I stare at that figure too much and see the status against my will.


[Status]
　Name: Rustyala Hoozeyers HP 895/895 MP 442/442 Class: Knight　
　Level 23.
　Strength 19.54 Strength 18.12 Skill 9.98 Speed 11.61 Wisdom 17.98 Magic 13.89 Elemental 4.00
　Status: none.
　Inherent Skill: Weapon Combat 2.22 Swordsmanship 2.13 Pseudo-God's Eye 1.00
　　　　　　　Magic combat 2.28 Blood art 6.23 Sacred magic 1.05
　Acquired skill: reading 1.45 elemental 1.00 focused convergence 0.22


　It was a little disconcerting to see that his level had barely changed since I last saw him. After a year of time, it doesn't feel like her that Rastiara's level and skills haven't changed much.
　However, as far as the 'display' was concerned, there was no doubt that she was Rastiara.
　That Rastiara, with Ragnet and Sera-san behind her, first calls out to Feydert.

''If you think there was some weird stalling on the road, it was Feydert after all.
La, Dear Rastiala: ......

　Immediately Feydert turned from me to Rustyala and took the form of a thank you.

'...... now you step back.'

　Rustyala sighs at Feydert, who looks down and doesn't say anything, and urges him to leave.

''But these men--''
Now the Senate has entrusted me with this place. And they are my guests. That means there is no seat for you.
Kuhn: "Kuhn: ......

　From the expression on Feydert's face, I could tell that Rustyala had more authority now.
　Feydert had no choice but to bow towards us while gritting his teeth.

''...... Kanami-dono. I will see you again sometime. I have not yet exhausted all of my power, therefore ....... --Yes, I still have a hand in it. Not yet.
'Oh, yes. Also.

　Unlike some vicious guardians (guardians), he spits out a very human-like discarded line, which is conversely a relief. I walked away from him, patting my chest.
　However, as if he took my attitude as a margin, Feydert had a bitter expression on his face. And then, glaring at me, he turned to leave the room.

I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work. I want a waiter.

　On the way there, I was ordered by Rustyala to leave the girl from "The Magic Stone Human (Jewelculus)" behind.

''Gu, ugh, ....... Ryo, I understand .......

　Perhaps not used to being deprived of initiative and being ordered around as he pleases, Feydert reluctantly leaves the girls and walks out of the room.

　And in the room are only my acquaintance and the four girls of the "Jewelcrus".
　Naturally, I first call out to my closest companion - Rustyala.

I'm going to have to say that I'm not going to be able to do that. That ......, I'm back.
Welcome back, Kanami. It's been so long.

　We exchanged greetings.
　It was just one word: "I'm back" and "welcome home," but I thought it was the most comfortable greeting of my life.

Well, let's sit down. Oh, everyone, drink for us, please. And put your weapons away and stow them away.

　Rastiara smiled the same smile as I remembered and sat down across from me as if there was never a gap of a year between us. I thought it was very typical of that Rustyala to have the girls who were just killing each other serve me.

　The girls who were called out to me hurriedly returned to their normal duties.

Haha, yes. Gentlemen God!

　The girls pocket their weapons and take new glasses out of the wagon and place them in front of Rustyala. They also set up the tabletop, which has become a bit of a mess, and start our hospitality all over again from the beginning.

'Yeah. Thanks, guys.
No, I'm very happy to serve the Real Man God.

　The girls' eyes looked at Rustyala with a mixture of admiration and respect.
　The girls seemed to be more at ease than when they were dealing with Phaedelto. Our glasses are being replaced when I was wondering about the relationship between these 'Jewelcrus' people and Rustyala.

''Mr. 'Aikawa Uzumi, Christ, Eurasian Fuzzyards von Waldwalker. Please take this one. That drink over there contains medicine.

