Chapter 45

Book 4




　Even though this town is not quite big enough to be called a city, one still can find shopping districts that feature an aggregation of bars if they look around.
　The sight of an unfamiliar dim district gradually turning brighter with blinding neon lights and LEDs from signboards, and the prospect of drinking alcohol for the first time in this world excites Ixia as she looks around restlessly.

"I-it's really crowded. I have never seen this many people gathered in one spot in this town."
"My, you never go to places like this, Ixia-san?"
"Yes, that's right. She's been holed up in the research facility as my assistant since the day she arrived on Earth from Grandia. She's never gotten the chance to visit this kind of places. Right, Ixia-san."
"Why'd you answer for her, Chise."
"Why not, right, Ixia-san?"
"Yes. Nishida-san is correct. I shall follow you two's lead as the more experienced personnel."

　As the night falls, more and more shops turn on the lights while the three women walk through the shopping district, nay, the pleasure quarter.
　But a group of young women, and one of them being an elf unusual in this area at that, would naturally attract men.
　However... These three women not only have high standards on men, their male acquaintances are all high specs as well. Of course these pick up attempts only end up infuriating them.
　They didn't mince words at all to a group of young men of around 20 as they shot them down.

"Sorry, we're not interested in playing with kids. Let's see... why don't you try again once you earn more than your parents? You're not telling us you people plan to take us to that bar, are you?"
"Wha...!"
"Chise, quit that. My bad, guys. We have a reservation already. Feel free to tag along... But I can't guarantee it's somewhere you can afford."

　Their words cut mercilessly. However, they're merely stating the fact, and the way these pick-up artists have been persistently pestering them is borderline criminal.
　Ixia kept following the two women deep into the pleasure quarter before they arrived at a high-class bar.



"Sheesh the public order in this area has really gone the drain. Nearby store personnel wouldn't have stayed quiet if they saw creeps like those young men in the past."
"It's just how it is now. They've got more colleges built around these parts. Also remember it's summer break. Kids who are now grown ups are home for the holiday."
"Really. I'm sorry about it, Ixia-san. You had to deal with creeps like them even though we come all this way to have fun."
"Oh, was there a problem? I believe that type of people are only expected at an amusement quarter."

　To begin with. Chise forgot that Ixia-san had seen how wicked men can be in her past life during Grandia's Age of Myth.
　People dying or quarrels between men and women are nothing unusual in a night town. To Ixia, the happening earlier didn't even register as an incident to her.

"You're so right, Ixia-san! Yep, who cares about those creeps when we have a bar to hit! Grab everything you want, it's on Chise today!"
"Why me! We should split the bill between the two of us."
"No, let me pay my own share as well..."
"Please don't worry about it, consider it a token of my appreciation Ixia-san..."
"Appreciation, me...?"
"Of course. Ah, are you familiar with the ordering fashion here? In this bar, you use this tablet..."
"Fumufumu... It's really convenient. There are less steps to order the menu."
"Ah, right, Grandia doesn't have this kind of tech."
"Some places do, I believe."

　And thus the girl's party began.



"This and that... also I wanna have another one of this."
"Ixia-san, which type of alcohol do you prefer? I recommend this one. It goes well with sashimi."
"I see... I'm sorry for not drinking much."
"Don't be, you don't have to force yourself. It's just that sake is the staple drink when it comes to sashimi. I thought you'd want to know."
"Fumu... an alcohol that originates from this country is it. I would love to have a taste."
"You see... Chise's always been a big fan of sake. She kept picking those somber boozes whenever we were out partying during college days. People would talk behind her back about it."
"They should thank me that I was even there. I went there to have good food and drink. I don't fit in with folks who throw a huge fuss regardless of the food they order."
"Hmm, and that's why you don't have a boyfriend."
"I don't need one. What about you. You're still single despite your flying career."
"That's! That's... I only went to Akimiya because you got a job there..."
"Can you not put the blame on me?"

