Shh, that's great. I can use it to punish the people who always ignore me.

　Sis seems to understand the mechanics of the 'contract' correctly, and is enthusiastic to try to imitate it elsewhere. As a developer, I have a word of caution.

As a developer, I'll give you a heads up: "As I'm sure you understand, a 'contract' needs to be agreed upon by both parties. You can't make a 'contract' unilaterally, you know.
'Humph. I know!　Just make the other side nod yes!
I think it's a lot harder than you think, Sith. ......

　I would advise you again, but I'm not listening to Sis-san anymore.
　He was talking to himself, naming names (including the name of his supposed companion, Diprakra), wondering to whom he would offer the "contract" to.

　As I watched from nearby, Sis-san, who had been grinning all the time, suddenly turned to me and said

I knew Kanami was special. You deserve a little praise.

　She speaks sullenly - and shyly - which is unusual for her.

'She doesn't make any funny faces when she listens to me, and she takes me seriously to the end. She'll be waiting for me the next day with a good answer ready, and she's terribly serious about her duties as a person .......

　From his words, I can guess a bit about how Sith-san is being treated in this castle.

''Hey, Kanami. Why?　Why does Uzumi take me so seriously?

　I couldn't immediately think of the right words to say to Sis-san, who was staring at me.

''Why? ....... It's probably ....... I think it's because we're friends.

　But the answer I came up with after hesitation never seemed wrong.

'My friend ......?'　What friend is that friend?
'Yes. It's about the people you talk to and hang out with.
'Mmmm ......!　I may be consulting with you, but I don't remember playing around with you. I've always been a big, serious missionary. Unlike Diprakra and Legacy, hard work is what I'm sold on!
'Maybe Sis, but ...... I'm a bit different. It's a lot of fun talking to Mr. Sis.

　For someone like me, someone as pure as Sis-san is painful to watch. She doesn't hide anything and genuinely conveys her feelings as they are. That's what makes talking with her so much fun. Really.

'Fun ......?　I wonder if I'm having fun too ......?　No, if I had fun, I would never admit to playing ....... I've decided I'm not going to forget my mission, even in death.
I know. But don't you sometimes relax and forget about your mission and all that?　You'll get tired if you're always looking over your shoulder.
'Ha!　This I forget the mission of the apostle!　That's the only thing that will ever happen!　Because I'm an apostle of justice!　Seigi no ne!

　It was my own thoughtful advice, but Sis-san threw it away boldly.

　In front of that, I make a troubled face and say, "Hmm. Then, after a bit of hesitation, she concedes and accepts a part of it.

'--but, well, ....... I don't play, but I can admit that we're ...... friends at least part of the time. I'll give you special forgiveness for Uzumi.

　Ms. Sis laughed back at me with the words I wanted most, though stoutly.

　She was out of character, out of touch with human sensibilities, a sycophantic, selfish woman - but she had a smile that showed that she was not a bad person. I called her name with a bit of emotion.

'Sis-san: ......'
"Uzumi, you don't need to use honorifics anymore. ...... I mean, Uzumi sometimes lost the honorific title. His Japanese is not as good as mine.
Thanks for the ....... Honestly, I just thought there was something weird about using honorific language to talk to Sis.
'It's special special. Uzumi is a 'gentile' and not an ordinary person, so that means he can be equal to me, the apostle.
'I'm special ......?　That's a bit of a shame: ......

　To the Sith, I'm not a normal person, so they say I'm safe.

'Pity?　Why ......?
He said, "He wants Sis to have a friend who is a normal person one day, and to be able to laugh at normal people ....... That's what I'm hoping for .......
...... Yeah?　I'm sorry, but I'll never, ever come to you then. Because I am an 'apostle'. A being who was made to stand above others!　I'll never be equal to people!

　But I hope that the fact that you accept me as your friend will be an opportunity for you to change little by little.
　Maybe it's because I've only just heard that she was born, but I've been thinking about it as if I were looking at a big sister. It may be a big deal, but I keep talking.

