Epilogue
Part 1
—Boundary wall, stage area. [Birth of the Fire Dragon Festival] operational headquarters.
10 hours after the game had started.
Those stained glass that depicted victims that fell during the Black Death and rat catchers were all shattered, while it was changed with the stained glass that depicted the Weser river. After the [Shatter the False Legend, Making the True Legend Known] was fulfilled. The participants' vision suddenly shattered and expandly opened back.
Looking around, the familiar sight of the minaret and stage area with the chandeliers emitting light could be seen.
The dusk imitation and the scenery of the town appeared in everyone.
While the participants were still standing idly, Shiroyasha suddenly popped out in front of everyone in a mist-like form.
Scratching her head while having an embarrassed expression was in fact much in line with her appearance.
"Ladies and gentleman, that performance was great. As the Floor Master of the Eastern district..........I must express my gratitude and apologies. Though I put on a good look, but the result was that I was sealed from the start to finish. Aiyah, I am really sorry....."
Although Shiroyasha felt very ashamed, nobody spoke out words of accusations.
Everyone had placed their trust on the strongest [Floor Master], and it wouldn't shake because of this small matter.
With Shiroyasha finishing her acknowledgements, Sandra stepped forward with her arms open.
"—The Demon Lord game has come to an end, and we were victorious!"
The audience bursted into cheers. Hearing the speech from the floor master was enough to make the crowd taste the feeling of victory.
Some people were liberated from the curse.
Some people were moved to tears because their comrades were going to be saved.
Some people were glad that the Demon Lord's threat was gone.
Shiroyasha, who looked at this scene, kindly gave orders to the participants:
"Give treatment to those injured, those uninjured will provide assistance. After this is over...........the granting of awards for the achievement of defeating the Demon Lord, as well as continuing the festival, while also holding celebrations. People can rejoice and wait expectantly for it bah♪"
This decree issued by Shiroyasha made everyone cheer even louder.
The communities started mobilising to clean up the mess after the game.
Part 2
—Boundary wall, stage area, foot of the hills, Art exhibition grounds.
While the participants were all preparing for the celebration, Asuka came alone into the huge cave.
Although she was worried whether Kasukabe who was infected with Black Death was alright, she still gave priority to this place.
Coming into the center of the cave where Deen was originally being displayed, Asuka opened the hidden doors hidden in the rock wall and went in, where they held the gift game to obtain Deen.
It was obvious that was the interior of the boundary wall, but there were still rays of sun that shone deeply in.
Asuka then muttered:
".......The grimoire of Hamelin disappeared, is it really alright?"
"Yes, this way, we can expect to return back to the original time era."
Lots of voices echoed in the large cave, which was confirmed to be the 130 children that were sacrificed in Hamelin.
"But once they return, the faerie that is number 131—That young hatted faerie should disappear without a trace right?"
It is said that she was created from the countless years in the journey as the fragments of the group.
If the roots of the 130 children disappeared, then she could not maintain her spirit power.
Temporarily closing her eyes, Asuka mentally prepared herself before inquiring:
"Let me ask about something, what does your so called [Desired form of timeline] refer to?"
".........What can you do even if you know the answer?"
"I am simply curious that's all. Because if you returned back to the original timeline, then you will die right?"
Asuka asked in a subtle tone, which was naturally an uncertainty.
They appeared because the Hamelin's demons were summoned, in other words, they were destined to die as spirits.
If they wanted to stay in Little Garden as a faerie then it's alright, but if they left Little Garden it would be a difficult proposition to understand.
Spreading out her arms, Asuka smiled towards the group and proposed:
"You don't have to return to that era of terror. If you have no place in Little Garden, why not come to our community? We need comrades just like you. If you can stretch to include the 131st member, everyone would be happy."
"—......"
The momentum of the group had changed.
It wasn't hostility, but confusion.
"........Asuka, we are happy that you invited us, with these words, our long journey has finally been recognized."
"Even so, we still have to go back, in order to weave out the later age."
"Because you are kind, in the end we hope that you will listen to us, one is who not dead and also didn't disappear—The other possibility in [The Pied Piper of Hamelin]....."
The whole cave was filled with radiance and the narration about the legendary possibilities of how [The Pied Piper of Hamelin] began.
—Year 1284, John and Paul diary 26th of June. 130 children born in Hamelin were seduced by a piper, dressed in all kinds of colours, the children were all lost at the place of execution near the hills.—
The final interpretation of this inscription
The content may be that the 130 children came to a new land and built their own town.
Leaving their parents, going down the Weser river, blowing the flute while singing songs and advancing to the unknown lands were the kids.
