The Interval between Unchangeable and Uncertainty
A gentle grassy spreads wide on Peyoccia Plains。Toward the North there are a lot of high peaks――although the highest peak was now lost、and huge structures that transformed into ruins in their place were lying there behind――and now、the tress that growing bit by bit are scattered like dark creeks。
There were plenty of empty lands surrounded by such small forests、as if they were separated from their surroundings。It was blocked by dense branches and leaves、and can hardly be seen from the outside、but there are lumps of stones that out of place at first glance。
White stone with various shapes。It has been weathered and old for so long as it might be、but it is clear that people’s hands were added there。
Most are covered with ivy、and buried in mid grass。Still some of the pillars、as if they are comfortable with the flow of unrelenting times、continuing to straighten their white figure towards the sky without falling down at the end。
The sun has not yet risen to the middle of the sky。
There are no roads passing nearby、if there are sounds that can be heard、mostly it is either the rumble of the birds or the sound of the wind。
The ruins that will continue to exist quietly while being forgotten by anyone。
Now they were greeted with customers after a long absence。
Black and white。The two men set up their swords、face each other silently。
There was nothing beside seriousness inside of their hearts。While staring at each other eyes、they are stay still。
Yuri・Lowell and Flynn・Scifo。Two young people who walk in the same road yet completely different。
Because of the tension which rising between the two、the air goes still。
And one figure who watching both of them――Estelle。
A girl who was once at the mercy of a fateful destiny、watching with concern in her heart、as people who are important to her now align their blades with each other。
A dog was right beside her、Repede。Unlike Estelle、as if he is a master who is trying to figure out the skills of his disciples、Repede sits down firmly and only gazing straightly at those two。
Estelle put both of her hands in front of her chest、and grasped them tightly。
Repede’s ears stand upright。
A bird was singing somewhere far away。
「・・・・・・Let’s go」
Yuri muttered。
With a little movement as to whether it can be seen or not Flynn nods。
The two of them kicked the ground at the same time。
Between one chest and another、the deadly silver light glows。
Estelle closed her eyes without thinking――
「Nee wait Raven、is it really this way？」
「What is it young boy、you don’t trust the great me？This Ossan already walked around the continent from one corner to another corner、you know？」
While thinking that there is no voice that could not be trusted more than this、the young boy、Karol sighed。Even though he said that he is an old man himself、even though he is older、this Raven will just not do it properly even for a moment。If things are going well it is fun、but if it is not――
「You said that a while ago、but didn’t I almost fell into the river because of it」
「I just overlooked that one。And the direction was not wrong right？」
「That’s not the problem though・・・・・・」
The pathetic boy sighed once again。
「O？」
「Wa、what、what’s wrong？」
Karol raised his face、Raven was narrowed his eyes with his hand over his forehead。
「There、over there」
At the end of Raven’s pointed finger、you can see the white stone pillars that growing out of the trees。Karol’s face glowing。
「You’re right！ Whew、finally arrived・・・・・・Oiiii！」
「A、oi、wait！」
Following the running Karol、Raven also runs hastily。
Aiming for the pillars、 Karol rushed through the bushes。Unlike Karol、a bulky adult like Raven stopped because of the branch and his legs got tangled with the roots。「It hurts、wait for me、boy。Atcha、even though that maybe there’s monster in here、oーii」
Though he was quite tired、Karol keeps running。The pillar is near now。If he passes the bushes、he can see the end of the trees。Through the last green mass、he arrived at an open place with leaves scattering around it、in that moment――
A sharp metal sound echoed。
In the eyes of Karol who faced reflectively towards the sound、he saw a blade which flying right toward him。
「E、u、waaiiii！？」
The sword passed over the head of Karol――maybe losing several hairs because of it―― who was bend down to save himself、then struck the tree behind him and stay as it is。
Still with both of his hands shielding his head、Karol timidly looking around、checking the situation。After it looks like that it is already okay now、he let out a sigh of relief。
「Karol?」
It is a voice that he knows、a gentle voice。
「A、Estelle!」
「Yo、you’re late Karol」
Yuri called out a little further away。His hands are empty。
「・・・・・・What are you doing exactly。So dangerous」
While looking at Yuri’s sword which stuck horizontally on the tree、Raven who is covered with leaves said with astonished tone。
With that words Karol remembered the fear just before。His smile gone、his face become red and shouted。
「Not ‘Yo’、Yuri！ What are you doing！！」
Scratching his head with a vague expression、Yuri turned to Raven。
「Hey、he’s angry、this Karol」
Raven put his hand on his forehead and looked up to the sky。
Beside Estelle who was watched those exchange with troubled smile、Repede let out a yawn。
「That’s strange。I’m sure it’s good」
