Chapter 22

Book 2





　Well in the end the only event worth mentioning in early May was a slight clash I had with Selia-san's friend.
　I didn't get into any other trouble and got closer with my classmates during the month. I'd like to think my social life has been going well.
　Meanwhile we finally entered the end of May.
　Early next month, that is to say tomorrow is when Norun-sama is arriving in Japan. My classmates are being briefed about it right now.

"Uuh... Escorting Norun-sama... is a huge responsibility..."
"It really is... Um, how is our formation like?"

　The two Grandia natives, Koune-san and Selia-san raised their concern.

"Having all eight of you follow Norun-sama would draw too much attention. As such, three among you will accompany Norun-sama as her bodyguards, while the rest is to mobilize together in a different student group not far from her entourage."
"Hee, then sign me up as the princess's guard. Gonna get close to her."

　Yeah don't think that's happening Arariel. Mess up and it'll lead to a diplomatic issue. You already went to that elven establishment anyway.

"Rejected. Her entourage members would be Selia as a fellow elf student. Ichinose for her close quarter combat ability. And lastly, Sasahara has been chosen for some reason."
"Hell yeah."

　Quit glaring at me, Arariel. You too Kai, don't look so bitter.
　And you Kaname, at least try to look like you're invested in this. Why are you reading a movie brochure now.

"Uwaa... Sensei, Norun-sama is someone I'd never have dreamed of being in the same room. I'm gonna be a nervous wreck..."
"Don't you 'uwaa' me. You're all wearing your uniforms on the day, so you'll work nicely as a camouflage being an elf and all. Ichinose's got a good combat record even without a device. That applies to Sasahara too... But Sasahara, don't you dare make a move on Norun-sama no matter how beautiful she is, you hear me? Sensei is worried about you. Shotas like you can't be trusted at all. I bet you're gonna use that innocent face of yours to woo her, tell me I'm wrong."
"Who you calling a shota! And why're you so hellbent on making me out as a problem student!?"

　Jen-sensei has been treating and teasing me like, you know... a boy she's known for a long time than a student ever since the enrollment ceremony. Wonder why?
　I mean, I don't dislike it. But you know, I'm definitely going to grow bigger and bigger from now on, so treating me like that is only gonna embarrass her--

"You've got it so nice, Yuuki..."
"Uwoo, what gets you so down in the dump, Kai."
"I have experience in escort missions too... H, hey... You think they mind if I go and say hi? To your group I mean..."
"Out of question. Look, Ichinose-san is gonna get on your case if you're being too persistent."

　Despite everybody's reaction, the formation seems to be fixed.
　I see, I'm gonna be in the same group as Selia-san, the classmate I've been growing close to as of late.
　...Feels like it's an omen to something. She saw my lockscreen too.

"Sensei. Could you share more details on the escort personnel besides us?"
"Oh, almost forgot. Listen well class, as Kazuki here mentioned, an Underworld Survey Team dispatched from Grandia, 'Universe One' will be in charge of protecting Norun-sama as well you students. You know them already don't you? They're a skilled bunch so you can rest easy during this mission."
"Hee, that's something else. That team is going to be our backup. Quite extravagant."

　Oh, Kaname finally showed some interest. They must pretty famous.
　Me? 'Course I don't know those people.

"They will be on the move above the buildings along the planned route. They'll immediately contact you with the provided comm devices if they sense something amiss. Do not let up."
"Yeah yeah. Aah, boring. Hey Yuuki, swap with me in the back will ya."
"Nope not a chance. You know that Univ something is definitely gonna attack you if we did that right?"
"Hell they will. Ah, dammit... Blond elves are the best. I'mma find a chance to hit her up."

　I can't let this guy meet Ixia-san even if it kills me.
　At any rate, the detail provided to my classmates is pretty much the same as the one they gave me. We're finally starting our first mission.
　Tomorrow, Norun-sama will arrive at the airport located on this floating city's east bank through the Earth side gate. Selia-san, Ichinose-san and I will be welcoming her there.
　Publicly, our job is still about escorting the princess in her tour.
　But of course, we must always be on the lookout for any possible raid.

"Hey, so like, you think she remembers you Yuuki?"
"Uwoo, when did you get there."
"I walked straight up, were you lost in thought? Ah, I bet you were thinking about Norun-sama, weren't you?"
"Hm well, I guess. I mean she's our target of protection after all."
"Really? It's not about love between two people from different standings?"

