Arifureta/ From Commonplace to World’s Strongest Vol. 7 Extra Chapters

Arifureta: From Commonplace to World’s Strongest Volume 7.

EXTRA CHAPTER: LINGERING FEELINGS.

An old carriage sped down a bumpy road, jostling its occupants uncomfortably. The old man sitting inside sighed wearily. The girl sitting next to him frowned.
“Simon-sama, will you please give it a rest?”
“Don’t be like that. Aaah, how depressing. I don’t want to go back to the capital.” He sighed again, in a more exaggerated manner this time. The girl, who’d repeated this exact same exchange dozens of times since they started on the road toward the capital, had long since run out of patience.
“Gah, stop being so annoying, grandfather! Just accept it already! You’ve been at it since we started, and we should reach the capital this afternoon, so stop whining! I can’t believe you have the gall to call yourself a bishop of the Holy Church!”
“But…”
“Don’t stick your thumb into your mouth. It doesn’t look cute when an old man does it, it just looks creepy!” The girl slapped the old man’s hand away from his mouth as she said that.
The old man, Simon Levellair, nursed his hand and pouted at the girl. Despite his immature attitude, he was 76 years old, and a bishop of the Holy Church. He had stark-white hair, jade-green eyes, and swarthy skin.
“Heeey. Assist me, stagecoach! My granddaughter’s bullying me!” “Just ignore him, please! My grandfather’s old and senile!”
“I-If you say so,” the stagecoach replied hesitantly.
Simon frowned and started mumbling to himself about how youngsters these days had no respect for their elders.

Simon’s granddaughter, Sibyl Levellair, glared at him in irritation. She was eighteen years old, had blonde hair, her grandfather’s jade eyes, and the same dark skin. By all accounts, she was a stunning beauty. But when she got angry, she looked truly terrifying. That being said, Sibyl didn’t normally get angry. She was aiming to be a member of the clergy herself, and was usually as calm as a nun. Simon was about the only person in the world who could get her riled up.
“Surely you can forgive an old man for wanting to grumble. You saw what unbelievable things were written in Princess Liliana’s letter! And she wants me to, to… Ulp, I’m starting to feel sick.”
“Well, I suppose I can sympathize… Though I wonder why she chose you, the bishop who was relegated to one of the most backwater regions of the kingdom…”
“When I was still at the head temple, the princess was but a child. I would often play with her before my banishment. I suppose that’s why she still remembers me. However…”
“Indeed… That doesn’t make reality any easier to face. In fact, I wish I could pretend none of this happened.”
It had been about two weeks ago that a royal messenger had come bearing urgent news. When Simon had asked what the matter was, the messenger had simply handed over a letter. The handwriting on the cover had most definitely been Princess Liliana’s. While it was true that Simon had once been a bishop at the head temple, and on good terms with Liliana, that had been almost ten years ago. He had been banished from the capital when he’d spoken out against the persecution of beastmen, and sent to a remote village in the northern reaches of the Grand Gruen Desert.
In fact, it was only because he’d recanted his statements that he hadn’t been executed as a heretic. Naturally, a clergyman with dangerous

ideas like him had been barred from interacting with royalty, and he hadn’t spoken with Liliana since his banishment.
That was why his family had been shocked when they’d heard he’d received a letter from her. And if they’d been shocked before, they were stunned when they read the contents.
—The Holy Church’s head temple has been destroyed. The pope and all clergy serving within the capital have all perished.
What in Ehit’s name happened!? His family had all thought.
Had the messenger not shown them his royal emblem to prove that he was indeed bearing the princess’ words, Simon would have thought it was some kind of prank. Even now he wasn’t sure he fully believed the contents. However, the reason Simon was currently throwing a tantrum was because of the request that had come after that bombshell report.
—I would like Simon Levellair to succeed The position of Pope. Consequently, I humbly request that he head to the capital with all possible haste.
His family had been as surprised by the request as he was. Had the messenger not shown them his royal emblem to prove that he was indeed bearing the princess’ words, Simon would have thought it some kind of prank. Even now, he wasn’t sure this was real.
For her part, Liliana had considered her options carefully before choosing Simon. But to the man in question it seemed like a bolt out of the blue.
“But you know, I’m surprised. Her Highness did say in her letter that if you believed yourself too old to accept the post, you could refuse. She’s called in other potential candidates, so even if you’re her first choice it’s not like you had to accept. Seeing as you always talked

about how much you hated the capital… I thought for sure you would refuse.”
“Mmm… Truth be told, there’s a mountain of reasons why I wanted to refuse.”
Sibyl twitched. Something about her grandfather had just changed. It was like she was being sucked into his gaze. But then a second later, Simon returned to his usual grumbling self. Sibyl adjusted her posture and asked the obvious question.
“Then why didn’t you?”
“I remembered an old legend, which made me feel like going to check it out for myself.”
“What do you mean? Is it one passed down through the family?”
“Indeed. In fact, I’ve told it to you every day, Sibyl. Well, part of it, at least.”
Sibyl tilted her head in confusion. She started racking her brain, trying to think of what legends her grandfather might have told her.
Simon smiled. She really is a serious one, he thought as he turned to the window beside him. Off in the distance, he could see the capital. It was a rather nostalgic sight.
Upon arriving in Heiligh’s capital, the first thing Simon did was ditch his nagging granddaughter. He tricked her by using one of his practiced illusion spells and slipped into the crowd entering the city. He also made sure to wear a simple traveler’s cloak over his bishop’s vestments, making him stand out less.
Thank the heavens I brought my bag of holding with me. Simon’s bag of holding was a family heirloom, and an artifact. He mostly used this

legendary artifact that could hold far more than its size suggested to store all of his escape artist goods.
“Oh my, the capital is in far worse shape than I expected. Those demons sure are cruel.”
It was only natural for the city to have changed over the past ten years, but it hurt Simon’s heart to see it so ravaged by war. He deftly picked his way across the rubble in the streets, walking at a swift pace that belied his age.
“It seems the princess really was telling the truth when she said the temple had been destroyed. But, hmm. Despite that…”
The citizens were surprisingly lively. Was the Holy Church’s influence simply that weak? Simon thought quizzically to himself.
Liliana’s letter hadn’t explained the details of the temple’s destruction. Simon guessed that the particulars were confidential, and that only the bishop chosen to succeed the position of pope would be told the full story. It was actually for that reason that Simon had wanted to see how the capital’s people were faring with his own eyes first. And frankly, he was surprised.
Figuring that the fastest way to get answers was to ask someone, he walked up to a carpenter on break and asked him about recent events in the capital. The responses he received left him dumbstruck.
Supposedly, an evil god had been using Ehit’s name to spread malice, and then a pillar of light from the real Ehit had come down and destroyed an army.
“Whoever came up with this story sure has a wicked sense of humor. And a grudge against Lord Ehit, I wager.”
Simon could tell what the carpenter had told him was a story fabricated to placate the masses. His mind was whirling with more

questions than before. But before he could start sorting out his thoughts, he heard a commotion in the distance. Simon looked over and spotted a group of men quarreling with each other.
“Not again. What are they fighting about this time?” The carpenter Simon had been talking to frowned.
“Is this a common occurrence?”
“Lately, yeah. Everyone’s been on edge since the Holy Church was destroyed.”
As I thought, the Holy Church’s destruction did have some effect on the people. As he watched, the men’s argument grew even more vehement. Finally, one of the men shoved the other into a wooden beam that was being repaired. The pillar swayed slightly, and the tools resting on top of it came tumbling to the ground.
“Watch out,” the carpenter yelled. At the same time, Simon took action.
“Sacred Shields.”
He muttered that under his breath, and a second later, numerous glowing circles appeared above the man, catching the tools that were about to fall on him. Simon made sure to soften his shields so that the tools didn’t break upon impact.
“D-Did you do that, old man?”
Simon had cast with almost no incantation. No average mage could pull that off. The workers all turned to Simon. It was then that he noticed that the earlier commotion had blown his traveler’s robe off, and his white bishop’s vestments were visible for all to see.
“Y-You’re a bishop?” “N-No, I’m just…”