Yuri tilted his neck、while bending his left arm in a strange way。It seems like he was doing a suspicious dance if you look at him。「It’s because you added an unnecessary swing。That’s why it become like that when you struck there。If I didn’t blow off your sword if won’t stop with only a sprain wrist you know」
Flynn pointed out with a stern look。
「It’s because you did too many useless swing、Yuri」
「It’s more easy like that、for me」
「And it’s not going well、so isn’t it’s natural to fix it」
「What are they talking about？」
Looked at Yuri and Flynn who quarrel on their own、Karol asked Estelle。
「They are studying a new sword technique。It was because they are said that they have spare time、 while waiting for you and the other・・・・・・」
As a result of striking down the threat of the world、Hoshihami、they lost the blastia which had been supporting human society so far。Of course bodhi blastia which was indispensable for performing powerful technique in battle was no exception、and the development of new tactics to fill that hole is an urgent matter for everyone。
「Even while coming to this kind of place、both of you are sure enthusiastic。No、as expected from young people who the great me hope for、yes yes」
Raven nodded in a way that cannot be decide if he was teasing or not。「Even so flying sword was the first thing at the moment we met was too much！ And this is the first time we met after so long as well・・・・・・」
Karol is still in a bad mood。
「Don’t be angry like that、Boss。I’m sorry about it」
Finished his discussion with Flynn、Yuri said to Karol。As soon as he was called boss、Karol’s attitude changed completely。While desperately trying to hold his grin、he was trying to smile like an adult。「U、yes、well、try to be more careful next time」
Yuri responded with a wink and ruffles Karol’s hair。
「Wa、wait、stop that」
「Long time no see、Raven-san」
Flynn bowed and smiled towards Raven。With that words Yuri lifted one eyebrow。
「Long time no see、Ossan、didn’t you just did some knights work？」
「・・・・・・Raven-san、recently didn’t go to Zaphias」
Raven’s face turned white while bitter smile appeared on Flynn’s。
「I see、you escape from the trouble because it became troublesome、and you made up something」
「It’s、it’s wrong、what are you saying、that’s so rude。I just judged that even if the great me not there they can do it properly、trying to give a way to young people you know・・・・・・」
「I’m just kidding。It’s not like you’re someone who will flee away in the middle right」
「Yes、after all、so many people relied on Raven-san」
「Uu、even Ojou-chan、don’t tease this Ossan will you」
Faced Estelle who is giving such an angelic smile、even Raven could only surrender。
「・・・・・・Well、to be real、a lot happened in the capital。Also Flynn is there right？ Just thinking that it would be better if this Ossan supporting the guild side」
「But thanks to it Union finally got to work properly、just like when Don was around」
「Hee、for Karol-sensei to defense him like that、Ossan’s evaluation sure goes up」
「Leave it to me」
Raven said with exaggerated。
Estella was laughing happily。
While enjoying those conversation、Yuri looked around。The remains of the plants。The sunlight shine softly、the calm wind brought by the bird’s voice。You can do a lot of things in this kind of day。「Well then、empire and guild、each one representative is here now、then should we just start it、Boss？」
「Un、I will survey it firmly and make a good map！」
「There are more trees than what I thought」
Flynn muttered while pushing through the grass。Not only trees、but in some place the grass also grows at a height that exceeds the height of adults。If you got distracted by the grass、the roots of the tress or stones are hidden in unexpected places、seems like they waiting to trip you up。
Take Karol for example、who tripped several times、fell down in a flashy fashion and got scratched all over。Still he continues making a map quietly without any complain、because he is in the middle of the work now。
Yuri who watched him like that、remembered the first time he met Karol。Looking at the Karol of those days、who could imagine him like this now。
「Well well、why did you accepted this kind of job、it’s likely that there’s another one better than this」
「What are you saying。It’s not good if you just pick up the guild’s job that you like。We’re just started after all」
To Raven who is short of breath already、Karol who is more cheerful than usual、replied。Flynn turns back and helps Raven。
By the job、it means the one that the guild Brave Vesperia took、to survey this land。This place was chosen as a candidate site for building a new city following Aurnion、and because there is only an old map of this place、it was necessary to do a field inspection。
Flynn and Raven each came as a representative、of the empire and the guild。Estella――seems like to be Flynn’s attendant――or possibly the reverse。
（Well、half of it would be just a pretense）
Yuri thought with a slightly bitter smile。
If it is a survey of land、there really is a guild specializing in it。
More so、beside Yuri and Karol、the other three are really not suited in this kind of place。If they want to be present for it、if you are thinking about their position、there is no need for them to be the one who come。It seems that this time、in the background、there a lot of favor and consideration of various people。
EspeciallyEstelle who is supposed to be here at the request of Ioder。Ioder――the current emperor。
In the past that airhead prince――or maybe now he should be called the airhead emperor――、strangely could be wandering around carelessly。
