Death March to the Parallel World Rhapsody

Correction made on 2015/4/4.

This is Satou. Japanese homes are sometimes called “rabbit hutches,” but I think a one-bedroom with a living-dining-kitchen (1LDK) is enough for a single person. Too much space just makes cleaning and tidying a hassle.

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“What are you making this time?”

“Wire.”

Since the workshop tour is scheduled for the afternoon, I’m spending my free time doing crafts. When I say wire, it’s not just plain steel wire. It’s twisted with hemp thread wrapped in magic liquid, allowing it to be manipulated at will. It’s tricky to control freely, so maybe I should reconsider the way I’m weaving it.

Tama, who’s been tangled up in the wire on my lap for a while, isn’t making much progress either. I asked Mia to lure her away with yarn, but the wire seems more fun.

Mia, just because you’re bored doesn’t mean you should join Tama in getting tangled up in the wire.

“Heh heh heh, I know what you’re trying to make!”

Oh?

“Exactly, a Flexblade Sword!”

What’s that supposed to be?

What does that have to do with wire?

“I was just planning to use it as wire normally.”

“Ehh, boring~”

Arisa’s “Flexblade Sword” is a weapon from some anime, a fantasy weapon that can transform a sword into segments linked by wire to swing like a whip or reform into a sword. Kind of like a three-section staff.

It doesn’t seem practical at all.

When I said that, she replied, “It’s romance.” Well, if it’s romance, I can’t argue.

Besides, wire that can be controlled at will probably won’t be needed if you have arcane magic like “magic hand” or “mana string,” so maybe I shouldn’t say too much.

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The afternoon workshop tour ended earlier than expected, so I decided to visit the Tolma estate as promised the other day.

The entourage included Nana, Arisa, and, for some reason, Miss Karina and her maid Pina—four people in total. Naturally, Pochi and Tama didn’t want to come, and the others didn’t want to meet Tolma, so we left them behind. Looks like Tolma really is disliked.

Liza wanted to come along, but I asked her to stay to teach self-defense to Lulu and the others. It’s better not to bring her along and risk her feeling uncomfortable.

The Tolma estate was said to be a detached house inside Viscount Seemen’s grounds, so I imagined a small house with three bedrooms and a living room, but it was a mansion that made the manor we’re renting look small. We entered through a back door near the estate, so I didn’t see the main house, but it must be magnificent.

Viscount Seemen is doing well financially—or rather, it’s probably a legacy of generational power.

“Long time no see, Hayuna-san.”

“Long time no see, Satou-san. Oh, I shouldn’t call you Satou-san anymore, right? Since you’ve been granted a noble title, I should address you by your family name.”

Hayuna, whom I hadn’t seen for a while, was dressed as a noblewoman, elegant but not flashy, wearing quality attire. Mayuna was being cared for by a middle-aged maid resembling a wet nurse.

“Larval form, I have returned.”

When Nana poked Mayuna with her finger, the small hand grabbed her finger tightly. Nana’s expression seemed to melt at that gesture.

Meanwhile, Miss Karina watched the scene with interest but never tried to get close to the baby.

“Miss Karina, would you like to hold her?”

Hayuna offered, but Karina shook her head vigorously. She’s quiet around Tolma, so maybe he’s her first love or something.

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“Miss Karina, have you been to the opera house?”

“No, I haven’t had the chance…”

“You really should go. The fairy Cirirutoa’s miraculous singing voice is a must-hear!”

“Oh? Are fairies elves?”

“I’m not sure about the differences, but I think she’s probably an elf.”

We chatted on the terrace while having light refreshments and tea.

Hayuna tried various topics to engage Karina, who was like a borrowed cat—quiet and reserved. Arisa helped keep the conversation flowing so Hayuna wouldn’t get stuck. Of course, Nana was completely focused on the baby.