Chapter 23

Book 2





　The car we're riding on made its way to the hotel alongside the delegation entourage microbus.
　It's Akimiya Resort Hotel, no comment from me. Of course.
　The delegation entourage is going to meet Akimiya Family Head, our school chairman at the hotel before leaving for the mainland.
　A meeting with Akimiya Family Head ahead of this country's major politicians... This fact alone hints at Akimiya's importance over the country.
　We all changed from our student uniforms to plain clothes in this hotel.

"Phew... Even the suite room is so huge and luxurious. No, wait, of course it is."

　The penthouse I stayed at previously is reserved for Norun-sama this time. We're on the suit room a floor below it. Being the only man, I naturally changed clothes in the dressing room alone. Naturally. Gotta admit the big mirror is handy to have too.

"Sasahara-kun, we're done changing. We will be meeting up in the lobby on the first floor once you're done."
"Got it. I'm just about done too."

　I opened the door and got greeted with two girls in their best going out clothes different from their usual choices for school. You could say flashy even.
　Yep, just two. Satomi-san is at the penthouse with Norun-sama.

"Oh, you two got this different vibe to you today. Makes me kinda nervous."
"Hmm, that doesn't feel bad even as a flattery."
"Hmhmm, aren't I, aren't I?"
"How about me?"
"You don't look really different?"
"Yep, same as ever?"
"Eeh..."

　Dangit!

　I pulled myself together and went to the lobby where a goddess awaited.
　A goddess. Norun-sama in her plain clothes' just on another level altogether. The sight of a hard to approach beauty walking up to me makes my heart throb like mad.

"I've been waiting for you. Let us proceed ahead."

　Yes, my majesty!



　Norun-sama said she wanted to see the artificial beach outside the hotel in the resort area first thing first. Yes, by your will. Darn it, if only the season was summer, we could have taken a dip in the water....

"Fufu, I could only watch from the rooftop previously. I'm finally here on foot. Yuuki-kun, have you been here much after you moved?"
"Nope. Actually, I haven't gotten around the urban areas yet."
"Oh I see. I'm finally allowed to go back to earth once this excursion with Norun-san is over. Then maybe we can go together... The commute to my academy will be rough though."
"Hahaha... Getting on a plane every morning sounds extravagant. How do you deal with the fares?"
"My campus is covering all the expenses. They also offered me a house to stay at over there, but I feel uneasy about that. I'd still rather commute from earth even if it means waking up early."

　I see. Satomi-san is probably getting a special treatment at the academy over there too. That chick she summoned must be that special.

"Yuuki-sama, Satomi-san, please come closer. Look, look the sea is so transparent! You can see below!"
"Ahaha, looks like Norun-san is having a lot of fun. Let's go."

　Gwu! Her smile's too dazzling! She looks so innocent even while in high spirits... I'm gonna fall for her!

"It's really pretty isn't it, Norun-sama."
"Yes. Thirdis beach is equally as exquisite but this beach has this 'manmade immaculate feel' to it. It's truly incredible when you consider that this place was originally an open sea."
"It really is... It's only been 60 years since the two worlds came together... It can't just be magic, I'm sure."

　These two Grandia natives' impression is probably not far off. It's not only magic. This technological marvel is only possible due to the combined might of Earth's science and Grandia's magic.
　But well, magic is what made this sea so clean and the construction of that unbelievably long bridge possible. Nothing is too far-fetched in the face of science and magic hybrid.

"--Yeah, we're at the resort area beach right now... Yeah. Hm, roger. I'll be in touch."
"Hm? Ichinose-san, a comm?"
"Yeah. Kai's group called. They're standing by in a cafe in the business district outside the resort area."
"I see. Guess we should get a move on."

　I made a suggestion to Norun-sama. Why don't we head for the shopping area now?

"Yes, let's. Fufu, we had to close the area previously but I'm going incognito now. I should be able to take in the liveliest sight."
"I bet you will. I went there for the first time a little while ago myself. There's so many people, we should be careful we don't get lost."
"Fufu, should we link arms again then?"
"Uuou... Please don't tease me, Norun-sama."
"Ufufu, pardon me. Then at least allow me to stay by your side."

