Chapter 51 Kanata, Shizuka, and Setsugekka, Part ④
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
”Such a fluffy bed!”
As soon as we entered the room, Haruka dove straight onto the large bed in front of us.
It was big enough for two girls to sleep in comfortably. There were two double beds, and even with side tables and a sofa, there was still plenty of space.
In one corner, there was a simple kitchen setup. The door on the wall opposite the entrance led to a toilet and shower room.
This room was more than enough for four people like Maria and the others. It showed Kanata’s sincerity in preparing it for them… but something felt off.
”…But this is inside a dungeon, right?”
Kotono suddenly voiced the doubt.
…That’s right.
Maria realized what had been bothering her. She felt relieved, but at the same time, she understood how strange it was.
”Yeah… it’s inside a dungeon, though….”
Shizuka answered the question.
”Kanata… Dungeon Master… can control the interior freely… he said.”
They had learned this by asking the not-very-talkative Shizuka various things. She didn’t understand it all that well herself. Still, it was important information for discussing our current questions and future plans.
First, Kanata is the Dungeon Master.
This means he has a lot of freedom inside the dungeon, but he can’t leave it.
”…So, Kanata wants me… to be as free as possible….”
Shizuka muttered softly.
Maria thought deeply while watching Shizuka.
Among Kanata’s earlier suggestions, unless they chose the first option—to go to some faraway country—they would likely end up opposing their classmates.
But as people being chased from Alfheim Kingdom right now, they had almost no way to protect themselves without Kanata.
To achieve her ultimate goal, Maria needed to think about what moves would be most advantageous.
Also, how much power does Kanata have as Dungeon Master? That was another issue.
From Shizuka’s words that this room hadn’t existed before, Maria learned that Kanata had hurriedly made it for them.
She would have to ask Kanata for details (if he would even tell them), but the fact that he could do something like this so easily meant his power as Dungeon Master could make him a being the Human Race couldn’t ignore.
In other words, if Kanata’s existence was discovered, he would definitely become a target for the Human Race. Following Kanata would mean getting dragged into conflict, which Maria could not accept.
And then, the most serious matter.
Kanata has connections with the Demonkin. His immediate goal is the huge dream of creating a country where Demonkin, demi-humans, and Humans can interact freely, no matter their race.
Maria thought it would be great if such an ideal country could exist, but she knew reality wasn’t that sweet.
If they followed Kanata, they would need to interact with other races, and the question was whether they could handle that.
However, Maria and the others had never even seen other races, let alone interacted with them. So they couldn’t answer if they could do it… but if they could overcome that barrier, it might be an environment close to Maria’s ideals in a way.
Considering all these situations, if Maria pushed her idea of “not dragging Kotono and the others into conflict,” the realistic choice from Kanata’s suggestions was “go to some faraway country.”
Luckily, in this world, information doesn’t spread quickly. In remote towns or villages in other countries’ borders, stories about the “Summoned Hero from Alfheim Kingdom” probably haven’t reached at all, or even if they have, no one would connect it to Maria and the others.
And with three people… or four including Shizuka, they could probably manage a self-sufficient life.
For just living peacefully, Maria thought this was the only option.
But choosing this would mean they could never return to Japan, and Maria understood that.
From what she knew now, her intuition told her that staying close to Kanata was the nearest way back to Japan.
And if possible, she even had a sweet thought: let Kanata handle the conflicts, while they lived peacefully under his protection… and if that required a price, Maria was resolved to put her body on the line.
To return to peaceful Japan, should they throw themselves into conflict? Or escape it, hide away, and spend their lives in this world? Or cling to Kanata’s mercy and use him…?
Right now, Maria and the others stood before this major choice that would decide their future.
There might be an option to hide in the borders and have someone come pick them up when a way home is found, but Maria thought that was too bold. Plus, there was no guarantee anyone would come, so she dismissed it as no choice at all.
And she knew she couldn’t decide this alone.
So Maria turned her gaze to Kotono, Haruka, and Shizuka.
”I’ll say this first… okay. I… want to be with Kanata… but whatever you all choose… I’ll support it… and help… because we’re friends….”
Before Maria could speak, Shizuka said it haltingly, as if she knew what Maria would say and cut her off…
Seeing Shizuka, who hated talking to people, desperately searching for words to convey her feelings, made Maria’s chest warm.
