The autumn sunsets happened early in the day.
All the people of Strikers walked all together in the totally dark town.
Once the special training ended, all the members went to a karaoke in the downtown to have the utmost fun which they called as “the promotion advance celebration of Satsuki and Haruka”, and on their way back home.
Since Shizuno was the only one who lived in her house and the rest of the members lived in the dorms, they had parted from her already. They were all together until the fork to the men’s dormitory and the women’s dormitory at the foot of the school.
Everyone had fun talking about stuff along the way. They couldn’t stop, as if the singing wasn’t enough.
– Kammie’s singing is truly at a professional grade every time I listen to him. When will you debut?
– Dyuhefufuehyufue, I feel embarrassed that Takki-senpai says something like that to me.
Kamekichi felt embarrassed by Taketsuru’s backhanded compliment and made his body wriggle.
– So gross. Are you two homos or what!?
– NO! Prejudice only gives birth to disputes. Love between people of the same gender is never a bad thing.
Tokiko spat out and Sophia intervened from the side.
– Well… if you follow the situation, I don’t think it goes that way…
Haruka had her eyes half-closed. She muttered so with a voice that grew hoarse.
Then Tokiko worried in a theatrical manner,
– What’s wrong? Where’s your spirit? I see, I completely grasped the situation. The B-Rank title became a heavy burden now? Alright, I, the vice-captain, will go to advise the captain to take it back.
– *Ahem*. There’s something you should confess about before advising to me, isn’t there? Momochi-kun isn’t energetic because you made her continue singing nonstop and that looked like corporal punishment, you know? It was a good thing I kept an eye on you.
Isurugi coughed with a scary face and because of that, Tokiko immediately turned her face ghastly pale.
– It’s a m-m-m-m-misunderstanding. I felt like she genuinely wanted to celebrate and the mic just turned to her. A-a-actually, Momochi did a duet the whole time and Ranjou was all lively, weren’t they?
– I witnessed all that perfectly, but that was definitely nothing but power harassment.
Taketsuru gestured and made binoculars with his hands.
– *Ginyaaaaaaaaah*. I was betrayed by Taketsuru’s social staaandiiing.
– I’ve never supported your wrongdoings.
– As expected of Takki-senpai, Kamekichi totally admires you!
– Once the coffee shop is running, I’ll make Kanzaki-kun take care of the separation of trash alone.
When Isurugi decided so with an undaunted voice, they clapped lively.
– Wow, nice idea!
– That’s fully-fledged power harassment, captain! You, don’t applaud! I’m being bullied!
――There was nothing noisier than this.
If this happened a bit later, they probably would have become a nuisance for the neighborhood.
Moroha walked at the end of such line and smiled free from worry when he saw Tokiko apologizing to the captain with teary eyes.
– “Heaven’s vengeance is slow but sure”, huh.
He smiled at Satsuki who walked next to him,
– I, I was permitted to monopolize the mic… but are they completely satisfied with it?
Satsuki said as she avoided meeting his gaze.
She was too tough with herself.
– Well, it was fun, wasn’t it? And as you say, I think it’ll be surely interesting to run a coffee shop with these members.
With the exception of two people who were against it, they entirely turned over a new leaf when they got the result of the match.
Nevertheless――
– Y-yeah….
Because the reply of Satsuki was evasive, Moroha shifted his attention to her with puzzled eyes, saying「Oh?」 .
– You weren’t able to enjoy it?
– That’s not it! I was happy that the coffee shop will be done, that I was promoted and that everyone gave me their blessings! I did feel very happy!
– Then why…
– Well… Is Moroha happy that I have become… a regular member?
Satsuki upturned her eyes and asked timidly.
– Aren’t you angry and worried because I’ll take part in real combat and that I’ll fight against the metaphysical?
“So it was that, huh”, Moroha smiled a bit.
– Yes, I’m happy.
Satsuki made her facial expression shine when Moroha patted her head.
– Really!?
– Yeah. I’m not worried. You already have enough true strength. And I’ll be next to you.
– M-me too! I want to fight standing next to Moroha! My dream came true at last!
Moroha reacted to the words of the somewhat excited Satsuki with a smile.
– I don’t know why, but I feel like imprisoning you or making you do nothing like a princess was wrong. So, I’m glad things turned out this way.
– Eh, what do you mean with that?
– Like I said, “I don’t know why”. It’s nothing serious.
Moroha shrugged his shoulders, saying “Don’t question me too much”.
While the ominous dream he had during the day and that he drove away out of his head crossed his mind.
– Anyway, I’ve been recognized, haven’t I? So it’s all good! I’ll do my best!
– Yeah. Let’s do our best together from now on.
Moroha extended his hand gently.
Satsuki looked at it, her cheeks reddened a bit and excitedly held his hand, intertwining their fingers.
They walked, joining their hands.
They felt like they didn’t want to release them or arrive at the fork that led to the women’s dormitory.
Moroha, who returned to the dormitory together with all the male members, stopped at its entrance.
He turned around when he went through the second automatic door of the elegant entrance that looked like a hotel.
– Haimura-kun. You have a visitor.
The one who told him so was the old dorm father.
– A visitor? Who is it?
– Well, they didn’t give their name even when I asked them. It’s a foreigner.
He was told they were in the guest room, so he decided to go there immediately.
(Maybe it’s my aunt? But not giving her name is strange)
He grabbed the door knob of the guest room as he cocked his head in puzzlement.
At that moment――
Sparks scattered inside his head.
Like a warning that said “Be careful”.
Moroha glared at the door for a moment as he grabbed the knob.
A cold and heavy tension leaked through the door gaps like dry ice fumes, it even felt like a presence that crept the floor of the corridor.
Who was really waiting for him?
Moroha checked the ID Tag in his breast pocket and put himself on guard to be able to manifest his weapon at any time.
Then, he opened the door carefully.
The room had a simple but calm appearance inside.
A stylish table with chairs, decorative plants and bookshelves were installed in it.
Someone was sitting in the chair across the table, making sure to face the entrance.
A white young man with virile features.
He seemed to be about 10 years older than Moroha.
His hair was black. His suit was black. His necktie was black. Furthermore, he wore black leather gloves even inside the room.
Only the color of his pupils was blue, with which he stabbed Moroha with a nervous-looking gaze.
He shook his crossed legs, rested his chin in his left hand and restlessly hit the table with his right index finger.
He was a “visitor”, but he absolutely didn’t look friendly.
