We called at the cork at the eastern end of the mainland and immediately went through the formalities for the ship "Living Legend".
　But thanks to Chloe, it went very smoothly. In reality, a ship as large as the Living Legend would have required a lot of screening, but we were able to use our position to our advantage and were exempted.

　Then, after getting off the ship and setting foot in the port city, we set out on our respective objectives.

　However, I have a good idea of where my friends are at the tea party on the ship. Instead of going into town, I decide to ask Chloe-san, who is close by, for guidance.

''--Well, do you want to meet with Snow-sama ......?''
'Yes, sir. I need to meet with her as soon as possible. I know her at one point, so if you can just tell her I'm here, I'm sure she'll be fine. ......
Yes, I do know from the rumor that Kanami-sama and Snow-sama are not only acquainted ...... but are also good friends. But immediately?　And since Master Snow is treated as the commander-in-chief of the entire northern battlefield, it's not so easy--
'I got a letter of introduction from the Allies, can't this help?'
'Oh, I see there was an official procedure from the state. Then I will check it out.

　As the sailors hurriedly unload their cargo, I handed them the letter of introduction that Serra had given me.
　Chloe-san looks at it ...... and her face gradually turns blue.

''What ......, is this Snow-sama's 'dismissal letter' ......?　How did you get to ...... so quickly?

　Rastiara asked me to take Snow with me. In other words, that would mean removing me from my current position.
　The letter of introduction stated that Snow would accompany us, and that the hole would be filled in due course.

...... Well, the people who will be replenished were apparently selected from the Hoosiers, so you can rest assured that they will be carefully selected. We may not have as many people as Snow, but I've heard they're willing to accommodate quite a few.
No, no, no, ......, no one could ever replace Lady Snow with--

　Chloe looked like she was in shock and didn't seem to hear me.
　I could tell from the time I was on board that Snow was a proud boss, but this was a bit unusual. I thought the conversation would go more easily, but it might be a struggle.

''-- Chloe-sama!　Report!

　Just then, a man came running from the city, shouting.
　It was not a man from the ship, but this cork soldier.

''Su, excuse me, Kanami-sama. We'll talk about this a bit later: ......'

　From the flurry of activity, I nodded my head and stepped back.
　Immediately, the soldiers report back to me.

''That monster is coming towards us from the west!　There are only one, not ten, but it's still a threat. I'm planning to intercept them with the personnel currently in 'Fort Sainte-Corque', but if possible, please give Chloe-sama's instructions as well.
That monster?
'Yes, sir. Snow-sama should have been on hand to intercept them, but even so, there was a leak. Lady Snow hasn't come back yet.
...... Let's try to deal with it calmly. I'm sure Master Snow believed that we could handle just one of them. We'll earn that trust.

　Chloe-san replied without losing her expression. But I, who can use the 《Dimension》, can understand how upset she is. Right now, this city is in danger.

　I immediately unfold the Dimension according to the direction that the soldiers reported - and find it.


[Monster] Centidreadnought: rank 32


　It's a giant centipede that swims in the sky.
　I thought it was a monster I'd seen before. As I recall, it was the one that flew in the sky when we fought the Palinkulon in the middle of the mainland.
　Certainly, if ordinary people were to fight that one, it would be a big deal. The rank was 32--there were about ten of the upper echelons of the Allied labyrinth explorers. I doubt if this city has that much strength.

　Using the expanded Dimension, I try to measure the city's strength. At that time, Kounel, who was right behind me, speaks to me.

''Hmm, there's a cloud of doubt. But if you're the chairman, you'll know more about what's going on than the reports there, right?
Yeah, there's a large flying monster heading towards the city. There's one in the southwest corner of the city, 15 kilometers away.

　She wanted information, so I'll give it to her lightly.
　When she heard that, she nodded her head yes and muttered.

''I knew it. If you're with the chairman, of course you do this level of happenings.

　Then she slowly slid away from me with her sliding feet.
　When I turned around to see what that line meant, Kounel-chan was just holding the legitimate princess in her arms and running like a de-rabbit.

''--But this is a chance!　It's now or never!　I'll get away with it.　I pray that we will never see each other again in a distant land!

　With that sudden sprint, the people who are supposed to be the guards followed in a hurry.
　They're either used to Kounell's bizarre behavior, or they're used to it again.

　I sigh at her brilliant escape, and Titty is indignant.

'Ah!　He's finally getting away!　...... What are you going to do about it, Kanamin. Will the monster be dealt with by the child and that one be chased by Kanami?

