After dinner, Snow took out the drinks and suggested that we all drink together.
　I immediately objected, but I was the only one who was shaking my pale face from side to side.
　When I asked them about it, their response was that they had all been drinking before and didn't understand why I was so scared.

　In the end, by force of majority vote, the drinks were served.
　The expensive liquor, brought in via Snow's parents' house, slid down everyone's throats. Time, which was moving even faster than it should have, accelerated even faster, and Dea was the first to sober up.

　I had only licked my mouth with my previous drunkenness experience, but Dia swallowed and swallowed.
　When she fell asleep like a threadbare doll, it was time to break for a meal.

　The quintessential snowflake would not continue to drink in the presence of a defrocked person.
　He hurries the sleeping Diah to the guest room, puts her to bed, and the air is filled with dismissal (ohira).
　Then, each of us returned to our rooms (Maria had vacated the room I had previously used as my room in this new house as well) to get an early night's sleep in preparation for tomorrow's hot springs - and

Fuki: "......

　Alone in my room.
　Very relaxed, I sat up in bed.
　'Holiday!' After a day of being able to shout with my heart, I sighed heavily.

　At the previous drinking spree, my memory was blown away because I was carried away by 'The One Who Steals the Reason of the Wind' titty and binge drank, but this time I didn't make a mistake in adding or subtracting.
　I'm not sure if I've ever been drunk enough to get my cheeks faintly hot.
　I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to get it right this time.

　Of course, if you want to sober up with magic, you can do it in an instant.
　But since my body doesn't recognize drunkenness as a bad status, I'm going to enjoy this feeling.

　Both Dia and Maria were on board with the idea of going to the hot springs tomorrow, so we'll definitely be traveling.
　I thought that if I was leaving the country, I might as well report back to Ryner or Mr. Feydert, but I quickly reconsidered.

　Looking at the window, I saw that it was already late in the evening.
　Even if I had to report it, I would have to say, "Tomorrow, we're all going to the hot springs together. Moreover, I found out that I can drink alcohol surprisingly well, so I think we're going to have a full-blown drinking spree this time. If we stop now, we'll probably all be in a bad mood." would only make the two of us unable to sleep with anxiety.
　Let's make it an after-the-fact report.
　That's going to make us both shocked and sleepless, but .......

...... quiet.

　I let my back fall against the bed and feel its softness as I think about what I'm going to do tomorrow.
　Without thinking, I stare at the ceiling and count the grain and stains.
　I watch my chest rise and fall and concentrate on my breathing.
　Just as I think about using my pulse as a lullaby, my over-cleared ears pick up a sound other than my own.

　It wasn't the wind coming in through the window, or the breath of the city at night in the far distance.
　It was the sound of a brush running over paper.

　I pick myself up and look beyond the sound - and then, after getting lost for a bit, prepare myself for a long night (・・・・・・・・・), (・・・・) and walk out of my room in my thin clothes.

　The corridors are cleaner than the house they once were.
　However, I walk down the same path as I once did and reach the front of Maria's room.

　A light was leaking through the door.
　When I knock lightly, the sound of brushes reaching my ears is cut off.
　After a few moments, I'm given permission to come in, and I enter the room, wrapped in the light.

　Inside is Maria, dressed as lightly as I am, sitting at her desk, holding a brush.
　The light is made of magic stone, not oil, and the room is bright for the time of day.
　Relying on the light, she seemed to be reading from a book piled up on the desk, spreading it out and scribbling words on the parchment.

　In other words, Maria had been studying late into the night.
　It wasn't "sagacity" from the "Demon Poison" or the transcription of a "magic formula" by swallowing a magic stone. He read books steadily, inherited knowledge, and used it as sustenance.

　The content of his studies was known from the titles of the books that piled up, not to mention the use of the 《Dimension》.
　Maria was learning about 'magical recovery'. So I came.

'Kanami-san?　You haven't slept yet?

　Maria asks, surprised to see me enter the room.
　To which I answer, 'I didn't drink much, so I'm not sleepy yet,' for the most obvious reason, and move closer to her.