　Ey, quit teasing me. Yes I admit she was super pretty and I almost fell for her! However! I've built up some resistance thanks to Ixia-san.

"Fumu, have you met Norun-sama previously, Sasahara-kun?"
"Once when I delivered her lost and found."
"Is that so. Do you two mind joining me in a meeting to discuss our plan tomorrow in the cafeteria after this? We can have lunch as well."
"Ah, I'm in. Hehe, us three are in the same lab after all. I'm sure we can deal with anything just fine." 
"Fufu, that may be right. Let us go."



　Err... Today's special is 'Deluxe Macalon and Oolong Tea Set'. Just between you and me, I'm kinda disappointed how normal it sounds for once.
　I've got Ixia-san's lunchbox with me today so I'm gonna pass on it.
　Wonder what's inside? The box looks bigger than usual.

"Fumu, they're Chinese-style steamed buns I see. I am not too partial on sweets, but I make an exception for these buns."
"I love anything sweet myself... They're nothing like convenient store cheese buns, aren't they?"
"I am not informed on the detail myself... but these buns are more springy and full bodied."
"By the way, I know pretty much nothing about that. Now then, wonder what's my lunchbox today."

　Time to open the big lunchbox! ...Oh! It's packed full of pilaf!
　So many bell peppers, Ixia-san sure knows me well! The second layer below has... Ooh... Fried shiitake with meat. Quite a somber choice! Wonder if she learned this from BB Cooking too? There's also broccoli and mini tomatoes to add the colors.

"Ooh... Yay, it's full of bell peppers."
"...Your face is always brimming with smiles whenever you open your lunchbox."
"Doesn't he? I think it's kinda cute, no? Jen-sensei said it too. Shota."
"Fumu? What is that shota thing?"
"Err, it was from a show popular in the past--"
"Alright, let's not go there. We've still got food to work on."

　Dangit, why did those robot anime still get released when gaming culture isn't developed in this world... Right I see, magic may exist but Grandia doesn't have SF so that genre is still around...
　Actually, how come Selia-san knows about the root of the word 'shota' anyway....

"Uumu... but it sure is a lot. The box's packed to the brim."
"Ufufu, would you like a helping hand perhaps? Yuuki-kun."
"Uwaa, there she is."

　Always showing up whenever it's lunchtime even if you don't call her name. Koune-san is currently the classmate that's left the biggest impression on me... She's carrying a tray full of Macalon.

"Hey now that's rude to a lady. Fufu, I see your lunchbox is as large as ever. You don't mind me taking a bite, do you?"
"...Well there's plenty to go around, so okay. Strictly the pilaf though. The side dish is only enough for one."
"Affirmative. Ah, I hope you lot don't mind I'm joining."
"Ahaha, you ask that now? Of course we don't mind, Koune-chan. We haven't had many chances to see each other. I'd love to talk with you more."
"Fufu, I suppose I do as well. I believe you graduated from Rahhal Magecraft Department? As a matter of fact, I graduated from Rahhal as well. The swordsmanship department though."
"Ah, I didn't know! Hee, I didn't really interact a lot with that department. So so, where do you come from Koune-chan?"
"I'm from Elecrea Kingdom on Secondaria Continent. Selia-san you're from... Thirdis Continent I believe?"
"Yup. I'm from a remote region of Seryumieruach on Thirdis Continent."
"I see... You must have gone through quite the distance when you went all the way to Rahhal."

　You don't butt in when girls are chatting, this is absolute. Fumu, I see Kouna-san is from Secondaria Continent. If I'm not wrong it should be sandwiched between Firstoria Continent where the gate is and Thirdis Continent. Having continents neatly lined up in a row like that is pretty weird when you think about it....

"Sasahara-kun, would you discuss tomorrow plan with me while these two are off to their own world?"
"Nn, got it. Whoa, you're a fast eater, Ichinose-san."
"...U, umu... It was my favorite, I couldn't help myself."

　Got me the rare Ichinose-san blush. I quietly shared my plentiful pilaf to Koune-san and entered meeting mode.