Two long and short sabers were tossed on the table as if demonstrating he had no intention to fight, but the presence the person in question was clad in was the danger itself.
He kept emitting a cold anger while glaring at him.
Moroha had the illusion like he set foot into an ice room with such feeling of high tension.
The first thing the young man said after he opened his mouth.
In fluent Japanese.
As if spitting out and warping his cheeks――
– You’re late. Don’t keep me waiting.
– Who are you?
Moroha replied immediately.
He riposted with all his strength.
What was with him? He came without an appointment and told him to not keep him waiting…
– Don’t be rude. You don’t have to yell at me all of a sudden, do you?
– You’re without a doubt the rude here. Good position, good attitude, good greetings, good everything.
Moroha lost his strength by being retorted with double the strength.
His shoulders and knees lost strength.
He felt like the tension escaped with a terrific force from the open door.
– … Anyway. Who’re you?
He covered his forehead and stared back at the young man.
(What a troublesome guy)
That was the first impression of Moroha.
There were a lot of places for retorts, there was no time to be surprised about the fact he spoke in Japanese even though he was a foreigner.
The young man gave his name like he chewed up a bitter bug with his chin still resting in his hand.
– I’m Charles. The current Paris Saint-Germain.
– Who are you aga――?
Moroha swallowed the words he attempted to say.
That name sounded familiar.
– Are you perhaps the Head of the French Division?
The young man who gave his names as Charles confirmed so and got annoyed as if looking down on him.
That seemed to be a positive reply….
– What kind of business has the Head-sama of the French Division with someone lowly as me?
The attitude of Charles was displeased with him rather than being surprised. But why?
Moroha became sullen and sat in front of him without rejection.
The principle was to come in contact with the ones above him with courtesy, but this extremely rude man didn’t like that.
– What a foolish question. Edward came to greet you as well, didn’t he, you seventh person? Then I coming here isn’t strange either.
(In short, dealing with him like I did with Edward should do it, huh)
After all, it seemed like courtesy wasn’t needed for this man.
Moroha broadly interpreted so.
– So you showed your face to say hello? Then return to your country at once. What will you do if a metaphysical appear?
He waved his hand like shooing a dog away.
A diagram in which「This man is also a Six Head which is = Edward = Lightning Empress = walking big nuisance」was pictured in his mind, he wanted him to go home before trouble occurred.
Or more precisely, and to tell the truth, this smelled suspicious.
– Fool. I will take my leave promptly even if you don’t tell me.
– Hmm. Then I’ll be taking you at your word. What does Akane mean for y――
– Hey. Seventh person.
– … What? I have a name and that is Haimura Moroha.
– How long will this idiotic idle talk have to continue, seventh person? I’m busy and I can’t be away from my country forever. Let’s cut to the chase.
– We could have talked about it when I asked what was your deal with me moments ago. You fully flared at me and retaliated for everything. You aren’t in a rebellious age, are you?
– Ridiculous. It will be all good if I amend my cursing and you your wording, don’t you agree? What are you so triggered about? You baffle my understanding.
What a bothersome guy.
Moroha thought so from the bottom of his heart.
This person only had to grow up.
– … What’s the deal?
– Remember. I hate troublesome stuff.
– You don’t sa―― didn’t tell me about this unexpected meeting. Talk straight to the matter at hand without beating around the bush.*
*TN: The first part of it fits nicely in Japanese but in English loses its meaning. Basically, Charles was not the most appropriate to say he hated troublesome stuff because he was troublesome.
– It’s to discuss. I came to scout you.
Moroha couldn’t grasp the meaning of the words for a moment because he was told so with quite a displeasured voice that didn’t seem to like that much.
But he rapidly understood them, and now he couldn’t catch a hold of the reason.
– … Excuse me?
– Idiot. I’m telling you to put you under my command. You don’t understand it unless I explain it?
– I understand what that means. Rather, you don’t get the attitude to ask this kind of things?
He arrogantly said he was going to scout him, but who would follow that thoughtlessly?
As for Moroha, who made a very decent claim,
– Hmmm. You’re a surprisingly despicable man, huh.
Charles scorned at him by looking down on him.
– This is upsetting…
– Ridiculous. Attitude to request stuff to people――you’re saying that I had to bring money?
– To show sincerity!
Moroha opened his eyes wide and retorted,
– Alright, alright. Don’t put up a front now, hahahaha.
Charles didn’t accept it and just laughed him down.
He’s really bothersome….
During the special practice, Haruka, Tokiko and Kamekichi were quarreling who was the most troublesome, but they were angels compared to this guy.
– Alright. I’ll pay the price you ask.
– Then it’s 100 million.
– Got it. Dollars? Euros? Which one is it?
– How can you pay that money!?
Moroha, who intended to thrust an unreasonable demand, ended up unconsciously raising a voice in disarray.
Moreover, that in dollars would roughly be 10 billion yen….
– Why is it strange? You came up with it, no? And I can pay that, of course. Or you thought “it’s fine” because I’m too cheap?
– The French Division is so rich…
There were those who had money and those who don’t.
Moroha reflected upon the unfairness of the world.
– So? If I pay that money by tomorrow, will you come to France right away?
– Sorry. That was a figure of speech. I apologize. But I don’t feel like going even if I got 100 million.
– You low-life. As soon as you knew I had the ability to pay, you suspended the negotiations?
– It’s not about thaaaat!
Moroha was at wits’ end.
And he fully realized that this man was not only troublesome, but also a very difficult person.
Charles kept glaring at Moroha without ever averting his eyes.
He scorned at him, but without slipping out a chuckle like he enjoyed it.
A through-and-through overly serious guy. That was why he was difficult.
From the point of view of Moroha, even if he retorted when it was time for a retort, the retorts had no effect because he didn’t think his partner was the funny man.*
*TN: This line says that they were the straight man (Moroha) and the funny man (Charles) which is a comedy routine but this didn’t work because Charles wasn’t the funny man.
– How much is it? Don’t put on airs and say your price quickly.
Charles urged him as he got irritated and poked the table with his fingertips.
– I said that I don’t feel like going.
Moroha confronted him as he sat up straight so as to not be manipulated more than this.
– In short? You don’t need money?
Moroha assented clearly.
– Money is important. I don’t pretend to deny that.
There was so much happiness in this world that couldn’t be bought with any amount of money.
But the misfortunes in this world were so much that could be spared with a small amount of money.
Moroha, who saw how his aunt suffered with family finances, knew that very well.
– Still, my aunt told me this. 『No matter how much money you get, you must not sell your soul』.
