On the west coast of the United States in early July.
There was an old church, atop a small hill with a panoramic view of the ocean, quite far from the city center, bathed in the setting sun and turning a beautiful orange color.
It is a small church with a long history. There are no residential areas nearby. It's a difficult location to get around unless you use a car or at least a bicycle.
From that usual timePopularityHitokeA strange sight unfolded in front of the empty church.
There were several medium-sized transport vehicles and black-painted cars parked there, but even the appearance of men and women, young and old, made their appearance seem strange.
All of them are cosplaying some kind of anime. Moreover, two of them were competing in the ``Natu Dance'' like crazy. It seems like your sanity will be reduced normally.
I find it irritating to see a guy with a Mohawk who looks like a thug at the end of the century wearing the sharpest suit and a clear face.
If anyone were to pass by here right now, I'm sure they'd call the police and say, ``What are these guys?''
Behind the scenes that the people holding such a strange party (?) were actually protecting, an unusual scene was unfolding inside the church.
"--Everything has a reason."
A quiet voice echoed inside the church, but it seemed to penetrate deep into my heart.
It was from an elderly priest standing at the altar. His pure white beard and slicked back hair look good on him. He looks like he is over 80 years old, but the strength of his eyes, the straightness of his spine, and the sound of his voice give the impression that he has the power to straighten people's necks.
"There's a reason why you all woke up."
As he stood at the altar, preaching, there were more than a dozen men and women in front of him.
"That power is god's blessing gifts. At the same time, it is also a test. Will you become addicted to power and become evil, or will you do good?"
The priest spoke with a serious expression, and they all looked at him coldly. Some of them exude hostility and ridicule. Some of them are missing parts of their bodies or are seriously injured due to what happened, and they just stare at the void with their lightless eyes and are not even conscious.
Their emotions varied, but it was clear that they all despised the priest.
Their hands were handcuffed.
It's not just handcuffs. Whether it's magic or energy, it's an artifact that obstructs the use of all of it.
Yes, the people participating in today's sermon were "Awakened Ones".
These are dangerous people, such as those who have committed or are about to commit crimes, those who have formed groups with dangerous ideas, and those who are plotting terrorism.
Several men and women in suits were standing by the wall inside the church, expressionless. They are members of the department that deals with paranormal phenomena in the United States. Their commander, a blond man with an elite-like appearance who looks good in his 73-minute glasses, has been glancing at his watch for a while now.
"God is always watching. He gives help to the good and punishes the sinners."
"Hey, priest. How long will your grateful sermon last? I'm getting hungry."
The large man grinned and interrupted the priest's words. There is no such thing as God for him. Punishment is worthless. If you can do it, try it. That's what the expression said.
Starting from that, everyone started to make a fuss all at once.
Those who do not believe in God will either agree with you and rise up, or you will have a look of resignation or cynicism on your face, thinking that there is no way God can save you.
Those who believe in God will yell at such people, shout out loud that they are God's chosen representative, or act arrogant and treat the priest like an incompetent person.
The church suddenly became noisy. Tension runs through the staff, including the leader.
That was then.
"God exists. He is watching our actions even at this moment."
The priest's solemn voice spread like ripples.
"Then show me at least one of your miracles! Look, what's going on? Give me some divine punishment!"
"You, I can't stand it anymore! As God's representative, I will punish you!"
Thanks to the handcuffs, his supernatural abilities are sealed, but he can still move. A scuffle begins, with some plotting to use this opportunity to escape, and others attempting to jump on the priest, but are apprehended by the officers...
The priest calmly turned his back, leaving them alone as they made such a noise.
The church's stained glass windows, designed to receive full exposure to the setting sun, shine in the fiery red light.
The carved shadow of the crucifix and the cross overlaps with the priest who is kneeling on one knee and bowing his head. I made the sign of the cross on his chest and prayed with all my heart.
In the midst of the hustle and bustle, many people laughed when they saw the priest's back, or looked at him lazily, thinking that there was no way anything was going to happen.
It was right after that.
