A spacious balcony, jutting out significantly from the second floor of the mansion, overlooked the town.
It was furnished with a simple yet antique table and chairs, a perfect spot to change one’s mood and take a breather. A closer inspection revealed traces that the previous owner had dined there.
Leaning on the railing with both arms, I gazed at the vastly changed underground cityscape from the balcony where I had fled.
Once I informed Maria about the Senate’s exoneration, all the raging flames in the underground city were extinguished. The flames that had been heating the underground city vanished, and the outside air turned considerably colder.
The underground city was constantly ventilated by magic tools. There were also many entrances and exits that served as air vents, so even underground, the natural wind blew through.
I had left the Grand Hall where Nosfy was to rest, but I still couldn’t sleep.
Even though the sun had set, dinner hadn’t even finished yet, so it was only natural.
After we all finished dinner and I completed the basic communication, I was, as I had declared, alone on the balcony, spacing out and resting my body.
Nosfy was being watched by Maria and Rainer, while Dia and Snow were guarding Yutaki, who was in a sleepwalking state (Dia had the Skill “Over-Protection” as a reason, but Snow was likely assigned because it seemed easy).
Thanks to the cooperation of my companions, I had no tasks left to do and could sufficiently rest in preparation for the battle with Fafnir.
Resting my chin on my hand, I gazed at the underground city of the Great Holy Capital.
With the flames extinguished, the full picture of the underground world was revealed, filled with fantastical scenery reminiscent of RPGs and fairy tales.
As I stood lost in thought for a moment before the unique atmosphere of the dimly lit yet dazzling townscape, with a ceiling like a starry sky of magic stone jewels, a voice, more intoxicated than mine, echoed onto the balcony.
“—Heehee, the wind of darkness is singing… Is this the lament of a city starved for people…”
With a poem that I would rate at about eighty points, Rostiara emerged from the mansion.
She was striking a pose, leaning her back against the edge of the dormer window, looking stylish. I calmly understood the meaning behind it.
“So, you mean you came out to get some night air…?”
“Yeah, you understand so well. As expected, Kanami.”
Rostiara, wearing what seemed to be pajamas, a thin outfit, entered the balcony. Her outfit was open from her chest to her collarbone, limiting where I could look. I had no choice but to look into her eyes as I spoke.
“I’ve hit a bit of a snag with my writing… I came for a change of pace.”
“Writing…? Ah, is that your autobiography?”
Rostiara held up the autobiography she was writing and showed it to me.
I had secretly seen her writing it late at night about a year ago. Amazingly, she had continued that daily task all along.
“Yeah, that one… It’s piled up quite a bit. Chapter one is about how you helped me regain myself, and chapter two is about fighting Palinkron in the central mainland. Chapter three is about my year of wandering alone in the Allied Nations after you disappeared, and chapter four is about the confession the other day. I’m around chapter five now—it might be ending soon?”
The last time I saw it, it was only chapter one, but she had apparently reached chapter five. As I felt the passage of time, I recalled the accumulation of my own battles and replied somewhat melancholically.
“Indeed… This battle might be our final chapter… Once Yutaki awakens, I’ll have nothing left to do. Finding a way to return to my original world… that would probably be around the epilogue. Unlike before, I don’t have that strong a desire to go back anymore.”
“Things have changed a lot since then—but! Even if you don’t need to go back, I’m still going to have you do dungeon exploration until the very end! Mostly for my own enjoyment!”
“I understand. If I created the labyrinth, I should be the one to end it.”
And once we reach the deepest part of the labyrinth, the story in this other world will be over.
After getting through the epilogue, it will be completely over…
Facing a visible goal, I let my guard down slightly.
However, I quickly refocused, determined not to let my guard down.
Unsettling factors still remained.
For example, the “saving the world” talk the Apostle mentioned. The master of the Apostle named Noi, who apparently is alive in the deepest part.
Frankly, it’s none of my business. I have no such responsibility. I shouldn’t have to worry about it—yet, I felt a nagging unease, like a fishbone stuck in my throat.
