Chapter 6

Book 1




　I wonder if I was happy?
　I feel pitiful for having that doubt this late, yet I'm sure I had some things left undone.
　I see my body having had breathed her last below me.
　It finally hit me when I saw my wrinkled self with her eyes closed, looking like she was sleeping peacefully.
　There was no doubt in my mind that I was happy.
　Many many children around my bed. Children who love me like I was their mother, even though they have their own family.
　...It doesn't matter whether we are related by blood or not. I was able to pass on the joy of building family with this many children. Something like regret can't be....

"Regret... Fufu, I'm really a grandma now, aren't I. 643 years. Quite a long life I led. If there were a next time... I wish to birth my own children... No that's not right. I want to walk that life with children, no matter what shape and form... I believe."

　The joy of passing time with my family. The bliss of being together with my children.
　Teaching people's warmth, learning, and the blissful time of walking hand in hand.
　I wish to relish those moments over and over again.
　Because lending a helping hand to children and pushing their backs towards their future is my purpose in life--

　I feel my body and soul getting pulled to heavens.
　Passing through my room, the ceiling... My house became smaller in my vision.
　Oh there's so many people gathered all around it.
　They made it into such a big deal. Such a huge commotion for the passing of an old woman.
　I can tell I'm heading for the sky. And then--







"Hee, so you'll be loaded soon, Sasahara-kun! Remember, Akimiya company is always happy to have your patronage! You'll help my rapport if you order through me, get it?"
"Please don't show off the ugly side of humanity to me so brazenly, you're someone high up too... But, custom orders huh... Ah, but I'm gonna have to look for an apartment if I'm staying in Tokyo, my budget..."
"Thank goodness. I was worried you'd be down in the slump, you know? It looks like you didn't get the summoning benefit..."
"Nah, I think just getting this bangle is worth it. This thing is super handy."
"Ah, that's. That's a variable restraining bangle under development by our company, isn't it? Can't believe they let you have one... That thing is more expensive than your average weapon device."
"Uhee, for real. I gotta keep it safe."
"Now that you mention it, what's that for? I overheard something about restraining during the experiment too."
"Simply put, it's like a magical weight, I guess? It drops the efficiency of Physical Boost, you get tired more easily if you use it with this thing on. Also good for training."
"Hee..."
"FYI, that device was originally used to help those who are born with mana control loss. Make sure you don't follow in this kid's footstep on that note. I heard a few pro battlers do use them for training in their off time though."

　Yep, that was the reason I even thought up of wearing these bangles. At first, I thought I can't use magic because my poor mana control made me pump out too much mana.
　But now it's all about raising my Physical Boost, brawn over brain baby.

"Well now that the summoning experiment is done and dusted, all that's left is for us to go back the day after tomorrow..."
"Ah, then can we have free time tomorrow? I'd like to look at the weapon stores around these parts."
"About that... Sorry, tomorrow this floating city's shopping area will be closed off. Can't you make do with the weapon device store in this hotel?"
"Eh...? Is there some sort of incident?"
"Yuuki-kun, you didn't watch TV, did you? It should be in the news."

　Satomi-san put on a news channel on the stupidly big TV installed in the penthouse.
　Ah... I would have loved to play games with high quality graphics on this big screen...

『--On to the next topic, the authority has admitted that the dispute has reached an impasse. Contrary to the dispute, delegations from each family appear to get along well, in fact, tomorrow the second princess of Selymieruach Kingdom, Princess Norn Rucksbel Brait and Akimiya Company's--』

"Hear that, a Grandia princess is going shopping tomorrow. They're blocking off the entire area for security purpose."
"Hohou... Guess nothing's off limit when you're a princess."
"Well duh. Also, the little sister of Akimiya Company's leader is accompanying her. That's precisely why I got called to the branch office that day."
"Akimiya. Again."

　Well, I get that's just how it is in this world though. Ah, this takes me back.
　Akimiya eraser... I used to buy them a lot in elementary. AKA Akeraser.
　They were popular for being long lasting.
　As I was having that nostalgic thought while simultaneously feeling broken hearted from getting my anticipated plan stolen from me, I swore in my heart to look for another store that deals with Grandia weapons outside the shopping area.



"Morning, Yuuki-kun. Look look, I gave her a name. She's Picol. Same name as a pet parrot I had in the past, see?"
"So the parrot got reborn into a phoenix. I mean, it does sound cute. I'm even getting kinda envious here."
"Fufu, sorry, okay? But I'm just so happy... I mean, we're always be together from now on."