　As expected, it seems to have been poisoned or something.
　Hearing this, Titi, who was drinking and eating vigorously next to him, looked as if a pigeon had been hit by a pea gun. However, the person himself said, "Eh, eh?　It makes me sick to my stomach: ......? I don't worry about it too much.

　What I was more worried about was what I was going to call myself.

...... Oh, yeah. Thanks.　

　I'm still getting used to being called names that are too unwilling. She makes a pained face and thanks him.
　Seeing the expression on her face, the girl apologizes anxiously.

''Could it be that I pronounced your name incorrectly ......?　If that's the case, I'm very sorry. We are the 'Magic Stone Humans' (Jewelculus) for combat, whose general education is not written in blood, so ......
No, I don't know how to pronounce it either. But the next time you call me, just call me Kanami. I don't like that name.
Do you want to call them out ......?
Don't be afraid, please. That long-winded name is so annoying I can't stand it: ......
Then ......, Lady Kanami and .......
'I don't even need a sama. Yeah, I don't know how it happened: ......

　Hearing the conversation between me and the girl, Rustyala laughs.

''Haha, you're the same as always, Kanami. This is why it's so funny if you take your eyes off her for a minute. Don't hit on my girl, already.''

　Like a flowering bud, she speaks to me with a flattering smile.

"-- Listening to the conversation just now, I get the feeling that Kanami has returned. Yes, she's finally back ....... --and I knew you were the first to come here after you came back .......

　Rastiara looked at my companions, Titi and Ryner, and guessed what they'd been doing since I came back.

　Honestly, it wasn't the reaction I had in mind. For the first time in a year, I thought Rustyala was too calm.
　He spoke as if he expected me to act.

'I knew it was ......?　Rustyala, did you possibly know where I've been for the past year?
'Hmm. I don't know the exact location, but I was the only one who was sure that he was alive somewhere. Because it's that Kanami.

　Despite the fact that he was dealing with someone who had been missing for a year, Rustyala was not upset.
　I wondered if that calmness was a little strange.
　No, on the contrary, maybe I'm just too excited. I'm trying to be as calm as Rustyala.

'How could you even be sure ......?
'Is that only somewhat true?　It's my experience and my gut feeling.

　I feel uncomfortable and 'gaze' at it as if it were a habit.
　...... But it appears to be the same as usual.
　The 'state' of the 'display' doesn't indicate anything unusual either. I've also found that I've mobilized all my skills and that I'm not lying.
　Repeating this story over and over again only seems to give me the same answer.
　I had no choice but to move the conversation to the main topic.

...... Okay, I get it. I decide that you trusted me. So, let's talk about this right away. Let's talk about what happened that day and what has happened since then.
'Yes. That's what I want to know most. Okay, let's take it slow. A year ago, after the end of the battle with the Palinclones and the activation of the 'World's Vengeance Squad', we talked about .......

　As soon as he began to speak, Rustyala picked up the glass. But he didn't put it to his mouth, he just kept shaking it in front of his chest.
　Looking at the surface of the fruit wine poured into the glass, she seems to be carefully digging up her memories.

'-- No one but Maria was able to follow the fight with the Palinkron that day. All I could do was wait on the ship for Kanami and the others to return, so I waited desperately. I waited and waited and waited ...... but the only one who came back was Maria-chan. Wasn't that sent by Kanami through a "connection"?

　I too remember the battle in the center of the mainland.
　I was defeated by Palinkron with words alone, and I was unable to help Maria. However, I wasn't the one who used the Connection at that time.

I'm sure you're not the only one who used the Connection. She said she sent you to a safe place. ......
'Oh, I see. That's why Maria appeared near the ship and not directly to it. I guess I'm a little convinced. I knew Heili was going there: ....... -- at the risk of her life.
'Yeah, Heili and Ryner risked their lives to join us. That's where Heili died ...... but somehow Ryner and I managed to defeat the Palinkron. However, we couldn't escape in time, and the "World's Vengeance Squad" swallowed the two of us up and we fell underground. Because of the depths of the labyrinth that were waiting for us, it took us a long time to get back.
I see. That thing must have swallowed her up and Kanami must have gone underground. No wonder they didn't even look around.

