One day, less than half a month before the ceremony--.

　Naaschenka, accompanied by Guinevere, was visiting the shopping district of the castle town.
　The streets are filled with tourists, who are looking for clothes and bags made of a special mineral that can only be found in the Godland, as well as weapons and armor for adventurers and others.

　The divine country is one of the most popular tourist destinations.
　In addition to the souvenir area, the shopping district is adjacent to the restaurant area, which is why most visitors are concentrated in this area.

''I haven't been here in a while, but it's still as busy as ever, sister.

'Well..... Naaschenka, is there anything you want?

　No one in the land knows that they are the king's daughters.
　Only their names.
　No one knows their true faces.
　This is all part of the ritual, and for some time now the custom has been established.

What do you want, sir?

　Naaschenka could see her sister's thoughts.
　Guinevere also sees her sister's sorrow.

　On the other hand, Naschenka's mind is complicated.
　She can no longer bear the thought that her life is about to end for nothing.
　But I can't escape because if I run away, my sister will be killed.

''Sister........''

Hmm?

　Naaschenka has tried to cut out many times since then.
　But--.

'I ... want to be in love. I've always wanted to.

'Love? .....

　An empty naschenka above.
　Guinevere held her head in her mind at the profile.
　'It's because I've never experienced it myself.

'I'm tired of looking around here. 'Why don't we go to the higher ground, sister?'

　Naaschenka said without waiting for her sister's reply.

'Yes, fine...'

　The high ground is the next highest point in the country, next to the monastery, a tourist area where you can see the whole country.
　There is a giant statue of Adams on display there, which is also a power spot.

'When was this statue erected...'

　Naaschenka mutters to himself as he looks away from the tourists taking pictures in front of the giant statue.
　Was it built by the first king, who is considered to be Gwynn's best friend, and if so, why did he bring up the Adams faith?
　That was just a convenience for the people at the time, and there was no faith in Naschenka now.

''That's huge...''

So this is the wizard of creation...

　Then they suddenly heard a voice, and they turned their gaze.
　While some travelers were excited about the giant statue, there was a certain group of people around them who were looking at it with admiration.

''That's........''

It's the heart of the dragon, Nurse Chenka!

　I could hear Guinevere's excited voice.
　But Naaschenka was different.

　The people around her are keeping their distance from the dragon's heart - the five of them, with their longing turned on them.
　They are aware of it, but they are used to it and don't deal with it now.

　They are now heroes and legends, having led the great war of the Dahmskale Empire that engulfed the entire continent to its end, and even conquered the dungeons.
　Wherever they went, they were always the center of attention.

　Next to Guinevere's excitement, Naschenka was transfixed by a certain one of the five.
　She didn't know the feelings she herself had had in her heart at that moment.
　But Guinevere knew.
　The profile, she said, represented the heart of Naaschenka.

'I can speak to you now,'

Yeah.

Go. As you and as you see fit you have someone on your mind, don't you?

....

　With her sister pushing her back, Naaschenka saw the future for the first time in a long time.
　But even at that moment, the ritual flickered in her mind.

'See, now's your chance.'

　Naaschenka was full of compassion for others.
　She also had a vision of what was to come.
　She pictured a future with him in her mind's eye through his image.
　But she had to resign herself to the fact that it was impossible to achieve it.

　Naaschenka thought of his future, which she hadn't even spoken to him yet.
　And she took the first step - she took the first step.

　One of the group - Khalifa, with her eyes fixed on the great staff carried by the giant statue of Adams - spilled her doubts.

'Hey, could this be...?'

Well, I guess that's what it's all about.

　Zephyr agreed with the idea.
　As they were exchanging chit-chat, Naaschenka stopped in front of them.

'It's a half-wand,'

　The five of them turned at the words they heard.
　Each of them were transfixed by her beauty.
　Her hair shining against the sunset.
　But one of them reacted differently from the four of them.

'Excuse me for talking to you so suddenly.... You seemed to be enjoying looking at it a lot, so I just couldn't resist...

Well, what about you?

　Zephyr asked.

'I'm sorry, I'm sorry I'm late, my name is Guinevere.

　Naaschenka had taken her sister's name, as it happened.
　But that was her kindness.

'Guinevere? ...I feel like I've heard that somewhere.

What's up, Khalifa?

　Zephyr peeks into his profile.

'Yes!　When I say Guinevere, it's not the name of a princess from the Godland!

　Guinevere smiles shyly.

''Um ... well, why did you come here, Princess?''

　One person reacted differently to the princess, Kagetra.
　He kept his gaze on her, looking like he was on fire from the hot water.
　His expression was already not that of an adventurer, and there was no bloodshot look in his eyes.

