Chapter 65

Act 1 End Point 1 Yahiro stared blankly out the window of the lounge on the Yáo Guāng Xīng armored train. The train ran toward a ruined city, accompanied by the shrill noise particular to diesel engines. The destination, the former Kyoto Station, inched closer. The ordeal in Nagoya had stalled them for three days, and it ended up taking a week to reach Kyoto from Galerie Berith’s base in Yokohama. That said, one could argue they had a surprisingly swift trip considering the current state of Japan’s infrastructure. There was only one attack from mercenaries-turned-bandits, and there were no more than ten Moujuu battles. Nobody from the Galerie died. It was a win. However, there was a small change within the Yáo Guāng Xīng: Ayaho Sashou’s attitude toward Yahiro. “Yahiro, you must be tired from restoring the rail tracks.” Iroha’s sister was carrying a tray with two coffee cups on it. Her voice cracked a little from nerves; it was unusual for the introvert to approach him. “Y-yeah. Thanks for the consideration, but I’m sure you had it rougher, pushing all the dirt and smashing the rocks. I just burned some trees.” “Oh, it’s nothing. I have to thank you for showing me how to use my powers. And you gave me this Relict to begin with.” Ayaho showed off the jade-colored pattern on her wrist while placing a cup in front of Yahiro. She sat down to his right. He thought she was a bit too close, but maybe he was simply being self-conscious. She wasn’t too close, but definitely not far enough. In any case, Ayaho had made good use of the Relict Regalia. Vanagloria’s power to shape the ground was a godsend for construction work. The Yáo Guāng Xīng would have taken another two days to reach Kyoto if it weren’t for Ayaho. That was reason enough to thank her. “Me, too! I did a great job, too! I protected the Yáo Guāng Xīng from the Moujuu!” Iroha butted in on the conversation, burning with jealousy at the sight of Yahiro and Ayaho praising each other. Yahiro shot her a cold glare, however. “Don’t take credit for Nuemaru’s efforts.” “Not to mention you tried to feed them instead of driving them away. Rosé was mad.” “A-aww… I may or may not have tried that…” Iroha pouted in response to their scolding. Futile battles against Moujuu had been avoided thanks to Iroha’s mysterious taming powers, but they had also been dragged into trouble due to her excessive affinity with the Moujuu. Hence Yahiro’s and Ayaho’s cold tones. “Please try this. Honoka and the guys baked it.” Ayaho broke the moment of silence to offer him the dish on the tray: modest, clearly handmade butter cookies. They were still warm, and the scent of butter wafted over the table. “I was just getting hungry, actually. Thanks, it looks good.” “Hee-hee… I hope you like it.” Yahiro reached out to the cookies while Ayaho stared at his lips. Iroha puffed out her cheeks in a deeper pout, feeling left out of the nice mood they had going on. “Umm… Yahiro, aren’t you too close to her?” “Am I?” Yahiro ignored her complaint. He was already sitting when Ayaho arrived. Either way, he was not at fault. “Sorry. I wanted to eat some, too.” The usually reserved Ayaho showed some uncharacteristic resistance. “It’s okay, I don’t mind.” Yahiro shook his head. “That’s good to know.” Ayaho smiled in relief and got even closer to him. Iroha frowned at her sister’s questionable behavior. “Uhh, Ayaho, just so we’re clear, Yahiro’s my fan, okay?” “A streamer shouldn’t be playing favorites with one of her fans, Iroha. Isn’t Waon everyone’s idol?” “I—I mean, yeah, but…” Iroha gulped as she couldn’t think of a counterargument. Ayaho grabbed a cookie from the bowl. “Would you like another cookie, Yahiro?” “Yeah. They’re pretty good.” “Here, say ahh.” Ayaho held the cookie up to his mouth. Yahiro was taken aback by her boldness but went with the flow and opened his mouth. “Urgh…!” Iroha snarled and shoved her way between them. Then she leaned back on the seat and threw a tantrum. “No fair! Why’re you coddling him?! Coddle your big sister, too, Ayaho!” “Wait, that’s your issue?” Ayaho’s eyes went wide. Apparently, Iroha was more annoyed by being ignored by her cute little sister than her being chummy with Yahiro. “O-okay. Here, Iroha, say ahh.” “Yay! Now it’s your turn! Say ahh!” Ayaho fed Iroha a cookie with a crooked smile, then Iroha returned the favor with a huge grin. One would think Ayaho was subject to Iroha’s whims all the time, but this showed that they actually had some balance in their relationship.