Happy Life
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Standing before the mirror, Nihonka examined her image in a special journalistic dress.
"It still doesn't suit me..." she decided. "The design isn't bad, but the color is clearly wrong."
Nevertheless, its lightness and the fabric's pleasant feel against the skin had a beneficial effect on her mind, so she decided that it wouldn't be shameful to appear in this outfit before the rivets of a ceiling beam during the third session of diary writing:
I. Suburbs
<adds to point 6>
- Tai Manin - servant. Suffers from existential angst and a severe allergy to the female gender.
II. Port
5. Hellfire - smithy.
- Crag - employee. A giant grandfather breathing the spirit of the old school, hardcore, and masculine ultra-violence.
IV. Ceremonial District
<adds to point 2>
- Dragomira - tourist photographer from Zimivia; dresses as if she dreams of getting into trouble.
- Umila - refugee tourist from Zimivia, a quiet kindred soul.
VIII. 39th District
<adds to point 1>
- Tamaris Gillon - warrior. The only one capable of holding a weapon while others hide behind his broad shoulders.
Mitten, Farellia
I. City
1. Bernainz - hotel. Cozy, but rooms are less than eighteen cells long; however, there is an onsen.
- Lina - maid. Friendly and energetic; one can only envy her patience.
2. Air Glider School - a house with a warehouse on a cliff.
- Heidi - pilot. Has many suitors; surprising energy for such a compact body.
3. Adventurers Guild - a board for mundane village errands.
- Tristan - manager. A man of harmonious body and mind, with plenty of free time.
4. Swings - two poles and a stick with a rope.
- Radgrid - girl. A responsible older sister who doesn't mince words.
- Brother A - eldest; learned bad habits from questionable characters and now peeks into the onsen.
- Brother B - moody;
- Brother C - silent;
- Brother D - mischievous;
- Brother E - unremarkable;
- Brother F - youngest; a kind soul who loves to draw.
5. Church of Arselia - a place of spiritual nourishment for the population and certain death for the unworthy.
- Jingai Dethto - missing priest. Rumored to be easygoing.
- Bruno - humble servant of Arselia. A boor with a highly developed sense of duty, but without a feeling of malice.
6. Bergenigin - general store, prices are very cheap by imperial standards.
- Ingrid - employee. Friendly and kind, fond of gardening.
7. Wunderschoenes - small restaurant, limited but high-quality assortment.
- Trude - owner. A person with an incredible life story and a big heart, a magnificent cook.
8. Post Office - pigeon post.
- Ella - employee. A sweet girl who works surprisingly quickly for her industry.
9. River - river.
- Emil - poet-troubadour; kind heart, perceptive gaze, and ornate manners.
- Akiya - mermaid. A bit lonely and shy in places, but capable of brightening any day with her presence.
10. Countryside Territory - cliffs and some forest.
- Bibizyana A - defecates in its own hand;
- Bibizyana B - defecates on the go;
- Bibizyana C - bites its toenails;
- Bibizyana D - waves shafts around and eats the feces of A and B;
- Bibizyana E - omega male, attacks last and runs away first.
Hands flipped to the narrative section, and the cherry pencil continued scribbling:
- Stopped by the enchanting shop the day before—hoped to find Aiko, but she wasn't there. Met the actual owner, a cheerful fellow. Says he has "everything possible." Paid a round sum for a wholesale order; he indeed did everything perfectly, consulted on all questions, and even agreed to a discount—a miracle of a shop. I'll tell all my friends. Popped into "Abundance" to buy some trifles, took a lottery ticket out of curiosity. This obviously doesn't count as jinjo divination, but generally, they say the lottery is an unofficial "stupidity tax." Well, what can you do—I have no shortage of it. Supposedly, you can win fabulous riches and even a house on Sapphire Street or something—I don't even know such a street. Either it's imaginary, or only moneybags live there.