Moroha liked to give and take.
Sophia and Haruka often told him to accompany them in their personal training, and he was treated to a meal in return for that.
However, this had a foundation, both were likeable and he had the feeling of wanting to accompany them.
Moroha disregarded this creepy guy who told him something like “you buy bread because I rewarded you”.
Don’t waste money and at the same time don’t waste your pride.
– Understood――
Charles reluctantly agreed with a face as if chewing a bitter bug.
“It will be great if you get that”, Moroha nodded as well.
– ――So, any person is right then?
– Huh? Any person?
– You low-life. You’re making me say it? Since you don’t need money, then how many women you need to take care of you?
– Who said that and when!?
Moroha exclaimed.
Charles put a hand on one ear and frowned,
– So noisy. Is it possible to have a smarter conversation?
He protested, playing the victim.
– How troublesome…
How many times have Moroha thought so in his mind? He ended up putting it into words.
– In other words? You don’t need women?
– That’s natural. I’ll be the one searching for my lover.
– Got it. Then from today you’re my lead knight. Aren’t you honored?
– I don’t need honor either!
– You kidding me…? You want the position of the vice-head division? No, wait. That’s――
– You frankly came from France just to make fun of me!?
Moroha, who overused his hoarse throat, continued retorting without reservation.
Charles’s facial expression became extremely serious,
– This is upsetting…
He said absent-mindedly.
– ……
Those were the words Moroha used a while ago, but he didn’t think it would come so far that they would be used by that person.
– Seventh person――.
– Stop talking. And don’t try reading my thoughts.
– It’s your fault. Since you put on airs each time and don’t tell me what your requirements are, I have no choice but to predict them.
– For the impatient you, I’ll explain everything I think about, so listen in silence!
– What a time-waster. You could have done that from the beginning.
– 〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜.
Someone had to make teasing remarks every single time.
Moroha endured the urge to smash the tear down the table, took a deep breath many times, regained the essential of Natural Stance by the limits of his extraordinary efforts and said with a restrained voice.
– I’m a student. I like living here and I want to graduate here.
– Nonsense. What’s the value of this small school? Isn’t it a waste of time, seventh person?
He told him to be quiet, and yet, Charles already interjected impatiently.
– Its value is decided by myself. In the future, I’ll join the Order and at that moment I think I’ll join the Japanese Division. I haven’t think of joining a foreign division. *
*TN: Order is the furigana reading for White Knight Organization.
– Why?
– I have family in this country. I don’t know whether or not I’ll live together with them some other time, but if something were to happen to my aunt’s family, and I live too far I and can’t come running to them right away, I’ll leave without permission.
What crossed his mind was the bitter scene when he lost his parents.
Although he was in front of them, he was so young he couldn’t do anything.
At that time, Moroha, more than becoming an adult. He wanted to not be powerless.
But if he wasn’t close to them the next time, then it would make no sense. There would no growth.
– It’s easy. Inviting your family to France should do it. They will take care of them in my name.
– … That’s something really easy to say.
– That’s a fact. In that case, how many others do we welcome? You seem to have close female friends, haven’t you? Then coming to the French Division together should do it. Is there any social obligation that you and the others have to particularly join the Japanese Division?
Charles probably meant Satsuki and Shizuno.
And probably Maya, Leshya, and even Haruka was inserted in his calculations.
He studied him well. Moroha increased his alert level by one.
– At any rate, the conclusion of that can’t be made by my judgment here.
He put the situation on hold. And interrupted the negotiation.
Moroha told unilaterally and deposited his back on the back of the chair as if leaning against it.
– What a halfhearted guy…
The impatient Charles clicked his tongue, looking annoyed, not giving a damn about it.
– You hate wasting time, don’t you? Then why don’t you return to France quickly?
– I refuse. I’ll return with you even if I’m at a disadvantage here.
The eyes of Charles focused straight on Moroha as if piercing him with an arrow.
If it wasn’t because he became aware of them, the power of observation could have overwhelmed him. He was prepared.
Moroha stopped leaning on the chair and looked forward again.
– Listen.
– What?
– Why are you doing this much to want me in the French Division?
Moroha had experienced incredibly big offers so far, like joining Strikers and becoming the head of the Russian Division, but this one was way too out of reason.
– At this late hour?
– It can’t be helped. I wasn’t that curious.
– You say that――but I don’t dislike that alienation.
Charles showed a smile without even a millimeter of scorn on his mouth for the first time.
– You’re strong. You essentially slaughtered Fortress alone and defeated Russia too. I count on that power.
– Both Fortress and the former Russian Division were defeated by everyone’s cooperation, I’m not that much of a deal, you know? Why is the French Head having great difficulty with something that he even wants the help of a cat?*
*TN; “Wanting the help of a cat” is a proverb and it means: You are so busy that you will take any help you can get.
– Don’t make light of me. As long as I live, I make France do as I like with the Metaphysical.
– So “not being particularly needed for that” is out of the question, right?
– Certainly. If it’s just about protecting my country from the Metaphysical, then I’m enough.
– Who’s the time-waster now?
– It’s because of your interruptions.
He took a blow, and Moroha lent him a hand as if prompting him to speak.
– Listen. I have a purpose. My dearest wish. And for that, I want to gather as many strong people as possible.
Charles began to say shadily with a displeasured face.
Moroha encouraged him even more as he was on his guard.
– What’s your dearest wish?
When he asked, Charles replied immediately.
Without excitement, without exaggeration, without anything of that, but rather, with a dispassionate tone of voice.
– Human domination by us, the Saviors.
Moroha couldn’t respond right away.
He was dumbfounded by it.
It seemed like it would have been better to gift the nickname “Jack in the box” to him.
– …… Hey. … Is it okay to laugh?
– Do as you like. If you laugh at me, then just laugh at me, your vessel will be known. *
*TN: It means he’ll know what kind of person he really is.
– Hmm.
His sarcasm was far from flowing, on the contrary, he became serious.
He looked deadly serious.
The good eyesight of Charles, who still had his chin resting in his hand, was a sharper and quieter ghastliness living in his blue pupils.
This man, who was in a shape like making his body smaller by rolling it up and bending his back, wore an extremely heavy personality.
His status and mood didn’t allow someone to laugh him down, saying「Aren’t you insane?」.
On the other hand――there was one thing he was concerned about.
For example, Lightning Empress Vasilisa was a woman whose enormous lust for power overflowed from her body.
As for that woman, it wouldn’t be strange for her to start talking nonsense like human domination one of these days as long as nobody stopped her.
