--freezing.

　Winter is deepening everywhere. Today, from somewhere in the distance, I can hear the sound of many overlapping bells (bells). With that sound, the cold air passes through my ears and into my skull, and a thin film of ice sticks to my brain.

　-- my thoughts creak.

　But no matter how much my head freezes, the world I can see is only expanding. It's because my dimension is sharpening day by day due to the leveling of the Yangtaki.

　The perception of that magic is growing, as if it were painting over your vision. It shakes and blurs again and again. Like a drop of water falling on a painting, it blurs and continues to expand. Endlessly, endlessly.

　The overlapping worlds that I could see were truly diverse.

　The scene of the killing of a girl who looks exactly like him on the top floor of Foozier's Castle in "The Mainland".
　The scene of chatting with the apostles in the garden of Foozier's Castle in "A Thousand Years Ago".
　A thousand years later, he and his sister are walking hand in hand in the peaceful streets of Fuzzyards.
　In "The Frontier", she is fighting with her friend Dia, as the Allies are engulfed in an ice age.
　Incidentally, the closest world I can see at the moment is the 85th layer of the labyrinth, where we are fighting against monsters.

　To be honest, I felt as if my head was being doused with a shaved ice machine.
　The past, present and future are all intertwined, and I have no idea where I am at this time and what I'm doing, and it's uncomfortable.
　If this was the last realm the dimensional wizard could reach, I thought, it was still too early for me.
　But the expansion of my perception never stopped.

　Soon I try desperately to turn my head to see the time and place of my true self - but with my brain frozen to the core, there's no way I'm going to succeed.

　It's a failure.
　But I accept it with a familiar sense of "Ah, I'm being interrupted again.
　And I acknowledge my current time and place as the time and place where I am running through the 'labyrinth' that I am most familiar with now.

　The time is a few days after I saw Dia off a while ago.
　The place is the 85th layer of the labyrinth.

　In that illusory world, Yotaki was next to me, as a matter of course.
　We siblings and I were having a smooth - very smooth search, advancing the attack from the eighty-eighty layers that we had arrived at before and continuing to dive to the eighty-two layers, increasing the levels one by one.

　The corridor of the labyrinth's eighty-five layers looked as if the remains of the eighty layers had been enlarged (scaled up) and had been turned into a stone jungle by countless decaying structures.

　The corridor was filled with huge red snakes.
　The snakes were lightly over a hundred meters long. Their scales were insubstantial, shimmering and possessing heat, melting the surrounding stones. It was a monster that could only be called a giant flame snake.

　-- Only, that thing was not an enemy.

　At first glance, it looked like an enemy of humans, but it was definitely an ally.
　The fact that the monsters continue to burn inside the bodies of the giant flame snakes is proof of this.

　The ruins were filled with a variety of monsters - golem, gargoyle, and elemental species - all of which had been eaten by the Giant Flame Serpent and were still digesting in their stomachs, ignoring their durability.

　Then, having completed their task, the giant flame snakes crawled back to their owners, slowly breaking the ruins as they moved.
　Maria, who was now the strongest flame wizard in the world, spoke to the giant flame snakes.

''Thank you for your hard work. --《Midgals Blaze》

　I labored along with my magic name.
　However, the giant flame snakes still hadn't disappeared, waiting around Maria like a knight protecting his master. Even after devouring the eighty-five layers of monsters, the firepower of the magic still showed no signs of abating.

　I gasp at the perfection of its magic.

''Amazing ....... This is what Maria is really doing right now .......

　Then Maria's face, on alert, slackened a little, and a blush tinted her cheeks. Then, somewhat proudly, she reaches out to the flaming snakes around her and tickles their throats.

　Touched by their owners, the giant flame snakes cower as if they were alive.
　What I admire more than anything else is their movement.

　Maria's evolutionary fire magic, Midgalls Blaze, which has evolved over time, seems to have an independent consciousness. The giant flame snakes that were released during the exploration of the eighty-five layers left under Maria, the surgeon, and fully automatically explored the surrounding corridors and ate the monsters.

　I can't help but wonder if they are really acting autonomously or not. However, when I asked Maria, who is a surgeon, she said, "Since it's a snake, isn't it natural for it to act accordingly? It was returned to me. Very sensible.

　Honestly, it's very possible that Maria is just unconsciously letting those giant flame snakes pretend to be snakes (...).

　But maybe .......
　Maria may indeed have gone so far as to give birth to magical life.
　Just like the progenitor Kanami (me) of the past.

　I'm going to be the first to admit that I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to make it.
　Next to her, her younger sister Yotaki was chatting amiably with Maria.

''...... But we were just lucky that Maria joined us in our quest. We siblings don't have much of a plan to deal with physical operations. To be honest, we can't handle the number of monsters in the eighty-five layers.
'Hitaki-san, like Kanami-san, specializes in one-on-one. I'm glad I have an errand to run at Hoosier's.
Yes, it's really a miraculous piece of luck. As expected of the 'Holy Flame Raiseer' of the Valensies Continent, you're a master of magic as well as miracles. You're not just good at magic, you're also good at performing miracles.
'Ugh, Hitaki, ....... Please don't do that ....... It's very embarrassing.
'Phew. I won't stop. If it were the other way around, would you stop, Maria?　For example, if I had the opportunity to make fun of your brother.