　Akemi-san had gone off to the breakfast buffet and was nowhere to be found while Satomi-san, a member of non-breakfast faction, stayed in the room.
　The sight of her frolicking with a small phoenix was so charming. Warms the heart.
　As for me, I felt a bit the worse for wear this morning likely due to the experiment yesterday so I passed on breakfast.

"What's your plan for today's free time, Yuuki-kun? I'm thinking of checking out the bookstore in the hotel myself."
"Ah... I'm gonna go out for a bit. Think I saw some stores outside the shopping area."
"Ah, right. But it might be dangerous outside, isn't it? There could be a reason the security's tight and all."
"Hmm... But, you know. I'll be fine, I'll be back before it's dark out."
"Oh, okay. Take care now."

　I looked up on the net about Grandia weapons before going to bed yesterday.
　Their structures are fundamentally identical to this world's weapon devices. You fill them with mana to raise their strength and decrease killing power by dealing shocks to the nerves and so on.
　Of course it's also possible to increase the killing power instead.
　Earth-made devices can be lethal as well if you remove the limiter.

"You saw those Grandia students the next row over yesterday right? Watching them summon all those cool weapons really tickled my mind."
"Ah... Sorry, I don't remember."

　This girl's surprisingly a big shot.

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

　"Shopping area" huh, I bet the whole area is chock full of stores.
　But there should be one or two stores located outside... Or so I thought at one time. None. There's exactly zero. There were some random companies' garage sales at most.

"Hm, stores that sell items from the other world huh... I think I saw some of them at the shopping area."
"Oh, I knew it. I'm sorry for asking so much."
"Oh it's okay, you helped taking these stuff off my hand anyway."

　I shopped at one such garage sales and got myself some good stuff like a rucksack for writing apparatus. It seems real tough, good for school commuting.

"Ah, you there! I heard that, how about the pawnshop? You might find some interesting stuff there. That store should be right at the edge of Shopping Area."
"Eh! Is that true! Thank you!"
"Here, I'll send the map data over... And, done. Go to that spot."

　Glad I asked around. I headed straight for the location.
　There's a lot less people than yesterday, guess the street's on high alert.
　Well, I suppose there's plenty of stores outside Floating City where most of tourists go off to... But I really want to see isekai objects no matter what!
　I arrived at the spot after a 30 minute walk.
　Located at the end of an alleyway, the store in question has got the vibe just right.
　You'd think spots like this were full of scary men if you'd been watching dramas.

"Err, let's see here. 『Come and cash in your lower half』, what a disturbing advertisement. Are they dealing with organs or something."

　I reached out to the door knob while being taken aback by the catchphrase on a poster.

"Huh, it's not open."

　The door knob won't turn. I don't see a 'Closed' sign though.
　And then--A voice came out of the door itself.

『We're temporary closed today. Get lost.』
"Uwoo!? It talked!?"
『Ou, I sure do. Now go and get lost. We ain't sellin' stuff for humans anyhow. Sorry bout that.』

　Is this an isekai item...? Or maybe the so-called spirit?
　It's got a foul mouth... I'm kinda in awe.
　Whoaa... It's fantasy in real life... Like Harr*****!

"I'm real intrigued but I guess it is what it is. I'll be back again one day."
『Ou, feel free too once yer' filthy rich. See ya.』

　A fantasy pawnshop in the deepest recess of an alleyway... That's so awe inspiring.
　The location is spot on too, right behind a shopping area. In a passageway behind rows of stores.
　Man... I couldn't shop around but I got to see something incredible. I'm definitely gonna buy something there someday.
　I was walking my way out of the alleyway when I took a sudden strong blow on my side and got sent flying.

"Oow! What!? Oy, who's there!"
"Tch, somebody's here."

　A door was roughly flung open. That hurt so bad. Hope nothing's broken.

"Apologize. What if you hit someone in the wrong spot and--"

　I was still talking when I saw the man who opened the door activating a weapon device in his hand.
　! A burglary!?
　I immediately jumped away and readied myself to run. Oh crap, I shoulda listened to Satomi-san.
　It's dangerous outside today.

"My bad, here lemme knock you out real quick."
"...Burglars... Or maybe not, that's quite a big bag your friends are carrying."

　Two more masked men came out of the door while I was eyeing my escape route.
　They're shouldering a huge sack. As if... there's a human inside.

"Ah... Guess I shoulda worn a mask too. Boy, forget what I said, die for me. I don't give a hoot about this mission but I didn't expect my bare face seen."
"Then put on a mask before you acted on it. You're being unreasonable here."
"Fair point. Alright, fine. I'mma just beat you up real bad and knock your memory off--hmph!"