A bishop had appeared in the capital that had lost all its clergy. It wasn’t surprising that the construction workers’ eyes all started shining with hope. He knew that before long, word of his existence would spread. Simon hurriedly wrapped his cloak around him once more, but it was too little too late.
He’d snuck into the capital to see how the people were faring, but now it was just a matter of time before his granddaughter found him and dragged him to the castle. Worse, the citizens were pressing close, begging for guidance.
“Mrrr, I suppose this is as far as I go.” Just as Simon was about to give up, he heard a young, sharp voice call out from behind him.
“Hey! What’s all the ruckus!? Are you guys fighting again!?”
A girl with chestnut-colored hair jogged over to the group. When the workers spotted her they reverently called out, “Miss Apostle!” The girl grimaced at the word “apostle,” but then spotted Simon and looked questioningly at him. Simon was surprised to see one of the famed Apostles of God here, but right now, escaping this predicament took priority.
Young lady, please save me! I need to get out of here, he implored with his gaze.
I’m not sure what’s going on, but I think that old man wants me to get him out of here. This Apostle of God was rather quick on the uptake.
“Everyone, I know these are trying times, but please don’t fight with each other. We’ll be getting a new pope soon, so just hold on until then!”
The citizens bowed their heads while sneaking hopeful glances toward Simon. Cold sweat poured down his back, but at the girl’s urging, he followed her through the throng of people. The girl led him

briskly through the streets, until they finally stopped in an empty alley.
“My, thank you for your help, young lady. You saved my hide. Would you be so kind as to tell me your name?”
“Oh, uhh, I didn’t do much, really.” The girl scratched her cheek awkwardly and averted her gaze.
“My name’s Yuka. Yuka Sonobe.”
“I see. Well then, Miss Yuka, let me once again extend my thanks. By the way, those men back there called you an apostle. Would you happen to be…”
“Yeah, I guess. Though I’m not really anyone special. Just another student, really.” Yuka smiled self-deprecatingly, and Simon narrowed his eyes.
“Well, it is an honor to make your acquaintance. But should someone as important as you really be out patrolling the city? Or is the capital truly that short on hands?”
“It’s true that we need all the help we can get, but, really I just want to stop the fights from getting worse. Everyone’s worried now that they lost their pope. Plus, plenty of people lost their loved ones too, so… I feel like the people who are still able should do everything they can to restore the capital.” As she said that, Yuka looked eastward, off into the distance. In a tiny voice, she whispered “If I don’t, then there would be no point to staying behind…”
Simon, who had rather good hearing, caught every word. He examined this girl the citizens venerated as their apostle. After analyzing her expression, he nodded to himself.
“I see now. Miss Yuka, that’s a rather lovely face you’re making. Did the man you fell for leave for the empire?”

“I-I haven’t fallen for him or anything! Actually, wait, where’d that even come from!?” Yuka blushed to the tips of her ears as she vehemently denied Simon’s words.
And then, Simon gave a simple, yet shockingly accurate response.
“I only said what was written on your face. It seems clear to me that you wished to travel together with this boy who departed, but were unable to due to various circumstances. At the very least, that’s what your expression is saying.”
“How’d you come up with something so specific!? Anyway, you’re wrong. Really. I-I just…” Yuka looked ready to say something, but then shook her head and trailed off. This wasn’t something she should be discussing with strangers. Attempting to hide her sorrowful expression, Yuka turned to go.
“I need to get going. I don’t know exactly what was going on back there, but be careful out—”
“Why not talk about it?” Simon interrupted her. Yuka turned to him with a confused look. A second later she realized what he was referring to and looked into his eyes. It was the bottomless kindness she saw in them that kept her from saying “No thanks, I’d rather not,” and leaving.
“Despite how I look, I’m a very good listener. Besides, when I see youngsters suffering, I just can’t leave them alone. What’s tormenting you so? Trust me, you’ll feel better once you’ve let it all out.”
Still, Yuka hesitated. After all, this really wasn’t the kind of thing you could tell to strangers.
Seeing her uncertainty, Simon continued, but there wasn’t the slightest bit of coercion in his voice. Just a warm, gentle, acceptance.

“Perhaps our meeting was fated. Fear not, this old man won’t find your worries embarrassing, no matter what they might be. I’ve spent my long life being an embarrassment to others, so I’d know best!” Simon grinned playfully, and Yuka chuckled in response. She couldn’t help but trust this kind old man. Perhaps it was because of the gentle aura that surrounded him. Normally, she wouldn’t have told this to anyone, but she instinctively felt as though it would be alright to open up to Simon.
“Ahaha, I guess I can tell you. Though to be honest, I’m not even sure this can even be called a real worry.” Yuka sat down on a nearby bench and sighed. Then, she turned to this old man she barely knew, and bared her heart.
“There’s someone who saved me. Twice. The first time, he saved my life.” Yuka thought back to that moment. The moment she thought she was about to die. She still vividly remembered the ghastly skeleton that had swung its sword down at her head, but that blade had never connected.
“Don’t worry, as long as we stay calm these pile of bones are nothing.”
Even though he’d been the weakest of them, the one everyone had ridiculed for being useless, he’d saved her.
“The second time, he saved my soul.” Yuka thought back to the time she’d been drowning in despair after having her spirit crushed. She had known she needed to get back up and fight, but the fear of death had traumatized her.
“A girl like you won’t die so easily.” After crawling out of the abyss, those were the words that boy had said to her. Though there was no basis to what he’d said, she still believed in them even now. As long as she kept trying, she wouldn’t die. There was no foundation for that assumption, but she trusted it anyway.

Thanks to his words, she’d overcome her trauma and found the courage to move forward. It was because of him that she’d been able to react instantly when the capital was invaded.
“I want to pay him back somehow. I want to show him that I made good use of the life he saved. I know he probably doesn’t even remember, but I want to do something for him anyway.” Yuka once again looked off to the east, and sighed.
“But, pathetic as it is, there’s nothing I have that he would want. There’s nothing I can do that would matter. He’s just so far above me, and he keeps on getting further.”
“You didn’t tell him to wait for you?”
Yuka smiled wanly.
“I couldn’t. I mean, we don’t even have that kind of relationship.”
I wonder if that’s truly the case, Simon thought as he observed Yuka’s profile.
Yuka fell silent for a moment, then told Simon about what was really eating at her.
“I just hate how pathetic I am. I can’t even do anything to repay him…” She looked at Simon as if to say “See, I told you it wasn’t even worth calling a worry.”
Simon stroked his chin as he gazed at Yuka’s bitter smile.
“So after seeing that person off, you’ve been helping rebuild the capital because you think it’s the least you can do?”
“Yeah, basically. A lot of my comrades still can’t fight… and since I’m one of the few who can, I thought it’d be best to stay behind just in case… And like, there’s a lot of fights breaking out in the streets, so

I can at least help break those up… even if that’s got nothing to do with repaying him.”
Simon nodded in understanding, then smiled broadly at Yuka.
“You’re one impressive girl, you know that? It may seem mundane, but pushing forward and always striving to do what you can isn’t something just anyone can do.”
“I-I’m really not that special…” It felt weird to be praised in such a straightforward manner. Honestly, Yuka kind of felt like she was talking to her real grandfather. She blushed in embarrassment and awkwardly looked away.
Simon smiled warmly at her and continued.
“Everyone comes to a point in their life where they hit a roadblock. Everyone. To keep doing what you can and still push forward despite that… is far more difficult than it sounds, which is why I really do think it’s impressive that you can keep going, Miss Yuka. At the very least, this old man thinks that as long as you keep going as you are, that’s enough.”
“It is?”
“Indeed. One day, there will come a time when that boy you owe your life to reaches a roadblock of his own. Whether it’s because he’s too tired to keep going, or because his journey has come to an end, I don’t know. But eventually, he too will come to a stop. When that time comes, just keep going as you have been. Do what you can, and you’ll be able to finally repay him.”
Yuka’s eyes widened in surprise. It felt as if a ray of light had cleared away the darkness gathering at the corners of her heart. Slowly but surely, her feelings started slotting into place.
“Do what I can, huh…?”

Simon watched silently, waiting for Yuka to find her own answer. And, after a few minutes of companionable silence, Yuka quietly muttered something.
“My family runs a western gastropub… Uhh, basically, it’s like a restaurant.”
“Oh?”
“It’s pretty famous back in my hometown, and we’ve got a lot of regulars… I liked working there, so I always thought I’d take over it one day.”
Simon’s expression clouded over when he heard her talk about her dreams in the past tense, but he continued listening quietly.
“I know it’s kind of arrogant to say, but… I think my cooking’s pretty good, personally. I’m good at brewing tea and coffee, too. So I was thinking… maybe after his journey’s over and we all go home together…”
The dark shadows that had hung over Yuka’s face vanished. Or at least, that’s what it looked like to Simon. Charmed by her smile, Simon smiled back.
“Yeah. Once everything’s over, I’ll invite him to my restaurant and treat him to the best meal he’s ever had!”
“That’s the spirit. Mmm, I’m glad you’re finally feeling better. A smile suits that lovely face of yours best.”
Yuka joyfully swung her feet back and forth. She was blushing again, but this time because she was happy. After watching her for a few moments, Simon asked her something that had been nagging at him for quite some time.