”Yes, I understand Shizuka’s feelings. So, what about you two?”
Maria looked at Kotono and Haruka.
Then Kotono looked away a bit troubled and spoke.
”Maria, you’re thinking of going to the borders, right?”
Hearing her thoughts hit straight on, Maria felt a little shaken.
”I kind of get the reasons. Unlike you, Haruka and I aren’t good at rough stuff. You might think we lack resolve. I know you’re worried. But let me say it clearly. I think sticking with Kanata is best.”
Kotono met Maria’s gaze head-on and said it strongly.
”May I hear the reason?”
At Maria’s question, Kotono slowly opened her mouth.
”Because I think it’s the shortest way back to Japan… is that no good?”
Maria secretly admired that Kotono had reached the same conclusion as her, but she deliberately countered.
”It’s not no good, but it’s a bit weak~desu wa.”
”Because I want to be with Shizuka-chan. Is that no good?”
Haruka chimed in from the side.
”Haruka, you also want to go with Kanata-san? If it’s just to be with Shizuka, there are other ways without following him, you know?”
”Um, then… because I like Kanata-kun and want to be with him… how about that?”
”Kanata-san might be happy to hear it… but you’re not serious, right?”
”Hehe, you caught me.”
Maria glanced sideways at Haruka sticking out her tongue, then turned back to Kotono.
”You mentioned ‘resolve’ earlier, but do you really understand what it means?”
Maria’s family ran a dojo for kobujutsu (T/N: ancient martial arts focused on efficient combat techniques).
Unlike modern budo, kobujutsu is basically techniques for killing people efficiently.
Even in modern Japan, it’s softened a bit, but the essence hasn’t changed. From a young age, Maria had been taught about “taking lives.”
Of course, she had no experience killing people, but as part of training, she had killed and butchered rabbits or deer with her own hands and eaten them. That taught her the fragility, value, and stubbornness of life.
Even for her, it took time to get used to the life-and-death exchanges in this isekai world. But Kotono and Haruka were completely normal people with no such experience.
Actually, all the summoned classmates were more or less normal people.
So Maria doubted that Kotono truly understood the weight of taking lives just from words.
”I think I understand what you mean, Maria. My ‘resolve’ might be naive. But I don’t want to see that look on your face. If it means you make that face, I’ll carry it all myself. My resolve might break easily… but then you’ll support me, right? For protecting you and Haruka, I’ll make any resolve. And I’ll definitely get you both back to Japan.”
”Do I… have a weird face…?”
Maria was puzzled by Kotono’s unexpected words.
”Hmm, you might not notice, but Maria-chan, you’ve had a scary face the whole time, and you’ve smiled less.”
Haruka said that.
”Liar… a scary face…? Everyone was fooled by my smiles before….”
Images of people in the Royal Palace flashed in Maria’s mind.
Just her smiling made everyone friendly right away.
No one had ever called Maria “scary”…
”You say ‘fooled’ like that? That’s serious.”
Haruka said, sounding exasperated.
”Well, it’s partly our fault for being unreliable… but you don’t have to carry it alone.”
Kotono said that and hugged Maria.
”Kotono….”
For a while, Maria buried her face in Kotono’s chest.
・
・
・
”Sorry for losing it. Shall we continue talking?”
After a bit, Maria pulled away from Kotono, said she was going to wash her face, and left her seat. When she came back, she was completely back to normal.
”So, it’s settled that both Kotono and Haruka will join Kanata-san’s side? Depending on the situation, relying on Morita-kun and the others isn’t impossible, you know?”
During their time in the Royal Palace, she had heard that a group called “Double Wing” was formed at Aran Fortress, led by the heroes there.
She thought that night’s attack was the Royal Palace side trying to take them hostage because they felt threatened by the independent heroes.
However, from Alfheim Kingdom’s view, they might see it as “betrayed by the heroes,” but they weren’t fully enemies with Morita and the others at Aran Fortress. Actually, they couldn’t afford to be, and Morita’s side knew that too, so on the surface, they kept friendly relations, whatever the true feelings.
And with the common enemy of Demonkin, they had to maintain good relations with other countries.
So Maria thought that while they might need some of Kanata’s power, joining Morita’s group and keeping distance from Alfheim was possible.
