Bear-san, Explains To Mumroot-san

.

When I came out of the hole which was the entrance to the sacred tree, Ruimin came running up to me, looking happy. If she had a tail like Kagali-san, hers would be wagging like an excited puppy.

Yuna-san, do you have time to eat today? I caught a big fish. (Ruimin)

She was so happy to have caught a big fish, she had a big smile on her face.

Umu, I think its a little impossible today. Sorry. (Yuna)

I want to have a meal together with her. But since Sakura and the others already knew about the bear gate, and considering the situation in the Land of Harmony, I need to weigh my priorities.

I see. Thats too bad. (Ruimin)

Ruimins expression darkens a little. If she had beast ears, they would have drooped.

I saw Kagali-sans ears and tail not too long ago, so I cant help but think about that.

Give me a call sometime and Ill come by for a treat. Let me know if you catch anything. (Yuna)

Really? Thats a promise then. (Ruimin)

Oh, her ears and tail perked up. (In my image)

After making a promise to Ruimin, I called out to Mumroot-san.

Thank you for coming, Mumroot-san. (Yuna)

No, were in your debt, please dont worry about it. So, contract magic is it? Is there someone you need to tell your secrets to, Missy? (Mumroot)

Yes, thats right. Also, theres someone who wants to meet you, Mumroot-san. (Yuna)

To meet me? (Mumroot)

Mumroot-san. Have you ever been to the Land of Harmony to help seal a demon called the Giant Serpent Orochi in the past? And do you know a fox woman named Kagali? (Yuna)

The Land of Harmony Orochi Seal Kagali Fox woman (Mumroot)

Mumroot-san pondered my words. It was hundreds of years ago, after all, so he cant seem to remember it easily. But gradually, his memory seems to be coming back, and his expression changes.

Ah Orochi, now that brings back memories. There was such a thing. (Mumroot)

Mumroot-san made a nostalgic voice.

I guess it was him after all.

But how did you know about it, Missy? (Mumroot)

Well, I just came from the Land of Harmony, got information that Orochi was about to return, and got asked to defeat it? Reseal it? Then a fox woman named Kagali-san told me that an elf named Mumroot-san, who was an adventurer at the time, helped her seal the serpent, and I thought that Mumroot-san might be the same Mumroot-san I know of, so I contacted Ruimin. (Yuna)

I briefly told him the situation in the Land of Harmony.

I see. (Mumroot)

Grandpa, you did that? (Ruimin)

That was when I was young. But still, the seal of Orochi will be released, you say? Kagali has protected the seal all this time, hasnt she? (Mumroot)

So, Id like you to come with me to the Land of Harmony, Mumroot-san. (Yuna)

How far away is the Land of Harmony? (Ruimin)

Ruimin asked.

I wonder about that? I dont know the distance. While I was at a loss for an answer, Mumroot-san answered for me.

Its far. Even back then, I just happened to stop by during my journey. (Mumroot)

Youve been to such a faraway place, Yuna-san. Id like to go there too. (Ruimin)

I happened to see land from Targui, so I stopped by and it just so happened to be the Land of Harmony.

But how did you get involved in all that, Missy? (Mumroot)

I had only dropped by the Land of Harmony for a while. Then my abilities were tested, a girl called me as the light of hope, and then, I ended up meeting a woman named Kagali-san. (Yuna)

And now, were in the current situation.

Now that I think about it, I, the light of hope that Sakura saw, may have been a light of hope to bring Mumroot-san to them.

Perhaps Im the only one who can bring Mumroot to them.

I understand what youre saying, but I dont think its easy to just drop by there. (Mumroot)

Its a combo of Targui and bear gate.

Yea, I set up a bear gate on a moving island, and it pa.s.sed by the Land of Harmony, so thats how I just dropped by. (Yuna)

Yuna-san, is the island really moving? (Ruimin)

Ruimin seemed to be interested in the moving island.

Theres an island in the ocean that moves. (Yuna)

I see. The ocean, Id like to see it. (Ruimin)

I wondered if Ruimin had never seen the ocean before, so she was convinced by my words.

I feel like Im tricking a pure girl.

Ruimin knows about the bear gate and the bears water walking skill. I can take her to Targui. It might be a good idea to take her and Fina next time.

So, Missy. Just a little confirmation, is it possible to come and go from here? (Mumroot)

Yea, its fine. (Yuna)

You can go back and forth as many times as you want.

I really want to prepare various things, but first I have to hear from Kagali. (Mumroot)

All right, then. (Yuna)

Its one of my unfinished business. But its better to solve it while Im still alive so I can spend the rest of my life without worry. (Mumroot)

Live the rest of your life without worry, you forgot about that, didnt you? And how long is the rest of your life? Even if I die, youll still be alive, wont you, Mumroot-san?

I wanted to say something in retort, but I held back.

Lets go meet Kagali. (Mumroot)

Mumroot-san agreed to come to the Land of Harmony. Then, Ruimin opened her mouth.

Yuna-san, can I come with you? (Ruimin)

Were going to have a serious fight, I think. So Ruimin should stay. (Yuna)

Besides, having Ruimin around wouldnt help.

I may not be able to do anything, but I want to help you and Grandpa. (Ruimin)

Ruimin (Yuna)

And Im more interested in that Kagali-san. Is she your old girlfriend, grandpa? (Ruimin)

Was that your real intention, perhaps?

