Konjiki no Moji Tsukai

-Authors note-

Nikkis story ends in this chapter. What a commemoration that the 300th chapter became Nikkis story.

Its about nine months. And I think I have done well to last up to this day. This is also because of everyones support. Thank you very much!

***

That is quite a deal you got there, Hiiro.

Lilyn, who had come to the center of the crater unnoticed, gave Hiiro a soft smile with reddened cheeks like that of a baby.

Fun

I was also surprised by the fact that I did something as meddlesome as that. At that time, the sight of the bamboo bear protecting Nikki overlapped with Hiiros vision of his mother in the past.

Yes. The bamboo bear who gave her life for her child looked exactly the same as his mother who died as a result of protecting Hiiro in the same way.

Therefore, perhapsPerhaps the pain of losing his mother, after seeing the appearance of Nikki who was crying in sorrow on losing the mother who had raised her, came back to him once again.

On top of that, the demon who was the culprit of it all was still alive. But it was now in a state where it can die in one hit. However, as if feeling he didnt have the right to do so, he didnt defeat the demon.

It was just a pure whim. A meager consolation. But, Hiiro thought, even a little, I want Nikki to beat up this demon with her very own fist personally.

Of course, he knew that it will change nothing. The people who had lost their lives will never be resurrected and even if they took revenge, they are unsure whether it will clear up their mind after that.

Still, Hiiro entrusted the last blow to Nikki.

(This is just not like mehuh. Good grief)

However, upon seeing Nikki with an expression as if refreshed after avenging her family, he was convinced that he made the right choice.

Still, that doesnt change the fact that this kid lost her family.

As Silva said, Nikki will spend her time in solitude from now on.

Poor Nikki

Kuii

Shamoe and Mikadzukis faces were also colored in sorrow. As for Silva, he quietly approached the back of Lilyn.

Milady

I know.

Lilyn moved her small body towards Nikki. While Nikki, still lost in the current events, remained sitting as she is. Perhaps, she is still unable to accept reality.

Oi, you.

Lilyn called her from behind. Upon hearing it, Nikki turned her face slowly like a robot, catching the existence of Lilyn in sight.

No vitality could be seen from those eyes, as if she was on the verge of dying at any moment.

I know what you are feeling right now, but you must make a choice here.

Not caring if she is listening or not, Lilyn continued on to Nikki who is still unable to respond.

To remain here or to follow me, what will you choose?

Still unable to receive an answer from her, Lilyn sighed.

I have gathered a lot of people with the same mind till now. Those people are like you, a person with no place to return to. And for those people, one of my ambitions is to provide them a home. One I will call [Paradise].

Paradise?

Yes. she responded to the faint voice only she can hear.

We will welcome everyone, even the likes of you. However, this is the land where you grew up, so you also have the option of staying here. If you choose the latter, well, I suppose you can call out to me again once I have built [Paradise]. So, which is it? Or would you choose neither and die here as it is?

Upon hearing the word die, tears flowed out again from Nikkis eyes.

DietheydieduwaaaAAAAA!

Nikki cried out once again, facing the sky.

Not understanding on how to deal with children, Lilyn could only shrug her shoulders and leave.

Where are you going?

Hiiro said then approached the crying Nikki, and while looking down at her figure he began to talk.

Just cry if you want to cry.

Oi, Hiiro.

Cant you let her decide after she has calmed down? Im getting hungry, so Ill be looking for food in a while.

He said then left the spot. Even in this situation, he could still dare to think of his appetite, Lilyn thought with cramped cheeks.

***

The ingredient Hiiro is looking around the [Bamboo Hill] is a type of bamboo that only grows around here the Thousand Strange Bamboo Shoots. Although it looked like an ordinary bamboo shoot in a first glance, this ingredient, in fact, with the proper way of cooking, its taste, texture and aroma could change in various ways.

Sometimes its texture is crispy like a native product that seemed like the usual bamboo shoots; sometimes its like a form that stretches softly like a mochi; and sometimes it becomes something like a sweetened fruit candy and more.

With this, the thousand ingredient bamboo shoot that seemed to adapt to all ingredients gained its popularity. However, aside of its quality, it has little supply as it was so difficult to find because it is buried beneath the ground.