　Their arguments became more heated the more they chugged while Ixia wouldn't stop tasting the high quality sashimi that could only be found in a luxurious bar like this.

"This is really good... I love how there are so many types of fish cuisines and sashimi in this country... This sake... tastes so refreshing in the mouth. I could get used to it."
"Fufu, isn't it? This area is well known for its sake brewery you know. Fufu, go have some with Yuuki once he turns 20."
"Yuuki... fufu, that will be in two more years. I simply cannot wait."
"T-that's it! That's what I wanted to ask! Ixia-san, you're still considered pretty young by human standard right? Don't you feel any regret about becoming a mom at your age?"
"Hey... Drop it, Akemi."
"I do not. I plan to dedicate my life to Yuuki."
"You serious? Even Yuuki-kun is gonna get married someday, you know? And once he does... your second life will start anew! Don't you ever have that thought? Like, maybe you've got a potential partner in mind?"

　Akemi simply says her thought out loud as someone who isn't in the know.
　The idea that it might have been rude didn't even cross her drunken mind.
　But Chise couldn't help but watch their conversation nervously....

"...I don't want that. Yuuki will always be... my son, forever! We're going to be together always! Aren't we, Nishida-san?! Yuuki is my very own cute kid, forever and ever!"

　Ixia-san is also... as drunk as Akemi.
　Age of Myth elves can hold their liquor. There is no such a rule.
　Ixia is actually a light drinker. She was already tipsy by the time she finished giving her impression on sake earlier. 

"You see, Yuuki is... a really really good kid... He's so small and so cute... so shy and hardworking... he'll always be my kid... I won't give him to anyone, no one! Not a chance!"
"Fufu... You're right, Yuuki-kun is a good kid... He's so polite too... neither too serious or is he noncommittal. He strikes a good balance... If only I were five year younger..."
"Hey... Ixia-san, you too... are you tipsy already?"
"I am not... I merely let it out a bit... Yuuki, you see... He's very popular with girls... I'm worried... Mom is so... worried..."

　She's wasted already. But the way she doesn't look different from her sober self is a conundrum.
　Ixia went on to complain about stuff she doesn't usually say out loud while her hand wouldn't stop reaching for sashimi.
　And then, the only woman who can hold her liquor here, Chise ends up having to deal with two drunkards.






　Umu, I don't have anything to do. It's been so long since I spend a night alone, can't believe how nothing there is to do. I forgot how I usually spent my time alone.
　I tried watching videos on my smart terminal, but it did nothing to ease this boredom. I watched TV and quickly got tired.
　Is this that symptom, once you're used to having people around, inorganic stuff don't interest you anymore?
　I connected my smart terminal with the charger and was about to go to bed when it rang.
　I immediately picked it up the moment I saw the caller ID.

"Hello, Satomi-san?"
『Ah, Yuuki-kun, you're still up? I want to tell you that I just got back at my parent's home.』
"Oh, nice. Thought that'd be tomorrow. The signal here's pretty bad, can you hear me?"
『Un, I can. There's gonna be a local festival nearby so I went home earlier.』
"Ooh... Wait, where do you live anyway Satomi-san?"
『In Kunaicho. How about we go to the festival together with Ixia-san?』
"Ah, I'd like that. Wait, that's the next town over. I probably went to that festival in the past. They shoot fireworks every year right? I want to show it to Ixia-san."
『Thought you would. How does tomorrow afternoon... around three o'clock in front of Kunaicho station sound?』
"OK. Oh, I'm gonna hit up Shousuke-kun too just in case."
『Okay. See you tomorrow, Yuuki-kun.』

　I hung up. Right, that kind of event exists. I haven't gone to one for the past few years though since I was busy part timing.
　I bet Ixia-san has never seen a fireworks show before, it's gonna be a precious memory I'm sure.
　...Wonder if we have a yukata? Will grandma's work? I think she had some stored.

"It's ten already... Hope Ixia-san is doing alright."