　I'm gonna pass on that too. Thankfully this kidnapper's a real chatterboat.
　I set the level on my restraining level to zero and let out a punch on the rough fit guy's exposed abs--

"Hyuu, yer' pretty dang good, boy."
"Wha!?"

　He blocked my fist. With a real one-handed sword, not a weapon device.
　His other hand is holding a bowgun-like weapon device. 

"...Y'all go on ahead. Get somewhere and retreat. As for the princess... Suit yourselves."
"Princess? Oy oy, you can't be serious!"
"Whoops, m'bad, oraa!"

　He brushed away my fist followed by an immediate yakuza kick.
　I blocked that and kicked on the alley's wall in an attempt to escape.
　But--he caught off to me and kicked me down.

"Zero damage huh. Dang yer' good. Seems like I gotta retreat soon."
"...Nah, I think that soon is now."
"Hahn?"

　A loud sound of crashing metal could be heard outside the alleyway.
　When it looked like I couldn't get away, I had grabbed an air conditioner unit attached on the wall... and threw it outside.
　That should draw some attention with how tight security is here.
　...To be frank, I was never in the mind to fight back bare handed.
　I don't have the resolve to wager my life in a one side game.
　But... I'm not gonna let them do as they please either!

"An opening!"
"Dowaa!?"

　I tried to strike his exposed chiseled abs for sure this time but he blocked it again with his sword.
　However--my punch blew him away. Serves him right.

"Haa!? You, just how... Dammit, time's up. Cya boy."
"Yea, go on and get lost."
"Ya not gonna go after me?"
"Nope, that's a scary thought. Besides... Onii-san, you were never planning to kill me."
"...Well yeah. I ain't gonna kill innocents in this kinda make-believe mission."
"Okay."

　The man kicked the alleyway walls and disappeared.
　I should... make it in time now. To those two kidnappers.
　Honestly, I'd like to get away now but that'd leave a poor aftertaste... If that was really the princess... Things could go out of hands.



"...No people around makes it so easy!"

　I found two men cramming a huge rucksack into a car. I immediately dashed out and dropkicked the car.
　Not a moment later, the security people who had gathered at the air conditioner crash spot flocked here.

"You masked guys, come out. Your plan has failed."
"...."

　The two men in the driver's seats silently stay still. What's their game here?
　A moment later, countless light arrows emerged behind me and destroyed the car's front side.

"Secure the victim! The signal comes from the back!"
"Found her! She's been put to sleep with magic!"
"Roger, get her treated right away!"

　They arrested... No, killed the culprits in no time.
　Those culprits disappeared without a trace, meanwhile the security secured the rucksack in the backseat.
　...Magic's too awesome. You don't even have to worry about the car exploding or anything.

"You stopped this car, didn't you? What are you up to."
"Ah! Uh, you've got it wrong! Some weird men attacked me and--"

　I was probably more worried about being suspected of having ties with police than with that man.
　I ended up telling them everything.



　Inside the interrogation room. I would have never thought I would ever find myself in one.
　This floating city naturally has a police station that's just as grand as this special city.
　The interrogation room looks to be as tightly secured. My heart feels like it's about to burst open.

"We've got confirmation. You got dragged in the incident for sure... in fact, you got into a fight with one of the culprits I see."
"Ah, there was a surveillance camera!?"
"Yep, plenty inside buildings. You sure jumped real high. A camera inside an office on floor seven caught your footage. Right in the moment you broke some outdoor fences, see?"
"Ah... Err... Do I have to compensate for..."
"Nope, that was an emergency. In fact, we couldn't have rescued the princess if not for you. You have done nothing wrong. But orders from the higher ups, can't let you out right away."

　Wonder if he's a detective in charge of this incident? Or maybe some sort of SP. A mister of unknown authority is talking to me apologetically while smiling.
　Oh, oh good... If this puts me on a record, I'll have to say good bye to even taking exams.

"Fuumu... You're strong... Any interest in riot squad or gatekeeper squad? Vocational schools for those are taking applications right now." 
"Ahaha... I'm actually here at Tokyo to get a better chance in entrance exams. I'm sorry but I have no plan to take those courses."
"Hm, I see. But, feel free to come anytime be it after graduation or a job change. We'll always welcome kids like you. Here have my business card."
"Ah, thanks... Ah... You're a commander of the Floating City Defense Department..."
"Yep. I'm real high up in the chain. But someone's even higher up told me you can't go home yet, see? Sorry bout that, are you hungry? Oh, how about I get you a bowl of katsudon like in TV?"