Not by the hands of others, but by their own, started a community named [Town].
In other words, in this legend, the so-called piper is similar to the position of the new city's leader.
"Asuka, we have to return to our community."
"To that day on year 1284."
"Raising our flag, our second home."
"..................."
'Really?' Asuka asked with a tinge of loneliness.
They were different from Asuka, they didn't abandon everything to come to Little Garden.
But forced to be summoned and trapped in the place called Little Garden.
And now they can finally return to their original world. This desire, of course, will not be given up because of a young girl.
Seeming to have given up, Asuka shrugged her shoulders and smiled helplessly.
"Since there is no other choice. I will pray in Little Garden and bless you all in successfully building your town plan."
"...........Thank you, Asuka."
"Because you are such a person, we can leave it to you."
"The Red Iron Giant soldier Deen, as well as— our number 131 comrade!"
'Eh?' These words were carried away by the strong winds.
The liberated group of faeries' spirit power started forming into a human form.
From the light that appeared, was a pointy-hatted faerie, the one who Asuka had formed a deep relationship with.
The communal voice started disappearing while they echoed out:
"——We have waited for generations to hand that [Extension] of spirit power to that child. This is the last proof that we were here in Little Garden, and we entrust it to you—"
After that, the presence of the group was no longer in the cave.
What was left was the pointy-hatted faerie who was on Asuka's palm.
Rubbing her eyes while feeling sleepy, the faerie slowly sat up.
".......Asuka~?"
".......Un, good morning, Mel."
"Mel?"
"Yes, you have inherited the achievement of [The Pied Piper of Hamelin], and from now on—my companion."
Hearing these words, Mel went "Un~~" and tilted her head.
Glancing around, slowly shaking her head from left to right and considering something.
"—Good!"
With a face full of smiles, Mel replied.
Part 3
48 hours after the game has ended.
In addition to the victory celebration and the rebirth festival, there was still a banquet to be held in conjunction on the last day. Sandra, who had obtained victory over the Demon Lord, and also [No Name] who had contributed with significant achievements, greatly heated up the lively atmosphere. In the game where thousands of people were trapped in the Demon Lord game, the small amount of sacrifices in the end led to victory. Everyone also generously praised [Salamandra] and [No Name]. After the participation in the game, no one would despise them anymore. Because Izayoi's strategy and tactics ultimately lead to success.
—The other side, back of the stage.
Mandra's personal guards were allowed to attend the banquet and rest. This was a rarely goodwill act that surprised the guards, but now they were all enjoying the banquet outside. During this period of time, Mandra was the only person inside the palace office, reading a black envelope stamped by [Thousand Eyes].
".........."
No other person was present and the doors and windows were tightly closed. The office was empty.
Having read all the contents of the letter placed on the desk, Mandra sighed and said to himself:
"『The festival that ran smoothly and the successful repelling of the Demon Lord, we celebrate the meaning of the expression. We also hope to expect great things from the future Northern Floor Master of [Salamandra]. Note: The godly jade Iron from the Stellar Sea Dragon King has been sent to those bait already.』Eh?..............As expected from 『Thousand Eyes』, everything was in their control? We really cannot afford to be doing bad things."
"What bad things?"
Mandra suddenly stood up.
There was no one around, but he had some impression on this voice.
"The Brat from [No Name].....! Where are you!"
"Hiding in the ceilings!"
'Pong!' Izayoi broke apart the ceiling and appeared.
There was no clue as to how he got in, but Izayoi was currently hanging his body on the cobwebs. It was obvious that his right hand was still bandaged and not yet recovered, which made it really troublesome to sneak in.
Patting away the dust on his body, he spoke with a disdainful smile:
"Well, what bad things does it relate to? It is not about the matter where [Salamandra] lured the Demon Lord into the festival right?"
"......What!"
"Oh? How is this surprising? It could be inferred as normal thinking right? Those guys appeared from the exhibits that were showcased. And there were 130 pieces of stained glass in total that portrayed the Piper. Unless the organizer intentionally did it, it will certainly make people feel suspicious right?"
'Am I wrong?' Izayoi asked while tilting his head.
With cold sweat trickling down his back, Mandra grabbed the hilt of his sword that was hanging on his waist.
Thinking that this problem has gone rather downright, Izayoi scratched his head and sat down on the desk.
"Whoa, don't do that, I am not here because of that reason. The reason why I came here was, erm, how to say it? It should be the so-called [Curiosity]."
"What......!"
"Although this is my personal opinion, but you don't wish to kill Sandra or inherit the big position, right? But you hope..........that Sandra would cheer up and take up shouldering [Salamandra]. There is only one conclusion for this speculation. Do you have a sister complex?"