“By the way, young lady. You called your restaurant a ‘western gastropub,’ did you not? What kind of food—” Simon was interrupted by an angry yell.
“Graaaaaandfaaaaaaaaaaaatheeeeeeeeeeeer! I finally found youuuuuuuuu!”
“Wha—!? My granddaughter looks like a demon!” Upon seeing his granddaughter charging toward him, Simon stood up faster than one would think possible for his age. Then, he turned to Yuka, who was looking back and forth between the two of them and spoke hastily.
“I’m afraid that’s my cue, Miss Yuka. I pray your future is one where you can live freely!”
“Huh? Uh, okay? Th-Thank you?”
“Farewell!” Simon crouched low, and dashed off at unbelievable speed. “Run like the wind,” he shouted, his voice trailing off into the distance. Sibyl chased after him, running nearly as fast. A gust of wind blew past in her wake.
“Wh-What just happened?”
The only person left in the street was a confused Yuka.
“What kind of granddaughter strikes her own grandfather? How could Sibyl be so cruel!” Simon rubbed the back of his head as he strolled through the palace courtyard. After a long game of cat and mouse, Sibyl had finally caught her grandfather. Then, she gave him a good smack to the head and dragged him off to the royal palace.
“Still… that’s quite the tale we just heard.”
Upon arriving at the palace, Simon and Sibyl had been ushered into the throne room to have an audience with Queen Luluaria, Prince Lundel, and the prime minister. Once they’d cleared the room, they’d

begged Simon to take the position of pope, even if only temporarily. The people were growing restless, and they needed religious guidance. However, Simon had asked to hear the truth about what had happened to the head temple before agreeing to anything.
Luluaria and the others had decided that if Liliana had recommended him he must be trustworthy. After warning him that leaking this information to anyone would mean his death, they explained everything. Sibyl had been so shocked upon hearing the truth that she’d needed to go to her rooms and rest after. Thanks to his age, Simon had been able to accept the story a little more calmly. That being said, he still needed time to sort out his feelings, which was why he’d gone to take a walk alone.
As he gazed upon the courtyard’s vibrant array of flowers, he noticed there was someone else standing behind one of the hedges.
“Oh my, it appears I have company.”
“Hwuh? Oh, good afternoon.”
A short woman poked her head out from behind the hedges.
“Good afternoon, young lady. Did I disturb you?”
“Oh no, not at all! I was just spacing out anyway.” The woman smiled wryly at Simon.
I see I’m not the only one who wanted a quiet place to sort out my thoughts.
“Mmm, I see. To tell you the truth, I was rather lost in my own thoughts myself. I was hoping to find a quiet place to think things through. Would it be alright if I joined you, young lady?”
“Oh yes, go ahead.”
Simon rounded the hedge and realized that the woman must have been sitting on the bench beside her before he’d arrived. He bowed

his thanks and took a seat. Seeing no reason to leave, the woman sat down next to him.
“Umm, who…”
“Oh yes, where are my manners. My name is Simon. I’m just a doddering old man.”
“I-I see. My name is Aiko Hatayama. Also, I’m 26 years old, so I’m not exactly a ‘young lady.’”
“Truly!?”
That was almost as shocking a revelation as the truth about Ehit had been. Simon’s eyes looked like they were about to pop out of his skull.
Aiko smiled sadly to herself. I guess I really do look that young to other people. She hated that she’d gotten used to being treated like a child.
Simon coughed loudly to disperse the awkward atmosphere, then sighed. He closed his eyes and lost himself in his thoughts. The only sound in the courtyard was that of the wind rustling through the leaves. The palace’s courtyard was a rather calming place. After quite some time, Simon spoke, his eyes still closed.
“Is there something you would like to say, Aiko-dono?” “Hweh!?”
“You’ve been sighing and glancing my way for some time now. If I’m being a bother, I don’t mind going somewhere else…”
“S-Sorry. You’re not a bother at all… It’s just, you looked like you were worried about something, so I thought…”
“Ah, this person is just like me?”

“No, well… yes, ahaha.”
Simon slowly opened his eyes and smiled kindly at Aiko.
“I wouldn’t say I’m worried. Rather, I’m simply sorting out my feelings.”
“Sorting out your feelings?”
“Indeed. Aiko-dono, would you like me to help you sort out your own feelings?”
“Uhhh…”
Simon’s gentle gaze reminded Aiko of one of her teachers from long ago, and she accidentally whispered, “Sensei…” The moment she let that slip she blushed and looked away.
“I don’t mind. Why not tell this Sensei your troubles, Aiko-dono?”
“Ugh…” God, this is so embarrassing. What am I, a five-year-old who accidentally thought someone else was my mom? Despite her shame, Simon didn’t laugh, or ridicule her. It was because he kept looking gently at her that Aiko felt comfortable opening up to him.
“Anyway… there’s this person I’m interested in.”
“I see. I must say, I’m rather fond of this variety of gossip… However that’s a rather glum expression for someone who’s talking about her crush.”
“Well, there’s a lot of problems with…” Aiko trailed off, but then she steeled herself and plowed forward.
“R-Relationships between teacher and student are forbidden! Besides, he already has someone he’s set his heart on!”
“I see. So the man you love is your teacher, and he’s already married…”

“I’m the teacher!”
“Oh yes, you’re 26 years old. I almost forgot. Truly, it never ceases to amaze me…” Simon stroked his chin and muttered to himself.
“Is it truly such an insurmountable obstacle? Surely there are paths open to you still. For example, you could wait for him to graduate from being your student.”
“A former student is still a student!”
“I see. Then perhaps you could quit being a teacher, Aiko-dono.”
“That’s the one thing I will never do.” Aiko’s expression turned serious. Simon was momentarily taken aback by the vehemence in her voice.
“I see you take your position as an educator quite seriously. I think I understand now why this is such a grave matter for you… Aiko-dono, what exactly does being a teacher mean to you?” Simon responded with a gaze every bit as serious as Aiko’s. She could tell that it was more than mere curiosity that was driving him.
After a moment’s hesitation, Aiko straightened her back and answered carefully, making sure to choose the right words.
“Back when I was a student, there was a teacher who taught me something really important. He was a strict, old-fashioned kind of teacher who almost never smiled.”
Most of Aiko’s classmates had hated him. He was getting on in years, and a lot of them said to his face that they wished he’d just retire already. Truth be told, Aiko wasn’t very fond of him at first, either.
“I grew up in a really rural town, where the established families were like celebrities and held a lot of power in town politics. And one time, one of the bigger family’s child broke the law.”

He’d been a famous problem child within their small community. The kind of kid who used his status to bully others. One day, he’d stolen from a nearby shop. He’d probably just done it on a whim. But the thing he’d stolen was a high-end mountain bike. As he’d been riding it around he’d spotted Aiko and an idea had sprouted in his mind.
“He hid the bike inside my family’s shed. He probably thought he was just playing a prank.”
“Why did he pick your house specifically, Aiko-dono?” Aiko smiled bitterly and responded.
“Well, I was one of those goody two shoes kids. The kind that always played by the rules and told people off when they were doing something wrong.”
She had been stereotypical class president. She’d always lectured the boys about playing around too much, and when they argued back she said “I’m not the one in the wrong here.” Little wonder that all the teenage boys had found her a stuck-up prude.
“But regardless of that boy’s intentions, theft was theft. When the store clerk discovered his bike was missing, he filed a police report.”
“And when they police found the bike in your shed, they suspected you of being the thief?”
“Yes. Of course, I had no plausible motive for stealing the bike. I was too short to even ride it. Still, the police claimed I had to be the culprit.”
“I can see where this is going. That boy’s parents must have bribed the police, right?”
Aiko smiled wanly and nodded.

“No matter how many times I told them I was innocent, people didn’t believe me. Of course, my family and friends did, but… well, rumors spread quickly in a small town. The day after I’d been arrested, the townspeople were all treating me like I was a criminal.”
It was possible they might not really have believed she was guilty. Especially Aiko’s teachers, who knew her well. However, they all caved to peer pressure and scorned her along with the rest. They knew that if they spoke out, they would be the next ones shunned. And because they were scared of that idea, they pretended not to notice anything. The teachers who’d always treated Aiko with kindness now acted as if she really were a criminal.
“It was only that old teacher who listened to me. When he heard my side of the story, he got angrier than I’d ever seen him. Not at me, but at the police.”
Aiko’s classmates, her teachers, and even her neighbors hadn’t believed her, but the teacher everyone else hated had.
“It was thanks to all of his hard work… that my name was finally cleared, but in return…” Aiko’s teacher earned the wrath of the town’s most influential family, and was forced to leave.
“So he put his livelihood on the line to protect one of his students. Sounds like a truly honorable man.”
“Yes. He’s someone I respect from the bottom of my heart.” Aiko gave Simon a proud smile. It was because of that teacher that she had decided to become a teacher who would always be there for her students. A teacher who would never abandon them, no matter what they did.
“That’s why I will never quit being a teacher.”
“I see…” Simon muttered, and nodded in understanding. Her devotion to her cause was absolute. However, life never made chasing one’s

dreams easy. Ever since arriving in this world, Aiko’s resolve had constantly been tested. She’d started harboring feelings that she knew were forbidden, and had had the foundations of her beliefs shattered over and over.
After numerous failures, Aiko had been forced to accept that sticking to her ideals wasn’t always possible. Anyone else would have compromised, or given up on their goals. However, Aiko couldn’t do that. Her pride as a teacher wouldn’t allow her to. She would continue being a role model for her students, or die trying.
At the same time, though, she couldn’t just give up on her taboo feelings for Hajime. It was a contradiction that tore at her identity.
“That was quite an interesting tale. However, I must say Aiko-dono, you have quite the bothersome personality.”
“E-Excuse me!? I mean, I know I can be kind of annoying at times, but…”
Despite his harsh words, Simon’s expression was still soft. Hearing her story had helped clear up his own feelings. He inwardly thanked her as he watched her flustered reaction.
“If you absolutely cannot give up on being a teacher, then I suppose the only solution would be to give up on your feelings… But if that was something you could easily do, you wouldn’t be worrying like this.”
“That’s exactly the problem…” I’m supposed to be a teacher, so I can’t be thinking things like this, Aiko silently berated herself.
Simon laid a hand on her shoulder and spoke up.
“No matter the situation, everyone has only two options. To turn back, or push forward.” Both his demeanor and his tone of voice had changed. Aiko returned to her senses and turned to him. Simon’s jade-