Plus, even if they distanced from Alfheim, as an organization with many heroes, they would be respected by other countries. As fellow “heroes,” Maria and the others would surely get a secure position.
Conflict with Demonkin was unavoidable, but Kotono as a sorcery user aside, Maria and Haruka were unlikely to be on the front lines. It seemed like a good environment for living relatively safely. However….
”No way.”
Kotono and Haruka said in unison.
”Can I at least hear the reasons?”
Maria asked, thinking she would give the same answer if roles were reversed.
”That guy just doesn’t seem trustworthy.”
”He’s creepy, so I hate him.”
They trashed him thoroughly.
”What about you, Maria?”
”Me? Of course I hate him too? No thanks to serving under Morita-kun.”
Maria said with a perfect smile.
The three looked at each other, and laughter spilled out from somewhere.
Maria said with a perfect smile.
The three looked at each other, and laughter spilled out from somewhere.
”Well, it seems we’ve settled on our direction, but it’d be a shame to answer Kanata right away.”
”Exactly! A good woman keeps him waiting a bit,” Haruka teased.
”Then that means…”
All three turned their eyes to Shizuka at once.
”Uh… what?”
Sensing something off, Shizuka tried to slip away—but it was too late.
”Hehe, Shizuka-chan, you’re as soft as ever!”
Haruka, who had somehow circled behind, playfully hugged Shizuka tightly.
”Right? So jealous!” Kotono said, holding Shizuka’s hands while tugging at her clothes.
”No, wait—help!” Shizuka squirmed, but Maria gently pressed her lips to Shizuka’s, silencing her.
”Mm!”
Maria’s kiss was bold and teasing.
”Shizuka-chan, you look so cute all flustered,” Haruka giggled, playfully touching Shizuka’s waist.
”Look at you, getting all worked up,” she added with a grin.
Shizuka trembled under Haruka’s touch, her face red.
”Shizuka-chan, did you already go with Kanata?” Haruka whispered mischievously.
Shizuka shook her head, eyes wide and teary.
”Ah, no…” Kotono muttered softly.
At first, Kotono only meant to go along with Haruka’s playful teasing. But watching Haruka with Shizuka, she felt her own heart race.
This wasn’t the first time they’d been close like this. Ever since being thrown into this world, they’d comforted each other’s fears and loneliness, growing closer through gentle touches and hugs.
But for Kotono, anything beyond kisses and embraces felt scary—she’d always held back, unlike the bolder Haruka. Maria and Haruka’s presence was enough to make her feel safe. Still, going further than playful teasing made her hesitate.
”Kotono-chan, getting excited?” Maria teased, pulling away from Shizuka to hug Kotono.
”Sh-shut up,” Kotono mumbled, blushing but calming as Maria kissed her softly.
”There, there, good girl,” Maria said, patting Kotono’s head. Kotono’s eyes softened with comfort.
”You don’t have much experience with this, do you?” Maria said, gently tugging at Kotono’s clothes.
”N-no, I…”
”Girls have a spot that’s really sensitive,” Maria whispered, brushing Kotono’s skin lightly.
”Ah!” Kotono gasped, her body trembling.
Maria smiled, continuing her gentle teasing.
Haruka giggled, watching. “Kotono’s pretty sensitive, huh? Shizuka-chan, feeling lonely?”
Haruka turned back to Shizuka, playfully pulling her closer.
”Mm…” Shizuka murmured, shyly returning Haruka’s affection.
”Good girl, Shizuka,” Maria said, stroking Shizuka’s hair while still teasing Kotono.
”Ah!” Kotono let out a soft cry, reacting to Maria’s touch.
”Don’t stop now,” Maria teased, guiding Kotono closer.
Kotono hesitated but followed, her touches shy but warm.
”Oh, that’s nice…” Maria sighed happily.
What started as playful fun had grown into something deeper.
Haruka leaned in and kissed Maria deeply.
”Mm…” Maria shifted slightly, overwhelmed by Kotono’s surprising skill.
Haruka pulled back with a grin. “Maria-chan, you’re adorable.”
She pinched Maria lightly, making her jump.
”Ah, don’t!” Maria gasped, laughing.
Haruka pushed Maria toward Kotono. “Kotono’s looking lonely. I’ll play with Shizuka.”
The room filled with soft giggles and gasps as Maria and Haruka continued their gentle teasing with Kotono and Shizuka.
