Chapter 46

Book 4




"Thanks for waiting. One bowl of shaved ice coming right up."
"Welcome back, Yuuki. Fumu fumu, what flavor is this?"
"It's peach and passionfruit. It was so good I gobbled up mine on the way here."
"Fufu, so you did. Thank you for the treat."

　Ixia-san looks so happy enjoying her shaved ice. I can tell from her expressions how good it is.
　I can't stop watching her spooning the ice with a smile on her face.

"Here you go, Satomi-san. A strawberry milk flavored one."
"Thank you, Shousuke-kun. Hee! Oh it's a lot bigger than I thought."

　Seeing the three of them happily scooping the shaved ice gave me a tinge of regret for giving up mine. Ah, they look so good. They gotta be especially when it's so hot out.

"Ah! The faint sour flavor... goes so nice with the milk, like salted milk!"
"Hmu... oh yeah... The brown sugar syrup brings out the faint salty taste."
"It really is, there is this slightly distinct taste of salt in the ice. I see..."

　Aah! They're all having it! Aah! I want one too! Shousuke who knows the truth is going out of his way to show it off too! Aah!

"Kuku, you're helpless. Here, have a bite--"
"Yuuki, here open up. Oh you, you should have waited to eat yours if you wanted to eat together. Here you go."
"Ah, thank you."

　It's so good. Her kindness is so nice. And you Shousuke, that's just ain't it. Who'd wanna get spoonfed by a guy.

"So tasty... There's this nice balance between sour and sweet... The faint salty flavor really adds to it."
"Fufu, it really is. Have another bite, open up."

　I'm glad I gave up my shaved ice. I got to taste twice the bliss thanks to my action.
　More I wanna more lickity Ixia... ew that was gross of me.

　Once we finished eating, we went around nearby establishments to kill time. Along the way, I caught sight of the elf I gave shaved ice to. She was about to have the last of it, slipping down all the remaining ice into her mouth.
　Aah, do that and you're gonna get... see, a headache. She's flailing around while holding her head.
　She's pretty cute... Ixia-san definitely won't act so obviously dejected like that.

"Ah, let's watch the fireworks from the man-made waterfall over there. That place is cool and little known, see."
"Hohou, that's our local girl for you. Let's take a break and kill some time till the fireworks."
"Man-made waterfall huh... intriguing. Gotta watch our steps."
"Oh that's a waterfall. I love the sounds of water."

　Still thirty minutes before they shoot up the fireworks. Days are long in summer yet night falls so quick. It's kinda lonely, and a bit scary.
　When I was living by myself, I loved summertime but hated the nights.
　But being around my family even after it's dark out... doesn't feel bad.

"Oh it's starting, there's the announcement."
"Fufu, this moment always feels so exciting no matter how old you get. I'm going to record the view and show it to my friends."
"That's a good idea. As for me... Fumu, I don't know anyone unfamiliar with fireworks seeing as my college is Japan based."
"And me, well... I'm gonna take my friends who never see one to a firework show someday."
"That is such a good plan for recreation. Speaking of which... this place has turned quite dark. Will those fireworks be visible from here? Perhaps we could find somewhere brighter--"

　Just as Ixia-san who still had no idea what fireworks are made that suggestion.
　A flash of light shot up in the sky close by us.

"Ixia-san, over there!"
"Eh!?"

　The light disappeared before scattering into a colorful flower of light painting the sky bright.
　The sound reached us not long after. 『BOOM!』, it was pretty loud due to proximity.

"This is! My goodness! Such a huge flower of light...!"
"That's the so called firework, Ixia-san. Watch, they're gonna shoot up more."

　More and more fireworks rose up into the sky. Ixia-san had a child-like smile on her face every time one lit up the whole sky.
　I can't decide if I should watch the fireworks or her side profile.
　An especially big firework got shot up drawing a giant flower in the sky with its branches falling down.
　I love this type of fireworks. But apparently that doesn't seem to be the case with Ixia-san standing next to me--

"Yuuki! It's falling on us! I'll keep you safe!"
"Uwa! It's fine, it's gonna be just fine!"

　She went and hugged me like she was trying to cover me from the falling sparks.
　...This is bliss, she's so cute. The way she acts is too adorable.

"Thank goodness... It vanished in the air. It left quite an impact..."
"Sure did. Haha, they made it so the sparks vanish before they hit the ground. Everything's under control, really."
"Is that right... That was an embarrassing display of me."

