Chapter 46 Shizuka and the Snow Moon Flower
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
Shizuka was taken to a big bathhouse.
It had been a long time since her last bath. It felt very good.
She wondered why there was a bath in a place like this. She also wondered where this place was. But the warm water made those questions seem small.
Shizuka washed off the dirt for the first time in a while. She felt relaxed. She put on the clothes that were ready without thinking. That was her outfit now.
Shizuka did not care much about her looks at first. But even she thought this was a bit much. It was better than being naked. Still, it was too much.
The dress was mostly black. It had white lace and frills in many places.
Shizuka had never shown interest in clothes. But she knew this was called a “maid outfit.”
It was not the kind maids in this world wore. It was the kind you see in places like Akihabara in Japan.
The skirt was fluffy. It ended about 27 cm above her knees. If she stood straight, her underwear would not show. But if she bent a little or the skirt flipped up, it would show for sure. There was no underwear ready. So it would be fully seen. Even calm Shizuka felt very shy about this.
The worst part was the headband instead of a headdress. It had cute triangle ears.
They moved up and down with Shizuka’s moves.
Even Shizuka knew this outfit was not normal.
She understood that. But the only other clothes were see-through nightwear like sheer negligees. So she had no choice but to wear this one quietly.
The maids who waited nearby led her. The place they took her to looked like a small salon. On the sofa across from the table, the boy from before sat. He was Kanata.
She sat on the sofa facing him. Then Kanata and the fairy on his head started to whisper.
It could not be helped. But it felt uncomfortable.
Maybe Shizuka’s feelings showed on her face. Kanata looked sorry. He said, “Sorry.” Then he suggested they share information.
* * *
”Um, should we start with my side?”
Kanata said that and looked at Shizuka. She nodded a little.
”Shizuka and the others were all called to this world on that day, right?”
Kanata asked her to confirm.
By the way, he called her “Shizuka” because she said, “Shizuka is fine.”
”Yes. That’s what I heard.”
”When I was called to this world, it seems I was taken to a different place from everyone else.”
Kanata said that. He explained he was called as a Dungeon Master. This place was inside that dungeon. Many things happened. Now he was expanding the dungeon and dealing with problems.
”I helped you because a guard squad patrol caught you by chance.”
”…So this is that underground maze?”
”Yes, it is. Oh, I forgot to introduce. This is my partner, El. She looks like this now, but she was once a high-level demonkin.”
”Hi there~ Shizu-tan. I’m El, Kanata’s first wife. Nice to meet you.”
El flew around Shizuka’s head in an arc.
”Um… Kanata… you?”
”What?”
”Um… Kanata-kun has power now, right?”
”Power? It depends on what you mean. But yeah, I do.”
”Then please… help Maria and the others!”
”Help? Even if you say that…”
”Please… Maria and the others are locked in the castle now…”
To Shizuka, the “heroes” called with her were just classmates. She did not care much about what they did. But she felt different about the three from Snow Moon Flower.
* * *
It started with an invite to lunch from Tsukikage Maria.
”Amatsuka-san, you’re always alone, right? Want to eat lunch together sometimes?”
Shizuka could not hide her surprise when Maria said that.
First, Shizuka did not know Maria. She did not know others in class either. To Shizuka, classmates were just that. They were not more or less. They had no link to her.
Why would such a person talk to her?
Shizuka did not know how to react. She could only run away from the spot.
Maria kept trying hard with Shizuka. Almost every day, she asked Shizuka to lunch. Shizuka did not know what to do. She just ran away. That went on for days.
One day, Shizuka tried to leave class early before Maria could ask. Then Yukishiro Kotono caught her.
”You know, Maria has asked you so many times. Ignoring her is not cool. If you don’t like it, just say no clearly!”
Setsugekka
Kotono had told Maria many times not to force it. The other person seemed to hate it. But Maria did not listen. So Kotono came to talk directly.
According to Kotono, if Shizuka did not like the invites, she should say so clearly. Then Maria would stop. But Shizuka ran without a clear answer. That made it messy, Kotono said.
But to Shizuka, she still did not know what to do even after hearing that.
To Shizuka, “others” were 70% people she did not care about at all. The other 30% were enemies with bad intent.
In that world, she did not know how to deal with someone who showed no bad intent and did not ignore her.
Shizuka looked down, unsure what to do. Then Maria and Hanasaki Haruka came.
”Ah, Kotono-chan is bullying Shizuka-chan.”
”I’m not bullying. I just asked what she really thinks because she won’t say clearly.”
