Chapter 821 – Beyond Wishes

000

Herti and Calia were looking around the crowded market street.

When I was young, my routine was to hold her hand and enjoy the street stalls of the Festival of Five Elements held every year with Bahamut, but now that I am an adult, as the owner of the market, checking to see if anything abnormal has occurred in the market street replaces the memories.

To think that sometimes she misses the freedom of her childhood, when she could just enjoy everything that passed by without any worries-

＂Herti! Thanks to Herti, we were able to celebrate the Five Elements Festival safely this year too! Please stop by our store next time!”

… He didn’t think it was a bad idea to hear the voices of store owners who recognized him like this.

And, the sound of small bells ringing beneath her feet made her feel a little more excited than usual, perhaps due to her mood.

I wonder if she was influenced by the atmosphere of the festival, as she lets people know where she is even in crowded places.

“Bahamut. “You can’t go too far.”

＂Nya─＂

Bahamut responds to Herti’s advice as if not to worry.

With those two people by her side, Calia was worried that she might need to have an escort with her this year, and she made her way through the crowd blocking their path.

“As expected, the number of people participating in the Five Elements Festival seems to be increasing every year. It might be a good idea to consult with Miyeomgong and increase the number of government troops stationed on the streets.”

“What Calia said also makes sense. After all, wouldn’t it make people nervous if there were government troops nearby while enjoying the festival?”

“That’s true, but if something happens, there’s a chance it could develop into an international problem… So I don’t think there’s any harm in being careful.”

At Calia’s words, Herti sighed softly and nodded.

Since the market’s street stalls are an event hosted by the Herti side – that is, the Dark Dragon Chamber of Commerce – the amount of government troops to be stationed within the market is also decided through consultation between the Chamber and the Royal Palace.

When I thought that the solid presence that I sometimes felt when passing on the street was that of the government, it certainly felt like there were too many other people.

“It would be nice if I could just enjoy the festival without worrying about anything.”

＂I guess it means…＂

Calia responded in a low voice to Herti’s words, and as she said, she agreed that the free atmosphere Herti wanted was close to idealism.

“In a way, it is inevitable that quarrels and disputes will arise in places where there are many people. History proves it. Being prepared for anything is a virtue as the owner of the company that supports Asteris.”

After hearing a sermon for the first time in a long time, Herty could not respond and simply nodded his head.

No matter how close you are, a slight misunderstanding can cause a rift between you, or you can make a mistake by being deceived by someone whispering something with malicious intent.

It was an undeniable fact that people—no, anyone with intelligence—had evil, big or small.

However, that is why – people who can control such evil intentions and do good things shine even brighter.

Is it too much to expect that self-control from everyone in the world?

At least – I hope this becomes a world where children running between street stalls can live with a little more safety.

Herti sighed softly as she thought that.

At that time-

──I felt some wind passing by my shoulder.

For some reason, that wind conveyed to her a sense of what she really missed and at the same time made her feel the presence of someone who was no longer by her side.

However, Herti herself did not know who it was, and also, why did it create such conflicting emotions, both lonely and happy?

Only a small piece inside her resonated with the wind and made her look back at the place where the wind blew – the place where the temple was.

＂… Herti?＂

Calia suddenly stopped in her tracks and turned her head to ask if she was okay.

＂Nyaaaaa~＂

And then, after seeing Bahamut’s long crying sound at her feet and seeing Herti’s face, Calia spoke to her.

＂… Herti, are you okay? Why are you shedding tears?”

At Calia’s words, Herti realized that tears were flowing down her cheeks without her knowledge.

＂… Uh, huh? “Why?”

Herty herself wiped her cheeks with her hands as if she didn’t know, and the tears stopped flowing.

Herty shook her head, thinking that perhaps it was because she was temporarily overcome with emotion.

＂… Are you really okay?＂

“Yes, it’s okay. “I was just thinking about something for a moment.”

Calia, worried about her boss’s well-being, was talking while holding Herti’s hand.

“… Let’s go back to the mansion at the top. Herti also walked a lot today.”

“… Huh. That’s right. Let’s go back to the mansion.”

Herty, who was swept away by a wave of emotion that even she could not define, felt like she had lost some energy and picked up Bahamut, who was still crying, and held him in her arms.

He seemed to understand the sadness that he could not understand.