　Small colorful lights shot rapidly one after another. Think those are called, starmines?
　Richly colored lights that look more magical than magic itself. I'm enchanted by the dazzling sparkles.

"It's so pretty. I'm sure my friends in Grandia would be shocked to see this."
"Fufu, I'm sure they will. I've never seen them this up close either. The sheer intensity of it."
"...They don't appear to be magic. But... it's even more exquisite. Thank you so much for showing me this sight, Yuuki."
"Yes. I'm just as glad we can all watch this... together."

　Today is the best summer day ever in my life.
　Let's go watch another show together next year, Ixia-san.

"...Yes, next year together."
"Ah, did I say that out loud."
"I could tell from your face. Let's watch this together next year, Yuuki."

　Another firework rose up very high into the sky.
　I bet this is gonna be a big one. I closed my ears in anticipation.
　Under the light of the gigantic firework, I saw Ixia-san's mouth moving.

"--ever. From now on."
"Eh? My bad, could you go by that again?"
"Fufu, please don't worry about it."

　But I do. What, what did she say?

"Fumu, that was the last one it seems."
"That was so amazing! I swear they were raining down on us."
"Yes, quite so. A fireworks rally is truly a marvelous event."
"Yeah. These events are running all over the country during this season, but some places run them in autumn too. Yuuki, I'm sure you can find plenty of those events in big cities. Why don't you check them out?"
"Yeah. I'm gonna invite my friends out to one. Don't think we can get somewhere this close by the site though... Thank you Satomi-san, for bringing us here. Also, for inviting us."
"You're very welcome. Fufu, I'm so glad you like it."

　Once they announced the end of the show, crowds of people started moving throughout the venue.
　Oh man, going home is gonna be a struggle... just when that thought crossed my mind, Satomi-san starting walking toward the pine forest behind the waterfall.

"This way. This route will take us to a sandy beach. We can get back from there. My dad will fetch us in the parking lot of the swimming area. We can give you guys a ride to the train station by car."
"Oh, you're fully prepared! I'm gonna take up your kind offer then."


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


　We made our way home without a hitch.
　Apparently simply being near the sea at night was quite a terrifying experience to Ixia-san. The way she immediately took off to the parking lot once we got there was quite something.
　'What if the sea rushes over!', she said. Wonder if she meant tsunami.

"Phew... I can't quite put my finger as to why I have this sense of loneliness. The colorful lights painting the night sky bright... vanishing in a moment. The moment the festivities is over, the sight of those dazzling lights disappear from my memory. Fleeting like the fireworks I saw."
"Now that I think about it... I dunno why but you get that feeling whenever you're done watching a firework show. But I won't ever forget the fact that we went there together even if the fireworks are no more."
"Fufu, you're right. However... It feels as if that was a closure to this season. And yet, it should be still summer here in Japan."

　Yep, it's hard not to feel like summer is over after watching that.
　But we're still smack dab in the middle of August, summer is only picking up.
　But... it should be about time we get back to Floating City even though summer break lasts until early September.
　The campus is taking care of watering our fields at the very least.

"Now that we're done with the grave visit and have our fill of fireworks.... I think it's high time to get back to Floating City."
"...Yes. Prolonging our stay here is making me hesitant to return. This place is... surrounded by nature which stimulates the feeling of homesickness."
"I get that. Ah, right! Let's go on a trip to Grandia next year! Where is your hometown at, Ixia-san?"

　Yeah of course, I can't monopolize everything, I'm sure she's got a home to return to as well.
　But--

"I am, Ixia. Just Ixia as I was born in this world."
"But--I want to know more about Ixia-san. I'd like to see where you lived at."
"...Do you. How has a world that has gone through eons changed I wonder. The thought of seeing it with my own eyes ever so slightly terrifies me... but yes, indeed, I would like to have a visit."
"Ah... I'm sorry, that was thoughtless of me."
"No. It is my cowardice speaking... from what I have learned, that world has seen much advancement since. Yes, I would love the opportunity. I wish to find out what becomes of my homeland."

　She laughed as she said that. She looks as if she's trying to convince herself in a way, but I don't think the me now could do anything for her. 
　...It's something beyond someone with little life experience like me.