''Oh, I didn't know you were a princess! ...It's okay with Guinevere, okay?

　Naaschenka's cheeks flushed red.

'So, then, Miss Guinevere. Why are you here?'

　They look at each other and then proceed with their conversation with a shy smile.

　Shaoan and Zephyr can't stop grinning at the two of them.
　Khalifa notes to them in a whisper, "Alright," but they are grinning as well.

''Well I could tell at a glance that you all are the heart of that dragon. So, as a princess, I thought I'd say hello.

Oh, I see. My name is Kagetora of the Dragon's Heart.

　Kagetola played the gentleman in an unfamiliar language.
　He struggled to carry on the conversation.
　The two of them listened to a lecture about the Colossus of Adams and talked about it.

'When you say half body, you mean he was an abyssal user after all?

Yes. Perhaps that's what the lore says.

I see, I have one of my people who can use the Abyss, my brother.

Oh, I didn't know that!

Yes, sir.

　Even though they had just met, the conversation between the two was exciting, even though they were embarrassed to say they had just met.
　This was how Kagetora and Nurschenka met - the two of them.

What's wrong, Adolf?

　One person, a quiet Adolph, does not want to join the circle.
　Curious about his condition, Khalifa calls out to him.

　Zephyr and Xiaon are curious about Kagetola and Naaschenka's condition.
　However, only Adolf was in a step back, his expression a little dark.
　Out of the corner of his eye was Naaschenka.

　Doubt could be seen behind his eyes.
　But Adolf was sometimes in this kind of mood, and his companions were less concerned about it now.

'It's nothing...'

Yeah.

　A small haze will remain in the Khalifa.
　But that's always the case.
　So no one but the Khalifa pays any attention to it.







Why didn't you tell them your name?

....

　After separating from Kagetola and the others, they returned to the monastery and found themselves behind a pillar at the entrance.

　Guinevere, who had been watching the whole thing from nearby, asked the profile of Naaschenka, who was staring at the night scene.

'How did you know my name? .....

Thank you for this, sister.

　Nathchenka's expression, which had seemed so joyful just now, sank.
　Her heart was complicated.
　Although there were multiple conflicts, her heart was already set in stone.

''I've been told since I was very young that your sister and I are a perfect match...''

What do you mean by that?

　Guinevere was more than a little annoyed at her refusal to go off topic and answer the question.
　But Naaschenka was about to answer.

'After I'm dead, Lady Kagetora, please.

"...nursechenka.

　Naaschenka bowed low.
　A tear ran down Guinevere's cheek.

　Guinevere could not find the words to say to her as she turned her back and walked away into the convent.

　The next day, just before noon -.
　Naaschenka looked refreshed, as if the conversation of yesterday had never happened.
　I tell Guinevere where I'm going and leave the monastery.

'I can't keep Lady Kagetora waiting I'm going, sister.

　Handing out smiles to her sister, Naaschenka ran off.
　Guinevere was also unable to say anything on her back.

　On her way to the shopping district, as she was about to pass through the city center, Naaschenka ran into Adolf.
　He was alone.

'Ah ... good morning!

　Naaschenka smiled and exchanged greetings.

'You must be Master Adolf. I have heard from Master Kagetora.'

　Naaschenka smiles, bewildered by the expressionlessness of his face on the board.

''........................Kagetra would be in the same hotel.

Yes, thank you. Now, please excuse me.

　Naaschenka passes by him, feeling eerie in his quietness--.

''--Nursechenka.''

　But Adolphe opened his mouth, and that stopped him in his tracks.

'I prefer that name,' he said. 'I prefer it,' he says, 'I don't like Guinevere, I don't like names that make no sense to me. I'm sure Kagetola feels the same way. Since we are from the Biyoment and have some blood in our veins, it is easy for us to resist unfamiliar names.

....

　Naaschenka couldn't turn around.
　But Adolf turned and looked at her back.

But you have a shadow on your back. If you have a shadow, that means you are not lying. It means your feelings for Kagetora are real but I don't see why you would lie.

　Naaschenka imagined what he looked like.
　The more she imagined, the less she could turn around.

'There's no need to be timid--'

　But Adolph's tone of voice had changed.
　His voice sounded clearer, as if his previous mood had been a lie.

'I haven't seen him smile like that in a long time. Before the war, he was always smiling. How many times I wished I could go back to the days when he was just a fledgling adventurer...I no longer need to. Don't worry about the pseudonym, Mr. Naschenka. I can see the status to me. It's just that.

Um...

　But when Naaschenka finally turned around, Adolf was not there.



*



　Adolph is walking down an alleyway that is lined with old houses outside the tourist area.
　The rough air and unpopular atmosphere reminded Adolph of the atmosphere of the old country.