I see. Then I guess your sister-in-law must be sleeping very well.
'I suppose. ...... but surprisingly, Snow was used to drinking, wasn't he? Maybe it's because the aristocrats have been drinking with each other for a long time?
I guess that depends on the person, right?　I'm sure we were going through the same kind of relationship, but Dia was red and goofy right away.
'Really, Dear was not a good drinker. She was the most enthusiastic, but she fell asleep first.
'I think Kanami-san was with me, so she got excited. Really, it's been a long time since I've seen you today: ......
'Yes, ....... We're not always together anymore than we were one day.
The only thing that hasn't changed is Reiner, and he's always the same. I've been told by many people that I'm being biased in favor of favoritism. If it's done poorly, it could lead to a knife fight.
...... fine, fine. Reiner can get over it, maybe.
'Huh, I have no intention of changing my secretary at all. ...... I've been thinking about this for a while now, but Kanami, you like the liner.
And we're friends. I think it's also because we're the same s*x. It's a lot easier to talk to other guys.

　If there is any partiality, it is only in the area of gender.
　Maria accepted that with a smile, and after a few moments of contemplation, she asked

'...... Now that we've got that out of the way, let's get this straight, Kanami-san was a bit of a pain in the ass with women, wasn't she?　Obviously, I'm more natural when I'm with my guy friends.
I'd like to say, "No way, ......," but maybe it was a deep psychological thing. Maybe it's my sister's fault. Having that yang-taki as a sister would do that to anyone, so it can't be that I'm particularly weird.
'Ah ....... It makes a bit of sense that that little sister, Hitaki, is the cause. It also explains why I'm finally starting to get over it now.
We had so many family meetings that we finally had a real fight. I don't have an inferiority complex for my sister anymore. I can tell you that I don't have one.
'It seems so. It's only today that I've found that I'm coming out with even more toothless dialogue than before. Definitely, my dislike of women is gone.
'Yeah, yeah, toothless dialogue is ....... I don't think that part is that much different than before.
I've changed. Truly, Kanami-san has changed.

　There was a bit of sarcasm mixed in, but it was an appropriate banter for a quiet evening.
　It was something we could talk about because it was just the two of us.
　At the same time, I realized that since that last battle, I hadn't had a calm conversation with Maria like this, alone.

''Maria, were you studying magic now?''
Yes. I've got a lot of research to do in my own way.
Studying magic. It's been a while.

　This reminds me of a thousand years ago.
　Like Maria today, I used to read and write in my room.
　The purpose of that research was always to develop new "magic".
　But while I was working on the Aikawa Yotaki's Cure, Maria's was...

'But don't ask me what I'm working on. Please.

　I got nailed ahead of him.
　But I can't just nod my head at that.
　Even though I know I'm going to sober up, I'm going to get the name out.

'Maria, you'll never see Lastiara (・・・・・・) again,'

　It's obvious, but the target of the "magical recovery" that Maria is learning about is none other than the dead Rustyala.
　Including that, I think back on the day.

'Everyone's been so nice to me, it seems they've been thinking about me and not mentioning Rastiara's name: ....... I don't need to worry about that. In fact, I'd rather call him often, which makes me and Rastiara happy. I can see this routine as a continuation of The Story of Rastiara.

　As I had guessed along the way, today, I was clearly being taken care of.
　My words were limited, if only slightly, so as not to ruin the peacefulness of the moment.

　But now that my own name came out of my own mouth, the conversation was no longer limited.
　Maria laughs bitterly, then goes on to tell me her name and her memories.

'I'm sure you're right. That's the kind of person you are, Rustyala. Somewhere there was an air of enjoyment, even death, that was acceptable ...... and very unbalanced and dangerous, but that's what made her so fascinating.
''Yeah. So it's okay to joke around and name names like Yotaki just now. I'd rather be treated like a boilermaker, which is what makes Rustyala the most angry.

　I talk about Rastiara, too.
　I was confident in my ability to speak for it, and I didn't think I was saying the wrong thing for the future.
　But--

I can't.

　I thought Maria would agree with me, and I retract my planned continuation of the words into the back of my throat. Instead, I'm told the rest of the words.

'I can't do it like Kanami-san.'
I mean, like me: ......?
'Kanami-san is a little mistaken. We don't talk about Rastiala because of Kanami. It's simply that we haven't yet come to terms with Lastiara's death.

　The reason for the unexpected immediate response was a blissfully obvious - that it was impossible to accept the death of someone so close to you in just two months or so - a normal weakness.

'We were told by Kanami-san what kind of end Lastiara-san met. Using magic, we were even able to hear her will. We received all of that death, including the meaning of the 'curse' ......, but--

　During that fierce battle, I was able to completely clear my mind.
　But not Maria and the others.