green eyes looked deeply into her own. Until now, he had appeared to be just a senile old man, but now he looked like a wise sage.
“If you turn back, you will likely have many regrets, but you will also be able to preserve the identity you’ve built up. If you push forward, your desires may be granted, but the image of the ideal teacher you’ve been striving so long to become may forever be sullied, and by your own hands no less. Moreover, it’s possible the boy you love won’t even return your feelings and simply find you a bother.” Simon smiled a little to take the sting out of his words. Aiko sat there quietly, waiting for him to finish.
“Choosing between your pride and your desires is no easy thing. It’s difficult to even compare them. I wouldn’t be able to tell you which choice is right, but… you’ve finally found something you truly desire. I think it would be far too cruel to abandon that newly born wish before it’s even had time to grow, Aiko-dono. Why not see where embracing it takes you?”
“Embrace it?” Aiko looked down and considered Simon’s words. The silence stretched on as Aiko debated with herself. And, after what seemed like hours, she turned to Simon again, a refreshed smile on her face.
“Well, that was a wonderful way to put it. Though I think the path you’ve advised me to take will be a thorny one…”
“Is there any path truly devoid of thorns? And even if there were, is there any value in treading down such a path?”
“I guess that’s true. At the very least, I agree that it wouldn’t feel right to cut off these feelings. I suppose I’ll try to look at things in a more positive light.”
“Good, good. Feelings by themselves are neither good nor evil. I pray that you grasp a future chosen of your own free will.”

“Thank you very much!”
Simon then returned to his usual good-natured old man persona and spent some more time chatting with Aiko. Once their conversation came to an end, he returned to the throne room to tell the queen his decision. The queen thanked him for making such a difficult choice, and the two privately discussed what direction to take the Holy Church in moving forward. As he left the queen’s private chambers, Simon heard his granddaughter call out to him.
“Grandfather… judging from your expression, I gather you took the post? Why?”
It seemed she’d been waiting for him to finish. From the looks of it, she’d gotten over the initial shock of hearing about the gods’ betrayal. Her gaze didn’t waver as she looked up at her grandfather.
“Regardless of what Ehit may or may not be, this is something the people need. Besides, I want to help this kingdom’s apostles… No, the children who were summoned into this world.” Simon may have run off the moment he’d reached the capital, but it wasn’t because he’d wanted to play around.
Instead, he’d needed to gather unbiased information before he made such an important decision. Sibyl realized that now too, which was why she furrowed her brows in worry. Seeing how conflicted she was, Simon decided to tell her the legend that had been passed down through the Levellair family.
“Sibyl. Remember back in the carriage when I told you I came here because of an old legend?”
“Yes, of course. You said that part of the legend is something you’ve told me every day.”
“Indeed. It is something that is told only to the current head of the Levellair family. It’s a little early, but I think it’s time I told you.”

Why now? Sibyl thought to herself. Simon cast a soundproofing spell and sang.
“Children of those who rebelled, live strong while gazing up at the heavens. The will of god descends upon silver wings, and envelops all with its absolute authority. But cling not to this false freedom. Keep your silence, hide your desires, and have hope. For one day, there will appear a hero who once more raises the flag of rebellion. Watch, listen, and decide for yourselves, children of those who rebelled. I pray the time comes that you may live freely.”
Those words reverberated inside Sibyl’s heart, and she fell silent.
“That was a legend one of our ancestors from centuries ago left for us. No, perhaps it would be better to call it a prophecy. Oddly enough, if any member of the Levellair family hears it even once, they will never forget it.”
“It certainly does feel like it’s been engraved into my mind. What… What exactly does it mean?” Though Sibyl didn’t fully understand it, she could feel a sincere desire to convey something in that verse.
“For the longest time, I had no idea. Until the queen told us the truth about Ehit, anyway.”
Sibyl gasped. Shivers ran down her spine.
I see now, so that’s what grandfather meant by prophecy. To think one of our ancestors from centuries ago had predicted such a thing…
“For generations, the heads of the Levellair family have puzzled over the meaning of this prophecy. In fact, the only reason I answered Princess Liliana’s summons was because I hoped it might shed light on the meaning of those words. And so I watched, listened, and decided for myself.”
“Grandfather… you…” Sibyl trembled in awe as the weight of centuries of unbroken history washed over her.

“I will become the pope… so that I can help the people of this world be free.”
Simon’s voice was backed by such a firm will that for a moment Sibyl wondered if this was really her grandfather she was talking to. But then in the next second, he bowed his head to her, as if beseeching her for help. Then, without waiting for a reply, he walked off. Sibyl silently gathered her resolve and followed after him. Seeing that she’d chosen to come, Simon spoke calmly.
“Oh yes, there’s one more thing. It’s something that accompanies the legend.”
“I’m not sure I can take any more revelations today…”
“Oh, it’s nothing important. Just that the Levellair family has a second family name.”
“It does? You mean we’re not just the Levellairs?”
“Indeed. Formally, my full name would be Simon L. G. Levellair.”
“L… G… What do those letters stand for?” I guess that would make me Sibyl L. G. Levellair.
“The L stands for Liv, while the G… stands for Gruen.”
“Hohoho. I couldn’t tell you why those are part of our family name, but I suppose far in the past a place called Liv might have existed.”
Sibyl considered that for a few seconds.
How come our family name was taken from the desert of all places!?

Diamond. diamond. diamond.

BONUS SHORT STORIES.

ARIFURETA FAIRY TALES ~CINDERELLA~.

Once upon a time, there was a girl named Cinderella. Her mother had died some years past, and she spent her days being tormented by her two older stepsisters. Originally her hair had been a glossy black, but over time it had gotten dirty as poor Cinderella had been forced to do all the housework. Today, too, she toiled under the harsh insults of her sisters.
“Oi, Cinderella! Quit bawling and get to work! Breakfast isn’t anywhere near ready, you slacker!” The younger of the two stepsisters, a girl with bunny ears, stalked up to Cinderella and started yelling at her, her bunny ears standing on end.
“Eeek, I’m sorry. I’ll get started right away, so please don’t yell at me…” Cinderella scurried over to the kitchen. Cooking, fetching water, washing dishes, and getting yelled at for not making the food tasty enough were all part of her duties. Poor Cinderella really had it tough.
Still in tears, Cinderella started preparing breakfast. Just then, her rabbit-eared older sister poked her head in to see how she was doing. She gave Cinderella the kind of glare only a stepsister could and kicked up a fuss.
“Sheesh, you’re hopeless, Cinderella! How many times do I have to explain it before you understand!? You have to curl your fingers when you hold the knife or you’ll cut yourself!”
“S-Sorry!” Cinderella shrunk back. However, her sister wasn’t done yet. She stood behind Cinderella and took hold of her hands.
“How dumb can you get!? Look, I’ll do it with you, so pay attention!”

“Eeek, stop! I can do it, so stop grabbing me so hard!” Cinderella’s screams mingled with the rhythmical chopping of vegetables. The knife cut down with extreme precision, millimeters from Cinderella’s poor fingers. In seconds, the vegetables had been cut into symmetrical pieces, a dark omen of what Cinderella’s fingers would likely become if she didn’t start getting it together.
Satisfied, the rabbit-eared stepsister went off to handle other tasks, leaving a terrified Cinderella to finish preparing breakfast. She sighed despondently and got back to work, only to be interrupted by a different voice.
“How long do you plan on making your elder sister wait, you doddering dolt!?”
“My apologies, perv—ahem, elder sister. I’ll be done soon.”
“Be quick about it! Unlike you, I have business that needs attending to!” The elder stepsister started rushing Cinderella, as she was wont to do. Exhausted from the constant labor, Cinderella grew sloppy in her work. The eldest stepsister grinned expectantly. Though it seemed her enjoyment wasn’t coming from bullying Cinderella, but rather something else entirely. Indeed, as she hoped, Cinderella was so rushed that as she passed her stepsister by, she tripped.
“Oh no!” The pot she was holding slipped out of her hands, and spilled its scalding hot contents all over her stepsister.
“Aaaaaah!? Oh Cinderella you klutz! You got boiling water all over my face! Could you be any clumsier!? At any rate, well done! Haaah… Haaah…” Cinderella’s stepsister covered her face, fell to the ground, and writhed in “agony.” She didn’t stop insulting Cinderella even as the water burned her skin though. Her anger—and pleasure— were clearly noticeable in her tone.
“I-I’m so sorry, elder sister!” Cinderella trembled in fear.

