Before he knew it, Kanami was up on deck.

　With relaxed movements, she sat down at a nearby table.
　The way she is completely relaxed even though she is sailing on the "Blood Land" makes me feel as if she is the only one living in a completely different timeline.
　That Kanami joins me and Glenn's discussion of Seldora--

The 'unconsciousness' of Seldra, the 'stealer of nothingness,' is ordinary happiness. It's like a cup of coffee on a pleasant morning, for example: ......

　It was the 'answer' to the whole process that flew by.
　No, from Glenn and I, it just looks that way, and I'm sure Kanami has properly worked his way through the story, page by page, to get to the 'answer'.
　She's just trying to share that achievement with us out of kindness. But that's just it, no other intentions, I can tell from the kind look on his face ...... too many things are too far apart.

'Coffee ......?'
Feast your eyes. It's a special drink from another world.

　When Glenn asked me about it, Kanami took out a coffee set from his 'belongings' with a bit of pride.
　I know that it was a souvenir from the 'original world', so I'm not surprised, but he was a little wary of a device he hadn't seen before.

　Kanami, naturally, magically runs the electricity through the pot and heats up the water Glenn has prepared and finishes brewing an out-of-place quaint beverage (coffee) for this 'blood land'.

　For three people to feast on.
　It was placed in front of an empty chair, along with a beautiful tea set.
　Glenn and I, who were treated to the tea, could not hide our bewilderment as we each took our seats.
　Kanami confirms this and sips from her own cup, proving that it's drinkable.

'...... haha,'

　I sipped my coffee and let out a slow sigh of mixed admiration and contentment.

　It's a delicious drink.
　It was just so creepy to me.

　After all, I know that Kanami hates coffee.
　Ever since he was trained as a child by his spartan parents to be able to drink everything with a smile, I'm sure his dislike of it must have been in him ever since he was trained by his spartan parents to be able to drink everything with a smile, but I don't feel ...... a shred of it.

　Perhaps it's the skill "writing" or "acting" that makes him "love coffee".
　What's important here is that it's not forced or unnatural.
　He can include the "contradiction" of "I don't like it, but I like it" without any difficulty. That's Aikawa Kanami, the 'stealer of reason' who was born with the nature of the 'moon' but has mastered the attributes of the 'dimension'.

　Glenn and I sat down, but we couldn't reach for our coffee cups.
　Kanami didn't mind that and proceeded to talk about it.
　In a very light tone, as if chatting.

'I finished The Trial of the One Who Stole Nothing and saw his life. I knew then that Seldra, like everyone else, wanted a little happiness, and now I'm helping him do that.
'Mi, like everyone else ......?　After what you did, ......?

　Glenn was upset, but he couldn't seem to miss it.
　He was supposed to be sweet to his brother-in-law, but he even exuded anger.

...... For a long time, Serdra was 'born different' and didn't really understand the idea of right and wrong. He just looks around, learns, and pretends to know. A thousand years ago, we spread misery in enemy territory because there was no one in the 'Northern League' to stop it.

　Kanami speaks freely of the information he possesses.
　We found out that Seldora's strengths do not have a mental brake, but we were not too surprised, as we had been expecting that to happen.

It's ...... somewhat obvious to me, too. But birth and environment are no excuse. There's no end to what you can say about it since you can't be born equal.

　Glenn replied, as if he had been prepared to do so.
　At that moment, his gaze was directed at his own left arm.

　Since I'm aware of it, Kanami must naturally be aware of it as well.
　Whenever Glenn blames Seldra, he also blames himself.

'Right now, Seldra is trying his best to be a kind person in his own way ......, no?
Kanami, you're naive. All murderous villains are always lying with impunity. As soon as they go out of sight of the officials, they will repeat their misdeeds. Of course they'll betray you one day.
...... Yes, I know. That's why me and Serdra made a 'contract'. It's a 'contract' that allows me to kill Seldra at any time, that I will keep an eye on her - and if she lies, misbehaves out of sight, or tries to betray me - I will intervene immediately. Now we can truly 'feel safe' with each other.
............!

