第２６７堀：託すのは絶望でなく希望 (Part4)
"Th-thank you... for saving Kaya."
"Don't worry about it. And honestly, you’re the one who pulled off the real miracle here."
"I have... just one request for you..."
"It's Yuki. Sorry for the alias, but this is fate. If it’s within my power, I’ll do whatever you ask."
"Yu...ki... Please, look after Kaya. If you can, don't leave her behind in such a pathetic way, like I did."
"Yeah. Leave it to me."
"And... if possible, please take her as your wife. I know Kaya loves you. I can tell—we’ve been childhood friends forever, after all."
"W-what are you saying!?"
What is this childhood friend of mine talking about, even after turning into a zombie!?
"I can't promise that. Feelings are a personal matter, after all. But I will strive to become a man worthy of being loved by Kaya. So, rest easy, my friend."
"Haha... 'my friend,' huh. Thank you. Kaya, please... be happy."
And with that, Tang returned to being nothing more than a corpse.
After crying for a while, I buried Tang alongside the villagers and the captain, offering up my prayers.
"Well, shall we head back?"
"...Yeah."
"But before that, I have to say it."
"Eh?"
"Kaya, both the captain and my best friend entrusted me with so much. It might be a nuisance, but I’ve decided I have to propose to you at least once. Until then, won't you stay by my side? I could just propose right now, but I can't take my best friend's words at face value. I’m going to work hard for a while to become a man worthy of you. Is that alright?"
Yes, this was Yuki’s first "I’m going to propose" declaration to his wives.
Truth be told, I was the first one to get that.
I’d told Yuki I loved him plenty of times before, of course.
Plus, it was officially sanctioned by the captain and my childhood friend.
Everyone says it’s enough to make you spit out sugar just hearing it, though.
"...Yeah. I’ll be waiting for that moment."
Yes.
I have a good smile on my face.
It’s okay. It takes a little while after this, but he really does propose to me properly.
***
『This is all a sham!! An excuse!! You’re just changing the subject!! Nothing you lost has ever come back!!』
The vision cut off, and Kaya finally shouted those words.
Since she was watching so intently, I guess she’s calmed down a little?
『So, what? Even if that’s true, it’s no reason to make the people living in the present—who have nothing to do with the past—unhappy.』
『Th-that’s...』
『Well, since you’ve seen someone’s raw, personal past, you’re going to pay the price.』
『Eh?』
Don’t tilt your head at me.
This memory is one of the most precious ones between Yuki and me. Since you forced me to dig it up, I’m going to make sure you settle the debt.
『Wait? No way!! My illusion magic is being used against me!? Th-that’s impossible...!?』
『For now, after you finish having a bio-hazardous nightmare, you’re going to dream about sprinting through the city of those memories while completely naked.』
『Eh, I don’t really get the first part, but I definitely understand the second!! What kind of harassment is that!?』
There is no "no."
It is mandatory.
"Phew. I don't feel like I've slept at all."
I said that as I woke from my slumber.
For now, I glanced toward the prison cell, where Kaya was tossing and turning in her sleep.
Judging by her state, she must be in the middle of that bio-hazard right now.
I limited her abilities in the dream to match those of an ordinary person, so she has no choice but to run.
I’ve packed it with plenty of game creatures, so she’d better do her best to clear it.
Oh, and if you die in the dream, you get sent back to the start, so she won't wake up until she meets the conditions for survival.
"Hm? I see. So that’s why she was able to use illusion magic."
Looking closely, I saw one of her hairs had reached me.
She must have tied her long hair and flicked it toward me.
If she does that, she only needs to channel her magic through her own hair, allowing her to use illusions even while restricting her magic output to the outside world.
"...I’ll have to report this later. But before that, I’m going to go cling to Yuki."
That dream made me feel all tingly.
Being able to be this unreserved is the privilege of being a wife.
"Everyone in the village. Captain. Tang. I’m happy now."
I whispered that to myself, deciding to relax until it was time for Tori to come for her shift.
***
Well, how was it?
It’s true that having resentment is only natural.
But more than that, if there are people left behind, anyone would want them to be happy.
You wouldn’t want your acquaintances to die, carry that burden forever, and spend their lives weeping at your grave.
Kaya being with Yuki is the result of this story.
Yuki worked hard to become someone worthy of Kaya.
Seraria, Labyris, and Ratz were jealous watching that, though lol.
And this isn't the end for Kaya and Karya.
As I mentioned after entering the New Continent, the main focus of this continent is the demi-human wives.
Specifically, Tori, Riel, and Kaya, who haven't had much screen time.
What remains is Cleena’s country, the demi-human country, and the final Holy Sword User.
Look forward to the continuation.
Oh, as I wrote in the preface, I’ll be playing "Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain," so updates might stop for 3 or 4 days?
I mean, is there anyone who can resist when they say, "Kept you waiting, huh!?"
Oh, by the way, today is September 2nd. It’s my day off!!
Everything is ready!!