After that incident, her bunny-ear stepsister came back and ordered her to clean the house. Upon seeing how poor a job Cinderella was doing, she clicked her tongue and started teaching her how to do it better. The same thing happened when Cinderella started sewing, as well.
“You’ll hurt yourself if you work like that,” her stepsister exclaimed and once again taught her a more efficient method.
The entire time, her other stepsister was hovering close by, rushing Cinderella so that she would screw up in a way that would cause the instigator pain. And every time Cinderella ended up accidentally hurting her stepsister, she would writhe on the ground panting excitedly.
At any rate, Cinderella had a hard life. But then one day, the family received an invitation to a royal ball. It appeared the ball was being held so that the prince could pick out a fiance. Both of Cinderella’s stepsisters were completely smitten with the prince. Every time they saw him out on the streets, their hearts started pounding. And this ball was the perfect opportunity to make the prince of their dreams theirs. Naturally, Cinderella was just as enamored with the prince as the others.
“Stepsisters! Please let me go to the party too!”
Cinderella’s two stepsisters exchanged glances, nodded to each other, and turned her down flat.
“Absolutely not!” “No way!” They cruelly denied Cinderella her wish.
“Why must you be so mean!? What’s so wrong with me going?” Cinderella was being unusually assertive. It appeared she was truly angry. Seeing her desperation, her two stepsisters sighed.
“Is it not obvious? We are worried for the prince.”

“Did you already forget how you stalked him before and had to be dragged away by the royal guards?”
I never did anything like that! Cinderella harrumphed and looked away defiantly.
The bunny-eared stepsister bristled. Who do you think had to pay the bail to get you out!?
“Besides, you own no dresses.”
“Ugh, you’re right…” Cinderella lamented. She owned no pretty dresses like her stepsisters.
“That’s your own fault. You’re the one who sold them all off to ‘pay for the prince’s living expenses.’ We even told you over and over to save at least one of them for occasions like this!”
I never did anything like that! Cinderella harrumphed and looked away defiantly. In the end, Cinderella went to her mother’s grave and wept in despair. As she was crying, she realized she wasn’t alone.
“Young lady, why are you so sad?”
Looking up, Cinderella saw a beautiful, crimson-eyed witch standing in front of her mother’s grave. She was bedecked in a billowing black robe, and a pointed hat. After a moment of brief consideration, Cinderella decided to tell this strange witch all about her troubles. She poured her heart out about her overbearing stepsisters, her terrible life at home, her secret love for the prince, and her dismay at learning she wouldn’t be able to go to the ball. When she finished, the witch sniffled a little.
“There is no fate so powerful it cannot be overturned. A path to salvation must still exist somewhere.”
Cinderella stared at the witch blankly, not comprehending. “Fear not. I will find you a path that lets you attend the ball.”

“Miss Witch…” Moved, Cinderella embraced her savior. Curious about why a stranger would lend her a helping hand, Cinderella asked the witch why she was being so kind. In response, the witch lowered the brim of her hat, hiding her expression. Quietly, she spoke of her past. Of how she’d been betrayed by her family and imprisoned for centuries. When she’d finally escaped, everyone she knew was dead. And so, she’d wandered the world alone, a witch without a home. That was why she felt compelled to help others in trouble.
How tragic! I’m so sorry I ever thought I had it bad! I’ve truly been blessed! Cinderella burst into sobs as she thought that, and the confused witch awkwardly tried to console her. Once Cinderella had calmed down, the witch left, saying that she needed to prepare some things and would return on the day of the ball.
The evening of the ball, some time after Cinderella’s stepsisters had left, the witch came to see Cinderella again.
“I got everything.” The witch held out a stunning dress and an exquisite pair of glass slippers.
“You’re so skilled, Miss Witch! I can’t believe you were able to make such beautiful things with magic.”
“Hm? I sewed the dress and I bought the shoes.” The witch’s methods were surprisingly pedestrian. Though it spoke to how kind she was that she’d been willing to sew a whole dress for a stranger.
“We don’t have much time. Let’s go.”
“How are we getting to the ball? Are we taking a pumpkin carriage? Are we?” Cinderella’s eyes lit up in excitement, but the witch shook her head, a pitying expression on her face.
A pumpkin carriage? Is this girl okay? She grabbed Cinderella by the collar, then explained her plan.

“We’ll be using gravity magic.”
“Huh? What does—Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!”
The two of them sped into the night sky. They arrived not-so-safe and sound at the royal palace, but at least Cinderella was still in one piece. As she’d hoped, Cinderella was able to dance with the prince to her heart’s content. She should have been happy, but all she could think about was the witch who’d seen her off with a sad smile.
“I’m sorry, Prince! I need to go!” Cinderella dashed off. The prince, still trying to figure out if this was the same girl who’d been stalking him earlier, chased after her. Shocked by Cinderella’s rude behavior, her two stepsisters also chased after her. But Cinderella was faster than she looked, and she was able to give them the slip. All the prince and Cinderella’s stepsisters found was one of her slippers lying on the palace steps.
“A single glass slipper… this definitely seems suspicious,” the prince mused.
Cinderella’s two stepsisters nodded in agreement. The three of them started down the steps, but stopped when they heard a voice.
“Miss Wiiiiiiiiiiiiiiitch! Please come out! You’re the one that deserves to be at this ball, not me!”
They spotted Cinderella standing a bit further ahead and shouting up at the sky. The prince and Cinderella’s two stepsisters watched, confused.
“If you don’t, I’ll get the whole country to search for you! Me or one of my sisters will definitely marry the prince and become the queen, so don’t think we won’t be able to do it! I have no qualms about abusing my authority!”

“Please don’t…” The witch appeared a few meters above Cinderella and floated down to the stairs. She lowered her hat to try and hide her expression, but Cinderella ran up to her and ripped it off. Just then, the clouds parted and a single ray of moonlight illuminated the witch. The prince was captivated by her stunning figure. The witch, too, seemed smitten with the prince.
Well, I’m sure you perceptive readers can tell what happened next. The prince asked for the witch’s hand in marriage, and she naturally said yes. Though there was one condition. Cinderella and her two stepsisters had to also join their family. And so, the witch, the prince, Cinderella, and her two stepsisters lived happily ever after.

Diamond. diamond. diamond.

SOME THINGS ARE BETTER LEFT UNKNOWN.

The calming scent of black tea filled Shizuku’s room within the royal palace. A fancy tea set rested atop a sturdy wooden table, and steam rose from the two cups sitting across from each other. The two people enjoying a brief tea break were Shizuku and Kaori. They were finalizing their plans for the trip tomorrow and catching up on what the other had been up to.
“Anyway, it looks I’ll be your healer for a little bit again, Shizuku- chan! Don’t worry, even if you die, I can bring you back in just three minutes!”
“Please don’t talk about resurrection like it’s the same as heating instant noodles…” Shizuku smiled fondly. She was glad her best friend had become more confident. Then, as she was taking a sip of her tea, she heard a sudden knock on the door.
“Who is it?” Shizuku called out. The reply came not from the door, but from next to Kaori’s ear.
“…It’s me.” Kaori shrieked and jumped backward. She hurriedly turned around and saw Yue’s head poking out of one of her teleportation portals. Yue smiled in satisfaction, then mocked poor Kaori.
“What a cute scream… Kukukuku.”
“Yue! Why do you keep pulling such childish pranks!? Sheesh!”
Yue widened her portal, revealing Tio and Shea standing behind her. The three of them stepped into Shizuku’s room, while Shizuku looked blankly from her angry friend to these collected newcomers.
“Um, what’s going on?”

“She’s always like this, Shizuku-san. Yue-san’s been playing pranks on Kaori-san ever since she learned how to teleport. She finds Kaori- san’s reactions funny.”
“It is only around Kaori that Yue lets her childish side show. In a way, you could say they’re rather close. Though they’re also always at each other’s throats, too…”
“I can’t imagine Kaori getting in a fistfight with… Well, it looks like she’s doing it now, so I don’t have to imagine anything.”
Indeed, Kaori was currently attempting to pinch Yue’s cheeks and getting continually rebuffed. Shizuku watched the spectacle with a lonely gaze. She’d never seen her best friend so much as snap at someone. At first she’d been worried that Kaori wouldn’t fit in with her new group, especially since all the girls were her love rivals, but it appeared that had been a needless worry. While Shizuku was glad that Kaori could manage without her, it also made her a little sad. In order to distract herself from her feelings, Shizuku cleared her throat and changed the subject.
“So, what are you all here for?”
“Mmm. I wanted to ask Kaori to use restoration magic for us.”
Shizuku tilted her head quizzically. Apparently, Yue wanted to see what Hajime had been like in the time before he’d fallen into the abyss. As restoration magic was capable of restoring events of the past, and Kaori was the most skilled at using it, Yue was asking Kaori to help her recreate the Hajime of the past.
“Wow, so magic like that exists too,” Shizuku marveled.
Kaori puffed her chest out with pride, then started boasting.
“Ehehe, I knew all that training would pay off one day. Want to test it out here to see if it works? You’ll be able to see what me and Shizuku

used to do when we stayed in the same room!” Kaori was getting a little ahead of herself, but she didn’t realize it. Without considering the consequences, she cast her restoration spell. Images of the room’s past overlaid themselves over everything like a hologram.
“Wow, you really can recreate the past.”
“Look, there’s Shizuku-san. She’s lying on her bed reading a book.” Like Shea said, an ethereal version of Shizuku was lying on the bed. She had her legs stretched out and was leaning against the headboard, reading.
“Th-This feels a little embarrassing…” Shizuku blushed as she watched the past version of herself lounge around. Little did she know, the truly embarrassing things were yet to come. The holographic door was flung open, and a maid rushed into the room. Past Shizuku was startled, then stiffened up when she saw who the person wearing the maid uniform was. As did everyone else in the present room.
“O-Of all the scenes it could pick, why did it have to be this one!? Hawawa, I need to hurry up and cancel the—”
“I won’t let you! I’ll use my own mana to keep it going!” “Yue!?”
The person wearing the maid uniform was none other than Kaori. Though she tried to cancel the restoration spell, Yue continued to feed it mana, keeping it active. Kaori grabbed Yue by the collar and begged her to stop.
“Shea!”
“Aye, aye, ma’am!” Shea pulled Kaori back and pinned her arms. The scene continued playing out, and past Kaori walked up to the room’s mirror, not even noticing that past Shizuku was there.