However, what about the man in front of him?
He seemed nervous and bothersome, but he didn’t look like the type of person who would have an extreme lust for power.
He was rigid with others, but he was more rigid with himself――or rather, that was his nature as an aloof.
Moroha put his hand on his chin for a moment,
– What’s so good about human domination?
He decisively asked the man who beat around the bush.
– Nothing in particular. But that’s just the mission of a Savior. The group called humans are beings that cannot be saved unless someone controls them with powerful strength and leads them properly in every particular. Don’t you think so?
– I’m not that pessimist, sorry.
– Stupid. Typical of a Japanese and his peace at any price.
– Wait――
He was going to object if there was a connection between Japan and their peace at any price with their previous lives――but Moroha held his tongue.
That thing crossed his mind again.
The nightmare he saw during the day.
The memory in which his beloved sister was stolen by the hopeless ones and he tried to get her back even if he was kept from doing so.
Chills pierced his back.
His face and body stiffened.
– What is it now? Let’s keep talking rapidly.
Charles hastily urged Moroha so that he could come to his senses.
He rubbed out that detestable memory together with the sweat that suspended lightly on his forehead.
Then sat up straight and stared back at Charles,
– As you say, I’m a lower-middle class Japanese who lives in a small Japanese house and a stupid peace idiot. Your story is of a scale so huge that I can’t keep up with it. Do that human domination or whatever its name is as you please. I’ll be hoping as much as possible for the day in which I’ll worship your bronze statue every day to arrive.
He rejected, mixed with sarcasm.
Charles fixedly stared at Moroha’s face with his chin still resting in his hand.
How many times had his right index finger hit the table?
A timer-like alarm sounded from his breast pocket.
– I see.
Charles stood up with a hand in his breast pocket and stopped the alarm.
– So, you gave up?
– No. I just realized that talking with you is a waste of time. I haven’t given up.
Charles removed the leather glove of his right hand as he used inappropriate words.
When he wondered what kind of delicate and pretty hand would come out, what appeared was a rough hand.
Similar to the hands of a craftsman.
It was engraved with wrinkles just as much as the pride he had and the months and years of being continuously exploited.
*Sparks sparkling*――
Intense sparks sparkled like raising an alarm inside Moroha’s head.
Yes, almost the same as when he confronted Edward for the first time.
Without a moment’s delay, Moroha relaxed the tension of his whole body and remained sat.
Natural Stance.
That was Moroha’s posture.
So that he could respond to any drastic act Charles may do.
– Remember――
Charles threw down his glove.
Slowly towards in front of Moroha.
As if a knight challenged him to a duel.
– ――I will summon you to France no matter what means I use.
The table sounded greatly the moment the glove fell.
One of the sabers placed on it started to move by itself and made a clattering sound.
Not only that, it floated in the air as if it were magic and suddenly drew near before Moroha’s eyes.
The sharp point of the sword cut up the wind and attacked.
That blade came to a stop as if leaving a distance of one millimeter and just before it pierced Moroha’s forehead.
Moroha, in the end, didn’t do the slight movement as he showed a daring smile.
– This isn’t charming. Be a bit flustered.
Charles spat out like he wasn’t fascinated.
– There’s no reason for the guy who said he would summon me to France just now to kill me, right?
Moroha jested and shrugged his shoulders as the saber was thrust at him.
– Don’t show off. What would you have done if I had missed my aim?
When Charles threw down his glove, both the saber that remained on the table and the saber that was thrust at Moroha flew like gliding in the air and returned to the sword belt on the waist of Charles.
– What if I showed off more than you? I’m not a guy who lets this pass through, you know?
Moroha narrowed his eyes.
Charles had released a feeble mana.
And manipulated both sabers with it.
The mana was all black, it had no color difference like prana.
Still, for Morohoa’s eyes, Charles’s mana looked very beautiful.
The roof tiles, which didn’t accomplish their purpose if they became imprecise by a millimeter, were neatly and thoroughly lined up as if spreading all over――they closely resembled a scene that overflowed with simplicity and elegance of design.
A proof that he could control his own mana to the utmost limits.
One of Kuromas’ perfection. A master. Those images surged in succession.
It was frightening. His true nature finally showed a chink.
Moroha knew.
That the Charles up to now, certainly and surely didn’t come to「discuss」at all.
At first, the air that covered over was like the one of a cold room, but if compared to the current pressure, it was something like he just messed around with.
– Tch…
The right hand of Charles extended to his breast pocket as he clicked his tongue.
Moroha also extended his right hand to the ID Tag in his breast pocket.
Even if no direct attack came, there was no guarantee that Bind or Giga Drowse wouldn’t come at him.
A long line of sweat ran down Moroha’s spine as they glared at each other.
And, Charles relaxed his right hand.
He took out his pocket watch, checked it and immediately put a face as if having swallowed a bitter bug.
– You bastard. How dare you make me waste my precious time with such a useless thing?
He spat out annoyed and suddenly turned back.
– H-hey?
Charles left the room, leaving Moroha perplexed with his hand in his breast pocket.
A restless walk like it valued every moment.
– Don’t forget. When I say that I’ll do it, I’ll certainly do it.
He just told him a sharp parting remark without looking back not even once.
If he was sudden when he came, then he was selfish when he left.
He quickly ended up disappearing on the other side of the corridor.
Moroha was left in mute amazement.
– He’s really… a bothersome guy….
Wasn’t stupid of this guy to fire himself up here?
He took a big breath and the tension that stretched in the room faded.
He also returned quickly.
He thought so, and for some reason or another, he wanted to leave.
He wouldn’t forget even if he was told to forget. It didn’t go away from inside his head.
The moment when Charles said he would summon Moroha to France and his blue eyes that felt like penetrating cold.
What made him be fixated on Moroha to that extent?
He could only hear that excuse, that thing about human domination or whatever it was.
– Sleep… and forget… there’s no way I can do that, can I?
Moroha took out his cellphone as he sighed once again.
At times like this, he had to get in touch with her, the most reliable person there was.
A blue crescent moon floated as if a wound was carved in the night sky.
Charles looked up at it while walking on the roof of a private house.
It was really a blue moon.
He recalled that terrible night, his chest throbbed soddenly.
– Soon…. Very soon…
Charles talked to himself as if diverting the pain.
– I’ll become a dastard… I’ll hurt innocents… but I’ll certainly…
He talked to himself as he distorted his look in pain.
– I’ll certainly get you back… Flavie…
The autumn sunsets happened early in the day.