But for Hiiro with his Search, these shoots could be found in no time. Upon digging the ground, Hiiro already got three bamboo shoots about as long as his arms.

And while acquiring the ingredients, with the Purification Character, he removed all the toxins from all the black bamboos he found on his way and returned them to normal because if left neglected, they will turn into some nasty demon again.

Even though I came here to eat bamboo shoots, I cannot leave these black bamboos unattended as there is a possibility for others to also be harmed , so Hiiro restored every single black bamboo in the vicinity.

And when he returned back to the crater once again, Silva, as if anticipating it, had already put out tables, cooking utensils, and did all other preparations that they will need. The magic storage skill is really a convenient one.

Lilyn has already stopped talking and was sitting on a chair. Nikki sat a bit far, and although a bit frightened, Shamoe seems to be calling out gently to her. But aside from her eyes that are still filled with tears, no response could be felt from her.

Upon seeing that sight, Hiiro then went to Silva with the Thousand Bamboo Shoots. He handed the ingredients to him, who then began cooking exaltedly. Shamoe, who was then called out by Silva to help, reluctantly went away from Nikki.

Looking at the appearance of Nikki being all curled up in the corner, Hiiro could only see his past self.

There were a lot of adults comforting him which made him even more annoyed. And that habit of putting a big smile on his face, as if it had never felt any pain in life, was now nothing but a Noh Mask.

While adults enjoy leading these children by the hand, children turn to those around them to forget their despair.

All extremes are vices in all ways. Its no wonder why among children with the same circumstance, only you could still smile and laugh a lot more.

As if watching a scene in a movie or television, that sense of reality didnt come up at all.

However, there was one moment, when the lump of ice which was called Hiiros heart melted. But it wasnt something you can call special.

On that certain day, when he was called in the room of the facility director, Hiiro came across an oyakodon. For Hiiro who hadnt eaten almost anything back then, the oyakodons aroma greatly stimulated his hunger.

When he saw it, there was also the same bowl in the hands of the facility director. With a laugh, Come, lets eat. was said unto him. However, thinking that he would lose something in return if he ate, Hiiro didnt lay his hands on it.

Then the other children entered the room one after the other, each carrying a bowl. These children ate with great relish. Drool gradually overflowed from his mouth. Then when he noticed, there was already a spoon in his hand. The facility director then smiled and said.

Eat first! Worry later!

Why? At that time, although his gender, face, voice, personality, and everything that was supposed to be different, the image of the facility director overlapped with his mother.

That reminds me, I used to eat oyakodon with my family before, and it was one of my mothers prided dishes.

While enduring not to let tears fall out, Hiiro tilted the bowl to hide his expression.

The taste of the oyakodon at that time he will never forget it throughout his life. Such taste was poured into his heart.

There are plenty of delicious things in this world! Apparently, Im alive! And I dont want to spend whats left of it without knowing it!

After further investigation, it seems the facility director made a background check and found out that Hiiros mother was good at cooking oyakodon.

Feeling that he had been made to dance at the palm of that facility director flawlessly, making use of that vexation, he became determined to pull one over him in a grand scale.

From then on, deciding not to lose to the witty director; he tried reading a lot of books to further increase his knowledge, and from that started his fascination with books.

Now that I think of it, my desires for food and books are all caused by that facility director, huh.

Even though I look like this, I went around the world and read a variety of books. There is no way I could fall behind a rug rat like you!

Though he was already an 80 year-old geezer, but that dauntlessness boldness, fearlessness and naivety, all those words still suited him.

That time, I thought. Someday, I would triumph over and show it to him. But I was wrong. That someday will never happen.

At the age of 88, he passed away.

(Quitting the game while hes ahead, you got to be kidding me. I really want to hit that geezers funeral picture with a book right now. Wait, I think I really did that one)

Though the other facilities personnel were surprised, but because everyone knew Hiiro and how close he was to the facility director, he got off with a light punishment.

(Hey, pops. Right now, Im really confident that I could win against you.)

It was indeed so, as he had been blessed with the opportunity to read books and eat food from other worlds.

(One day when I get over there, I will make you bite your handkerchief in frustration. Grandly.)