　Glenn gasps. Like me, he seems to have made eye contact with 'the one who steals the reason for the dimension' and looked into those black eyes.

　Those 'eyes that seem to see through everything' are no longer a metaphor.
　There is no room for falsehoods in the current Kanami.
　There is nothing that she can't see.
　There is no way to betray her, even if she wants to.

　That's why such a joke of a 'contract' has been concluded with Kanami.

'Still, Kanami-kun. Even if Seldora could change, there's no way to get it back. Even if Seldra saves many more people in the future, the regret of the former victims will not disappear. The same souls will never be the same in this world. You can't just add the amount that was subtracted and then write it off ....... Subtracted souls will never forgive Seldora for living in obscurity.
'That's ......, I agree with you. Seldora thinks so too.

　Kanami doesn't deny it.
　As if she knew ahead of time that she was going to have this conversation ...... no, she must have already 'foreseen' it. I'm going to return the answer I had prepared as well.

'Still, I don't want to give up before I try to atone for my sins. Even if it's wrong, I want to support Seldra in her attempt to atone for her sins. Maybe if Seldra keeps trying and not giving up all the time, maybe someday we will reach an ending that everyone will be happy with. All the "drawn souls" that have been sacrificed until today will be saved, and the remaining "thieves" may be able to have an even better ending. I want to continue to aim for such an "ideal" future as much as possible. I'll do my best so that there will be no regrets...

　That's sweet idealism.
　You have failed to refute Glenn's claim.

'If you were wrong, you should have no remorse: ...... and redemption: ......'

　But Glenn was at a loss for an answer.
　It was probably because he too was thinking in the corner of his mind that that was an option.

　Perhaps, but the two good-natured people were similar at their roots.
　That's why it's so easy to understand each other when you go head to head with each other.

　The conversation was balanced, stagnant, and quiet on the deck.
　Only the sound of the wind, mixed with the smell of blood, could be heard.
　It was just when I thought it was over.

'-What do you think?　In fact, the cleaners who were affected by Seldora,

　Kanami looked at me.
　I ask her about Serdra, just as I did when we were talking about Fafner.
　The question seems to bother Glenn as well, and he silently looks at me with interest.

'...... me, is it?'

　I'm asked, and I think about it for a moment.

　I can see both sides of the argument.
　It's a common story, two valid arguments clash and it's like a parallel line.

　In this situation, the one who talks the most wins.
　If you don't like it, go out and kill each other, the one who is stronger wins.
　I think that's the truth of the matter ...... but they really want to hear my opinion as a party.

　To be honest, I'm stumped.
　At any rate, I'm different from the two of you in terms of premise.

　--In the first place, I don't consider Seldra to be a sinner.

　Sure, the means may have been atrocious.
　But I can't be lenient in waging war.
　Serdra is taking the best choice as a single general to meet the demands of the times.
　He never makes sacrifices from his own people, and is thorough and ruthless to the enemy people - he has firmly brought results to the "Northern League" while maintaining a balance between hobby and practical interest.
　That is why he was praised as a great general of "Northern League" for a thousand years afterwards.

　There is no such thing as a bad person in any situation. The opposite is also true.
　Depending on how you look at it, it could be argued that Serdra contributed to the technological development of the entire continent by pouring out his private funds.
　To be clear, there is no difference between Lady Helmina and Serdra.
　If there is, it's only the expression on her face during her research--

　But that's a bit of a hard air to say.

'From my point of view, the institute was very rich in those days ......, and so, well, what can I say, ......'

　I stuttered and let my gaze wander to ask for help - and on the way, I found something moving on the deck.
　It was a tall woman who was supposed to be asleep in her bed, swinging her long golden hair and doing a large absent figure.

'...... Ah.'

　I don't miss the little murmurings of the Sith as they wake up even more.

'Hmm ......, this smell ....... Hmmm ......?

　Rubbing my eyes, I was about to leave the bed.
　As it is, I quickly sit up when I see her approaching the table we are at with the unreliable gait of a baby bird. I walk up to her, take her hand, and lead her to the table where this tedious story is on.