'No, it doesn't have to be Imaugu, ....... Someday, after the Sith have done all their mission and everything, I'll be able to ......
'After I complete my mission ......?　I hadn't thought of that. ......

　Perhaps the best way to change the Sith's values is to make her imagine herself as a non-apostle.
　It's uncomfortable, like tricking a child, but when I try to guide her thoughts - I find them sneaking around and talking in the distance.

'Did you see that, Tiara? That's your brother's usual modus operandi. You see a little bit of a fragile girl, and he hits on her right away. Sis has been hitting on me since day one. ...... This morning, she was also trying to drop the castle maid. Do you understand how I feel about being that one's sister?
'What?　I thought it was a good story, though?　Master wants the apostles to have something to look forward to other than the mission they were born with, right?
'No, Tiara. Don't be fooled. It's a pretense, and the truth is that I just want to make out with a beautiful blonde. That brother.
'Heh. ....... Oh, I know that one from the book. It's called a seducer. Master is a seducer, isn't he?
'Correct!　...... haha. Quirky, Tiara. You're smart and cute!

　Yotaki had blown something very unexpected to Tiara. I had no choice but to move away from Sis-san and try to move to stop Yotaki--

'Hey, Yotaki ....... Teach Tiara something weird--"Sith!　Are you here?!

　Before he could say it, he was interrupted by the sound of the hall's entrance door being violently opened.

'Diprakra?　What's going on?　So much hurry.

　Sis-san looks at her colleague who had the same entry manner as her and returns the question.

　I felt the same way, so I stopped talking to Yotaki and watched the two of them. It's rare that the always calm Diprakra-san is this distraught.

''--The guy (...) is here. I have to go to the defense, so help yourself.

　It wasn't very calm.
　I didn't understand what it meant, but Sith-san was different and started to get upset as well.

I'm going to be the first to admit that I'm not a fan of ......?　That body is already healed ......!
Yes, faster than before. You seem to be getting more vital every day.

　As you might have guessed, the person who fought the Apostles before appears and is in a hurry.
　It must not be unrelated to me, who has a cooperative relationship with the apostles.

'Excuse me, Mr. Diprakra. Can you explain to us as well?
Mmm, vortex waves. ...... Perfect. Let me tell you about him.

　He seemed to be in a hurry to realize that we were there now.

　Diprakra took a deep breath and told us three, who didn't know what was going on, the details of the situation.

A man named Serdra is trying to force his way into our Lord's office in the 'deepest part' of the world. We need to intercept him. After all, the Lord is weak and vulnerable. If you allow him to make contact, there is no telling what will happen.

　An intruder in the 'deepest' part of the world.
　With that one word, I understood the danger of the thing (thing).

　As for the Lord of the Apostles, I've been briefed to a certain extent over the past few days.
　His name is Noi El Lieberrul. It seems that he is an immortal being, a god-like being who has been watching over this other world for a long time. That god is the one that has been weakening, so the 'circulating ability' of the stars has fallen, and the world is in this state now. If Lord Noi were to lose his life in an accident, that would be the end of the world.

''Is this Seldra person strong?''
He's a dragon witch. "He's strong, he's a dragon wizard. He's probably the most powerful man in the world right now.

　The most powerful man in the world.
　He must be quite a man to let Mr. Di Prakula, who chooses his words carefully, assure me so.

　But before I could break out in a cold sweat, Diprakra-san continued with a further explanation.

''But there's no need to worry that much. Our apostles are stronger than that 'strongest' demon, Serdra. Even if they follow the roots of the World Tree (Yggdrasil), they will definitely be able to defeat them before they reach the deepest part. To say the least, they are different in rank (level) as creatures.

　My fears were easily put to rest.
　Surprisingly, it seems that the apostles, including the Sith here, are able to lightly twist the strongest man in the world.

　I knew that the Sith's physical strength was extraordinary, but I didn't know they were that strong. It seems that he is not a representative sent by God.

　Seeing me begin to be optimistic, Diprakra-san nailed it.

But that's just the present stage. Unlike us, who have already completed their work, he is still growing. There may come a time when even the three apostles can't control it. And that's what I fear.