'-- Somewhere in the back of my mind, we still don't believe in 'The Death of Rustyala Hoozeyers'. Because that's the kind of person Rustyala was. I feel like that person would come back to us in a flash. If we hadn't even told her about her death ......, she might come back to this house again, laughing like she always does and saying 'it was tough!' -

　Potentially, Maria mutters.

　If you ask me which one is right, it's surely Maria.
　It's funny that she's living her life as usual with an all-knowing look on her face, as I am now (・・・・).
　But I still have to ask. To accept her death and a new future - the continuation (...) of The Story of Rustiala, and to walk on from now on.

'Maria, Rastiara is not coming back. As long as I think I love Rustyala, she'll never come back. Lastiara Hoosiers paid for my [most beloved dying] of their own volition. ...... So I hope you'll laugh and see me off: ......

　And the continuation (...) is never a dark and 'unhappy' one, always regretting the past.
　It's about being prepared to survive even if it's hard, and to walk into a bright, 'happy' future.

　More than anyone else, Rustyala is the one who wants Maria's 'happiness'.

'I know that. I know that ......, I'm there. Still, if it's possible, I'd like to give it a try. I want to keep leaving the possibility of Ms. Rastiala's return .......
'There's no chance. As long as I'm here, there's absolutely no way Rastiara will come back to life. --From the [logic] of the world, [I won't come back to life no matter what happens]

　It's hard, but I have to keep saying that.
　Even if there was a loophole in [Reason], if I break it down, the one who would be saddest is Rustyala.
　It would deny the proof that I was 'real'.

'...... Kanami has come back to life. Don't you think it's unconvincing if the success story denies it?
'That's because Nosfi was special. Rather, my death was 'supposed to come back to life'. Tiara and Yotaki, who were setting that up, are gone ......, and even Nosfi is gone .......
'Then, for example, what happens if I use real "magic" like Mr. Nosfi does?　If I could be a 'replacement', even Mr. Rustyala--
The same 'magic' cannot be used on Maria. ...... At the end of the day, someone can't replace someone else. Rastiara and Nosfi certainly lived their lives as a single person, not as a replacement for someone else. The shape of a person's soul is unique.

　I told myself that, not only to Maria, but to myself as well.

　Only the soul can't be replaced.
　That's why the magic stone is more important than the body.
　The presence or absence of a soul, and the purity of the "undead".
　The purity of your unconsciousness, the purity of your unconsciousness, and the connection between your soul, your contract, and your reason.
　If you don't have all of those things perfectly, you will never be able to move your soul.

............. ...... After all, there are still rules that only Kanami-san knows about, right?

　Maria was looking into my stern face.
　As usual, that 'penetrating eye' sees through me even more than I do.

"Kanami-san knows more [reason] than I do, and is even better at magic than I am. ...... No, on the contrary, no one in the world is now a match for Kanami-san. If that Kanami-san has given up on reviving Rastiara-san, then it's probably impossible for anyone to do so anymore. Yes, from [reason], it must be obvious.

　Breaking her previous strong stance, Maria muttered sadly.
　It was already just a request.

''Still, I want to see you again. I want to talk to Rustyala-san again, and I want to be angry and pissed off ....... Just one more time, or else I'll just go ahead and let Russ (・・・・・・) Tiara-san (・・・・・・・)--
Yeah, that's ......

　I just keep being asked, genuinely, to do it again.

　That request blew my mind the most today.
　Above all, when the name is repeated, it inevitably shifts (...).
　It's the 'price' of 'the one who steals the reason for the dimension'. So, I moved my gaze just a little bit, and before I knew it - and she was there.

　She continued to shake and shake, and finally Rustyala Hoozeyers had arrived at the same desk as Maria and was listening to the story together.
　I can see it.
　I can hear it, I can feel it.
　Like a "curse", clearly, there--.

"--Rastiara, who had been listening quietly all the time, finally gets out of his seat, unable to bear it.
　She walks noiselessly, her golden sand hair dominating, and moves behind Maria.
''Maria-chan......''
　He called her name lovingly, his eyes narrowing as he put his thin arms around her and held her close.
　Only, neither his voice nor his body heat could reach Maria.
'Maria, I'm so happy ....... But you can't. Because this is the 'feelings that are as good as everyone else's' that I've found ....... It's proof that me and Kanami were 'real' ....... So, no. I'm sorry .......
　He smiled sadly and then buried his face in Maria's dark hair, hiding it from everyone.
　Then he hugged her. I'm going to hug the Maria I love so much, and I'm going to hold her tighter and tighter -

　That's what I saw.
　So I repeat. Delivering what should be unreachable.

