Chapter 1.11
01. Visitor from another world
1-11. The Spirits
"--I see. Well, I had a rough idea it was something like that."
Rain commented bitterly, Kururu who became modest sat down and confess the detail of the story.
Let's rewind the time just a bit.
"Please wait for me, I'll be right back!"
With those words, Kukuru left the room, bidding farewell to Naota.
"Water, water..."
She hummed to herself, thinking of the item she intended to bring back for him. Kururu wandered down the corridor, eagerly glancing around, half-expecting to find what she sought automatically sold somewhere on the floor without having to leave the building. Soon enough...
"Ah, there it is!"
In a corner of the corridor, she spotted the item she was looking for. She quickly run over and pulled out her wallet. All that was left was to grab a bottle and deliver it to Naota. She thought she was rather quick. She looked forward to hearing him praise her with a simple "That was quick!" Praise when she returned. However...
"Huh?"
At that moment, Kururu stopped abruptly, as if someone had called out to her, However, she didn't look behind her, but straight down, at her chest. In that one spot, the inside of her clothes shone with a bright light.
What in the world? Kururu furrowed her brows while standing still. Well, it wasn't anything particularly unusual. Given the item Kururu always wore around her neck, it made sense for that area to glow.
The issue was the timing. Why now? With no immediate answer, Kururu tilted her head in puzzlement. As the light continued to intensify, soon the overflowing light particles transformed into gentle waves in the air.
Flowing towards her path, they eventually formed the outline of a life-sized circle. When the blindingly bright light subsided, standing before her was a girl who looked exactly like Kururu herself.
"Shia?"
Kururu inquired the spirit with her usual name, wondering what could be the matter. It was unusual for Shia to appear on her own without being called.
Moreover, she looked somewhat frail and anxious as she gazing at Kururu intently, as if she had something important to convey. It seemed as though she wanted to implore Kururu not to proceed further. Additionally, there was another person who had appeared before Kururu.
"Oh, Hime-Tama, please be careful."
(Tn: hime means princess)
Suddenly, a small humanoid figure, about the size of a palm, materialized at Shia shoulder.
"Huh, even gnome-san!?"
Kururu was surprised once again. By the way, this "gnome" was a name decided by Kururu at some point. As background, in order to bring together the spirits, who were too many, there were some whom Kururu personally bestowed names and roles upon.
In short, the gnome was one of them. Rather, he could be considered a representative of the spirits. Finally, Kururu realized that something was amiss. After all, this was something that would never happen under normal circumstances. Especially for them, who had a deep connection with Kururu and were usually so faithful, to both appear together like this.
"What's the matter, both of you? Has something happened?"
Kururu asked timidly, sensing that it must be something quite serious. In response, they exchanged glances as if struggling to say something. Then, with a regretful expression, it was the gnome who wiped his eyes.
"Oh, Princess. I must confess my shame. I, I am worthless. Despite being by your side, I could not protect you."
"Gnome-san...?"
"I say this fully aware of my impoliteness. But please, listen calmly. To put it very simply, the current Princess is not the true Princess."
"What?"
"Your original essence has been overwritten, and even your noble pride, beliefs, and soul have been tainted. It's as if covered in thick, sticky mud. Honestly, where did you manage to get so dirty? Even if you scold this old man, I won't complain."
".........."
"All of this is the fault of that little 'bastard.' Right now, the Princess is being fervently manipulated like a rolling ball on their hand. Or perhaps it would be easier to understand if I said she's in a state akin to delicate clay craftsmanship."
"No, I don't understand what you guys said at all."
"Aaah, Princess, I pity you!"
As if declaring that even their last hope had been crushed, the gnome sobbed uncontrollably right there. However Kururu found it difficult to understand, it was incomprehensible.
The spirits choice of words and nuances were weird. However, even considering that, today's was particularly severe. Because the meaning was just too unclear.
"Why won't you understand!? I'm saying this for your own good!"
In the end, they resorted to saying things like a toxic parent. Looking at Shia, she was also tearing up, holding her eyes with a handkerchief. We had no idea what was going on either.
"Goodness gracious, all of you..."
She let out a sigh and pressed her temple, looking troubled.
"Could you please explain what's going on? If something has happened, I need you to tell me in a way I can understand a bit more. Or, have both of you suddenly become interested in acting? If that's the case, I'm sorry, but could you postpone it? I'm in a bit of a hurry right now."