　It was a light explanation, but Rastiara seemed to get an idea of what was going on after the fight. Instead, this time he tells me what Rustiala and the others are up to.

'This one headed for the remains of the battle as soon as Maria recovered. Even from the edge of the continent, the light from that 'world repatriation camp' was tremendous, so everyone was confused. ...... And when we got there, we found a large hollow in the area where we think Kanami was fighting, and the area around it was a lava field. The surrounding area of several dozen kilometers was a barren land where not a single plant or tree grew, and I was amazed. It was very difficult to get to the cavity because the earth was ripped open all over the place.

　The devastation was faintly foreseen. The last time I saw it, it was as if it was the end of the world. Rather, we were relieved to find that it was only a crack in the ground.

As you probably already know, we didn't find anything there ....... Honestly, those days were awful. Maria was regretting it to death, Snow was scared to death of what was to come, the Reapers were lonely, and I was letting loose ....... Did Sera get upset there too?

　It's easy to imagine.
　I know the expressions on everyone's faces better than anyone else.
　My heart aches ...... but I don't lose face with regret and listen to the rest of Rustyala's story. It may be important to regret it, but that doesn't stop me.

'By the way, it was Snow who got me back on my feet first,'

　However, the words that came back to me as I waited in high spirits were more upbeat than I had expected.

'I'm back on my feet ......?　Snow is ......?
'He was like a Kanami ...... no, he was even more reliable than a Kanami and led everyone through it. You used to have a personality like that, Snow. I was surprised.

　As if, I can't imagine.
　I did think that Snow was suited to be a leader. But I only said that he was suited for it, referring to his timid and cautious nature. I can't believe that that monstrous Snow was leading everyone.

'Well, so ...... after that, we found out that the id was in that place that day, so we went looking for it to question that guy?　The one with the id was starting to move with a flourish, so it wasn't long before we found it.

　Rastiara checked with Sera-san behind her as she proceeded with the next part of the story.

''But by then, there was already a 'Governing King (Lord)' beside the id. And there was Dia, who is being taken over by the Apostles.

　When you hear the words "The Lord that controls", Titi's hips, which have been silent for a long time, almost come to life as she listened.
　Probably, that 'Lord who controls' is 'my body that contains the soul of Yotaki'. I can guess from what Ryner told me at the 66th layer.
　In addition, I also found out that the Apostle Sith had formed a cooperative relationship with the Aide after that.

'I thought it was a blessing that Deer was at Ayde's place. We decided that we were going to get Diah back first, and then we challenged the Ayde to a fight. Once we got the Ayde, we could slowly ask her about Kanami, so we knew then that we would be killing two birds with one stone.

　It would be a natural challenge, since he had found one of his missing companions. It would be best to defeat them there before they were dazzled by the Apostle Sith again.

''-- But it was no good. There was no time to catch the enemy, not even a little bit. In the end, I fought with real earnestness, intending to kill both the id and the Apostle Sith. Still ......--

　For the first time, Rustyala's face is shaded when he talks about fighting with the Ides.
　Then he says as he squeezes out.

'I lost ....... I couldn't do anything about it .......

　I've never seen that look before.
　He grits his teeth and curses his helplessness.

'Oh, I wish I could have saved Dia with my own hands ....... I was like a hero in a book ....... But I couldn't do it, ....... I was definitely the least helpful at the time .......

　He was defeated - and apparently Rastiara was completely useless in that battle.
　I'm surprised by that statement.
　With that group of people, Rastiara should rather be the most active. I wanted to hear the details of how the battle turned out, but my curiosity was stopped by Rustiala's distorted expression.