In that sense Flynn should not be an exception。The exceptional youth who is the current commandant of the knights、without permission of the emperor he cannot be here alone in such a place。
Yuri fixed his eyes on Flynn’s back。
It seems that the way he keeps going forward strongly expresses his creed as it is。There is only ahead for him。The back――it is Yuri’s job。
「Yuri、what is wrong？」
Yuri tilted his body a little and looked into the direction of Estelle’s voice。Her clear big eyes staring at him。Without realized it、everyone else has already gone ahead of Repede。
「Nothing」
He shrugged his shoulder with a smile as if to make her feel relieved。Even so Estelle still look at him suspiciously、so Yuri poked her forehead。
Estelle closed her eyes without thinking and when she opened them again、Yuri’s face is right in front of her。It was a distance which you can clearly see yourself reflected in each other’s eyes。
The moment the recognition reached her heart、reflectively Estelle steps back。Without a moment’s delay Yuri steps forward。The distance between their face does not change。
Retreat。Advance。
Retreat。Advance――
Until Estelle’s back touched the tree behind her。Confused by not being able to measure his true intention her cheeks are stained with cherry blossoms color。
「What’s wrong、Estelle？」
「E、no、that・・・・・・」
Seems like Yuri found that her reaction is so amusing。Estelle tried to raise her voice and protest、but suddenly her expression changed completely。
「A」
Seeing her gaze aimed at his back、Yurifollowed her gaze and tried to turn around、and at that moment――
A shock went through Yuri’s head。Sparks could be seen in his eyes。
「It’s hurt！？」
It followed with the sound of something heavy falling to the grass near his feet。
「Hurt～～。What the？」
Yuri picked up a thick book from the grass。Estelle still looking at something behind Yuri。A smile like summer flowers spreads over her face。
A huge shadow was appeared from above them。
Yuri’s field of vision has been exaggerated to the brown tree wall。The wall is curved to the left and right drawing a gentle line。A large object floats on it、blocking the sunlight。
Needless to look at everything、Yuri realized its identity。
「Ba’ul！」
Karol shouted from a distance。
He approached without anyone realized、Entelexeia Ba’ul、and he carries the flying ship Fiertia-go with him、floating on the ground。
One leg was hung on the ship’s edge、a girl with a daunting pose is there。
「Ri――」
Yuri’s voice was canceled by the overthrow from the overhead。
「What are you doing、this idiot！！」
「Rita！」
Estelle happily hugged the little girl、who came down with the help of a rope from the ship。
「Wa、wait Estelle、let go、let me go！」
「A、I am sorry」
Even though her tone was full of anger、the attitude of Rita was obviously could be count as embarrassment。While on Estelle’s side、she did not care。Both of them are always like that since the first time。
Rita who is a formidable fellow、took away her book from Yuri、who offered it while rubbing the back of his head。
「Rita、you didn’t have to use the corner of the book right、right」
「You’re the one who’s at fault、for doing something strange」
「I didn’t do anything。I’m just joking」
Yuri shrugged his shoulder、set his palms upwards。
「Jo・・・・・・king？」
Estelle has a complex expression。It was a face that said that she is unable to decide her reaction、must she feel regrettable、or relieved。It made Rita more and more irritated。
「A、anyways！If you do it again I wouldn’t forgive you！」
「As usual you guys are on good terms」
When Yuri and the other looked up to the direction of the voice、the beautiful Krityan tribe Judith、was about to step down from the rope with a light footstep。
「Good terms or not just now、it’s not the problem here！」
「Ara、I’m just envying it as usual」
After making Rita clamps down、Judith gently smiled at Yuri and others。
「Long time no see」
「Judith、Rita！ Oiii！」
Accompanied by Repede、Karol called out。Flynn and Raven followed behind him。
「Haai Judith-chan、it’s been a long time。As usual you look beautiful」
Without any complain for Raven’s habit of the greetings、Judith stand still and returns it with a smile。
「A lot already gathering here。After this・・・・・・」
「Of course I’m here also！」
As if to answering Yuri、along with the voice、a small body followed up。
「Patty！」
While Estelle raising her voice、Yuri caught Patty in the right time。
「Yuri、I want to meet you」
「What’s wrong、you all？ Why in here？」
As Karol tried to catch up his breath、Judith pointed towards the flying ship。
「I’m in the middle of job」
When they all looked up、they could see people looking down from the ship。
「It’s our request。We’re delivering them to Nor Harbor at the speed of the flying fish」
While Yuri trying to break free、Patty clinging to him and added。
「Rita was near the Targaron at that time、and she seems to called for us」Judith added。
「Wait、I didn’t actually asked you for it」
「Ara、but you did come right？To here」
「U・・・・・・well that’s right、but」
「Judith can understand what Rita is thinking？」
Judith laughed mischievously at Estelle’s question。
「Well、what do you think？」
「Is that okay？ Didn’t that mean that the customers are waiting？」
Yuri said after he finally succeeded breaking free from Patty。
「It’s okay。We asked them to took a little detour」
Patty looked interestingly to the stones scattered around them。
「I see now。Rita-nee wanted to excavate the ruins」