　He went to a house.

'Excuse me, I'd like some directions.

Oh?

　It was the first dwarf to emerge from behind the doorway.
　But his body was still strong.

''Excuse me. I was told that there is a residence of a person named Goldim around here, do you know of it?'

I don't know. Now go home. I haven't had enough sleep.

You're Goldim, aren't you?

　But Adolph let a shallow smile creep into his mouth.

'.........Who are you?

　The dwarf's magic begins to rage.
　The cupboards begin to shake and the wooden planks of the roof begin to clatter.

　Adolf smiled even more happily.

'No need for checks and balances. 'I am not here to kill you,' he said. I just came to do you a favor.'

....

'The body of a dwarf, the ears of an elf and the white skin of an elf. And I can clearly see your name in my mind.

Do you have a magic eye?

''Your answer. The rumors were true, that you could easily answer things most people don't know about...

　Goldim calmed his anger.
　The house that had been shaking subsided.

'I've been looking for you, Grantor Goldim.

Who told you...

Can I go inside for now?　Once again, I'm just here to ask a favor. I have no animosity towards me.

I'll listen to you.

　Goldim didn't let his guard down and decided to invite him in.

'I would like you to make me one of those blades with an anti-magic grant. I've brought the materials, here they are.

　It was the living room of a wooden house.
　Adolphe handed him a black dagger as they stood facing each other at a round table.

"Is this the black blade of the Rogue Joker Rabbits?

　Goldim picked up his dagger in a panicked manner.
　His expression became more and more tense as he looked at the details.

''I'm pretty sure it's the real thing.''

It should have all been destroyed by the Demon King.

The last man standing.

What do you want me to do?

As I said. I want that dagger to have Johansen's anti-magic on it.

What the hell... Do you know what this guy is?　This is--

You're going to rip out his body from the inside, right?

That's not all. He multiplies the power of everything. "That's not all. I'm talking about the moment he stabs you, you're dead. He was cut to pieces.

Yeah, I know. That's why I've been looking for you, Gordim. Long story short, the appeal of this dagger is osmosis and the doubling of all its powers.

And that's why I'm going to counter-magic.

"Anti-magic is not magic. It is a concept and cannot be analyzed. It is a concept and cannot be analyzed; hence, it has not been understood. It temporarily blocks all magical concepts, leaving the subject unable to chant or even use magic.

I don't even want to know who I'm going to use anti-magic on this guy. If you do that, he'll lose all concept of magic at the core of his being.

　Adolph showed his gums and grinned.

''You don't think that's what you're after?''

Can you make it?

You're crazy!　It's insane.

Unfortunately, there's no concept of morality in my country.

It's not funny.

So, can you do it or not?

I'll make you some.

I was hoping you would say that.

What do I get in return?

I'll give you this dagger, and more than you can spend.

　Adolf produced a cloth bag from the dungeon vortex.

'I'll pay it forward,'

I make it and then I get to keep it?　I got it... you're crazy, aren't you?

Of course, I had to use it once. I knew you wouldn't take the job otherwise. I've heard a lot about Goldim's stubbornness, too.

You're going to use it on someone else. No, don't get ahead of yourself. I don't want to know. We just make things, we don't think about how they're used. That's what master craftsmen do.

...I like philosophy as much as the next guy.

　Adolf handed him a cloth bag.



*



　One of the eateries that line the restaurant district is a place that serves fish dishes.
　Kagetola and Naschenka were seated on the terrace of the restaurant.

　In front of them there was a crystal clear blue river with small fish swimming in it.
　While looking at the elegant view, they ordered different dishes.

'Guinevere, are you sure that's what you want?　You don't eat fish, do you?

'It's fine. I just wanted to get a taste of your hometown which, surprisingly, is delicious.

　Naaschenka cut up the fish with a knife and ate it with relish.

─ I'm not from a playground. ─ I'm not from a playground, so I can eat meat in the bayoument. I didn't like fish, I only ate meat. I only ate fish a few years ago.

'Is that so?　It's so refreshing and delicious.

You have a big heart.

Thank you very much.

　Their relationship had deepened through idle conversation and time.

'Can I ask you something?'

What is it?

What kind of a man is Master Adolph?

Adolph? ...Do you mind?

No, I mean, I'm not a very good person.

'Oh, I see. You must have felt a little scared. That's what everyone says when they first meet you.

Yes.....

'Adolph is like that he's always been like that, if anything. He doesn't socialize. He hardly ever talks to anyone but us. To me, he's second only to his brother. He's not a bad guy. He's just not very good with people.

I'm not saying it's a bad thing...

I know. Come on, let's eat before it's cold.

Yes, sir.

You'll be able to talk normally for a while.

