Chapter 11

Book 1




"Ixia-san, are you really going in that outfit...?"
"Yes. This is an authentic uniform. Besides... I have experience working in a noble house if only temporary. I have studied in the way of butler, I am confident I will not bring shame to this attire. Don't I look the part?"
"...I mean, yeah you do."

　I don't think she could look bad in anything. What's with her looks and all.
　She'd stand out even in the cheapest *niqlo wear you could find.

"Well then, I shall stay home until the guardians are permitted to enter the perimeter. Have a good trip, Yuuki."
"...Yes. I'm off."

I'm too happy to hear that I couldn't say anything.
　Yep. Time flies, and today is the graduation ceremony day. My friends have notified our homeroom teacher about their chosen courses, and even though some students haven't reported back, no student is left behind from graduating.
　My worries right now. Is Ixia-san and her tailcoat uniform. It's a male clothing, why? She could have picked other formal dress like a suit yet she went straight to purchasing a tailcoat like a pianist.
　By the by, what does she mean by 『Butler』. And her working in a noble mansion... An advanced version of steward? And uh, nobles... Wonder if that's common in Grandia.



"Good morning, Yuuki. Pretty cold today huh."
"Shousuke! Sure is. So what were you up to on free time? I never caught you in Training Facility."
"I was cooped up in my house. My relative came by and helped me train to better prepare me for college."
"You never let up do you... So does that mean?"
"Yeah, I passed. I've finally taken a concrete step forward."

　I came across Shousuke at the front gate and our friends started congregating with us one after another as we walked in.
　My buddies had warmed up to Shousuke ever since the barbecue party last time.

"Oh, y'all passed too huh."
"Yep. I mean this place's still a prep school, y'know? My old man ain't gonna have it if I messed up."
"I'm going to find a job, or more like training. Won't be long till I'm good enough to work on you guys' devices."
"Haha, I can't wait. So... Yuuki, how about you? Scwheinnritter is a tough one. Your strength seems to... suffice, it seems."
"Wha!? The heck, you got into Scwheinn School!?"
"Waee... No way."
"Who coulda thought a classmate of ours ended up being a Schweinn student."

　You guys are aware that Scwheinn literally means pig right.
　But looking at their reactions... I'm reminded again how prestigious that school is.
　Now then, most of my classmates seem to have gotten in their first choice by the looks of things... What about Satomi-san I wonder.
　Gonna drop by the next class over.

"S'cuse me~. Is Satomi-san here?"
"Eh? Oh? What's this, hey Satomi! Yuuki-kun's here for you~."

　The girl is grinning. Oh brother, she must've got it wrong.
　Yes yes, go ahead, keep it up. Kinda embarrassing but I don't hate that!
　The boys' eyes look kinda scary though. Can't blame 'em. Satomi-san's started putting on make ups ever since summer break, she's gotten a lot cuter. She was your exemplary braided class rep up until that point.

"Ah, Yuuki-kun. What's the matter?"
"No, uh. Just checking on you cuz we're both headed for Tokyo after all."
"I see... Fufufu, I got accepted! At Fastoria Magecraft Academy!"
"Oh!? Huh... Was there an academy called that...?"
"Ahaha... It's actually not located in Tokyo, strictly speaking."
"Eh! So you picked another school... Guess, I can't drop by your place to play. But still, congrats for passing the exam!"
"Fufu, it's alright. This academy you see, it's right by the gate on Grandia's side. So I'm commuting there from the floating city. I'll have to wake up a bit early but the trip only takes less than a hour."

　What? Nobody told me that! Eh, she's gonna study in an isekai school, I'm hella envious though???

"I mean, you know that I summoned a Grandia's divine beast right? I could learn about it better in Grandia. Also, I'm a mage-type and the schools over there are much more advanced on that front."
"Hee... I never really looked into things there..."
"So, Yuuki-kun, which school are yours? I can tell you passed at least."
"I'll be attending Scwheinnritter Integrated Vocational School. It's on the floating city, same with my lodging. We should meet up sometimes."

　Satomi-san went silent. She really hates the idea huh.

"Scwheinn School!? No way, you really mean that!? Didn't Yuuki-kun's summoning experiment run into trouble!?"
"Ssh, keep it down! Also, no it didn't! Well... It's uh, because I passed the written and practical exams... I guess."
"Oh... But getting accepted into Schweinn School is amazing, really. I think the lessons on sorcery and magic there are as advanced as my academy... I heard they have researchers and battlers from Grandia too."
"Hohou... That sounds fun. We should get more chance to meet up from spring on, here's hoping to our smooth sailings, Satomi-san."
"Un, likewise, I'll be seeing you there Yuuki-kun."