''The 'Governing King (Lord)' was lightly fanned with one hand ......!　It's like dealing with a child: ......!　You're not on the same stage as me. ......!

　'The King of Governing (Lord)' - The last time I saw Yangtaki's level was in the single digits.
　As far as the story goes, there shouldn't have been much time available since then.
　Wasn't it still a match?

'After all, how many times did I fight that "Lord of the Reigning Kings" ......?　As I recall, I fought about four times and lost it all: ....... I distinctly remember the more I fought, the more miserable the content got. Yeah, it was frustrating ....... It was unreasonable to watch the "Lord of the Lords" get stronger at a horrible rate. ...... So we had no choice but to back off before we lost miserably.

　There seems to be no doubt that they never won.
　If we had won, we would have had both Dia and Youtaki here.

'So we're at a loss. Since we couldn't get the story out of the id, and since we couldn't get Dia back, we had to come up with another way. Yes, another way (・・・・・)--

　Rustyala's expression lights up a little bit as he says it. Then he says something outrageous with his usual smile.

'Just when I was thinking about that other way - we had a bit of a policy difference, and I got into a fight with Maria. So now it's just me and Sera here.
'What?　Keh, did you have a fight ......?

　I don't want to imagine a fight between Rastiara and Maria. It's fresh in my mind that just the other day, Maria scraped the surface of the continent with a flaming sword (...). If that was done in a place with people, it would be a big deal.

It's a lot of fire. We were all frustrated because we were losing so much...''
Well, is everyone around you okay?
Yeah, we're all okay. Thanks to Snow's desperate intervention, we are all safe. So, I think this little girl, Maria, is now heading for the deepest part of the new labyrinth in the west, and the Reapers are probably there too. Maybe that's where the Reapers are, too.
Wait for ....... You're talking too much. The labyrinth in the west?　Is there such a thing now?
'You're referring to the great cavity that Palinkron and Kanami fought in. For some reason, I don't know why, but a labyrinth similar to this one was created there. In order to gain the strength to retrieve Dia and also to find Kanami, Maria has decided to capture the western labyrinth.

　Since I disappeared in that great hollow, it's a straightforward matter to look for me there.
　But the fact that Maria and the Reaper are the only ones who took that approach is worrisome. I'm going to check out the unknowns one by one.

'Maria and the Reaper are in the new labyrinth, and you and Sera are here ....... Then where is Snow ......?
'Snow is kind enough to help me and Maria with both. Well, he's on our errand now, as I recall, on the mainland?　You were supposed to be acting as the wounded front-line commander-in-chief.
'Snow is on the front lines of the war ......?　That's not even what the Commander-in-Chief is doing: ......
But he has more experience than any other general in the world. It's a long story.

　Although I easily found out where they all were, I can't imagine what that Snow looks like.
　The position of commander-in-chief is one that unites people of many different personalities and requires them to make a number of major decisions. It's hard to believe that he can work.

Please, Kanami. First, get Snow out of here. And I'd like to apologize in advance. ...... I'm sorry. I know Snow is very tired because of us, so give her a good night's sleep. After all, it's not like Snow to be that cool.
'Yeah, okay. Of course I'm going to do that, but ......
"When we meet up with Snow, we'll meet up with Maria and the Reapers in the 'Second Lost City of Daryl'. Will you use the same ship as before for transportation?　There's a copy of the "Living Legend" in the port of Gliard, you can use it. Don't worry, I can issue the transfer certificate right away. When you meet up with the others, head straight north and take care of Dia. Oh, and--
No, no, wait. Wait a minute.

　Stop trying to make the arrangements in a deft manner.
　I'm not complaining about that route. It's just that the way you put it, it sounds as if Rustyala isn't there.

"Maybe you're Rastiara ....... You're not coming with me ......?
...... Yeah.

　He nodded easily.
　Rustyala then explained the reason for this in a matter-of-fact manner.

