*

　I'm dreaming.
　A girl's dream.
　She was from the eastern civilian class.
　There was no misfortune in her birth and upbringing.
　She was neither beautiful nor ugly.
　She was able to do most things, but she was not outstandingly talented.
　In short, she was an ordinary girl.
　If there was one thing that made her different from others, it was that she was a hardworking girl.
　She also tried to be a good girl.
　If she heard that the girl was a good, studious girl, she studied hard too.
　If she heard that she was a good girl who was good at sewing, she worked hard to become good at it.
　She took care of her younger siblings and helped at home.
　If he had grown up in this way, he would have found a certain amount of happiness.
　But it wasn't to be.
　One day, she saw the royal family in town - the Dauphin.
　She rode in a palanquin, and though she was just passing by, she felt that she had met her destiny.
　It was the first time in her life that she had ever had a love affair.
　But she also knew that they would never get together.
　The difference in status was so absolute that even a child could see it.
　If she had given up on it, a different life would have been waiting for her, but she didn't give up.
　I don't need to be tied together.
　At least, I want to be by your side.
　Even that was an excessive desire, but she made a bloody effort.
　As a result, she was allowed to go up to the court.
　She was happy to watch from afar, but soon she could no longer be satisfied.
　I want you to look at me.
　I want you to talk to me.
　I want you to touch me.
　I tried even harder to get what I wanted, but my efforts were fruitless.
　The court was overflowing with brilliant talent.
　What he had gained through his blood-soaked efforts was not considered worthwhile there.
　And the kindness of the people around them made the suffering more profound.
　Kindness is for those who have not.
　Kindness is for those who have none, for those who can't be a threat.
　That's what she thought.
　Still, she could not give up.
　She knew it was futile, but she kept trying.
　The pain that scratched at her chest.
　At the end of it all, she awoke to the power of the seven evils - jealousy - and her suffering increased.
　What she gained was the power to control the illusion.
　It is the power to make something that doesn't exist seem to exist.
　The power of the seven evils was only a tool or a means to an end.
　She soon realized this and went astray.
　She used the power of the seven evils to trick others.
　However, she was far weaker then than she is now.
　Therefore, she used words.
　She manipulated illusions, spread rumors, tricked her rivals and crushed them together.
　In time, she became a samurai by the Dauphin's side.
　But it was the beginning of a new kind of suffering.
　No wonder. She herself hadn't changed one iota.
　She couldn't stay by the Dauphin's side if she didn't keep eliminating her rivals.
　She also had to be vigilant to prevent herself from being eliminated.
　The court quickly turned into a demon cave and her power increased.
　She killed and killed and killed to gain the favor of the Dauphin - and became a target for defeat.
　She fought back with all her strength, but gradually she was cornered and fled.
　She fled and fled - and then she ran out of strength.

''Well I don't know how I feel about it, but...''

　When Mako woke up, she found herself on a bed.
　Not to say it looked familiar, but a familiar canopy covered the top of his head.
　It was Christine's mansion.
　I look around, but the room is empty.
　I hold out my right hand.
　The ring I got from Yuka is missing.
　It must have shattered along with the basket hand that Christine gave me.
　It's not surprising. Black flame, chi, and magic - I unleashed a blow that united the power of the three.
　It's a wonder it didn't break.
　Thinking about that, I grasped and opened my right hand.
　It feels surprisingly uncomfortable, even though it was nearly severed.
　It would be more reassuring if there was a little bit of discomfort - but.
　It's an extravagant worry, and I close my eyes while holding out my right hand.
　As I turned my consciousness inward, I felt something like a flicker.
　I opened my eyes with awareness of the flickering.
　My right hand was surrounded by a pale light - chi.
　I let out a sigh, and the qi scrapes away.
　This time I keep my eyes open and become aware of the flickering.
　The qi envelops my right hand again.
　He extinguishes the chi and lets out a small sigh.
　Frank said it's important to be aware of the chi's presence, and I agree.
　It's similar to how it feels to be able to ride a bike.
　When you can do it, it's nothing.
　I even wonder why I couldn't do this.

Well, let's get up.

　Just as she raised her body, the door opened.
　It was Yuka who opened the door.
　Behind her was Laura.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find the best way to make the most of your time with us.