Present Shizuku smiled at the sight and mumbled. “Ahhh, this is from back then.”
Bereft of allies, Kaori was forced to helplessly watch as her past self tried to stick her boobs out and pose sexily in front of the mirror.
“W-Would you like my services, Master?” Past Kaori winked. Everyone silently watched her with wicked grins on their faces. Meanwhile, present Kaori looked like a withered husk.
“Don’t look at me…” she mumbled silently, too exhausted to even yell. She watched as past Shizuku bolted out of bed and ran out the door yelling, “Nagumo-kuuuuun! You won’t believe what Kaori’s doing!”
Yue and Shea both turned to present Shizuku.
“Good job, Shizuku.”
“Shizuku-san, you’re more evil than you look! I like it! I like it a lot!”
Their gleeful praise didn’t take any of the sting out of Kaori’s reproachful glare. Shizuku looked away uncomfortably, and the scene faded out of existence. After that, they dragged a half-conscious Kaori with them to the places Hajime had frequented in his short time at the castle. Now that they’d had their fill of Kaori’s dark past, it was time for what Yue had originally come for. Their first stop was the library. Hajime had supposedly spent a lot of time studying there. Still looking like a dead fish, Kaori wearily cast the spell.
“Look, it’s Hajime-san! Wow, his hair’s completely black!”
“Old Hajime looks so cute. Old Hajime looks so cute. Old Hajime looks so cute—”
“Y-Yue snapped! I will admit Master’s old appearance is indeed cute, but… Wait, Yue! Get away from him!”

Both Yue and Shea grew excited upon seeing Hajime’s old appearance. Yue was so enraptured that she tottered toward Hajime’s hologram like a butterfly floating toward honey. On the other hand, while Tio did find Hajime’s old appearance cute, she much preferred the caustic, blunt personality he had now. There was something else that caught her attention, however.
“Oh? Is that perchance Kaori I see in the distance?”
Everyone looked in the direction Tio was pointing, curious. Someone was staring at past Hajime from behind one of the bookshelves. Though most of her face was hidden by books, it was unmistakably Kaori. She didn’t do anything, and just silently monitored Hajime’s movements. Everyone shrunk back, afraid.
“I-It’s not what it looks like. I swear, there’s a good explanation for this!” Kaori desperately tried to clear her name, but the fact that she followed Hajime every time he moved to a new bookshelf did a better job of explaining than her words ever could. To be honest, it was a little scary.
Afterward, they also tried using restoration magic in Hajime’s old room. This time, they were treated to a scene of Hajime pouring over books at his desk late at night. Like before, Kaori was silently observing him, this time through the small gap underneath his door.
Other scenes showed Kaori interrogating the maids on Hajime’s daily activities, or talking to Hajime about his favorite things even though Hajime had never told her. Everyone turned to present Kaori. Covered in cold sweat, she averted her gaze.
“So this is what a real stalker is like. Scary…”
“It was actually kind of horrifying, seeing Kaori-san constantly follow Hajime-san with that creepy grin on her face.”

“Kaori, I know I have no right to say this… but you should have some self-respect.”
“Kaori… I’m sorry. I can’t back you up this time.” In tears, Kaori screamed.
“I’m sorry! Even I admit it looks kind of creepy!”

Diamond. diamond. diamond.

MAKING GOOD ON YOUR PROMISES.

On a dark night with barely any moonlight, two girls dashed across an empty plain. Their breaths came in ragged gasps, but they knew they couldn’t stop or their pursuers would catch up to them.
“Ah!”
“Suzu! Are you alright!?”
They were running through the rocky field near the imperial capital, which meant that footing was bad. One of the fleeing girls, Suzu Taniguchi, tripped over a fallen pebble. Using her supernatural agility, the other girl, Shizuku, grabbed Suzu before she fell.
“Shizushizu, I’m done for. You have to escape alone!” “Don’t be ridiculous! We’re getting out of this together!”
Seeing Shizuku’s determination, Suzu mentally berated herself for being so weak, then willed herself to her feet. Unfortunately, her resolve meant little.
“And where do you think you’re going?”
Shizuku and Suzu both shrieked. They whirled around, and a grizzled old rabbitman appeared from the darkness… It was the Haulia’s chief, Cam.
“C-Cam-san! Please stop this!” Shizuku hugged Suzu, who was trembling in fear, and begged for mercy. However, Cam simply grinned and shook his head.
“Do you think we would ever defy our boss’ orders?” “I don’t… dammit!”
“Sh-Shizushizu, it’s not like you to curse! Get a grip!”

Shizuku’s ponytail swung back and forth as she shook her head, tears spilling from her eyes.
Oh no, she’s too far gone. It’s all up to me now!
“Shizushizu… I’ll protect you! Don’t look down on the hero party’s strongest Barrier Mast—” Before Suzu could even finish her sentence, there was a slight whoosh, and a blow dart embedded itself into her forehead.
“Suzu!”
Suzu’s eyes rolled back in her head, and she fell limply to the ground.
“H-How dare you do that to Suzu! I’ll never for—” Shizuku, too, was silenced before she could finish. A pungent smell wafted into her nostrils, and she looked up to see Cam waving a fan and his bunny ears at her.
“C-Cam-san. What ish…” Shizuku’s eyes rolled back in her head, and she too fell limply to the ground.
“Mission complete. I’ll bring the targets back to you, Boss.”
Hajime’s loyal rabbits scurried about in the dark. As for why they, the warriors who had toppled the imperial capital in one night, were chasing down Shizuku and Suzu, well—
“Hajime-san, I know you’re mad at them for laughing at you when dad and the others told everyone their painfully embarrassing nicknames, but did you really have to go so far?”
“Y-Yeah, Hajime-kun. We still need to warp all the Haulia back to the sea of trees, so let’s just leave it at this, okay?”
Hajime turned to Shea and Kaori, then responded in a flat voice.
“I always make good on my promises.” He had promised to punish Shizuku and Suzu back when they’d first met Par and the others, and

Hajime was the kind of man who was as good as his word. He definitely wasn’t doing this just because he’d been so embarrassed he’d never forget that incident for the rest of his life or anything.
Kouki and Ryutarou tried to object as well, but when they saw the look in Hajime’s eyes, they thought better of it and looked away.
Shizuku and Suzu were left defenseless. And so, Hajime meted out their punishment.
“Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah this is soooooo embarrassing! My skirt’s way too short, you can see everything!”
“Just kill me now.”
Hajime had forced the two of them to change into Haulia clothes. The same ones Shea usually wore. Since they’d laughed harder than everyone else, he’d made their punishment the most extreme. Suzu desperately tried to pull the hem of her skirt down with one hand while covering her modest breasts with the other. Teary-eyed and red- faced, she looked cute even to the Haulia, who were used to seeing their women wear such outfits. On the other hand, Shizuku didn’t even bother to hide her charming, beautiful figure, which could give even Shea a run for her money.
“Just kill me now.” Her eyes were empty and devoid of emotion. She looked so pitiful that no one could bring themselves to look at her. A number of flashes filled the room.
“Shizuku and Suzu’s punishment, taken at the outskirts of the imperial capital… There, all labeled now.”
Hajime grinned wickedly as he took photos with his specially crafted artifact and labeled each one. Kouki and Ryutarou yelled at him, calling him a demon. The Haulia sang his praises, saying things like “You’re amazing, Boss. You don’t even show mercy to women!” And Yue and the others just watched with troubled expressions on their

faces. However, Hajime didn’t notice any of it, as he was far too busy having fun.

Diamond. diamond. diamond.

ARIFURETA MAGIC ACADEMY ~CHRISTMAS SHOWDOWN~.