As if in response to the priest's prayers, a pure white light exploded.
"W-what!?"
"There's a light coming from outside… No, no, the whole church is shining!?"
Unrest runs among the awakened people. Everyone's eyes widened, including those who were fighting, those who were trying to escape, and those who were acting as if they had given up on everything.
A pure white pillar of light illuminates the priest like a spotlight through the stained glass.
The walls, ceiling, and floor sparkled, and at the same time, they noticed it because they were awakened people.
--Right now, this space is filled with tremendous power.
and. Exposed to an overwhelming torrent of power that could not even touch their feet, everyone, without exception, trembled like a baby suddenly thrown out on a stormy night.
Meanwhile,
"Great heavenly messenger. Please guide these lost people."
The priest's voice echoed as he prayed cheerfully, without a hint of agitation.
I feel relieved. No way, I think.
At that moment, it descended into the pillar of light.
The space ripples, and a figure oozes out within the pillar of light. It's hard to see what she looks like because of the light. But she was clearly a woman with pure white wings.
"Angel, sir?"
A man with one arm missing muttered while opening his eyes. He stares intently, as if his lethargy from earlier was a lie.
As if to show that his muttering was true, she spread her wings as she floated in the pillar of light. Her glittering feathers dance wildly in the church. It was an indescribably beautiful sight.
At the same time, pure white light spread out like ripples. Then,
"Ah, ah, oh, my arm..."
"picture? Oh, my burn scars are healing too.''
The injured were enveloped in light and healed one after another. Even the missing arm is growing back.
It was an undeniable "miracle."
When told to show him a miracle, the priest prayed, and a supernatural being heard his prayer and descended.
--Live for a good future
A mysterious sound that seemed to be delivered directly into my head. It was a woman's voice that gave the impression of compassion.
One by one, they unconsciously fell to their knees as their hearts felt filled.
--I'm watching over you.
Those who had faith shed tears of gratitude, those who had been dominated by resignation regained their strength, and even the large man who had been tainted with malice clutched his chest and lowered his head as if ashamed of himself.
The angel's figure once again disappears behind the ripples. And just like that, the torrent of brilliance and power that had filled the church disappeared, as if it were just a dream.
The Awakened Ones are stunned, but when they see the injured people without a single scratch, it is clear that what just happened is real.
"Now, look up. Let's talk."
The priest stood up and turned around with a gentle smile.
The setting sun, just below the horizon, illuminated the priest like a halo through the stained glass.
This man is truly a priest... he is the true representative of God!
I guess he was convinced of that.
There was no longer anyone to make a fuss or make light of it. Everyone listened to the priest's words with serious expressions on their faces.
I didn't notice that the priest's eyes turned distant for just a moment.
"I feel like a charlatan."
Those words echoed on the roof of the church as the priest spoke. Needless to say, it was Kaori.
"I say that every time."
Hajime, who was sitting cross-legged next to Kaori who was sitting on his knees, gave a wry smile.
"Because... I discuss everything from the direction to the timing and the lines with the priest before doing it. What's more, I use soul magic to make it seem believable."
Actually, it was. The fact that the magical light was different from Kaori's original, and the brilliance of the building itself were all staged. That priest is actually a former exorcist, and one of the people in charge of dealing with awakened people in the United States.
Not only do they provide counseling, protection, and support to those who have awakened, but they also patiently persuade those who are likely to commit crimes to encourage them to change their minds.
But of course there are some people who don't stop there.
For the time being, the demons who received Hajime's instructions are monitoring, so irreversible incidents such as murder can be prevented, but even so, he has already committed crimes such as robbery, fraud, and using supernatural powers. There are some who have done so.
Or, for those who have been deeply religious and have come to believe that they are God's chosen ones, words will not reach them.
Even for those who have already suffered a painful retribution for their misdeeds as an awakened person, and have despaired from the aftereffects, the power of the priest alone may not be enough.
The last resort against such people/girlfriends was that one earlier.
