Unlike the previous labyrinths, the sixty layers were the most orderly ever.
　Not to be outdone, the boss layer, the Sixty Layers, was spacious and open.
　As I recall, the feature of the tenth layer was 'Fire'. The thirty layers were 'Crystal', the forty layers were 'Grasslands' - and these sixty layers were all dominated by 'Light'. Wherever he looked, there was light, light, light. There was nothing but light on the marble-like ground.

　However, unlike the sixty layers of painful light, this layer of light was gentle.

　You can open your eyes, even though the space is filled with light. Unlike the violent light earlier, I can even feel a sense of peace despite being in a labyrinth.
　It allows me to see my surroundings with my eyes. The white ground is so polished that it could almost be mistaken for tiles. There was not a single irregularity, and it was perfectly even.

　Countless white balls of light rose from that beautiful ground, as if fireflies were flying around.
　If one looked closely, one could see that there was a slight color difference in the light as well. The light ranges from pale to dark, some with iridescent outlines and others dark.
　The space where the light weaves in and out of the light is like drifting in a dream.
　It's a feeling of being loitering in the warm sunshine.
　Don't mistake it for heaven - it's sixty layers.

　The center of it.
　As if waking up from a dream, a girl was about to stand up.

　In time, the hair that stretched to the girl's feet fluffed up. That hair, like the light around it, was imbued with a variety of colors. Starting from red-blue and yellow, and even purple-orange-green, it seemed to be a mixture of colors.
　However, the endless colors that dazzled the eye gradually converged into a single color. Color after color blended with color, passing through the almost complementary brown and arriving at a strange chestnut color.
　It's a chestnut color that changes in depth of color depending on the angle you look at it. I have to describe it as a strange hair texture and hair color.

　The body of the girl with such fantastic hair hanging down was young.
　Her height would be about the height of Dear. She is wearing pure black clothing with frills on the sleeves and hem to wrap her small body.
　Her skin is white and her eyes are black. At first glance, she looks close to a Japanese, but she's a little different. In my world, she looks like a half or quarter.

　My first impression was that she was beautiful. But that's not a word of praise for a person, it's 'beautiful', which is closer to admiring nature and landscape. That's how out of character the girl was.
　The impact was similar to when she met Rustyala.
　There is no waste in all the construction.
　Long eyelashes and slit eyes, a clear nose and small lips. If Rastiara was a glowing girl, this girl was a girl who seemed to draw you into the darkness. Even though it's a completely different kind of attraction, I have the same impression. So, that is--.

　-- beautiful, but very stinky .......

　Because I felt that way, I'll 'watch' while taking a guarded approach to the battlefield.

[Sixty Guardian] The one who steals the reason for the light.

　There's no doubt about it.
　She is the sixth guardian of this labyrinth.

...... This is the labyrinth?

　The girl who stood up muttered as she squinted her eyes.
　Then she looks around in this light-filled space and finds me, who had invaded the sixty layers. At that moment, the eyelids of the girl who had half fallen because she refused the light are opened.

''-- Ah, ah, you came for me, didn't you?

　The girl stood up and stumbled as she tried to approach me. However, she immediately stood up again and wandered toward me.

　It's just like a baby seeking its mother.

　I was too weak to do anything about it, and that made me think so.
　But I'm not going to let my guard down.
　It's true that she looks weak, but she's still on par with Lord and Rowen.

　I've been watching the girl's movements while running my hand over the "Straight Sword of Crescent Pectrazi" lowered to my waist.
　But the girl didn't care about my vigilance, she only approached me.
　While muttering with an impressed look--

'Oh, I've missed you ....... I've been waiting for this moment for a long time: ......

　As far as her words were concerned, she didn't seem to have the same curiosity or hostility as Tida or Ayda. My vigilance increased in proportion to the distance I was approaching, but my relief was also deepening in proportion to the words that the girl was letting out.

''Just as planned, it's the appearance of Uzurinami-sama at that time. And in that body, this body ...... - I can finally prove it. I can't tell you how long I've been waiting for this moment .......

　The girl called me 'Uzura Wave'. And the way she looks at me is kind.
　I'm convinced that we are acquainted and even friendly, and I let go of my hand from my sword.

'Then, please. Touch me and stroke me. If Uzumi-sama strokes me just once, that's all it takes to make me disappear. Yes, that's all I want.