'Kanami, what's this ....... Is it time for breakfast?

　Sis asked, looking sleepy as she took her seat.
　The table was in the middle of another conversation right now, but Kanami knew that ignoring her would cause her to sulk in a nasty way, so she had no choice but to respond.

'Well, I'm sure you're well aware of the fact that the smell of blood is so tight. ...... would you like something to eat?
I need to eat ....... If you don't eat, you won't have much energy. Give me something good to eat.
I'll make some toast. I'll make some coffee.

　The bread cooker (toaster) is taken out on the table in time with the coffee. Kanami watches Glenn-san as he prepares the breakfast.

'In case you want to bake some for Glenn-san and me, too: ......

　Meanwhile, the Sith reached out and took the cup of coffee that Glenn hadn't touched.
　He then unguardedly took it into his mouth and his eyes widened at its strong bitterness.

''--Well, bad (bad) taste!　What the hell!　It smells good, but it tastes terrible!

　He drinks something that doesn't sit well with his mouth and seems to be fully awake.
　The Sith looks around to check his current situation.
　Glenn, who has been seen, also has no choice but to start serving, just like Kanami.
　It was just as I had planned.

"Sith-sama. If you don't mind, here's some water. It's called coffee, and it's a special drink in Kanami-kun's world: ......
Oh, thank God. Let's see, you can go to ......, huh?
'This is Glenn Walker. By the way, this is the deck of the 'Living Legend' and we're almost at Fafner's, Master Sith.
Yeah, yeah. You're the local guide for example: ....... You mean, what?　So isn't that the end of a lot of things?　How long have I been asleep?
'It's just for one day. Luckily, they met up with me early, my primary target, and our plans were moved up significantly.
'Yes, yes ....... Then I'm glad. ...... No, rather, isn't this a lucky thing?　It was perfect before this me coming in contact with the 'Blood Stealer'!
Is the Sith master still the secret weapon?　If so, it certainly happened at a very good time.
"Phew. ....... Yes, I'm a secret weapon. I've been preparing a lot of things for that for quite some time--

　The air that had been tense earlier loosened at the sound of Sith's noumenal voice.
　Glenn is hesitant to dig up Seldra's story in front of her, but he listens with a wry smile on his face.

　The Sith happily explains how his power is useful - and a few minutes later, the toast is cooked and another voice is heard.

　Not on the deck.
　A familiar voice comes from the other side of the door leading into the ship.
　It's a slightly gruff, yet amused, talking voice.
　It was the voices of Kounel and Serdra.

''--Mmmm!　What's that smell?!
I told you.　He said it would be just fine if I woke up now. Sleeping until the last minute is what lazy people do.
'Yes, yes, I appreciate it. But please don't wake me up again. I'm so surprised to see Master Seldra's face when I wake up in my sleep that I'm ready to die.
...... Huh. You're really merciless with me, aren't you? This is still hurting me in a very low-key way.

　The two men, who looked like they had just woken up, opened the door to reveal themselves.
　Serdra's grooming was neat to the tips of her hair, but Kounel was covered in sleeping habits and her eyes were dull. From the conversation, it was clear that Seldra had woken up first, preventing her companions from oversleeping. With the appearance of those two, it seemed that the air would be even more relaxed - but Glenn's expression hardened.

　It was obvious from a sidelong glance that he was dragging out what he had just said.
　Kounel ignored that delicate air and went to the table at a small run.

''I knew it, the chairman was baking bread!　Master Sith is awake too!

　Seldora was walking behind them, putting on a somewhat protective face for Kounel.
　If it weren't for the Seldora discussion earlier, it would be a very smiling scene.

　-- only Glenn continues to stare at Seldora with a frozen expression.

　I can't continue like this.
　Although I am a 'bystander', I make up my mind.
　And I start to move to settle the Seldora discussion.
　I get out of my seat, pass Kounel, and approach Seldora behind him--.

Excuse me.

　Geez.
　I kicked him in the shins.

"What?　...... Hey, why did you just kick me?

　It's too hard, and on the contrary, it's damaging to my leg.
　Since none of the damage on the other side was done, Serdra looked really strange and just puzzled.