All the people of Strikers walked all together in the totally dark town.
Once the special training ended, all the members went to a karaoke in the downtown to have the utmost fun which they called as “the promotion advance celebration of Satsuki and Haruka”, and on their way back home.
Since Shizuno was the only one who lived in her house and the rest of the members lived in the dorms, they had parted from her already. They were all together until the fork to the men’s dormitory and the women’s dormitory at the foot of the school.
Everyone had fun talking about stuff along the way. They couldn’t stop, as if the singing wasn’t enough.
– Kammie’s singing is truly at a professional grade every time I listen to him. When will you debut?
– Dyuhefufuehyufue, I feel embarrassed that Takki-senpai says something like that to me.
Kamekichi felt embarrassed by Taketsuru’s backhanded compliment and made his body wriggle.
– So gross. Are you two homos or what!?
– NO! Prejudice only gives birth to disputes. Love between people of the same gender is never a bad thing.
Tokiko spat out and Sophia intervened from the side.
– Well… if you follow the situation, I don’t think it goes that way…
Haruka had her eyes half-closed. She muttered so with a voice that grew hoarse.
Then Tokiko worried in a theatrical manner,
– What’s wrong? Where’s your spirit? I see, I completely grasped the situation. The B-Rank title became a heavy burden now? Alright, I, the vice-captain, will go to advise the captain to take it back.
– *Ahem*. There’s something you should confess about before advising to me, isn’t there? Momochi-kun isn’t energetic because you made her continue singing nonstop and that looked like corporal punishment, you know? It was a good thing I kept an eye on you.
Isurugi coughed with a scary face and because of that, Tokiko immediately turned her face ghastly pale.
– It’s a m-m-m-m-misunderstanding. I felt like she genuinely wanted to celebrate and the mic just turned to her. A-a-actually, Momochi did a duet the whole time and Ranjou was all lively, weren’t they?
– I witnessed all that perfectly, but that was definitely nothing but power harassment.
Taketsuru gestured and made binoculars with his hands.
– *Ginyaaaaaaaaah*. I was betrayed by Taketsuru’s social staaandiiing.
– I’ve never supported your wrongdoings.
– As expected of Takki-senpai, Kamekichi totally admires you!
– Once the coffee shop is running, I’ll make Kanzaki-kun take care of the separation of trash alone.
When Isurugi decided so with an undaunted voice, they clapped lively.
– Wow, nice idea!
– That’s fully-fledged power harassment, captain! You, don’t applaud! I’m being bullied!
――There was nothing noisier than this.
If this happened a bit later, they probably would have become a nuisance for the neighborhood.
Moroha walked at the end of such line and smiled free from worry when he saw Tokiko apologizing to the captain with teary eyes.
– “Heaven’s vengeance is slow but sure”, huh.
He smiled at Satsuki who walked next to him,
– I, I was permitted to monopolize the mic… but are they completely satisfied with it?
Satsuki said as she avoided meeting his gaze.
She was too tough with herself.
– Well, it was fun, wasn’t it? And as you say, I think it’ll be surely interesting to run a coffee shop with these members.
With the exception of two people who were against it, they entirely turned over a new leaf when they got the result of the match.
Nevertheless――
– Y-yeah….
Because the reply of Satsuki was evasive, Moroha shifted his attention to her with puzzled eyes, saying「Oh?」 .
– You weren’t able to enjoy it?
– That’s not it! I was happy that the coffee shop will be done, that I was promoted and that everyone gave me their blessings! I did feel very happy!
– Then why…
– Well… Is Moroha happy that I have become… a regular member?
Satsuki upturned her eyes and asked timidly.
– Aren’t you angry and worried because I’ll take part in real combat and that I’ll fight against the metaphysical?
“So it was that, huh”, Moroha smiled a bit.
– Yes, I’m happy.
Satsuki made her facial expression shine when Moroha patted her head.
– Really!?
– Yeah. I’m not worried. You already have enough true strength. And I’ll be next to you.
– M-me too! I want to fight standing next to Moroha! My dream came true at last!
Moroha reacted to the words of the somewhat excited Satsuki with a smile.
– I don’t know why, but I feel like imprisoning you or making you do nothing like a princess was wrong. So, I’m glad things turned out this way.
– Eh, what do you mean with that?
– Like I said, “I don’t know why”. It’s nothing serious.
Moroha shrugged his shoulders, saying “Don’t question me too much”.
While the ominous dream he had during the day and that he drove away out of his head crossed his mind.
– Anyway, I’ve been recognized, haven’t I? So it’s all good! I’ll do my best!
– Yeah. Let’s do our best together from now on.
Moroha extended his hand gently.
Satsuki looked at it, her cheeks reddened a bit and excitedly held his hand, intertwining their fingers.
They walked, joining their hands.
They felt like they didn’t want to release them or arrive at the fork that led to the women’s dormitory.
Moroha, who returned to the dormitory together with all the male members, stopped at its entrance.
He turned around when he went through the second automatic door of the elegant entrance that looked like a hotel.
– Haimura-kun. You have a visitor.
The one who told him so was the old dorm father.
– A visitor? Who is it?
– Well, they didn’t give their name even when I asked them. It’s a foreigner.
He was told they were in the guest room, so he decided to go there immediately.
(Maybe it’s my aunt? But not giving her name is strange)
He grabbed the door knob of the guest room as he cocked his head in puzzlement.
At that moment――
Sparks scattered inside his head.
Like a warning that said “Be careful”.
Moroha glared at the door for a moment as he grabbed the knob.
A cold and heavy tension leaked through the door gaps like dry ice fumes, it even felt like a presence that crept the floor of the corridor.
Who was really waiting for him?
Moroha checked the ID Tag in his breast pocket and put himself on guard to be able to manifest his weapon at any time.
Then, he opened the door carefully.
The room had a simple but calm appearance inside.
A stylish table with chairs, decorative plants and bookshelves were installed in it.
Someone was sitting in the chair across the table, making sure to face the entrance.
A white young man with virile features.
He seemed to be about 10 years older than Moroha.
His hair was black. His suit was black. His necktie was black. Furthermore, he wore black leather gloves even inside the room.
Only the color of his pupils was blue, with which he stabbed Moroha with a nervous-looking gaze.
He shook his crossed legs, rested his chin in his left hand and restlessly hit the table with his right index finger.
He was a “visitor”, but he absolutely didn’t look friendly.