"Yup, I'm going home on Shinkansen today. Hope to see you again over there when I get the chance."
『Yup, let's go out and have another blast. I'm going to spend a bit more time with my family here.』
"Got it. I tried calling Shousuke but his smarterm probably got confiscated again. Tell him I said hi if you run into the guy."
『Ahaha... Shousuke-kun's family is real strict. I plan to drop by our high school later. I'll be sure to tell Shousuke-kun if I see him there.』

　The following day, I called the people I know about my plan and found out Chief Nishida would be returning tomorrow.
　Apparently, her elven sister-in-law wanted to participate in a Summer B-class Gourmet Fair held today.
　That piqued my curiosity a tad but you gotta have an appointment ahead of time to attend the fair. I'm gonna get one next year.
　We changed over to Fujiwara-san who would be living in my parent's house.
　Though he's only staying in the guest room every once in a while and try not to touch anything in the house as much as possible.

"Are you ready, Ixia-san?"
"Yes, I have turned off the gas and water service valves as well. Should we leave the breaker up?"
"Yep. Alright then, onward to Floating City."

　I'm so happy I get to say 'We're off' together.
That no one would tell us, 'Have a safe trip' is a bit lonesome though.
　I dunno if Ixia-san knew what I was thinking but she purposely stayed behind in the front porch and said 'Have a safe trip'.
　It may be weird how she would then trot up to me and say, 'We're off' right after. But her action brought me joy.

"Let us go, Yuuki. We only need to swap transport once, therefore I am capable of handling this."
"Okay... Guess you'll be in charge of our transport in Tokyo too then."
"...W-we don't have to do a transfer if we go by the monorail, do we...? Right?"

　Too bad. We're coming back earlier than planned, so that route is still closed.
　We probably have to take the ferry.





"...I am in the belief that Japan should put more effort into developing short warp spell formula. The distance between Tokyo mainland and Floating City is at most... Thirty kilometers."
"Err, that's gonna take us straight to Chiba blowing past Tokyo. Heck, I didn't know short warp spell exists."
"It was possible to warp to a place one kilometer apart during the era I lived in... in all likelihood, the formula has been lost in time however."
"Ah, yeah I figured."

　The bridge to Floating City is still under construction. I had been wondering why didn't they make the path connect to Chiba as well... I think Akimiya's headquarter is located in Chiba.
　There is a branched road to Chiba once you get past the bridge but it's closed until the bridge is reopened. I thought at first, 'Can't they let people who wanna go to and from Chiba and Tokyo take the road at least?' but part of the road connects to a broken bridge after all. You can never be too careful.
　Such was where my mind wandered while riding the ferry. Ixia-san is looking relatively calm maybe because she's finally used to it.
　Or maybe because she's wearing a life jacket.
　When did she get the chance to buy one anyway....

"But still... The temperature here is quite high..."
"I mean... of course it's hot when you have a life jacket on."
"Mwu.... I will not concede on this."

　The high speed ferry arrived at Floating City safe and sound. That was super fast as ever... apparently Grandia ships are even faster.

"Ah... Solid grounds are such a wonder."
"It does feel reassuring yeah. Let's get on the bus. Thankfully it's still not returning holiday traffic period yet so the road's clear."

　I bet not a lot of people return around this time.
　Doesn't matter how much faster the transport here have gotten, holiday traffic still exists in this world.
　Get stuck in one and you might even not make it for new school term.

"R-returning holiday traffic... Does it overlap with the time some sort of terrifying creatures become more active? May blues, summer fever, heatstrokes. Japan has a lot more endemic diseases than I thought."
"You got that wrong."

　What kind of bio hazard is that. Let me correct that scary misunderstanding.
　...The thought alone terrifies me.

　We've only been out for a couple of days yet our home feels nostalgic already.
　Just as we were told, our fields were well taken care of including watering and weeding. They even picked ripe vegetables and stored them in the fridge.
　By the way, we sold some of the harvested basil, tomatoes, and eggplants to the campus. 
　Those vegetables not only grew in the field plowed by Ixia-san's magic, she even used a special fertilizer so the quality is excellent. I can't wait to taste them.

"Yuuki, let's have tomato pottage and tomato eggplant lasagna for dinner. Fufu, they grew up nicely."
"They really did. Oh yeah, I'm going to say hi to Chairwoman tomorrow. I'll let her know we're back."
"Yes, that's a good idea. Would you like to bring some tomatoes for her?"
"...I'll take some with me yeah."

