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I saw a ceiling before me. It's not that it's suprisingly wide, but it looked wider than in my room... in the other world.
Kazuto: ...Nothing to do.
I tried rolling around on bed or changing my position, but the ceiling above me is still the same.
Kazuto: ...Really nothing to do.
Nothing to do, there's nothing to do, nothing to do it seems, probably nothing to do, girl, do you have anything to do? I tried rephrasing it randomly, but it didn't make a lot of time pass.
Kazuto: Hmm...
I rolled around again...
...What are you doing.
Kazuto: Whoa!
It's not "whoa"...
And Karin was standing there. She was quietly looking at me as I fell from my bed.
Kazuto: ...Of course I'm surprised. Or actually, if you're going to enter, you could've [knocked] first.
...[knocked]? Another word from your country, huh.
Kazuto: Knocking on the door to tell "I'm coming in", it's a [manner]... a manner of a sort of my country.
Manner, huh...
Kazuto: ...Guh!
No, toe kicking my belly is seriously dangerous...
Is looking at people's underwear from below also manners in your country? If that's the case, I'm planning to respond with my own manners.
Kazuto: ...Sorry, please don't.
Ugh... if I said they're pink, I'd get ripped apart.
Well, whatever... so, is your posture right now paying me respect too?
Kazuto: ...Sorry.
I got back on bed and sat down. Karin is standing, so our eyes are around the same level right now.
And that's your way of paying respect? I see... (Well, what do you expect? "Please sit down on my bed"?)
Kazuto: ...Sorry.
That's better.
I sit on floor now and Karin finally looks satisfied. She sat down on my bed and crossed her legs gracefully.
Kazuto: So, what?
That's my question. Just what are you doing?
If I had to say, admiring those beautiful legs before me... just as I thought that, those legs flew at me like a whip!
Kazuto: Geh!
...I'll ask once again. What are you doing?
Kazuto: ...Sorry. Nothing.
So you realize that. The fact that you're aware of that means you're not completely incompetent...
Kazuto: So it looks this way to you...
What else should I think seeing you right now? Even an abandoned dog would at least guard the house of those who picked it up.
Kazuto: So I'm less than a dog right now.
Yeah.
Kazuto: ...I apologize for that.
Then, you know what you should do? If you're not incompetent.
Kazuto: Work... I guess.
This is no different from being hikikomori right now... I'm not thinking that I'll lose the moment I start working and Karin picked me up after all. I should do some kind of work to be useful to her in some way.
I don't know how it was in your country... but at the very least this country is not that forgiving to always lend favors to those who don't work, you know?
Kazuto: ...Even if you say so...
I haven't heard of anything that would require my assitance.
For now, even dogs take strolls... so, since I'm lower than a dog right now, I should follow its example and walk around...
Kazuto: ...Hmm?
I heard a spirited yell.
Between the shouts that make the air tremble, I can hear a blade swinging. The one who can do that is...
Kazuto: Shunran, huh, hya!
The moment I tried to talk to her, a huge piece of iron passed by my ear.
This black thread that just fell on the ground is probably my hair. And I'm sure I'm imagining that crushing sound behind me.
Oh, so it's not an intruder.
Kazuto: Wha... whawhawha, don't "oh"! You almost chopped off my head!!
I turned around and, as expected, saw a sword sticking out of the wall. Just a few more inches and... no, I shouldn't imagine that. It's bad for my heart. Really bad.
Hmm? Having a head like that severed won't hurt or itch for you.
Kazuto: Of course it'll hurt, I'll die!
Those are your problems. My heart won't ache, so don't worry and go to the next world.
Kazuto: No, no, no...
So, what? Lottering around at this time...
Asking that, Shunran approaches sword sticking... no, driven into the wall and grabs its handle.
...Can't take it out? (Throwing sword is a retarded idea to begin with)
Ah. She kicked it.
And the wall collapses. Shunran looks satisfied with managing to take out her sword... but what will you do about this?
...Whew. So, why are you lottering around in the noon.
Kazuto: Shunran, doesn't the same apply to you-you-you!
Come on, stop pointing your sword at me, and, actually, there's still some of the wall dust on it !