　The quintessential Mr. Diprakra is calm and cautious.
　Unlike the Sith, he is not caught off guard and is looking to the distant future.

''Yotaki is slowly but surely becoming able to move ....... Uzumi is also growing rapidly ...... as a spell user. This attack is not a problem this time, but if, in the unlikely event ...... that it happens in the future. Looking ahead, this place is--

　Diprakra-san dropped her gaze and began to ponder with a frown.

　Even in a situation where it's okay to just go out and intercept, he's probably looking for a better option. I'm learning from that attitude as I watch the apostles' conversation.

'Sith. We're going to split up into three groups.
'What?　Three moves, where are you going?
"You and Legacy must head to the World Tree. Handle it well and with just enough force to keep the demon Serdra from growing.
That's all well and good, but what about Diprakra?
I will not leave Foozierd's Land. I can't afford to be away from Foozier's Country in case I'm not here and the country disappears when I come back. It's not a good time to be away from home, and we can't afford to lose our base and Yotaki at this delicate time. --I will stay behind with Yotaki.
'I think you care too much, but ...... well, I get it. So the last one is ......?
"I will have Vortex Wave secretly head northeast to Fania. Then I will have the 'Stealer of Darkness' and the 'Stealer of Fire' brought here secretly.

　My name came up at the very end and I couldn't help but say, "What? I let my voice trail off.
　Sis has the same reaction and asks him strongly what it means.

'Diprakra, are you moving the vortex wave here?　By yourself?　You were the one who told me I needed to work out?
These past few days, Uzumi has become a better magician than we are. His physical abilities are also close to ours. I'm sure he'll be able to withstand the monsters as they move through the streets. ...... Now, you know best why I'm letting Utsuwa go out there alone. This is a mission only Utsuwa can perform.
'............. That may be true, but ......

　But the Sith easily snap.
　I myself, frustrated with myself, have no choice but to ask a strong question.

''Mr. Di Prakula. Why am I alone ......?　If I were to go, I'd like at least one person from the Apostles to follow me: ......
Our apostles are bitterly resented by those who steal from them. When we came in contact with them before, they had no understanding of the subtleties of human emotions. We made him angry. If we went along, they would kill each other just to see us.
'Oh, you said I pissed you off ....... Maybe .......
It's like, "From the top, you should be honored to have been chosen. ...... A little.

　Mr. Diprakra unusually slurred his words and looked away.
　From the way he looked at her, it was clear that he used to have the same attitude as the Sith.

　According to the previous story, the 'Stealers of Reason' have been chosen and therefore each of them have been deprived of something important. It's easy to imagine how much they resent you ...... if you say such things in that state.

That's why no one is following you: ......
Please tell them for us. "Please tell them on our behalf that we're sorry. And that we are deeply sorry. Just those two things. Of course, if you can, we'd like you to join us and bring us here: ......

　Learning from the past, Mr. Diprakra doesn't try to force it. But I'm sure that he is very eager to join up with the 'Stealers of Reason' and cooperate with them.

　I frown and ponder.

''Those people are the same 'things that steal reason' as me and Yotaki, aren't they ......?　A being who can turn the 'demonic poison' of this world into power: ......
Mm. At worst, I can simply be a messenger. Our goal in this case is to make it known that we are ready to receive you in Huzzyaz.
...... I'll be sure to bring him back. It's a plus for me to have more friends here.

　After calculating, he decided to recruit.

　To be honest, I had just felt that I was at a loss for spellcraft development in the past few days.
　I've tried all the spellcasting techniques I can think of with my current knowledge. I've read most of the material in this castle, and I can't even get any new ideas. The apostles were too hard-headed, too good at using existing technology, but not at all good at developing it.

　He glanced at Yotaki, who was nearby.
　He's pale. He coughs occasionally, but if he doesn't exercise or even perform large scale spells, he doesn't suffer from breathing difficulties.