　What an honor. I shall happily be your escort.

"Yuuki is really cajoling Norun-sama..."
"Don't phrase it like that!"

　Per Norun-sama's wish, we went to clothing and accessory stores and a crepe stall flocked by young girls, having fun all while watching out for anyone suspicious. 
　If there were anyone suspicious... It would be a girl holding an amount of crepes that was too much for one girl in the distance. Koune-san is the same as ever even during a mission.
　The rest of her group look agape.
　As I turned my eyes around in caution, my line of sight stopped at a shuttered store among the rows of stores.
　There's a notice 'looking for a new tenant', guess it's closed?

"...How nostalgic. Even though it was merely half a year ago."
"Norun-sama. What's wrong about this place?"

　Norun-sama stopped next to me and whispered to my ear.

"This was where my abduction took place. Is this your first time on this side?"
"Ah... Yes, it is. I see... It's here huh."
"Yes. I would have never dreamed of being targeted back then. I lacked insight. I asked my escorts to stay outside the shop while I went in alone... As it turned out, both the people who recommended this store the shopkeepers were all in collusion to harm me."
"I had no idea..."
"The perpetrators were all earthlings. There were no witnesses since the area was closed off, as such the incident was made as if it never happened. If news travel about how earthlings, Japanese at that, made an attempt to harm a Grandia noble were to become public, all the trust built between two worlds would instantly come crashing down. There was a real possibility many nations, both on Earth and Grandia, would raise their doubt over a continued relationship between two worlds."  
"...I can see it yes. Even this cultural exchange is hanging on a very delicate balance."

　That's right. The scale is not between two countries anymore.
　It's between two worlds. Both sides find a ground with the least amount of friction to compromise on while shouldering many nations on each other's back... My action back then must carry an infinitely more significant meaning than my wildest imagination.

"Sasahara-kun, Norun-sama. It seems there's an influx of people during this period in this zone. Since we've toured most of the shopping area already, how about we take a look at the specialty shops at the harbor ward?"
"Ah, yes indeed. I would love to go there. To tell you the truth, I haven't taken a step on the mainland either but I've heard that there's all kinds of shops from all over the world open at the harbor ward."
"Hee... I haven't been there. Let's go and see them."
"Yeah. I'll contact the other group. Looks like Koune went to another cafe. They're having a meal right now."
"...Girl's got the nerve of steel."

　I mean, I can see her happily gobbling down sandwiches over a window from where I am. They're well positioned at least....

"Ahaha, your classmates look so fun, Yuuki-kun. But I've got to say I'm also feeling peckish for lunch."
"Same here. Yuuki, Mikoto-chan, what do you wanna have for lunch?"
"Hm, it's a bit too crowded here, how about we look for a restaurant at the harbor ward too?"
"Yes, let's. The ward is supposed to house stores from all kinds of districts. Perhaps we could find a restaurant serving Yuuki-sama's home cuisines as well."
"Mine? Hmm, I don't think there's anything worth having. But I won't say no to an opportunity to taste all sorts of cuisines."

　Do young people even enjoy my hometown's local cuisine? Even I never had one.
　Besides, I don't think local cuisines suit young people's palate... Oh right, Karaage was a local cuisine too. I think they had a TV channel featuring chicken with tartar sauce or something back then.
　But those are quite the heavy line up for girls' lunch.

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

　The harbor ward is located on the coast of the floating city near the super long bridge connected to the mainland.
　Besides the specialty shops selling goods from Japanese districts, there's also a lot of stores with goods from countries close to Japan as well as America and China on display.
　Whoaa... As someone who've never gone anywhere besides his hometown and Tokyo, it's a novel sight.

"After witnessing this and the shopping area, I'm convinced Japan is an expert at utilizing space. Also, I apologize if it offends you but despite lacking land area compared to Grandia, I find it quite interesting how varied the products each districts has to offer."
"I am in agreement, the people to land ratio is particularly dense in Tokyo and the floating city. I spent my childhood in Grandia, thus I came to the same realization when I returned to Japan."
"Yep, hard to think otherwise. Not only the buildings are all so tall, I've heard there are sprawling shopping zones situated underground on the mainland. Everything's so incredibly developed."