I named it ``I'm a healer who returned from another world, but Earth seems to be in trouble, so I started a plan as an angel.'' Needless to say, Kaori scoffed and said that the name of the operation sounded like a light novel.
``Basically, the people who need to be treated are the ones who are straight-forward in their thinking.It's much better to have them reform even if it means deceiving them a little, than to commit crimes or terrorism, right?''
The deficiency level of tit-for-tat has been healed, and the trauma of soul magic has also been reduced.
In fact, he must be very considerate when dealing with people who have done stupid things just because they have awakened to their powers.
Although it was necessary, the power would not have been awakened unless Oju was revived, so the policy is to help him rebuild his life at least once.
"Well, it's certainly a good thing that no one is harmed by them."
Although she complained, Kaori was satisfied with that. She's done it so many times already that she didn't want to do it now.
On the other hand, I still feel guilty for doing that, so I guess I can say that I'm still a good person.
"Well, I shouldn't have to ask that much from now on. We've prepared a devil to play the angel. If we can adjust the production a little more, I'm sure the priests will do a good job."
"You're talking about the devil's golem, right? The one to be sent to the United States."
"Ou"
"I still can't forget the look on the priest's face when I heard that story..."
Church officials from the United States, who were tasked by the Vatican to deal with the Awakenings, were once gathered together to explain future countermeasures.
He proudly ``releases demons that only look like humans to the whole country and builds a surveillance system and a system of cooperation with the corresponding authorities'' ``Make the demons play the role of angels and semi-forcibly convert them'' They did it! I'm sure the exorcist did it. If Director Dime and the Pope weren't present when Hajime presented his idea of ``It's going to increase!'', I'm sure they would have pounced on him.
This guy is the devil's minion! No, it's the devil wearing human skin! Director Dime! Holy lord! Please wake up! You are being deceived! and.
Of course, it was the Director and His Holiness who decided to swallow both the clouds and the clouds, so they didn't think that Hajime was deceiving them.
I'm not there...
When the priest and sisters pointed this out to him, the Director and His Holiness couldn't help but look at each other, and then both looked away awkwardly.
I understand. I understand how you feel...but this is the best way...He may be a devilish young man, but he is thinking about us when he comes up with the plan. I'm trying to say that my idea is really devilish, but I'm not deceiving you...
``The real priority should not be the lives of awakened people who have succumbed to greed, but the lives and assets of those who may fall victim to it, right? Moreover, there is a high possibility that the number of devout believers will increase. What on earth are you dissatisfied with when all you do is guide them?"
"I was horrified by Hajime-kun's thoughts that didn't question that."
No way. And then, yeah. It's probably because of "those things" that were shown during the presentation.
"That's the devil being dispatched. He's so free, I can understand why you might suspect that he's planning on infiltrating this world after all. After all, that's what he is."
I said it twice because it's important. Kaori looked down behind her with an expression like she was enduring a headache.
Before I knew it, all five weirdos were having a natu dance battle. Dust swirls from the inhuman steps, and vibrations can be felt through the air.
The three demons questioned, ``What have you been doing for a while now?'' The two demons who were fighting earlier said, ``No way... don't you know Natu?'' and took up the mount with a smug look on their faces. After a lot of sales and buying, the number of participants increased, and it seems that they finally became serious about each other. Even the wind, which looked like red blood, was starting to swirl.
Yes, they were the dispatched demons, not the American dispatchers, who were given Hajime's specially made humanoid golem.
It looks completely human. His metal skeleton is coated with fluid metal, allowing him to change everything from his appearance to his clothes.
As a result, the demons went crazy. They can look as they please, wear their favorite costumes, and enjoy the culture of modern Earth to the fullest.
In the initial report,
--The cheeseburger was delicious. In the future, I want to run a cheeseburger specialty store.
--I met a manager of a large company who seemed to be a bit of a fool. Can I hang out with you? I want to be rich
--Ota○san! is really human? Please give me a break now that I'm a fan! I want to go see the game!
--Isn't Japanese pizza too small? And it's expensive...I'm glad we sent a team to the US! Thank you Lord!