”Kotono-chan’s attitude is scary. …Shizuka-chan, sorry? Did it scare you?”
Hanasaki Haruka pushed Kotono aside. She took Shizuka’s hand.
”Not… scary. But… I don’t know… what to do… so.”
”Yeah, yeah. It’s okay. Take your time to talk. For that, let’s eat first?”
Haruka said that. She held Shizuka’s hand and went to the rooftop.
The three from Setsugekka, Snow Moon Flower, always ate lunch on the rooftop.
They took turns bringing bentos. But Maria made them most of the time. Some veggies in the bento came from what Haruka grew. Kotono looked rough, but she was very careful. She always thought about others. They told her things like that.
Shizuka listened. She shared Maria’s bento. Then she started to talk about herself bit by bit.
”So Shizuka always ran because you did not know how to talk?”
Kotono said that with a bit of surprise. The next moment, she bowed her head.
”Sorry. I did not know about that…”
”No… It’s my… fault…”
Shizuka waved her hands in a hurry. She made Kotono lift her head.
They just wanted to be friends. But she was the one who ran from that.
”Friends… I don’t really get it…”
”You don’t need to think about it that way?”
Maria smiled and said to Shizuka.
”Yeah. Don’t think, feel! Right?”
”Kotono-chan, that’s a bit off, I think. …Shizuka-chan and us are friends. That’s all. We chat for no reason. We eat together like this… That’s fine?”
Haruka said that with a laugh. Shizuka nodded.
It was the moment Shizuka got her first friends.
* * *
”Those three are my first friends… So if they are in trouble, I want to help.”
After hearing more, the three from Snow Moon Flower seemed to be under house arrest. On the surface, it was to protect heroes who did not fight directly. So they could not act openly.
That was why Shizuka took jobs as an adventurer. She waited for a chance to sneak them out of the Royal Palace.
She stuck with the Otaku Trio because if she helped them, they might help her save the three later. That was her small hope.
”I see. By the way, the Royal Capital is just a stone’s throw from here.”
”Please. Lend your power. …For thanks… I’ll do anything…”
Shizuka said that with serious eyes.
”Hey, hey, a girl shouldn’t say ‘anything’ so easily.”
”I’m not… saying it easily. …I’ll do anything… I have nothing else…”
Shizuka looked at Kanata’s floor. She took his arm and pulled it to her chest.
”Please…”
A cute girl like Shizuka asked with upturned eyes. A normal healthy boy like Kanata could not say no.
”I’ll ask once more? Do you get what ‘anything’ means?”
Kanata asked. Shizuka nodded. She held out the collar. It was the Collar of Subjugation.
”I heard… if you put this on, you must obey completely…. If you help my friends… it’s okay to wear this.”
Shizuka said that. Before Kanata could speak, she put the collar on herself.
”What… should I do now?”
Shizuka looked up at him with lost eyes.
”…Well, first, take it off.”
Kanata said that. Shizuka started to take off her clothes right away.
She took off her clothes as told. She became naked.
”…Now, lie on the bed.”
Shizuka followed Kanata’s quiet instructions. She settled onto the bed, her heart pounding as she lay there, vulnerable under his gaze. The air felt heavy, charged with unspoken tension.
”Open yourself to me,” Kanata said, his voice low and steady.
Shizuka’s cheeks flushed. She hesitated, her fingers trembling as she fidgeted with the edge of the sheet. The weight of his words pressed against her, but she steeled herself, parting her knees slightly, her breath catching as she bared her vulnerability to him.
”…Oh…” she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Kanata’s eyes held hers, unflinching, his expression unreadable. Shizuka’s face burned, her pulse racing under his steady gaze.
”You’re untouched, aren’t you?” he asked, his tone soft but piercing. He reached out, his fingers brushing her arm lightly. Shizuka’s body tensed, a shiver running through her.
”No… wait…” she murmured, her voice trembling.
Her reaction seemed to confirm something for him. He leaned closer, his presence overwhelming. “Show me more of you,” he said, his words carrying a quiet command.
Shizuka’s breath hitched. Slowly, her hand moved, tracing her own skin with hesitant care. Her eyes flickered to his, seeking something—reassurance, perhaps.
”Oh…” A soft sound escaped her lips, her body warming under her own touch.
Kanata watched her, his own movements subtle, mirroring her in a way that felt intimate, unspoken. His hand grazed her shoulder, a gentle but deliberate touch that sent a jolt through her.
”Oh!” Shizuka gasped, her body reacting to the closeness.
Her breaths grew quicker, the air between them thick with shared intensity. She felt a rush, her heart pounding as the moment built, overwhelming her senses.