　However, their closeness is a real threat to me.
　Maria listens to the example given by Yotaki and nods deeply, her mouth loosens and begins to agree.

'Oh, that's ...... yes. I'm confident you won't stop.
'That's the way it is. So, let's just give up and accept being teased by me this time. "Holy Flame Raise Hand.
'Uh, uh, meh. ....... Huh, there's no way around it. Let's just accept it this time. For the sake of making fun of Kanami-san in the future, let's just accept it this one time.
It's a wise decision. 'It's a wise decision, because titles and nicknames are probably the most common for your brother. For the sake of future enjoyment, I'm going to be patient here. Maria.

　The two of us always bantered amiably - somehow, I was the one who landed most of those conversations.

　And this time, they had come to a promise that they would both play with my two names in the future.
　I moaned in front of that unreasonable flow.

'Yeah. ......'

　They're both kids who do what they say they're going to do.
　When the two new names were added to the joke of the usual 'Aika Wakanami Christ Eurasian Waldhusiers von Walker' name, I could see them both starting to come alive.

'Hmmm,'

　Yotaki and Maria looked at each other and laughed at each other.

　The more they talked across from each other, the more they looked at each other, the more similar they were.
　Maybe it was because of the similarity in their voices, but for a moment it even felt like one person's only laugh. Their matching black hair is like sisters.

　It's not surprising, considering how they took Maria in, but they really were a perfect match.
　During this labyrinthine search, they left me alone and continued to talk endlessly, just the two of us.

''--Heh. So, your brother went to the labyrinth right away?　And with Maria on your back?
Yes, ma'am. Piggyback. Piggyback. I can't believe it.

　Today, it seems that Maria is talking about the time she met me.
　The first time we challenged the labyrinth with a party of two, my sister found out about my plan to 'run the labyrinth as fast as I could with Maria on my back', a plan that I had taken for Maria's safety at a low level.

　I look at Yotaki's face as if I were taking a test grade.
　There was my sister's dumbfounded face as she insisted, "That's not true. Before she can say anything sarcastic, I quickly turn away and look at Maria, who is nostalgic for the past.

'Back then, I was alone in the Confederacy ....... I didn't know what to do, and I was heartbroken ....... And yet, Kanami-san would leave me alone in the labyrinth. That was really scary.

　Furthermore, Yotaki's face was about to turn sullen, so I would defend myself.

Hey, Maria. Now you know, ......?　That was a confidence that came from the Dimension.
Yes, sir. But there was a little more to explain, wasn't there?　At that time, Kanami-san didn't have a good explanation and left me, who couldn't fight, on the 'magic stone line'.
...... I'm sorry about that time.

　I instantly chose the option of apologizing.
　Maria chuckles at that and turns her eyes a little farther away.

'I've missed ....... Really .......
...... Right. Back then, unlike today, the search for the labyrinth was on the edge. We didn't have the time for banter like we do now.

　Maria, who once collapsed with a few shots of 《Midgals Blaze》, is now unconsciously accompanying the giant flaming snakes and others and not breaking a single sweat.

　As Maria and I were thinking about our common past, Yotaki, who seemed a bit sulky, shifted the topic.

''Yes. From what I hear, it seems that my brother's mental health was really on the edge ....... I didn't expect him to buy a slave girl for himself ...... within a week of his new life. Brother, I just heard the story from Maria, and as a sister, I was don't know what to do?
Jeez, a girl for herself: ......!　No, I didn't buy Maria out of guilt!　Really, really!
Are you sure?　For example, ......, fortunate that I'm not around to do a lot of things, or not to do a lot of things?
No, I didn't!　Hey, Maria!

　Yotaki was relentless in the direction of shifting the conversation.
　In order to protect my own dignity, I immediately asked for help from Maria herself. But there was Maria, sighing even more deeply than Yotaki.

'If you were that kind of person, it would have been a lot easier ....... If you're not, that's why I've had to go through so much trouble .......
'Huh, right? I knew that. I know that feeling. Maria.

　Yotaki, who was only teasing me, quickly became more in tune with Maria.

''Thank you, Hitaki-san. In return, I'll remember as much as I can of Kanami-san's dialogue from that time and teach Hitaki-san what she said. The truth is, Kanami-san was terrible back then. Her pseudonym was 'Christ Eurasia' and she was full of lies. ......
'Huh--, hmmm. No matter how many times I've heard that pseudonym, it's funny. It's very unique, just like your brother. 'Christ' and 'Eurasia' ....... It's so much like you, I can't stop laughing.

　Unusually, Maria continues to complain about the appearance of an understanding person named Yotaki.
　But that complaint is too much black history for me. The more it's known to you, the more you'll be teased about it. I do my best to interrupt the conversation.