　If it's a chase, I'm better suited to it. However, I didn't want to go after her who really wanted to run away that badly.

'No, let's just let her be. You really don't like us. Let's just think it's enough to know that there's someone alive for a thousand years this time.
Mmm. I've been wanting that one.

　Titty puffs out her cheeks with a pooch, unhappy with the decision.

'Be patient. But for now, let's focus on that monster. There's a chance of death over here.
That's right. The boys will have to shoot him down lightly.

　I puffed out my cheeks, but easily retreated. Titi must know that Kounel-chan really doesn't like it. She immediately begins to put together the math for defeating the monsters.

It's a good idea for you to go and kill the monsters. If it's a flying monster, he's the one for it.
No, I'll do it. I said I'd get the next big one. I've got a few things I want to try out on this monster.

　Also, I don't want to talk about it, but I'm worried about the damage to the city. If Titi fights, there's no telling what will happen in the aftermath. Honestly, if we're going to fight quietly, I'm the one who's better suited to it.
　Soon we decide on a plan of action and try to pass it on to Chloe, who is directing the soldiers around us. She seemed very busy, so I put the soldier between us.

''-- Um, Chloe-sama ....... Well, Kanami-sama has offered to help you, but ......
Kanami-sama?　That's a nice story, but ......

　Perhaps our pride does not allow us, the guests, to rely on us.
　I have no choice but to appeal to them in as 'heroic' a manner as possible.

Don't worry, Chloe. There is an 'Ayikawakanami Christ Eurasian Waldhusiers von Walker' for times like these. I'll go in there and take care of it. You guys don't have to go through the motions.

　It's a production of 'heroes' that I can't bear to sit on the sidelines like this.
　Seeing this, Chloe-san is dumbfounded and lets out a voice.

''Well, again, just like Snow-sama--''

　It was only a moment before she was stunned.
　She quickly regained her military self and bowed her head deeply.

''Then please ....... Of course, we'll have our troops waiting in the rear, so we won't leave you to your own devices.''

　And then Chloe's eyes turned to me as she looked up at me.
　It was as if she was expecting something, as if she was yearning for something.
　I nodded back, thinking that maybe I belonged to the same genus as Elmiraad Siddharth, who enjoyed hero viewing.

''Then let's go. I guess we'd better hurry.''
Yes, sir. I've just finished giving you the general organizing instructions here too.

　Chloe collects the soldiers. In the short time he has now, he seems to have separated the soldiers who remain in the city from those who are going to intercept them.
　Reassured by her swift hand, she walks down Cork's widest main street while verbally confirming the nearby geography and situation.

　Naturally, a line of soldiers with materialistic equipment forms on the main street. In addition, soldiers from the "fort" that received Chloe-san's message also join the reinforcements on the way, and it becomes a long line.

　As I was walking around thinking about my strategy, I saw the townspeople passing by pointing at me and talking about something. I lightly check the 《Dimension》 and see that they are rumoring that the hero of the settlement has visited us. He is looking at me expectantly, saying that that hero is going to join the 'Boundary War'.

　Indeed, the situation might look like me and Titi leading the troops. Thinking it's best not to spend too much time, I rush Chloe and the others out of the city.
　Next, I begin to move to the plains that are most suitable for the interceptions I calculated with 《Dimension》. Perhaps thanks to the high level of training of the soldiers, that movement was done in a short time.

　Thus, a kilometer southwest of the city of Cork is set up.

"-- Chloe. Let's wait here. Everyone please stay in the rear. I'll fight first, but if anything happens, I'll need your help.
I understand. Master Kanami.

　I walked slowly and moved away from the taut camp. I've asked for help if it happens, but to be clear, it won't be my turn. It would be Titi's turn then, and that would mean the plains would be blown up.

　I walked and looked at the sky.
　I know the exact direction the monster is flying.
　The Dimension knows the current position and altitude, the speed of the monster's flight, the time of its arrival, the direction and speed of the wind which could be an uncertain factor, the temperature and humidity, and everything else.

　I'm going to examine that information and confirm the magic and equipment I'm going to use.
　I'm sorry to the people behind me who think this is a big deal for the city, but for me it's just a preparatory exercise before the guardian battle of the id, the guardian.

''--Dimensional Magic [Shift].

　The newly acquired magic 《Shift》.
　The line of magic power that causes that shift is clothed in the 'Aleiss family's treasure sword Lowen' held in my right hand. With this--

The magic of the Flamberge.