　The girl combined her hands and wished herself gone.
　At the same time, the distance between me and the girl becomes zero.

　I gasp at this overly hasty development. However, I quickly reconsider and re-focus my body.
　If I can continue to stroke the girl and clear the sixty layers, I'll be happy about that.

　The girl's wishes will come true and so will mine.

'Okay. ......'

　I don't think anyone will lose anything, so I reach out my hand with a reply of approval.
　He places his palm on the girl's head and slowly strokes her cozy hair.

'Oh, thank you ......'

　The girl thanks him and narrows her eyes.
　She seems to be biting down on the feeling of being stroked.

　The girl stands tall on her toes and continues to be stroked in a comfortable manner. The expression on her face certainly gave me an inkling of disappearance.
　Even I, who know nothing about the circumstances, knew that this day, this is the moment when the girl's true intentions are realized.

　A thin drop of water falls from the girl's narrowed eyes and the curtain is pulled back on a story.
　It was my intuition that this was the case with the skill "sensitivity".

　--I'm not going to be the only one who's been in this business for a long time.

　I've gained that confidence. Perhaps the girl has gained that certainty as well.

　The only thing left to do is to watch her die.
　So I kept stroking and stroking her - for about fifteen minutes (・・・・・).

　I didn't want to disturb her lingering effects, but I finally couldn't take it anymore and let the words out.

"...... ki, it's not going away, is it?

　The girl is a little embarrassed by his words and returns it.

''Well, it seems so: ......

　The girl seemed to be in the same situation as me.

　It was a stream that seemed to disappear even now, but it wasn't like that at all. Her body is there without losing strength.
　The girl hurriedly pulled away from my palm and asked, "Why ......? He repeated the words "I'm sorry, Then, after repeating the question to the hilt, he grabbed my hands with a desperate look on his face.

Believe me, Uzumi-sama!　I would never lie to you, sir.　I've always been--
'Well, wait. I have something very hard to say, but can you hear me out first?

　The girl's words were interrupted.
　If she was going to disappear happily as it was, she didn't want to say anything. But that was not going to happen.
　Then I need to tell her that I am not qualified to listen to her words.

　Seeing my serious eyes, the girl nodded her head in a dignified manner.
　I begin to explain slowly so as not to provoke her.

In fact, I have no memory of what I was like a thousand years ago. So I don't know who you are. Honestly, I have no idea what you're talking about. ......
What--?

　The girl opens her mouth with a pop.

So I want you to introduce yourself again. My name is Aikawa Uzumi. What's your name?
'Wow, did you forget ......?　All at ......?

　Without answering her own introduction, the girl checked her facts.
　It's not unreasonable. If one of my people loses their memory, I'm confident I'd say the same thing with the same look on my face.

'I'm sorry ......, I can barely remember ......'

　So, he doesn't explain much and just nods back with a few words so that the girl can think calmly.

　When the girl sees that nod, she is confused.
　However, even though she was confused, she could see the flame of understanding lit in her eyes.
　There was a willingness to accept the situation and still move forward.

　It didn't take long for the girl to come back to herself.
　After taking one deep breath, she took a step back, picked up the skirt of her clothes and began to bow. That gesture was as reverent and full of grace as Lord.

I understand. Then, let me introduce myself once more. My name is Nosfi.

　From that point on, she was not confused - she was not lost.


◆◆◆◆◆


"My name is Nosfi. I used to be the flag of the south side and fought a war. At that time, Uzumi-sama was the Knight Commander of the North. It was like the relationship between Romeo and Juliet, a tragic fate that tore us into friends and foes. In the end, I died and Uzumi-sama survived to create the labyrinth.

　As if to make sure, Nosphy continues to tell his story, perhaps because I said I'd forgotten it.
　There is no major discrepancy between that story and the information I know.
　It didn't look like he was lying to me.

'All through the war, I was looking for Uzumi-sama. I kept thinking about him until I died. Therefore, Master Uzumi chose me to be the guardian of the labyrinth after I died. And now, after the passage of a thousand years, my longtime wish should have come true - ....... I'm not sure my role as a guardian will ever end. ...... Why is that? ...... Yes, I really wonder why.