Two long and short sabers were tossed on the table as if demonstrating he had no intention to fight, but the presence the person in question was clad in was the danger itself.
He kept emitting a cold anger while glaring at him.
Moroha had the illusion like he set foot into an ice room with such feeling of high tension.
The first thing the young man said after he opened his mouth.
In fluent Japanese.
As if spitting out and warping his cheeks――
– You’re late. Don’t keep me waiting.
– Who are you?
Moroha replied immediately.
He riposted with all his strength.
What was with him? He came without an appointment and told him to not keep him waiting…
– Don’t be rude. You don’t have to yell at me all of a sudden, do you?
– You’re without a doubt the rude here. Good position, good attitude, good greetings, good everything.
Moroha lost his strength by being retorted with double the strength.
His shoulders and knees lost strength.
He felt like the tension escaped with a terrific force from the open door.
– … Anyway. Who’re you?
He covered his forehead and stared back at the young man.
(What a troublesome guy)
That was the first impression of Moroha.
There were a lot of places for retorts, there was no time to be surprised about the fact he spoke in Japanese even though he was a foreigner.
The young man gave his name like he chewed up a bitter bug with his chin still resting in his hand.
– I’m Charles. The current Paris Saint-Germain.
– Who are you aga――?
Moroha swallowed the words he attempted to say.
That name sounded familiar.
– Are you perhaps the Head of the French Division?
The young man who gave his names as Charles confirmed so and got annoyed as if looking down on him.
That seemed to be a positive reply….
– What kind of business has the Head-sama of the French Division with someone lowly as me?
The attitude of Charles was displeased with him rather than being surprised. But why?
Moroha became sullen and sat in front of him without rejection.
The principle was to come in contact with the ones above him with courtesy, but this extremely rude man didn’t like that.
– What a foolish question. Edward came to greet you as well, didn’t he, you seventh person? Then I coming here isn’t strange either.
(In short, dealing with him like I did with Edward should do it, huh)
After all, it seemed like courtesy wasn’t needed for this man.
Moroha broadly interpreted so.
– So you showed your face to say hello? Then return to your country at once. What will you do if a metaphysical appear?
He waved his hand like shooing a dog away.
A diagram in which「This man is also a Six Head which is = Edward = Lightning Empress = walking big nuisance」was pictured in his mind, he wanted him to go home before trouble occurred.
Or more precisely, and to tell the truth, this smelled suspicious.
– Fool. I will take my leave promptly even if you don’t tell me.
– Hmm. Then I’ll be taking you at your word. What does Akane mean for y――
– Hey. Seventh person.
– … What? I have a name and that is Haimura Moroha.
– How long will this idiotic idle talk have to continue, seventh person? I’m busy and I can’t be away from my country forever. Let’s cut to the chase.
– We could have talked about it when I asked what was your deal with me moments ago. You fully flared at me and retaliated for everything. You aren’t in a rebellious age, are you?
– Ridiculous. It will be all good if I amend my cursing and you your wording, don’t you agree? What are you so triggered about? You baffle my understanding.
What a bothersome guy.
Moroha thought so from the bottom of his heart.
This person only had to grow up.
– … What’s the deal?
– Remember. I hate troublesome stuff.
– You don’t sa―― didn’t tell me about this unexpected meeting. Talk straight to the matter at hand without beating around the bush.*
*TN: The first part of it fits nicely in Japanese but in English loses its meaning. Basically, Charles was not the most appropriate to say he hated troublesome stuff because he was troublesome.
– It’s to discuss. I came to scout you.
Moroha couldn’t grasp the meaning of the words for a moment because he was told so with quite a displeasured voice that didn’t seem to like that much.
But he rapidly understood them, and now he couldn’t catch a hold of the reason.
– … Excuse me?
– Idiot. I’m telling you to put you under my command. You don’t understand it unless I explain it?
– I understand what that means. Rather, you don’t get the attitude to ask this kind of things?
He arrogantly said he was going to scout him, but who would follow that thoughtlessly?
As for Moroha, who made a very decent claim,
– Hmmm. You’re a surprisingly despicable man, huh.
Charles scorned at him by looking down on him.
– This is upsetting…
– Ridiculous. Attitude to request stuff to people――you’re saying that I had to bring money?
– To show sincerity!
Moroha opened his eyes wide and retorted,
– Alright, alright. Don’t put up a front now, hahahaha.
Charles didn’t accept it and just laughed him down.
He’s really bothersome….
During the special practice, Haruka, Tokiko and Kamekichi were quarreling who was the most troublesome, but they were angels compared to this guy.
– Alright. I’ll pay the price you ask.
– Then it’s 100 million.
– Got it. Dollars? Euros? Which one is it?
– How can you pay that money!?
Moroha, who intended to thrust an unreasonable demand, ended up unconsciously raising a voice in disarray.
Moreover, that in dollars would roughly be 10 billion yen….
– Why is it strange? You came up with it, no? And I can pay that, of course. Or you thought “it’s fine” because I’m too cheap?
– The French Division is so rich…
There were those who had money and those who don’t.
Moroha reflected upon the unfairness of the world.
– So? If I pay that money by tomorrow, will you come to France right away?
– Sorry. That was a figure of speech. I apologize. But I don’t feel like going even if I got 100 million.
– You low-life. As soon as you knew I had the ability to pay, you suspended the negotiations?
– It’s not about thaaaat!
Moroha was at wits’ end.
And he fully realized that this man was not only troublesome, but also a very difficult person.
Charles kept glaring at Moroha without ever averting his eyes.
He scorned at him, but without slipping out a chuckle like he enjoyed it.
A through-and-through overly serious guy. That was why he was difficult.
From the point of view of Moroha, even if he retorted when it was time for a retort, the retorts had no effect because he didn’t think his partner was the funny man.*
*TN: This line says that they were the straight man (Moroha) and the funny man (Charles) which is a comedy routine but this didn’t work because Charles wasn’t the funny man.
– How much is it? Don’t put on airs and say your price quickly.
Charles urged him as he got irritated and poked the table with his fingertips.
– I said that I don’t feel like going.
Moroha confronted him as he sat up straight so as to not be manipulated more than this.
– In short? You don’t need money?
Moroha assented clearly.
– Money is important. I don’t pretend to deny that.
There was so much happiness in this world that couldn’t be bought with any amount of money.
But the misfortunes in this world were so much that could be spared with a small amount of money.
Moroha, who saw how his aunt suffered with family finances, knew that very well.
– Still, my aunt told me this. 『No matter how much money you get, you must not sell your soul』.