”Ah… I can’t…” she whispered, her voice breaking.
Kanata’s hand found hers, guiding her gently, urging her to continue. “Stay with me,” he said softly.
”No… it’s too much…” Shizuka’s words faltered, her body trembling as waves of sensation crashed over her. She felt herself spiraling, caught in the intensity of the moment.
Kanata drew closer, their breaths mingling, the space between them vanishing. His movements were careful, deliberate, as if drawing her into a shared rhythm.
Shizuka’s voice caught in her throat, a soundless cry as tears pricked her eyes. The overwhelming connection consumed her, leaving her breathless.
”Shizuka…” Kanata’s voice was a low murmur, his lips brushing her cheek, catching the warmth of her tears.
Their closeness intensified, a quiet rhythm building between them. Shizuka’s senses blurred, her body responding to every subtle shift, every touch. The air hummed with their shared energy, the sound of their breaths intertwining.
”I… I can’t stop…” Shizuka’s voice was a whisper, lost in the rush of feeling. She felt herself carried higher, her body trembling with the force of it.
Kanata’s movements grew more urgent, their connection deepening until it reached its peak. Shizuka’s breath caught, her body shuddering as the moment overwhelmed her completely.
”Oh…” she sighed, collapsing against the bed, her body heavy with exhaustion.
Kanata gazed at her, his expression softening. Slowly, he drew back, leaving a quiet space between them, the air still warm with the echo of their closeness.
* * *
”Why… Why are you going this far?” Kanata asked, his voice low, searching Shizuka’s tear-streaked face.
Shizuka’s breath hitched, her body trembling under the weight of his gaze. “ecause… my friends…” she gasped, her voice breaking. “Because of them.”
A faint hum filled the air, a subtle reminder of the moment’s intensity. Shizuka’s heart raced, her body overwhelmed by the rush of emotion, her resolve pushing her forward despite the cost.
”You don’t have to give so much of yourself,” Kanata said, his tone softer now, almost uncertain.
”No… I…” Shizuka’s voice faltered as a wave of feeling surged through her, her breath catching. “I have to.”
Her eyes shone with determination. “My first… my friends… I need to save them. Is that strange?”
Kanata paused, his expression unreadable. He had no one he’d call a friend, not truly. Tsubasa, perhaps, but he couldn’t imagine giving himself up for anyone. Shizuka’s words stirred something in him, a mix of awe and confusion.
”What if I showed you to them?” he asked, his voice testing, probing. “What if I let them see you like this?”
Shizuka went still, her breath shallow. She bit her lip, then whispered, “If… If Kanata-kun keeps his promise to save Maria and the others… I’ll do what you ask.”
Her words hung heavy, her resolve unwavering despite the tremble in her voice.
”Kanata. Stop. She means it,” El said, stepping closer, their voice firm with concern. Their presence cut through the tension, a reminder of Shizuka’s heart. If Kanata pushed further, he risked breaking something precious.
Kanata’s gaze softened. He reached out, pulling Shizuka into a gentle embrace, his arms warm around her trembling form. He pressed his lips to hers, a soft, hesitant kiss.
”Mmm…” Shizuka stiffened at first, caught off guard. Then, slowly, she leaned into him, returning the kiss with quiet intensity.
Their breaths mingled, the moment deepening as they held each other close. Shizuka’s hands found his shoulders, her touch tentative but growing bolder.
”Oh…” she sighed, her voice soft as their lips parted, a faint warmth lingering between them.
Kanata’s hand brushed her cheek, gentle and deliberate. Shizuka’s body trembled, a shiver running through her at the tenderness of his touch.
”Mmm…” She leaned in again, their kiss deepening, a quiet rhythm building between them. Her heart raced, her senses alive with the closeness.
”Oh!” Shizuka gasped as Kanata’s hand grazed her side, the contact sending a jolt through her. She pressed closer, her breath quickening.
Their connection grew, a shared intensity that left them both trembling. Shizuka’s hands tightened on him, her emotions spilling over as she gave herself to the moment.
”No… I…” Her voice broke, overwhelmed, as the rush of feeling carried her higher.
Kanata held her closer, their movements synchronized, their breaths intertwining. The air hummed with their shared energy, a quiet crescendo building.
”Oh… I can’t…” Shizuka whispered, her body shuddering as the moment peaked, her heart and body caught in the tide of their connection.
Kanata’s touch grew more urgent, his own emotions cresting as he held her tightly. Together, they reached a shared peak, the intensity overwhelming them both.