　I could tell from every word that he adored me.
　But it's odd.
　He doesn't seem to be greatly shocked by my memory loss. Nor does she seem to be shocked that she couldn't disappear.
　Even with the skill 'sensitivity', I couldn't understand the bottom of her emotions.

　It's a sensation of not being able to see what's behind the light, as if she's staring at the sun.
　I felt different from any of the guardians (guardians) I had ever seen.

''That had nothing to do with Uzurinami-sama, who has no memory. I'm sorry.''

　It's as if he's throwing all kinds of words at me to see my reaction.
　I wonder if it's just my imagination that I'm starting a new life as a guardian (guardian) and I even feel comfortable.
　After apologizing once, Nosfi changed the subject without seeming to be particularly bothered by it.

''But why don't I have any memories of Uzurinami-sama?　Last I heard, everything was going well: ......

　I don't know anything about Nosfi's unresolved issues, but I can answer the question about me. I'll choose my words carefully before returning them.

'Let's see, ......, at the end of the millennia ago, it seems that the Apostle Legacy guy interrupted me and called me into the labyrinth in an incomplete state. Also, there's no tiara in this time period, and my sister is on earth, still asleep. So I'm sort of running the labyrinth in reverse.
...... tiara is gone and your sister is on earth asleep?
Yeah.
'I see. Well, that means we have to get to ground as soon as possible.

　As they finished checking each other's situation, Ryner, who had been watching the situation in the distance, approached.

'Christ, are you okay ......?'

　He saw that they were discussing the matter calmly, and he knew it wasn't going to be a fight.

'Who is this gentleman?'

　Nosfi looks at Ryner and prompts him to make introductions.

'This is the knight who's helping me, Ryner Helvilshain.
Hellville Shine?

　When he heard his name, he looked a little surprised. However, he immediately gave a ladylike bow.

''How do you do, Helvilshine. I'm not the 'flag' of the south - I'm the guardian of the labyrinth, the 'stealer of the reason for light', Nosfi.

　He held out his right hand and asked for a handshake.
　Ryner cautiously confirmed that there was no hostility and then squeezed his hand back.

'...... Nice to meet you, Nosfi. You can call me Ryner.

　By shaking hands they proved that they were not each other's enemies.

'Um, ......, can't I call you Helvirshine instead of Reiner?'

　Then Nosfi shakes his hand and asks for a change of name.

''--?''

　Ryner overreacted to Nosfi, who asked him with an upward glance as if he were peering at him from below. He let go of the hand he was holding and jumped backwards like a beast in front of its natural enemy. And his hands are now on the verge of pulling out the twin swords at his waist.
　It was not just a reaction. I was so caught that I almost drew my sword as well.

　It seems that Reiner himself is unaware of what has happened. I'm going to ask Nosfi with a grim and troubled expression.

Nosfi ....... What did you just try to do to me ......?

　However, Nosfi had a similar expression on his face. He begins to apologize faintly.

''I'm sorry, too. I thought that my 'curse' had already disappeared completely, but it seems that some residue remained. It was never my intention to harm you. Please believe in me: ......!
Remnants of the 'curse'?
'Yes, it was mine before I was born. I thought it had disappeared once it had passed through the cleansing process of death, but I guess that wasn't the case. I'm really sorry, Ryner. I swear that I will never reveal the residue again.

　The word 'curse' reminds me of the Reaper's face.
　She had the same 'curse' on her as the Grim Reaper in the fairy tales. The content of the curse was that 'you cannot exist while you are recognized'. It seems that Nosfy was carrying something similar to that.
　The condition for lifting the Reaper was 'Rowen's death', but was Nosfi's condition for lifting the curse 'his own death'?

　Ryner bonded with Nosphy, who continued to apologize, and approached Nosphy to shake his hand again.

'No, that's fine then: ......'
''Hmph. Maybe it's because I lost my 'curse', but it's a very fresh feeling. To be able to shake someone's hand properly: ......

　It was a long handshake.

...... May I pat you on the head for a moment?

　And somehow, at the end of it all, Nosfy desires to pet him. Of course, Ryner blushes and tries to run away again.

''Ha, ha!　Why?!
'Maybe I can fulfill my unconsciousness and disappear. Please, please.

　But Nosfi grabs Ryner's hand and doesn't let go. She holds her hand tightly and stares into Ryner's eyes. Ryner nods his head in response to the pressure.