　Someone rang the bell right after I said that.
　This hour can only mean... Nishida-san, surely.

"Good evening, Yuuki-kun. I'm here to deliver Ixia-san."
"You mean..."
"Hold on. Fujiwara, if you'd please."
"Yes ma'am. I'm sorry for intruding so late at night, Yuuki-sama. I will bring Ixia-sama to her bedroom."

　I couldn't process it at first when I saw Chief Nishida coming in with Fujiwara-san.
　Eh, Ixia-san is asleep?

"I had Fujiwara pick us up since she fell asleep in the bar."
"Oh... Please don't let her drink too much, okay."
"Y-yes... I'll be careful. Yuuki, if you ever catch Ixia-san trying to have a drink at home... make her stop at all cost. She's a bit... quite a handful when she drinks."

　I didn't expect Ixia-san to be a bad drinker... I kinda want to see that to be honest.

"Yuuki-sama. I have left Ixia-sama in her bed. We shall take our leave now."
"Ah, thank you. I'm about to get some rest as well. Good night, you two."
"Yes, good night. I'm sorry for taking Ixia-san so late."
"Have a good night, Yuuki-sama."

　...I see, Ixia-san fell asleep. And Fujiwara-san... sorry about this.
　They made you an errand boy huh. Geez... just how much did she drink anyway.



　The following morning. I woke up in my room with its ineffective AC. Oh man... so hot.
　I went to bed before midnight so I ended up waking before six this morning. They didn't ask me to help with the radio calisthenic program today, but I could hear the faint radio music playing in the distance.
　...I'm awake and all, might as well go have a look.

"They just started... Now what, should I join--wha!?"

　At the vacant field, I see Ixia-san energetically moving her arms up and down among the children. How is she awake already. Even more surprising to see her doing radio calisthenic.
　Huuh... Is she really doing alright after yesterday.
　Anyway, I quietly joined them and had my drowsiness blown away healthily.
　Once it was over, the kids rushed in to get their stamps at Ixia-san like it was only natural for her to be there.
　...I'll get in line too.

"Next one please... Fufu, what a cutie you are. Those who don't have a card hold out their palm please."
"Haha... Good morning, Ixia-san."
"Fufu, good morning. I must have caused you trouble yesterday. I recall up to the point I had a drink in the bar... but then my memory skipped to me already in bed."
"I'm just glad that you look well. You got back home fast asleep, see."
"I had no idea... I believe alcohol might be too soon for this body as I had suspected. I have no recollection after taking a sip last night."

　I see so even though her body is physically an adult her immune system is still not quite advanced yet.
　Or maybe... she's always been a light drinker even in her past life.
　After seeing all the children off, I went back home with Ixia-san.
　She told me she likes how the kids would flock to her so she volunteered to help with radio calisthenic yesterday. Uumu... she really loves children.
　Can't say I'm perfectly okay at being included there though.



"It's tasty... Yuuki, this is really tasty. The flavor is so gentle. I had no idea you could make this cuisine."
"I wouldn't quite call it a cuisine. Back then, I think around my primary school age, grandma would make this for dad since he would always get a hangover the day after he had a drink. I got her teach me the recipe."

　Today we're having 'Grated Porridge' that's supposed to be good for hangover. I made it myself for breakfast.
　You make it by cooking white rice and grated radish together. Once it's done cooking, scatter additional grated radish and diced spring onion on top. Real simple.

"Oh so that's the story behind this. Fufu, the tastes gives you a peace of mind. Here you too have some, Yuuki."
"Yes... Ah, it's pretty good..."
"It really is. I see so it's meant to abate hangover."
"But you seem fine, Ixia-san."
"Yes, well. I would get tipsy quick and get over it just as quick in my past life as well."
"Hee... Wish I could legally drink already."
"Fufu, do you now. We have two more years until that time."

　Ixia-san laughed as she said that.
　...She's so charming. Not as a mother... but someone to yearn for. One day... I'll get her to deem me worthy as an adult and...