'How can you sleep goofy for three days?
I just woke up and you're being sarcastic.
Oh, God, you scared the hell out of me.

　Yuka held her mouth as she huffed.

'I'll start over. Give me five minutes to come up with some edgy lines.
Don't start over.
You're not going to be able to get away with it if you fantasize about it. It's hard to have a fantasy that she's in love with me. Mainly me. I mean, you'd get me in trouble, so please don't do that.
Don't worry. No one's gonna fall for you after hearing that.
So what's wrong with me?
It's in his character!
d*mn, you're really pissing me off.

　Yuka said as she spat. He walked over to us.
　I sat down on a chair that was by the bedside and crossed my legs.
　Laura is standing behind Yuka.
　I can see the power relationship at a glance.
　Even if you know, it doesn't mean much - but.

The first thing you need to know is that you've been sleeping soundly for three days and are in Urashima Taro, is there anything you want to ask me?
I'll ask Laura.
Is there anything you want to ask me?
You get some rest.
Is there anything you want to ask me?
What about the kudzu leaves?
I'll tell you later.
Makoto-sama defeated him.

　Laura turned away as Yuka glared at her.

'Yes, yes, the usual pattern, the usual pattern. Pfft, you pretend to be a hero.'
You're even more of an a**h*le than usual.
Of course. You know how hard it was for me to get Mako back on her feet.
I'm sorry.
Nanso Satomi Hakkenden was a great adventure with no eyes.
What's it been, two hours?
Are we talking about the movie again?

　Yuka asked back with a reluctant look on her face.

'I was a kid, but it was fun, man. You should see it when you get back to your old world.'
'I wish you'd trust me with more decent feelings, even if it's a lie.
That said, I'm not ready to...
Why did you shut up all of a sudden?
It's not much, but I have some money in the bank.
I don't want it. I don't need it. You can't just take money out of a missing person's account and get arrested.
You know. After all, the only thing I can trust you with is my desire for you to see the movie.
So you need to trust your mind to something more sane.

　As usual, Yuka looks reluctant.

'I want you to live your life as yourself, but you seem to do whatever you want.
So you're saying that I am the embodiment of Makoto's ideals?
I don't know what the ideal is.

　Yuka said with great skill, and Makoto plunged in.

'So what happened until I recovered?'
We fought to the death. Lola had a hard time because her arms and legs were almost torn to shreds.
This guy....
No, it wasn't that bad.

　Laura interrupted Mako's words.
　Yuka looked behind her over her shoulder and let out a deep sigh.

'What is that sigh?'
I'm the one who told you what to do, and then you said, "Oh, my God.
"-Oh!

　Laura gasped as Yuka cowered her shoulders.

'Yeah, yeah!　I almost tore my limbs to shreds to protect Master Makoto!　For Lord Mako!　For Makoto-sama!
Oh, well, thank you.
No, I'm a Knight of Lord Makoto.

　Laura twisted around in embarrassment and Yuka let out a small sigh.
　I know what you mean.
　I won't lie to you about my gratitude, but the timing was too off.

''But then again, how could you use that new technique at that time?
A new trick?　Ah, Fort Unbreakable. I've been practicing for a long time. I've never been able to activate it properly, but........
God, there are some pretty big heroes up here.
'I'm not sure what the word means, but I think it's probably due to the increased level of detail.
'Oh, Laura's gone up a level too,'

　Yuka nodded as she got the point.

'Does that mean?'
I'm up to my level, too.

　Hmph, Yuka sniffed.

'When did you level up?'
"Of course it was when you blew up the tail of the leaf. That's level 80, 80.
I'm 45 now.

　Yuka and Laura said proudly and proudly with their chests.

'If the level has gone up--'
I couldn't tell you because of what happened to Mako.
I'm sorry.
It's okay. It's okay. Yeah, well, it's important to admit when you're wrong.

　Yuka said with a big smile on her face.
　What can I say, she looks really happy.

'What about the other three?'
I don't know, but Fujica is definitely not up there.
'Oh, well, I guess so.'

　He used his magic to slow down Kuzuha, but he didn't do much damage.

''I'll have to power level Fujika next.
You're going to be seriously useless if you don't let them gain experience.
Don't tell Fujica, okay?
I'll do my best.
You have to promise not to say that.
I don't make promises I can't keep.
You call that a principle?
Yes.