「Wrong！I just heard that Estelle was near・・・・・・that’s not it、also this ruins、it’s rather old。Maybe、it was before blastia time」
「Blastia・・・・・・in other words、is it older than Geraios civilization period？」
To Estelle’s question Rita nodded。
「Though I couldn’t confirm it since archeology isn’t my specialty。Also there’s no structure corresponding to blastia as well」
「As expected from Rita-cchi。You never forget your inquiry no matter when。But then guys couldn’t approach・・・・・・waa！？」
Rita’s expression turned back from the face of a researcher to a teenage face in an instant、and mercilessly strikeRaven with her elbow。Karol scratched his head while looking at Raven who was rolling with agony。
「Why did he say it even though he know it’ll be like this・・・・・・」
「Anyway it means that everyone is here now」
Yuri nodded with Flynn’s words。He looked around from one to another。
Estelle、Karol、Rita、Raven、Judith、Flynn、Patty、and then Repede。
Brave Vesperia――
For them it was more than just the guild’s name。
Friend。
Smile appears on every face。
A gentle and special smile。A smile that share precious things。
「Good grief、even though it’s not a good place for reunion」
Repede answered with a loud woof、from the surrounding trees the birds fluttered away。
「It’s been a long time since we can see each other like this、since everyone so busy」
「It’s a good thing if we all have something to do」
「Yes、that’s true」
For Patty’s words Karol nodded strongly。
Hoshihami’s disappearance as well as the end of the blastia、it was all the work of Brave Vesperia、but only few people in the world who know about it。
It was because Ioder announced the news about it in a way that it did not touch Brave Vesperia。
To people who witnessed the Hoshihami、they did not hesitate to present blastia for the purpose of ending that thing。But now that it is gone、there was plenty of dissatisfaction within the people who were inconvenienced by the losing of blastia、and there is a good chance that it will heading to those who made that happen。Ioder was concerned about it。
「It was something that someone had to do、it is wrong for the person himself to bear the blame」
It should be borne by the magistrate、in the future。The young emperor stubbornly did not yield。
Ioder was right for one thing、but for Yuri and others who are already prepared for the consequences、there was somewhat some unsatisfied feeling。
If so let’s fulfill our responsibility in our own way。That was the answer from Yuri and the others。But it does not mean that they need to do something special though。Just continue to living with each one belief、that is all。
And then Brave Vesperia’s member went all over the place。Even though there are times when some people gather、as Karol said、for all of them to be together like now、it was never happened。
Continuing the survey、the topic naturally changed to the topic of their current status。
Estelle comes and goes between the Capital and Halure、at one time helping with Ioder’s political affairs――but not really participate in subtle political bargaining――、at another time she still continuingwith her picture book。
Two lives that are not compatible at first glance。However without doubt Estelle is living her life with smile on her face。
「I want to make someone happy。It is the same for me、by helping Ioder or by drawing picture books」
Whether as a royalty、or as a picture book author、before she can accomplish something though、she still has many things that she needs to learn。
The spirits who are connected with her will not help her with that――in the first place it seems that they did not have any intention to be involved with any human’s destiny。The spirits’ interest are directed only at the world itself。
But Estelle takes it as a matter of course。She already decided to pursue what she aims by her own efforts。There is no hesitation in it。
Karol is dedicated to raising up the guild Brave Vesperia。He is trying to recruiting new members in Dahngrest、but unfortunately it is hard to say that it is going well。
「Everyone seems to didn’t stay long・・・・・・」
Apparently because of his notorious attitude to accept whatever job there is、from simple and easy job to a dangerous one、it betrayed the predictions of most applicants。
Still――the person himself did not seem to notice it――one of the reason the work decreased recently was because they are surprised that the Boss of the guild is still a small boy。But Yuri understand、that it is the reason why their guild name still not rising up。
「Karol、seems like you’re growing up a little？」Judith said。
「E、is that so？」
「Ee。A little more time、and he may pass you、Rita」
「Why are you saying it to me」
That Rita is still as good as a researcher as ever。It is said that she passed day after day with searching a new type of power that can replace the Blastia。
「From old to new、there are a lot of ideas、but after a lot of people use it、it will become harmful in some way。It will be the same as blastia then」
「Then how about we all goes to Myorzo」
「I think that it will be impossible unless you’re Krityan tribe・・・・・・」
「Myorzo・・・・・・that’s it」
While Patty and Karol began to talk with each other、Rita has begun to investigate the ruins。Seems like she realized something――the possibility in this land ――a place without blastia’s traces。
Noticing Judith who pours a gentle gaze toward Rita、Yuri raised his voice。
「How about you Judy？ It’s not like you always be a courier right？」