"......."
"Haha, I am just joking. I tried to think of the reason a bit..........and thought about the mission of the [Floor Masters]. In simple times, if this festival was attacked, it should be some sort of initiation ritual right?"
[Floor Master] must be able to have a bulwark against a Demon Lord's attack. In other words, if you can crack a Demon Lord's game, then the surrounding communities will acknowledge that they can work independently.
That way, Izayoi was able to point out that this incident was the initiation ceremony.
Mandra, who was accused, started sweating on the palms. Izayoi ignored that reaction and continued:
"New Demon Lord vs New Floor Master? Aiyah Aiyah, saying it is a coincidence is just too lucky! If you want to base it on Sandra's accumulated experience, there is no better opponent. This time Sandra will be able to work independently and be recognized as the Northern Floor Master! Oh really! The future of [Salamandra] has calmed down now!"
".........Gu......"
Mandra gritted his teeth. Mentioning it to here, Izayoi suddenly put on sharp eyes.
".........Oi, say something! While I am feeling good please say something that has more guarantee! When we had to face the Demon Lord, what happened to your advocate order giving attitude!"
Mandra simply grabbed tightly onto the hilt of his sword.
Turning his upper body backwards, Izayoi ridiculed Mandra's response.
"There were only 5 people who were dead? Ah, this is great, so fortunate that everyone who died was from [Salamandra]! If something had happened to my companions, not only you—I will even eradicate Sandra."
"This had nothing to do with Sandra!"
Mandra roared while pulling the saber from his waist.
Izayoi who sat on the desk changed to a dismissive attitude to appease Mandra.
"I say.........I will repeat it one more time. I do not intend to expose this matter. Because of what order, at best is to protect the things that are in contaminated conditions."
"Why do you have an attitude of someone who seemingly knows everything....."
"That's right, I did not pretend to understand. So I don't care even if others help out in your unruly ways. In fact, I am no better. I don't mind conspiracies or even doing crimes. You, who could willingly kill people, only — You better have the heart to do these acts!"
"Gu.....!"
"I base on my own principles to judge what I see as the smell of good or evil but this example is simply rubbish. I have no intention to be dragged in..........but since you want to play, I have nothing to say. I advise you'd better get to know one thing, you definitely have no chance of even swinging that sword towards me."
Izayoi slowly got up from the desk.
His eyes were clearly filled with contempt and anger.
"You say Sandra isn't involved? Because of your planning and what ghostly ritual that had gotten your companions killed. You think you can pretend to look like you don't know anything and just let it get past you? What gives you the big rights to say that to the participants during the victory celebration?
Let's applaud our comrades who had fought honorably?|
Give prayers to those who gave a honorary sacrifice?
Ha! This is really killing me! These kind of words, only someone who had hidden secrets before would—"
"—Indeed know."
'What?' Izayoi's sentence was cut off.
On a closer look, Mandra's hand which held onto the sword was quivering.
"I say........they were indeed informed. Except Sandra, every member in [Salamandra] knew, that the events that led up to the attack on [Salamandra] was orchestrated.....! They understood everything and lost their lives! In the case where they understood everything...........shamelessly lost their lives."
"............"
Was Mandra trembling because of anger? Or shame?
Revealing an expression that defined he had reached a dead end, Mandra started back at Izayoi.
"How would someone like you who is not from Little Garden know.........! Protect the community's flag! Name! Honorary sense! Betrayed by the most powerful successor, with the leader confined in bed.......! In order to support this community that is on the verge of collapse, we have to bet on our own lives! How would someone from outside Little Garden, a mere human boy, understand it all!"
It was true that Izayoi was an outsider to Little Garden.
Bearing such sharp criticism, Izayoi could only look away and fiercely clicked his tongue.
Mandra who trembled with agitation closed his eyes and sheathed back the saber.
"......However, I don't think I can win against you alone. I'm only an Lesser Dragon who couldn't develop to the expectations of my people. The talent that I have cannot even hold a candle to that of my younger sister who hasn't even reached a hundred in age."
He unbuckled his sword belt and placed his weapon on the floor.
"Do it then, your anger is justified. But, hopefully you can just write off this incident ............with just this life of mine."
".................hai."
Izayoi let out a sigh that seemed to be the deflation of his anger.
"What good will that bring? I honestly think that this doesn't really matter. Ahh~ What? Betrayed by the strongest candidate for the heir? Is it that? Was it Sala, the eldest sibling that Shiroyasha had mentioned before?"