Did I mishear things? I thought you said something about you lottering around and me training for Karin-sama being the same, no...?
Kazuto: Y! You misheard it! I'm just lottering around and you're training, absolutely different! Amazing, Shunran! Only you can kick down a wall!
Heh. It's kinda embarrassing to be praised that much.
Kazuto: R, right. I have something to ask Shunran... can I?
...I'm kinda busy, but... what?
Kazuto: I'm looking for some work to do... is there anything like training...
Not happening.
Kazuto: No, I haven't finished speaking yet.
Not happening.
Kazuto: As I said.
Not-happening.
Kazuto: As...
Nope.
Kazuto: Wha...
No.
Shunran sighs and finally lowers the sword she kept pointing at me.
...I won't say anything bad, but give up. If someone like you stood on the battlefield, you will be of no use. The best you could manage there is getting hit by a stray arrow and dying.
Kazuto: ...I see. (He's not weak, but he's pacifistic)
Yeah. You need to at least be able to block that sword that I thrown earlier... or you won't be a good soldier of Gi, okay?
...Sorry. I might be pretty clueless, but I doubt anyone in this country can do that.
Kazuto: But true, I'm not fit for being a soldier...
Well, Shunran's example is extreme, but she has a point. As I was thinking that and walking, the one who I saw ahead was...
What's up. What are you doing here?
Kazuto: Ah, Shuuran. Shuuran, are you also busy working?
Of course. Sis is skipping the office work, so we have a bunch of papers left... (Yup, back to what you were doing at Shoku, it seems)
Shuuran sighs and lightly shakes a pile of documents she is holding to point it out.
Kazuto: I saw Shunran training at the garden earlier...
...Again, huh. I hope she won't get too motivated and make a hole in the wall.
Kazuto: Y... you have it hard.
I'm not brave to tell her the truth. Sorry, Shuuran. Really sorry.
Well, it's nothing new.
Kazuto: Right. I'm looking for some work to do... is there anything I can help you with?
You?
Kazuto: Yeah. Karin said she can't afford to feed me for free.
Of course. I'd say the same if I was at Karin-sama's position.
Kazuto: I'd probably too... so, is there anything? (Like that pile of documents conveniently being there?)
Hmm... Then, how about you read through this?
Shuuran muttered that and pointed at the document on top of the pile with her chin. It seems she's telling me to read it...
For now, I took what she pointed at.
Anything is okay. Try reading it and saying what you think.
What's wrong? It shouldn't be difficult to deal with...?
Kazuto: ...Sorry. I don't understand what's written there. (Yeah, he learned the language, but not the writing)
Ugh, the atmosphere is heavy... I just want to get crushed or hide in a hole.
...I advice you to find someone who will teach you how to read and write before you search for a job.
Kazuto: ...I'll do so.
Well then, today's meeting is over.
Dismissed!
...Shuuran.
Yes.
You heard about Hongou Kazuto searching for work?
Yes, I did. He asked if there's anything he can do himself.
I see. So, did you give him something?
No...
...What are you talking about?
Something unrelated to Sis.
What!
Be quiet, Shunran. I'm talking to Shuuran right now.
Ah, Karin-sama too...
So, Shuuran, do you know what it's doing? What kind of job did you give him?
In the end, he said he has something in mind, so it appears he found a job on his own...
...What's wrong? If you know about it, tell me.
That's...
Kazuto: Whew!
Official A: Bring this too!
Kazuto: Ah, yes!
As I was trying to wipe my sweat, I heard a voice from the other side of the bookshelf. I hurried there, carrying a bunch of books.
Official B: Please carry this next!
Kazuto: Yes, yes!
As I put them down, I get next orders. To put books on the shelves sorted by their number.
Official C: Please hold this next!
Kazuto: Yes, yes, yes!
There's no time to take a break. Now a ladder of someone working on the top shelves is shaking. As I rush to support it...
Kazutoooo!
Kazuto: Hyaaaa!
Kazuto: O, oww... are you okay?
Official C: Y, yeah...
I know Hongou Kazuto's here!
Official A: S, Sousou-sama!