"'Maria, I'm so happy ....... But you can't. Because this is the 'thought that is as good as everyone else's' that I found ....... It's proof that me and Kanami were 'real' ....... So it's no good. I'm sorry .......

　Hearing his voice, Maria was surprised as if she had met a ghost, and she frowned and giggled with sadness and joy.

'Yes ....... I'm sure that's what Rustyala would say. Only Kanami-san would know that.
'Oh ....... Rastiara would certainly say that.
'It's not fair. We can't do anything about it if you say things like that.

　Knowing the magic stone inside me, Maria recognized it as a message, not just an impersonation.
　Maria laughed in frustration as her pseudo-but 'again' request was fulfilled.

'The truth is, I know. There's nothing more I can do for you ....... No doubt, I also know that Rustyala wants me to just laugh and go about my days ....... But I'm scared that I won't be thinking about Ms. Rustyala every day like this.
Scary ......?
I'm afraid that if we don't, I'm going to forget about Mr. Rastiara (・・・・・・・・・)--and I'm afraid I will.

　Maria confesses that it is not 'death' that she was afraid of, but 'oblivion'.
　As she looks at Rustyala through me, she begins to tell me why.

'The day that last battle ended ....... When the icy world melted and Kanami woke me up and we laughed together with Dia and Snow and the others ......, it still didn't feel real. I still didn't believe that we were missing one of our loved ones.

　Two months ago, one by one, carefully.
　Why did I start reading the book on magic to bring Rastiara back to life?
　You tell me the story, the thoughts that you don't want to forget, in summary now.

The next day ......, it's the morning of the second day. Naturally, my eyes were searching for Rustyala-san's appearance. As a matter of course, I thought he might still be alive ....... I wandered around the flooded city ......, but no matter how much I walked and walked, I didn't see Mr. Rustyala anywhere. I looked for the cathedral, I looked for the place where we adventured together, I looked for the house where we held hands and slept together, but I couldn't find him anywhere. I really couldn't find her anywhere, and I'm getting a little more anxious. ......

　When the extraordinary is over, the sense of reality gradually hits you.
　I can remember exactly how many days it was because it was so vivid.

'And then, that night, I'd have a 'dream'. It's a dream about the time when we were all together as usual, exploring the labyrinth. Rastiara-san was there, naturally, and she was in charge at the head of the party, laughing and laughing very happily ...... and fighting against the monsters in a lively manner. However, when I woke up from my dream, Rustyala-san was gone. He's not there, so I'll go look for him soon. ...... but he's nowhere to be found.

　As if reading the words engraved on a stone monument, Maria continues to confess her memories of the time she mourned Rustyala.

'By the fourth day, I already know that the 'dream' is a dream. Still, while I'm dreaming, I don't even know it's a dream because I don't have to know it's a dream. ...... I didn't get out of bed because I wanted to dream the whole time--
'On the fifth day, as soon as I wake up, I realize that Mr. Rastiara is not there, and I feel like I'm choking. My breathing is very shallow, painful, and my chest feels like it's going to be crushed ...... and even though I know I'm not looking for her, I'm looking for Ms. Rastiala again in the city. One day after another--
'Suddenly I can't stop crying. This time, as soon as I wake up, I raggedly cry and understand. I really think that Mr. Rastiala is dead. ...... I wrapped myself in a blanket in bed and wished that this reality was a 'dream'.

　I know that feeling, painfully.
　I wouldn't say it's exactly the same, but it should be a pain we can share with our friends.

'Maria, me too, ....... Maybe it was the same for all of us. Two months ago, even though we were getting together as a group of friends, it was pretty scattered .......
'Yes. We had plenty of time for the first ten days or so, but the gathering was bad. The truth is, everyone was sad ...... but the city was in a victorious mood ...... because of the war mood. I think we were trying very hard to keep our dark faces out as much as possible.
'Dia said I was especially bad: ....... Honestly, we were all terrible.
'Yes, they were all terrible. Phew.

　The story was dark. But Maria was able to smile and talk about the memories.
　In other words, she had overcome "death" itself.
　That's how much growth Maria and her friends have had in their long 'adventure'.

　So the problem for Maria is what lies ahead.