Yes.

　There was something about Adolf that stuck with Naaschenka.
　But I didn't tell Kagetola.
　I didn't think I could explain it well.

"Guinevere. I would like to have a word with you. Well can you hear me out?

'Yes, of course. What's your story?

It's about us. One of these days I'm going to tell you guys, you know.

....

　Naaschenka goes silent.

'May I?'

　Kagetola has never been proud of himself.
　She is aware that she is a commoner born in a small town.
　Guinevere, on the other hand, is a princess.
　However, Naschenka is the sister of the princess.
　I don't know Kagetola.

''Of course........''

　Naaschenka replied with a smile.
　Naturally, Kagetora's anxious expression disappeared and her usual smile returned.
　It's a smile with a hint of shyness.

　A few days later, Kagetola took Nathchenka to see the four of them again.

'She and ... we're going out.

　It happened in the hotel lobby.
　Kagetola's cheeks are red and she is looking lovingly at Naaschenka.
　She has the same blush on her cheeks as well.

'Hey, what's going on?'

　At Khalifa's question, Kagethras shook Naaschenka's hand.

'Here's the thing,'

　For a moment, the place fell silent.

'Whoa!　Well done, well done, Kagetora!

　Zephyr put his arm around Kagetora's shoulders, delighted.

'Brother, please don't do this. In front of Guinevere.

　Kagetora is embarrassed when her brother ruffles her hair.
　Nurse Chenka watches her brother's appearance with a smile.

''Well ... spring has come to Kagetora, too.

　Shaoan cried tears of joy.
　But he doesn't want to be seen, so he turns his back to them.
　Kagetola, Zephyr and Khalifa saw him as he was then, when he had once destroyed his own village in anger.
　It was impossible to imagine now that Shaon had changed.
　Everyone changed over time.

''Can't you say something to him too, Adolf?''

　One person was next to him, Adolph, who had taken a seat at another table.
　He turned back to Kagetra at the sound of Zephyr's voice.

'Yes. I'm happy for you too. Congratulations, Kagetora.

　Adolph smiled and took a sip of wine.
　'Cheers,' he said, raising his glass as if to say so.

'Guys, you're overreacting. I just said I'm going out with you.

　But no matter how much of a hero she is, an adventurer cannot be allowed to mess with the princess of a country.
　Kagetora told his companions the truth and hid his relationship with her from the divine Kingdom.

　Just five of them are adventurers.
　They can't stay in this country forever.
　The day of farewell is coming.







'Please wait, Master Kagetora!　Please take me with you!

　Kagethras spoke with Nathchenka.

　Zephyr said that he would leave the Godland first.
　Naschenka pleaded.

'I don't want to leave Lord Kagetola!

You are the princess of the land. You can't take them with you...

'Then I ... what should I do!　When will I see you next!

　There was less than another week left before the ceremony.
　But Kagethras did not know.

　Here, Naaschenka had come to regret her life.
　She did not want to die.
　Kagetla falls silent at her question.

'Actually, I was thinking of going back to Biyoment once.

　Zephyr said.

'Once you're out at sea, you might not be able to come back to this continent, will you?　So, Kagetola, how about we meet up in six months in the bayouement. You have until then to decide what you're going to do. Meaning, you know what I mean?

　Zephyr is asking us to kidnap the princess.
　Kagetora understands.

'All right, brother. See you in six months in the bayoument.

All right, let's get back to the bayonet then.

I'm staying.

　Adolph said, interrupting Zephyr's enthusiasm.

Hmm, what is it, Adolf? What can I do for you?

Yeah. Actually, I've asked a certain blacksmith to order some weapons. It's almost ready by now.

'What, you better tell me that soon. Then I'll wait until it's done. Actually, I'm in no hurry.

　Zephyr told Khalifa and Xiaon to check.

'No, it's fine. I'll take it, and then we'll go to Rougegelt next.

'Hmmm......... I see. All right, we'll go back after this, okay? And when you're done, Adolf, you'll be there too, okay?

Yeah, I'll be right there.

　Zephyr agreed, taking Adolph's convenience into account.
　In Adolf's case, there are occasional times when he doesn't want to talk about the reasons in particular, but he wants to act alone.
　This is not unusual, as it has happened several times before.
　Zephyr understood that aspect of him.

'Then you two, no, all three of you. I'll see you next time in the Beyoment.

　Khalifa said and left the room first.

So, my friend, I'll see you again.

　Xiong says that and leaves the room.
　Kagetra smiles at the gentlemanly expression of his words, as usual.

''Well, I'll be waiting for you.

　Finally, there's Zephyr.
　Adolf and Kagetola also waved back.
　Naaschenka bows and waves them off.