　-- sometime high difficulty magic is easier to use.
　At the time of Palinclone, it was a magic that required a strong will and a large amount of magic power, but it succeeded very easily. Drinking up a lot of magic stones has affected the existing magic as well.

''Alright, that's good. Now all that's left is the equipment.''

　And at this time, a large black shadow could be seen from the sky ahead of us as we walked.
　The monster centidreadnought appeared at exactly the time I predicted and exactly the right time.

　Little by little, I increase my walking speed and run out across the plain. At that moment, my consciousness was focused on myself, not the enemy. My hands and feet to be precise - the 'Chrome Glove' and the 'Megistus Boots'.

　They both fit in like the beloved clothes I've been using all my life.
　I can feel the threads of magic stones woven into those gloves and shoes reacting to my magical power.

　It's easy to move.
　My feet can easily step on the dirt and my hands can easily grip the sword.

　I increase my running speed to wherever I am running, thanking Mr. Alivers for his help.
　In an instant, the shadows in the sky take on a definite outline, and I see that it is a huge hundred feet. It seemed to be the same on the other side. The centimeter dreadnought moves its clawed, fang-covered mouth and howls as it spots me, its enemy.

　And with that, I kicked the earth - and jumped.

　It's a high jump, and it feels like a long jump.
　But this is not a proper one, as it is done today. The one who jumps is a different creature that was transformed by the 'magic power conversion (level up)' of another world. I'm not sure I'm going to be the only one who can do that.

"-- Magic 《Default》!

　To the measurement of that high jump and long jump, foul play is added.
　Space distorts and contracts, and a mere leap is elevated to another means of transportation, like instantaneous travel.
　Then, in an instant, I am fleshed out by the centimeter dreadnought that was flying a kilometer away in the sky. At the same time, the magic sword arcs in a white line.

　First, the abdomen of the centipede dreadnought is slashed sideways and its body is split in two. Of course, the sword flashes haven't stopped yet. Continuing on, more than ten kesa slashes are released from every direction.
　There was no time to resist or scream, the enemy had no choice but to fall from the sky.

　As it fell, it was slashed into pieces, and by the time it hit the earth, its huge body had been split into a hundred pieces.

　With a thump, I landed on the ground as well.
　The impact reverberated through my legs and reached my brain. But it's not unbearable. It's probably because of my too strong body and the power of my Megistus Boots.

' ...... Fufu. I'm glad it worked out.

　He took a breath and checked the monster he had defeated.
　The dismembered centidreadnought was still alive.
　Naturally. 《Shift》 and 《Dimensional Severing Sword (Di Flamberge)》 are magic that causes shifting, and have no physical attack power. Therefore, instead of slashing the enemy's body, they only disrupted their sense of flight by shifting.
　If the centimeter dreadnought could correctly recognize and calculate the shift, it would be able to move, but with this monster's intelligence, it seems impossible.

　With only its head, the centipede dreadnought continued to let out a weak cry.

''Is it okay to kill this ......?　No, I'm going to keep it that way anyway: ......

　It's a bit pitiful, but if you ask me, it's a species that has attacked the city many times.
　I dismissed it as a race for survival and decided to wait for Chloe and the others in the rear.

　As soon as they saw the centimeter dreadnought fall to the ground, they all came with their troops. And when Chloe-san sees the monster's situation, she is surprised.

''Ka, Kanami-sama ....... What kind of state is this in ......?
I used dimensional magic to displace the body. Anyway, I tried to capture him alive, but it didn't work?
'Capture, ......?　Indeed, you may be grateful for the capture. You can examine the weaknesses of this pesky monster. However, I've never done anything like this before, so it's doubtful I'll be able to make good use of this: ......

　With relief that the crisis was over, he discussed the future with Chloe.
　Just in the middle of it all, Titi, who was looking at the centimeter dreadnought with amusement, suddenly looked up at the sky. She reacted with the agility of a cat.

　Feeling the wind on the plains, her expression is grim.
　It was the first face she'd seen since she'd been on the ground.

''--Kanamin!

　And then she called my name.
　I break off my conversation with Chloe and listen to her, amazed that someone could make Titty look like that.

'What's the matter with you all of a sudden?'
There's a child-level flyer coming this way!
'Like Titi?　Which direction is it?

　Since the battle was over, he had narrowed the scope of the Dimension. He immediately tried to expand it, but it was denied.

''There's no more time to check it with the Dimension!　For now, get ready!