''Because I'm not strong enough anymore ....... All I can do is connect with each country here and follow Maria and the others on their journey ......?
'Lack of power, ......, how can that be? You said all those times you said you were special.
'I'm not special anymore. This year, the average level of the world has risen dramatically. The Jewelculus is no longer a rare occurrence. Now I'm ...... sure I'll be treated with one hand by, say, a liner there or a guardian (guardian) there.

　Rastiara must have used 'those eyes' to see through Ryner and Titi's abilities. And I decided that I couldn't defeat those two.
　Seeing that too weak attitude, I couldn't help but raise my voice.

''You'll just have to raise the level from this point on!　You'll catch up to me in no time!
'Nope. It's no use trying to level up. My strength is too complete and there's no room for growth at all. While everyone else is learning new magic and skills, I'm only going to increase my basic numbers ....... Compared to Maria and Snow, I'm growing too slowly .......

　He mutters in a voice full of emotion and regret.
　I recall that the Guardian of the Tenth Layer (Guardian) Arti once said that there was no margin in Rastiara's 'blood'. That may be the fatal delay here.
　Emotions I don't understand seem to be swirling around inside her.

'So you're giving up ......?　I was so eager for adventure: ......
That's what I was talking about earlier, that's why I had the fight with Maria. I told her I was giving up on her because I couldn't keep up with her, and she got very angry.

　Certainly Maria would be angry.
　Surely, to Maria, Rastiara would have been an admirer of hers. It's obvious that it's unacceptable for that Rustiala to give up and retire due to lack of strength.

　And with all their might, Rustiala and Maria fought with each other, ...... and yet, Rustiala still carried out her will. I'm not going to be able to say that I'm not going to be able to do anything about it.
　When I understood that, I knew I couldn't convince her with half-hearted words now.

I'm sure I can't help you in the fight anymore. --I've decided that I'm going to oppose the idols in a different way. I thought that by using my authority as the current human god, I might be able to create a place where I could talk to either the Ides or the Apostle Sith on an equal footing, even if I couldn't force the South to defeat the North right now. If we can't fight them, then we can negotiate with them.

　So you're going to come back here and say you're willing to work for yourself: ......?

　It sounds like the story makes sense. It also shows that it is an effective way to do it.
　It may take some time, but if we are in a position to decide on the treatment of the Aids and the Apostles when we win the war against the North, our original goals of 'Interrogating the Aids' and 'Reclaiming Dia' will be easy to achieve.

　However, it's too far off.
　It's too uncharacteristic of Rastiara.
　I thought so.

　Rustyala accepted my suspicion and turned to the girls standing beside me.

...... Of course. Now, that's not the only reason I'm here.

　Before I can question him, he tells me why.

This past year, many things have happened. It's partly because I can't keep up with everyone's strength anymore, but I also want to stay behind to protect these 'magic stone humans' (kazoku). ...... These children are like they were born because of me. ...... I think I have a responsibility to help them. And I also think it's a fight that only I can fight.

　The girls blushed as Rustyala, the senior member of the 『Magic Stone Human (Jewelculus)』, looked at them. They were embarrassed with a mixture of gratitude and admiration on their faces.
　Looking at their reactions, it was clear that there was a rather deep bond between these girls and Rustiala.

　It's easy to imagine Rustyala rescuing the girls who would have been treated unfairly in this country. Over the past year, she would have been helping people like a hero.

　Even if he fell behind against the "Guardian (Id)", "Governing King (Lord)" and "Apostle (Sith)", there's no way Rastiara would have fallen behind if it was any other enemy. I can see him defending the 'Magic Stone Man (Jewelculus)' with his words and power, just like he did when he got rid of Feydert earlier.

　A little - I'm beginning to understand what Rustyala is talking about.
　In other words, he's talking about the right person in the right place.
　Here, Rustiala can save a lot of people. It can also provide logistical support for Maria and the others. It's not wise to go up against an enemy that's too powerful and overpowered. That's why it's wise to leave an enemy that is too powerful to be left to those who can defeat it - there's nothing wrong with that.

