Bear-san, Talks to Kagali-sama.

Thanks to Sakura and s.h.i.+n.o.bu, the woman called Kagali who looked disheveled earlier and was now nicely dressed. However, the woman was sitting like how a man crossed his legs, which ruined her beauty. But Sakura let out a small sigh as if it was a usual thing.

Sakura, I thought I told you to get out of this country. (Kagali)

We cant leave Kagali-sama behind and run away. (Sakura)

I dont care about that. (Kagali)*

Kagali-sama (Sakura)

Besides, I promised to your mother, Sakura, that I would protect you. (Kagali)

My mother. (Sakura)

Yes, she asked me to do it before she died. Thats why I have to protect you. Even at the cost of my own life. (Kagali)

Kagali-sama. But I (Sakura)

Even I dont know what will happen if the serpent returns. But many people will surely die. I dont want you to be among them. (Kagali)

Kagali-san said gently to Sakura. Her face expressed a sincere concern.

And so, whos this strange-looking lady? With a bear and everything. (Kagali)

I told you the other day. This is Yuna-sama, the light of hope I saw in my vision. And the white one is Hugging Bear-sama, and the black one is Swaying Bear-sama. (Sakura)

Sakura then looked at us

Its kinda irritating to be called the light of hope. Even if I denied it, it was difficult to do so since in Sakuras dream I was glowing with light.

Yuna-sama, this is Kagali-sama, who controls the barriers on this island. (Sakura)

We got introduced to each other, then we looked squarely at each other.

Sakura, I know that you can foresee. But to you, does this bear look like the light of hope? (Kagali)

Kagali-san looked at me suspiciously.

Yes, I saw it. (Sakura)

But Sakura replied clearly to Kagali-sans questioning.

Oh, my great one, have you lost your power of prediction? What makes you think that this weirdly dressed girl will be able to defeat the giant snake? (Kagali)

I think. No, Im sure she will be able to save us, Kagali-sama. (Sakura)

Kagali-san looked at me with straight eyes.

Yuna, I believe that was what she said. Do you really think you can defeat the serpent after hearing her story? Did you get swayed by Sakuras words and think that you can defeat it? If you are thinking like that, you are either a big idiot or a big idiot who is not afraid of death. (Kagali)

Theyre still both big idiots, you know?

I dont know if I can defeat a giant snake Ive never seen before. If I cant, Ill run away. However, I do want to respond to Sakuras feelings. (Yuna)

I wont know until I actually fight it. But if you ask me if I would risk my life, I would definitely say NO.

But Id defeat it for Sakura if I could.

The other day, others brought people to fight the serpent, but none of them are strong enough to fight it. If you fight it, you will only lose your life. I will not let you lose your life at such a young age either. I wont say anything bad, but I suggest you also get out of the country as soon as possible. (Kagali)

Kagali-sama! Yuna-sama is truly the light of hope. She is also very talented. (Sakura)

No matter how correct Sakuras words are, Im already tired of it. There is no hope. Only I know the strength of that giant snake. And only those who have fought it can understand its strength. (Kagali)

Yes, but (Sakura)

It was over a hundred years ago when you fought it, right? Kagali-san? You dont look that old. (Yuna)

No matter how you look at her, shes in her twenties. Even if she made herself look younger, like some Eleanora-san from somewhere, shes still in her thirties. So how come she fought the giant snake over a hundred years ago?

I looked at her ears, thinking she was an elf, but they were not long.

Sakura, have you told her about me? (Kagali)

Yes, I dont want her to think Im lying and not accept my offer. (Sakura)

Sakura looked at me apologetically.

Besides, only a few people know about Kagali-sama. Its not a subtle topic after all. (Sakura)

I know that Sakura does not talk about me to anyone on a whim. Sakura, in your eyes, can you trust this little girl? (Kagali)

Sakura looked at me carefully.

I do believe her (Sakura)

I see. All right, then. (Kagali)

After Kagali-san said this, long brown ears appeared from her head. In addition, as the bottom of her kimono squirmed, what looked like brown fur could be seen.

Animal ears and tail?

I am a fox who has lived for hundreds of years. And I fought a giant snake a hundred years or so ago. So I know how terrifying it is. (Kagali)

Fox. (Yuna)

Does that mean shes a demon fox?

Yes, I am a fox monster. Arent you afraid? (Kagali)

Her tail, visible under her kimono, swayed.

Im not scared of you. (Yuna)

Its a world inhabited by monsters. It wouldnt be surprising if there was a fox that could turn into a human.

Aint you a boring one. I was expecting you to call me a liar. But now you know that Ive been alive for hundreds of years. (Kagali)

Well, this is a world where there are elves, so its not surprising that there would be monster foxes that have lived for hundreds of years.

Now you know the weight of the words of someone who has fought that monster. Im not saying it cant be defeated. Even before, I was able to weaken it and seal it up. But the damage was still great. Above all, the difference is that none of the people I fought with back then are here anymore. (Kagali)

Kagali-san has an expression like looking into the distance.

Thats not the case. Yuna-sama and Kagali-sama can defeat it. (Sakura)

Youre overestimating me. The current me is already giving everything to maintain the barriers, I have no strength left to fight. (Kagali)

How long will the barriers last? (Sakura)

Its just a matter of time. (Kagali)

Kagali-sama, then with the help of Yuna-sama (Sakura)

Kagali-san looked at Sakura intently.

You believe in that funny-looking girl, dont you? Okay then. (Kagali)

Kagali-sama! (Sakura)

Sakura was happy to have succeeded in getting Kagali-san to nod her head.