　Yuka puffed out her chest as if she was proud of her victory.

''By the way, how did it go after you defeated Kuzuha?''
With Mr. Frank down, Royne put together a strike force.
Mr. Frank?
You're a mercenary. He even thinks about what happens after he falls.
Mr. Frank?
He's so persistent!

　When Makoto asked again, Yuka turned red and said.

'Why are you calling me san's name?'
I owe you for saving my life, Makoto.
Is that it?
I thought I'd pay my respects to you because you're a decent person.

　Yuka said, sounding miffed.
　There is no disputing that Frank is a man who should be respected.
　But still--'

'I can't believe you would say that. Is it going to snow tomorrow?''
You're really annoying. Come on, they're being respectful.
I don't have any...
You can't do that, Makoto.

　Hmph, Yuka sniffed and turned away.
　She glanced at me and turned back to me.

'Mako doesn't feel like respect, does she?
'Yes. I think their relationship is much closer than that.
"Close?

　Yuka said with a face as if she had bitten down on a bitter bug.
　The way she said it was also 'shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh? It is.
　I've missed it.

'Yeah, well, I suppose it is,'
Unusually....
Why aren't you talking to me?
"I wanted to keep being honest, but it's 'Yeah, well, but,'
I'm sorry for being so twisted.

　Yuka frowned.
　Well, this is more like her.

'What, are you smirking at me?
You're a real yuka.
I know it's not a compliment, but I'll always be an ally.

　Yuka crossed her arms and heaved her chest.
　Sense is old.
　I'm going to call it stupid to the naive young man, but let's keep it quiet here.
　If an old man in Araphora called Sense is Showa, he wouldn't be able to recover.

''Speaking of which, what happened to the escaped adventurer?
I don't know.
They're all dead.

　It was Laura who answered the question.

'When did you...'
I checked it out when I was getting ready to leave.

　Laura said, embarrassed.

'That's a shame about that guy,'
You don't sound sorry at all.
So glad to save you the trouble.
You're a killer. That's not what he says.

　With that, Yuka pulled herself away.

'Is there anything else you want to ask me?'
Now all that's left to do is to get your buddies and Frank and Ledo.
Fene is off to see Redd.
Is Ledo okay?
He's pretty weak. He doesn't remember a thing. But he's gonna be okay.
No memory?
Yeah, she doesn't even remember the kudzu leaves.

　'Good grief,' Yuka muttered grimly.

'But maybe it was for the best.
Yeah?　I wanted you to remember me, but...

　Yuka shushed--.

'But if you want to, Mako, it's fine.
Hmmm, how's that for a windbreaker?
If Makoto, who was hurt the most, doesn't say anything, I won't say anything.
Thanks.
It's nothing to be thanked for. Liv's at the inn and Frank's in the hospital. He said he's taking a gamble on whether he'll wake up.

　'I see,' muttered Makoto with a sigh.

'You shouldn't think too much about Frank-san's case. It's a good idea to have a good time with them. Let's do what we can do to repay him.
Yeah. What we can do to help is...
About the only thing I can do is to get Chris to pay for his hospital stay.
Didn't you say there was something we could do?
Hold your employers accountable. That's what we can do.
Okay.
Yes.

　Yuka said in a manner that made it sound obvious.
　At that moment, there was a knock on the door.

*

　Led by the maid, Makoto and the others made their way down the corridors of the mansion.
　As I was trying to figure out how to get Christine to pay for my hospitalization, Yuka slapped me on the second arm with the back of her hand.

'What?'
'Isn't it strange that I've had Laura to show me around all this time?

　Yuka said in a tone of voice that didn't seem strange.

'I wonder why?'
Ugghhhh...

　Yuka said with a grin, and I heard a moan from behind her.
　The one emitting the moaning is Laura.
　She's trying to get back at me for raiding the treasure trove, or trying to dissolve the master-slave relationship.
　It's reasonable to think so.

''Why--''
Come on in.

　The maid interrupted Yuka's words and opened the door.

'What, we're already there?'
Come on in.
I know.

　Yuka said, miffed, and went under the door.
　Slightly later, Makoto and Laura followed.
　Christine propped her elbows on the desk and crossed her hands to hide her face.

'Good job defeating the seven evils. Go home--'
Before I leave, I need to ask you for a favor.
What more do you have in mind?