More than 70% of the content was such that I couldn't help but comment that it wasn't even a report. Needless to say, we all gathered together once in the ``miniature garden'' and gave some educational guidance.
Still, since he's a demon at heart, he's loyal to his desires and enjoys every chance he gets.
"For the time being, I have started to do my job properly…"
Today's mission was to escort the Awakened. In case of an emergency, American staff members alone will not be able to respond.
However, just having such eccentric people around them makes me wonder how much trouble they must have. I can't help but guess.
So let's take a deep breath. While setting up a barrier to prevent voices from reaching the church,
"Hey, you guys! Don't get too excited! Are you getting your insides dragged out?"
""""!!?""""
I trembled and took a beat. Just when I thought their figures were distorted, the next moment they all came together, wearing black suits and sunglasses, standing upright, motionless, and saluting with a loud bang.
"Don't cause any trouble to the priest and the staff! There are plenty of people to replace you! Do you understand?"
""""Yes, my lord!!""""
Kaori thought. She said that the interactions were exactly like those seen in movies between mafia bosses and members.
Of course, the content that is dragged out is not the internal organs, but the actual body of the demon, and even though I say replacing it, it does not mean killing it. This means that even at this moment, we are working hard.
"I'll be evaluating your work performance one of these days. Didn't I say that those who received high evaluations would be given a 'free vacation'? If you haven't forgotten, then brace yourself."
""""Thank you, my lord!!""""
Kaori thought. If this were against a human opponent, it would be completely black. Well, it goes beyond black to darkness...
After all, the devils who are selected to be dispatched employees are company servants who are willing to work ``24 hours a day! They don't ask for pay or vacation! Until they are approved by Lord!''. (Although they are paid a certain amount of wages by the corresponding authorities in the United States.)
Even so, there is no end to the devils who happily apply, which is probably why hell is such a hell. I don't want to live in a hellish place like this! I'll do anything to go to Earth! and.
"After all, it's impossible for a devil to play an angel..."
"No, it's just that intermediate-class demons get carried away easily. Named-class great demons are a big deal. After all, they're devilishly skilled at deceiving humans."
"Are you worried too much!?"
"We'll have to wait and see, but I think it's okay. If you do anything unnecessary, we'll lock you up tightly and torture you by making it look like mid-level demons are enjoying this world to the fullest. I told them, and they cooperated a lot." He became a target."
"You devil!"
"I wonder why. That's what the Named and others told me."
It seemed to be the worst yet most effective punishment for the people living in a world where hell was a form of boredom.
The Great Devil of the Named Class said in horror, ``This human is thinking of such foolish things!'', while some of the forces that were secretly rebelling against Hajime said, ``...It's frustrating, but it's fitting to call him Lord, huh?'' To the extent that I admit it.
"Well, anyway, it's good to see that Kaori no longer needs to be a part-time angel. Good job."
"A part-time angel is like a part-time warrior...but yeah, thank you for your hard work."
As a matter of fact, when it came to dispatching human resources to the United States...demon material dispatch (?), Hajime was ruthlessly receiving financial compensation.
Hajime also wanted to deal with the awakened people, but even though the Japanese government was involved, it was a matter of the government and the individual's business. There is no such thing as free cooperation. This leads to disrespect and creates unnecessary conflict. Especially if the opponent is another country, even a major country.
That's why Hajime paid Kaori a part-time job fee out of the huge amount of compensation he received.
Kaori, who still has the financial sense of a normal family, almost fainted when she saw the part-time fee. She said, ``It's not the part-time salary! It's the amount you get when you do something bad that you see in movies!''
"It looks like the situation has calmed down a lot, and we've pretty much established all of the countermeasures we had planned from the beginning, right? Well, since it looks like we won't have much help, why don't you try getting a part-time job after summer vacation?"
"Hmm? Don't you have enough money?"
"...Hajime-kun, do you think I'm a huge spendthrift?"
Kaori can't help but stare back. Furthermore, I almost never use Angel's part-time job because it's kind of scary, probably because it has too many parts.