"........Yes. It was originally supposed to be Nee-sama to inherit [Salamandra] due to her matured power. But if Otou-sama hadn't fallen sick, the 11 year old Sandra would not have to sit on the Floor Master seat......."
'Ah, is that so?' Appearing to have lost interest, Izayoi turned his back to once again face Mandra.
Yes, supposed to inherit, but did not happen.
Then the result would mean everything right now. Izayoi had no interest to the reason why she left, or also dig into it.
"Well, what's done is done, this is not a matter I should intervene in. If you count in the cost of the damaged town, the one who ended up with the most losses are still you guys, and the one with the most benefit would be us. There is no special need to break things up."
"......Sorry."
Izayoi who had planned to leave stopped his movements because of the apology, probably because of Mandra's bowing behavior that made him unhappy. He turned back and made an offer with a vicious smile:
"No, oh yeah, I should take this chance to sign a contract."
".....Gu...."
Mandra revealed a nervous expression.
Because Izayoi had mentioned that many unreasonable problems, he has no right to refuse in his current position.
Lifting up his forefinger, Izayoi gave a very malicious smile.
"This is what you owe us this time. Not you, but the entire [Salamandra]— From now onwards we will continue to fight the Demon Lords, in the case where something happens to our community........you must be the first to come. This way then I can forgive you."
Without waiting for Mandra's reply, Izayoi turned to leave.
Looking at the figure who strode out of the office without waiting for an answer, Mandra could only murmur to himself:
"—Swearing on my flag. [Salamandra] will immediately rush over if help is needed."
Part 4
—Remains of [No Name] plantation.
One month after the incident.
A bunch of people who came back from the boundary wall immediately rushed to the plantation and pleaded Mel to restore the land.
Asuka and the other kids had expectations to see Mel flourish but.....
"Can't!"
Mel shook her head firmly.
Facing water depletion and abandoned soil, with only the sand and gravel, Mel could only see the white flag of surrender.
Asuka once again asked her:
"Can't?"
"Can't!"
This answer was without hesitation. Since the earth faerie had clearly shown her attitude, it was an impossible task for someone without that high of a spirit power.
Asuka who looked apologetic bowed and apologized to everyone:
"Sorry........For making that kind of speech that was filled with expectations...."
"Please........Please don't take it to heart! I am sure that there will be other chances!"
"That's right, Asuka, it will be fine if we continue to participate in other gift games."
Kuro Usagi and Kasukabe comforted the dejected Asuka.
Izayoi grabbed a handful of gravel from the plantation and suddenly questioned Mel:
"I say, Ko-chibi."
"Ko-chibi?"
"Yes, because you are [Super small Mel] so for you it is omitted as Ko-chibi. This is only a hypothesis......but assume if we can have something like soil nutrients, can you break those down to let plants live? For example using remains of wood or the surrounding forest as a base fertilizer."
'Hmmmm?' Mel started thinking. It looks like it was a pretty good proposal.
If it is not starting from scratch, but using other materials to revive the soil, then maybe—
"......Can do!"
"Really?"
"Maybe!"
Asuka felt her energy being deflated, but it seems like this method was worth a try.
Taking out a gift card, Asuka called out Deen and ordered it.
"Deen! Start immediately! The kids will also help!"
"Understood!"
"DeN!"
Deen nodded in response while the kids who were full of energy started running off.
Asuka and company sent everyone off and stayed at their original position to wait for everyone to come back. Earning it's own spirit power to survive individually, Mel playfully hopped around until it finally jumped onto Asuka.
Looking at both of them behaving in such an amicable way, Izayoi could not help but tease them:
"What, Ojou-sama, so you have the interest of loving with such cute things eh."
"Ah this~ How to say? Ever since coming to Little Garden, loving kids has been quite interesting........and also........."
Asuka's eyes suddenly drifted into the distance.
Looking at somewhere further than Little Garden, she muttered:
"........Actually, I was supposed to have sisters back then, so this was probably why."
"......Really."
Yes, destined to [Have] sisters, however, this did not happen.
The conversation should have ended now, as Izayoi did not continue to pry.
Watching the giant and kids frolicking around while running, Asuka mischievously smiled and touched Mel.
"Okay, Mel, the next step will be tiring! If we want to revive the soil sooner and participate in Halloween. You have to be more hardworking than the others!"
"Okay♪"
Facing Asuka's expectation, The faerie Mel responded full of spirits.
Although it should be something far down the line, but one day, the date where Halloween activities can be held in this community will come.
The small regret of staying in that home.
She dreamt of saying [Trick or Treat!], and imagined that that hope will come true in the near future.
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