　Spitting those words out, Titi spread her wings through the gap in her clothes and flew.
　A gust of wind blows upward as Titi soars into the sky.
　Continuing on, more gusts of wind blow. It was a gust from the direction in which the centimeter dreadnought had appeared - a gust to the side.

''Stop for a moment!　You're a nobody!

　I see a small object coming through the sky at a speed that exceeds the centimeter dreadnought.
　Titi stood in the direction of the object's progress, urging it to stop.

　With a sudden brake, the apparent being stops in mid-air.
　Then, the figure is shown to all of them.

'Wings that Shine in Green ......?　In this hurry: ......!

　It was a familiar voice and a familiar face.
　A girl was spreading her blue wings. Unlike Titi's feather-centered green wings, her blue wings closely resembled those of a dragon species (dragon). They sprouted from between the multiple layers of traditional clothing and a large, majestic cloak.
　The girl's long hair is a slightly lighter blue. Her eyes are a little languid, but I can sense a strong, fiery will from the cherry-red color of her eyes.

　Immediately I scream out.

'Wait, Titi!　That's Snow!　It's Snow Walker!　It's not our enemy!

　He shouts from the earth for both of them to hear.
　Hearing that, Titty falters in her wariness, "What?" and Snow's mouth pops open.

''--What?''

　Snow looks at me as if she's seeing something unbelievable.
　I could tell that she still hadn't fully accepted the situation, and Chloe continued with her explanation.

'Lord Snow!　Welcome home!　But there's no need to hurry anymore!　Master Snow's friend Kanami has taken out the enemy!

　Hearing his own colleague's words, and realizing that this was not a fantasy scene, Snow, who had come to a complete stop, slowly started to move.

'What, eh ......?　Huh?　Is that ......?

　He utters a question mark over and over again, and with a flap, he slows down his wings and comes down to the ground.
　Then, with its feet on the ground, it slowly approaches me.

　--And now, a year later, the blue dragon girl, Snow Walker and I meet again.

　Snow calls out her name as if to confirm it.

'Ka, nami ......?'
Yeah, it's me. I'm sorry, Snow. I was late getting back.

　I would call his name back and say my apologies first.
　First and foremost, I knew I should. This is confirmed by the tears that flow from Snow's eyes in the next moment.

　Snow fills both eyes with tears.
　He can no longer see anything but me.
　He screamed out his name repeatedly, as if there was nothing else to say.

'Ugh, wow, wow!　Ka-Kanami--!　Kanamikanami Kanami!　My kanami!　It's Kanami! ----!

　Sobbing and sobbing, Snow comes right in front of me.

'Ugh, ugh ......!　I believed it!　I believed it!　I swore to Kanami that I wouldn't give up anymore, so I kept believing and working hard all year long!　I worked really, really hard on this--!

　From his cries, he learned a part of the year's hard work.
　However, my colleagues around me seem to have learned another part of the story.

''Su, Lord Snow ......!

　Many soldiers, including Chloe, were surprised to see their own top abomination. From their reactions, they could see for the first time that they had seen Snow's pathetic appearance - and how well she had fought for the past year.

　So there was no way he could avoid her hug.

'Kanami, praise!　Pat me on the head!　Stroke, stroke, stroke, stroke!　Petting and praising me a lot!

　If that scream is a year's worth, then so is that indulgence.
　Leaving his entire body to me, Snow asks me to look up at him from below.
　I can't refuse it.

　But I can't completely ignore the eyes of the people around me, so...

Oh, yeah, I'm petting you. See, I'm stroking you. So, just relax for a minute. No, I'm pretty sure I was wrong: ......!　There's no doubt about it, but it would be great if you could calm down: ......!

　He strokes Snow's head as if to soothe her.
　The gazes of the people around me looking at it are painful.
　However, only Titi comes down from the sky with an amused expression.

''Oh, oh?　She is quite a eccentric girl. It's a loss to be wary of her. But, hmmm ....... It looks vaguely like Seldora's ....... Her character is too different. She's more like a child.

　All the while, Snow presses her body into mine to spoil me. Perhaps because of her monstrous strength, she's about to fall backwards at any moment, but she's still desperately straining her legs to hold on.

Kanamiii!　Heh, heh, heh!
Yeah, great. Really good. You've done well, Snow. In fact, I really mean it.

　He praised Snow from the bottom of his heart.

　When we parted, I told Snow that I would leave everyone in charge. And from what I've heard from Rastiara, she has fulfilled that admirably. Furthermore, I can see that she has worked very hard in many places to do what she could.
　She hasn't stopped or neglected to move forward.