``I've never had a part-time job, so I originally thought I'd like to try something when I go to university and have more time.''
"I see. You mean it as a life experience?"
"That's right. Right now, I'm talking to my friends and considering various things."
"Hey, isn't that okay? By the way, what field are you interested in?"
Kaori-san seemed to be thinking about something, and seemed to have come up with something. She turned her smile towards Hajime.
"Should we go to a maid cafe? Hajime-kun, you like it, don't you?"
"...Have you heard anything from Shizuku?"
"I just asked if you like maids, right? I haven't heard anything from Shizuku-chan. But, huh, I guess. On our last date, I let Shizuku-chan be my maid. I asked Shizuku-chan, who is a maid, to be my husband. Thank you. Hmm."
"Damn, leading the interrogation...don't do it."
It's just self-destruction. By the way, Kaori noticed this because when she was at university with Shizuku, she caught a glimpse of a maid outfit in her bag.
It must have been sent for cleaning. It was beautifully arranged.
Kaori understood. I see, it got dirty enough that it needed to be cleaned... She looked at Shizuku with warm eyes.
Shizuku noticed his gaze and even though he wasn't even listening, she blushed and excused herself, saying, "Oh, it's not mine! I kept it for a while, so I'm going to return it after the lecture is over today! That's it!" As I began to do so, I became even more convinced.
"Even if you work part-time, please don't work at a maid cafe."
"Why? I think the uniform is cute..."
"I have to call my guests master. I don't like it."
"Ah...hehe, then I can't help it, yeah."
Kaori looked at the profile of Hajime, who was fixating his gaze on the setting sun, with a look that seemed to tickle him, but also looked like he was loving it.
Perhaps he was embarrassed, but Hajime stubbornly did not take his eyes off the setting sun. Kaori gently shifted the position of her butt. She sat down closer to Hajime. Then, she rested her head on Hajime's shoulder.
"That's beautiful..."
"Ah, what a nice view."
"It kind of reminds me of Tortoise's Sea. Look, look for underwater ruins..."
"It was the sunset I saw on the deck of a submarine. At that time, it actually reminded me of Japan."
"It was only for a little while that we could see it together, right? Someone somewhere suddenly popped out..."
We laugh together as we remember those days.
The sight of the two of them huddled together on the roof of an old church, looking out at the bright red sunset and the sea that reflected it and created a single path of shining light, was a picture perfect, as they looked so close and happy. .
Maybe it's because one side has a pure white costume and wings, and the other side is based on black, so you could say it's like a meeting between an angel and a devil.
I could almost hear romantic music. It seemed like her beautiful soprano voice was echoing unnecessarily until the love song... no, it actually was.
La~lala~♪
"...What are you guys doing?"
"Ah, haha...I kinda forgot you were there."
Before I knew it, the five devils were playing various instruments such as violins and flutes that they had taken out from somewhere, and one person was singing. It was a skillful performance and singing that was unnecessary and inhuman.
Moreover, she has changed into a tuxedo and dress. They looked up at Hajime and Kaori and winked in unison. It seems like he wants to say, "Leave it to me to create the atmosphere!" No, it looks like he's grinning a little, so maybe he's just teasing him.
Hajime was irritated. So, I took out Donner to shoot a bullet for the time being - before,
"Ah, Hajime-kun! Looks like it's over! Come on, put away that disturbing thing!"
"Tsk, you saved my life."
The fact that he tries to pull out a gun just because he doesn't like the attitude of his subordinates is like a mafia boss after all... Kaori thought as she stood up to finish off today's work.
I can see the people inside the church moving to get out.
I quickly urge Hajime to go up into the sky. The five demons also transform into black suits for the time being. They are lined up in an orderly manner with a terminus-like atmosphere.
Immediately after, awakened people who appeared to have had their hearts purified after receiving God's teachings came out of the church and witnessed it.
"Ah... are these angel wings?"
Countless beautiful feathers falling from the sky like snow. As if being sucked in, a part of it landed gently in the palm of everyone's outstretched hand.