Moroha liked to give and take.
Sophia and Haruka often told him to accompany them in their personal training, and he was treated to a meal in return for that.
However, this had a foundation, both were likeable and he had the feeling of wanting to accompany them.
Moroha disregarded this creepy guy who told him something like “you buy bread because I rewarded you”.
Don’t waste money and at the same time don’t waste your pride.
– Understood――
Charles reluctantly agreed with a face as if chewing a bitter bug.
“It will be great if you get that”, Moroha nodded as well.
– ――So, any person is right then?
– Huh? Any person?
– You low-life. You’re making me say it? Since you don’t need money, then how many women you need to take care of you?
– Who said that and when!?
Moroha exclaimed.
Charles put a hand on one ear and frowned,
– So noisy. Is it possible to have a smarter conversation?
He protested, playing the victim.
– How troublesome…
How many times have Moroha thought so in his mind? He ended up putting it into words.
– In other words? You don’t need women?
– That’s natural. I’ll be the one searching for my lover.
– Got it. Then from today you’re my lead knight. Aren’t you honored?
– I don’t need honor either!
– You kidding me…? You want the position of the vice-head division? No, wait. That’s――
– You frankly came from France just to make fun of me!?
Moroha, who overused his hoarse throat, continued retorting without reservation.
Charles’s facial expression became extremely serious,
– This is upsetting…
He said absent-mindedly.
– ……
Those were the words Moroha used a while ago, but he didn’t think it would come so far that they would be used by that person.
– Seventh person――.
– Stop talking. And don’t try reading my thoughts.
– It’s your fault. Since you put on airs each time and don’t tell me what your requirements are, I have no choice but to predict them.
– For the impatient you, I’ll explain everything I think about, so listen in silence!
– What a time-waster. You could have done that from the beginning.
– 〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜.
Someone had to make teasing remarks every single time.
Moroha endured the urge to smash the tear down the table, took a deep breath many times, regained the essential of Natural Stance by the limits of his extraordinary efforts and said with a restrained voice.
– I’m a student. I like living here and I want to graduate here.
– Nonsense. What’s the value of this small school? Isn’t it a waste of time, seventh person?
He told him to be quiet, and yet, Charles already interjected impatiently.
– Its value is decided by myself. In the future, I’ll join the Order and at that moment I think I’ll join the Japanese Division. I haven’t think of joining a foreign division. *
*TN: Order is the furigana reading for White Knight Organization.
– Why?
– I have family in this country. I don’t know whether or not I’ll live together with them some other time, but if something were to happen to my aunt’s family, and I live too far I and can’t come running to them right away, I’ll leave without permission.
What crossed his mind was the bitter scene when he lost his parents.
Although he was in front of them, he was so young he couldn’t do anything.
At that time, Moroha, more than becoming an adult. He wanted to not be powerless.
But if he wasn’t close to them the next time, then it would make no sense. There would no growth.
– It’s easy. Inviting your family to France should do it. They will take care of them in my name.
– … That’s something really easy to say.
– That’s a fact. In that case, how many others do we welcome? You seem to have close female friends, haven’t you? Then coming to the French Division together should do it. Is there any social obligation that you and the others have to particularly join the Japanese Division?
Charles probably meant Satsuki and Shizuno.
And probably Maya, Leshya, and even Haruka was inserted in his calculations.
He studied him well. Moroha increased his alert level by one.
– At any rate, the conclusion of that can’t be made by my judgment here.
He put the situation on hold. And interrupted the negotiation.
Moroha told unilaterally and deposited his back on the back of the chair as if leaning against it.
– What a halfhearted guy…
The impatient Charles clicked his tongue, looking annoyed, not giving a damn about it.
– You hate wasting time, don’t you? Then why don’t you return to France quickly?
– I refuse. I’ll return with you even if I’m at a disadvantage here.
The eyes of Charles focused straight on Moroha as if piercing him with an arrow.
If it wasn’t because he became aware of them, the power of observation could have overwhelmed him. He was prepared.
Moroha stopped leaning on the chair and looked forward again.
– Listen.
– What?
– Why are you doing this much to want me in the French Division?
Moroha had experienced incredibly big offers so far, like joining Strikers and becoming the head of the Russian Division, but this one was way too out of reason.
– At this late hour?
– It can’t be helped. I wasn’t that curious.
– You say that――but I don’t dislike that alienation.
Charles showed a smile without even a millimeter of scorn on his mouth for the first time.
– You’re strong. You essentially slaughtered Fortress alone and defeated Russia too. I count on that power.
– Both Fortress and the former Russian Division were defeated by everyone’s cooperation, I’m not that much of a deal, you know? Why is the French Head having great difficulty with something that he even wants the help of a cat?*
*TN; “Wanting the help of a cat” is a proverb and it means: You are so busy that you will take any help you can get.
– Don’t make light of me. As long as I live, I make France do as I like with the Metaphysical.
– So “not being particularly needed for that” is out of the question, right?
– Certainly. If it’s just about protecting my country from the Metaphysical, then I’m enough.
– Who’s the time-waster now?
– It’s because of your interruptions.
He took a blow, and Moroha lent him a hand as if prompting him to speak.
– Listen. I have a purpose. My dearest wish. And for that, I want to gather as many strong people as possible.
Charles began to say shadily with a displeasured face.
Moroha encouraged him even more as he was on his guard.
– What’s your dearest wish?
When he asked, Charles replied immediately.
Without excitement, without exaggeration, without anything of that, but rather, with a dispassionate tone of voice.
– Human domination by us, the Saviors.
Moroha couldn’t respond right away.
He was dumbfounded by it.
It seemed like it would have been better to gift the nickname “Jack in the box” to him.
– …… Hey. … Is it okay to laugh?
– Do as you like. If you laugh at me, then just laugh at me, your vessel will be known. *
*TN: It means he’ll know what kind of person he really is.
– Hmm.
His sarcasm was far from flowing, on the contrary, he became serious.
He looked deadly serious.
The good eyesight of Charles, who still had his chin resting in his hand, was a sharper and quieter ghastliness living in his blue pupils.
This man, who was in a shape like making his body smaller by rolling it up and bending his back, wore an extremely heavy personality.
His status and mood didn’t allow someone to laugh him down, saying「Aren’t you insane?」.
On the other hand――there was one thing he was concerned about.
For example, Lightning Empress Vasilisa was a woman whose enormous lust for power overflowed from her body.
As for that woman, it wouldn’t be strange for her to start talking nonsense like human domination one of these days as long as nobody stopped her.