　Our conversation was loud and clear to everybody around us. Quit trying to approach me so openly! I don't even know if I really got a bright future ahead of me!



　The school broadcast finally announced it's time for the graduation ceremony.
　We all stood in rows without so much a whisper probably because it was our last day as we made our way to the heated gymnasium.
'Give an applause to the graduates' was the greeting we got inside where pipe chairs were prepared for all the graduates and their relatives who watched us entering. The walls were decorated with red and white colors.

"...Ah, figured she'd stand out."

　Whispers broke out as more graduates entered the gymnasium.
　A dazzling golden hair mixed among the sitting relatives. Ixia-san in tailcoat gave the loudest most heartfelt applause among them.



　Once the principal gave his shortish congratulatory address, the light went out and a huge screen came down from above.
　A dynamic sounding BGM played as videos of our three years in school started playing on the screen.
　It's some sort of slideshow. The narrator is... wait it's Satomi-san. Oh right she's in broadcast club.

"Hey hey, did ya see? There's this real beautiful elf onee-san among the guardians."
"Ssh, quiet down you, I'm trying to reminisce here."

　I'm lying. I wandered into this world in the middle of July, so I'm desperately trying to find what were I up to until then on the screen--Ah! That was the moment Shousuke beat me during training. Ey, stop that.
　I felt like I heard someone shouting 'Ah!' in that moment.
　...That happened when my defeated self was shown, could it be?

　The light came back. Next up, is a speech from the student body to us graduates.
　Uumu, this would be a moving moment for those who were active in clubs, but I'm in the going home club.
　Wonder if there's a club that only exists in this world?
　It's finally endgame. A formal speech from us graduates, by a rep.

"Graduate representative. Kotou Shousuke-kun."
"Yes."

　Ah, I knew you'd be the rep. Of course. Doesn't matter the world, he is everybody's honor student after all.
　...If I had stayed in my old world and led an uneventful life there, would I feel this solemn as well.
　Even in this moment, I'm feeling full of hopes for my new life, not a shred of sadness. However--I do feel forlorn. I can strongly assert that.
　Many of us must have led their high school life without a concrete vision for our future, winging it as we go. But that's exactly why we could fool around and make noise as much as we did.
　...We're now entering the last preparatory stage before we join the society for real. The idea of never experiencing this kind of lifestyle again makes me feel lonesome.

"--On my last year in high school, I met a worthy rival I wish to fight and win from the bottom of my heart. I, as well as everybody graduating today, will be embarking on a journey, each following a path they believe in. But I will always hold onto hope that those paths will someday intersect. Parting is the first step toward reunion. I have that engraved in my heart as I set out. I pray that we all shall meet again once we have grown wiser and experienced. That concludes my speech, thank you for listening."

　I take it back, I'm getting sad now.
　What the hell, why'd you bring me up there. Quit aiming for a critical hit.
　Shousuke walked down the stage amidst a loud applause.
　Lastly, all of us sang 'that song' per the tradition.
　I recall watching news saying this song was source of many issues.
　I bet the sobbing and weeping is another tradition that follows this song.

<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >

　Moving forward, they will now call all students by name and give their diploma. Which is not what's happening.
　Well our school has Class A to E. Instead, each class proxy gets called and their homeroom teacher is to distribute their students' diplomas. Of course, the teacher would throw a word in.
　This takes place somewhere more private.
　Meaning, we're back in our classroom.

"Next, Sasahara Yuuki. Congratulations on graduating. I'll be honest, it's been the biggest surprise for us teachers. My colleagues who knew you in your second year had the same feeling. So much that we weren't sure if we should pick you or Shousuke as the rep."
"But people who aren't in the know would find it weird. I'd personally recommend Shousuke myself. Even I... believe he's the best choice there is."
"Good grief, when did you two get so chummy."

　Our diplomas are inside a tube of course.
　Naturally, the hollow sounds of them hitting something fill classrooms.

"--That is all. All of you are alumnus for real now... You're free to go! Do whatever, us teachers won't stop you! Exchange contacts with each other, see your relatives in the hallway and go home, or maybe chat away your memories here until nighttime! Teach will get a word with principal."
"Nope, that's not happening. We're gonna party till we drop~."
"I see. Make sure you know when to stop. Also... Make doubly sure you do not drink alcohol if you're still not of age. Just remember that your diplomas might get revoked."

　Nobody's that stupid.
　My friends invited me to go bowling... But I'd like to preserve today's memory so I declined.
　...Actually, I really need to do something about Ixia-san who's acting super frolic by herself in the hallway. 
　Is it just me or is she looking hyper enthusiastic as she's chatting a storm with other moms here!?

"Oy Yuuki! My mother told me! That elf-oneesan... She's your guardian, is that right!?"
"Eh, ah, yes. Yup, she is. She's Ixia-san, my guardian."
"What!? You never told me!"
"I just did."