I shook my head, dispelling the unease, and changed the subject.
“…Speaking of which, you’ve been getting along well with everyone lately.”
I remembered them all laughing and feasting together at dinner earlier.
It was as if I were a child visiting relatives, playfully teasing everyone and laughing.
“That’s true. I do feel a bit sorry for neglecting you, Kanami. As a girlfriend.”
While Rostiara and the others were having fun, I was in a distant seat, thinking about something else. Of course, it was a plan to awaken Yutaki as soon as possible.
From there, I sensed a divergence in her thoughts from mine.
I prioritize “my sister” above all else, while Rostiara prioritizes “everyone.” That’s the divergence.
It’s not a bad divergence.
Just like during dungeon exploration, we just need to find a middle ground.
However, unlike me, who accepted it pragmatically, Rostiara’s expression was a little different. She clutched the autobiography she was writing and talked about its ending.
“I feel sorry for you, Kanami, but… I have to solidify our bond with everyone first, otherwise I’ll be anxious fighting the final enemy in the last chapter. Don’t you think the most important thing when fighting a troublesome final boss is the bond with your friends? Especially in the final battle.”
The final enemy…
What an interesting translation of otherworldly language.
No, since I created the translation magic, it’s natural for there to be many game-like terms.
In my original world, Rostiara might have been called a “game-brained” person, but her expression fit perfectly in my mind.
“Haha, a final boss and the bonds of friendship… You’re right, it’s a classic trope. I don’t dislike it, and I don’t think it’s wrong. Bonds are truly important…”
“Right!”
If the opponent is a cunning boss, it’s a common tactic to exploit the weaknesses in the bonds between the protagonist and their companions. And Nosfy, whom we are currently opposing, is the epitome of a cunning boss.
Recalling her ability to provoke, I let out a sigh and admitted my weakness.
“Nosfy is troublesome, you know. Really…”
“…Kanami, Nosfy-chan isn’t an enemy. That’s absolutely not true.”
She immediately refuted me. In fact, she treated Nosfy as if she were one of us, showing a slight hint of anger.
“Not Nosfy? Then are you talking about Fafnir as the enemy?”
“No… To me, the final enemy is… Kanami. —I believe it’s the ‘Foreigner’, Kanami Aikawa.”
“Wh-what? Me…?”
Then came a completely unexpected answer.
For a moment, I thought she was joking, but looking at Rostiara’s face, it was different.
She was serious. With her golden eyes, which could be mistaken for the sun, she looked directly at me. Her pearly white skin didn’t twitch at all. While she stared at me motionlessly, only her silver, thread-like hair fluttered in the night breeze, reflecting in my eyes like smoke wafting in a sacred ritual.
Despite her seriousness, I could only think, “Beautiful,” at her lofty demeanor and voice.
“I am convinced that Kanami is the most troublesome enemy in this world. More troublesome than anyone, more twisted than anyone, more pathological than anyone—but, that’s the person I like. That’s why I’m desperately trying to gather everyone as allies for when I fight with you, Kanami. I’m *really*, *really* desperate.”
Playfully, Rostiara revealed the reason for her recent actions.
There was no falsehood or detours, just her true feelings. She was confronting me directly, much like when I spoke with Nosfy earlier, pouring her heart out to me. She had a look on her face as if she were facing a guardian, going straight for the attack.
I was at a loss for words, but I repeated her words, trying to understand their meaning.
“You and I fighting…? When, and why…?”
“We’ve accepted each other’s feelings, but we haven’t convinced each other of our viewpoints yet. Uzunami wants to be happy with her ‘One and Only Destined Person,’ but I want everyone to be happy ‘together’… It’s quite different. Really, quite different.”
Rostiara explained patiently with a smile. She was confiding her inner thoughts as if talking to a close friend in her comfortable home, but I could tell she genuinely believed our ways of thinking were fundamentally different.
I immediately began searching for an answer that matched her seriousness. I conveyed my thoughts with the same directness, as if pouring my heart out.
