Volume 6 Chapter 43 Deception
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
”Wait—what did you just say?”
In an apartment in New York’s SoHo district, AWCC’s Stantz stared at Kalua, the Spirit Clan exchange student, bewildered by the strange request.
[Yes. I’ll be returning home soon, and since I’ve had the opportunity to study various biologies here, I thought I might bring back some local specimens as souvenirs.]
”Even so, why rattlesnakes and scorpions of all things? There are far more aesthetically pleasing creatures out there.”
[The reason I pursued physiology is that many in our world suffer from beast venom. You know I’ve been studying this thoroughly while here, don’t you?]
”Well, I suppose… Fine. I’ll look into whether there are any dealers handling specimens.”
[Actually, Stantz… about that…]
”What!? You want to collect them yourself? Rattlesnakes and scorpions?”
[Yes. I’m quite interested in the ecosystems as well… If possible, I’d like to catch them myself and turn them into specimens to bring home. To be honest, I also wouldn’t mind a bit of sightseeing one last time.]
”…I’ll check with headquarters first.”
Spirit Clan were truly a peculiar species. Sightseeing before returning—there were plenty of better destinations, and yet they chose the desert. Stantz relayed the request to AWCC headquarters.
***
October neared its end. Syu and I began preparing for our journey to the other world. I’d said my goodbyes to everyone at school. Of course, nothing had happened with Saran-san since then. And of course, nothing had progressed with Syu either—actually, Syu barely spoke to me beyond what was necessary. Had Her Highness come to dislike me? But maybe that was fine. Maybe it was even more convenient. In that world, Syu was a princess—she couldn’t casually date me, let alone do anything lewd. I could just focus on my studies abroad without her complicating things.
November arrived, and Dad came from America to pick us up. Tonight would be our last evening with Grandma and Grandpa Kashiwagi, and with Mom.
”Aah… I’ve heard children grow up fast, but I never thought you’d actually be going there. Give my best to your mother, Yuuta, and Karin. And to Claudel and Ellulu.” Mom Tomori’s eyes glistened.
”Yeah. I don’t know what I can do yet, but I’ve got relatives and acquaintances there. I’ll manage.”
”What’s wrong, Syu-ria? You’ve been quiet. Don’t wanna go back after all?”
Dad tried to engage Syu, but she stayed silent.
”What is it? Don’t tell me you and Halt had a fight. Ha ha. Well anyway, Your Highness—he’s a handful, but please look after him over there. He’s my only son.” Dad bowed his head.
”I—I’ll take care of him. I promise…”
Syu’s face went bright red. She stood up and hurried upstairs.
”Your Highness!” Saran-san followed.
I moved to go after them too, but Dad stopped me.
”Leave her be. That girl’s got her own feelings to sort through.”
***
Saran entered Syu’s private room on the second floor.
”Syu-sama. Whatever is the matter? This is your last chance to spend time with everyone—you ought to stay and talk more.”
”…I can’t, Saran.”
”Can’t? Whatever do you mean?”
”I can’t look Halt in the face properly.”
”Oh—I truly am terribly sorry about the other day! But I have since resigned myself completely and—”
”No. That’s done now. It’s not that. The thought that soon I’m returning to Zerlant alone with Halt… my face won’t stop grinning, my body goes all warm. I’ve been keeping my distance so he wouldn’t catch on. But it’s no use. If he found out, he’d think me wanton. So I couldn’t stay down there.”
Oh dear, Princess. A cat in heat, you’re not… though I suppose I can’t talk. To love someone so single-mindedly—perhaps that itself is lovely. Nevertheless, something must be done. If I sent those two back to that world in their current state, I dread what might happen. She must maintain her composure as Her Majesty for now.
”Syu-sama, I understand your feelings, but for now I must ask you to be sensible and spend this time with everyone calmly. Take my recent disgrace as a cautionary tale.”
”Saran…”
Syu washed her face in the bathroom and let out a sharp breath.
”Very well, Saran. I shall act the composed and mature queen until the very end.”
”There we are, that’s the spirit. And when the moment is right—pounce, and seize your prey.”
”…Much as you did the other day, Saran!”
***
It had been nearly a year since I’d last set foot in the Nevada base. Dr. Mathius and Sister Sheena met us.
”Halt! How’s it been, pal?”
”What’s with the nasal voice, Sister Sheena?”
”Oh, cold shoulder, is it? Fine by me. We can pick up where we left off in Okinawa ‘fore you go through the Gate.”
”No, we can’t!”
”W—wait a tick, Halt. Yer tellin’ me you actually did it with Saran?”
”No we didn’t!”
”Ha! Sorry, sorry. Jokin’ too much when y’are nervous ’bout crossin’ worlds. But don’t fret—the Gate’s right as rain.”
”I wasn’t worried about that. The return trip’s fine too, right?”
”Ah, that. Well, if Saran lends a hand and makes things nice ‘n’ pleasant, research’ll come along quicker.”
”? ?”
”Oi, you scaly Demon Clan. You’re not schemin’ again, are you?” Saran-san scowled at Sister Sheena.
”Ooh, scary. So, Princess Syu-ria—enjoyed your studies, did ya?”