"Look! In the sky!"
One person noticed, and all of their gazes turned toward the sky, which was dyed red by the setting sun.
A large ball of light was floating in the sky. It was a spherical barrier that Kaori had deployed. It shines so brightly that you can't see inside.
So, Hajime, who was inside with them, used remote control to distribute the artifact feathers to the awakened people in addition to the silver feathers that would disappear over time.
The Awakened Ones, who did not know this, felt even more strongly the word "watching over" from earlier.
This feather in my hand that will never disappear like any other feather is a gift from an angel.
In fact, it is an artifact version of GPS, a remote restraint device in case of emergency, and in the worst case scenario, it can cause the owner to be struck by lightning as divine punishment, or be forcibly transported to a special prison in the basement of the Vatican. , Moreover, the artifact to which I was given the right to operate was in the possession of a smiling priest right next to me...
I'm sure they will continue to keep it close to them for the rest of their lives.
After all, it was staged to be exactly like that.
There are some things in this world that you don't need to know...the staff members looked at the awakened people who were trembling with emotion.
"Okay, let's go back to Japan. It's still morning at this time, so we can spend the day relaxing."
"Huh? Didn't the director here say, ``I have something to talk to you about, so I'd like you to take some time after the escort?'' I thought that's exactly what I was waiting for..."
If it was a final touch, it could have been done separately when he descended into the church.
Get out of the closed space of the church and let's get started! Be reborn and live a new life! It would certainly have been more effective to give a mysterious gift when the Awakened Ones were in high spirits, but...
"No? You don't get to see the sunset on the west coast of the United States. Today is also my date with Kaori, so I just wanted to watch it with you."
"Oh, that's right..."
If we're going to watch the sunset together anyway, it would be best to do the finishing touches at the end. That seems to be what he meant.
I'm happy, but is it okay to ignore this important figure? Kaori looks troubled.
"In the first place, we basically don't talk directly to the big guys here. As a general rule, Hattori-san and the others come in between. We just want to secretly negotiate a deal that gives us an advantage. Leave me alone, leave me alone, Kaori. A date with you is more important."
"M-moo. But... hehe, I understand. Then, we'll continue to teleport, okay?"
"Oh, please."
The Awakened Ones are kneeling on the ground, looking up at the sky while taking a prayer pose.
After confirming this, Kaori strengthened the light even more and immediately ascended in a straight line. It's like an angel returning to heaven, while creating a localized aurora.
In this way, the angel, who was a healer who had returned from another world but was working because Earth was in trouble, successfully accomplished his final task.
The place was changed to a place deep in the mountains in the far east of the "miniature garden".
There was a sheer cliff in a part of the lush green mountains. It's a cliff that's probably 1,000 meters high. River water flows down from some parts, forming a waterfall, but it does not reach the bottom and becomes a mist.
The bottom of the cliff was a deep forest as far as the eye could see, covered in white mist, just like the Halzina Sea of Trees.
On top of such a cliff, Hajime and Kaori were seen.
The time setting of ``Hakoniwa'' is set to match that of Japan, so it's nighttime now. A sky full of stars is twinkling in the night sky. It is a projection of the actual night sky as seen from Japan.
Hajime and Kaori were sitting side by side on a handmade wooden bench and looking at the night sky.
As if it were a continuation of when we were watching the sunset, we were snuggled close together. One of her Hajime's arms was wrapped around Kaori's shoulders, and Kaori didn't hesitate to lean on her body.
If you just look at them, they look like an elderly couple who have been together for many years.
The bonfire that was making a crackling sound in front of the two of them slightly lost its shape and started making a crackling sound.
Hajime, who was even enjoying the silence, took this as a cue and opened his mouth.
"Eventually, the sky will be covered by the inverted earth... but it's nice to have a night sky after all."
"That's right. In fact, you look much prettier than when you're outside."
Their voices were all long and fluffy.
With perfect timing, both of them put their mouths on the mug in their hands at the same time.