"You cannot store a weapon inside your body, and naturally neither can you exactly lug your weapon device around, hence you would be bare handed tomorrow..."
"Ah, yeah didn't think about it. Right of course, Ichinose-san and Selia-san can summon their weapons."
"Yeah. As such, I would prefer if you are in charge of escorting Norun-sama to safety while either of us fight off the enemy when it comes down to it."
"I see, that does make sense... That Univ something personnel should rush in to fetch Norun-sama if things go south, after which I probably should go back and help you out, no?"
"Right, I believe Selia and I should face no issue but I won't say no to reinforcement. I plan to consult with Kai regarding the other group's plan... Hosting a separate meeting between two groups is quite inefficient even if if it's for the sake of independence. This is after all an escort mission."

　I think so too. It's probably because this mission is considered low risk, but it's still a risk, why isn't this planned out more carefully? Or maybe... There's a reason it has to be done this way...?

"Ah, that was so good. You have my thanks, Yuuki-kun."
"You're welcome. I can't believe you managed to siphon all that into your slim body, Koune-san."
"Koune-chan, are you working out a lot? I also eat a lot because I work out..."
"No, I don't do an especially strenuous activity, though?"
"...I, I see."
"...Ah, I get you Selia. It's quite an enviable constitution."

　No comment here.

"By the way, tomorrow we will dine together with Norun-sama's entourage as well as the delegation entourage once our mission is finished. The banquet will be held at a hotel on the mainland."
"Hee, I didn't hear about that. Did Sensei tell you?"
"Yes, she did just before I went here. Fufu, I cannot wait already."

　Nuu... I've never gone in that kind of party, I won't be able to calm down... Wonder if I could taste the food? I'd rather go home and have dinner with Ixia-san in front of TV.

"Alright, I'll have to take my leave. Our group is going to hold a meeting soon."
"Yeah, understood. Let us give it our all tomorrow, Koune."
"Later, Koune-chan."
"Good bye glutton-san."
"...Torya."

　Ouch. Guess that was over the line. I got myself a Koune chop.

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

"So yeah, tomorrow I won't be able to have dinner at home. I might end up staying out the whole night."
"Is that right... Will you be fine? Should I trail you from behind in secret? To your lodging location."
"...Are you worried about my health rather than the mission?"
"Of course. This month is coming to an end, but we cannot yet digress... A terrifying illness is spreading far and wide. In reality, news pertaining this illness has been running rampant on TV... I have been keeping quiet regarding it since I didn't wish to worry you..."

　At night, Ixia-san broke out that terrifying news while we were sitting together eating okonomiyaki, a novel choice for dinner... An illness serious enough to make the news...?

"Thankfully, Yuuki does not show any symptoms resembling it... The housewives I often chatted with while shopping informed me that their sons in distant places have caught this illness..."
"Hiee... Had no idea it's such a big deal."
"Yes... It is said that there is no precedent to this illness... Once you are ailed by it, your body and soul will grow weary, your heart will turn to darkness, eventually compelling you to take your own life... As such, you must consult with me on the outset if you feel anything wrong in the slightest, Yuuki... I will do everything in my power to help."

　The symptoms are that terrifying...? An illness that affects your mental health.
　While I was lost in thought. The TV switched to a program about adapting to new life .
　...I think this broadcasting station also belongs to Akimiya.

『Now that we're entering rainy season, I'd like to talk about what rainy gear that's handy to have for those who commute to school or work.』
『Sounds great to me. I feel bad when I have to bring a wet umbrella into the train.』
『Yeah that's rough. Following our 'May Blues' counterplan last time, today we will talk about interesting goods that will help color your life and--』

　...Huh?

"Ah, the TV just mentioned it. Yes, there is this terrifying illness known as the May Blues... I was under the belief that it would cease to exist once May has lapsed... But apparently, some individuals would still fall victim even in June..."
"...Err, Ixia-san?"

　Young man, explaining. The May Blues is not an actual illness.
　Since it's a pure mental issue, it can go on for longer.
　I guess you could say it's an infectious disease in a way, but May Blues... is not related to diseases that spread by germs or viruses. So you can't get infected just by going outside.

"Wha... So it is like that... I thought for sure... Then, is there anything weighing on your mind Yuuki? Anything you're concerned or anxious about... Perhaps about your mission tomorrow..."
"Haha, I'm fine. I'm having so much fun every day, and just seeing Ixia-san welcome me home makes my life worth living."