　Even a rural man unrelated to Grandia like me shares the same impression on that note. I've never seen this many people even during festivals in my town.

"Norun-sama, looks like restaurants are concentrated in the area ahead. Would you like to have lunch first before we go on a tour?"
"Very well. Then... Satomi-san and Yuuki-sama hail from the same hometown, do you not? Let's search for a restaurant with cuisines from there."
"Ah, I'm sorry Norun-sama. I just looked it up on my terminal. They're temporary closed today."
"Eh! But I was looking forward to Yuuki's home cooking."
"Fumu, to think one could find out such a thing from one's terminal... That's a shame."
"Yes, truly... Let's make our choice as we go then."

　The restaurant's homepage got this notice, 'We're closed today because we could not source a bear'. Are they sourcing from a hunter or something? That is to say, wild game.
　That's one hell of a restaurant... Wait don't tell me they source the bears from the hill behind our campus.
　At any rate, I'm so famished I feel like I can rival Koune-san in an eating contest, we better find a restaurant among these specialty stores and fast.
　There's a lot of seafood probably because we're in a harbor.
　I even found a branch store of the sushi shop I went with Ixia-san back then.
　Many restaurants offer local cuisines, being in the area we are.
　Lots are pushing their promos hard, like 'Horse Sashimi Delivered Straight from Kumamoto', or 'Hakata Tasty Fest'... They all look so nice, I'm gonna check them out with Ixia-san on payday.

"Fufu, there's this appetizing smell in the air. I cannot pinpoint which restaurant is it from... What fun."
"Same here. All these country-specific restaurants are quite famous... But I don't have the faintest idea about them being a Tokyo native I am. Satomi-san, Sasahara-kun. Could you recommend cuisines you are familiar with. I am ill informed."
"Well... I usually eat ready-made stuff... Satomi-san, it's on you."
"E, eeh!? U, ummm.... Ah! How about that Chiba Cuisine over there? Did you know that this floating city is actually closer to Chiba than Tokyo if we measure by a straight line?"

　Ah, I know that trivia. But they made the bridge to Tokyo instead because it's the heart of the nation.

"Chiba... I believe Akimiya's main office is located in Chiba. The family head, Ryouka-sama was born in Chiba too as it seemed. Let us head to that restaurant."
"I see, that does sound good. As expected of Satomi-san, a nice choice indeed. You can learn a thing or two from her, Sasahara-kun. It may sound unconvincing coming from me... But you ought to know more about your country's culture."
"Uu... Loud and clear, ma'am."

　...By the way, what does Chiba have for cuisine I wonder. My image of Chiba would be... That 'Hahaha' mouse. It exists in this world too. That land is there too, I'd like to check it out one day.

　The restaurant is crowded since it's lunchtime but there's still several open tables left.
　A box table with one man and four girls. This is... quite a nice position I got.

"Hee... So it was Chiba's local dish. Got my pick."
"Oh that was fast, Yuuki-kun. I'm still undecided... What're you getting Yuuki-kun?"
"Hmm, it's this 'Namerou Set'."

　Satomi-san sitting next to me couldn't make her choice so I told her my pick.
　My late grandpa loved it. He'd cook it himself sometimes and my grandma would scold him, 'What're you cooking that and drinking booze for when the sun's still so high up!'
　I personally liked it too. Wish I was 20 already.

"Ah, then, I'll have the same too. What's it like?"
"Hm? It's sliced fish kinda like sashimi but flavored. It doesn't really have a strong taste, I'm sure you can handle it. If you're fine with sashimi that is."
"Yep I'll be fine. I can eat raw fish just fine. They're healthy and full of protein."

　Ou... That's a workout mania for you. Selia-san never lets up, does she.
　Satomi-san picked the same dish as well. Only Ichinose-san and Norun-sama are left.