'Let's not talk about that time!　I don't think that's a good idea!　And I was in a very special state of mind at the time!　Even Maria wasn't normal in a lot of ways!
'Hmm, well, yes. We certainly weren't normal. I was with Arti-san a lot at that time, and I burned a lot of things with the 'chanting' we were taught. ......

　One of the reasons for this was the name of Arti, the one that steals the logic of fire.
　I'm sure the first thing that comes to mind is the second Palinclone, the one that steals the logic of the darkness, but it's different for Maria.

　At that time, it was Arti who was affected more than anything else - that's why you can tell from his or her expression that he or she thinks of her as his or her best friend.

　Yotaki sensed this as well, or maybe he sensed it too, repeating his name seriously without making a mockery of it.

''Arti....... It's that 'thing that steals the reason for fire'.

　The banter stopped temporarily.
　I also turned my thoughts seriously to match that slightly heavier air.

　Now Maria said that she learned the "Chant" from Arti. In other words, there is a high possibility that a thousand years ago, Arti met me, the originator of the Chant. In the past vision, I stopped just before I went to meet the ones who stole the reason for the fire. After that, will I meet Arti and teach him "chanting" ......?　If we had met a thousand years ago, why did Alti keep calling me 'Christ' .......

　I start to wonder about the girl named Arti.

Hey, Maria. Is Alti still there (・・・・・・・)?

　When we parted, Alty said that he would be watching me all the time.
　I wanted to know more about what that meant.

If you ask me if I'm at ......, the answer is that I don't know.

　Slowly Maria shook her head.
　And I saw a little bit of disappointment on her face, and when she saw it, she hurriedly continued her words.

'I'm sorry. But I feel like I can't really say I'm there or not ....... It's like there's something warm and fuzzy inside this chest, fluffy all the time, protecting me. ...... That's how I feel.
...... I see. Then it's okay.

　It was very abstract, but I swallowed it in the back of my throat smoothly.

　I'm not there, but I am. He's been protecting me all along. With my soul.
　I guess I'm feeling something close to that, too.

'Hmmm, Arti? To be honest, it's a bit of a nostalgic name for me too.

　As Maria and I were thinking about my heart, Yotaki surprisingly continued to talk to us.

'She was a girl who had a really unhappy life ....... I've talked to her for a little while.
'......!　Mr. Hitaki, you know Mr. Arti!
''I've only spoken to you for a little while, really. A thousand years ago, the person in charge of persuading 'The One Who Steals the Reason of Fire' was not me, but your brother.

　Yotaki turned his eyes to me meaningfully. Caught in the act, Maria's eyes are also turned to me.
　But I can't respond to Maria's request.

...... I'm sorry. I still can't remember that much.
Hmmm. ....... So, brother. The next time you get a chance, it might be a good idea to 'look past' to Arti. Fortunately, it seems that with Maria, the edge is more than enough.

　Indeed, if only Maria, who holds Arti's magic stone, would have no difficulty in tracing the past. I agree with Yotaki's idea and promise to Maria.

...... I'll do that. Maria, wait to talk about Arti until then.

　Hearing this, Maria smiled and replied, "Thank you, Kanami-san," before turning to face Yotaki.

''Um, Yotaki-san ....... I don't mind that little bit. Now, can you tell me about Arti-san?　I just want to know as much about my 'best friend' as possible, as quickly as possible.
Yes, of course. Yes, of course. Just a little of what I know. ...... So, let's start by talking about the first time we met at Hoozeyards Castle--

　They begin to focus on talking to each other again, even though they are in a labyrinth.

　I watch them close by.
　As I listen, I remember her face.

'Alty, or ......'

　In the end, Arti could no longer hold her body of fire and disappeared.
　At that time, she must have fulfilled her 'untried' and lost her power.
　To borrow Diprakra-san's words, she repaired the cracks in that soul vessel and finished her role as a 'vessel capable of adapting to the demon's poison' - I guess that's what she did.

　As I recall, Arti's last line was "I tried my best".

　What did she aim for and work hard for .......

　Arti had declared her 'unrealized desire' as 'to fulfill a tragic love'. But I have a feeling that was not accurate. But that doesn't mean that I can't predict the details of her "passion" clearly. I'm not going to be able to say for sure what her "regrets" are, but I will have to look back a thousand years ago to find out for sure.

　As Yotaki said, the best way to do that is to use Maria to see the past.
　It's a bit unreliable to use the books of the Confederacy to make an argument. I've been told by Titi, one of the kings of the time, the one who steals the logic of the wind, that the history and documents remaining in this world are full of falsehoods.

　--And while I was thinking about Arti, our search for the labyrinth came to an end.

　In front of the new staircase, I take a breath and check in with my party.

I'm sure that the 85th layer has been cleared as planned. The mapping is done nicely, let's go back now.

　Since we're not in a special hurry to get ahead, I propose that we retreat while we have some extra MP. Without anyone objecting to that, Yotaki builds up his magic near the stairs.

''That's right. Well then, I'll prepare the [Connection]. Is it okay if the destination is Lauravia, the headquarters of the 'Epic Seeker'?　As I recall, Maria said she had business over there today, didn't she?