　For now, I'm gonna make something up.
　I snuck out of the classroom in the confusion and grabbed Ixia-san by hand as I made our escape.
　But then... Shousuke stood in our way.

"A guardian from Grandia... You never said anything about that. Nice to meet you. My name is Kotou Shousuke, I'm a good friend of Yuuki-kun."

　Shousuke went up and asked for a handshake from Ixia-san.

"Yes, nice to meet you too Shousuke-kun. I am Ixia, Yuuki's guardian. Your speech was marvelous. Even as someone not quite familiar with the culture here, it truly resonated with me."
"It's an honor. Excuse me, but do you mind if I ask about your relationship with Yuuki. To tell you the truth, I wish to take up an employment at Grandia, hence I'd like to seize this chance to ask about it from someone familiar with that world."

　He said some believable reason... But, he's definitely suspecting something inwardly, I'm sure of it.
　Humm, I'm thankful for his concern, but that topic is a no go!

"Yes, let's see. Yuuki's grandmother, that is to say, Yoshine-san. I owed her a huge debt in Tokyo back in her younger days. We had more opportunities to see each other afterward before I had to come back to my hometown. However, I found out that my friend Yoshine-san had already passed away when I returned to this world several decades later. The news also informed on the fact that her grandchild, Yuuki, was now living alone and that he would move to Tokyo this spring. Seeing as I already have a home in Tokyo, I took it upon myself to step in and apply as his legal guardian as well as take care of him there."
"I see, so that's what going on. Please excuse me for prying on private matter. I feel relieved to know that a responsible person like you will be taking care of Yuuki. This guy tends to rush ahead without thinking, I hope you could rein him in at Tokyo."
"What are you, my father!? So yeah, you heard her. I'mma head back early to prepare for us moving. You've got my contact and all, get in touch later."
"Yeah, same goes for you. Ixia-san, Yuuki. May we meet again someday."

　...Whoaa, Ixia-san! What's up with that flawless back story! Almost made me believe it myself.

"Ixia-san when did you think that up... I had no idea you knew my grandma's name too."
"Yes. It was written on the altar. I had the story prepared knowing it might come in necessary in the future."
"...I see. There's no getting by you."

　I have no word for Ixia-san's perfectness. But don't think that I didn't notice her yelling during my defeat scene in the ceremony showing today, okay?



"Phew... My luggage's nothing but clothes."

　We went home and started packing.
　Video games in this world are of no interest to me, my life has been more riveting I don't even read manga much now.
　Actually, the manga here are majorly slice of life or comedy genres, I'm kinda tired of them.
　Other than clothes, my load includes my smart terminal's charger, accessories and a laptop.
　Ixia-san only has her clothes and a toothbrush even. Her other daily necessities will be arranged at our lodging house.

"Yuuki, let's bring your grandmother's, grandfather's and father's pictures with us. Don't you want to set up a small altar over there?"
"...That's right, let's do that."
"Yes. I will go contact Nishida-san."

　I see, that never crossed my mind. Those three are staying in this house forever. That thought had solidified in my head.
　But now that I think about it, I should pray for them everyday.

"Err... Next up, this month's utility cost... Ah, right. An Akimiya personnel will take care of it in my absent. Guess that's everything then."
"That appears to be the case. Then... What should we do now? The water and gas have been stopped, it would not do to add dirty dish and trash."
"Ah, let's eat out. A lot of family should be eating out today, we might even run into people I know."
"Eating out... Yes, I see, today is a special day after all. If I am to be honest, I am not capable of cooking dishes suited for festivities yet."
"But, your cooking is still really good, Ixia-san. That it didn't come out bad is incredible in itself."
"Oh no, I am still very poor at it. I should have learned more about cooking in my past life."

　They're simple but good. More than enough for someone who always ate store-bought lunch boxes.
　Grilled fish, soup, salad. Sunny-side egg, and roast chicken. They're enough. Though I'd probably grow tired of them if that went on for another half a year.

"Now that's settled... Let's walk together to the nearest shopping district."
"Yes. I am unfamiliar with the variety of restaurants here, I shall leave the decision to Yuuki."
"That said... I don't know expensive restaurants since we were poor... Sushi-go-round..."

　What if she can't eat raw fish. She's been making lots of non-fish dish lately.

"Sushi-go-round? Does this sushi dish go around?"
"Why didn't Nishida-san introduce you to our national food. Guess it falls on me... Let's go there..."
"National food, is it. Then I concur. I wish to have a taste."
"It's a restaurant where you can have this food called sushi in a reasonable, easy and fun manner. Sushi is--"

　Explaining the concept of sushi.