Although the temperature is comfortable, a warm and slightly sweet drink will probably warm your heart. I let out a sigh as I tasted the hot milk tea with honey. Together after all.
They glanced at each other and laughed at their completely relaxed expressions.
He seemed very relaxed.
"Since it's going to be a space inside a sphere, we have to consider the positions of the pseudo sun and moon. Should we create a 'sky layer' in an intermediate position so that the night sky can be seen from both the ceiling side and the ground side?"
"Hehe, when you think about that, Hajime-kun, you look worried, but you look really happy, don't you?"
"Oh, it's so much fun."
Even though Kaori was so close to Hajime that she could almost breathe, she still looked up at Hajime. She must be happy that Hajime seems to be having fun. His expression couldn't be more grinning.
"It's late, but is it okay to camp every time?"
"of course"
Actually, as Hajime said, camping has been a regular date for the two of them since they graduated from high school. It's a relaxing, not-so-full-fledged camping experience.
This is definitely fun. It's fun...but still.
It's an extreme story that I haven't gone on a date in town since the beginning of this year.
Feeling Hajime trying to find out his true feelings, Kaori added her words.
"The ``Yuru-K*n'' that Hajime-kun recommended to me is a divine anime.I was able to see the charm of camping, and I am a complete fan of Rin-chan.Ah, the current Rin-chan is ``Shimarin''. Right? It's not 'Hinorin', right?''
"I understand even if you don't say it. Well, as long as you're enjoying it, it's fine. It's also the reason why the Nagumo family, who are generally indoor people, went out a lot for a while."
The Nagumo family is very susceptible to the influence of subculture. What's more, it's not only easy to get into because of its shape, but it's also the type that you'll get hooked on. Today's camping equipment was also full-fledged, not loose at all, stuffed into the storage space in the attic.
"If there's a place you want to go, just let me know. You don't have to be shy, okay?"
"I haven't, have I? In fact, I feel very happy."
"Really"
Kaori presses her forehead against Hajime's neck even closer. His expression was calm, and as he said, he seemed very satisfied.
While narrowing his eyes at Kaori, he stroked her head with a gentle hand.
It must be true that the two of them are actually satisfied with camping. Today I happened to choose a ``miniature garden'' in an undeveloped area, but I'm always thinking about places that seem fun to go to. It seems like it's really fitting.
It seems like I've made some new friends from college that I met at the social gathering, and I'm planning to create a new ``Outdoor Activities Circle (for girls only)'' based on a certain Yurufuwa Camp work. Apparently.
It seems certain that it has already entered the realm of hobbies. However, Hajime had guessed that Kaori's true intentions were not just self-satisfaction.
Perhaps it was because she wanted Hajime to forget about the world, even temporarily, and relax in the middle of nothing. Also, I feel like I'm having some discussions with Yue and the others. So that Hajime wouldn't have to go on a similar date.
Hajime didn't say anything because it would be rude to confirm it out loud, but Hajime tightened his grip on him, feeling grateful that it was definitely true.
Looking happy, Kaori also responded by hugging him tighter.
The two of them are enjoying their quiet time. After a while, Kaori casually started talking.
"I'm finally going to travel to another world next month. I'm looking forward to it."
"That's right."
"Do you think you'll be able to enjoy it without worrying?"
Hajime tilted his head slightly, as if there was more to it than just words.
"Oh, it's okay."
As I said on the roof of the church, I was able to accomplish most of what I had originally planned. There were some small issues and things between countries, but at least Hajime was no longer in a situation where he couldn't leave Earth.
Everything went as planned. There were no problems at all.
"lie"
Kaori's words struck me as if by surprise. Her slender index finger was poking Hajime's cheek.
"what--"
"There's no way you haven't noticed, right? The situation should have calmed down, but Hajime-kun's busyness hasn't changed. He's been running at the same pace. At an extremely high pace."
"it is..."
Are there more things you want to do? Certainly, there is that too. However, Hajime's current busyness was by no means limited to that. To Kaori, no, to Kaori and the others, it seemed like Hajime was excessively searching for the ``thing to do'' and imposing it on himself.