　The connection was not in Hoozeyards or Valt, but in Lauravia, located in the southwest of the Confederacy.
　Yotaki was concerned and was trying to reduce Maria's travel time. However, Maria's face was not good.

''Yes. It would be very helpful to be taken to the 'Epic Seeker'. But ......

　Not knowing why, I ask.

'Maria, is there something wrong with you?'
''No, Seri and Agnes were in the guild today, so we had to go to ......, that .......''
'Oh, yeah. Those two, huh? ......

　It took me a little while to remember.
　Two particularly noisy girls among the even more dense 'Epic Seeker' faces.
　Seri, the warrior I fought in my first match when I joined the guild in the past, and Agnes, the former graduate student I fought in the second round of the 'Dancing Tournament'. Both of them have been admiring me strangely since I lost to them.

''I see. They're my brother's victims, aren't they?
"Victim ....... Yes, Mr. Yotaki. That's right.
'Huh. Also, your brother hit on a woman without me ......
It's very embarrassing.

　Somehow, it was supposed to be me hitting on the two girls. Maria, who should know what's going on, doesn't deny it, and agrees with Yotaki's sigh of relief.

'Kudos ....... ............

　It was very disappointing, but I wouldn't argue with anything. Even if we were to argue, I don't feel like I could beat these two men at all.
　And they continue to talk, very much as they please, taking advantage of my lack of objection.

'I've been thinking for a while now that 'Epic Seeker' has a fan club aspect to it for your brother, right?
'There is. I mean, it's almost developed into something religious these days, beyond even a fan club.
'Wow. ....... Is it your brother's religion? It's frightening to think of a thousand years ago, and it's not exactly wrong. It reminds me of a lot of religions in the ...... original world. It really sounds like it because your brother makes up multiple names using pseudonyms and stuff.
'Huh. I see that religion was very popular in your world as well. That sounds kind of interesting.
'It's a world that's almost exactly the same as this one. You can talk about science and magic and all that, but in the end everything you do is the same. Yes, it's exactly the same. It's funny.

　While we were chatting, Yotaki's "Connection" was completed.
　I was watching quietly there, and before going through, I made a suggestion. I don't want us to talk about this topic for too long, so I'm going to have to force it out.

Yes, I've already made a connection. ...... So, after we drop Maria off, let's hurry back to the inn before someone finds us.
Let's do it. The brother of the winner of the 'Dance Competition' would be too conspicuous in Lauravia--

　The three of us nodded our approval to each other - and then walked through the Connection with a very light heart.

　The room beyond the magic door was one of the rooms of the Epic Seeker's headquarters, which had been expanded over the past year.
　There was one solidly built, practical table and one chair, and the walls were lined with furniture and furnishings. Basically, "Epic Seeker" does not spend a lot of money on appearance.
　From the Connection, located in the corner of that humble room, we go out--

'What?　Now, that's Kanami's voice!

　At that moment, a woman's voice rang out from the furnishings that lined the guest room.
　Maria, who was at the very back, uttered the name of the owner of the voice.

'Is this Ms. Snow?　Is it the vibrational magic of ......?　So Snow-san had come back too? Is the 'pioneering mission' over already?

　Maria says casually, but I keep my mouth open.
　After all, it's only been about a second since I went through the Connection while talking.
　That's all it took for Snow to notice my arrival while she was in another room in the distance.

''No, Snow's reaction is too quick: ......?　It seems quirky: ......
''These days, Snow-san is always on alert for his surroundings with his vibrating magic, you know. He's had a lot of troubled customers since his position became great.
'Oh, yeah, ....... No, it's still too early to say ....... With all the different voices I'm hearing, how can my voice be the only one that's accurate?　Maybe you're adding a special technique?
''That's where you are, Snow. It wasn't a surgical technique or anything like that, but you managed to do something with your spirit.
...... Yeah, yeah. --That's right.

　I tried not to think too much about it and then expanded my signature dimensional magic.

　The voice I heard now was Snow's magic, which uses magic stones filled with magic power as a medium for long-distance communication. I suspect she's somewhere in this building and I look for the source of the magic.

　And it's not long before I find Snow.
　I'm in my office atop the Epic Seeker's headquarters.
　There were other familiar faces lined up there as well.

'Geez, the head of House Walker is in the same place: ......'

　Head of House Walker. In other words, he was a representative of the four great noble families, one of the five most important people in the Confederation, and Snow's mother-in-law.

　The head of the family and Snow were talking to each other.
　From the people and location, one could assume that they were having an important meeting. But Snow was excited, her eyes sparkling, she got up from her seat and started fussing like a child.

'Mother-in-law!　Maria is back!　And Kanami, too!'
"Let's settle down, Mr. Snow. Let's have a very serious talk about something very serious right now.
'But it's Kanami!　It's Kanami, Kanami!'
'...... haha. Oh, that's enough. But, while Maria is okay, did she come too?　In this Epic Seeker?

　The owner of the house gave up when Snow didn't settle and listened to me in dismay.

'Yes, he's coming!　The Guildmaster here, and the hero of the Confederacy, Kanami!''
'Ha. ....... Mr. Snow, my relationship with him is honestly--'
I'll go get him!

