Chapter 41: Leisure Time

I stretch out. I got a good night’s sleep last night, despite the fact that it’s only been a day since I returned to this world. I’m surprised at how thick my nerves are, but I’ll take it as a sign that I’m adjusting well.

“What’s going on today?”

The first round of selection was held at a party yesterday, but how will the second round be held?

I asked my maid, but she also didn’t seem to know what was going on.

Following breakfast, the remaining 50 candidates were gathered for the first round of selection. Today appears to be a completely free day, according to Yulin. Yulin stated that there will be no unannounced tests like yesterday.

I was hoping for something done today, so I’m disappointed. It’s a problem when you’re free to do whatever you want. For the time being, I’ve decided to visit the library and borrow a book.

“As usual, it’s incredible.”

I search for some interesting books because I am overwhelmed by the number of books in the library. I’m curious how the war between humans and demons evolved into a war between Goddess Kas’uan’s vs. humans and demons. I wonder if I can find it in a history book.

I decided to look through the history books.

“…Let’s see, the history section…”

While I was walking and looking at the label, I bumped into someone.

“I’m sorry──.”

I tried to apologize, but I was at a loss for words. Garen was the person I collided with. He’s grown a little taller. He has a more confident expression on his face. I consider telling Garen who I am, but I don’t because I know he won’t believe me now that my face has changed.

“I’m sorry as well… Is there something wrong with my face?”

“I apologize. —You resemble someone I know.”

Garen has remained in Crystalia. What kind of work is he currently doing?

“Friendship Ambassador, you’re here…”

and a demon youth took him away.

──Garen serves as a link between Astoria and Crystalia? —It was a forced effort to bring Garen to Crystalia, but it may have been worthwhile.

I searched for a book with joy.

■□■

“What’s the matter, Friendship Ambassador?”

As I returned my gaze, the young man inquired.

“No, it’s nothing.”

I bow my head and continue walking.

“…There’s no way.”

I’m not sure what I was thinking when we bumped into each other—that she sounded like Mika. I’m aware that I’m not in my right mind. I can’t get rid of her shadow after five years, and I laugh at my immaturity.

I want Mika to like me again. But she’s gone back to her world before I can make an effort.

If I could see her again, I’d never make the same mistake. I would never abandon Mika.

I took this job to at least grant her wish for peace, but it has come to remind me of her every day.

I moved my feet, thinking that maybe I wasn’t cut out for this job after all.

■□■

“This is the modern history section.”

It should be here if it is about the last five years. I take a few books at random and return to my room.

I flip through the pages to find the section I want to read.

“There it is.”

The following is a synopsis of what has been written here. —Following the capture of the Saint, the Goddess Kas’uan’s descended from the sky and intervened in the war between humans and demons on the human side. The human side was initially pleased to receive assistance from the Creator God, but her influence gradually became more and more depressing. The two races then decided to overthrow the Goddess Kas’uan’s, but they couldn’t do so completely and had her sealed off.

“Huh…”

Yesterday’s enemy is today’s ally. However, the human-demon relationship remains fragile. As a result, the Demon King’s bride will be human.

It was late at night when I was thinking about this.

I got into my bed.

Sleepiness sets in quickly.

On my way to school, I was walking when…

──Huh…

Someone is groaning. In doubt, I look back.

──Where are you…!

I flinch in fear as bloodshot eyes meet mine.

“It’s all a dream.”

I looked out the window and saw that it was raining, so it could have been a nightmare.

Because it’s the middle of the night, I sneak out of the room quietly.

After that, I heard someone singing. Could it be the Demon King? If this is the case, it will save me the trouble of continuing with the selection process. I followed the singing voice and discovered it belonged to Odo-san.

“Odo-san?”

Odo-san turned around when I called out. For a brief moment, he appeared surprised, then his eyes narrowed softly.

“It’s good to see you again, Mira.”

After some small talk with Odo, I told him I’d had a bad dream, and he handed me a small jar of incense.

“Here, take this.”

“What’s this?”

Inside the jar was a dried “matchmaker under the moon.” It appears to help you sleep well. I was afraid Odo would have trouble dreaming instead if he gave it to me.

Odo-san, on the other hand, laughed and said, “I don’t need it anymore.”

So I took his word for it.

I thanked Odo and walked away. I returned to my room and smelled the scent that the Demon King used to wear.

This scent appeals to me. It’s comforting.

I fell asleep with the small jar under my pillow. This time, I wanted to have a good dream.