"Princess..."
"Please don't misunderstand me, Gnome-san, I have absolutely no intention of being dismissive toward you or the other spirits. It's true that I haven't been able to pay much attention to you all lately. However, the timing isn't quite right now. I'll make up for it properly later. Shia, too. I'm very pleased that you showed interest in this kind of performance. But there are more pressing matters at hand. Can you understand?"
It was the best way Kururu could express her consideration for them. After all, Kururu knew. The time spent playing with the spirits, including Gnome-san, was something they looked forward to more than anything and they love it. Shia had an incredibly kind personality and also a vulnerable side.
In a way, it was impossible. It's such a Shame to Reject their pure and innocent goodwill, due to his own circumstances. Hence, Kururu let out a relieved sigh.
It's because I was able to convey it in my own words. I wanted to make sure they didn't get hurt, so I put my honest feelings and genuine affection into it, which I usually find hard to express. They should understand now. I believed that it must have gotten through.
because right now, my heart is filled with such warmth. Along with this gentle emotion, I opened my closed eyelids once again.
- Whisper Whisper Whisper.
"What are you all doing?"
Before she knew it, Shia and Gnome-san had turned their backs and were crouched down, murmuring something to each other.
"Hmm, could this possibly be... more serious than I thought?"
Shia nodded slightly.
"Yeah, it might be that. Like, someone who can't understand no matter what you say, because They are in love and love makes someone blind."
After hesitating a bit, Kururu and Shia nodded.
"Ugh, thats why I told him to be careful with bad men—"
Shia nodded. Kururu couldn't quite catch what they were talking about. She couldn't catch it, but occasionally, she'd catch fragments of strange words. And every time, Shia was nodding vigorously for some reason.
"If words won't work, then there's no choice but to take action, right? Are you prepared?"
Shia nodded.
"Alright, let's go with the original plan."
Shia and gnome nodded back vigorously. With that, the strategy meeting came to an end. Once it was decided, there was nothing left to do but act. They stood up straight, turned around, and faced Kururu once again. And then—
"I see, we understand!!!"
Shia smiled sweetly, while Gnome-san puffed out his chest. The two of them cleared a path for Kururu. It was as if they were saying, "Please, Your Majesty, proceed this way." They moved to the side of the passage, lowered their heads respectfully, and saluted.
"Well, you two...!"
Moved, Kururu heart throbbed. Perhaps this was what it felt like for a parent to see their child grow.
"I see... I see you both understand "
Wiping away imaginary tears, Kururu resumed her steps. And then, just as she was about to pass right in front of them...
"Secure him!"
With Gnome-san's command, a tremendous impact struck from behind.
"Aaahhh!?"
Before she knew it, Kururu found herself falling heavily onto the floor, accompanied by a scream. Wondering what on earth had happened...
"Eh, Shia!? What are you doing!?"
To her surprise, it was none other than Shia clinging to her waist. Immediately, Kururu was perplexed. Judging from the position, it seemed that Shia had launched a surprise tackle and sent her sprawling on the floor. Why she would perform such an unusual action was completely beyond her. After all, this was the first time something like this had happened.
They had been acquainted for almost a year now, and there had never been a moment where she received such a physical approach from Shia. Even if they were marking a significant milestone and her feelings had changed, it was hard to imagine such an unexpected action from her character, which was generally passive.
"Why on earth did you suddenly do this!? Hey, let go! Come on, release me! Shia!"
Mmm!
"What in the world is going on!? Didn't you understand what I said!? I told you i have something urgent to do right now.
Mmmmm!
"I really don't understand anymore! If you have something to say, just talk to me like you always do, with a flip or whatever! Resorting to violence like this is disgraceful behavior for a human being! Do you understand!?
Mmmmmmm!
Kururu struggled on the floor, trying to escape from Shia grasp and reasoning with her. However, Shia was more stubborn than expected. She clung firmly to Kururu waist and refused to let go.
"What in the world has gotten into you...! What is this, have you hit your rebellious phase!? Come on, please stop this! If you persist any further, I won't show any mercy!, I'll take you seriously—"
Finally losing patience, just as she was about to forcefully pull herself away.
"Come forth! 'Sword of Exorcism'!"