　Chairwoman will probably take them... I feel kinda bad.
　We did a clean up, went out to shop some missing ingredients and cooked dinner together.
　She looks like a pro already. She happily gave me a list of things to do when I offered my help. She's way better at handling a kitchen knife than me now.
　...This moment really emboldens her presence as a woman and a mom.



"Ah, these are really good! Hee... I didn't know you could serve soup cold."

　My eating habit consists of real ordinary stuff after all. But man this is good stuff... She didn't even watch a BB channel video today.

"Thank goodness you like it, Yuuki. I cannot go with you to see Chairwoman tomorrow as I plan to give souvenirs to my housewife friends. Please give her my regards."
"Gotcha. Oh yeah, you bought some souvenirs. What kind?"
"I have brought some unusual salt, seasonings as well as snacks."

　I see, I don't get it. The best I could think of is some Kir*npo set if someone asked me local souvenir.
　I bet Ixia-san wouldn't pick anything weird like a certain caramel.

　The next day, Chairwoman told me 'Perfect timing' when I called her. Looks like she got an appointment already... since she told me not to go to her usual office. I was instructed to head for a facility that houses the 'High Multiplex Conversion Formula Field' usually not open to students. This field can withstand even nukes and is used by real dangerous peeps.
　It's not usable normally unless specified high class mages are present to supervise its operation.

"I'm off, Ixia-san."
"Yes, take care. Here, take these tomatoes with you."
"Hahah... Got it."

　She handed over a basket full of red tomatoes. I mean, they're good, guaranteed yeah.
　But picture a student bringing tomatoes to their principal.

　I went to a building far back in the campus that's usually empty of staff members, let alone students.
　But today, there's a car parked in front of this building.
　A man in white robe greeted me inside and led the way to a room where Chairwoman was waiting and--

"Huh? Ah! It's the boy! The boy who gave me shaved ice!"
"Oho, Professor. You know him?"
"Yup. He handed me shaved ice when the stall at the firework show ran out of ice."
"Fufu, that's quite the coincidence."

　It's the onee-san who was down in the dump because she couldn't get shaved ice.
　...Never would've guessed she was an Akimiya affiliate.

"Huh? Does that mean, he's the one using the device expansion code?"
"Yes, that's the plan."
"Hee! So you're 18! Okay, I delivered your order. I have a recording session coming up, so I'll be going on ahead... hn?"

　She's apparently a researcher or an engineer. She looks pretty close with Chairwoman.
　She affably walked up to me and reached out to the tomatoes I had with me with sparkling eyes.

"What are these tomatoes? They look sooo good!"
"E, err... My family asked me to give them to Chairwoman..."
"Fufu, oh I see. Yuuki-kun, would you share some with her?"
"Yes of course."
"You sure!? Can I have three? I wanna chomp on one right away!"
"G-go ahead."

　She chomped on a tomato looking real gleeful about it.
　...What's the deal with this cuteness. She's really affable, a different type of dangerous than Ixia-san.

"Nn! So sweet! So good! I'll take two more! Bye bye, Ryouka! Be seeing you around! I've got the field's Spell Formula filled up with mana so you can use it twice."
"Yes, much appreciated. Let's have a meal together with Mother next time."
"Un, I can't wait for it!"

　The woman casually left like a kid done playing at her friend's home.
　Wha, what was that all about...

"Welcome back, Yuuki-kun. Now that was a surprise. To think you met her back at your home."
"Less met and more me sharing some food stall shaved ice, really. I had no idea she was an Akimiya affiliate..."
"Fufu, so it was a coincidence. For your information, she's Chief Nishida's sister-in-law. Fufu, cute she may be, know that she's wed already."
"...I dete--envy her husband."
"She's the topmost magic researcher in this world. You could even say that she's... the Joker of magic engineering. She developed a certain item under my request."
"Hee! You can't judge a book by its cover! What kind of item?"

　Researcher... That woman who looked so sad because she couldn't get shaved ice, a researcher... That's very hard to believe, but as the saying goes, don't judge a book by its cover.