　Ah, I want one. I'm finally feeling well enough to hunger.
　It seems the commander didn't expect I really wanted one, he ordered a bowl of katsudon with a bewildered look.

"Ah, so good... The exterior is real crisp... While the egg has this deep flavor and melts in the mouth."
"You make it look so good. This old man is craving for one too now. Tonight dinner's settled."
"You've got to eat this stuff... The chicken cutlet set in my neighborhood doesn't stand a chance."
"Hahaha, yeah I know. The restaurant in charge of welcoming party made that after all."

　Ah, I see. Had no idea that kinda of restaurant serves katsudon too... This is bliss.
　A knock on the door broke apart this blissful time.

"You can come in."
"Ah, shoot, gotta finish this."

　I gulp down my meal in a hurry. But I almost choked when I saw the person who showed up at the door.
　...Hm, safe, somehow. I got it down.

"Ah, are you having a meal? Pardon me, I'll come back later--"
"N, no no no no! Please don't mind me, I'm sorry for eating here!"

　It's the elf, the elf I saw on the TV. It's an elf, an elf princess from Grandia in the flesh.
　My thought process went haywire. My brain short circuited from seeing an elven princess in real life.
　Uhyou, it's the real thing! She's super beautiful! Forget about games or reality!
　Elf in the flesh, elf in the flesh, elf in the flesh.

"I heard how you fought bravely to save me. I came here to personally express my heartfelt gratitude. Thank you so much. And..."

　The princess's beautiful face warped in sorrow.
　Who's it! Who's the guy who put that sad look on her! Probably me!

"I'm truly, truly grateful. Originally, there would have been a formal ceremony to confer you with award... However, it has been decided to keep this matter confidential so that cannot be done... Therefore, I would like to grant you your wish as long as it is within my power to."
"Oh, no please... Don't concern yourself with that. I'm just an ordinary student..."
"However..."
"Please don't sweat over it... It's too much for me."

　I'm gonna get greedy if I say it now...
　Like touching her ears, or touching her ears. Ah, but maybe I could at least get a pic...

"...Umm, how about a commemorative photo, is that okay?"
"Wait what, Yuuki-kun?"
"A photo? If you're fine with that... I don't mind. Ah, but you can't post that on the internet, okay? Keep it within your circle of friends, okay?"

　The princess sent a bashful wink my way.
　Be still my beating heart. It's throbbing so hard it likely won't have the same reaction with another girl in my life.

"Fufu, then... Commander, could I trouble you?"
"Y, yes... Are you sure?"
"Yes, if that's his wish."
"Uwaah... I know I said it myself, but are you really sure?"
"Yes, I would like to have one myself. Ah, commander, could you take a pic with my terminal as well?"
"U, understood."

　I stood up and walked up next to the princess. Oh no, I'm getting way more nervous than that time with the summoning.
　Right as Commander pointed the smartphone camera and said 'Say cheese'--
　The princess grabbed my arm and linked hers with mine.
　Oh shoot, I'm gonna die today.

"Norun-sama, that is..."
"Oh, what's the harm. This should make for a good memory. Yuuki-sama, this matter won't go public. However, I swear to you that I will never forget this day. It would make me happy if Yuuki-sama remembers me."
"Ah... Yes... I probably won't for the rest of my life..."

　Afterward... I have no memory until I got back to my hotel...





"Akemi-san, what's wrong with Yuuki-kun? He's been swaying left and right like his soul has left his body."
"Who knows... I can tell something happened at least..."
"Ah... Don't mind me..."
"We're going home tomorrow, you know? If you didn't find the store you wanted to see outside, you could at least shop around inside, right? Like for souvenirs?"
"Ah... Right. Guess I'll go buy some."

　The princess, Norun-sama was it. She was so cute... She was so precious it makes me afraid I'm gonna get hit with bad luck soon.
　Uumu, elves must lead a long life if that's a 30 year old.
　She looks like my age at a glance.
　Nevertheless... A kidnapping huh. It seemed so crude if the plan was to demand ransom from a super VIP like that. Like the crowd control on their escape route and vehicles. To begin with, executing that with just three people is just too weird.

"Fuumu... The one who had his face out gotta be a bodyguard."

　Come to think of it, that exposed abs man had a sword and a crossbow as his weapons.
　Both close and long range like that man I sparred with the other day. Wonder if that style's popular these days.

"Found the souvenir shop. Excuse me, any suggestion--Oho, the candy brand popular in Grandia?"

　Guess I'll get 30 pieces of candy for my buds.

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