the dead while interfering with us. Well, it's really difficult.

　Before I knew it, Rastiala was aware of Snow's situation. And he's taking the situation more seriously than I am.

　The look on Snow's face right now is that he could even commit murder.

'But I can manage to get at least one Snow: ......
''If you attack the 'Epic Seeker' guildmaster, you'll be dealing with all of the 'Epic Seeker' guild members. Snow has the authority to order it. I don't think he will hesitate if you give him a cause. --That's not all. It also hurts that Kanami is under Lauravia's protection. It's not surprising that any kind of spear will come into play. Snow has the ability to detect a fight between me and Kanami and let everyone know.

　I reaffirm the awkwardness of Snow's ability.
　It's as if I'm dealing with my Dimension.

　In order to destroy my 'bracelet', it is necessary to render me incapable of fighting. It will look like an attack on me to a third party. I'm not sure I'm going to be able to get away with it.

　If I'm not good at it, I may end up fighting that Rowen on top of that. Rowen is also opposed to the destruction of the bracelet. If Snow calls out to him, he will come running in before anyone else.

　With such quality and quantity, there's no way Rastiara and Dia-chan will be able to concentrate on the "bracelet".
　It's not like they can hold me back from resisting the curse of the bracelets in a short time.

　I was close to the end of the line.

''d*mn ....... Then what about leaving Vualhura and escaping to a place where Snow's abilities can't reach?
'If that happens, Snow won't have to resort to any means. I think he will use the power of House Walker without hesitation and ask the other four great noble houses to help him. Perhaps the Lauravian and Huzzya's kingdoms will make a move. It pains me that we have so many reasons to move.
So much ......, is Snow really going to go that far ......?
'I absolutely will. That's why I'm saying let's take advantage of the 'Dancing Tournament'. As I said before, we will not be interrupted during the tournament. If the tournament continues, my team will face Snow in the fourth round and Kanami in the semifinals. Hopefully, everything will be resolved in the semifinals.

　Rustyala unfolded the materials for the 'Dancing Tournament' and pointed to the tournament table.
　Indeed, if they win well, it will be true.

''--and they probably think the same thing. Right, Snow?

　Then Rustyala spoke to the empty space.
　He spoke with conviction.

'Su, Snow ......, are you listening ......?'

　I ask the same question.
　Then, after a moment of silence, one of the interiors decorated with magical stones in the room trembles.

　It trembles like a vocal cord and emits human language.

''--Yes, Kanami. I've been listening to you for a long time (・・・・・・・)''

　It was definitely Snow's voice.

'Snow: ......'

　I didn't really want to believe it.
　I call out my name with a bitter look on my face.

　But Snow leaves me and speaks to Rustyala.

'...... the present human god of Revanism. I am beyond you.''

　And then he declares war.
　His voice is cold as snow.

"I'll take it, Snow.
'I want to marry Kanami. I don't care if it's a world of lies or a prepared world. I want to be happy ....... That's all I want to do: ......'
Yeah, I know.
'Then you can bet on it. If I win, you will bless our marriage.
'I knew you'd take it to that kind of talk: ....... Okay, if I lose, I'll be quiet. If I lose, you know.

　Rustyala looks troubled, but lightly undertakes to do so.
　Dia in the futon gets up, as if she wanted to complain. But Rastiara controlled it with her eyes.

'Stop it, Snow!　I have my intentions. Even if you beat Rustyala and the others, that doesn't mean I'm going to marry you!
'...... I used to think that I had my own intentions, too. But the reality was different. The will of a single person can easily be crushed. It's crushing, Kanami.'

　Abominably, Snow muttered.

'I'm sure the position won't allow it. Choices are so easy to take away. So, no matter how hard you try, Kanami will be married to me. There is no way to escape when the "Dance Competition" is over. There is no doubt about it because that Palinclone drew the picture. In the end, Kanami will be happy with me. Absolutely.

　Snow's voice is warm as she talks about her marriage. There's a strange fervor in it.
　I'm at a loss for words to reply to that forceful theory. I can only think of it as a theory that is failing. But Snow believes that if she defeats Rastiara, she will be happy with me.

''-- I'll see you in the semifinals, Kanami. Don't run away. I'll be listening to you all the way (・・・・・・・・・).

　And that's where the conversation ended.
　I couldn't reach my words anymore. I had a feeling that my words would never reach them.

　I was astonished to find out that yesterday's persuasion didn't make any sense.

'd*mn, that guy ......!

　I thought about going to try to convince Snow again. I could sense enough insanity from our earlier conversation to make me think so. But I quickly reconsidered.

　If we meet now, there's a good chance things won't go smoothly. Rustyala sees that much resolve in Snow. And it also hurts that until his memory returns, his words to Snow have no substance.

　If that's the case, it might be best to frustrate Snow's heart first with this 'Dancing Tournament'.
　For now, there's a place where you can fight proudly and safely. It's better to talk slowly after you've frustrated Snow and regained your memories.
　I'm just a little nervous that it's Rastiara and the others who will be fighting Snow: .......

'I'm sorry, Rustyala, Dear. I want you to win against Snow: ....... I want you to win and stop that idiot .......

　I mutter with a serious expression on my face, as if asking for my people's shame.
　But no words came back.

　Rustyala was silent with a face that looked like it was about to erupt. Dia is puffing out her cheeks in a sulky way. Sera Raydiant looks down at me with a dumbfounded look.

'...... What, what?'

　I was the only one who had a serious look on my face.
　Dia asked me timidly.

'...... Kanami. If we lose, are you going to marry this guy called Snow now?
Well, uh, I don't know yet, but there's a good chance it will, maybe?
Heh, heh. Oh, I see... ......

　Lukewarmly, Dia's magic leaks out of what should have been a stillness. Dia puts on the blanket and continues to repeat, "I see.

'Oh no, Kanami is as funny as ever. I'm happy for you. Phew.

　And Rustyala laughed at me.

"Die.

　I was asked to sleep permanently by Sera Raydiant.

'What, is that ......?'

　I was confused by the different reaction I was expecting.
　I had expected this to be a scene of more serious indignation, but the air was strangely strange.

　And this strange atmosphere continued for a long time afterwards.