　There's nothing wrong with that - but it's not wrong.
　I don't want to admit that I'm not wrong, so I get confirmation.

'Is that really your intention ......?　You're not lying, are you?　Actually, it's not like the example tiara ceremony or anything weird, is it?
'Haha, nothing weird is going on, so don't worry. I'm here of my own volition. I mean, you don't have to look at me like that. I'm always here, and Kanami can come and see me whenever she wants, okay?　Why do you look like that?

　That's right.
　Nothing is a parting of the ways in this lifetime.

　There's no room for rebuttal.
　I looked at Sera-san behind me as if clinging to her, but she didn't say anything while her mouth was tied. As usual, she seems to be putting Lastiara first.
　Ragne is the same. She doesn't seem to be willing to interrupt until she goes beyond her role.

''--......!

　I feel a strange sense of urgency and a drop of sweat falls from my forehead.
　If I don't say anything at this point, I'll proceed with the arrangements Rastiara has presented.
　I would leave Rastiara here and head to the mainland.
　And there is a part of me that doesn't want to admit to that arrangement.

　Hey, are you sure you want to back down and go through with this ......?

　--There's no way.

　If you leave here, you'll regret it for sure.

　My memories to this day confirm that.

　...... Rastiara was a valued colleague.
　And now that we've come to terms with it, it's become more than just an important companion.
　If you remember, when I woke up in the labyrinth, it was Rastiara who I first met.
　At that time, he saved me when I was dying. It was also thanks to Rastiara that I was able to "level up" for the first time.
　I soon met Rastiara again and started exploring with him. When I was at a low level, the existence of my friends was reassuring. Even though there was a little bit of fear, we were more than a little bit on the same page. When exploring the labyrinth, there was no companion more suitable for me than her.
　And she helped me a lot in the labyrinth.
　Since we made a 'contract', I also did a lot of fun things with Rustyala. We went to festivals together, played together, ate and dined together, and talked about many things. It wasn't just Rastiala; I had fun too. For the first time in another world, I was having fun.
　That's why I went to help Rastiala when he returned to the cathedral, even though I had the "?" skill. ?" skill, I went in to help.
　That's right.
　I'm going to have to do whatever I can to help.
　And then, when I lost my memory, I got my memory back, thanks to the match with Rastiara. If it wasn't for her, I'd still be lost in Lauravia.
　I can vividly remember life on the boat to the mainland.
　We would try out the boat and hug each other, blushing. Practicing magic together. Come to think of it, we even kissed each other's mouths in the labyrinth, even though we were trying to save lives. Just remembering this still makes my heart beat loudly.
　If it weren't for my ego, I'm sure that Rustyala would have felt the same way I did.
　However, the feelings I had at that time were lost with the second skill, "??". It's not a good idea. But now it's different. I'm going to use the "? I have sublimated the "?" into the "Deepest Pledge (Di Cavernator)" and returned.
　Now that I've saved up my feelings for Rastiara twice, my heart is burning three times as much as an ordinary person's.
　And I'm already aware of the true nature of those feelings.
　It's not her strength that I want Rastiara to follow me.
　It's a different reason.
　I already knew that before I fought Palinkron that day. That's why I promised Rastiara that day that I would come back to tell her of my feelings.

　Ah, that's right--!
　I've been waiting for this day, this time, this timing, for so long!

　I get up from my chair.
　Then, like 'chanting', I expose all of my mind and spin the words--!

...... and yet!　But I still want you to come with me!
What?

　Rastiara was surprised by my sudden cry.

　There's no need to embellish my words.
　I know I'm being self-serving, which is why I can only shout it in a straightforward manner.

'Come with me!　Even if you don't think you're special, you're already special to me!　I've enjoyed my time traveling with you!　I vividly remember having a great, great deal of fun!　That's why I want to travel with you!　I want to be with you forever and ever!　Because I--!