'A thousand years ago, there really was a lot going on. But this is the least a mere cleaner can do. For the moment, I forgive you for this.

　This is really the end of the Seldora discussion, this time.
　Maybe I'm being a little pompous, but I think this is a good place to drop the story.

　However, as we know, that explanation doesn't get through to Seldora.
　What was conveyed was Kanami and - and Glenn, who was able to understand the language.

　Serdra tilted her head and asked Kanami for help.

''What?　Hey, Kanami. What did he just say?
He says he'll forgive Serdra for this.
'Ha, ha ......?　Forgive me?　Why would a janitor from a thousand years ago want me to--

　He stared at me just a few feet away as he spoke, choking on his words in the process.

　I continued to stare at him for a few seconds.
　Serdra came up with something and her face gradually paled.
　She was even more bloodthirsty than during the 'Blood Demon Beast' battle earlier.

　Apparently, Serdra also noticed.
　That he had interacted with me a thousand years ago.

''No, I didn't think so ......, now ......
'No way. But you shouldn't worry about it.

　I answer immediately.
　I ask Kanami to translate those words with eye contact.

She says, "I mean, no way, but don't worry about it.
"Heh, oh, ....... Oh, right. ....... Really?　Is that how it works: ......?

　As if to confirm, I repeat.
　He also scurried around and looked around, trying to get confirmation that he could really accept the words at face value.

　Kanami, Sith, and Kounel all had a harmonious air about them, and they didn't seem particularly bothered by it.
　Glenn's expression remained firm, too, so Serdra swallowed my words, "So that's how it is.
　Shortly after that, Kounel, who should have been heading to his seat earlier, approaches me and shouts.

'Hey, hey, hey!　Garbage man!　Why don't you just stab him?　When I met you, you were about to attack me with some really sharp meat!

　He saw me kicking Seldora and happily got involved.
　He then asked me for the power I had when I was an enemy as a 'blood puppet'.

　As I was told, I put my strength into my hand and tried to change its shape. Then, very easily, it transformed into the hand I requested.

'Well, is it like this?'
That's it!　Master Serdra can kill you with it if he has a chance, you know.
I won't kill him. He's a valued customer of the institute.
Okay?　You understand?　Oh, you understand?
'...... kind of reminds me of the family (pets) at the institute when I see him.
Okay, okay, okay!　Okay, next time, let's kill him!　This man is doing the world a favor by not being here, so feel free!　If I die, I will just become a magical stone and contribute to the world.
'It's really cute ....... But I think you'd be better off for the world if you died too.'
'Oh, you're laughing!　I swear, you just laughed!　Also, he seemed to agree with me that he'd be better off dead!　Now that's a weird word!

　The conversation wasn't going to happen, but it wasn't a problem.
　I've spent my life learning that words don't matter much when it comes to communication.

　Kounell hugs my skinless body without reservation.
　Her head is stroked by me, and our friendship deepens.

　I felt the distance between us grow much closer, just as it once did with my family (pets).
　Serdra watches the situation and speaks as she sits down next to Kanami.

'That idiot, you can't speak, but he misses you.
'Of course. Kounel isn't a discriminating child, just because he doesn't speak the language or looks a little strange. Even so, he's an authority on cross-cultural exchange.
'No, I'm not talking about cross-cultural exchange. ...... I'm talking about that guy who's as crazy as us in 'The One Who Steals the Reason'.
No, I'm not crazy. I think we're all normal.

　Kanami shook her head at that, and the group went into full breakfast time.

　I took a seat next to Kounel, though I couldn't eat it either.
　She sipped on my portion of coffee out of curiosity, "Geez! He ranted, "It's a taste that only adults can understand," and watched right next to me as Seldra stirred me up - and Glenn continued to watch over me as he watched - and finally took a breath as if he had given up on the idea It's on.

'...... haha. Kanami, since you look so good, can you give me one of those?　I need to get a quick bite to eat before the big fight.
'Sure, no problem. ...... soon (・・・・), so...