The beautiful Krityan’s woman nodded。When there is no work undertaken by Brave Vesperia、or by individuals、Judith never stays in one place、she was flying around with Ba’ul。Not like she has any purpose、but just wandering around to where her heart faces。
「I used to fly around the world for a long time、but I didn’t see the world as it is」
Judith said with a wandering eyes。
「Now I’m looking at the same thing as everyone else looking――the world is beautiful」
Judith gave a mysterious yet charming smile、just like the usual。
「We have to protect it no matter what right」
Estelle said。Sometimes、she and Rita traveling with her as well。
「If it’s a traveling I’m not losing」
Finished her interaction with Karol one-sidedly、Patty said。
「If Judy-nee the sky、I’m the sea。After all sea is the road that full of romance for a man」
「Why man、you・・・・・・」
Patty who ignored Rita、is carrying people and things with a ship borrowed from Fortune’s Market、or go to the undeveloped land to search for treasure、in other words she is doing the same thing as Judith。
「The sea is safer than the land。Thanks to that it’s a big success」
「Are、you didn’t rebuild Siren’s Fang？」
Karol’s question makes Patty opened her mouth after a while。
「I’m thinking that I want to do so、after I get my own ship someday。But・・・・・・Siren’s Fang is Aifread’s Guild。That Aifread is gone now。Now I’m Patty。Recently I came to think like that」
「Patty・・・・・・」
「But I’m adventurer and a pirate」
Patty said with a bright tone again now。
「I’m sure that someday I can make my Patty・Fleur pirate’s guild。But before that I have to be Yuri’s bride」
「Wait ask about Ossan also will you」
Raven interrupted with a pout。
「We heard that already earlier」
Yuri flapped his hand as if he had enough about it。
「Earlier Judith-chan and others aren’t here right？ Also、that’s not all the great me did・・・・・・」
「Yes yes」
Raven started to moved from Yuri who was clearly not interested to hear him to Judith and began to talk。Judith was nodding with a smile、but it is unclear whether she is listening or not。
「Perhaps、everyone already knows about Raven-san」
Before anyone knows Flynn was already standing beside Yuri。
「Yep」
Empire and guild。Although there is deep cooperation between those two powers now、there are not many people who can stand for both side on same level。After the Hoshihami’s case being resolved、Raven made public his two faces。It was an action that if you handle it poorly you may get condemned from either side。Nevertheless、he still continues to do it。Is there anything which can prove him more than this？
And how the person himself feel about it、you can understand it by just looking at him。
It seems like he was acting the same like before、but there is a subtle change in him。The unnaturalness of trying to show that there is nothing wrong at all、it is not in Raven now。
「Ossan、he found his tomorrow」
Not only Raven。All of his friends are walking firmly on their own feet。Yuri nodded lightly by himself。
Raven called out there。
「As it is、I’d like to hear about your recent situation」
「Me？」
As if it was a cue、the others began。
「That’s right、it only about us from earlier」
「You’re right」
「Yes」
「That’s sooo unfair」
「No、it’s not like I have something to talk about」
「Ara、but I don’t think like that」
「Why did you suddenly become so evasive like that」
「Wan！」
Being pressed like that Yuri shifted his gaze。Even though he is already an adult、he is not honest at time like this、it does not change now and again。
「Then Flynn、how about you。You’re the commandant yet you’re here alone」
「Sodia is doing very well on her own。So I’m not worried」
「Aa、that nee-chan」
Yuri as usual、not very good with her。He did not mind about the past things anymore、but the other side does not seem to be so、if they met she was more polite than before。It is her personality、and it may be unavoidable、but it is hard for him。
Still for Flynn who holds the heavy responsibility to support the emperor、to have such a reliable person beside him、Yuri could honestly be happy about it。
The knights are under the command of Flynn、and they can cooperate with the guild in many situations。Because of their effort before and after the disappearance of Hoshihami、people were able to take the disruption of the end of blastia in minimum form。
「Although」said Flynn。
「As His Majesty foreshowed it、people will get more frustrated from now on。Besides the knights and Council、aristocrats and commoners、empire and guild。The long-standing conflict and distrust are not so easily lost。To make a relationship of trust more solid、is a rather important thing to do from now on」
Raven struck off with a rare and serious manner on this。
「No matter what we want、it’s because it’s still made up from individual trust relationships only now。Even if those guys are gone、it’ll take a long time before it can able to function properly」
「What、even Ossan。But anyway、you two will do something about it、right？」
「Of course」
「Surely」
Then as if he was finished with his story、Flynn turned over to Yuri again。
「Then、now you」
「I’m saying that I don’t really have much to talk about」
「That’s not true right。Beside recently、you’re not at Dahngrest unless I call you for some job」
Karol opened his mouth。
「Is it so？ I always thought、that it was by chance only that he is in Lower Quarter。When we caught the robbery group as an example」surprisingly Flynn said。
「Before this、you came to Halure too right？」Estelle added.