'For a little while .......'
So,

　With permission, Nosfi quickly reaches out to him. He starts stroking Ryner's head the same way I did.
　It was a strange sight. In the depths of the labyrinth where I would die if I wasn't careful, a girl is stroking the boy's head while shaking his hand.

　Seconds later, the strange scene ends.

'Thank you ....... But it looks like this wasn't the same as the unfinished business: ......
Of course not. I don't have anything to do with you.

　Ryner looks dumbfounded but embarrassed and keeps his distance. With the current series of interactions, it seems that he has become completely uncomfortable with Nosphy.
　Instead of him, I talk to Nosphy.

Hey, Nosphy. I've got a lot of questions for you. ...... No, not here, should we go back?

　Just being able to get to the 60th layer today would be a great achievement.
　This is only the first challenge. It's not a stage to be rushed. I thought it was just the right time to end the search, so I started preparing the Connection.

''Where do you mean to return?
There's a city behind the labyrinth that's a replica of the north. We're on our way to the surface from there, where we'll find the Guardian Lord of the Fifty Layers. That's where we'll find the Lord of the Fifty Guardian Guardians.
Once a northern city ...... and Lord ......!

　Nosfi's expression, which had maintained a gentle smile the entire time, clouded over.

'Nah, what's the matter with you, Nosfi?
"...... Dear Uzumi, please allow me to meet with my lord.
Well, wait. Depends on what you're planning to do to Lord. Depending on what you plan to do with it, you may not be able to take it with you.

　I felt a sense of ominousness at the change and stopped generating the Connection.
　She seemed to be close to me, who was on the side of the North, so I was caught off guard, but she is a person from the South, which would have been the enemy of the North a thousand years ago. It may be incompatible with "The Lord who rules.

"I just want to talk to you. With her.
You're gonna have to tell me what this story is first. Otherwise, I can't take you there. Lord is a-- a 'friend'. If you're going to put your hands on her, you'll have to deal with me right here and now.

　Of course, even though I'm going to be his opponent, if it comes to a fight, I'm going to use the Connection to escape behind the 66th layer.

　Understanding that I'm on Lord's side, Nosfi speaks with a superficial calmness.

''I can't say that I don't have ...... a grudge. After all, she is the one who killed me. I have my own feelings about it. But this is a small matter. I don't want to rehash it at all. What we want to talk about is her current situation. It may be that she may be the one who can release me from my unresolved issues.

　He seems to be revealing his inner feelings with sincerity.
　I have a hard time saying no when they say it's all about getting rid of unresolved issues and disappearing.

　Taking into account Nosfi's friendly attitude so far, I'll let them meet.

...... Okay, I'll show you around. But I'll be there when you talk.
''Yes, that's fine. Uzumi-sama, please don't look at me like that. I'm not trying to fight again.

　I certainly don't feel the slightest hint of wariness.
　At least I know that I don't want to see you to fight.

''I understand. --magic [connection].

　We return to the staircase that leads to the 60th level and create a magical door.
　Then we go through the Connection that leads to the castle and return home.
　I take the Guardian, who doesn't know what I'm doing.



　After returning to my room without any problems, I immediately check Lord's position with Dimension. It seems that the day's work is already done, and Lord is standing alone in the castle yard.

　We walk through the castle to bring the two guardians together.
　On the way, as we walked, Nosphy braided his hair, which was too long, into a braid. I thought it was a dexterous thing to do, but it seems to be a trick that can only be done because it's long enough to touch the ground. She brings her hair back to the front and expertly gathers it up. Then she tied it up with a black ribbon that she didn't know where she had taken it from.

　Once her back hair is in a large two tuft braid, we reach the garden.
　Lord notices his visitor and his face lights up. From the look on his face, it seems he's been waiting for our return all along.

''Oh, Kanamin and Ryner, welcome back--Geez!　Nosfy!

　But when I see Nosfi walking next to me, I let out a vulgar scream.

'I'm back, Lord. I brought you here because you reached the sixty layers, was that bad?
'Yes, sixty layers already!　Well, I mean, that's just the best of both worlds, Kanamin!　Kanamin would be nice, but the child (wara) is bad!　Oh no, oh no, oh no!

　With a shout, Lord untied the ponytail on his head while spewing magic power from his entire body. The wings on his back, which had been curled up in a small circle, also fluttered as his green hair spread out softly.
　And the three of the same color, magic power, hair and wings, intertwined and melted together, transforming into a pair of giant wings.