The academy grew busier as Christmas drew near. Today, all of the students were gathered in the auditorium for an emergency assembly. To their surprise, it was Aiko, not chairwoman Tio, who came out to greet them. Upon seeing her grimace, the students’ expressions stiffened.
“Everyone, I have bad news. Santa Claus has been sent to the hospital by one of our students.”
The students groaned in unison. Incidentally, Santa was real in this world. He was a wealthy multi-billionaire who went around giving presents to all the good kids on Christmas Day.
“Fortunately, his life isn’t in any danger. There is, however, another problem. His reindeer have gone on strike and are nowhere to be found!”
To be fair, their boss had just been hospitalized. It was understandable that they’d want the time off. The school’s beleaguered student council president raised her hand and spoke up.
“Ai-chan-sensei! Please tell us who exactly is responsible for injuring Santa!”
Who’s the bastard who piled even more work on me during the holidays!? I’ll fucking kill him! Both the teachers and the students shivered at the intensity in Shizuku’s gaze.
Overwhelmed, Aiko gave in and confessed in as roundabout a manner as she could.
“A-According to the public safety committee member who was at the scene, the culprits’ confession were as follows: ‘All I wanted was to

do was cosplay as Santa, ride on his reindeer, and tell Hajime that I’d be his present this Christmas. If those pesky flies hadn’t gotten in the way, Santa wouldn’t have gotten hurt,’ and ‘I could not forgive her for trying to get ahead of the rest of us. I never expected that she would dodge my breath or that Santa would be the one sitting behind her…’”
So it was Yue-sensei and Chairwoman Tio! All the students thought simultaneously.
“A-At any rate, there’s only two days left until Christmas! We need to find and capture all the reindeer by then! These are the wanted posters Santa-san gave us!” The projector whirred to life, and the wanted posters appeared on the auditorium’s large screen.
WANTED—Dasher of the Fierce Antlers. His tackle has the force of a battering ram, so be careful.
WANTED—Prancer of the Trampling Hooves. His kicks can shatter steel, so be careful.
WANTED—Dancer of the Elusive Tails. His breakdance kicks have killed hundreds, so be careful.
WANTED—Vixen of the Gilded Tongue. His honeyed words have lead many to ruin, so be careful.
WANTED—Thunder Brothers Donner and Blitzen. The Lightning Fields they create can scorch anything, so be careful.
WANTED—Cupid, the Matchmaker’s Eyes. One look into his eyes and you will be his forever, so be careful.
WANTED—Comet, the Hurtling Flash. His dash leaves sonic booms in his wake, so be careful.
WANTED—Rudolf of the Divine Nose. He has a complex about his nose, so be careful.

Are they supposed to be monsters or something!? the students silently bemoaned.
“They can be a little rambunctious, but I’m sure you kids can handle it! Please work hard to restore our school’s honor!” The students could tell Aiko was desperate, so with a weary sigh, they agreed to help. Two days later, on Christmas. While everyone else was enjoying time with their family or lovers, Kouki and Ryutarou lay wrapped up in bandages in the academy’s infirmary
“Ryutarou, you alright? You’ve been moaning an awful lot.”
“Barely. You look even worse than I do Kouki. Your face’s a mess.”
It looked like a truck had run over Kouki’s face, while Ryutarou had no unbroken ribs left. Suzu, Eri, and Shizuku all looked like hell as well. Surprisingly, Kaori and Shea were lying down as well. Kaori had buried her face into her pillow, while Shea was wrangling with her bandages and screaming.
“I’ll get you next time,” she bellowed.
Practically no student had escaped this affair unscathed. Santa’s reindeer had been so powerful that it was hard to believe they were mere animals. Eventually, Hajime had gotten tired of being led around the nose by them and turned the entire battlefield into a wasteland with his Hyperion. He’d given them one final warning, claiming he’d kill them if they didn’t surrender. Had he not done so, the entire student body may have been wiped out.
The reindeer may have possessed monstrous strength, but they still had their old animal instincts. And those very instincts had told them Hajime was serious, so they’d quietly surrendered. After that, he’d forced Yue and Tio to apologize, ostensibly bringing the case to a close.

And so, on Christmas, most of the students lay groaning in bed. Just then, the window popped open and a figure hopped inside.
“Merry Christmas.”
“N-No way…” Kouki groaned, while Ryutarou punched himself to make sure he was actually awake. The other students all looked on in shock. Hajime had just come inside wearing a Santa costume. He might have been frowning, but he was really wearing the outfit!
“Mmmm, Merry Christmas. Sorry for all the trouble.”
“My apologies, dear students, and Merry Christmas.”
Now the students were even more shocked. Yue and Tio had entered behind Hajime, wearing reindeer suits. In fact, this was the first time any of them had seen Yue look even mildly embarrassed. Quite a few of them found her outfit so cute they succumbed to nosebleeds.
“This is one of the things Santa asked us to do if we wanted him to forgive us. I’d have to play Santa, while Yue-sensei and Tio would be the reindeer.”
Eyepatch Santa pulled a bundle of presents out of his Treasure Trove, and for once the students felt like all their suffering had really been worthwhile.

Diamond. diamond. diamond.

EVEN THOUGH I’M THE PRINCESS.

The morning after the Haulia defeated the empire, Liliana sat in her room and sighed to herself.
“What seems to be the matter, Princess?” Helina asked. As Liliana hadn’t even been conscious of her sigh, she was a little taken aback by her maid’s question.
“You seemed to be worrying about something, what with the sighing and all,” Helina added.
“Huh? I sighed? Um, I was just thinking about the events of last night, really…”
Upon hearing her vague response, Helina nodded in understanding.
“I see. So your head was full of thoughts of Nagumo-sama, then.”
“Whash are you talking about?” Though Liliana managed to keep her expression neutral, she couldn’t keep herself from slurring her words, nor could she stop the blush that crept up her face.
“I know it’s a bit presumptuous of me to give advice, but I think you should go for it, Princess!”
“I have no idea what you’re referring to!”
“As far as I am aware, he’s your first love. I can understand why you’re so nervous. However, I’ll say it again. Just go for it! Your rivals are too strong for subtleties to work. Unless you act aggressively, you won’t stand a ghost of a chance against them! Show him the mettle of a princess, Liliana-sama! Hurry up and go get him already!”
“Calm down, Helina!”
Both girls were panting heavily now.

“My apologies. It’s just, you’ve always put your duties as a princess first for as long as I can remember, Liliana-sama, so I was just so glad to see you finally acting like a normal girl for once…”
“Ugh, I didn’t want anyone to find out, Helina…” Liliana hadn’t been planning on telling anyone that she’d fallen for the walking bundle of unreasonableness that was Hajime.
“Pshaw, everyone who saw you at that ball already knows, Princess. You wore your feelings on your sleeve.”
“W-Was it really that obvious?”
Helina nodded, a huge smile on her face, which only made Liliana blush even harder.
“Regardless of how things go, unless you try to woo him a little more he’ll likely forget you even exist. Tell me, are you truly alright with that?”
I… really don’t want that to happen. Liliana shook her head.
“B-But, how am I supposed to woo someone in the first place? Err, not that I plan on wooing Nagumo-san, since I’m a princess and all, but just for reference.”
“Understood, Princess. Allow me teach you everything I know.”
Liliana watched her maid bow to her with a mixture of trepidation and hope in her heart.
Thirty minutes later, Liliana found Hajime working on transmuting something.
“Umm, Nagumo-san? What are you working on?”
“Hm? Princess? What do you—” Hajime paused what he was doing and turned around. What he saw left him speechless. Beside him, Yue and the others were also at a loss for words.

“L-Lily!? Why are you wearing our school uniform!?”
Liliana was indeed wearing a perfect replica of Kaori and the others’ school uniform. A blazer and short skirt, black socks, and loafers. She even had a replica of the school badge.
“I-I just found it by coincidence in my luggage, so I thought I’d try it on.”
What kind of coincidence leads to that!? Hajime thought to himself. In truth, Helina had long suspected Liliana might need a uniform like this and had sewn a replica just in case. Liliana pulled a fake student notebook out of her pocket and started reading through it. After confirming the contents, she steeled her resolve and did a quick twirl in front of Hajime.
“H-How was that?”
Yue and the others instantly realized what was going on. This girl
wants to join the fight! The fight over who got Hajime, of course.
“I really don’t know what to say…” Realizing the slight change in the atmosphere around Yue and the others, Hajime decided to play it safe. Disappointed, Liliana once again looked through her student notebook.
“Ugh, do I really have to do this?” Liliana looked nervous and peered over her shoulder as she said that. From behind the door, Helina gave her a thumbs-up. Blushing, Liliana slapped her cheeks, resolutely untied her ribbon, and unbuttoned the first few buttons of her blouse.
“Oh no, I tripped,” she said in a clearly rehearsed voice, and stumbled toward Hajime. With a sigh, he dodged out of the way and grabbed her by the back of her collar. Then, he lifted her up like one would a cat, and shook his head. As always, Hajime had no respect for a maiden’s heart.