　I substitute words for everything I've been meaning to tell them since this morning.

　I know that the people around me are surprised by my sudden, raspy voice. If it was me in the past, I would have stepped back, looking at the situation and the expression on their faces.
　But that's not the case anymore.
　There's no way I'm going to stop.
　My heart skipped a beat and my whole body was hot.
　It's unbearably hot, but an icy anxiety is crawling up my spine.
　You can feel the excitement and fear intertwined in the first challenge of your life.
　I feel like I'm going to be paralyzed, even now.

　But with every ounce of strength you can muster, you shake off the cowering feeling.
　If it were this level of fear, I would have overcome it many times.
　I'm not going to be able to get it right.

　--You can 'confess' to Rastiara!


I am!　Because I love you!


　I love you and I want you to stay with me.

　Yes, I said clearly.

　Rustyala's mouth dropped open in surprise.
　It was only natural. I explained so intelligently why I couldn't accompany you, but what came back was an emotional confession.
　It was also a too straightforward confession with no thought of frills or moods.

　It's a good thing that you're not going to be able to get a good deal more than you think.
　The skin that had been crystal clear and white a moment ago is now covered with hot blood.
　Rastiara restlessly swept her eyes to the right and left, her body trembling. You can see that she is giddy with her thoughts.
　However, she quickly fixed both her eyes and her body and stared back into my eyes.

'...... Ho, really (...)?'

　And then, shaking a little, I ask back with a pout.
　Like a small animal, he questions the truth of my words with confidence.

　Really, because--?
　Are you saying these thoughts are fake?　
　That's not all!　It can't be true--!

'Oh, it's so obvious!　Aikawa Uzumi likes a girl named Rustyala (・・・・・・) Foozeyers!　So, y'know, y'know, this is how I'm asking you out!

　I repeat, I confess.
　There's no turning back now.

　But I think I've made the best choice I can make right now.
　Unlike one day, I didn't cheat myself or put it off.
　If I hadn't been able to confess today, I might not have gotten the chance to do it again. I think I would have gracefully expressed my feelings at the perfect time.
　So I have no regrets about the answer I received.
　There is no way to regret.

　I thought so, but...

----!

　After the second confession, Rustyala's expression changed.
　However, the look didn't fit any of my predictions.
　It was a face I had never seen before (・・・・・・・・・・) (・・・・).

　His mouth seemed to be loose and happy, and his eyebrows seemed to be secretly sad.
　But only his eyes were sharp - staring at me.
　I can clearly sense what lies behind those golden eyes. It's an overflowing emotion that can't be hidden.

　It's neither joy nor sadness.
　It's the kind of emotion that falls under the category of "anger" if you separate joy, anger and sorrow.

　--I'm not going to be able to get rid of it.

　I was puzzled.
　It was an unpredictable reaction.
　And then, at the end of it all, Rustiala lowers her eyes and returns the answer to her confession.
　Very simply.
　Clearly.
　I answer.


''--But I don't like Aikawa Uzumi (・・・・・・・・・), I guess (...)


　What came back was a 'no' -
　This one too was a straightforward 'refusal' without embellishment.

　Rustyala was angered by my heartfelt 'confession' - and then she rejected it.
　I couldn't understand the sequence of events, but I couldn't keep up with it.
　The furious expression on my face cracked and I was forced to let out a pitiful voice.

''What, what--?''

　With me, who has not caught up with my understanding, Rustyala explains the reason for this in a matter-of-fact manner while raising her eyes, which had been downcast. ...... with a slightly angry voice.　

''I'm not lying. I hate Uzurinami for leaving us that day. I didn't say anything weird, did I?

　I can't say anything back.
　A year ago I declared that I would come back after winning the Palinkron, but in the end I couldn't leave.