　Snow didn't listen to the head of the family until the end.
　We siblings, who were watching the whole thing with dimensional magic, looked at each other.

''Ah, this is ....... If you leave now, it will be assumed that you avoided the Walker family headman ....... At the very least, we should at least say hello .......
'Yeah, I know. But I'm not good at that guy. ......

　After all, the last time I saw the master was when he had forcibly kidnapped his daughter-in-law, Snow.
　I remember that time, I was unusually belligerent and declared a head-on war against the owner of the house.

'I hear you, sarcastic boy. Just come over here quickly.'

　The voice of the head of the family echoed from the furnishings.
　Apparently, Snow's magic for communication was still maintained.

'...... yes. I'm coming.

　I answer to the furnishings and start moving quickly so as not to keep the head of the family waiting.
　I leave the guest room and walk straight to the office, meeting up with Snow along the way.

'Kanami!

　Snow, who had been running down the hallway, comes toward me without stopping his momentum and hugs me.

　That tackle, which would crush the bones of an ordinary person, I open my hands to catch it and try to catch the force backwards well. However, I thought it would be terrible to just toss her backwards, so I managed to heal the force of that rush by spinning her in place a few times, keeping my arms firmly in her sides.

　The rotation caused the momentum of the tackle to be lost, and Snow floored her floating feet.
　At a distance where their lips are now almost touching, she speaks.

'Kanami, I'm so glad you came to see me: ......

　Softly, Snow's bangs swayed in the wind.
　At the same time, two of her eyes, which contained my face, trembled as they moistened.

　I could tell from the heat in her cheeks how long she had been waiting for me. The heat is even greater than I had expected, and my heart shakes too. I'm sure that this is how she in reality is waiting for me, too.

'Yes ....... It's nice to see you too, it's been a while.
'Oh, I'm so happy ....... I'm soooooooo happy .......

　Snow, whose face lightly surpasses the beauty of the snowy landscape outside, buries her face in my chest.
　That's when I suddenly realized and grasped my back with 《Dimension》.

''Huh.''
There you go.

　Hitaki and Maria stood side by side, staring at me with their eyes.

　I chastise myself for my own vices.
　I had actually planned to leave right away, but I went along with her words and gave her an 'ideal' response, as if I had come for Snow.

　But there's no way I can correct that anymore. Snow buries her face in my chest sufficiently and then gives me a big smile that seems to melt away all the snow scene outside.

'Ehehehe ......'

　There's no way I'm going to be able to erase that smile.
　I don't retract my statement, but urge Snow to move on.

"Yes, let's go, Snow. The master is waiting for you.
Yeah, ......!

　The two pairs of eyes behind me hurt, but I made my way to the office alongside Snow.

　On the way, Snow hugged me from the side and pulled my arm.
　I'm not going to be able to get rid of it.

　The direction of the room is the same as the guest room, but it's a bit more luxurious. There are two familiar faces lined up, staring at me as I enter.

''You're here ....... Even though Snow-san has grown up and come back, it's ruined when you show up ....... You're really sparse .......
'Stupid ......!　Because of that perverted man, the dignified Lady Snow was instantly ......!

　The head of the family and a young woman were standing there. From the way they spoke, I was sure it was Chloe Siddaluk. Unlike his previous military uniform, he was dressed lightly, so he was a little late in recognizing her.

　Apparently, because of his experience assisting Snow, who used to be the Acting Commander-in-Chief, they still have many opportunities to work together.
　Chloe is extremely fascinated with Snow, and she always looks uncomfortable when I show up. As the owner says, Snow loses his temper and stops acting like a hero when I'm around.

''Leave the sarcastic boy alone ....... Maria, Yotaki-san. I'm glad you're here.

　The head of the family leaves me behind and greets the two men who appear after him.
　Yotaki returns the thanks only lightly, ''Long time no see,'' while Maria steps forward before me and bows deeply.

''Yes, mother-in-law. It's been a while. Snow-sister-in-law too.

　And Maria called the head of the family her mother.

.............

　Stepmother?
　Surprised, I dredged up my memory.
　Then I easily found a memory that confirmed the scene in front of me.

　When all the battles on the "mainland" were over and I returned to this confederacy - Maria was welcomed as a hero who saved the Great Holy City of Fuzzy Yards.
　At that time, I found out that Maria was alone in heaven, and like me in the past, she was involved in a power struggle among the nobles. So, with Snow's strong request, I was brought under the protection of the Walker family.

　I have such memories.

　.............

　...... surprising.
　Is this the 'ideal' future for Maria?
　I know that there is no mistake in the 'future prediction' by Yotaki's thinking ability (skill), but unlike with Dia, I look at Maria with a little doubt.

'You really are cute, Maria. ...... I miss her a bit. Snow used to be about this big .......

　The head of the family approached Maria as she greeted him and reached out her hand with a gentle smile.
　Maria didn't avoid it and accepted being stroked by her dark hair.

''Hmmm ....... However, even though they are the same size, Maria's power is more ...... than Snow's once was. With this small body, she is powerful enough to clear the Confederacy ....... That Maria is my daughter-in-law ....... Hmph, hmph. ......