What are you talking about, Ruimin? (Mumroot)

My mother used to say when a man puts his life on the line, its for the woman he loves. (Ruimin)

Sh-, shes not my old lover. She was in trouble, so I helped her. (Mumroot)

Grandpa, youre stuttering. (Ruimin)

Thats what would happen to anyone if their grandchild said that to them. Im sure youd feel the same way, right? Missy? (Mumroot)

Dont ask me to agree with you. I dont have any children, let alone grandchildren. But I do understand what you mean.

So its okay for me to see Kagali-san, right? (Ruimin)

Well, yeah, I guess. (Mumroot)

In the end, Mumroot-san looked like breaking the ice, and Ruimin decided to come with us.

If a fight breaks out, I can send them home. We can also have Sakura temporarily taken to the elf village and leave her in their care for a while. There should be enough time for that.

I brought out a bear gate and opened the door to the bear gate where Kagali-san and the others were.

=====

When I opened the door, I saw s.h.i.+n.o.bu in front of me, being held down by Swaying Bear.

What are you doing? (Yuna)

Yuna, I need help. (s.h.i.+n.o.bu)

I looked at Sakura and asked with my eyes, Whats going on?

Etto, after Yuna-sama entered the door, s.h.i.+n.o.bu, who was wondering, began to look into the door. I stopped her, but s.h.i.+n.o.bu said, just a little. (Sakura)

Sakura imitated s.h.i.+n.o.bus quips. She looks a little cute.

So Swaying Bear-sama and Hugging Bear-sama stepped in to stop her, and this is what happened. (Sakura)

Swaying Bear and Hugging Bear made expressions of asking for praise.

Thank you, Swaying Bear, Hugging Bear. (Yuna)

I stroked the heads of Swaying Bear, who was holding down s.h.i.+n.o.bu, and Hugging Bear, who was nearby.

Its so heavy. Save me quickly. (s.h.i.+n.o.bu)

`Ku~u ~ n

Youre not heavy. (Yuna)

No, its heavy. Its a bear. Theres a bear on top of me. And you sound like youre worried about weight, is Swaying Bear a maiden? (s.h.i.+n.o.bu)

Who knows? (Yuna)

I dont know the genders of Swaying Bear and Hugging Bear. But even men get upset if someone calls them fat. No one wants to be labeled as fat.

Swaying Bear, you can let her go now. (Yuna)

`Ku~u ~ n

Swaying Bear got off the top of s.h.i.+n.o.bu.

It was heavy. (s.h.i.+n.o.bu)

Its s.h.i.+n.o.bus fault. (Sakura)

Sakura reprimanded her softly.

Because Im curious. When she opens the door, she can go to other places. Its mysterious. (s.h.i.+n.o.bu)

I cant help but understand that feeling. I was also impressed when I first saw and used magic.

Missy, can we come in now? (Mumroot)

Ah, sorry. You can come in. (Yuna)

Mumroot-san and Ruimin, who were at the other side of the bear gate, entered the bear gate.

Mumroot? (Kagali)

Kagali? (Mumroot)

Kagali-san slowly approaches Mumroot-san.

Is it really you, Mumuroot? (Kagali)

She checked once more.

Its been a long time. (Mumroot)

Do you know how many hundreds of years Ive been waiting for you? You fool! (Kagali)

Kagali-sans fist struck Mumroot-san on the chest. Its been hundreds of years since theyve seen each other. Maybe its not the same as my idea of a reunion, but I cant even imagine what it feels like to see someone again after hundreds of years.

Mumroot, Mumroot (Kagali)

Im sorry. (Mumroot)

Kagali-san cried in Mumroot-sans chest.

We waited quietly so as not to disturb their reunion.

Have you calmed down? (Mumroot)

After a while, Kagali-san withdrew from Mumroot-san.

Im sorry. Sakura and s.h.i.+n.o.bu, please forget about what just happened. (Kagali)

Yes (Sakura)

I didnt see anything, so its okay. (s.h.i.+n.o.bu)

The two pretended not to see.

Theyre both very kind people.

So, is that pretty girl over there the granddaughter of Mumroot you were talking about earlier? (Kagali)

Kagali-san looked at Ruimin.

Etto, yes. Im Ruimin.

Ruimin bowed a little and gave her name.

You have a lovely granddaughter, shes just like you, Mumroot. My name is Kagali, and I was once taken care of by Mumroot a long time ago.

My name is Sakura. Ruimin-sama, pleased to meet you.

Kagali-san introduced herself, then Sakura also introduced herself after Kagali-san.

Eh? -sama? Please, just Ruimin is fine.

Ruimin waved her hands broadly side to side, declining the honorifics.

But you are the granddaughter of the one who helped us seal the serpent in the past. Thats why I have to add it. (Sakura)

Im not great enough to be called that, so please dont call me that. (Ruimin)

I see. Then may I call you Ruimin-san? (Sakura)

Yes, then, in return, can I call you Sakura-chan? (Ruimin)

Yes (Sakura)

Sakura looks happy. Maybe she was happy to be called Sakura-chan.

Im s.h.i.+n.o.bu. Ruimin, nice to meet you.

That greeting was light. But Ruimin didnt seem bothered by it.

Yes, its nice to meet you. s.h.i.+n.o.bu-san. (Ruimin)

The introduction of everyone is now over.

=====

Authors Note:

Mumroot-san and Kagali-san have reunited.

I feel at ease with Ruimin. w