　Christine's voice trailed off as Yuka cut her off.
　A little teary-eyed.

'It's no big deal. I need you to take care of Mr. Frank.'
What's the matter with you?

　Christine let out a breath of relief.

'That's not a problem. I'll take care of him.
If you lie to me, I'll set the city on fire.
Gee, just when I said I'd take care of you, you don't trust me.
You can't really cover for your knight. Besides, I've got a maid to guide me.
Even in times of emergency, you are not likely to raid the treasure room. Your loyalty has never been better.

　Christine looked at her and Laura turned away.

'You're doomed to return,'
Gee, I knew it.
'You chose money over your former employer and you were going to come back?'
'No, no, I thought it was hopeless to come back, but...'
I was expecting that?
I'm going to miss my social standing.

　Laura grunted as Yuka asked parrotingly.

'Social status?'
''It's important. Your current income is attractive, of course, but a freelance knight is worldly...''
You could learn a little more about ribs.
'Yes, sir, but...'

　Ugugu, Laura clenched her fists.

''Well I don't have an ounce of loyalty.
It's not...

　Laura looked at Christine, but fell silent.

'Tell her you're loyal, even if it's a lie.
Oh, no, I'm not sure I should be lying.
"You're a Dark Knight now, so go ahead and take your fall.
No!

　Laura raised her voice.

'So, Laura was fired?'
Mmm, that's...

　Christine clammed up at Yuka's words.
　At that moment, Laura shouted.

'Master Chris!'
What is it?
I'm at level 45!

　Laura threw out her chest and snorted.

'Guh, to say it at this time...'
''I'm closing in on the Knight Commander, Lord Luke. To have me as your subordinate for the price of about the rent is truly an unbeatable deal.
"Rent?
He rents a house to Laura. And it's on the house.

　Makoto nodded his head, and Christine said with a sigh.

'You say it's about the rent, but that's semi-prime land.
Unbeatable.
Yes, but yes!

　Uggh, Christine grunted.
　Then, disappointedly, she slumped her shoulders.

''Well the rent is still free.
It's a wise decision.

　Laura nodded with satisfaction.

*

　The sound of hammering nails could be heard here and there.
　Makoto and Yuka head to the "Golden Sheep" pavilion with a sideways glance at the city undergoing reconstruction.
　Since they split up on the way there, Laura is not there.

''Well you're tough, aren't you?''
Yeah?

　Makoto muttered and Yuka gave him a quizzical look.

'After all that's happened, you've already started working?
Just because I work because I can't help it if I don't, doesn't mean I'm tough.
I guess that's part of being tough.
That's a matter of opinion.

　Yuka lightly cowered her shoulders.
　Apparently, she doesn't intend to continue this topic.
　We proceeded down the main street in silence for a while.
　Enter an alleyway and continue on.
　Finally, the Golden Fleece Pavilion is in sight.
　It looks the same as usual.

It's a relief.
Yeah?
What a feeling to come home to.
I can't help but sigh.
You're the one that got the inn on fire.
Yeah, my favorite outfit is burned.

　Yuka clenched her fists in a hushed manner.
　Apparently, her anger had rekindled.
　It seems that he can't just defeat Kuzuha and that's it.

''Buy some new clothes again.''
I loved that one.
I see.

　Mako let out a sigh and walked through the swinging doors of the 'Golden Sheep' pavilion.
　As usual, the dining room was deserted.
　Shelly was cooking at the counter.
　She rested her hands and looked at me.

''.........Mister, welcome back.''
Yeah, I'm back.

　Makoto walked over to the counter and took a seat at the far end.
　A glass is immediately offered to him.

'I'm going back to my room.

　With that, Yuka walked up the stairs.
　Makoto picked up the glass and brought it to his mouth.
　The refreshing taste of lemon water spread through the air.
　He drinks it down and places the glass on the counter.
　Sherry pours the lemon water.
　Mako picked up the glass, drank half of it and set it on the counter.

'How did you like it?'
That was pretty tough.
Okay.

　Shelly giggled as Mako replied with a sigh.

'What's next?'
'I've got a lot of stuff to do, like buy equipment, talk to my buddies... well, I've got a lot of stuff to do, but I need to take it easy for a while.
Okay.

　Shelly smiled a little happily.