"Ah, right. Satomi-san called yesterday. There's gonna be a fireworks rally in the next town over today. How about we watch it together?"
"Fireworks rally? What kind of games will be played?"
"Ah, it doesn't mean that way, it's more a festival. They're gonna shoot this thing called fireworks and everyone gathers there to watch it."
"I see... Fireworks... I would love to watch one."

　Thank goodness she looks interested. Time to see if we have some yukata lying around.



　I found some nearly brand new yukata sleeping in my grandma's closet and picked the most colorful one I could find.
　...Umu, grandma definitely hoarded all these because she bought the wrong size.

"Yuuki, I am stumped. I have no idea how to wear this."
"Err..."

　We hit a snag right away. I don't know how to wear a yukata either. Naturally I can't help her with it... otherwise I'd get to see all kinds of bare stuff. Even if she doesn't seem to mind about it.
　I was undecided whether I should call her for this... but in the end I asked for Chief Nishida's help.

『Sure thing, it's the least I could do to make amend for yesterday's mishap.』
"I'm sorry... calling you for this little issue."
『Fufu, oh I don't mind. You want to make her wear a yukata. You also wish to show her fireworks. It's such a wonderful idea. You really love your mother, don't you.』

　That's not it. I did all that not because she's my foster parent but because she's Ixia-san.

"Ixia-san, Chief Nishida is dropping by to help you put it on. Let's wait for her."
"Understood. I feel bad for imposing on her... I think I could manage up to a point but I cannot figure out how to wear this waist cloth..."

　Neither can I. Jinbe for men is simple in comparison.



"And, done. Is it too tight?"
"No, it's just right. I see... The way you put this obi is just as complicated as I had suspected."
"Yes. I can work with yukata but I raise the white flag on full-blown traditional Japanese clothes like kimono... It looks really good on you, Ixia-san. Have fun at the fireworks show."
"Thank you so much. Would you like to come with us, Ms Nishida?"
"I'm grateful for the invite but I'm chaperoning my sisters in law today. I'll have to pass."

　Chief Nishida went right back home once she was done.
　Her brother's wives huh... The bigamy one.

"We should take the train now and head for the site ourselves, Ixia-san. I bet there's food stalls along the way. There'll be plenty of choices for our lunch. We should be right on schedule by the time we're done eating considering the travel time by train."
"I see. Fufu, it's been so long since my last food stall. I wonder how do Earth's food stalls look."
"My pick gotta be takoyaki. We really should go. Got a train to catch."

　That reminds me, they have frozen takoyaki too but I rarely buy one.
　I don't feel right having one when it's not during a festival.
　Wonder if Kansai locals have them daily? Maybe they have takoyaki grilling appliance at home even.

　Ixia-san looks so unlike her usual self in yukata. She's so pretty I'm feeling nervous just walking next to her.
　People keep glancing at her along the way and on the train car. She doesn't seem like she even notices those stares but I do.
　M-maybe I should act more forward here and appeal to the people around us that I'm with her.
　At the festival site, the crowd is getting too much I steel myself and--

"It's full of people here. Here, take my hand, Yuuki."
"Ah, yes."

　She got a lead on me! Kuh, and here I had steeled my resolve too.
　But I could sense so many glances disappearing the moment we held hands. It did have an effect.

"There are so many decorations everywhere. Will we arrive at this fireworks rally if we follow the decorated path?"
"I'm sure we will. But we should find a gathering of food stalls in a nearby open space, let's grab something there."
"Yes, let's."

　...She looks so good in yukata. It's a bit plain since it was to grandma's taste, but the serene colored yukata goes so well with her beauty and her blond hair.
　She's got braided hair today which makes it all the more fresh. Uumu, Chief Nishida might have a surprisingly high girl power considering.

"There they are. Take your pick."
"Oh, this aroma... It's akin to okonomiyaki we made previously."
"You can consider them related yeah."