"I shall have this Tri Roll Set. I didn't know it was from Chiba."
"Oh that's a lovely looking dish. I'll have the same set."

　Whoaa... Isn't that supposed to be a major dish. To think it's actually a local cuisine... Even local stuff is high grade in big cities!
　We had a chat while we waited for our orders.
　The topic being, me of all things. Please spare me.

"High school Yuuki-kun? Hmm... I actually only started talking to him in summer of our third year. Before that, Yuuki-kun was... sorry to say, a sort of a loafer, I thought I would have nothing to do with him."
"Eh, is that true?"

　I'm actually curious about that too.
　I wandered my way into this world around the middle of June on my third year. I'm not clear on my position in this world before that.
　...But I always have an inkling that the me here was probably the same as I was in my original world, just playing around as I went... Gununu, getting called a loafer just cuz I was a game center habitual.
　But then what was I spending my time on in this world? Did I go home straight and played the games in my house?

"Fumu, so he was. Rather shocking."
"Hee... So you managed to enroll in our school despite being a loafer, Yuuki."
"Un... But I think Yuuki-kun had a shift. It's not like he was problematic or anything, just that he played around a lot. But then one day, he started to study diligently and went to the library often. I found that curious and decided to talk to him..."
"I see, so you saw me. And then one day, you asked about a lesson while I was studying in the library on holiday."

　I see. I bet she was checking if I was really studying. I think Satomi-san was a library committee member.

"Ah, but he was always the second best on practical combat lesson in our school. He held on the top spot ever since sometime before summer vacation too."
"Sounds about right... I mean, yep that's right... Oh man, sure takes me back."

　That was when I got lost in this world, and beaten up badly by Shousuke cuz I had no clue how to Physical Boost.

"Sasahara-kun being second... is hard to believe. He holds the best rank in bare handed combat practice right now. I loathe to admit but he's our class's ace."
"Right. And that makes me and Mikoto-chan compete for the second spot."

　Personally, I think Ichinose-san has a slight edge over Selia-san. If weapons were allowed... She's probably on an equal footing with me with my limiter on.

"Hee! So he's still first on Scwhein School... I bet it would come as a shock to Shousuke-kun."
"Haha, for sure. Then again, who knows... He's got all kinds of restrictions lifted off after entering college, he's gotta be much stronger now."
"You're right. Shousuke-kun was supposed to be a mage type yet he could put up a good fight with Yuuki-kun. If he participated in a Summoning Experiment..."

　Guy might be eligible for Scwhein School if he got some sort of +α power.
　It's really such a waste... He likes his studies as much as he likes combat after all.

"I bet this individual's prowess is authentic if he has Sasahara-kun's stamp of approval."
"I'm personally interested about the fact that he can match up with Yuuki in melee despite being a mage. I wanna have a match with this person."

　Our food came just as our chat got all heated up. Time for a break.
　Ooh... It looks so good. Dunno what fish is it though.
　We each voiced our opinions on our food and none found theirs inadequate as we spent a quiet meal time.
　...Save for Arariel peeking from outside the window, looking bitter as Koune-san dragged him away by the arm.
　...Didn't you just have a meal, girl. Are you ever gonna be satisfied.

"Thank you for the meal. The rice in this world is definitely tastier than Grandia's. We have rice fields on our side but we lack the selective breeding technology from this world... It's such a wonder how minute cultures such as that is far more advanced in this world even though our world's history spans much farther back."
"Ah, you mean stuff like national identity?"
"If I may have a word, Norun-sama. On the other hand, earth still has a shallow understanding on the root of magical technology. They focus solely on the practical use. The grass is greener on the other side."
"Fufu, perhaps that is so."

　Fumu, I guess that's how it is. I don't really get the root of magical technology thing, but the source of mana on Earth comes from Grandia through the gate after all. Hence all existing things that rely on magic will cease to exist if the Gate were to vanish... Earth has got to be more careful with its handling of Grandia.
　Afterward, we toured around all kind of specialty stores with bulged stomachs.