　Rastiara should be saying something very reasonable ......, but his words don't fall well on my ears.

　I didn't even know what I was looking at right now.
　I made up my mind that I wouldn't regret whatever answer I got, but I couldn't move my mouth properly and could only stiffen.

　Stealthily, I felt a sense of emptiness, as if the flesh of my chest had been gouged out.
　Thanks to the sensation I'm used to, I can immediately tell it's the effect of a mental shock.
　I just can't handle ...... it well, even though I should be used to it.　
　And it's easy to see why.

　Somewhere in the back of my mind, I must have thought that Rustyala would not have refused to confess.
　Arrogantly and unilaterally, I had hoped that even after a year had passed, our heart connection would still be there. He had the ...... naive idea that Lastiara would definitely take his outstretched hand. I hadn't properly understood the weight of the battle a year ago.

　He was stunned by the shock, as if a hole had been created in his body and mind. And when I don't say anything back, Rustyala gives me an alternative.

'...... I can't, but you can take one of the different successes (girlfriends) with you. There are plenty of girls out there that look like me.

　I manage to tell Rustyala, who is trying to prepare a replacement, with a shiver in my throat that it's not possible.

'Yeah, it's not ......!　That's not what I'm talking about!　You know what I mean!　It would have to be you, of course!　I want to be here with you!
'But the other kids and I aren't much different. ...... And besides, I'm not as nice as Kanami thinks I am. For a long time I only saw Kanami as the main character of a book. I never saw Kanami herself. I just saw her as one of the main characters in one of the many books ....... So if I got bored with the book (the story), I'd throw it away immediately. That's just the kind of guy I am.

　While explaining why, Rustyala's expression changes.
　Little by little, it goes from an angry expression back to a smile, and finally, a fragile smile--

'I'm sure that me and Kanami's books are now separate books. That's all. So that 'deal' is over.

　Even the 'contract' we shouted at each other in the cathedral is terminated.
　The connection that existed between me and Rustyala is severed and we are told that we are walking on a different path.

'Oh, the end--?'

　The confusion in my head accelerated with that sudden and merciless pronouncement.
　Rastiara's 'refusal' had precisely destroyed my support, and I had nothing more to fall back on. I didn't know how to resist this reality anymore.

　Maybe it's because I'm not in combat: ....... I can't get my head around it well.
　This time, it's not just a matter of keeping your thoughts strong. It's not that you shouldn't give up. So I don't know what the solution is.

　I can't find a way out, but my heart just gets colder and colder to no end. My breathing gets shallower and shallower. Disgusting sweat continues to flow from my palms. I feel like scratching my throat.
　I don't know why, but it makes me want to die so badly. I want to jump. I want to disappear.

　People I love tell me they hate me.
　It just makes the world so - and so much darker - ......

Good luck with your fight against the Guardian (Guardian) Aide and the Apostle Sith: ...... Good luck, Kanami. I'm here to support you. So go to .......

　The world has become dark and very far away, but I can only hear Rustyala's voice.

'Goodbye (・・・・・・).'

　The only word I heard clearly was 'farewell'.
　It was the word 'refusal' followed by 'farewell'.
　I felt like my heart was being cut to the core.

　This is how my 'confession' ended, and Rustyala's response to it also ended.

　Seeing me standing there, Rustyala says there is nothing more to say to me and tries to leave.
　I can't stop her.
　Rustyala said to the girls next to me, "Make sure you have your guests' patience. Also, please show them the way home," she says to Sera, "Give Kanami and the others permission to use the ship in Gliard. Also, make them a letter of introduction," he said, and I heard his words, but I couldn't stop him. I can only watch the situation progress.

　And as I let the situation drift away, I'm slowly coming to grips with it.

　That I had confessed to Rastiara for the first time in my life and had been successfully rejected.
　That what might have been my first love - that it had been crushed.

　As I watch the darkened world move on, I understand that reality - ......