He was grateful to his little friend who was crying on his behalf, and moved his steps slowly.

001

Cleon is stroking his cheek, which is numb after being hit, and Tokoyo is apologizing to Cleon next to him.

“I’m sorry, I’m really sorry, I put my hand out first without realizing it… I guess I should say I was embarrassed…”

＂If anyone opens their eyes and is kissing a man who is not their lover, it would be like that… However, if the same thing happens next time, please be gentle… ＂

When Cleon lowered his hand while saying that, the strong marks of Tokoyo’s palm remained there, as if showing all the pain at that time.

But now, if there is something more important than the marks left on the face-

＂…＂

Aisha was looking at Cleon and Tokoyo with a slightly bewildered expression, with her ghost energy completely gone from her body and her mask remaining in its place in her hand. 〉

“Aisha, what’s wrong? Are you okay? … That mask─＂

＂There are so many scoops today that it’s a shame… I never thought I would see Atification being cured right in front of my eyes.＂

When Noctis said that while holding his forehead as if she had a headache, both Cleon and Tokoyo looked at Aisha with surprised faces.

In fact, the horns that had grown on her forehead, which were evidence of noble status, did not exist.

＂How can this be… Nayuta was able to purify the nobleman?＂

When Tokoyo approaches Aisha and examines her in disbelief, Aisha reflexively covers her own face with her mask in her hand, as if she is embarrassed. 〉

＂Well, she said that the reason my body was transformed into a demon was Gaius-sama’s curse… She said that if it was the extent of the curse, she could purify it with her own power… ＂

“Huh…? Gaius’ curse? “

Tokoyo turned her head towards Cleon as if wondering what the curse she was talking about was.

Cleon answers while scratching his cheek.

＂Ah─… She is a descendant of the Oberti family who cut down the Rakshasa and Nayuta trees.＂

“What!? Why didn’t you tell me such an important fact! … Just because I know doesn’t mean anything will change!”

As Tokoyo said that, she turned to Aisha and spoke.

“Anyway, all the ghostly energy that remained within you was transferred to the mask you were holding in your hand. It means that your body no longer has to suffer from the impulses of a nobleman.”

“Then if you destroy the mask, won’t the ghost’s energy completely disappear?”

When Cleon said that, Tokoyo crossed his arms and thought for a moment, then answered Cleon’s question.

“Hmm… You might think so. But if it were me, I wouldn’t carelessly destroy something that has ghost energy in it. Cleon, just as you didn’t destroy that syringe carelessly.”

In response to Tokoyo’s answer, Cleon nodded, wondering if that was the case as well.

“What. Her choice is hers to make.”

When I said that as if to conclude this topic, Aisha shook her head, clutching her mask in her hand.

“This mask… I won’t break it. This is proof that our Oberti family has been punished… If the family is to continue, we will need to tell this to them as well. About the disaster caused by excessive greed.”

“Well, that attitude is great.”

After hearing Aisha’s answer, Tokoyo probably thought that would be better, so she nodded and respected her opinion.

＂… More importantly, what time is it now? It’s time for the fireworks to start.”

When Noctis said that, everyone in the party looked surprised.

“That’s right, Tindalos!”

“Wow, is that monster still showing up!?”

Noctis looks this way with an expression as if he is tired of Cleon’s shouting.

Cleon answered her question by shaking his head.

＂… I’m not sure whether it will appear or not…＂

The moment Cleon said that, a loud sound came from outside.

Cleon, who realized that it was the sound of fireworks that he had heard so many times that he could now distinguish it, looked nervous and prepared to start a fight right away.

“Aisha, because you are no longer a nobleman, you cannot use the same powerful strength as before. You should avoid it if possible.”

And when Cleon said that, Aisha looked down at her arm with a surprised look on her face.

Sure, my body felt lighter, but it didn’t feel like my arms were as strong as they used to be.

Looking at the group like that, Tokoyo asked, ‘What is it? What’s the matter? ‘Is it a good idea for me to prepare for a fight too?’ And a panicked skit unfolded.

However, no matter how many fireworks exploded, if there was no sign of black energy rising from the corner, Cleon and her companions gradually relaxed their fighting stance.

＂… It doesn’t appear…?＂

“… I know. That means-“

And then.