When everyone brings out each of their information、rapidly and somewhat overwhelming the Yuri’s statue was finished。
「You’re as suspicious as Ossan。What are you doing、exactly」Rita stares firmly。
「Rita-cchi so terrible・・・・・・Now young man、don’t just loitering around。Say it frankly」
Raven blinks while grinning。Yuri sighed。
「Alright alright。But even you guys said so・・・・・・a、did I tell you about Repede who have children now？Both of them are almost like him」
「Heeーreally。That’s not about it！」easy-to-understand Karol reacted。
「E、what it is、I did not know about it！ Repede since when you」
More easy-to-understand Estelle’s reaction。
「Wait、Estelle、now it’s Yuri’s story・・・・・・」
Seems like she did not hear Rita、Estelle asked Yuri about Repede。
「Yuri、is it true、the story just now」
「It’s true。Right Repede」
Instead of responding Repede turned to a different direction。It looks like something is wrong。
「What’s wrong、Repede」
When Yuri and the others faced the same direction、several people were seen behind the grass。One woman running toward them。Raven stared at her。
「Are、Isn’t she your customer？Seems like we talked longer than we have time to」
Judith moved forward。
「You can’t leave the ship。Go back soon――」
But rather than turn back the woman cried back。
「A child――my son is not here！！」
「You guys go back to the ship。Repede！」
As soon as Yuri let out his call、Repede rushed briskly。Yuri and the other followed。
「Seems like、when his mother didn’t watch him for a second、he took off from the ship without permission。Well well」
Flynn responded to Raven。
「There are monster even around here。Let’s hurry」
Yuri and the other excluded、for a simple child to wander by himself、the outside world is too dangerous。
Karol raises his voice while running。
「Oーiii！」
Fortunately Repede seemed to have some confidence。He continued running straight ahead。
「A、there he is、over there」
Seems like you can see something like a mound on the side pointed by Patty。As if it swallowing the remains of the ruins、some trees are intertwined with each other、forming a large lump。
Before the stones and tree mass、a young boy stood alone。Perhaps he is less than ten years old、comparing to the large lump in front of him、he looks very small。He hold his hands in front of his face、and cry out something。
「Oi、come out！ I will finish you off with a Blastia。Don’t just sleeping there、come out here！」
Apparently、it seems that he did not understand that blastia has become useless。Yuri faintly frowned。
Suddenly、still running Repede howled。
「！ This smell・・・・・・」
Karol sniffed something in the wind。This is――
The boy moved。Seeing the hand raised up with a giant stone gripped in it、Flynn shouted。
「Stop！」
But he did not seem to hear it、the boy took his stands、then he threw the stone into the tree mass。The stone disappeared as if it was swallowed by the darkness created in the gaps between the trees。
A terrible roaring echoes。It shaking the stones、and making the leaves up there in the trees falling all over。The boy flipped and fell on his bottom。
Something appeared from the gaps in the trees。There was a sharp claw at the end covered with bristles。
Then the head appeared。It is huge。From up there、almost twice of Yuri’s height、a pair of burning eyes looking at them。From the opened mouth the sharp fangs lined up could be seen。
With half of the body sticking out of the nest、the monster roared once again。The young boy seems to realized his situation。
Realized that this monster is different from the ordinary one、Raven spoke while took out his weapon。
「This is bad、that’s not an ordinary monster」
「A Giganto」
Judith responded with her usual gentle tone、as if this is just a normal situation。But she too took out her spear。
With Repede in the lead、Yuri and the other standing between the boy and the monster。
「It’s a kind I never seen！」Karol shouted。
「Rita-nee、you don’t have any inventions that we can use？」
「There’s no such a convenience thing you know！」
Rita yelled at Patty。
The Giganto appeared completely from it nest。Its fur stands upright。From the forehead to the back、something like short horns are there。Seems like、it was furious because the boy disturbed its sleep。
Yuri quickly analyzed the opponent’s power。
It seems that not only the arms are covered with thick muscles but also the legs。If they carelessly try to escape、most likely it will catch up with them。In the first place、they cannot let it get close to Fiertia-go。
The boy seems to be completely out、he could not even crawl at this point。
「Seems like it’s better if we fight it、rather than escaping now」
Since Judith does not need to rely on blastia、she still can use her skills even now。As for Yuri and the others、the sword techniques that they learned are still as good as before。They did not know whether the spirits will lend their power or not、but it is an opponent that they can win if they are careful。
Yuri stepped out and took out his sword、then――
There was another voice from the nest。It was weak yet high-pitched。And there are several。
「It has children」
With Flynn’s words Estelle’s face got clouded。
（This is bad）
Yuri clicked his tongue inside his mind。Even if he was thinking that they can win if they are careful enough、suddenly it seems that it will be harder now。
The Giganto pays no attention to their thoughts。Raising the arms where the claws grew sharply、it began its attack。
「Tch」
This time he really clicked his tongue、Yuri stand ready to guard。
「Stop at it now」
It was a low voice which sounded directly into the mind。
It was not only Yuri and the others who stopped their movement but also the monster、they looked over the voice and found one silver-haired man dressed with red and white clothes standing there。
It is a familiar figure、but it was unbelievable。He could not believe it、but still his name came out from Yuri’s mouth。
「Duke！？」
Without giving any attention to the surprised Yuri and the others、Duke walked closer、defenselessly、he stopped in front of the monster。Nothing is held in his hand。