“Frankly, I think your idea of ‘everyone together’ is a pipe dream. Even if it’s okay now, everyone’s feelings will surely diverge soon. Over time, everyone’s desires will gradually drift apart, and in the end, only one pair will remain. Humans aren’t that adept. I believe that a person can only love one person at a time…”
“Kanami, I wish you would trust us more… Come on! You have to believe in the bonds with your friends more! The book is already in its final stages, Kanami!”
Rostiara lowered her eyes sadly, then tried to persuade me, thrusting the unfinished autobiography in her hand at me.
“I do trust you. I trust everyone. That’s why I can travel with you now and fight the same enemy as comrades… But, what you mean is, after all the battles are over, we’ll stay together forever, right? I think that’s really difficult…”
“It’s not difficult! Kanami, you know the tropes of a story, right? This hero’s tale of Kanami and Rostiara is full of cute girls! So, it’s natural that the ending will be a harem feel!”
Rostiara, unyielding, denied my statement.
Among her words was the concept of polygamy, something the Reaper had jokingly suggested at one point. It seemed to be a common arrangement in this other world, but it was a value I had rejected to him.
What did I say back then, I wonder…
I think I said that people should be united with their “One and Only Destined Person”–
Ah, I still think that.
There’s no doubt about it.
That’s why polygamy is absolutely impossible, but… for some reason, Rostiara now seems to be seriously aiming for it.
I managed a wry smile at the absurd situation. Seeing me laugh softly, Rostiara pouted at my dismissive attitude.
“Kanami, I’m not joking. I’m saying ‘everyone together’ with all my heart, wishing for the happiness of everyone I love.”
“…I know. Rostiara is always serious. And I always support that seriousness. I have no intention of stopping you. …It’s just that, it’s impossible for me. No matter how much Rostiara says it, it’s impossible for me…”
Without even thinking, I repeated the word “impossible.” Even though I never wanted to see anything other than Rostiara’s smile, I continued to deny it, knowing it would cloud her face. It’s strange, even to myself—but I repeated myself.
At my response, Rostiara grumbled “Mmm,” and with seeming resignation, let out a big sigh—
“Haa… I’m really worried. You absolutely won’t budge on that point—”
And then, abruptly, she threw out a completely unexpected topic.
“—For example, if there was a magic that could let Maria-chans and the others redo things, you’d probably use it, Kanami, right?”
“…Huh?”
I knew Rostiara and I had different values, but it had been a while since we’d had such unexpected conversations. I was being tossed around as if I were back when we first met.
My feelings were even stronger, having just rejoiced that our feelings had connected.
As I stood there dumbfounded, Rostiara began to explain.
“Magic that could let Maria-chan’s village remain without disappearing, and let her live happily in her hometown until she died, without ever falling into slavery… For Dia to be able to live with her real family, not as an Apostle… For Snow to never have left the dragon people’s village… That kind of ‘magic’.”
“No, Rostiara… There can’t be such a ridiculous magic—”
“Even if you can’t do that, you’re the type of person who would eventually create magic that erases the past, Kanami. I definitely think your magic is heading in that direction now.”
To be told that, I could understand what Rostiara was thinking. She believes that I, a “Thief of the Principles of Dimensions,” would eventually arrive at magic that manipulates people’s pasts.
I couldn’t strongly deny it. After all, I had recently allowed “Immortality,” something that mocks human destiny. More importantly, if my current magic, “Distance Mute” and “Dimensional Decisive Calculation ‘Prologue’,” were to grow, it wouldn’t be an impossible scenario.
I had a premonition. A premonition I’ve had since overwhelming “Thief of the Laws of Wood,” Aid.
—I feel like my power is nearing completion.
I feel like I’m close to reaching the final “Magic” as a “Thief of the Principles of Dimensions.”
Like the other guardians, my life would become an “Incantation,” and an “eternal,” unchanging “Price.”
—A premonition that the time is near.
Earlier, we talked about the story ending.