- Put on the Minjin dress—the feeling isn't comfortable. Looks not too bad, but... Met Bazhena at the confectionery—we had agreed on this earlier, but I forgot to write it down. She looked more like a snowman than a yuki-onna, but it suited her anyway. Turns out she eats like there's no tomorrow! Three desserts at once—and such a slender figure? If anyone else were in my place, they would probably harbor resentment and black envy for such an organism, but I think it adds much-needed cuteness given her tongue. We had a great time, chatted about many things, and suddenly she even suggested I stay with her. Were Bazhena not Bazhena, I would assume she was lonely given her lifestyle, but surely there's no such subtext here. Sounds good, though surprisingly generous, but my housing conditions are currently hard to define. Chatted about women's things, told her about the bear and various "accompanying factors"—she liked the story, however, in her naivety, she assumed I was somehow interested in the three-x manager. Yeah, right, absolutely. If it were up to me, I would strike this event from the chronicles of the universe.
- Ran to the coordinates, surprisingly arrived without problems, although I expected all sorts of obstacles; even meditated with Yumi (hope nobody saw that, because it probably looked strange from the outside). Had to struggle with the box, but it turned out to be kind—until it revealed its insides. Then I realized that my life path on Anuzish had come to an end. Somehow limped home, ran into the "hard worker." What was he doing there?.. In an ironic twist of fate, he showed concern for my distressed state, and it took immense effort for me to answer him with a pure heart. In the end, I hadn't experienced such stress since the opening until this moment for a long time. Carrying such a thing would be madness—luckily, Denka found a container. Along with this, I still haven't figured out what to do with the otherworldly ones, and laid the cards on the table—most likely, this is my last chance to contribute. She agreed, though without any joy. I hope this doesn't turn out to be a fatal mistake.
- Visited the old man—he was glad that his card gestalt was closed. That's a good thing. He didn't beat around the bush and lent me his protégés; it's clear the matter is serious. Denka, as promised, did her job—if I hadn't known who I would see before me, I would probably have been stunned. The "capacity" disappeared, so most likely, nobody ended up being sacrificed, however... if I understand anything about her method, then... may the Kamisama-tachi forgive us. In the morning, I was surprised by Lolita—she had learned to speak, by about half a percent. It seems she even managed to make out something in Nihonese, amazing. So, what I saw was true. Visited the sleeping beauty—looks like everything is fine, some boy is looking after her. By the look of it, he's a bit strange; I really hope no unworthy ideas occur to him. Returned to the other side—turns out the old man hadn't gone to bed. He was very happy with the news and invited us to breakfast—that turned out to be a double mistake. I'll omit the first, and the second is related to the circumstances of the box. Although I've already accepted my fate, I should have guessed in advance that it might affect him. The rest of the day blurred and was full of fatigue and tears. Holy Ladya pointed the way for me, and I am grateful to the Kamisama-tachi that it proved true, and that I made it in time. I will never forget the cruel sight of that tragedy. Idiotic men—every single one of them. And then it got even worse. During the process, I said something wrong, or it wasn't perceived correctly, and the tragedy grew. I don't even remember what I did next. I think I ran chaotically through the city in a panic? I remember clearly that I bumped into Nadya somewhere. Her cheerful appearance almost made me vomit blood from a heart seized by an infarct. I couldn't find the words to say to her, and I couldn't stand the situation. So, I decided to get to the root of the evil. If necessary, I'll sit in the corridor until night. I can even stay on the street until morning, for a whole week. That's nothing at all. Holy Ladya, for whom I will offer daily prayers if by some miracle I survive until that moment, helped me again at the last gasp of my spiritual strength, and praise Kami that I caught the evil in its place. After having a long and one-sided conversation, I left to prepare for death. I think I even stopped by the smithy and left a message for the old men.
- Sleeping Beauty still hasn't woken up. Sad, but at least I saw her one last time. I didn't know if he would come, but I bought perfume anyway. Nonsense and meaningless, but if I am destined to perish, I might as well do it according to all the rules. In the end, he appeared without delay—and seemed completely unscathed after yesterday. And I was planning to sit until evening, and then spend another week sleeping on the ground by the cafe. Tried to flaunt his wealth—as if such a thing could impress me. We had a lengthy conversation. I told him if not everything, then everything that matters. I don't care anymore. What will he do—kill me or hand me over to the bores? What difference does it make? After what happened, I more than deserve it. However, it didn't seem to surprise him much, but amused him. Apparently, for the locals, this isn't such a rarity, or maybe he just didn't show it. In the process, the conversation took a strange turn, which seemed excessive to me. Why all this beating around the bush if it's already clear how it will end? Surprisingly, today it didn't end. Well, yes, of course. Cats love to play with mice before ripping their throats out.