”Oh…” Shizuka sighed, her body sinking against him, exhausted but warm with the echo of their closeness.
Kanata gazed at her, his expression soft, almost reverent. Slowly, he drew back, leaving a quiet space between them, their connection lingering in the air.
* * *
Knock, knock, knock…
A pleasant sound came.
…Ah, that’s the sound of a knife making breakfast.
Kanata thought that while half-asleep.
Usually, in these cases, it’s a childhood friend, a classmate girl, or a stepsister.
Kanata thought of galge and light novel scenes.
But sadly, Kanata had no such person.
So…
”You’re awake… Breakfast is ready.”
A beautiful girl woke him gently. Kanata thought it was a dream.
If it’s a dream, I can do anything… Kanata thought.
He reached for the smiling girl. He hugged her and whispered in her ear.
”Make breakfast for me every morning.”
It was a cheesy line. But it was in Kanata’s top 10 lines he wanted to say.
Woken by a beautiful girl, whispering this, then a morning kiss…
He dreamed of this many times. This time too, it felt like a dream.
But the feeling in his arms was too real…
Then Kanata snapped awake. He let go of her.
”Uh… If Kanata wants… After saving everyone… Okay…”
In front of him was Shizuka. Her face was bright red as she whispered.
”Whoa! S-Sorry! I was half-asleep!”
Kanata jumped up in a panic.
”Um… Want breakfast?”
Shizuka’s face looked a bit sad. Maybe it was his imagination.
”Yeah… I’ll eat.”
”Okay… There were lots of familiar ingredients…”
Shizuka said that. She moved away from Kanata to the table.
A perfect Japanese breakfast was there, like at an inn.
Shizuka looked shy. Around her were Sara, Amisa, Rem, Alma, Leticia, and Alusia.
They all stared at Kanata. They looked like they wanted to say something.
”Um, aren’t you eating breakfast?”
Everyone sat quietly and started eating.
After eating, Kanata was made to kneel by everyone for some reason.
Notes:
• Shizuka – Classmate, wielder of Sniper, nicknamed “Shizu-tan.” Neglected, raised herself after father’s death and mother’s abandonment. Nearly assaulted in another world, broke her stoicism with first real plea for help. Saved by Kanata, now torn between distrust and fragile hope. Reminder: hardened loner, only cracks under extreme pressure.
• May – Blonde, soft-eyed shrine girl. ch14–15. Gentle and pleading (“Please… just let us go…”), timid but loyal, relies on Mina’s strength. Came with Mina to save Sara, but was disarmed and bound by Kanata as his captive maid.
• Maria – A healer aiding Sumire, ensuring classmates recover during intense training sessions. One of Setsugekka.
• Tsukikage – Maria’s Family Name. A healer.
• Amatsuka – Shizuka’s Family Name. The Sniper Hero.
• Kotono – A classmate, and a wielder of Mage.
• Yukishiro – Kotono’s Family Name. The wielder of mage.
• Setsugekka – Trio of Yukishiro Kotono, Tsukikage Maria, and Hanasaki Haruka.
• Hanasaki – Haruka’s Family Name. The Harvester.
• Haruka – A classmate who have Harvester gift. She keeps her distance from Ichiro, focused on her role in training. One of Setsugekka.
• Tsubasa – A classmate, and a gift holder of Creator. He has an androgynous charm, popular yet approachable, bonds with Taichi’s group.
• Alusia – Fallen princess of Mercuria, clings to royal pride while navigating slavery, seeking vengeance. Appears: In a cramped slave trader’s carriage, shackled and reflective. Reason: Captured after her kingdom’s fall, now a slave. Event: Transported by slave merchants, intercepted by Kanata, beginning her servitude.
• Amisa – Fallen Demon noble of Grayladd, joined Angula’s Aaren Plain campaign with maid Saria , captured with Rena, Annamira, Sheila; spared by Kanata, now loyal aide with maid Saria, calls him “Master/Big Brother.” Reminder: ex-heiress turned submissive servant.
• Leticia – Princess-regent of Florence, captured in failed bandit talks and collared into slavery, later bound to Kanata by contract that gave him her kingdom. Reminder: the princess who lost both crown and freedom to a collar.
• Rem – Rem, a timid slave girl, pairs with Mito, her fearful obedience a desperate bid to survive Kanata’s dominion. Appears after raid dungeon.
• Sara – Once part of Rick’s party, was lured and bound by Kanata in the Dungeon. Timid and dependent, her trust broke with his betrayal, yet she stayed close—pleading mercy for others and later standing by him publicly, claiming it was her will.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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