　The two of us had cute round takoyaki alongside the previously popular boba milk tea.

"I feel kinda bad having to prick these cute round things. Eii."
"'Kyaa, that hurts', it says."
"Fufu, oh you Yuuki. Here, open up, aah."
"...Umm. Okay."

　All these glances all around us feel great. You guys, jealous?! I'm feeling so nervous here.

　We had lunch in an open terrace-like space in front of the joint food stalls and then it was three o'clock. I contacted Shousuke but he never called back. His family might have got him house arrested again.
　Uumu, I dunno what's his family like but I imagine it's gotta be pretty strict.
　A huge crowd of people unthinkable for a rural town has formed in front of the station. Choosing this place to meet up might have been a bad idea.

"Yuuki, I found Satomi-san. She's with--"
"Oh, it's Shousuke! Oy, guys! Here, over here!"

　I walked up to a bus station near the station where the two were standing around.

"Thank you for waiting, Yuuki-kun. Shousuke-kun just got here too."
"Sorry about it, Yuuki. They took my Smarterm again. Actually I had to sneak out when I went to the training facility yesterday. I just got my terminal back earlier today. I rushed out before I could reply to you... but the signal's pretty bad in a crowd this big. That's a rural town for you."
"Ah... yeah, that happens. Bet the circuit got jammed due to all these people."
"Umu. I tried inviting Kaname but he said he's going with his sister."
"Gotcha. Have you two had lunch yet?"
"Um no, I was planning to sample the food stalls here."
"Same here. Do you mind if we buy some along the way to the venue."

　This is fun. Going out with my friends in our hometown even though each of us has our own career to tread on.
　The me in my original world wouldn't have believed it if I told him, "I went to a festival with Shousuke and a girl from another class". I even got a new family member.

"Ixia-san, you look super good in yukata! Like a grown up, it's so lovely."
"I agree. Yuuki, untoward individuals prowl events such as this. Be sure to keep an eye on Ixia-san."
"I know, I know. Alright Ixia-san, make sure you hold my hand tight."

　I walked with Ixia-san hand by hand alongside my two friends toward the city center where the fireworks show would be held.



　The fireworks show site is a public park near a viewing platform tower, the symbol of this town and a roadside station.
　Naturally you can find rows of food stalls here too as well as a concentration of neighboring primary school-age children, making this place the most crowded spot among the spots we saw on the way here.
　The sun is still up in the sky but time will fly by if you tour this park and the viewing platform.

"Hmu... this omu soba is pretty good. A type of modanyaki, I'm guessing."
"Ah, that's the okonomiyaki with yakisoba one. It looks so good, I try not to eat too much carbohydrate but maybe I could cut it some slack a bit today."
"Satomi-san. Crepes are carbo too aren't they?"
"Hehe, this actually a galette, made from buckwheat flour. It's a strong ally for sugar-minding individuals!"
"Hee. Ah, how about shaved ice for dessert, Ixia-san? I'll go line up for us."
"Mwu, I want one myself. I'll go with him, Ixia-san and Satomi-san can... take a break on that bench over there."
"Fufu, thank you both. We will await your return."
"Ah, I want a strawberry milk one."
"I'm fine with any flavor. The same one with Yuuki would do."

　Alrighty, I'm gonna pick one I think Ixia-san's gonna like. Nowadays, even shaved ice food stalls got a lot of variety. What to choose....

"That's a long line. I suppose everyone is feeling the heat today..."
"Hm, oh they're using some sort of special ice it seems. I see, it's a limited item hence this line."

　They melt deep sea mineral in the water to make the ice or something so the saltiness goes superbly well with the syrup or something. I ain't buying that. I bet they just sprinkle salt into tap water.
　I said all that and lined up all the same because I wanna give it a try.
　Will Ixia-san be fine I wonder? Hope no weirdos hit on her.