'I think the reason we tried not to show our dark faces is because we all knew we couldn't go on like this. We knew we needed to get back up and move on, because we knew we had to. ...... It was my sister-in-law (Snow) who first got back up and pulled us all together.

　If you ask me who has grown the most in this "adventure", I can say with certainty that it's her.
　She still has a vicious habit of cutting corners when all the people around her are dependable, but when Snow herself has no choice but to do her best, she can really be counted on.

'When Snow couldn't see me, she took my hand and invited me to join her.' --We're not alone anymore. We're all in this together, so let's hold hands and look forward. From now on, we're going to walk together as a family." ......

　Then Maria was adopted by the Walker family.
　Snow was a sister-in-law, and she tried to help Maria.

　That's probably .......
　Perhaps she is imitating the kindness she once received from her brother-in-law.
　The way Snow looks at Maria is a bit like Glenn's when he looks at her.

'So far, so good. So far, it's been really good. It was about a month after that that I got scared - after a nice morning of waking up (・・・・・・・・) (・・・・・). ...... It was a very nice morning. Little by little I started to get back on my feet, I didn't dream anymore, and I slept strangely well. The sun was bright that day, the food I ate was delicious, my body was light ...... and I had a very pleasant day.

　The content of her speech was cheerful. But Maria's expression as she spoke it was the exact opposite of dark.
　She distorts her face to the point that she is about to start crying now, and goes on to speak the rest of the story.

''-- Moving forward into a new future meant leaving Rustyala-san in the past. The more we moved forward, the more Lastiara-san moved backwards and forwards. After all that sadness, we will be able to endure life without Mr. Rastiala. I feel like I'm going to forget. I really don't want to be like that ......, I don't want to be like that, I don't want to be like that, I don't want to be .......
So, for Rastiara's sake, get the book: ......

　Maria made sure to remember Rustyala by continuing to pursue her 'dream' of seeing her again.

　Maria nodded in response to the answer to that question.
　Surely she didn't really think that she could really bring him back to life.
　But while she was desperately trying to bring Rustyala back to life, she felt close to him and felt safe.

'I have forgotten my family once, at the magical 'cost' ....... It's a gaping, black hole in the great vessel of memory. I'm really afraid that that's where Mr. Rustyala is slowly being swallowed up too .......

　The experience of losing a family memory is a traumatic one for her.
　Maria, who is able to 'relate' to that 'the one who steals the logic of fire', has a stronger fear of 'forgetting' than anyone else.

　But that is why I, who have the same trauma, can reassure her.
　Believing me, I speak.

'Maria, I too have lost my family's memory ....... There was a time when I couldn't save the people I cared about and I forgot their names ...... -- but now I remember it all and I remember it all right. It's a good thing that you're not going to have to worry about it, because it's the reason I tried so hard to remember, because I didn't want to forget. It's not just a matter of time before you get to the end of the day. Because--

　As I talked, I remembered a familiar face and name.
　It was my childhood friend, Konagi. And the memories of "The One Who Steals the Reason" - among others, the "The One Who Steals the Reason of Fire" are strong now.
　I'm going to tell the truth (...), as if I'm talking to that Arti.

"-- There is no 'curse' of 'forgetfulness' in 'Maria (...)'

　A thousand years ago, the Curse of the One Who Stole the Reason of Fire burned the memories of those who were dearest to him in priority.　I'm sure you're not going to be able to find a way to make it work.

"I don't have a 'curse' ......?
'Oh, there isn't. ...... If only it wasn't for the nastiness of the 'world' like that 'curse', I could remember it, even if I had forgotten it once. Since I can remember, Maria can definitely handle it.

　Saying that, I moved closer to Maria and laid my own hand on that desk - or rather, what I thought was Rustyala's hand - on top of her hand.
　I felt not only the words, but also the body heat, and Maria's expression softened a bit.

'......?　Nah, I feel like ......, I feel like Rustyala-san. Now, is the magic stone in Kanami-san?
'It's in me. I feel Rastiala as Maria has felt Arti all along.
Both Arti and Mr. Rustyala are here now at ....... ......

　Maria, feeling the 'connection' from her body heat, lights up her dark face.
　You can see that the fear of "oblivion" is easing. And--

'Thank you, Kanami. ...... I'm a little relieved to hear that. It's true that if I forget, I just have to remember. If that Kanami-san could do it, I have a feeling that I can do it too. ...... Worst of all, let's remember with gusto. With gusto.