　They became wings of stardust, as if they were spewing out emerald particles, disturbing and shaking all the trees in the garden.

　In addition, the Lord twists an uncommon amount of magical power out of his body. That magic power is also green. Midori's magic power gathered on the Lord's right arm and took on a single form.

　It was a 'gun' that exceeded even the height of the Lord's body.
　No, looking at the sharpness of the tip, it might be a bayonet to be exact.
　I know that there are no firearms in circulation in this world. However, it was completely shaped in a way that could only be considered a gun.

　Wearing giant wings and a giant bayonet, the Lord was truly a monster that should be called a guardian of the fifty layers (Guardian).

　I've never seen it before.
　But I'm sure of it.
　But I'm sure that the Lord is now completely ready for battle.

'Lord, it's been a while. It's been a while since you killed me.

　Despite the surge of its murderous magic, Nosfi speaks softly to him as if he were looking at a frightened kitten.
　Lord's face twitches, and he says back while poking the tip of his bayonet at her.

''Yi, no, you didn't kill him!　That thing just blew itself up!　I was also surprised when I saw Nosfi being swallowed up all of a sudden!
''I had to use enough magic to destroy myself, or I wouldn't have felt like I could beat you. It would be like you killed it, right?
But that's what war is all about, isn't it?　No hard feelings, right?!
'Yes, of course. I don't hold a grudge anymore, and I don't want to fight.
-What?　Really?
It's true.
Oh, yeah. ......?

　With a plop, the Lord's magic power dissipated with a sound like a gasp.
　The bayonet on his right arm disappeared and the wings on his back became smaller.
　It's really an easy one to recognize by its appearance.

''Indeed, because of you, I was swallowed by the continent. However, it also saved my life. After that, thanks to being swallowed up by the continent, I was finally able to talk to Uzurinami-sama calmly. So I don't hold much of a grudge against him.
'Oh, when the war and everything is over and the labyrinth is being created?　So, did you get to talk to Kanamin properly?　Nah, nah, if it's solved, go ahead and say it's solved!

　The moment he realizes that it won't be a battle, Lord takes a stance to greet his old friend. He gathers up his sprawling hair and pulls it back into a ponytail, then rubs up against Nosfi.

'All ramblings are gone. There's no reason to fight with you. ...... Above all, I'm too different from you now, aren't I?
'Oh no, thank goodness. I thought they were going to treat me like a thieving cat again and try to kill me!
Now you are not a representative of the North but a Guardian, and I am not a representative of the South but a Guardian. Let's get along, shall we, as guardians, get along?
'Ha, I know what you're talking about!　Nosfi and I can have a conversation!　Oh no, sis, I'm so impressed!　Yeah, yeah, peace is best!　Oh no, it's still nice to start over!　That's right. If only we hadn't been in a crappy position, we'd all understand each other!　Now, that's when it's proven to be true!
So I would like to invite you to live here with me: ......
''It's fine. You can stay as long as you want in this Demon King's Castle in any room you want!
...... demon king castle. After all, this is Vyasia Castle, isn't it?

　Nosfi looked around and guessed the original name of this castle. After all, he had visited it before he was born.

''After all, as the savior of the south, can't you forgive 'This place (Viasia)'?　Don't you want to see peace in Vyasia?
'............?　No, it's not. Peace is a good thing.
Hmmm?　Then why did he call for war on the North so much before?
I'm doing this for world peace.
If you're working for world peace, why did you stand in the way of the child? I was doing my best for world peace too!
I guess that's what world peace looks like for everyone. Probably, world peace was never going to happen until the last man. Huh, it really was a futile war.
'I'm going to tell you!　The head of the company at the time would say that!
I was just doing what I thought was right, and I didn't have that much passion for world peace ......, so I don't have any particular unrequited love for the North or the South. If anything, it's .......

　Nosfi stares intently at the Lord, not at the castle of Vyasia. Then he peers down again and asks in an indulgent voice.

'Lord, would you care to praise me?

　The request was something no one expected. Lord nodded his head to confirm it.

'Compliment?　The child (straw) has a Nosfi?
Yes, I want you. I want you to be the one to praise me for my efforts in that battle. Then I may be able to do what I never had to do before.