With a thunderous roar echoed through the indoor space, that quite out of place. Looking closer, it was near the heads of the Kururu, who were grappling on the floor. There stood a gnome, clad in armor and armed, proudly brandishing a small sword, to Kururu it seemed no larger than a toothpick. With eyes harboring quiet determination, the gnome gazed straight at the Kururu.
"Hey, Gnome-san...? That sword, if I recall..."
"Yes, the 'Sword of Exorcism.' a holy sword that vanquishes evil, pierces through wickedness, and once sealed the power of a demon."
"Yes, I was informed of this before. Despite its unassuming appearance, its power is immense. However, due to its substantial energy consumption, it's not something to be taken lightly."
"Aye, it can only be wielded in dire moments."
"I see. But may I ask why it is now aimed at me?"
For a moment, the motion ceased, and it was a simple query posed by Kururu. As far as Kururu know, this Sword of Exorcism was supposed to be a cherished and valuable item, a legendary treasure passed down through generations of their spirit kind, usually kept in the deepest sanctum of the castle. At the very least, it shouldn't have been casually brought out as a prop for such a small play. And yet...
And yet, why was this treasured item now directed at their own master, with the output seemingly increasing bit by bit? And, without an answer, after waiting a few seconds, the response came.
"The current Princess is not the true Princess."
It was another vague answer, tinged with a sense of tragic resolve, as heard earlier.
"Well, I heard that earlier, but I still don't quite understand."
"The original essence overwritten, even the lofty pride, beliefs, and soul."
"That too I heard earlier."
"...It's a state worse than death."
"That's the first time i've heard that, what do you mean!?"
Adding what seemed like new information to the mix, Kururu protested with a tone of dissent. However, on the other hand, they were deeply unsettled. After all, the gleam of Gnome-san raised sword had strengthened to a point where it was no longer a matter of jest. Furthermore, it was steadily drawing closer.
"Eh, that's a lie!? That's a lie, isn't it, Gnome-san? You're not trying to destroy me, are you?"
"It would have been better if it was a lie. But I can't let this go on any longer. I can't stand by and watch Himetama be humiliated any longer."
"Stoooop! Time out, time out! Please wait, can you explain so that I can understand?! Did I perhaps do something wrong!? Did I unwittingly do something that offended you terribly, something that beyond imagination!?"
"No, nothing... Nothing at all. It's just that we, we love you, Princess. That's all. We want to be together forever, always. So, I will never allow it. I won't let someone else take away the one I love."
"Why are you suddenly talking like a Yandere!?"
Even in the midst of this exchange, Kukruu was desperate to escape the situation. But...
"Shia, please help! Gnome-san isn't acting normal, he's not in his right mind! Please!"
She couldn't get away. Shia, who was on equal footing with Kururu in terms of strength, was holding her down with all her might. No matter how much she shouted, it was in vain. And so, the moment finally arrived.
"Princess, are you prepared?"
With its brilliance intensifying, the sword light had now grown so large that it seemed it could touch the ceiling. Gnome-san stood there like a valiant knight, raised his sword high in the sky, his eyes filled with quiet determination.
"O-oiiii....!"
Before the overwhelming authority, Kururu involuntarily choked on her words. It was as if a judge was passing sentence on a criminal.
"I'm sorry, but I couldn't think of any other way. If we had more power, maybe we could have found a different solution."
"I think... there are other ways! Let's find them through discussion! Not through force, but through talking!"
"Please understand, we can only save you in this way."
"Listen to what I have to say!"
Ignoring Kururu desperate plea, Gnome-san, biting back his frustration, continued.
"But it's alright, please rest assured. The pain will only last for a moment, and you'll soon find relief. Perhaps you could think of tonight's dinner while you wait."
"Stop it! Stop it!"
"At the very least, please maintain silence in your final moments. Now here we go!"
And so, the moment finally arrived. With a thunderous crash, and a brilliant flash, both accompanied by tremendous force, the sword of light descended. In that moment, Kururu thought.
How did it come to this? Where in my pure and innocent life could there possibly be a reason for me to be purified? This is practically treason. I don't understand. I don't understand at all. In fact—
"A supposedly evil existence that worse than death, what does that even mean!?"
In that final moment, Kururu screaming in pain, a sound like metal clicking echoed deep inside her skull.
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