“P-Please wait, Nagumo-san! Helinaaaaaa, what am I supposed—” Unfortunately, Helina was nowhere to be found.
“Look, Princess. I’m busy right now, okay?” A portal opened up beside him as he said that, and Liliana looked at Hajime in disbelief. Surely he wouldn’t?
“Go play with your maid for a bit,” he said, then unceremoniously chucked the princess through the portal. She landed right on top of Helina after she fell through it.
“Sniffle… Even though I’m a princess… he still treats me like this… Oh, and Helina, don’t think you’ll be getting away with this!”
Liliana’s remorseful and resentful wails echoed through the imperial castle’s halls for quite a while.
BE CAREFUL HOW YOU USE SPIRIT MAGIC
Hajime walked down the halls of the royal palace, glancing about as he went.
“I can’t find Yue and the others anywhere… Man, where’d they go?” Unable to find the people he was looking for, Hajime stopped and scratched his cheek. After thinking about it for a few minutes, he suddenly remembered something and pulled a metal plate out of his pocket.
“I forgot I made a new communicator with spirit magic… It’s still just a prototype, but let’s test it out.” One of spirit magic’s spells, Soul Resonance, worked in a similar way to Telepathy. Unlike Telepathy though, it was extremely difficult to intercept or eavesdrop on. That was why Hajime had made a new artifact that utilized it instead. Hajime poured mana into the plate to activate the artifact.

“Hm? What’s this? The mana inside it keeps expanding… Wait, crap. At this rate it’ll go berserk—” A blinding flash of light engulfed the hallway.
“You leave for Haltina tomorrow, right? Be careful, Shizuku.”
“Thanks for worrying about me, Yuka. Take care of everyone here, alright? You’re basically our leader while we’re gone.”
“I’m not really the leading type. Well, as long as Nagayama and the others are here, we should be fine, but… Hm? Nagumo?” Yuka broke off and looked up at the person approaching them. The two girls thought to call out to him, but hesitated when they saw how strange he was acting.
“Oh no, what do I do? This probably happened because someone used spirit magic, but… to think things would end up like this.”
The person in front of the two girls was unmistakably Hajime Nagumo. It was obviously the same boy who wrapped arrogance and irrationality around him like a second skin. And right now, he was fidgeting like a nervous child. Shizuku and Yuka exchanged confused glances. Somehow, Hajime seemed rather feminine. Before they could say anything, Hajime suddenly blushed and started poking himself.
“So this is what a boy’s body is like… what Hajime-kun’s body is like… It’s so hard Gulp…” Hajime gulped and looked down at his own crotch.
What on earth is that strange, disgusting creature? Shizuku and Yuka thought simultaneously. Unable to watch any longer, Shizuku squeezed out her courage and called out to Hajime.
“U-Um, Nagumo-kun?” “Sh-Shizuku-chan!? And Yuka-chan!”

Seeing Hajime light up like that and speak to them in such a friendly and excited manner sent shivers down their spines.
“Thank goodness! The truth is, I have a bit of a problem right now and I could… Umm, Shizuku-chan? Yuka-chan? Why are you guys backing away?” Hajime walked toward Shizuku and Yuka, tears in his eyes.
“C-Calm down, Nagumo. You’ve just exhausted yourself from working too hard, so just stop right there for now!”
“Nagumo-kun, let’s go see Kaori, okay? She’ll be able to fix you right up, I’m sure!”
Shizuku and Yuka took one step back for every single step Hajime took toward them.
“Huh!? Oh yeah, I’m Hajime-kun right now! It’s okay, you two! I’m Kaori!”
Shizuku and Yuka exchanged glances. Then, after a moment’s delay, they turned on their heels and ran.
“Waaaaaait! Why are you running away from me, Shizuku-chaaan, Yuka-chaaaaaan!?”
“Eeek, he’s coming after us! Someone help! Nagumo’s gone crazy!” “Kaoriii! Where are you!? We need you to fix Nagumo-kun!”
“Like I said, I am Kaori! Stop running away from me!”
“Sorry, but you’re creeping us out too much, so we can’t!”
Hajime crying was such a horrifying sight that Shizuku and Yuka couldn’t even bring themselves to turn back.

Kouki and Ryutarou had headed out into the city to stock up on supplies for the journey ahead. As they passed by a side street, Ryutarou looked and saw something that puzzled him.
“Hm? Isn’t that Yue-san and Shea-san over there?”
“Huh? Oh, you’re right. What are they doing in a place like—” Kouki trailed off. The scene unfolding before him was so surreal that his thoughts ground to a halt.
“You fucking perverted dragon. What were you doing with Yue’s body!?”
“I-I just acted on instinct! Please forgive me! Her body was just so pretty that I couldn’t help myself!”
Shea stared coldly down at Yue as she kicked her in the stomach. Kouki and Ryutarou’s jaws dropped open. Both Yue’s strange fetishes and Shea’s sadistic streak were something they’d never seen before. Moreover, they’d never seen Shea torment at all…
“Ugh, thanks to Yue’s automatically healing body, being kicked brings me no pleasure… She heals right away. I swear, it’s like torture! Her body does not suit me in the slightest!”
“Thank god, you masochistic freak.”
“However, I must say! Seeing the normally gentle Shea glare at me with such cold eyes is a rare and exquisite experience! I cannot get enough of it! Haaah… Haaah…!”
“Tch, so you can find pleasure in any situation, huh? I better hurry up and do something before this pervert ruins Yue’s body.”
Yue was on the ground, panting, while Shea clicked her tongue like a certain other boy often did. The sight was so shocking that Kouki and Ryutarou simply averted their gaze and hurriedly walked away.

“Let’s pretend we never saw that.”
That was the day the two of them learned a valuable lesson. Never make a rabbit angry. No matter what. Incidentally, Shea was currently enjoying herself in Tio’s body. She flew high up in the sky screaming, “Yahoooooooooo! This is awesome!” It seemed Shea wasn’t the least bit bothered by the fact that she’d swapped bodies with someone.
Suzu, Taeko, and Nana were on their way back from the training grounds when they spotted Kaori in one of the hallways.
“Ah, Kaoriiin!” Suzu waved her hand and called out to her in a loud voice. Kaori turned to the three of them and nodded quietly.
“…Hi.”
Kaori seemed somewhat different from usual, but the three girls paid it no mind. The four of them started walking back to their rooms together, and Nana eventually started talking.
“By the way, Kaoricchi, your new body’s amazing! It used to belong to someone named Noint, right? You were cute before, but now you have like this, divine beauty inside you too.”
“I can’t believe you were willing to change bodies just for Nagumo- kun.”
Kaori’s lips split into a grin before she replied.
“It’s for the man she loves. This much is to be expected.”
Wow, that’s some deep devotion. Seeing all three of them at a loss for words, Kaori chuckled. There was something oddly mature about her expression. And she seemed to be oozing an unusual amount of sensuality to boot.

“Y-You feel different somehow, Kaorin…” Suzu gulped. The atmosphere grew a little weird, so Nana tried to crack a joke to bring things back to normal.
“Is it because you did, you know, those things with Nagumocchi?” “What do you mean by ‘those things?’”
That wasn’t the reply Nana was expecting. She stiffened, then blushed. Though she, Taeko, and Yuka had been known as some of the more wild girls in their class, the three of them were surprisingly pure. Suzu and Taeko blushed too. After a bit, Kaori smiled seductively and spoke.
“Hajime was delicious.” With those parting remarks, she walked off. Suzu and the others remained rooted to the spot, too stunned to even respond.
Shortly afterward, the body swapping incident brought about by Hajime’s spirit magic artifact going out of control resolved itself when the artifact ran out of mana.
“Eeek, you’re acting like a disgusting creep! Return to your senses, Nagumo! What are you trying to do to us!?” Cornered, Yuka collapsed into a crying heap while Shizuku said “I hate this Nagumo- kun” over and over with soulless eyes.
“Huh? Who the fuck are you calling a disgusting creep? You wanna go?” Suddenly, Hajime returned to normal, and he went back to yelling angrily at people.
“He’s back! Nagumo’s back!”
“The world’s been saved!”
Yuka and Shizuku clung to Hajime and wept tears of relief. Meanwhile, in another location…

“Shea, you’ve got guts squeezing my head like this.” “Hweh!? Why am I grabbing you like this, Yue-san!?”
Yue’s angry voice echoed through the tiny alley they were in. Shea’s ears folded over timidly as she awaited her punishment. A second later, lightning rained from the sky, terrifying the nearby residents.
Meanwhile, in yet another location…
“Ah, Suzu-chan, Nana-chan, Taeko-chan! Hey, listen to this. Something terrible just happened to me. I was… Wait, what’s wrong?”
Kaori’s three friends were acting odd. At her voice, though, they snapped back to reality.
“Kaorin, you climbed the stairs to adulthood before us! You left us all behind!”
“Kaoricchi… No, I suppose I should call you Kaori-san now.”
“Forget that, we should be calling her onee-sama! You don’t mind, do you Kaori-oneesama!?”
Who on earth was in my body!? And what did they do!?
For some time after, all three of them called Kaori onee-sama and treated her with reverence. It garnered more than a few odd looks.
Meanwhile, high up in the sky…
Tio regained consciousness, only to realize she was free-falling. Then, she slammed into one of the capital’s buildings and lay twitching atop its roof.
“Owww! What in heaven’s name just happened!? I can feel an indescribable pleasure spreading through every inch of my body! Haaah… Haaah… I have no idea who was using my body before, but you have my heartfelt gratitude for leaving me with such a wonderful reward! Thank you!”

Naturally, when Heiligh’s residents found her, they called the city watch on her.

Diamond. diamond. diamond.