　A silent hug. Please stop, I'm gonna die from embarrassment.

"Yuuki, please be on your highest alert during your mission tomorrow. Refrain from doing anything reckless no matter what."
"O, okay, I get it..."
"Let us do today's share like this. I shall finish it faster than usual as to not negatively affect your mission tomorrow."

　A gentle stroking sensation envelops my body.
　Today... it's a mix of a flower scent and a hint of sauce!
　The okonomiyaki was so good.





"Hee... Unlike Hata or Narita, this airport feels more like a government facility."
"Yep. Not a lot of individuals can come and go to Grandia right now so this facility is geared more toward government officials than citizens." 
"It's like this here~. But Grandia side airport is way more relaxed. There's a lot of stalls nearby it's like a festival every day."
"I suppose that's right. This side is stricter to cover both airports."
"I see... Oh, the airplane's here--whoa it's so fast! So huge!"
"Oh, this is your first time seeing it huh, Sasahara. Yes, it's far bigger and sturdier than any jumbo jet currently in service on Earth. It is made that way to endure the impact of passing through the gate."
"Yet you don't feel any shaking inside that thing~."

　On mission day. We waited for the airplane landing on seven o'clock in the morning.
　I thought they must have departed early in the morning but apparently there's a time difference between two worlds.
　...Of course there is, why didn't I think of it.
　The airplane finished the entire landing process surprisingly smooth and quick, probably due to magic, and then Norun-sama went down the plane.
　Whoa, it's not only Norun-sama. There's so many elves... Wonder if they're the delegation entourage.
　That was when. A girl wearing what seemed to be a student uniform came down last--her hair is colored orange, but her face looks like--

"...Satomi-san?"

　There's no mistake. Her hair color may be different but that's definitely Satomi-san.
　...Oh right, the school Norun-sama is attending... has the same name as Satomi-san's.
　At any rate, we went to the reception room to greet Norun-sama.



"Pleasure to meet you, students of Schweinritter Integrated Vocational School. I am Norun Ryucsbel Bright. Today please regard me as a member of student body, not as a princess. I beg your pardon for taking up your time, I hope we could get along well."

　Only us students as well as Norun-sama and Satomi-san are left in the reception room.
　They're separating adults and the kids to let us get to know each other better.
　Well, those adults will be traveling to the same hotel before taking a car to the mainland as scheduled.

"Nice to meet you. My name is Yoshikage Satomi. I have been selected as Norun-sama's attendant for this excursion."
"The pleasure's mine. I'm Ichinose Mikoto. We will be going on a tour but I must confess that this will be my first time touring around the floating city myself. I apologize beforehand for any inadequacy."
"Err, umm.... I, it is my greatest honor to be in the company of No, Norun-sama..."

　While everybody was doing fine introducing themselves, Selia-san spoke with a trembling voice. Someone giggled at her classic nervous response... Norun-sama that is.

"Fufufu, please relax yourself. Think of this as an actual cultural exchange between fellow students."
"I, I understand... I'm Selia D Hamitt. Pleased to meet you."
"Alright, I'm the last one... Don't think I need an introduction though."

　Both Norun-sama and Satomi-san flashed a faint smile as I started my speech.

"Sasahara Yuuki here. I haven't been on this city long so I'd like to use this opportunity to have fun looking around the floating city as well. Let's have a blast together."
"Fufu, that'd be wonderful. How have you been, Yuuki-sama. I requested your presence when I found out that you're commuting to the school here. I'll be in your care."

　The moment Norun-sama said that. Satomi-san turned her face at her with a look of surprise. 

"Eh!? How come Norun-san knows Yuuki-kun!?
"Eh? Satomi-san is acquainted with Yuuki-sama?"
"Eh? Weren't you two aware about it already?"
"Eh? You knew Satomi-san too Yuuki?"
"Eh? I suppose I should match you all as well."

　No uh, Ichinose-san, that's not right. What is this chaotic space.
　Let's all calm down. Gotta explain.

"Satomi-san is a friend from high school. I found and delivered Norun-sama's belonging during our Summoning Experiment last year. I spoke with her then."
"I see...? Is that true, Norun-san?"
"Fufu, yes, let us assume so."

　Hey, Norun-sama?