"I thought that if we were able to take measures to address various issues to our satisfaction, things would calm down. But that wasn't the case."
Kaori changes her position. She straddles Hajime's lap and holds Hajime's face between her hands from the front. She looks straight ahead with a serious expression on her face.
"What are you in a hurry about?"
His deep gaze was focused on Hajime as if revealing his deepest thoughts. Hajime was at a loss for words and stiffened for a moment.
After a beat, I let out a sigh, as if I had come to terms with it. And then he confessed.
"I wonder what it is? I don't even know. Is it a working high instead of a runner's high? No matter how much I try, I can't get rid of the feeling that I'm not good enough."
It was very unusual that Hajime himself seemed to be confused about himself.
"It's true that everything on Earth has come to an end. There's no problem even if I leave. But my concerns won't go away. No...I realized that I was worried about even the smallest possibility. are increasing."
The revival of each world's "branches and leaves of the world tree" is not unrelated to other worlds. In the first place, he revived the great trees of other worlds in order to stop the collapse of the fairy world.
Traveling to another world -- it's pure fun.
However, if the influences between the worlds are mutual, then since we are going on a trip anyway, we would like to do what we can, such as coordinating when a problem occurs and giving and receiving countermeasures from the local people. There was certainly that feeling.
We are working hard on research and development for this purpose. The more reports he received from Kouki, the more his unpleasant imagination grew, and the more he poured his heart and soul into devising countermeasures.
``The dragon incident, the story about the goddess... there are too many deadly secrets in the world. I started to think about the future in a concrete way, and I wondered if my mind was completely on the defensive.'' But it's true."
Hajime expressed his feelings with a troubled face, saying that it was hard to say it because it was uncool because he seemed to be freaking out about something that didn't actually happen.
Kaori held Hajime's head close to her chest. Her soft touch enveloped Hajime.
"Hajime-kun was so strong that he wished for his return home more than any of us. The dragon incident may have been more shocking than I thought."
"Yeah... maybe."
Hajime was buried in Kaori's chest and answered in a slightly muffled voice. Kaori gently stroked Hajime's head, as if caring for him or protecting him.
The position was reversed from before. Kaori's soft aura, which seemed to be filled with motherly qualities, made Hajime's body even more relaxed.
"Hajime-kun. Are you looking forward to the trip?"
"Huh? Ah, ah..."
"Let's take our time and see the world. Let's uncover many unknowns and secrets of the world. No matter what anyone says, until Hajime-kun is satisfied."
"Kaori..."
"Those who disobey will get angry."
"Kaori!?"
"Hajime-kun is absolute. Believing in him is a duty. If you fulfill your duty, you will be happy. Everything is for Hajime-kun!"
"Kaori-san!? I'm a little scared, could you please stop!?"
Im kidding? Kaori let go of her body and chuckled. Is it true? For a moment she felt a chill...
"This trip has a theme. The main purpose was decided upon after discussing it with Yue and the others."
"the purpose?"
With a look of compassion again,
"You are the main character"
Saying that, Kaori cupped Hajime's cheeks with both hands again.
"Hajime-kun probably planned the trip for Myuu-chan, but I'm sure he will put our enjoyment first."
Even Hajime, who had worked so hard for the past six months and was still trying to do his best, should deserve a reward.
"Let's make this a trip where all of Hajime-kun's worries will be blown away. No, we'll do it. That's what we all decided."
"...Really"
To think that everything had been seen through and that such a plan had been hatched without my knowledge.
I feel like I'm going to let out meaningless sounds like ``Uh~'' and ``Ah~'' due to a mixture of emotions such as shame and relief.
"Everyone is by my side. Please be nice to me, okay?"
That whisper was in my ear. Kaori's warmth enveloped her entire body again.
The closer I got to the trip, the more the feeling of abandonment that seemed to be building up began to melt away.
Hajime wrapped his arm around Kaori's waist and caught her so that she wouldn't let go.
"I'm looking forward to traveling."
However, he replied in a depressed voice.