Official B: Is something wrong!?
I hear a girl's strong voice and loud footsteps from beyond the bookshelf.
Kazuto: W, what's wrong... huh, Karin?
Just what are you doing? (Surprisingly, he has valid reasons for picking this job)
Kazuto: W, what you ask... well, work.
As I answer that, Karin's eyebrows take a sharp angle.
Are you mocking me!? I can see that of course! I'm asking you what kind of work you're doing!
Kazuto: Umm... sorting the archive, as they're lacking people. I want to start with helping with what I can do... oww!
But I couldn't finish my phrase. Because of the pain in my ear being pulled, I have to start walking, and it really hurts!
Kazuto: Oww, it hurts, Karin! Let go!
Shut up and come with me!
Kazuto: ...What's this place?
I rub my ear that almost changed its shape. I was literally dragged by Karin to the top of the castle wall.
Look. It's the city.
Kazuto: W, well, I can see that...
...Can I push you down from here?
Kazuto: No, please don't...
Then, look again closely. Open those blind eyes widely.
It's a city. People are there. Children are running around, there are houses, there are streets... thin smoke is rising from some of the roofs, I guess some are making lunch early.
Kazuto: ...There are people.
As I say that, my ear doesn't get pulled. And I'm not pushed down from the wall.
So?
Kazuto: Because people live there... the city exists...
And then war starts and targets that.
Kazuto: Eh?
It's not that hard to realize, right? If there's a prosperous city and power to capture it... if you take money and food by force, the one who does that can live their whole life happily.
Kazuto: No, something that violent...
Just what kind of a dramatic leap is that. She says it as if it's normal to target large cities...
It seems you were leaving in a really peaceful country. You know it uses such violent unfair logic? This country... no, this world.
Kazuto: ...I see. You're right.
But, war won't happen in this city. You know why? (Is she explaining him the same thing he explained to Touka in her event?)
Kazuto: ...Because it's Sousou's country, right? And Sousou protects country as a king... right?
Oh. I thought I need to explain more... I'm a bit relieved that I don't need to push you down from the castle wall.
I'm the one relieved that I'm not being pushed down. (As Touka said "A job to sell the safety", is this what you're talking about?)
People are weak. Country is supposed to be their shield and spear. And in exchange it demands labor and funding. Do you understand?
Kazuto: ...In a form of taxes.
So you didn't study at school for nothing. Right. My clothes, food and this castle are made of their blood and lives.
And Kazuto... your food too.
Kazuto: ...Huh!
Do you understand why I got angry?
Kazuto: ...Yeah. (He has reasons though)
I did. Up to the point of understanding way too much.
Kazuto: Since I get to eat on everyone's hard-earned taxes but do nothing lazily... it's obvious that Karin would get angry.
Well, it's not a failing grade I guess... though not a passing one either.
Kazuto: I see...
Why did you decide to help sorting the archive?
Kazuto: Why you ask...
You need a reason to pick some work, right? I hope you're not having a boring answer... like someone told you to.
Kazuto: I see. Umm... you know I can't read or write?
Seems so.
Kazuto: It's true they were lacking people. But also, when you're helping in the archive, you naturally learn text... and officials promised to teach my how to read and write after we're done sorting the archive.
So, I would be able to do much more and be of more use to Karin-tachi. (See, Karin? You got angry for nothing, he thought things through well)
I see. Well-thought for you. Then... for that answer, I'll tell you one more reason. (Oh, yeah, there's that too. But Kazuto couldn't possibly know about it)
Kazuto: One more...
The main reason why I got angry. I was planning to gather people from the city and make them help sorting the archive.
Kazuto: ...And I stole their work from them?
It seems my answer was lacking. Karin didn't confirm or deny it.
We had a report that a group of officials from other countries entered our country recently. I wanted to gather them and make them work... and if there's anyone useful, we'd hire them as officials.
Kazuto: Wha! Then!
Right. You not only stole their work... but you also crushed a chance of this country getting talented officials.
If Karin is following the same way as historical Sousou, she'll have a lot of heroes and sages to join her. If one of them was in that group...