- Finally flew in. Beautiful and peaceful—too bad it wasn't under different circumstances. Walked around the surroundings, ate, talked about various things. Met the owner—her "kind" proved to be as familiar to me as it was surprising. She doesn't let him do whatever he pleases, and that's somewhat refreshing. Do people who can resist the inexorable steamroller of the universe still exist in this world? Local children popped up and decided I was his wife. Who knows what they imagine. But it was very strange to see them tugging at his coat, and him answering them as if he were some local good-natured uncle. Shouldn't he be eating them alive or kidnapping them and demanding ransom?.. Nothing interesting in the guild—milk cows, chop wood. I might have milked them, but in the current situation, it was completely unacceptable; I won't explain why. In the end, he chopped wood for them while I read the interview aloud. Said he likes my voice, although in my life I've mostly read norito. I wonder, if my answers were there too, how would he react?.. Checked into the hotel—it wasn't easy. I knew it was probably pointless, but I still tried to beg for the most secluded room. What else could I do? How would another person act in my place? Surely exactly the same. Went into a shop—there were many inexpensive talismans and various dresses for all occasions—I am writing these lines in one of them now. Don't know why I took it, seemed funny to have some kind of uniform for writing. Nonsense... Over the last couple of days, I started to believe a bit more in returning alive—even if he's just throwing dust in my eyes to lull my attention, it eases my thoughts a bit. Therefore, I couldn't help but buy omiyage. Not sure if I immediately remembered the full list of people who played some role in my life. If anything, I'll buy more. Somewhere along the way, he suddenly remembered Denka—well, just in time. Wasn't it he himself who forbade me from stirring the waters under threat of terrible punishments? At the thought of what might happen yet again, I felt sick, but luckily, there was a post office even here. I tried very hard to convey in text what needed to be conveyed, and prayed for the health and agility of this pigeon. If he succeeds, he's a real hero. Finally, we went to the onsen. I realized that this is where my fairy tale ends, and I told him as it is, so he shouldn't be surprised later. But what followed stunned me. I didn't realize it immediately and didn't believe my eyes, but... I was proposed to? Me? Did I catch a curse from the box, fall into the Abyss, and all this is just a dog's dream? I don't understand anything. And how am I supposed to respond to such a thing? Even if I were the woman capable of giving such an answer, and even if he weren't who he is, can one give it just like that, barely knowing the person? Recklessness and debauchery. I couldn't answer, but he didn't seem offended; he probably understands it too. Did he believe me when I said I'd think about it? I didn't lie. If he stepped over himself and had the sincerity to declare such a thing, then at the very least it would be fair to respond in kind. ...The onsen turned out to be good.
- Surprisingly—confirming his words, I wasn't touched tonight. Lulling vigilance or what? Though, he has no need for such things. Managed to feast on phantom salmon at Trude's; I thought it was an urban legend. I'm afraid to imagine how much it costs in "free" sale, if such a thing even exists for it. She's a good woman; Edgelord would be much better off with her... Went to the flight school, Heidi taught me the intricacies. In the process, it seems some misunderstanding arose, or maybe I'm imagining it. I can't call it flying, but it was still pleasant. And then Heidi boasted of her skill by clipping a crow's wings. The way he fell would look funny if it weren't for the height. As if I didn't have enough with one dead ghost in my arms, fate throws in a second. Heidi agreed to help and I followed her. Reached there without adventure—absolutely nothing happened on the way, definitely neither monsters nor wild animals attacked me, nor tried to rip off my head or desecrate me in any other way. Found him in a cave, beaten but surviving. Good thing I had the emerald in my pocket that didn't come in handy with the box. It was already late, so we stayed until the next day; an ofuda helped against stray beasts, returned in the morning and I immediately dove into the onsen. Simply because I hadn't been in it since the previous day, and not for any other reason. Visited Heidi, settled the issues. Visited the church... Better to have done without it. Barely managed to keep him from bloodshed; realized that my life is meaningless and not worth the dirt under the feet of the locals. On the way back, the crow tried to cheer me up—a good attempt, albeit futile. Said everything is fine, nothing to worry about. It came across weakly.