　--That Snow (・・・・・・).

　I continue to pat Snow's head, feeling a little emotional.
　That's when Chloe-san finally comes to herself and approaches me with a weak step.

''Su, Snow-sama ......, what in the world is that person ......?''
'Yes!　It's my husband I've been looking for for a long time. Ehehe.

　To which Snow replied with a big smile.
　He didn't wipe away the tears that were streaming down his face, and with a disheveled smile, he bragged about me to his own staff.

　I thought that this was the moment when everything Snow had built up over the past year was going to collapse.
　I thought it was a bit of a shame, but I also thought it was inevitable.
　The dignity he must have built up was too much for him.

　On the other hand, Chloe and her friends don't seem to think that Snow is a good fit. They shouted loudly and crowded in.

'Sir!　Ki, keep your head up!
What?　I'm not crazy, okay?　Chloe knows about the heroics of the frontier, right?　Kanami is the one who freed me from bondage. She's the one who blew up my house, my fiancé, everything. So, sir. Ehehe.

　Resurrecting a nickname that had been sealed in the past, Snow introduces me to everyone.
　The clarity of her speech proves her sanity and makes those around her simply cringe.

　But amidst the raptures, there is one person who shows anger. Chloe, who was probably the closest and most respectful of Snow, was glaring at me.

''This is that legendary natural womanizing hero, 'Aika Wakanami Christ Eurasian Waldhusiers von Walker'--!

　Yeah. This is bad.
　I wanted to keep praising Snow as much as possible, but I realized that it was time to stop.

'Hey, Kanami. A story, a story!　And listen to my hard work!　Listen and praise!　Praise, praise, praise!　And fall in love with it again!　Marry me if you can!　Or children!

　I also notice that Snow is starting to break through many of his limits as well.

Well, okay, let's settle down again, Snow. Breathe, breathe, breathe. It's time for me to get my social standing back on track. Very, very bad.
Yeah, I'm calm, okay?　Now that we're settled, why don't we get back to the city?

　Unable to wait to chat with me, Snow giddily turns back to the cork.

'No, you have a lot of things to do. Like that monster over there.

　He pointed at the motionless centimeter dreadnought.
　Then Snow, after hesitating for a bit, slowly approached and shook his fist down.

'......ei.'

　The head of the sticky centimeter dreadnought was crushed.

''Ah.''
Okay, done. Work's over. So, let's go back to the cork first. We can talk about it later.

　Snow laughs with the monster's return blood on his cheek.
　Everyone except me gasped at his hesitant action.

　I've grown up, but it seems that I'm still the same in some ways.

　But why are my friends so good at sending shivers down people's spines?
　However, I've gotten used to this kind of thing myself, so I'm no longer upset by this degree. ......

　With such calmness in my hand, Snow waded through the soldiers and headed for the cork. On the way there, like a boss, he gives instructions to Chloe and the others.

''Ah, from today onwards, you are not to enter my room without permission. This is an order from the Commander-in-Chief. If you break it, you will be punished to the extreme. Or I will cry.
'You're going to cry, Snow-sama!　...... No, I've been told I'm not allowed to enter, but I'm about to get a report on monster defeats and the hospitality of the princesses of Sestia and Legia!

　Chloe scowled at the incomprehensible command.

Hmm. Then you have until morning. It's until tomorrow morning, please. Especially at night. Just don't come in at night!
'Dear Lord Snow, please refrain from saying that!　Now you are the head of the 'Cork', the commander-in-chief of all of the 'Confederacy' and the 'hero' that people want to see!

　Chloe was doing everything she could to stop Snow from walking home at her own pace.
　From her voice and face, I could tell that she was trying with all her might to get Snow back to normal.

　However, Snow's--.

Yeah, well, you know. Hmm. ......

　He groaned, hesitated ...... and finally got bothered with a smile on his face.

'So, can I stop being a commander-in-chief and a hero now?'

　--in front of his own men, he asked to retire.

'Master Snow ah! ----!

　Chloe screamed and a groan went through the soldiers.
　The heroes they were relying on were going to stop being heroes. It was only natural.

　In that scream, I just missed it.
　Emotions that I hadn't felt during Rastiara's time.

　This is what Snow is.
　She's lazy, uninhibited, a runaway, and at her core, a useless person. That's what makes her who she is.

　I know I have to follow up with Chloe and the others.
　But I couldn't help but smile at the thought of one of my friends finally coming back.