　He asks for a shield of unconsciousness as he begs for a liner.
　Knowing the rules of the Guardian (Guardian), the Lord can't refuse it.

''But you did your best, Nosfi. You were super strong!''
............

　A cynical praise was uttered by Lord, which Nosphy accepted with a smile. Nosfi chewed on the praise for a few moments without returning any words.
　Lord wasn't sure of his praise, he was dawdling and looking for his next words, but it was Nosphy who found them first.

'Thank you, Lord. It brought me up a bit. ...... But this doesn't seem to be the same as unrequited love.
Isn't that right?　Even if the enemy, the child (straw), praises it: ......
'It was you, my enemy, that I wanted the most praise from. I've always wanted someone's approval.
'No, everyone recognized Nosfy!　He admits that he's a child, and he admits to being a Nosfi!　He was really strong!　That was nasty!
Hmmm. ......

　Lord and Nosfi clasped their hands together, resolving their former feud. It looks like the two girls who are here now are just two girls who have just become friends.

　I know that this is a reconciliation between the top leaders of a thousand year old war and a historic moment, but I don't feel it at all, even though I know it's a historic moment.
　Frankly, it seems like a child's plaything.
　I interrupt them, knowing that if I leave them alone, they'll just keep flirting with each other forever.

'Lord, I'm sorry to be making up with you, but there are a lot of things I want to ask Nosfi about. About your relationship with me a thousand years ago and the 'curse' and so on--
'What?　Ka, ka ka ka ka naminami, could it be that you forgot about Nosfi!

　Lord turned his eyes on me, as if he were looking at something unbelievable.
　I've already told Lord that I don't remember what happened a thousand years ago. I didn't know why he was so surprised.

'Oh, yeah. But I've forgotten most of what happened a thousand years ago, so what can I do?
'Kanamin, you remember your sister, right?　Nah, then you'd have to remember Nosfi's, you know, you can't ......?
'That being said, ....... All I could remember was my sister and the apostles, and then Tiara, and then .......

　The range of millennial figures I know is narrow.
　Nosfi's complexion changes when he hears this.

''--Thiara (・・・・)

　Hearing the murmurings, Lord continued his criticism in a hurry.

It's good that you've forgotten about the child. At the very least, let's try to remember Nosfy. You do remember Tiara, right?　And you forgot about Nosfi?　I mean, are you sure you don't remember anything?　Not even a little?
It's okay, Lord.

　Nosfy stops Lord from questioning him.
　I can feel the air in the place getting tense. But I don't know why. Only the eyes of the two people who remember what happened a thousand years ago are stern, and I'm left uncomprehendingly behind.

'It's not good!　As the same girl, I can't let this one go by!　No matter what else you forget, Kanamin, you can't forget just Nosfies!　Because, because--!

　Lord shouts in a way I've never seen before.
　And then a single word rushes in to correct the discrepancy in perceptions--

'Nosfi is Kanami's 'wife'!
What about ......?

　--Mr. Nightingale?
　It took time for my brain, which has become adept at fighting many battles, to understand those five letters.

　A fresh breeze rushed through the large garden with an illusion that time had stopped.
　I stand in the silence, hearing only the sound of leaves scraping against each other.

　Oh, oh, you mean - Nosfi was the wife of the progenitor Kanami.
　I understood that string of words.
　However, perhaps because the content is too difficult to understand, I can't even understand its meaning.

　For some reason, those skills that play a major role in death - 'Sensitivity' and 'Pledge of the Deepest (Di Cavernator)' - are activated simultaneously for the first time in a long time.
　Two of the best skills brought by my best friend and the Primordial Ancestor sound the biggest warning sound at this time, not during the labyrinth attack where I was fighting against the vicious monsters.

　In front of me is an angry Lord with his cheeks puffed out.
　Next to him is Nosfi, smiling piteously.
　Behind me, Ryner, who opens his mouth wide and lets out a "Wow ......".

　Gradually, the arcane equation unravels, and I come closer and closer to understanding the meaning.

　--Nosphy is my wife (・・・・・・・・・).

　The story is too outlandish and out of context. Whether it is a metaphor or a cloak of some kind, thousands of speculations flashed through my mind in an instant, but there is only one answer that is suitable for the situation at hand.

　There is only one - but I was so afraid to understand what it meant that I had to stiffen up. ......