"Let us go. I very much love fish, I do not have any problem eating them raw. Sliced fish existed in my era as well."
"Eh? Grandia had them too?"
"Yes. There were dish known as Carpaccio and sliced fish poured with a sauce called Shoyu."

　No kidding. Uumu... Maybe there were cases of Japanese people wandering into Grandia even way back in the past?

"My favorite fish is tuna. I would be very... Happy if I could have them."

　She's blushing a bit. Cute. I see, tuna huh, I'm in scallop faction though.
　They ended becoming my favorite when I kept seeing my late father eating them as a side dish to sake.
　In Ixia-san's case, it was due to her mother's influence.
　Ah... I wish I was 21 already. I want to drink with her.





"T-they're really going around... I see, we are free to take what we want. The bill corresponds to the plates... This system is quite well thought. Fumu, the price differs by color..."
"Tuna costs 200 yen per plate. Ah, quality tuna is 400 yen."
"I see... Today is special. I would like to splurge a bit. You too Yuuki, please take as many golden colored plates as you like."

　Ixia-san is definitely not expressionless but neither does she show much expressions on her face usually.
　Yet, you can tell even from afar how bright and sparkly she looks now.
　Too precious.

"Well then... This is nerve wracking isn't it. Ha!"
"Don't get too worked up now, they're not going anywhere I swear."

　A quality tuna plate made its swift appearance on our table.
　She's gotten quite good at using chopsticks, skillfully dipping her sushi slice in soy sauce before taking a bite.
　Ah, it's scallop. I'll take it.

"...Haa, this is excellent. It's perfectly sized for a bite. Ah, it's all gone. Oh? What is shown on this smart terminal, Yuuki."
"Ah, you can order what you want from there, they'll bring it to our table."
"I see... It was mortifying when someone took the tuna I had my eyes on. Perusing this will solve that conundrum."

　And thus, our table is finally full of plates.
　Quality tuna, medium-fatty tuna, belly meat, red meat, vinegared tuna. All the tuna you can find.
　I ordered scallops for myself as well. This is getting fun.

"They all taste good don't they, Yuuki. We should visit this place whenever there are special occasions in the future."
"You bet. Stocking up fresh seafood should be a cinch on the floating city. I bet there's plenty of good sushi restaurants there."
"Is that how it works. Oh, I cannot wait. I would love to learn how to make sushi myself."

　Ixia-san's handmade sushi... That sounds good. Oh yeah, there's those rolled sushi too. Grandma made them when I was little.



　As I went to order beverages for me and Ixia-san, I bumped into a familiar face. Melon soda in both hands. Ah melon soda, the royal road.

"Hi, Satomi-san. You here with your family?"
"Ah, Yuuki-kun. Un, I am. My classmates invited me to go see a movie but the theater was under construction. We all went our way."
"I see. I'm seeing other familiar faces here and there too... Guess they're all eating out."
"Ahaha... I guess that's the countryside for you. Um, Yuuki-kun... Are you here with someone."

　Satomi-san looked at the glasses in both my hands.

"Yep, she's my guardian. She'll be my... family, I think."
"Ooh, I see! That's a relief. I mean... you know?"
"Hahaha... Yeah, would be awkward if I eat out alone. Might as well have a blast with my buddies."
"Ah, yeah, I think our class boys went out together too... I wonder if they're going to be alright."

　As expected of an inborn class rep. She's still on it even after graduating.
　Someone took the glass in one of my hands.

"Ah, you're with a friend. Good evening."
"Eh? U,umm... Good evening."
"Satomi-san, she's my guardian, Ixia-san. Ixia-san, she's my friend who will be moving to the floating city as well, Satomi-san."

　Ixia-san came to check on me since I took so long.
　Worry not, I'm a drink bar pro. 

"That sounds delightful. There is nothing more reassuring than having someone you know close by. Satomi-san, I believe adapting to a new life will have its ups and downs. Nevertheless, would you come visit Yuuki if you have free time?"
"...Uh, I'm also 18 for your information."
"Ahaha... Yes. I feel better to know I have a friend nearby as well. I'm sure we can find time to meet up. I'll be in your care."

　And then, she slowly walked to her family careful not to spill her melon soda.
　Humm... She really treats me like a child. Is it cause of our racial differences?
　Maybe to her, 18 isn't that much different from 8. Or maybe... it's because of my height.

"She's such a good kid. Now then, I shall take up the challenge of this drink bar myself. If you'd be so kind as to give me instructions."
"Haha, got it. First you place a cup here--"

　New life... I'd be lying if I said I don't have concerns, but the anticipation is far more prominent in my mind.
　By the way... In the end, news of my weapon device's completion never made it to me even after graduation day.
　Hello, Sasahara speaking, is it not done yet?

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