"It's a device expansion for your disguise.... This one will be installed in your choker. I called you here to do just that and run a little test."
"Geh! So it's finally done.... You sure worked on the crossdressing tool quick."
"It's a super high class item. The zenith of magic engineering capable of turning its wearer into a wholly different person bodily, mind."
"...You could have made it male if you could do all that."
"Out of question. Rumor of Dainsleif being a girl has spread throughout the top people in every country."

　Dangitall, the possibility is endless if this disguise gear really is that amazing! 

"With this, your identity will be safe even if your helmet gets taken off, allowing you to spend your day as a completely different persona. It's also usable without your suit for occasions that require you attending backroom meetings. Additionally, the garments also alter your height and physique, which necessitates a combat test in that form."
"Uhee... okay, I need your permission to unlock the choker."

　I need Chairwoman's permission to take off my choker in this campus perimeter when the Limiter is on. Speaking of which, I feel like I've gotten even stronger maybe because I went all out in my last mission. Might need another increase in Limiter power.

"Err... alright there, that should do it. Goodness gracious... A spell formula that takes major powers many years to develop was completed in three days in her hands. She's a higher risk than Joker in a way. Breaking the technological balance in this world overnight is akin to collapsing the power balance maintained between nations. Yuuki-kun, please keep this matter confidential."
"You could have kept it quiet then... It's too much scary stuff for me."
"Fear is a way to control one's judgment after all. Fufu."

　Okay this woman is scary. Anyway, I put on the Choker once she was done fiddling with it.
　Fumu, I don't feel any difference with it on.

"Ordinarily, you assume that form by unlocking all the limiters and put on the combat suit, but from now on, there is additional mode, 'Person Inside Dainsleif' mode which leaves the combat suit out. We ought to decide on this mode's name."
"Ah, yeah. So what do I turn into anyway."

　I changed my Choker setting, first Dainsleif mode. Then I adjusted more and removed the helmet... Huh? Something's been feeling off.

"...Chairwoman. Did you change the combat suit's boots?"
"Yes. They're like secret boots that elevate your height just high enough as to not hinder your center of gravity and motor ability. It's also installed in the 'Person Inside' mode. The difference in heights should obfuscate your identity better, don't you think?"
"This is too much! Dangit... Why would you solve my complex with a different persona of mine... What the heck... I'm like ten centimeter taller... So easy to move around too!"

　This is... the 160cm world! Damn... It's so high up here...!
　I wish I could wear this in daily life... but what if someone finds out, the shame...!
　You're telling me it's allowed because I'm in this form...?!

"More importantly, please look in the mirror. Your physique, outline and facial features have all been altered, what do you think? I designed that myself. Isn't she quite the beauty?"
"Lemme see..."

　I checked in the mirror she gave me and saw... a somewhat familiar face.
　...Her contour is a bit long or more... oval-shaped. Like a grown up.
　But why! Why do I look like a grown up when I'm in disguise...

"Chairwoman. Doesn't this face... look like yours somehow?"
"Yes. I used my college album as a reference. I made some adjustment on the eyes however. What do you think?"
"So you're calling yourself a beauty. That's quite the confidence you've got."
"Fufu, I'm merely stating the truth. She is supposed to have some foreigner's blood, hence I made her nose higher and changed her eye color. I could make an adjustment if you find any issue. So?"

　I still can't get behind this but I gotta calm myself and observe better.
　...She's a beauty. Red pupils. Sharp eyes. She gives off a scary impression yet she's undoubtedly beautiful overall. You can tell how beautiful Chairwoman is from this.
　Uumu... first glance-wise, she's the same type as Ichinose-san I'd say. A bit like Kyouko-san too. That said, our class female students are all so high level.

"...I see, no problem."
"Thank goodness. It also comes with an organic suit that mimics natural skin thus you can take your clothes off with no issue. However, naturally, your lower half is completely covered up with nothing attached. I ask you to not undress outside a lavatory--"
"Why'd you go that far, like seriously. Ah, let's do the combat test and get this over and done with."
"Right. Fumu... I can't help myself from admiring my ideal of a beautiful girl when she stands in front of me."
"Who you calling a beautiful girl. Guessing I'm gonna use the field here for the combat."
"Yes, go ahead and unleash your full power. I have Mikami-sensei and Jen-sensei called over to be your sparing partners. Fighting as a different persona while staying incognito is part of your training. Make doubly sure you pay extra attention."
"Don't just drop a bombshell out of nowhere!"

　Uwaa... I've gotta alter my speech pattern and fighting style....

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