　I seem to have given up a lot of things when I see that I, the victim in question, am enjoying the boat ride with Kounell.
　I don't rehash the seldom-repeated seldom-repeated discussion from earlier, but join them in this last supper.

　Unlike the Sith and Kounel, we eat the same food around the same table, though in small doses to avoid a full stomach. Then he speaks with a wry smile to the Sith who is sitting next to him, eating several pieces of toast with great vigor.

''Even so, Sith-sama eats a lot, doesn't he? You said earlier that your body is magic itself, but it looks almost the same as ours.
Hmm?　Yeah. This 'magical body' is almost as good as a normal human. ...... No, if you ask Kanami to help you, you can change it to suit many situations, so it's even more useful than a normal human.
...... Heh. That's an enviable story. Moreover, isn't the amount of magic power comparable to those 'Stealers of Reason'?
''If it's just a simple amount of magic power, it'll surpass even Seldora there. After all, that Tiara ...... who has mastered the 'blood power', my old 'friend's' technology is all used in this 'magic body'. All of the people's prayers to the Levantine religion are my strength. Isn't it amazing?
'I see. So, Apostle-sama is the culmination of your research into 'blood power'. Magicians, sorcery, magical stones, religion, and magic - you are also deeply involved (・・・・) in Helmina Neysha's 'Five Step Thousand Year Plan'.
'I don't know much about that part of the world, but ......, it seems so. So, I've heard that my existence has a special effect on Helmina Neisha, the main body of The Stealer of Blood.
Of course. Now I understand. Undoubtedly, in the fight against 'the one who steals the reason for blood', that power will be important.
'Phew. In the next fight, look at me here carefully. You can't be creepy, but if it's against a 'reason-stealing thing' that I'm used to, I can give it all I've got!

　The Sith must be aware of the fact that he had been slacking off for a long time.
　After pouring nourishment into his belly firmly, he looked spirited, and his chest heaved.
　Seeing her straight eyes like a child's, emphasizing that it was her turn to be active from here on out, Glenn gave a small "I'm counting on you," and Sis replied, "Leave it to me.

　At the same time, Glenn ate a piece of toast, shoving it into his mouth.
　His expression was very reluctant at that moment.
　As if to prove that the earlier "Actually, I don't like it very much either" was not a lie, he finished eating somewhat bitterly.

　Before I knew it, Kanami had also laid out the preserves and fresh vegetable salad from her 'possessions' on the table.
　However, Glenn doesn't touch it, but finishes his meal greeting ahead of time.

''--Thanks for the feast.''

　With that said, he gets out of his seat and moves to the edge of the deck.
　As the captain of the ship, he seems to be checking to make sure we're not out of the way.
　Like me earlier, he's looking into a sea of blood.

　-- only, I could tell from the look on his face just before that that it wasn't just that.

　My body didn't care if there was a line of delicious-looking food, so I followed behind Glenn.
　Standing next to him, he doesn't move his gaze, but talks to me as he approaches.

'You, too, look at the bottom of the sea. It's a recreation of the terrain of Fania's territory from a thousand years ago. This is where you lived.
'What?　This is my birth ......, Fania territory?

　Suddenly, I approached the fence as I was told, pointing out that it was home.
　Behind the clean, bloody water was a wide plain.
　It was bright red, but not entirely invisible. There were rustling trees and grasslands, and a single decaying city road stretching out.
　But I've never left the Institute, so I don't feel any nostalgia for it.
　It was fun to look down from the sky, but it wasn't much of a sight to behold, so my interest didn't last long.

''No, even if you say so--''

　I look at Glenn next to me as he tilts his head back.
　He would have noticed my question, but he ignored it, pointing to the black color around the horizon, and only spoke about what he wanted to talk about.

'You see that big warped wall-like thing over there?　That's the outer wall of the city. When you enter it, you can jump into the Seventh Magical Research Institute. Fafner is located in the "God's Body Storage Room" at the far end of the building. I'm sure he's just a memory, so there's no need to get lost. Head straight for it.

　I explained ahead of time how to get directions after we arrived.
　It had a somewhat hurried tone to it.
　It sounded as if he was no longer there at that moment.