　However, he still hasn't been cured of his constitution to inhale the 'Demon Poison'. They have found a remedy, but it has not stopped the poison from eating away at his body. It's not surprising that his condition could worsen at any time and he could be in danger of death.

　--We need to hurry and move our spell development to the next stage.

　From what I've heard, the other 'reason-stealers' are dealing with unique powers that even the apostles don't understand. He's a good person to get new information and ideas from. And simply put, two more companions with high 'qualities' also means that the speed of spell development will be doubled.

　I don't want to leave Yotaki, but if my sister's healing is my top priority, there's no reason for me to stay here. Even if it's worth the risk, it's worth coming into contact with another 'reason-stealing' group.

　After coming to that conclusion, Diprakra-san gives a slightly misunderstood reply.

'............. ...... While I'm away, I'll concentrate on healing Yangtaki. And I promise to protect you in addition to that. I want you to believe that I'm putting Yotaki's safety ahead of Serdra's interception.
No, I trust you on that. I was better at developing the game than you, but other than that, I'm no match for Di Prakula. The stability is different.

　Mr. Di Prakula matches his appearance - he has the composure of a skilled old doctor.
　Unlike me, who is always upset whenever Yotaki shows a bit of distress, he will treat you without any mistakes.

''So, Diprakra-san. What kind of people are the 'Stealers of the Darkness' and 'Stealers of the Fire' that I'm going to pick up?
...... Similar to Uzumi. I'm sure that as soon as you meet them, you'll recognize that they are your own kind. I'm sorry to say, but I'm sure they'll agree that we're both weak.
'The likes of ......?　Same, vulnerable people: ......

　The Stealers of Reason are weak-minded and have acquired powers unworthy of others.
　Certainly, I can say that they are similar to me now. If that's the case--

'Then I think even I can get along with you ....... So Mr. Di Prakula has decided from the beginning to let me go.
'Yes. That's what we've been expecting from you from the beginning. ...... We originally decided to summon you because we heard from Yotaki that Uzumi is skilled at understanding the weaknesses of others.

　An unexpected name came up and I moved my eyes.

　There was Yotaki, who was nodding strongly while maintaining a smile.
　I understood that not only Di Prakra-san, but also my sister's expectations, and I--

I promise. I will definitely bring you two here. Diprakra-san and Yotaki, you can stay here and prepare for the welcome party.
'Yes!　The story is settled: ....... I'll be ready to leave at once. I'll talk to the King of the Fooziers now.

　Biding his time, Mr. Diprakra started to move.
　However, at the first step, Yotaki, out of his line of sight, raised a hand and a voice.

''--Wait. One last thing. May I begin?

　Diprakra-san stops.
　Not only me, but also Sis-san and Tiara turn their gazes to Yotaki.
　And I listen to their suggestions.

''Tiara, will you also follow your brother?　I am not fit to endure the journey in this condition. Please help your brother instead of me.

　It was about the whereabouts of the tiara that hadn't been talked about.
　Basically, the apostles don't have people other than the 'Gentiles' in their sights. My sister is going to supplement that.

''Eh, Yotaki sister ......?　Are you sure?　I'd love to go with you, but I dare not tell you. ......

　Not well, in every sense of the word.
　I say the reason why.

'No, no!　It's not safe for me to be the only one: ......!　In case you've forgotten, Tiara is a princess: ......!　There's no way the people here would allow that to happen!

　I'm going to insist that it's not okay for royalty to accompany me.

'Master, I think it's all right. Your fathers are fascinated by the apostles, and they really believe that the two 'gentiles' are the saviors. If I tell them I need my master's assistance, they'll definitely give me permission to do so. ...... Originally, I was made to be a child that wasn't there, and I might be rather pleased.

　However, along with the information I didn't want to know too much about, I learn that the country of Hoozeyers is poised to back me up to the hilt.

　Furthermore, Di Prakula, after a bit of contemplation, agrees with Yotaki's opinion.

...... I think that's not a bad idea. It's not likely that the thieves will be wary of Tiara, and having a local guide will make things a lot faster. It's a good thing that Thiara's leveling up has given her many times the physical abilities of an ordinary person. It's perfect for the Whirlpool Shield.