Then, if you really are a light of hope, why dont you show me some of that hope. (Kagali)

Show you? Am I supposed to fight you? (Yuna)

No, I want you to bring me the person I want the most at this moment. If you can do that, I will recognize you as the light of hope. (Kagali)

She suddenly became unreasonable.

I dont have any acquaintances in the land of harmony.

Whos that? (Yuna)

I will confirm for the time being.

In those days, I fought alongside someone when the serpent rampaged. (Kagali)

Kagali-sama, thats. (Sakura)

Fufu, I know. Its absolutely impossible. Thats why Im saying its impossible if such a miracle doesnt happen. But thats what I want. (Kagali)

Its impossible for someone to revive the dead. (Yuna)

You cant bring someone from hundreds of years ago back to life, you know.

He is alive. (Kagali)

Hes alive? Perhaps, a fox, like you? (Yuna)

Kagali-san shook her head.

Hes an elf, and if he wasnt killed yet, hed still be alive somewhere. (Kagali)

Elf

I dont know where he is now. He is the one who created the wards that sealed the serpent. So, if he comes, we can manage it. Now, if you are Sakuras light of hope, show that light to me as well. Let me meet Mumuroot again! If you cant, then leave. (Kagali)

Kagali-san looked sad.

But Swaying Bear, Hugging Bear, and I, slightly reacted to the name that Kagali-san mentioned.

Kagali-sama, no matter how much you want to, thats not possible. (Sakura)

I know. I know Im just telling that to myself even if its just a dream. I know its impossible, I dont know where he is, or he could be dead. I just wish that Mumuroot was here, I thought over and over again. If only that man were here, he could do something about it. But hes not here. Its impossible to bring him back. (Kagali)

Kagali-sans voice becomes smaller.

But Mumuroot-san? You mean that, Mumuroot-san?

Has this Mumuroot-san ever been to this country? (Yuna)

Yes, when I was still young. (Kagali)

In terms of appearance, shes still young though.

When the serpent appeared and we were in trouble, these adventurers came. Mumuroot, claiming to be an elven mystic, set up a sealing formation on this island and succeeded in sealing the weakened serpent. I remained here to guard the barriers. (Kagali)

Is that really the Mumuroot-san I know of?

Now then, if you really say you are the light of hope, bring Mumuroot to me. (Kagali)

Kagali-sama (Sakura)

Sakura and s.h.i.+n.o.bu were unable to say anything and fell silent.

Because they both know its impossible.

But I do know a certain Mumuroot-san of the same name and race.

And I can bring him here.

Can we win if we bring this Mumuroot-san with us? (Yuna)

I dont know what will happen. But it will increase our chances of winning. And if you can bring Mumuroot to me, I will fully trust you as a beacon of hope. Fufu, such a miracle would be impossible even if the heavens and earth were turned upside down. (Kagali)

Now, what to do?

First of all, if the Mumuroot-san that Kagali-san is talking about is the very same Mumuroot-san that I know, then I can bring him here. But to do that, Id have to tell them about the bear gate. And then theres the question of what to do if hes the wrong one. Still, Mumuroot-san is familiar with wards and magic circles. Im almost certain of it.

So just give up and go home. (Kagali)

What about you Kagali-san? (Yuna)

It is the will of those who control the wards. Ill just have to deal with them first. (Kagali)

Does that mean youre planning to die?

Kagali-sama. Please believe in Yuna-sama. (Sakura)

Sakura bowed her head.

You should leave the country quickly. Bear-dressed girl. If you are Sakuras light of hope, I ask that you let Sakura escape. (Kagali)

Kagali-san bowed deeply to me.

Its not like she doesnt trust me or anything. Shes just really worried about Sakuras safety.

Kagali-sama (Sakura)

Sakura fell silent at Kagali-sans words.

I get it. I guess I should bring that Mumuroot-san with me here. (Yuna)

What are you talking about? I dont even know where he is. And youre saying youll bring him here? (Kagali)

Kagali-san stood up as if she sensed something.

Do you know what youre talking about? (Kagali)

Kagali-san stood up and grabbed me by both of my shoulders.

I do know an elf named Mumuroot-san. (Yuna)

Where, where is Mumuroot! (Kagali)

The force of her shaking my shoulders becomes stronger.

Do you really know him, Yuna-sama? (Sakura)

He has the same name and race, so I dont think theres any mistake. But Id have to check just to be sure. (Yuna)

Can you get confirmation? No. Can you bring him here? (Kagali)

However, Ill need everyone here to keep my secret if Im going to bring him here. (Yuna)

Yuna-samas secret? (Sakura)

Even if its the king, or your master. (Yuna)

I looked at the three people in front of me.

I will not tell anyone. I will obey Yuna-samas words. (Sakura)

Of course, I do too. As long as I can meet Mumuroot, Ill keep any promises I make. (Kagali)

Everyone looks at s.h.i.+n.o.bu.

Of course, I wont tell anyone either. (s.h.i.+n.o.bu)

You cant even write it in a letter either. (Yuna)

Of course, I wont! (s.h.i.+n.o.bu)

Do I need to make contract magic with s.h.i.+n.o.bu?

Shes a ninja after all.

=====

Authors Note:

Yes, Kagali is a fox. Shes not an enemy, but a friend.

And the name of Mumuroot-san was unexpectedly mentioned.

I wonder what he was doing when he was young.

=====

Translators Note:

* () (warawa) = Kagali has a weird way of calling herself which could also be interpreted as () (sobame, mekake = Mistress, Concubine).