　She saw through my mind with her 'penetrating eyes' that there was indeed no 'curse'.
　I thought it was a bit rude to convince me, but I was relieved that her typical sarcasm had returned.

''No, I'm not sure I can remember ...... in the spirit of quicksilver, can you remember?''
It's a matter of feelings, of feelings. Now I understand that now.
'Yes, ....... I know all too well the importance of feelings.
'Yes. The important thing is this feeling: ......

　Then Maria smiled.
　It was then that the air, which had been cold for some time, felt like it had warmed back up.

　Maria took a breath and got up from her seat. She walked away from the desk and made her way to the bed, as if she didn't need to read anymore.

'I'm tired of talking for a bit ....... I'm going to take a break soon. ......

　All the while, Maria never let go of my hand.

'Kanami, ....... I'm going to sleep now, so please hold it. Please keep it going .......

　I didn't let go, I begged.
　Like a child.
　It's the same as that Yotaki's "Winter's Other World (Wintry Dimension)", but in a slightly different way.

"Somehow, when I was doing this, I felt like ......, Rustyala-san, was there for me. ......
Yeah, I know.

　Because both Maria and I are both substandard wizards, we have a strong magical sensitivity.

　On the contrary, I felt as if Arti, the one who steals the logic of fire, was on the other side of this connected hand.
　The figure of the girl who was a victim of people's prayers in that city called Fania overlaps with Maria's.

'It was good to see you today ....... We were able to discuss ....... I was able to have a proper honest conversation with .......
I'm glad too. I was able to talk honestly and put Maria at ease.

　Maria climbed into bed and meditated.
　I pull up a nearby chair and get into a position where I can hold her hand until she falls asleep.

'Goodnight ....... My favorite master .......
Good night, Maria. ...... Just let's end the master call once and for all. Really don't do this again.
'Hmmm ....... Yes .......

　After that joke, the conversation was cut short.

　Maria fell asleep.
　Overcoming both "Death" and "Oblivion," she felt safe and sure that she had fallen into her "dream.

'Sorry, 'Maria. And thank you so much ....... You kept your promise to us one day (...) and helped us all the way: ......

　Out of Maria's hearing, I apologize and thank 'Maria'.
　Then, as I roll up the 'scorched page' from a thousand years ago, I re-read its meaning.


"--A thousand years ago.
　The day me and Tiara opened up the city of Fania to the public.
　We made a promise when we parted ways with the 'one who steals reason'.
'Um, Kanami-sama, one day--!
　Unlike Tida, the calm 'one who steals the truth of darkness', Arti, the 'one who steals the truth of fire', appealed desperately to the end.
　He swore from his soul to me, his benefactor.

''--I will definitely be useful to Kanami-sama one day (...), too. ......!

　I had taken her oath lightly at the time. So, I shook my head that I didn't need help developing the 'spellcraft' easily - I thought that's where her story ended.
　But it was never over.
　A promise had been properly made.
''--Canami-sama, can I see you again?''
It's ...... of course. I'll see you again. I promise.
Yes. Well, I'll see you sometime at .......
　Ever since that day, Arti has been praying.
　Even if he 'forgot' the things he wanted to protect, even his own name, the words he wanted to convey, and everything was replaced by fire, he continued to wish from the bottom of his heart, just like me.
　Tiara, who was writing the story, writes in The Bottom of the Continent
　Yotaki, who knows the last page of everything, describes the ending as.

　-- and yet, a thousand years later, she arrived.
　Indeed, "The One Who Steals the Reason of Fire" was found at the end of her life.
　'Maria (...),' the (...) 'Truth (...)' --.

　Originally, "Arti" from "The One Who Steals the Reason of Fire" was a deceptive name for her suffering mother.
　Because of this false name, her real name was forgotten.

　But a thousand years later, she found it.
　That day.
　But a thousand years later, she had found it, that day, on the burning hill, in the Tenth Test.
　Not 'Christ' and 'Arti', but 'Kanami' and 'Mary' had fulfilled their promise to meet again a thousand years ago -

　Maria is asleep with a reassuring look on her face as she breathes a sigh of sleep.
　As I watch her sleeping face, I admonish my heart.

　I remind myself that everything I have said to Maria is also directed from the Maria of a thousand years ago to the Founder Kanami.

　I will never forget.
　With that note on the last page, I close my precious ninth book (...).