“Mommy mommy, seeing mommy again.”
We’re on our way to the demon gods’ village.
Snow is walking in front, singing while carrying a stick she picked up. She’s in a really great mood.
She’s really happy about seeing Reina.
“It’s only been a day.”
“Children don’t work on the same time as adults. What feels like a moment for us is an eternity for them.”
“Yes, you’ve got a point.”
It does feel like time goes by faster when you become an adult.
Especially after you start working. A year goes by in no time.
It’s just been a day for me, but for her it might be a long time…
“It’s actually scary when I really think about it.”
“That’s just what growing up is like.”
“True.”
We keep walking on the same mountain path for a while. Once we’re done going up this path, we’ll be in the demon gods’ village.
“Come here Snow, I’ll hold you.”
“Yes!”
She keeps holding her stick as she comes towards me, so I pick her up, and go up the slope with Noname.
“Maybe something happened with them.”
Merlin and Xellos are with Reina, so maybe other members of the seven great mages got here…
If that’s it…
Suddenly, I turn to Noname. Maybe it’s related to how she lost her memory.
And as I think that, I see the entrance to the village.
“Hou, now this is nice.”
“It’s an incredible sight, isn’t it?”
I thought about it last time too, but the water flowing from that big hole really is intense.
I feel this indescribable power from this sight that’s both man-made and natural.
“If they’re here, then probably…”
“Miss Sakuya’s place!”
“Yes.”
We weren’t invited this time, but I get the impression that people from this island don’t mind when others drop by to visit.
Well, there are no smartphones or anything, so it’s not like they would have a way to get in touch…
“There’s a strange scent and a curious scenery.”
Noname says, sounding impressed, as she walks around.
I had similar thoughts when I came here with Reina, and saw people of different races walking around.
“Ah, Xellos!”
“Ou, Ara…”
I call out to Xellos, because I see his back on our way to Sakuya’s place, but he freezes after turning this way.
“…”
He looks dumbfounded, and his eyes are on Noname next to me.
So he does know her. I start walking towards him, and his face twitches.
“Wait, when did she… I mean, it wouldn’t be weird if she were here, but…”
“Xellos?”
“Hey… Why are you with her?”
Just as I’m about to respond to the perplexed Xellos, Noname steps forward.
“It looks like you know me.”
“Ah? What are you talking about?”
“It seems I have lost my memory. I don’t remember anything from before coming to this island.”
The moment she says that, Xellos twitches a little, and I can’t quite describe the expression on his face.
◇ ◇ ◇
We should go to a calmer place for now, so we head to Sakuya’s place again.
“Let me sort out my thoughts for a bit.”
So he does know her, but why isn’t he telling us anything, not even her name?
I’m sure Noname wants to know it too…
“Don’t worry about it.”
“Eh?”
“There has to be a reason why this man is so evasive about who I really am.”
I guess she’s not concerned about it, so I don’t need to say anything. But there really is something very unnatural about how Xellos is acting.
It’s like he’s scared of her getting her memories back if he tells her who she is…
“Miss Noname.”
“Hn? What?”
“Are you still gonna play with Snow after remembering?”
“Of course.”
Sounds like Snow has opened up to her quite a bit in just a day.
Noname is very affectionate towards her too, so I’m sure it will be fine even after she remembers.
“I never thought I’d see this…”
Mumbles Xellos while looking at Noname.
Just what is she?
“Is it really something you have to keep hidden that badly?”
“Ah, no, hum… I just don’t wanna carry it by myself.”
“…”
“Reina and Merlin are here too. Let’s all talk about it together.”
“All right.”
I want to believe the Noname I’ve known so far. It’s only been a day, but I have trouble believing she’s bad.
Even now, she’s walking with Snow, holding her hand with a smile on her face.
◇ ◇ ◇
When we get to Sakuya’s place, I see Reina, Merlin, and an old man I don’t know.
All three look flabbergasted.
Needless to say, they’re all looking at Noname.
“W-why is she with Arata…?”
“Mommy!”
“Kyah!?”
Reina tries to say something, but is interrupted by Snow tackling her as she dives into her chest.
She really loves her, and she’s holding on tight with her small arms, as if telling her not to leave her again.
“Mommy, Snow was lonely without you.”
“H-hum, Snow…”
“Lonely!”
Snow looks a little angry, but that doesn’t stop her from wanting to be pampered.
Reina is overwhelmed by her too, and gently hugs her.
“…I’m sorry for leaving you.”
“Mu… You’re forgiven, but stay like this!”
And as this charming scene plays out, Merlin’s face is twitching as she looks at Noname.
The old man looks surprised too, but feels different from Xellos and Merlin.
“I guess everyone here knows me.”
The three that don’t know what happened let out surprised voices when they hear that.
But Noname looks unconcerned.
“I lost my memory.”
She says, and everyone here except me and Snow makes faces that I can’t quite describe.
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