"Quit fidgeting around, they'll be fine. That bench I pointed is located right behind the festival committee office. They've got a police officer stationed there. No weirdos will come near her."
"...You never let up, do you. Appreciate it."
"Yea. Hey, it's your turn."

　Whoa, gotta order those ice. As for the flavor... whoa, I can pick two types of syrup for one.

"Shousuke, I'm picking mine and Ixia-san's shares. You get yours and Satomi-san."
"Roger."
"Excuse me. Two shaved ice with passionfruit and peach syrups please."

　I bet that gotta tastes good. Not like I've ever had a passionfruit though. I've heard about them at least.

"Thank you for your patronage! Hmm, we're running out of ice... This line will be the last one."
"Oh, safe safe... Thank you."

　Got 'em. It looks so good with plenty of syrups and shaved ice.
　The last one in line, Shousuke also got his order, strawberry milk for Satomi-san and macha with brown sugar syrup for himself. 

"Now that's a classic choice, Shousuke."
"Haha, I guess. Hm... There's a commotion at the shaved ice stall."

　On our way back to the bench, a woman in front of the food stall we lined up earlier... is groaning while looking so obviously dejected.

"That's... an elf woman. I see, she missed the shaved ice."
"Hahaha... I feel kinda bad for her."
"Yeah. But... We're getting more and more Grandia natives even in local areas like this."
"Yeah. I saw some here and there on the way too. Well, I mean it's a festival day after all, people are out and about."

　It's about the same frequency as seeing foreigners in my original world.
　I bet you can find them easily in the city center.

"They then adapt to the life here. The locals also accept them."
"Ah, well yeah. They might be unusual but I don't believe people would reject them."
"...Would be nice if that stays."
"What. Why do you sound so down."
"Told you that I went to Grandia for a cultural study right? They're having a bit of trouble with earthlings over on that side."
"Trouble?"
"You can immediately tell elves and demons apart physically but earthlings are humans, right? There's no way to distinguish them from Grandia native humans. That raises its own set of issues."

　Fumu, is this a difficult topic? Quit that man, I don't get that talk!
　I'm not like a certain pig, I don't understand complicated stuff! Ranran♪

"There's been a small movement aiming to expel earthlings... although their scale of activity is still limited nor have they caused a huge issue yet. On the other hand, Grandia natives are living here in peace. This gap is 'slightly concerning' from my point of view. That's why, I'm thinking we shouldn't limit the exchange to physical stuff like culture but also on the mentality. Well, I have no clue what it's gonna be concretely speaking though."

　It's like an immigration issue... I see... So even in Grandia, that kinda of movement exists... I kinda don't want that. I get Shousuke's feeling of wanting to get rid of that.

"What to do concretely huh? Just you watch."

　This is the best you could do about that.
　I walked up to the groaning elf woman in front of the shaved ice stall.

"Why didn't they prepare more ice... I can't create that kind of special ice with my magic... Ah... Deep mineral salt shaved ice... How I wish I could have one... Uu...."
"Onee-san, would you like to have mine? I actually bought two servings, see. You can have one."

　I offered one of the shaved ice in my hand to the elf oneesan grumbling rather childishly.

"Y-you sure!? I-I'll pay you for it! Here!"
"Alright, much obliged. I'm sorry you couldn't get yours because I ordered two."
"Uun, it's not your fault! I would've bought two myself if I got the chance! See ya, boy! I won't forget this debt!"

　The elf onee-san ran happily with a shaved ice on her hand.
　Hahaha, look how happy she was. Just gotta hope she didn't trip.

"...There's only so much an individual can do, like extending a helping hand to someone at most. You gotta take a stab on it piecemeal by piecemeal, same in Grandia. Am I wrong?"
"...Yeah, you're right. Even one small step... is significant if it helps adding one more earthling with this mentality. It's always been so simple... Yeah, there's no shortcut to this problem."

　Well, this is the only thing I could think of.
　Also, I couldn't help it when that elf looked so pitiful.
　Anyhow, gotta bring these shaved ice to the two before they melt.