However, what about the man in front of him?
He seemed nervous and bothersome, but he didn’t look like the type of person who would have an extreme lust for power.
He was rigid with others, but he was more rigid with himself――or rather, that was his nature as an aloof.
Moroha put his hand on his chin for a moment,
– What’s so good about human domination?
He decisively asked the man who beat around the bush.
– Nothing in particular. But that’s just the mission of a Savior. The group called humans are beings that cannot be saved unless someone controls them with powerful strength and leads them properly in every particular. Don’t you think so?
– I’m not that pessimist, sorry.
– Stupid. Typical of a Japanese and his peace at any price.
– Wait――
He was going to object if there was a connection between Japan and their peace at any price with their previous lives――but Moroha held his tongue.
That thing crossed his mind again.
The nightmare he saw during the day.
The memory in which his beloved sister was stolen by the hopeless ones and he tried to get her back even if he was kept from doing so.
Chills pierced his back.
His face and body stiffened.
– What is it now? Let’s keep talking rapidly.
Charles hastily urged Moroha so that he could come to his senses.
He rubbed out that detestable memory together with the sweat that suspended lightly on his forehead.
Then sat up straight and stared back at Charles,
– As you say, I’m a lower-middle class Japanese who lives in a small Japanese house and a stupid peace idiot. Your story is of a scale so huge that I can’t keep up with it. Do that human domination or whatever its name is as you please. I’ll be hoping as much as possible for the day in which I’ll worship your bronze statue every day to arrive.
He rejected, mixed with sarcasm.
Charles fixedly stared at Moroha’s face with his chin still resting in his hand.
How many times had his right index finger hit the table?
A timer-like alarm sounded from his breast pocket.
– I see.
Charles stood up with a hand in his breast pocket and stopped the alarm.
– So, you gave up?
– No. I just realized that talking with you is a waste of time. I haven’t given up.
Charles removed the leather glove of his right hand as he used inappropriate words.
When he wondered what kind of delicate and pretty hand would come out, what appeared was a rough hand.
Similar to the hands of a craftsman.
It was engraved with wrinkles just as much as the pride he had and the months and years of being continuously exploited.
*Sparks sparkling*――
Intense sparks sparkled like raising an alarm inside Moroha’s head.
Yes, almost the same as when he confronted Edward for the first time.
Without a moment’s delay, Moroha relaxed the tension of his whole body and remained sat.
Natural Stance.
That was Moroha’s posture.
So that he could respond to any drastic act Charles may do.
– Remember――
Charles threw down his glove.
Slowly towards in front of Moroha.
As if a knight challenged him to a duel.
– ――I will summon you to France no matter what means I use.
The table sounded greatly the moment the glove fell.
One of the sabers placed on it started to move by itself and made a clattering sound.
Not only that, it floated in the air as if it were magic and suddenly drew near before Moroha’s eyes.
The sharp point of the sword cut up the wind and attacked.
That blade came to a stop as if leaving a distance of one millimeter and just before it pierced Moroha’s forehead.
Moroha, in the end, didn’t do the slight movement as he showed a daring smile.
– This isn’t charming. Be a bit flustered.
Charles spat out like he wasn’t fascinated.
– There’s no reason for the guy who said he would summon me to France just now to kill me, right?
Moroha jested and shrugged his shoulders as the saber was thrust at him.
– Don’t show off. What would you have done if I had missed my aim?
When Charles threw down his glove, both the saber that remained on the table and the saber that was thrust at Moroha flew like gliding in the air and returned to the sword belt on the waist of Charles.
– What if I showed off more than you? I’m not a guy who lets this pass through, you know?
Moroha narrowed his eyes.
Charles had released a feeble mana.
And manipulated both sabers with it.
The mana was all black, it had no color difference like prana.
Still, for Morohoa’s eyes, Charles’s mana looked very beautiful.
The roof tiles, which didn’t accomplish their purpose if they became imprecise by a millimeter, were neatly and thoroughly lined up as if spreading all over――they closely resembled a scene that overflowed with simplicity and elegance of design.
A proof that he could control his own mana to the utmost limits.
One of Kuromas’ perfection. A master. Those images surged in succession.
It was frightening. His true nature finally showed a chink.
Moroha knew.
That the Charles up to now, certainly and surely didn’t come to「discuss」at all.
At first, the air that covered over was like the one of a cold room, but if compared to the current pressure, it was something like he just messed around with.
– Tch…
The right hand of Charles extended to his breast pocket as he clicked his tongue.
Moroha also extended his right hand to the ID Tag in his breast pocket.
Even if no direct attack came, there was no guarantee that Bind or Giga Drowse wouldn’t come at him.
A long line of sweat ran down Moroha’s spine as they glared at each other.
And, Charles relaxed his right hand.
He took out his pocket watch, checked it and immediately put a face as if having swallowed a bitter bug.
– You bastard. How dare you make me waste my precious time with such a useless thing?
He spat out annoyed and suddenly turned back.
– H-hey?
Charles left the room, leaving Moroha perplexed with his hand in his breast pocket.
A restless walk like it valued every moment.
– Don’t forget. When I say that I’ll do it, I’ll certainly do it.
He just told him a sharp parting remark without looking back not even once.
If he was sudden when he came, then he was selfish when he left.
He quickly ended up disappearing on the other side of the corridor.
Moroha was left in mute amazement.
– He’s really… a bothersome guy….
Wasn’t stupid of this guy to fire himself up here?
He took a big breath and the tension that stretched in the room faded.
He also returned quickly.
He thought so, and for some reason or another, he wanted to leave.
He wouldn’t forget even if he was told to forget. It didn’t go away from inside his head.
The moment when Charles said he would summon Moroha to France and his blue eyes that felt like penetrating cold.
What made him be fixated on Moroha to that extent?
He could only hear that excuse, that thing about human domination or whatever it was.
– Sleep… and forget… there’s no way I can do that, can I?
Moroha took out his cellphone as he sighed once again.
At times like this, he had to get in touch with her, the most reliable person there was.
A blue crescent moon floated as if a wound was carved in the night sky.
Charles looked up at it while walking on the roof of a private house.
It was really a blue moon.
He recalled that terrible night, his chest throbbed soddenly.
– Soon…. Very soon…
Charles talked to himself as if diverting the pain.
– I’ll become a dastard… I’ll hurt innocents… but I’ll certainly…
He talked to himself as he distorted his look in pain.
– I’ll certainly get you back… Flavie…