Sister Sheena turned to Syu.
”…Yes. Very much.”
”Seems a bit down, love. Ah, I get it—sad to leave, innit? Got plenty o’ souvenirs?”
”I… yes. Ah, but they’re DVDs. Anime DVDs! They are decidedly not souvenirs that came from Halt…”
”…Ho. That so? Hmm.” Sister Sheena flashed a knowing grin at Saran-san, who gave a small, troubled nod.
”But Princess, the Gate’s got luggage limits, so y’can’t take that many. If there’s too many DVDs, we might ‘ave to leave Halt behind…”
”Worry not! The only ones I brought are Magical Milky!”
”Aw, that’s dead cute.” Saran-san elbowed Sister Sheena. “Don’t tease her!”
”Sounds like you’re all having fun.”
Dr. Mathius, who’d been meeting with Spirit Clan students in another room, appeared at the door.
”Ah, Mathius—hear this! Princess Syu-ria’s souvenir is Halt—no, Magical Milky DVDs!”
”Oh my… Princess Syu-ria. Please do take good care of Halt.” Dr. Mathius gave Syu a hug.
”And yet everyone from the other world does bring such unusual souvenirs.”
”How d’you mean?” Sister Sheena asked.
”Well, the Spirit Clan members—they study’d physiology here and said they wanted rattlesnake and scorpion specimens. ‘Fore comin’ to the base, they spent days out in the desert chasin’ ’em, I’m told.”
”Eh? That’s well odd, innit? But their lot’s values are hard to fathom even for me, in the same line of work. Compared to that, the Princess’s souvenir’s right cute.” Sister Sheena looked quite moved by her own words.
***
The Gate crossing was scheduled for noon tomorrow. Tonight was our last in this world. I’d hoped for a bit more excitement with Sister Sheena and Saran-san around, but Dad brought Senator Spade King along, and everyone grew oddly tense.
”Well, well—splendid, splendid. An honour to meet the Spirit Clan one last time. This study abroad is not an end but a beginning. Let us continue to work hand in hand from now on.”
The Senator, perhaps a little tipsy, was in high spirits. He poured drinks for the two Spirit Clan members and offered food and drink to Syu and me.
”Halt, my boy. I was truly sorry about the pain you suffered last time. But seeing you and Princess Syu-ria seated side by side, bearing the future of both worlds—can you not agree that there is nothing but hope?”
”Yes, Senator. I’ll do my utmost to meet the nation’s expectations.”
”None of that stiff formality. Now then—are you and Princess Syu-ria… seeing one another?”
”Excuse me? Do we look it?”
”I do… Ah, no need to be shy. Your grandfather said it depends on the two of you, but I should find it considerably more convenient for our nation if you and the Princess were to become a pair.”
”Senator. Are you drunk?”
I said it lightly, but Syu glared at him in silence.
The party ran late into the night. I slept in the same room as Dad, so Sister Sheena spared me her usual assault, and the next morning, the departure time loomed.
Syu and I stood before the Gate with the two Spirit Clan members. Dad, Saran-san, and Sister Sheena faced us from the other side.
”Normally I should arrange a grand farewell with the whole nation, but given the circumstances, I apologise for so modest a gathering. Still—let us aim for a day when all the world’s peoples may witness free travel between our worlds!” The Senator delivered a farewell address.
Dr. Mathius laid out the procedure.
”Now then—first, Zau-san. Next, Princess Syu-ria, then Halt. Finally, Kalua-san. We’ll leave five-minute intervals for safety checks.”
”Yes, Dr. Mathius.” Syu’s hand shot up.
”Yes, Princess Syu-ria?”
”Um… may Halt and I hold hands entering the Gate? Ms. Sheena guarantees its safety, but I remain rather anxious…”
”Oh? Sheena, what do you think?”
”Ah, fine then. Even both your weights combined, it won’t exceed the mass conversion limit. But Princess—you’ll ‘ave to leave the DVD player behind.”
”Ehh? You would have me choose between Halt and the DVD player? Kghhh—without the player the DVDs are nothing but coasters…”
”Ha! Only jokin’. Take the player, it’s fine.”
”Ms. Sheena, you bully!”
”Everyone ready? Tags on!”
At Dr. Mathius’s command, the four of us slipped metal rings around our necks. I had only a change of clothes and souvenirs for Grandma, but Syu’s luggage was considerable. Well, a DVD player would do that.
”Follow the Sistemador technician’s instructions upon arrival. Now—Zau-san…”
After farewells to everyone there, Zau-san entered the Gate.
”Next—Princess Syu-ria and Halt. Don’t let go o’ each other’s hands, mind.”
”Is that bad?” I felt a pang of anxiety.
”Not at all. The tags will keep you safe even if separated. But… letting go of a lady’s hand in this situation would make you unqualified as a gentleman.”
”Halt… I’m counting on you from here on too.”
Syu-ria murmured softly at my ear.
”Yeah. Likewise.”
”Heheh. Halt, I love you! Syu-ria and Halt—here we go!”
Syu shouted, yanked my hand, and leapt into the Gate—
”They’re off, then.”