　Hearing the true feelings that seemed to leak out, I frown more.

''Ta, a shield is ....... Diprakra-san .......
Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. ...... No, it's the perfect travel companion!

　As I stare at Diprakra-san, who still looks like she's not out of her old values, Yotaki picks up the rest of the conversation.

''Tiara, you don't want to be your brother's shield?''
'Nope. I've sworn to do anything for the Master who saved me.

　That's why I don't want to take her with me, because I know Tiara will answer immediately. I was trying to tell that to Yotaki, and before that--

'So, can your brother (・・・・) be a shield for Tiara?'

　It was also a question that I would always have to answer immediately.

'If ....... If the tiara comes with you, I'll definitely protect you. No matter what happens, I will never be--

　I don't want to let anyone die. He didn't even say the words "I don't want you to die," but that thought seemed to be conveyed to Yotaki, who smiled at him before concluding the story.

''Then please help and protect each other and get through the journey. ...... Or rather, I want you to understand that I'm worried about sending you off on your own, brother. Tiara is like a watchdog, so to speak. A watchdog to make sure your brother doesn't do anything stupid.

　Apparently, Yotaki seemed to trust this little girl Tiara more than me.
　Understanding the meaning of this, I would check with her.

''...... Tiara, are you sure?''

　There are many problems. Too many to count.
　That's what I tell Tiara, with a stern look.

　Still, I check to see if she wants to follow me--

...... I want to have an adventure.

　As if to spit it out, Tiara replied.

'Adventures (...)?'
'Yeah. I've always been bored ....... I've been in a cage since I was born. Just a prison, tormented by sickness and waiting for the end of losing my life. All I know is what I learned from books. I was jealous of the heroic tales, the adventure stories, and the people in them. I envied the lives that I had lost or acquired at will. -- I was envious of them.

　Chirpily, Tiara speaks her true feelings.

　And then she looks up, stares back and says, leaning forward as if their faces are about to come together.

I'm having so much fun now that I'm out of that basket. I'm having so much fun now that I'm out of that basket. But I'm greedy ...... and I really want you to join me in my master's adventures. I'd really like to have more and more fun. So--!

　At the end of it all, unlike the me I once was, Tiara utters her own selfish wish.


'I want to go with my master ......!　Wherever you are, you can go to ......!


　As he said it, Yotaki smiled and Diprakra-san nodded deeply.

　--determined.

　When it comes to this, I can't be the one to push my opinion through. I can only do my best to fulfill the expectations of everyone here and the wishes of the girl.

　As usual, I swallowed what I wanted to say and mouthed my response.

'...... All right. Then let's go together, Tiara. Let's go on a journey with me to save the world.
"......!　Yes!　Thank you, Master!

　Tiara smiled as if she was about to blossom and hugged me.

　I look down at the girl at her chest, my expression never breaking from my smile. Yotaki, who watches over the two of us, smiles as well. Apostle Diprakra nodded in satisfaction, and Apostle Sis's mouth was slightly aggrieved.

　It's a smiling act. ......

　A new beginning for Tiara, a girl who has been unhappy until today.
　It's a scene to celebrate, and it's not a scene of bitterness on her face.

　The start of the story full of hope.
　The end of a milestone--


　--This is how me and Tiara started our first journey.


　A thousand years ago, there was such a coincidental and inevitable departure.
　At that time, the five of us were smiling, and we were indeed friends.
　However, as we already know, the cooperation between them gradually crumbled from here on out.

　A thousand years later, all five of us here - all five of us here - will be scattered.

　The five of us will all have completely different goals, and each of us will continue to fight in solitude.
　Knowing this, the expression on my face as I watch this one scene is distorted.

　In the end, it was proven that people can't understand each other.
　I was confronted with the fact that the words "we're all in this together" were just an illusion.
　My face becomes bitter.

　I feel my magic power running out and go back once more.
　A thousand years in the future awaits at the end of this journey.
　Until the end of the world (Hoozeyards)...