"Hou... This was a Tokyo Specialty huh..."
"Ah, it's Kaminari-Okoshi. I love that snack. It goes well with tea... Wonder if I'm permitted to buy some."
"Fumu I don't see any problem. You could have it delivered to the campus if you wish to free your hand."
"Oh right. Okay, I'll take this, and also that..."

　Here you see a country bumpkin buying up Tokyo stuff. Can't help myself.

"Yuuki-kun's preferences are all somber, aren't they. Like that lunch earlier."
"Well, I spent my whole life with my grandma and grandpa after all."
"I see, that must play a role. I'll have some of that too."

　I've got green tea stocked up at home already. Even tea brewing specialist, Ixia-san had a tough time brewing green tea. The brewmanship is really deep... I just brew at random though.

"Phew... I have bought quite a lot. Fufu, I caught a sight of an object from Yuuki-sama's hometown. It's a mask of a scary devil."
"Ah... That's not really a devil, more a deity... I agree on the scary part though."
"My, so it was. How discourteous of me..."

  It's that one. They swarm to crying children. 'It's your fault they're crying'.
　I explain to her the outline. They're a nosy beings that scold crying children and lazy wives.

"Fufu, ufufufufu.... How interesting. A deity like that exists. Fufu, truly amusing."
"Hahaha... I'm sorry for my hometown. It's more like a folklore though."
"I see. So it's a folklore."

　Looks like it plucked Norun-sama's heartstring. She took the mask from her shopping bag and put it on.

"Where are the crying children! Fufu, like that?"
"Yep yep, like that."

　She's way too cute. My heart skipped a beat. Even crying kids would fall for her.
　Norun-sama went to another specialty store and bought more souvenirs before we took a break at a nearby park.
　Kai's group just came out of a Hokkaido specialty store in the distance before resting in the same park as we're at. What're they thinking I wonder.

"Well, it's a sufficiently large park after all. Their group having a repose here should not look unnatural. It should pose no issue."
"Hm, got it. Then... I'll stand guard on the sea side just in case. Who can say hostiles won't pop up from the sea, right?"
"...There is a basis to that. It is in your hands, Sasahara-kun."

　I took a slight breather now that the other group is close by. This whole thing has actually been taking a heavy toll on my mental despite my nonchalant attitude.
　...I have to protect my classmates while taking the role of Norun-sama's bodyguard.
　That pressure has been slowly but surely sapping away at my willpower.

"...They're all actually pretty strong themselves though."
"Who's strong again?"

　Satomi-san came by and stood next to me while I was gazing at the sea.
　Is Norun-sama fine without her?

"Over there. The group near the vending machines are your classmates right, Yuuki-kun? So I thought maybe I could take a breather."
"I see. But really... I still can't believe Satomi-san ended up being a princess's attendant."
"Ahaha... Like she mentioned before, I thought Norun-san was an ordinary student at first and often kept her company, then this was my position before I knew it. Besides... My summoned chick also serves as an insurance... She can't revive the dead, but she can restore a person back to health as long as they're still clinging to life. She's a phoenix after all."
"What the, that's too incredible... But I bet there's a drawback, no?"
"Yup. She, the chick is going to fall asleep. For a year, two years, or maybe more."

　I see... The return still far outstrips the drawback.

"But man... That bridge is ridiculously long when you actually have a good look. The monorail's speed is off the chart too. I'm getting cold feet just thinking of getting on that."
"Ahaha, that's for sure... Hey, would you like to take a look around Tokyo together once I'm back here?"
"Oh, sounds good to me. You can tell me how's Grandia like. Our class won't go there until next year."
"Eh, so like on your second year? Wow..."
"Yup. We're definitely going in a sort of mission, like this one. Wait, I guess it's not definite yet."
"My! If that is the case, I must request my country to have your class's presence on a mission."
"Uwaat! Norun-sama, that wasn't good for my heart..."

　Norun-sama's back attack! Yuuki almost fell to the ocean!
　No, seriously. That was a close call.