At the same time the spells were melted away、and the Giganto roared to Duke。Even Yuri who knows him、could not be help but imagine that the beautiful man would be destroyed in the next moment。
Duke holds his hand like he was holding down。The movement of the monster ceased all by itself again by that alone。
It was a distance that they can touch each other if they step forward。Yuri and the others hold their breath and could only watch。
While the monster let out his heavy breath、Duke only standing quietly like a sculpture just like always、staring at the other’s face。
「Are they・・・・・・talking？」
「Ssh」
Yuri stopped Estelle from muttering more。
Without letting out any words、the Giganto and Duke face each other、as if they were interacting。It was not a clash of rough intentions、but calm and gently、it was like that to those who listened to it。
Gradually the glare disappeared from the Giganto’s eyes。Its power seemed to ceased out from its body、and the claw was lowered。
Duke lowered his hand。
The Giganto drifted its sleepy eyes、and slowly returning to its nest。They keep watching silently、as the monster disappeared to the darkness between the trees。
And then there is no sound at all。
Somewhat、Yuri and the others began to relax。Flynn walked up、and stands beside the boy。
「This can’t be use anymore」
From the boy’s trembling hand、Flynn gently picked up what was once called as blastia。
「Thank you for saving us、Duke」
To Yuri’s gratitude、the sculpture man nodded。
「You all look good」
It was an idle greeting、but Yuri felt that something was in there。While he still lost in his words、Estelle moved forward and bowed。
「Thank you very much。But、why are you here――？」
「A “voice” told me that you all are here」
「“Voice”？」
Without answering her Duke continues to talk。
「You want to make a city in here」
As one from the party who planned it Flynn stepped forward。
「Yes。To advance the reconciliation between Empire and guild、it’s the collaboration・・・・・・」
「As you can see、there is already a habitat in here。It is better if you try another place」
「E？」
「The world is wide。Even if it is not here、there will be places that will more suited for your desire」
「Wait、why did you talked like that」
Rita reacted faster that Flynn。
「As I thought it will become like that」
Yuri muttered。Duke did saved them、as well as he saved the Giganto。After the confrontation at Tarqaron、although it seems like he is no longer see humans as enemy、clearly he does not intend to treat humans better than others things。
「You all will give this place to that creature、there is no other option。I also do not have anything to say to it。Or」
Duke’s eyes become smaller。
「Will you use your strength to settle it？」
「That means if so you’ll be the opponent」
Unexpectedly、to those provocative words、Raven did not bite it。
「The clash before this was unintended。But if you do choose to fight it in the end、then I will see into it」
Judith opened her mouth。
「I wonder、if this is the continuation after Tarqaron」
「I already heard your determination。But how it will be、how the humans who lost the blastia will live in this world、I have not seen the answer yet。If how they live will be the same、or if they call another disaster――」
「At that time、it will be your turn again」
Duke nodded at Yuri’s words、and it seems like he did not have anything else to say after that。
「Then how about we give up this place？」
Patty directed her words to her friends。
「As Duke said、it was us who intruded and doing whatever we want in other people’s house。If this place is bad、we can just give up。But――」
Flynn continued after Yuri。
「Not only this place。That person is asking about our future also」
From now on too many similar things can happen。At that time――surely Duke is not here――what will they do。It was a heavy、but inescapable question。
Brave Vesperia’s member thought about it。
I want to make a better world、without repeating the mistakes。All their thought are the same。
However、to accept the responsibility for a whole human society、who can respond to that。No one can respond to that。That is because――
「・・・・・・Duke、you、do you expect us to behave like a hero？」
Yuri said、his friends looked up。
「Though it is a hero or an emperor、things won’t go well just because they directed us to do something like this or something like that。Even if it goes well、it will back to square one again as soon as that person gone。That’s not the way to do it」
「Then、how will you answer」
「How should I say it？ We don’t lead the worlds」
「Did you intend to give up your responsibility for what you already did」
Duke’s tone growing cold。In a second。
But without hesitant Yuri answered。
「It’s not like that。It’s just that we’re not the representatives of the world。We just do what we thinks is right。Until we die、earnestly、with utmost effort、only that。It’s enough as long as someone who will do the same increase」
「That’s right・・・・・・That is how we take responsibility。So we all decided」
Karol said、looking straight at Duke’s eyes。
「As long as they can choose、people should choose their own path。We talked about something like that」Judith added。
But Duke was not convinced。
「But what if they make the wrong choice？」
「There’s you for that right？」
「Don’t worry。For those who can see the distant objective、they won’t get lost just by straying a little」Patty said confidently while looking at Yuri。
Duke got silent。
As if he finished what he wanted to say、Yuri turned to Flynn。
「So that’s it。In the meantime、this place is nil。I will go out with you to kneeling or whatever to the air-headed emperor」
Flynn smiled and shook his head a little。
「I will arrange it、to withdraw the request。On the other hand、I will ask to the cooperation in finding a new candidate site。Brave Vesperia will be working without stopping、is that okay？」
「Un、can’t be helped。I may be called as hypocrite・・・・・・but I can’t lie to my feelings」Karol said。
「Well、it’s a reasonable line。Ossan will take care of the Union。Beside、this story coming from the empire in the first place、so it won’t be bad」
When Raven shrugged his shoulder、Rita tilted her head。