Perhaps in the final chapter of this otherworld’s adventure, such unfair magic wouldn’t be out of the question.
However, I would never use that magic.
“No, Rostiara. Even if such magic existed… making the past disappear is absolutely wrong. Erasing everyone’s memories, or doing something as terrible as that—I never want to gain false happiness by pretending not to see inconvenient things ever again…!!”
I had learned that lesson deeply in my battle with Palinkron. It was truly painful to not be able to recall the past. I could never forgive myself for forcing that upon someone else.
“…Really? You truly believe that making it disappear is wrong? …Then, isn’t your current treatment of Nosfy-chan a little strange?”
“…!”
At my counterargument, Nosfy’s name was brought up. Perhaps Rostiara had wanted to talk about this all along. I could see the faint anger she felt earlier rekindling in her eyes.
As I didn’t immediately respond to her counterargument, Rostiara continued.
“You’re always avoiding her, trying not to talk to her as much as possible. Kanami, you’re leaving Nosfy-chan entirely up to us, right? Perhaps you think it’s better for Nosfy-chan if you don’t get involved…?”
She hit the nail on the head. Rostiara saw through all my current feelings of guilt.
Just as I thought when Ragune-chan admonished me today, too many people understand me better than I understand myself. Ragune-chan said that Nosfy and I were similar. And Rostiara says I’m avoiding Nosfy. That means—
“Even though you were so insistent on finishing the battles with the guardians yourself… when it comes to Nosfy-chan, you have absolutely no intention of finishing it yourself.”
As I was questioned, not a single word of denial came to mind. I honestly admitted that Rostiara was right and confessed the reason.
“…Nosfy would be happier without me. When I’m not around, Nosfy smiles so normally. She doesn’t force herself to praise me and laugh, or provoke someone and laugh, or laugh like she’s about to cry… She smiles like a normal girl…”
To be blunt, I don’t like Nosfy.
However, I don’t hate her enough to wish for her unhappiness. This is the result of my current reaction.
If it weren’t for me, Nosfy’s problem would be resolved smoothly.
Knowing that, there’s no way I can get involved. There’s no way I’d want to be the one to make Nosfy’s face contort.
Therefore, I’ll leave Nosfy to my trusted companions— hearing my reasoning, Rostiara reluctantly nodded, though her expression was not one of satisfaction.
“…Understood. If that’s what Kanami thinks, then I’ll do my best with Nosfy-chan. At least until your sister’s problem is resolved, we’ll look after her.”
“Thank you, Rostiara… But, you don’t have to force yourself to pursue her ‘Lingering Desire.’ Just being able to laugh together is enough. ‘Lingering Desire’ is something I’ll hear about from you someday…”
There’s still time. Fortunately, unlike the other guardians, Nosfy has someone to laugh with. The smile she showed Rostiara and the others earlier was undoubtedly genuine.
However, Rostiara shrugged at my hesitant postponement. She probably wished I had the spirit to resolve both Yutaki’s and Nosfy’s problems simultaneously.
No, that’s not right. For Rostiara, Nosfy, whom she can currently laugh with, would be prioritized over Yutaki, whom she has never even spoken to.
“I understand Nosfy-chan’s situation a little—just a tiny bit—but don’t forget about what we talked about earlier. That magic I mentioned, you absolutely must not use it. Even if only Kanami gets hurt by that magic, and everyone in the world can be happy—we absolutely don’t want that…”
At the end of our talk, Rostiara once again emphasized the outlandish magic. Her face came close enough to touch mine as she made her plea.
“Ah, ah, about that magic…? Of course…”
I immediately nodded, pulling back slightly to avoid our foreheads touching.
As a result, our eyes naturally met.
Cornered, I was caught in Rostiara’s steady gaze.
In that situation, I suddenly thought back to when I first met Rostiara. We had looked at each other like this back then.