"Fufu, I beg your pardon, Yuuki-sama... That bridge is in clear view from here."
"Yes. Norun-sama will be crossing it in the evening right?"
"Yes. Once this tour comes to a close, I will go back to our hotel before heading for Nagata-chou in the evening. There I am to have a chat with the prime minister and then settle on a hotel in the city. Your class is invited to the banquet held at the hotel."
"I'm already feeling the pressure... I guess I can't not go, can I?"
"Fufu, but of course. Yuuki-sama is also--"

　That was when. The smart terminal inside Norun-sama's handbag rang.

"It's me... Yes, understood--Please give my regards to Uda-sama."
"...Is it from the delegation entourage?"
"Yes. They are on the way to the mainland now that their meeting with Akimiya's Family Head had concluded."
"Ah! You think it's that one?"
"Yes. They are riding on a different disguised vehicle as it looks like."

　A disguised microbus like the one we rode was running on the bridge as Satomi-san pointed.
　It's driving fast... The cars in this world are just that safe--
　That was when. The monorail running in parallel with the microbus below the bridge suddenly exploded, the shockwave caused all the cars above the bridge to stop.

"Wha!? An accident!?"
"Norun-sam, we're retreating to the park! All hands, gather up!"

　A part of the bridge has collapsed, completely closing off the road.
　Upon a closer inspection, the monorail didn't actually explode... The rail track did.
　The hanging monorail is stopped in its track, and the cars are almost falling down the crumbled bridge.
　They won't hold off for long, just as that thought crossed my mind--

"!? Wha... Another one..."

　Another explosion took place on the bridge behind the microbus, shutting down the sole escape route for all the vehicles there.
　The bridge pier and a segment of the bridge along with the cars, microbus and the monorail are completely isolated now.

"Sasahara-kun, hurry and round up!"
"Yea! All hands, regroup!"

　We reconvened and formed a circle with Norun-sama in the center.

"...It ain't no accident. They were gunnin' for that entourage, not the princess huh."
"...Hey, doesn't that look bad? The delegation car has been left behind there. Can't we save them?"
"Hmm... I think that, um, monorail? has it worse... It's being suspended in mid-air and all."

　Kazuki-san spoke calmly amidst the slightly panicked voices of my classmates.

"This place is too close to the scene. Shouldn't we head back to hotel and regroup with Universe One? Let me contact--"

　Before she could finish. A group of people in black combat suits and helmets ran up to us.
　We all prepared for battle before an individual from the group walked up to us.

"Are you all safe!? I'm a member of Universe One. We have deemed that we are under attack. We have been tasked to escort Norun-sama to the airport, not hotel, post-haste."
"Wha... Will the conference be called off?"
"In all likelihood, yes... Situation demands, we must bring you back asap. We cannot leave any chance open."

　It's... true, she'd be better off leaving Japan asap.
　Bombing? That's too large scale of a terrorist attack... 
　The group who called themselves Universe One took Norun-sama and then talked to Selia-san for some reason.

"You come along too."
"Eh? Why me?"
"Err... I'm the attendant..."
"Hm? Is that right? I thought for sure it was an elf."

　I reflexively used Physical Boost and instantaneously carried away Norun-sama in my arms before they could take her away. Then I hid behind my classmates. 

"Eh!? Um, Yuuki-sama?"
"What are you up to, Sasahara-kun!"

　Oy oy, this Universe One folks are supposed to be pro right. You're telling me they don't know who the attendant is? Of course not. We're also their targets of protection, y'know?

"All hands, prepare to engage. These guys are not Universe One."
"Oy oy, what're you--"

　Selia-san ran up and said this.

"You people... are elves, aren't you. I can tell from your presence and scent. Hey, Kaname-kun. Universe One members are all earthlings, right."
"Yep that's right. They're an Underworld Survey Team whose members and sponsors consist of exclusively earthlings. They scouted me out after all. I know them all by faces."

　A surprising reveal aside, the odd is stacked against them. Which means, these guys are--

"...Sasahara-kun. Do make sure Norun-sama stay safe."
"Roger that. Norun-sama, please bear with it as I carry you away in this position."
"Y, yes... If you would."

　Our enemies.

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