「I understand what you’re talking about、but somehow、you’re just postpone the problem」
「To decide it、it is up to us、Rita」
Listened to Estelle、Rita nodded。
Duke who was silently looking at the interaction speak up。
「・・・・・・Because knowing the limits、there is something that can be believed」
At the same time、Duke turned his eyes、looking up to the far away sky。As if he was trying to see something、something that is not here。Then he gently turned his eyes again。
「I am looking forward to it」
He muttered、then Duke looked toward Yuri and the others。A sudden change in his face――as if the blood passed through the marble――occured。
「Farewell」
Yuri and the others were surprised、and when they want to make sure of it、Duke already turned his back。
He disappeared among the trees afterwards、while Yuri and all still lost。
「Ne、nee、just now・・・・・・」
「Ossan saw it also・・・・・・I think」
「I saw it also。・・・・・maybe」
「That’s not true right・・・・・・because it’s him you know？」
Despite saying everything、everyone started to smile broadly。As if they finally understood what they just saw。
「He’s regained himself also」
Yuri said to Estelle。There was also laughter in his face。
「Yes」
Estelle looked happy、and with confidence she said。
「Duke、he was smiling」
「I never thought that even that man would come out」
Flynn said above the Fiertia-go that left the ground。In one corner of the deck、the boy they saved seems to calm down and chatting with his mother。
As what they said in front of Duke、they give up about this land、and Judith carried each one of them back to their place。
「What is the voice that called Duke」Patty said。She was looking with her binoculars、to check whether she can still see the ruins or not。
「Don’t know。Didn’t it the same like Judith who can understand Rita？」
「Don’t say something strange、gakin-cho！」
While watched Rita hit Karol’s head、Estelle suddenly remembered the existents within her。Among them are people who Duke care and longed for――
Estelle shook her head a little so that no one could notice it、and decided to keep it gently in her heart。
「But then、to be able to speak with monster。He seems to be getting more and more different than human」Raven said。
「Also、it’s been a long time since the first time we met、but that man、didn’t really ages」
「Hey maybe、Duke、in fact is an Entelexeia」
While rubbing the top of his head Karol said。
「That’s another bold theory、Karol-sensei」
Yuri said quite amazedly、but Rita seems to think that it is worth to be considering。
「But it’s true that Entelexeia is born from various race、so it may be impossible to say absolutely」
「That man maybe so then」
Patty nodded in synchrony、Judith who was silent until now suddenly muttered。
「It will take a long time、before a life can matures as Entelexeia。A very very long time」
「And、perhaps a stable Aer Krene also」Rita added。
「Since a lot of spirits were born from Hoshihami、the Aer Krene in the world seems to be stable、even if he became Entelexeia、he may not get enough aer」
「But、it would be amazing if it like that」
「Amazing？」
Yuri asked Karol。
「Because Entelexeia will become spirit someday right？ Don’t you think it’s amazing that a spirit is born from the same human beings？」
「Spirit from human being・・・・・・」
Everyone rolled over their tongue、to the idea they never thought of。
「It is amazing、Karol！」
Estelle said。
「Because he is the one who love this world more than anyone・・・・・・it would be very beautiful if he could become connected more deeply with the world」
With that idea、various thought passed through Yuri and the others。Soon Yuri opened his mouth。
「Well、we can’t know his fate。Just let someone else see into it in the future、we just need to do things that we can do for now」
「Un、let’s do our best to make even Duke happy someday」
Everyone nodded at Karol’s words。
「A」
Yuri asked as he remembered。
「So it’s okay about me right？」
「Un、I basically got it from earlier」
Karol said carelessly。
「That’s right、it seems pointless to ask about it now」
「It’s enough to just know that you’re the same as always」
「See。It’s a little strange to say something big like that though」
「It’s、do what we can do、until we die、earnestly、with utmost effort、right？」
「It becomes huge as it accumulates。But that is Yuri」
Everyone nodded to each other’s words。
「Yes、Yuri is still Yuri」
Finally Estelle declared。
「Hey you all、talking about me、right in front of me・・・・・・」
Repede came looked up at the dissatisfied Yuri。Everyone understand you more or less、his face looks like he said that。
With a sigh、Yuri raised his hands as if he is surrender。
A laughter sprang up。Another and then another、from Yuri as well、and eventually filling up the ship。
With a pleasant laughter at its side、Ba’ul flying through the vast sky。
While staring under the trees、Duke was thinking alone。
The world will keeps changing。Nevertheless the world is still here。
What will this world which called Terca Lumireis will look like in the future、Duke did not know。Be it an Entelexeia or spirits、there is no one who can say it certainly。
However no matter how it changes、his thoughts on this world will not be shaken even for a bit。That was the sacred oath that he had with his deceased friend。
A squirrel came near Duke’s feet。Without stopping、without feeling afraid at the reached out hand、the squirrel climbed up。
From among the trees、various living things appeared、small animal like birds、and even monsters。Without contending、they gathered around Duke。
It seems like they know who is their guardian。
They could see Ba’ul who was carrying the Fiertia-go、flying through the lower end of the sky。It disappeared beyond the huge ruins of Tarqaron。
Duke’s face is gentle。
This life was his own choice。There is no regret there。
While being surrounded by light and life、the feeling which Duke repeated so many time inside his heart before this、now he repeated it again once more。
This world is worth to be loved.
Even if this body crumble to dust、his heart will always nestle close to this world forever and ever。
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