　It was the head of the family who spilled a very dangerous statement in front of his own eyes.

'The abominable mainland 'senate' is gone ....... Maria has joined, Snow has returned, and now the Walker family is the 'strongest' ...... in the four great noble families. Without a doubt, the 'strongest' ......!　Hmmmmmmmmm--
'That's enough, mother-in-law. I'm not here to let you run off like that.

　In response, Maria covered herself with a more dangerous flame and went against the head of the family.
　There was a determination that if they were planning to use her to do something bad, she would not condone it, even if it was her mother-in-law.

　However, seeing the outpouring of fire, the head of the family's smile deepened. With a debauched look on his face, he continues to love and praise Maria.

"And unlike the slightly dim-witted Mr. Snow, Maria is wise.
'No, are you listening to me ......!　Also, I'm stroking too much. It must be hot. ......!
'You think I'm going to back out of this?　From the lovely, lovely Maria?　It's not possible.
...... would increase the firepower until you back off.

　Relentlessly, Maria intensified the flames, but the head of the family continued to reach out to her as she was burned.
　Snow, next to her, cheered her in a subdued voice as she watched the strange situation.

'Good luck! My sister-in-law (imouto), Maria-chan. Your mother-in-law likes you more than me. I want to take all of her love from her.

　It's a scene that shows the current relationship between the three of us.
　Seeing that, I--

　It's certainly not a bad balance.
　I thought.

　Honestly, even if Maria, who has become a half guardian (Guardian), is treated as a hero now, she will be treated as a deleterious substance and persecuted one day. However, I have a feeling that this venomous head of House Walker will be able to protect Maria while still making effective use of her. And, incidentally, Snow also seems to help in many ways.

　It's not a bad idea to have a future like this, but as I watched over Maria and the others ...... one question came to my mind.
　If this dream world is one of the "ideal" futures...

　Something was missing.
　I also thought.

　The feeling of discomfort is intense from earlier.
　It's a beautiful scene, but I feel like I'm looking at a completed jigsaw puzzle with the pieces missing.

　There is no one who should be here.
　As I'm trying to figure out why, the head of the family calls out to me after the family interaction.

'-and you're a sarcastic boy,'
Oh, yes. Good to see you, Lord Walker.

　The owner of the house had a severe burn on his right hand, but he walked up to me as if he had no such injury and reached out to me with a graceful movement.

　I wonder if that doesn't hurt .......
　I let my body stiffen with concern, and the owner of the house changes his tone of voice to a gentle one.

'Sarcastic child, there is no need to be so awed. As I've said before, I don't hate you for being a hero. ...... It is not my intention to come here and do anything about you. The four great noble families, the Aleys, the Helvirshains, and the Siddharths, are very close to you, and if I were to touch you, it would be a bit of a hassle, even for me, even though I am a stone's throw away.

　He treats me like an adult, saying that despite our feud, he's not trapped by it, and my nerves relax a little. Seeing me loosen my body's tension, the head of the family gently beckons me over.

'Come here.'

　I did as I was told, and the head of the family grabbed my hand with her burned hand and pulled me closer to her body. I can't resist, thinking that her hand will hurt if I forcefully unshake it.

　And then I'm treated the same way Maria is treated, and I'm stroked on the head.

'Um, what ......?'
You will soon be my stepson, and you need to get used to a lot of things.
What?　No, I, unlike Maria, don't want to get behind it or anything like that, so ....... I'm just wondering if that's the case. ......

　Unlike Maria, dimensional wizards specialize in running and hiding. It's not hard to find a base, and it's easy to fend off troublesome pursuers.
　After all the fighting, I am now free.
　The only purpose that remains is my sister, Yotaki, who is behind me.

　I let a strong denial show on my face, but the head of the family denies that's not true.

''Isn't it?　You may not be, but everyone in the Confederacy is wondering. I wonder when you and Mr. Snow will make good on your example marriage promise: ....... Such air currents are a powerful thing. Even you - and no one is more powerful than you - can't compete with the flow of the people.

　She brings up her engagement to Snow, which she's been touting in the "Dance Tournament".
　I'm told that that was still in effect, but that's a bit odd.

　The rumors should be gone by now and morphed into something else.
　Because I'm at the eleventh crossroads of Hoosier's, and I'm at the eleventh crossroads of Hoosier's, and I'm with 'her' for all to see - and I'm not.

　"She"?
　.............

　In this way, the memory was missing again.

　The feeling of missing pieces from earlier strikes me again.
　This time, it's stronger. If this were a jigsaw puzzle of a blue sky landscape painting, it would be the sensation of a piece of the sun sneakily missing.

　But it's not easy to make up for that loss.
　I have no choice but to continue my denial with the information I have now.

Oh, yeah. You're talking about that engagement: ....... However, I'm sure many people have been told through the 'Dancing Tournament' that that story is false ......
'It's no use being at that level. I've done a lot of things to make sure the engagement is true. This me, right after that 'dancing competition'. I've already done all I can to make that happen.
Yeah, .......