Pop! And the sound of firecrackers ringing even louder.

Cleon, who realized that it was the last and largest firework that imprisoned them in the prison of time, stood with a nervous expression, prepared to lose his mind this time.

However, contrary to his worries, there was no sensation of magic draining from the body, and only the afterglow of binge-drinking unfolded and disappeared without incident…

“Okay, that’s it~!!!”

And, seeing Noctis jumping up and shouting hurray, both Cleon and Aisha also breathed a sigh of relief.

“… Well, I’m glad it seems to have been resolved.”

Tokoyo said that although he did not know much about the appearance of the group, he felt fortunate for the three people, who were quite impressed.

“Yes! Thanks to Tokoyo, I was finally able to escape from prison!”

Noctis nodded his head several times as he said that, and Aisha also bowed her back and expressed her gratitude.

“No! It’s okay, that’s it. Actually, I don’t remember anything about when Nayuta was in her body, so she really just served as a vessel.”

Tokoyo waved his hand as if he was embarrassed and had a proud expression on his face while his face was blushing.

“… Ah! Come to think of it, Nayuta had something to tell to the Great Priestess.”

“Nayuta, to me?”

Tokoyo nodded as if concentrating on Noctis’ words, wondering if it was advice or advice from his ancestors.

Then, Cleon also seemed to be concerned and focused on her next words.

＂Did you say that the shaman’s spell is a spell that becomes stronger with the power of a loving heart…?＂

When Noctis, who could not remember everything due to the sudden incident, spoke a sentence made by combining strong words as if they were left in memory, Tokoyo strangely squinted one of his eyes and looked back at Cleon without realizing it. 〉

＂…?＂

And after making eye contact with her, Tokoyo suddenly came to his senses and turned his head.

With Cleon next to her, he didn’t know why she reacted strangely.

However, she seemed to be thinking deeply about something, so Cleon turned to Aisha and Noctis and spoke so as not to disturb them any further.

“So, the loop problem has been resolved safely… Shall we disband?”

“Yes. I’m so tired today… I want to go home and rest quickly.”

Aisha nods her head as if she agrees with Noctis’ words.

Cleon also wanted to rest quietly at home today, as his mental fatigue was greater than his physical fatigue.

＂… I’ll call the shaman to see you off. … But will Cleon stay for a moment? I have something to talk about tomorrow’s ‘plans’.”

“─Ah. Okay.”

Cleon nodded at Tokoyo’s words, and I’m not sure about Aisha and Noctis, but if they are the main exorcist and great priestess, there must be something they need to do.

Thinking like that, they stood next to the shaman who came to get them.

“… Once again, thank you very much. Tokoyo. I will definitely receive this grace someday.”

＂Mr. Cleon! Do your best tomorrow as the protagonist of the exorcism! And… You must remember the wish I shared for the first time!”

As he heard Aisha and Noctis say goodbye, Cleon waved his hand at them and sent them on their way.

As the shrine maiden walked away, taking them through her barrier, Cleon looked at Tokoyo with her hand on his waist.

“So? What do you want to say about the plan?”

“… Come here for a moment. Take off your clothes!”

“Ha!? Why!? “

As if to tell the story inside, the place Tokoyo took Cleon by the hand and dragged him to was the great priestess’s private bath next to the main temple, a hot spring with an open sky.

In the meantime, Cleon took off his clothes and entered the hot spring. As he soaked himself in the warm water, which seemed to wash away his mental fatigue, the question in his head, “Why the hot spring?” Did not go away.

＇… Did you even smell sweat?＇

Each time the loop is repeated, the physical condition is reset to an hour ago, but Cleon has been running around Asteris catching ghosts even before that.

Of course, you would have sweated, and the smell would have been all over your body.

Although she couldn’t help it, she thought that she may have caused an unpleasant experience when she was near her, and her Cleon was reflecting.

Grumble! Startled by the sound, she raises her head and turns around.

There, Tokoyo was looking here, with only her bath towel draped over her chest, down to her thighs, with her hair rolled up like a dumpling.

＂W-What are you doing, Tokoyo!?＂

When Cleon, who was embarrassed, said that, Tokoyo walked into his bathhouse with long strides and soaked his feet in the hot springs where Cleon was.

＂Well…! Communication is done naked!”

＂Speak so that I can understand…!＂