"Oho, Sasahara-kun's high school huh. Could it really be, a coincidence."
"Err, the reason I was selected is because there are very few students from earth on our school. And since I'm commuting from the floating city..."
"Fufu, that's not all the reason. Satomi-san is the sole student who would interact with me unreservedly like a friend."
"...That's because I didn't realize who Norun-sama was."

　Oh, I got it. I guess she's someone you'd only see on TV sometimes. You wouldn't notice her in her student uniform.
　Her sight has been burned in my mind though.

"In any case, it's quite reassuring that all of us here is connected one way or another. After this, we will head to our hotel on the floating city, change clothes and start the tour. The other five students will be moving in a different group during the tour. They shall rush to us in case of emergency, please rest easy."
"Yes, I understand. Let us head to our hotel now. Fufu, I cannot wait."

　Ichinose-san being the most experienced in actual missions took the lead.
　Really dependable. The adults are also finished with their meeting, we've gotten a notice to move out.
　We're using cars to travel to our hotels, the delegation entourage on a camouflaged microbus while we're on a camouflaged car... The insides are as luxurious as a limousine's though.

"I'm still not over it, Yuuki-kun. I heard our bodyguards are students of a new elite class at Scwhein School... Imagine my surprise when I saw Yuuki-kun among those students..."
"I'm just as surprised as you. I take it you've been staying in Grandia the past two months, Satomi-san? My mail couldn't get through."
"Ahaha, I'm sorry. My body is more compatible with Grandia mana than the norm so it took longer for the mana to circulate inside. Look, this hair and eye colors are the after effects."

　I only noticed her eye color has changed as well here.
　Crimson... No, it's a mix of red and orange like the color of flame.
　Her orange hair color also looks somewhat flame-ish.

"Ooh... They're so pretty and cool. The summoning must play a role on it huh."
"Ehehe, being told pretty straight up is kinda embarrassing."
"S, so! What do you mean by summoning role? I'm kinda curious."

　Whoa, Selia-san joined in. I bet the topic of magic piqued her interest as a former mage.

"Ah, err... I wonder if it's fine to call her inside the car."
"She's small and all, should be fine."
"Oh right. Then... Ey! Ever since I summoned this child here, my aptitude for fire magic has gone really high up. My body took in the fire mana in Grandia, binding it and altering my appearance."
"Hee... I heard cases about earthlings having their hair color altered... it's quite the brilliant color, isn't it. I've never heard altered eye color however."
"Fufu, that's right. Satomi-san is the first earthling student that was accepted to the upper magecraft class. This chick is the young of an Insanity Phoenix. I personally find her highly intriguing for indwelling the soul of my country's sacred beast."
"Hee, so that chick is from Seryumieruach."

　Hoo, so it's a real sacred beast? Guess her workplace is settled then.

"Eh... No way... It's not just a Flame Pigeon...? ...Isn't that like, incredible...?"
"My goodness...! ...We cannot let Koune meet Satomi-san..."
"Hm? Why'd Koune-san come out there?"

　Ichinose-san made a startled look and darted her line of sight around. Why, what, how? Does she have a weirdly specific Insanity Phoenix allergy or something?

"Well... Norun-sama might be aware of it already... One of our classmates is, err, a member of 'Shezard Family'..."
"My...! To think someone from such a historic family is a student there..."
"Err, what is this about, Norun-san."

　Ichinose-san, Selia-san and Norun-sama look like they got it... Uh?

"Here let me explain, Yuuki. Insanity Phoenix is a considerably high ranking Sacred Beast that governs over destruction and frenzy. They're also a sub species of phoenix that rules over longevity and immortality. On that note..."
"I shall take over. There is a legend passed down in Koune's family. Long ago in the past, a young heir of Shezard House, whose history traces back to the age of myth, obtained an ageless body after dining on the meat of an Insanity Phoenix. The authenticity of this legend has been lost in the annals of history, but it is a fact that every member of Shezard House lives a long life."
"Hee! That kinda sounds like Japanese's mermaid legend, interesting."
"Yea. But that is not the end of it. Koune-san said this to me when she found out about that legend... 'Hee, that's really interesting. I would love to have a bite as well. I wonder how it tastes.'"

　...Ah, she's definitely not joking. We're talking about that girl after all.
　I told the two about Koune-san and her eating habit. Satomi-san hid the chick inside her body in a hurry.

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