　I groan as I realize that the head of the family is in the dark without my knowledge.

　He's still the same person as before, and he really does ignore the will of others.
　I turn to Maria, who is close by, for help. But when the head of the family sees this, he gives me a very misguided look of concern.

'Any number of concubines, at least. We can provide you with as many good-looking children as you like. However, if a good one is born, he or she will take the Walker surname.

　I want to explain out loud and at length that that's not the point. But I knew that I would never get the message.
　It's because I know from the look on your face and the way you behave that you are talking to me with sincere sincerity, although you are "as an aristocrat". And that 'as an aristocrat' will never reach me.

　I regret that we can't understand each other, and I continue to talk calmly.

''Anyway, my lord. I have no such plans for me. Even if you call it the will of the people, I have no intention of following it.
'...... I'm sure you're right. Well, yes, I knew you'd answer.

　My denial was softly received by the head of the family.
　It seems that the other side of the world understands the difference in our values through their observation. But even so, the owner of the house continues to bite.

''But I'm notorious for giving up and being clingy. Someday, I'll definitely make you my son-in-law. ...... Hey, Mr. Snow?

　Here the head of the family turned to Snow.
　Her eyes came to rest on Snow, and she compared me and my mother-in-law repeatedly, speaking in horror.

'Huh?　Ah, yes. Yikes, but I don't want Kanami to hate me and ....... It's not too early to force marriage, or rather ....... I feel like I'm good enough as it is now, so ......
...... As usual, you're warm outside of work. That's why you're always failing and regretting and crying, isn't it?
'Ugh ....... Ha, yes, sorry .......

　Shun and Snow droop, and the head of the family looks at them sternly.

　I don't feel the awful roughness that I felt when we first met there. It's not forcible restraint, but a warm, family-like communication, albeit only slightly.

　Time has passed since the "dance competition" and, with Maria's intervention, they seem to have succeeded in reconciling. When I saw that, I took a step back from the Walker family.

　I return to the much quieter Yotaki next to him and review my position.

　-- where I should be.

　Just as I start to think about it, a new visitor appears in the office.

'Masteraaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa ！！！！'

　With the soprano's voice, the door was opened and the two girls who were in danger in the labyrinth entered like an avalanche of girls.

　They were Seri, the youngest swordsman of the guild 'Epic Seeker', and Agnes, a former academy student and newcomer.
　They approached me excitedly and shook my hand.

''Master, you're finally back!　You'll have to play again, just like that time!　I've become a hell of a lot stronger since then, and I want Master to see it!
'Dear Kanami!　Do you remember me!　This is Agnes, who fights in the tournament!　Agnes Kruner!　Guild, I'm in!

　And then, behind the two girls, a giant warrior was reaching out of the room.

'Oh, shit!　Can't you guys at least be a little more patient?

　He was one of the three submasters in the 'Epic Seeker', Volzak.
　Behind him, the guild members were still waiting for him. The two men beside me continue to make noise as the old faces are gathered together.

''Oh, please shake my hand ......!
'What, handshake ......?'

　I was a little confused, but I grasped back the hand that was offered to me.
　It was many times easier to grip compared to the hand of the head of the family earlier.

''......!　Yay, yay, yay: ......!　Oh, and if you can, please sign this: ......!

　Agnes shook his hand and dexterously pulled a thick book and quill from his pocket.
　First he was surprised that there was a culture of celebrity autographs, and then he was convinced that it was not surprising that there was, based on his memories of his previous 'past vision', and then he was surprised again when he saw the title of the book.

　On the thick leather cover was a large embroidered inscription: "V'alfoura Theatre Script: The Heroic Ayka Wakanami Christ Eurasian Waldhusiers von Walker, The Way of the Fierce Sage".

　My face nearly twitched, but I managed to hide my agitation and write my name in the empty space on the first page with the ink Agnes had provided.
　It was properly signed with the letters of the Confederacy. At this level, I don't need to use 《Dimension》 anymore.

　When I finish writing my signature, the two girls make a joyful noise.

''Oh, that's good!　Agnes!　I want one too!
'Come on, Ceri. That's what happens when you're not usually prepared to have people sign your book. Phew, I'll be proud of you for the rest of my life: ......!　Let's show them off at the academy: ......!

　Just as I'm wondering if he'll be happy with this and leave, Mr. Volzak, who was looking troubled at the back of the room, walks into the Oval Office.
　Being a calm adult, he bows deeply to the earlier guest in the office.

''Well, I'm sorry ....... These two are punished in any way .......

　The head of the family replies to this with a smile.
　He looks like he's in a good mood.

'No, that's fine. All the necessary formalities here are already done. The only thing left to do was to invite him to a tea party or a party, but I know that the ...... sarcastic boy would never nod his head. Honestly, I was just having trouble figuring out how to break up a conversation with this sarcastic boy.
I'd appreciate it if you could say so: ......

　It was clearly a word of concern for the 'Epic Seeker'. It showed that the head of the family wanted to maintain a good relationship with the guild.