At that moment, imagining the face of the facility director in his mind, Hiiros expression loosened a little.

(Thats why it is better)

Hiiro picked up the dish made by Silva, and walked towards Nikki.

(for a kid to act like kid. That was your favorite phrase, right?)

He put the dish in front of her then said.

Eat first. Worry later!

Nikki raised her face and took a peek at the Thousand Bamboo Shoots in front of her, but though her throat made a gulp, she looked down again in self-denial.

Seeing such appearance, Hiiro,

Eat it if you want to live. Dont eat if you want to waste your familys life.

put up in a nasty way of saying. Then, she moved her shoulder in a twitch.

to liveis it okay?

How would I know? If you are going to ask somebody, dont ask me. Whether you want to live or not, I dont care. Thats it.

I wantbuteveryone is already gone

Despair is spreading in Nikkis heart right now. Her family protected her life in exchange of their own, so she treasures it right now. But with everyone leaving her, this very own life became a shackle because she could not just give it away. Loneliness will then dominate her from now on.

Perhaps she had heard Lilyns story a while ago.

Do you want to avenge them?

Eh? Butthe demon has already

Not that. Is your true enemy that transformed demon?

Ah

Nikkis fuzzy eyes suddenly opened wide. Certainly, it was the transformed High Condor that killed Ikki directly, but it was the person of black clothing who created the High Condor.

If it was me, I wouldnt be able to live in peace, having my family killed like that.

And for sure, Ill settle things with my own hands.

but, how can I do thatEven mom didnt make it

If you are weak, then get stronger. Simple, right?

get stronger?

Listen here. It is you yourself who will decide. Once you made a decision, say it to the red-haired loli over there."

At that time, Hiiro gently put a white bone-like object in front of Nikkis presence. Its size is roughly about as large as Nikkis fist.

Eh?

The claw of that big bear

Actually, before going around searching for bamboo shoots, it was the first thing Hiiro had found on the ground. Thinking of other leftover debris, he tried looking alongside the bamboo shoots, but only one was found.

Live your life to the fullest so not to shame that claw.

After he said so, Nikki held the dish in her hands and began eating with great momentum.

Deliciousits delicious

Upon seeing Nikki starting to eat while still shedding tears, Hiiro felt somewhat relieved. He then went back to the table and started tasting the dishes too.

As befitting its name, various dishes made from theThousand Bamboo Shootsall lined up in the table. One of them was shredded bamboo shoots covered in thick paste on top. When put on a piping hot rice, it becomesPasted Bamboo Shoot Bowl, the original name of the dish.

However, the texture of the bamboo shoots, which have turned crispilicious, fits very well with the rice with its rich paste covering it. Especially that sweet thick paste coiling itself in the hot rice, with the stickiness of a ground yam, you can go at it with just these two alone. It will really keep your hands to bring the food into your mouth non-stop.

Beside it was what Silva called Roasted Bamboowhich are grilled bamboo shoots in skewers like barbecue. It has somewhat like a crispy cartilage with a texture of cow tripe that you can enjoy. You can eat this without ever getting tired of it.

There are other dishes with different taste and texture, but whats special is the last the Chocolate Shoot as the dessert. Though it only looked like bamboo shoots covered with chocolate, the flaky and snack-like texture, fused with the chocolate makes you enjoy it so much you would crave for another.

As Hiiro continued on eating, Nikki slowly approached. Hiiro noticed her and when he turned his head, he saw a face that is determined to do something. And from her hands, was the claw being grasped as if she was praying.

I thought you might say something, but shouldnt you tell it to her first?

Though he pointed at Lilyn, maybe Nikki didnt understand what he said earlier, therefore, she went to him for clarification, or so Hiiro thought.

The next moment, Nikki suddenly lowered her head. Then,

Please make me stronger!

Hiiro opened his mouth wide in surprise by reflex.

Oi, Hiiro, now you get what this kid is saying?

Lilyn asked, but not only her, Silva and Shamoe who also heard her declaration already turned their glances, interested in the current situation.

Apparently, Nikki had already told them that she want to ask Hiiro to make her his disciple. Formally, that is.

Hohou, isnt that great? I guess things will get more interesting from now on.