”Wow, you two sound happy,” Maria said with a chuckle, kissing Kotono again.
”Mm, so cute,” she added.
Haruka kept teasing Shizuka, who was growing more flustered.
”Shizuka-chan, what’s wrong?” Haruka asked playfully.
”I… I want…” Shizuka mumbled, blushing deeply.
”What do you want?” Haruka teased, her touches quickening.
”I want… Kanata…” Shizuka whispered.
Haruka froze for a moment, then moved faster, her playful touches intense.
”Ah! I’m…!” Shizuka gasped, trembling as she reached her peak.
Beside her, Kotono, caught in Maria’s teasing, let out a soft cry, overwhelmed too.
”Haa… no more…” Kotono panted, exhausted.
”Kanata…” Shizuka murmured dreamily, still dazed.
Haruka, a bit annoyed at Shizuka’s words, turned to Kotono.
”Wait, Haruka… I can’t…” Kotono protested weakly.
But Haruka didn’t stop, her touches relentless.
”Haruka, easy,” Maria said, concerned.
”No way, Kotono’s too cute!” Haruka giggled, continuing.
”Ah! Stop, I’m too sensitive!” Kotono pleaded, but her cries turned to gasps as she trembled again.
Maria gently pulled Kotono away from Haruka.
”Haruka, what’s gotten into you?” Maria asked, settling Kotono down carefully.
”Ugh, Shizuka kept talking about that guy, and I got jealous,” Haruka admitted.
Unlike Kotono and Maria, who played along as friends, Haruka was serious about her feelings for girls. She could charm boys for her own convenience, but she had no interest in them romantically. Still, she didn’t want to force her feelings on her friends—but hearing Kanata’s name from Shizuka pushed her over the edge.
”You don’t have to take it out on Kotono,” Maria said, pulling Haruka into a hug.
”But Kotono was so cute too,” Haruka mumbled.
”Alright, tonight I’ll hold you tight,” Maria said, playfully pushing Haruka down and kissing her.
”Mm…” Haruka sighed happily.
Maria, always the caring “big sister,” would do anything for her friends. If Haruka needed warmth, Maria would give it fully—that’s who she was.
Some might say Maria was like Maya, but while Maya protected everyone, Maria focused only on her close circle, ignoring all else.
Maria kissed Haruka’s neck, then gently teased her further.
”Ah, that feels good!” Haruka said, laughing.
Maria’s touches were soft but sure, and Haruka melted under them.
”Oh, Maria, so good…” Haruka sighed.
Maria smiled, continuing her gentle play.
”So sensitive,” she teased.
”Ah! Maria… I can’t…” Haruka gasped, trembling.
”Come on, let go,” Maria encouraged.
”I’m…!” Haruka cried out, overwhelmed with sensation.
Panting, Haruka clung to Maria, who smiled warmly.
”You’re adorable, Haruka,” Maria said.
”Maria…” Haruka murmured, hugging her tightly before drifting off.
Later, on the quiet bed, Maria held Haruka close, closing her eyes and slipping into a deep, peaceful rest.
This was a story of four friends, close in body and heart.
Taking this tale to a darker turn feels impossible!
In a way, this might be Kanata’s first defeat.
Notes:
• Haruka – A classmate who have Harvester gift. She keeps her distance from Ichiro, focused on her role in training. One of Setsugekka.
• Maria – A healer aiding Sumire, ensuring classmates recover during intense training sessions. One of Setsugekka.
• Kotono – A classmate, and a wielder of Mage.
• 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.
• Alfheim Kingdom – A demi-human realm of Elves, positioned among the powers bordering Florence. Its existence, along with Alefgard and Mercuria, kept Florence trapped in a triangle of stronger neighbors. Reminder: the elven neighbor whose presence tightened Florence’s cage.
• 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.
• Morita – Kazuo’s Family Name.
• Aran Fortress – A heavily fortified base raised by the Empire in Aran town, land claimed by Alfheim but surrendered under pressure. Officially built to fight Demonkin spilling from the Aaren Plain, it also secures a permanent Imperial foothold on Alfheim’s border. Local towns rely on the Empire’s protection, making resistance nearly impossible.
• Maya – Cheerful brown-haired girl, naturally charming and social, Kanata’s classmate and morning conversation neighbor.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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