''It's time for me to return to the Walker family. I'm sure the sarcastic boy won't be able to go around the 'Epic Seeker' calmly if I'm here.

　With a relaxed movement, the head of the family leaves the room.
　Chloe Siddharth follows behind her.

''Well then, see you later. Kanami-san.

　I hurriedly gave a deep bow and looked away.
　Nearby, Snow and Maria waved their hands and talked together.

'Huh?　Mr. Snow won't go with you, so?
Yes, Maria. I'm done working.
Great job, Mr. Snow. You completed that mission in about half the time you planned.
I just had to blow up the monster and go around. It was pretty easy.

　Before coming here, Maria had said that Snow was on a 'pioneering mission'.
　From the content of the story, it could be inferred that he was working to get rid of the monsters around the Allies and expand their living areas. Snow used to be the deputy commander-in-chief of the war, but in peacetime, she seems to be entrusted with humble tasks. No, is it more likely that she chose a job that would be easy for her, given her personality?

　I kept my head down and waited for the head of the house to move away.
　After enough time had passed, Yotaki, who had refrained from speaking, spoke up.

''The greeting ended more smoothly than I expected, brother. Personally, I don't dislike the head of the Walker family,''
'I suppose ....... Obviously, that man and Yotaki are kindred spirits.
So, what are you going to do now?
It's a--

　The answer to that question will be determined by further entrants before my words.
　A woman in a long-hemmed wizard suit and a scarred, stern-looking man.
　The two remaining 'Epic Seeker' submasters, Teyri and Rail, are the two remaining 'Epic Seeker' submasters.

'Kanami-kun, you're here!
Boy, it's good to see you.

　Then the guild members arrive.
　They must have heard of my visit and gathered around. When the master of the guild leaves, they rush in like a flood.

''Isn't he the master!　I always hear you're home early.　I'm not going to let you get away with it today!
I have promised Master a rematch at the dance competition. This time, I'll at least give you a scratch.
'Dance-offs', I've missed that!　Haha, the sight of the master at that time was exactly what we've been longing for!　Show me one more time!　Just once a year, please!

　Familiar faces surround me, throwing out nostalgic stories.
　Of course, some of the faces are unfamiliar to me. They are the newcomers to the guild who used to treat me like a spy. They bow their heads here and there.

''Guild Master!　I'm sorry about that before!
It's so different from what I saw in the play that I didn't even notice it: ...... I'm sorry about that anyway!
I'll be careful from now on!

　I immediately shake my head that I don't care, but their attitude, like a new employee shrinking away from the president, won't be fixed. The newcomers are really straightforward and serious, unlike the old, head-banging members.

　If you think about it, the people interviewing to join the group have changed from Palinkron to the submasters with common sense. Maybe this was a natural change.

　As I chuckled, I spotted a man a little farther away who was particularly close to me in The Epic Seeker. It was Mr. Alivers, the blacksmith I had the most opportunity to see, due to my focus on labyrinth exploration.

　Mr. Alivers raised his hand lightly in greeting to me, though he was distant.
　I heard that he is the most successful blacksmith in "Epic Seeker" now. Since he saw a part of my 'divine iron forging', he has been steadily improving his skills and expanding his workshop, and he is soon to become the best blacksmith in the United Kingdom.

　That Alibers-san has given up on interacting with me (since the wall to reach me was so thick) and starts talking to Maria, who is close at hand.

'Hey, Maria. It's good to see you, Master. ...... Speaking of which, I just finished a new piece of equipment for you. I'll bring it to you later.
'Mr. Alibers, you always help me. I'm a newcomer and you've taken care of me in so many ways. ......
No, you're new to the guild. You're the best in the guild and one of the best at what you do. I've been fortunate enough to have you here to help me get some rare minerals from the danger zone. You'd be crazy not to give them the benefit of the doubt.

　Mr. Alivers treats Maria with very kind eyes.
　That was followed by the guild members who seemed to be Alibers-san's blacksmithing apprentices.

''That's right, Maria. Stop acting like a stranger...''
'We always have Maria's fire to help us, you know. Also, I'm usually good at leading the whole thing. To be honest, I think I have a more guildmaster-oriented personality than Mr. Rail and the others.
Next time you're in the maze, follow me.

　It seems that in my absence, Maria has been getting to know the 'Epic Seeker' better.
　When she used to stay with me, she was a 'poor girl who lost her eyesight in a fire', but now she was known for her abilities and I could see that she was recognized as a member of the guild.

　Thus, the office was filled with guild members.
　There was talk of having a welcome party for Snow and I, who hadn't been back in a while, and we completely missed the timing of our return.

　Yotaki seemed to enjoy it, and sighed with a sigh of relief.

''I'm out of it. Brother, let's just give it up.''
'Let's do that ....... I don't really have any urgent business to attend to. ......
'Yes. There's no hurry for us anymore.

　The truth is, there is no such thing as not.
　But I took Yotaki's suggestion. Snow takes me by the hand and laughs with the members of the group, including Maria - while Yotaki considers his intention to show me (・・・・・・・・) this (・・・・・), and I receive the hospitality of the "Epic Seeker".