However, I no longer fear Rostiara’s golden eyes that once terrified me. The unsettling feeling that just looking at them felt like my soul was being chipped away is gone. While I still find her beautiful, perhaps because I’ve grown accustomed to it, I no longer consider her unreal. Naturally, I no longer see them as the ferocious eyes of a reptile. They look like nothing more than the cute eyes of a cute girl.
—However, I felt as if Rostiara’s eyes were trembling slightly.
From the resolute Rostiara, a flicker of emotion was visible. I had been thinking only of myself, but now, I wondered what Rostiara was thinking as she looked into my dark eyes…?
Does she find my pure black eyes, rare in this world, even a little beautiful?
Or is she now looking at me with the same awe that I felt for Rostiara when I was level 1…?
Looking back, after many battles, the power dynamic has reversed. If she harbors even a sliver of fear towards my power, I want to reassure her immediately.
“It’s okay, Rostiara. There’s no such convenient magic. Even if it existed, I would absolutely not use it. To erase the past and create a happy world… it’s just like Palinkron. I promise. I absolutely won’t use it.”
I promised with all the gentleness I could muster from my body. Furthermore, by mentioning the name of my greatest enemy, I vowed not to emulate him.
Hearing that, Rostiara frowned. Although she couldn’t be easily reassured by my oath, her expression clearly showed that she was glad to hear it.
“Yeah, it’s a promise. I still haven’t thanked you enough, Kanami…”
As if making a pinky promise, Rostiara tightly grasped my right hand with both of hers.
My heart fluttered at the sudden contact, but my mind immediately went to the meaning of her words. Is she referring to taking her out of the Great Cathedral of Fuziaze? If so, I felt I had repaid her enough during Laura Via’s “Dance Battle Tournament.” I couldn’t recall doing anything else. Yet, Rostiara gripped my hand desperately. After giving me a gentle smile, she shifted her gaze to the dark cityscape visible from the balcony and spoke to herself with a sense of deep emotion.
“It might be a little morbid, but… I’m enjoying my current life… Being with Maria-chan, playing with Dia, joking with Snow… Kanami and Nosfy-chan bring so many interesting troubles. The adventure I dreamed of in the Great Cathedral when I was born, it’s truly here. It’s so fun, so fun… I honestly don’t want this final chapter to arrive, it’s that fun… That’s why, from now on, I want to spend my time together with everyone like this…”
I could feel that Rostiara was truly enjoying her life right now. And her wish to live with everyone forever was also conveyed.
Watching Rostiara gaze into the distance, I, too, let out a sigh. Shifting my gaze to the dark sky as well—
“I also… if possible… with everyone…”
For some reason, however, the words that should have followed wouldn’t come out. At the very last moment, as if locked, I couldn’t continue. It’s probably because, deep down, I believe that wish can never come true. Only Rostiara can easily utter the continuation.
And, I reconfirm. This is the primary reason I like Rostiara.
It’s been like this since we met. In the labyrinth, she took me to places I couldn’t go. Things I couldn’t do, she could do with me. She’s dazzling beyond compare. Rostiara guides me—to realms that are locked to me.
That’s right.
Someday, Rostiara will defeat the part of me that I dislike. That’s why I like Rostiara.
As I re-examine this self-contradiction, I also look at the sky.
In the night sky below, my gaze fell upon the fake stars twinkling. As expected, since it’s underground, all the radiance is artificial. It’s merely processed magic stone jewels emitting light. It’s just a “construct” made to look the part. Yet, it holds the same meaning as the “real thing.” It fulfills the important role of illuminating the world. The people living in the underground city must be deeply grateful for the light of this sky. They must hold the same feelings of gratitude that people on the surface offer to the stars.
Rostiara and I continued to gaze at the created night sky for a while. We no longer exchanged words, but our hands remained clasped—standing side by side like lovers, we spent the same time.
The time we spent was more than enough for the two of us, and the first day in the Great Holy Capital ended.
A side story where I got a little angry with Rostiara because I was being difficult. By chance, Kanami’s preferences, or rather kinks, were also revealed. Next time, I’ll advance the story…