''Aren't you going to come with me to the Research Institute?''

　So I asked frankly.
　Glenn shakes his head a little sadly when asked.
　While away from the fence, he looks at the 'primary attackers' who are eating at a table in the distance and tells them why.

'I'm not part of that party. I don't seem to mix well in that one anymore .......

　That's not true, I tried to deny it.
　However, as if to deny the denial, Glenn pulled his own eye patch upwards and also paid off the shoulder coverings (cape) that hid his 'demonization' to his back side, revealing his deformed appearance.

'If we're going to discuss this with Fafner, that must be the ideal party. The insanity is distorted and steady - the more we talk, the less confident we are.

　The 'demonization' that was biased to distort when a force was applied from the outside, is different in essence from the mutations of the beastmen on the continent.
　Thus, I have seen many, many times the experimental bodies that were made to look like they will never [return to normal] again.
　I've seen off many, many, many of their endings as well. So, this time too--

'More importantly, talking to them makes me feel like everything is going to be okay. Before you know it, you're 'reassured' that it's going to be okay because that's how the story is made. -- really, our leader (・・・・・・・・) was right.

　I can't stop Glenn from walking away.

　I could at least mix it up with the chatter.
　But if not, I couldn't move.
　Because that was my nature, having lived and died as a 'bystander'.

But you won't know until you try. I don't want to give up before I've tried. If the only way to change your destiny is to survive, then I will--

　Glenn walked and returned to the table on the deck.
　Then, from behind the eating Sith, he thumped the Sith's left shoulder with his cold left arm.

'Ladies and gentlemen, it's time. We're here. Let's get this over with.
Glenn?　You can get off the ship, or you can finish eating--

　-- was fast (・・・・).

　My eyes couldn't follow it.
　However, I was prepared, so I managed to understand what had happened.
　Before Sis could turn around, the 'black thread' that extended from Glenn's left arm had already finished tangling around Sis's body.
　In the blink of an eye, it was wrapped around in a circle to restrain her - the tip of one of them was plopping into Sis's chest, as if she had dropped a fishing line into the lake.

　Ignoring her flesh and blood, it must have reached directly to her heart.

'Heh?　What do you--

　Before the Sith could finish speaking their doubts, the 'black thread' moved.
　As if fished out of the sea, it was easily pulled out of Sith's chest.

　--The white "magic stone" that is her soul is forcibly expelled from her body by the "black thread".

　Immediately, the body of the Sith emitted light, and everything from the tips of her fingers to the tips of her hair were replaced with particles of magical power.
　The entire body melts into the air.
　I heard from Glenn's mouth beforehand that the 'black thread' can touch the soul.
　There was no lie in that explanation, and the pseudo 《Distance Mute》 was fulfilled.

''Wha--?

　The Sith was considered a magical stone.

　And in the blink of an eye.
　Just like that.
　Betrayed.
　The one who reacted to the murderous act before anyone else and voiced his voice was Serdra, who was on the other side of the table.

　Along with a look of impatience, he was about to make his move.
　But before he could do so, Glenn pulled the Sith's magic stone and plucked it with his right hand, revealing the 'black thread' entangled in it.

''Seldra, don't stand.'' --If you move, the 'Apostle' Sith will disappear from this world, forever.

　And then he threatened.

　Impatiently, Serdra remains calm and stops moving as ordered.
　Her face is contorted to its fullest and she is in a cold sweat.

　Even I can tell a little bit of what he's thinking from Seldra's impatient expression.
　The one who revealed that what the Black Thread specializes in is 'soul severing' is none other than himself.
　What I recall is the scene of the battle where the "blood monsters" were cruelly dealt with.
　If you're a Sith, you can still get your revenge. But it's true that if they're not good enough, they will 'disappear from this world forever'.

　Understanding that much, Seldra asked, "Why? He gave me a questioning look.
　It wasn't Glenn, who had betrayed me, nor was it me, who was watching over him like a companion next to him.
　It wasn't Kounel, whose eyes were too fast to keep up with me, either.
　I looked at Kanami, who remained sitting quietly.