Chapter 301: Pseudo Hanten and Black Hakama (1/2)

Izumo and Iroha were in seiza, lined up and welcoming the guests.

The two of them were wearing black hakamas, and the figure of the man with his back straight gave a different atmosphere from his usual self.

The figure of Izumo, that was different from the other day when they had overcome a situation of literal life-or-death, was making his comrades that were called here confused, including Jin.

“Thank you for coming here, everyone.” (Izumo)

“My gratitude-no desu.” (Iroha)

They took a seat as told in this room where tatamis were spread out, but because Jin and the group are not used to the etiquette of sitting directly on the floor, they were unable to relax.

Izumo and Iroha bowed deeply towards them.

“…Aah, I told you to stop those kinds of things.” (Jin)

“Really.” (Daena)

Jin and Daena had wry smiles.

Everyone could tell that their thanks was not simply for the fact that they all came here today.

In terms of time alone, they don’t really know each other for that long.

But the denseness of it is different.

The dense time and experiences these young people passed together in the academy has tied a firm bond with them, who have the same teacher, not only as classmates, but as comrades.

That’s why the others also responded to this with their attitude instead of words except for those two.

“Maybe because I have returned to Lorel, I wanted to put it out properly. This may sound bad after lowering my head and giving my thanks but, I already knew the answer.” (Izumo)

Izumo made a soft smile like the times when he was in the academy.

“Izumo-sama!” (Iroha)

Iroha blushed at that smile of his, but also puffs her cheeks and reprimands those words.

Wry smiles of a different hue were now showing in everyone’s face.

Just one of them, Amelia, was looking at Iroha as if with envy, as if she were too dazzling, but no one saw it.

“…So, what’s your business? We may not be as busy as you guys are, but we also have our fair share of things.” (Misura)

“It seems like you will be staying here for a while longer, Izumo-kun, but we are going to be returning with Shiki-sensei today, so please keep it brief!” (Yuno)

Misura and Yuno were strangely in sync as they urged Izumo to say what he wanted.

Izumo may have a bright tone, but they could tell from his atmosphere that the proposal of Izumo won’t be a nice one.

They could feel a farewell.

Izumo won’t be staying with them anymore at the Academy Town.

He is now by the side of Princess Iroha.

The Princess of the Osakabe household that holds Kannaoi and its surroundings.

And also his fiance.

“It is okay. I will be returning to the Academy.” (Izumo)

“!”

That was the response of Izumo that Jin and the others were wishing for.

“For now, that is.” (Izumo)

“…”

But it seems like that wasn’t the whole response.

Izumo looked straight into the eyes of his comrades, and voiced out his resolve without any hesitation.

As if responding to the many emotions that were showing in their eyes.

“In these few days, I have clearly understood where my place is. It is in the Lorel Union, and at the side of Iroha.” (Izumo)

“…”

“How should I live, what do I want to do, for me…for the person called Izumo Ikusabe, those were the worries that were always swirling in his mind. There was no moment in my life where I didn’t feel as if I was living for the sake of a plan for someone else. I am honestly pretty embarrassed to confess everything here, so I am going to abridge it.” (Izumo)

“You are abridging that part?” (Sif)

Sif retorted in a low tone, and Izumo brushes it off with a laugh.

“I am in front of my best comrades and my beloved after all. Speaking everything about the revolution that occurred inside of me is impossible. Just that, I have found an answer. I was able to decide my own way of living. The things I myself wanted to do yet couldn’t find have suddenly sprung out, and a whole many at that.” (Izumo)

“Does it have to do with you referring to yourself as ore .” (Amelia)

He nods at what Amelia points out. After that night, Izumo has stopped calling himself as boku .

“That’s one part of it. Also, maybe join the family of the Osakabe and crush the Ikusabe, or learn about the constructions of Kannaoi and Rotsgard.” (Izumo)

“You are saying quite the dangerous stuff as if nothing, oi.” (Jin)

“Compared to Sensei, this stuff ain’t nothing. And most of all…” (Izumo)

Jin picks on the part about him trying to crush his family, but Izumo not only didn’t deny it, he responded as if that wasn’t a big deal.

He didn’t try to play it around either. He showed that he was once again positive about what he said and…

“From hereafter, I have decided I definitely won’t pull any punches when you guys need any assistance. I now understand from the bottom of my heart the dirt old saying that is widely known in Lorel.” (Izumo)

“…In Lorel, there’s the way of thinking that men are supposed to live, not for their own sake, but for the sake of others. It is in that way, that there’s worth in living.” (Iroha)

After Izumo finished speaking, he placed his fists on the tatami and lowered his head deeply.

Iroha must have felt that Izumo’s words were lacking, so she explained to Jin and the others about the dirt old saying of Lorel.

But it is heavy.

They could tell plenty well that they are fully serious, but it is obvious that everyone uniformly was slightly taken aback by this.

“Well, all of that said…” (Izumo)

Izumo raises his head only, and directs a smile at Jin and the others.

“I will prioritize Iroha though.” (Izumo)

“…”

A hard to describe air spreads between the two.

“Then, let’s meet again at the Academy… Iroha.” (Izumo)

Izumo stands up.

“Ah, yes. In this occasion, just as Izumo-sama, I—” (Iroha)

“Princess, there’s no need for all that anymore.” (Izumo)

“And you are the one saying it, Izumo?” (Jin)

Jin was amazed. But at the same time, everyone had a smile on their face.

“That’s right, Izumo-sama! It is not about it being fine!” (Iroha)

“Then, Jin, everyone, take care on your way back.” (Izumo)

“We are teleporting together with Shiki-san, so there’s nothing to be careful about though.”

“Ah, right.” (Izumo)

“…Come back quickly, okay?”

“I know.” (Izumo)

The maids enter the room after seeing that Jin and his group would be leaving now, so that they could guide them. And after one last casual talk, he leaves together with Iroha.

Izumo felt nostalgic from the feeling of walking on the wooden floor with his tabis, and it also served to tighten his resolve.

But well, that’s not the only thing that’s tightening his resolve, and the state of Iroha that was completely different from her expression fitting her age of a few moments ago also suggested that.

“Princess, I am sorry that you have to accompany me in such matters as this. I wanted them to see how I was when I am with you, and also to have you see how I am when I am with them.” (Izumo)

“The best comrades of Izumo-sama are also my best comrades-na no desu. Friends-na no desu. It was incredibly fun. Thank you very much, Izumo-sama.” (Iroha)

“…Well then, let’s go.” (Izumo)

“Yes, together.” (Iroha)

“Of course.” (Izumo)

At the place where the two walk towards, there’s Haruka waiting for them in a white outfit.

The cleansed Ein-Khalif was waiting too.

The convicted one is waiting.

Even so…

The two that are walking side by side don’t falter.

Their steps were steadfast.

Izumo and Iroha walked forward to the place where they should be standing.

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The big cheers reached all the way here.

The head of one woman fell.

A public execution where many watched.