Quick Work

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Miragaia had said it would be a quick stroll, but he ended up flying way up high.

 

Maki said something to him and pointed in different directions and he would take her there.

 

“Maki seems to be very calm about it.”

 

Arthur muttered.

 

“Maki is more accepting of things and people as they are.”

 

Chiharu replied.

 

“And so you must be extra cautious to make up for that?”

“Not exactly…”

 

She wasn’t being cautious for Maki’s sake. She just didn’t like being in situations where she had no control. Of course, being easily swayed might look cute and have helped her keep her boyfriend… But still.

 

“Maki’s chill and accepting personality is what I like about her. You can relax when you are with her.”

 

Chiharu said.

 

“And so there were a lot of people who tried to take advantage of that in the other world. People thought that she was too generous and lacked firmness. She would be hurt by people who forced their ideals on her, only to be disappointed later on.”

“Do you think then, that she is trying to show everyone how she truly is?”

“I don’t know…”

 

She didn’t want to think too deeply about her friend. And of course, there were many things that you just had to endure when you had a job. But they both made an effort to be pleasant company when around each other.

 

“Something about you reminds me of my dead wife.”

“Dead… Edwy’s mother?”

“She was very weak physically. She passed away as soon as he was born. Everyone said that she could not be queen, and that she would not have children. But she was strong and supported me.”

“I’m sure it was…an honor.”

 

Perhaps that was why the prince was so spoiled. Arthur grinned a little and continued.

 

“I don’t know if I would call it an honor. My wife could be very black-hearted.”

“Huh? But I am not black-hearted? I’m just uh, uh…”

“Yes?”

“I am just a little more honest than most.”

“Hahaha. My wife must have also been very honest. Surely.”

 

Arthur looked up at the sky.

 

“We had grown up together. I think that we knew each other quite well, but I often wish that I had known how she thought a little more when we were adults.”

“I can honestly tell you my own black-hearted thoughts if you wish.”

“Hahaha! As I thought. She would often talk to me like that. It brings back memories.”

“She was not only your wife…”

“Hm?”

“But a very good friend to you then.”

“Yes. Yes.”

 

Arthur said with a gentle expression.

 

“CHIIIHAAARUUU.”

“Maki-chan!”

 

Maki had come back. She came running towards Chiharu as soon as Miragaia let her down. I would probably be wobbling on my feet for a while in her place. That’s Maki for you. Chiharu thought.

 

“I got to see the city from above the palace! There a plaza with a fountain, and stalls, there were food stalls!”

“Food stalls! Coins! We need some change! Arthur, please convert our millions into coins!!”

“Uh? What?”

“Chiharu, calm down. It’s ridiculous to convert a million into coins. Well, we should be fine with maybe ten thousand per person. Let’s have the magic gem sold properly and convert twenty thousand into coins.”

“Wait, wait. Maki and Chihaaru. It is too early for you to leave the palace grounds.”

 

Maki and Chiharu swung around. Arthur pointed at the bird people.

 

“It’s not only the bird people that will swarm around you if they hear that the Saintesses are here. It will be dangerous if security measures are not put in place.”

“There are people who would want to hurt us?”

 

Chiharu asked. Arthur answered.

 

“I do not think that anyone would want to deliberately. Except maybe the Doom Church. But they have been silent recently.”

 

Wait, wait. Doom Church! That sounds terrifying! Why was he saying it so casually? Arthur continued before she could interject.

 

“But more importantly, many people would come to catch a rare glimpse of the Saintess, and I fear that you may be crushed.”

“Then we will never be able to leave…”

PAGE 2

Two Saints wander off into a Different World