Kazuto: I... it seems I did something serious...! (Would you please crush Keifa's chance while you're at it?)
Remember that. Everything is tied together. If you pull one thread, it'll drag others with it and that'll drag more. Ability to avoid doing that is demanded from those who stand on top.
Kazuto: ...Sorry.
Ugh... I didn't know, but if I changed history with that... forget being useful, I just slowed her down.
Well, don't worry. Shuuran will deal with officials in some other way. (I guess Keifa's not in that group, since you can get this event AFTER she joins)
Kazuto: T... That's good. It seems Shuuran knows what actions lead to what.
Of course. It's Shuuran, after all.
Kazuto: ...Right.
Karin really trusts Shuuran. Unless I reach her level, I won't be of any real use to Karin...
Ugh, hurdle is set really high... (I guess another proof of him being somewhat similar to Touka...)
Look, Kazuto. (He also just wants to hear someone say that he was useful)
Kazuto: Yeah.
I looked at the city again. It's the same scenery. But now... it looks a bit different from before.
People of this country live there. Treasure we should protect, raise and value. (So, yeah, Karin is a good king. Dunno why Shoku and Go treats her as a villain)
Kazuto: ...Yeah. (In fact, Touka is annoyingly selfish quite often)
What should we do to protect that treasure? To avoid famine, not let it get stolen by thiefs and not fear invasion of other countries.
Kazuto: ...Make a strong country. One that won't lose to famine, theifs or invasions.
That's right. Just dealing with problems as they appear is no good. We need to have power to deal with their roots or there's no point. Otherwise... problems will keep appearing forever.
Kazuto: We need to get strong to end war... I guess.
Yeah. If we have noone to fight... we won't need to fear invasion of other countries. And we'll find a way to prevent famine.
Kazuto: That's... isn't it strange? Can't we just get along and eat together? If we ignore countries and just get along, there won't be war or famine, right?
Then let me ask. In your country, "everyone should get along"... was the peace protected by such idealistic words alone?
Kazuto: ...It wasn't. (Now this is his difference with Touka. He can admit he's wrong)
Our country was peaceful... but even a student like me knew that it wasn't a peace build on nothing but idea of everyone getting along...
Then, it's just an ideal. If we could live on ideals alone, this world would've been really peaceful.
This continent is different from your country, Kazuto. If you want for someone to listen to you, grab their ear and drag them by force... or they won't listen.
Kazuto: That's why we need to become... a strong country. (Karin has the point... but also, she's just bad at persuasions)
That's right. We'll make a country that everyone listens to under a strong leader. For that... what should we do first?
Strong leader... we have one. A leader with strong will that won't lose to anyone. In that case...
Kazuto: Fighting country... weapon, food... and money to prepare it...
And where do we get those funds? It's not like my people will give us money demanding nothing in return.
Kazuto: Then, we need to develop industry and commerce... and have them to lend their power to us.
And for that? (Protect trade routes)
Kazuto: ...Make country big and prosperous.
Your answer is vague. What country is big and prosperous? (I hate explaining terms, so... Kazuto, you're on your own here)
Kazuto: Population grows, land gets rich... for that, we'll need to make a lot of fields and flood control... right, if land is rich, we have a lot of food.
Right. Then, what about increasing population?
Kazuto: Make a peaceful country where everyone wants to live! (As I said, protect trade routes and settlements)
Remember that. Taxes are people's prayer. For a great peaceful prosperous country.
Kazuto: ...Yeah.
As that prayer is devoted to us, we're not allowed to stop.
Kazuto: I guess the same goes for me.
That's right. If you're going to sort archives or be satisfied with stealing work from officials... I'll make you leave this castle.
Kazuto: Yeah. I'll do my best to answer your expectations. Karin's... and expectations of everyone living in this country.
...Though, it's expected from people to finish something they started. Make sure you finish sorting the archives. Is that okay?
Kazuto: Yeah. And I'll learn how to write and read while I'm at it!
Karin didn't listen to the end of my phrase. She turned around and was already walking away.
Heh. I'll look forward to it... Hongou Kazuto.
Small, but big back. Waving my hand at it... I thought once again about what I can do.