Nofofofofofofo! Hiiro is now formally having a disciplefinally, after such a long time we have been together.

Cocococococongratulationss!

I really want to retort in various ways right now. Hey, you perverted butler, its not that long since we met, you know?

Haaa, but getting a disciple is...

When Hiiro was about to say it, Nikkis face looked up to him, with eyes as if a puppy was being thrown away.

Speaking frankly, its a pain. Having a disciple isnt simply teaching things to the other. But right now, it is difficult to decline for some reason.

(This kids face I knew I have seen it somewhere)

Though he thought he had seen it, but it was just an act of self-denial. Even at that time in the facility, where they tirelessly take good care of the crying children. He remembered that time. That time where he was also unable to refuse

Isnt it fine, Hiiro-sama? This girl is still a kid. There may be a lot for her to learn, but I will support you as much as possible.

Even this Shamoe will do her best to help!

I dont want to do such a troublesome thing.

Aside from the last one (Lilyn), the other two conveyed words of wanting to help.

Please! I want to get stronger than before!

Nikki desperately pled. Surely it was still troublesome, but thinking that she will be a good partner in his own training,

But only about fighting, you hear?

Yessir!

Also, be sure to listen to what I say. Get it?

Yessir!

Nikki finally bloomed into a smile. Silva and Shamoe, pleased with the situation gave high fives to each other.

But now that it has become like this

Hiiro, while doing a hand to the chin thinking gesture, approached Mikadzuki.

Whats wrong, Hiiro?

Nothing. Hey geezer, you can teach basic reading and writing to this guy, right?

Yes, I dont really mind, but-

Then its not a problem having an extra person to teach, isnt it?

Huh?

Although Silva was bewildered by the sudden words of Hiiro, he still wrote Personification on the body of Mikadzuki regardless.

Then, a tremendous mana flowed out from Hiiro, and that mana enveloped Mikadzuki. Then light gradually covered her, in which Mikadzuki shrieked in surprise.

Everyone was stunned by the situation, not understanding what Hiiro did. But when the light was gone, it brought them an even more amazing sight.

Because from where Mikadzuki was last time, now stood a little girl.

Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeh?!

Lilyn and Shamoe raised a squeal-like scream.

Hmph. It went well I see.

With the Personificationcharacter, he tried to make Mikadzuki into a humanoid. He wanted to try it once a while back, but the character will not work unless there is a certain degree of trust first.

So he tried it to Mikadzuki, and surprisingly, he succeeded. However, she was still a demon so she isnt able to speak words yet.

Kui?

She tilted her lovely head.

Hey pops, teach her some words, will ya?

Nofofofofofo! As expected of Hiiro-sama! Your capability of surprising people never faltered even once! Nofofofofofofo!

H-ho-how cuuuuute!

Shamoe clung to Mikadzuki, while she happily cried Kui! Kui! in return.

By the way, kidno, youre my disciple starting today. Can you be able to learn first before this fellow? Ill praise you if you can do it earlier than her.

He said to Nikki, while pointing at Mikadzuki. Then Nikki stared at Mikadzuki, and with a groan, she posed with a pointed finger.

Then Ill make sure to learn it first! Then you can praise me later!

Then, Mikadzuki,

Although I dont really understand, I want to be praised by master too!

And it was that moment, when the rug rat combination was born. After that, they worked hard together and learned the common sense of the world.

Hiiro thought that having them compete with each other makes the teaching quicker and more efficient. Surprisingly, both of them were able to learn language skills faster than he anticipated.

By the way, it was Mikadzuki who learned the fastest. That is because she has been traveling with Hiiro for a long time so that may have been a factor. Of course Nikki felt bitter, but after that, they played with each other to their hearts content whenever possible.

Though Mikadzuki received it in high spirits, she didnt really care whether she win or lose. She turns into a natural airhead whenever in contact with Nikki, and so the nickname changed from disciple to idiot disciple.

While it was pleasant that she is able to speak out some words now, it was still troublesome as Nikki and Mikadzuki still tried to make Hiiro decide the outcome of the game whenever possible.

Just a little, only just a little, Hiiro had a slight regret he taught them, but only just a little.