”Indeed they are.” Sheena and Saran exchanged glances.
”Now then—Kalua-san…”
Kalua of the Spirit Clan stood by the Gate. His luggage was considerable too.
Right—he was carrying snake and scorpion specimens. As Sheena was thinking this, two men entered the Gate room.
”Ah, did we make it? Hang on—Zau’s already gone?”
The late arrivals were AWCC staff—Kirch and Stantz, who’d looked after the two Spirit Clan members for the year.
”Sorry, Kalua. The heli had trouble on the way…”
[Don’t worry yourselves. You were both busy. I’ll pass your regards to Zau.]
”Aye, please do. That’s some luggage. The specimens?”
[Not just specimens. I stuffed books right up to the weight limit too. But… thank you both. For the whole year.]
And so Kalua bid them farewell and stepped into the Gate.
”Good work, you two. Just made it in time, it seems.” The Senator nodded in approval.
”Still—Kalua-kun, was it? Tremendously studious, all those books…”
”Yes, both he and Zau were remarkably diligent. If all students were like them, our nation’s future would be bright indeed. Kalua said he wants to help his people suffering from beast venom, so he went out of his way to collect rattlesnakes and scorpions himself…”
”Wait a minute!?”
Sheena’s sudden shout made Dr. Mathius blink.
”What is it, Sheena? Something bothering you?”
”Eh? Ah—no, Mathius. Nothin’ at all…”
Saran did not miss the cloud that passed over Sheena’s face.
”What’s wrong?”
”Mm… just wonderin’ why the Spirit Clan’d care about beast venom. Doesn’t even work on ’em, does it?”
”Ah, I see. But with the three-tribe system now, perhaps they’re thinking of the Demon Clan and elves too?”
”Aye. That’s true… I hope that’s all it is.”
She thought she was likely worrying over nothing. But perhaps she ought to send a report back to her home country, just in case. An inexplicable unease stirred in Sheena’s chest.
Notes:
• Kalua – A member of the spirit clan studying abroad who supports Zau and keeps their telepathic communication hidden from agents.
• Saran-san – A young woman who is a student and acts as a diplomat from Zerlant. She is deeply devoted to Syu and harbors hidden romantic feelings for Halt that she struggles to conceal.
• Saran – Disguised as a sun-shy high schooler in a blazer and miniskirt, this cute, petite elf of mysterious age is a serious Zerlant Palace Guard Officer, martial arts master, and hunter. Serving as the Princess’s dedicated, observant guardian and diver, she fiercely weighs the diplomacy of her charge’s actions while privately struggling with intense, impulsive desires and abandonment anxiety.
• Syu – A long-haired princess of elven and dwarven heritage, this boisterous, charismatic engineer is large, sturdy, yet softly curved. Originally an exploring student from another world blending royalty with mechanics, she shares an intense emotional attachment to her companion, Halt. She now returns to her home country to progress her engagement to him.
• Kashiwagi – A married couple who host the group and organize the moon-viewing event.
• Claudel – The Grand Chancellor is a strategic Prime Minister who initiates the invasion operation while managing technical logistics for magical operations, including finding ways to penetrate the glacier. Despite overseeing the offensive, they maintain a protective relationship with Karin, expressing deep concern for her safety.
• Tomori – Halt’s mother, related to Ms. Akari and entrusted with raising Syu, is a deeply caring and responsible woman who manages the household schedule. Concerned for the group’s well-being, she sets clear boundaries and actively provides guidance, particularly warning them about the harsh Okinawan sun.
• Karin – A vocal young human woman of the Spirit Clan with a once-crushed arm and an uncanny immunity to dense mana. Serving as an assistant caring for the Three Elders, she is deeply committed to their long-cherished wish. Though brave in peril, she worries intensely for her mother and Syu, and always lands at the bottom of the pile during warp teleportation.
• Syu-ria – An eleven-year-old girl of elven heritage with a regal bearing and a big presence despite her age. Known as a Dwarf Engineer from another world, this young woman is currently returning to her home country accompanied by Halt.
• Halt – A young male student and son of Tomori who responds to an Empire invitation. Acting as a protector and guide to a young princess from another world, he wrestles with his internal moral code regarding their age gap. Amidst these complex dynamics, this young protagonist also serves as the central object of affection for both Syu-ria and Saran.
• Mathius – Middle-aged researcher in a secret underground facility located in the Nevada desert, Earth. A serious and professional scientist wearing a lab coat, tasked with overseeing the research and containment of otherworldly beings, including Sheena, a Lizardman from another dimension.
• Sheena – A grey-long-haired Lizardman, military lieutenant, and AWCC official known as No. 47. Formerly an Apocalypse Empire teleportation researcher stranded in Nevada, she analyzes interworld risk and stabilizes mana chambers. She is Yuuta’s saffle, allowed Zau to return home, and is referenced by Saran as being notoriously promiscuous among the Demon Clan.
• Zau – A calm and resolute Spirit Clan member who returns to his home country from studying abroad after hearing news of a crisis to aid his people.
Please bookmark this series and rate ☆☆☆☆☆ on here!
Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
Leave a Reply