- Felt a tiny bit better, by maybe a couple of percent. But it would be egocentric of me to continue frowning, so I assured him everything was fine and put on a figurative energetic hannya. Had breakfast, exchanged promises to help with some matters—for example, he offered me to work with Holy Ladya for a while. How would my ancestors, whom I don't know, look at this? Probably not at all, because under the new system I have none, and I'm just a piece of biomass onto which a fictional text was written. So be it. In the end, sent her a letter, and to my surprise, a reply came from Denka. Fortunately, she understood everything, although I felt a grave chill from her words. Thought about clearing my head and switching off my brain, and what can one do for that? Kraken has long been urging me to dive into the fish element. No fishermen were found, but a curious youth with a lute was. Started stirring the water, speaking in sing-song, eventually introduced me to his sister. Turned out to be good kids, spent the whole day with them, I finally managed to catch a kayanka. Thoughts receded for a while, and that's a good thing. Planned a small family outing to nature—we have everything we need or can acquire it. Although we are tourists here, let imperial money go toward a good cause rather than just effemerally into "the economy" somewhere.
- The crow flew all morning—fortunately, productively. Went to the church—alone. Some would say it's another folly. Maybe so. Perhaps I wanted to prove something to myself or accept punishment, if it were to be. Maybe I really exist within the framework of an irredeemable sin—mine or someone else's. But at this point, punishment still hasn't caught up with me, although I couldn't reach his heart; I suppose it's impossible. Reached the restaurant, fussed around the kitchen, then moved to the meeting point. Time passed unnoticed, and it would have been completely bloodless, but at one point he finally snapped. I don't know what he wanted—maybe to get approval from the population for the final measure, or maybe just to ruin the holiday. To my surprise, no one was bothered—perhaps they just didn't show it out of unwillingness to endanger the children... But still, I want to think that at least they accepted me. It wasn't as much of a blow to the head as yesterday, but more heartbreaking. I struggled to keep myself together. But in the end, everything finished successfully. On the way back, the crow decided to supplement the interview—surprisingly, he actually became interested in this question. Learned certain things in return. And then we said goodbye to Trude—sincere kindness was readable in her eyes. Perhaps she still doubts the rumors about her origin. Maybe I should have told her directly? But who knows how it would be perceived... Sometimes things should just be left to take their course.
- Spent the rest of the trip in relaxation mode; splashed around in the onsen in advance—because there won't be one in the capital. Almost everyone saw us off, good thing not *absolutely everyone*. By that time, they had already had time to think about the situation, and they still bid me farewell warmly. Cynicism says they were trying to escape with light blood by flattering with offerings, but I refuse to bend to it this time. Maybe the optimists are right.
- Arrived after a couple of days—fortunately, without adventure. Went together to the forest spot—looks like construction will drag on. That's sad, but good that the flowers survived.
Finally parted ways for the first time in a long while. Did I feel relief from this? Undoubtedly, by a very small degree. But simultaneously, some strange feeling of loss—apparently, the prolonged temporal anomaly in Mitten did affect perception. As if you suddenly lost an arm or some sensory organ, finding yourself alone in an alien environment. An almost forgotten sensation. Funny. At the entrance, I saw the servant—he hurried to escort me where I needed to go. Hope he didn't become an accidental victim of Denka's indignation. She herself met me reservedly, but I couldn't help but feel cold fury behind that facade. However, she didn't show it in any way, so perhaps it just seemed to me. She scolded me and I told her everything; fortunately, she took it calmly. Even said reluctantly that she wouldn't punish him. I understand how it looks from her side, after all, she wasn't a witness to those events. Found the sleeping beauty—popular as ever, but the instinct for self-preservation, as they say, is lacking. Looks happy with life, I don't feel any anomalies. A trick?
- Agreed to walk to the shop. Wanted to pull out the mage, but she wasn't there, though I at least saw the mini-version. Turns out she's the school president, surprising. Or maybe not. Didn't want to give my address, but had to; hope it goes without unforeseen consequences, she's a good girl. Reached the place, and that was it. It turned out touching; gave gifts, saw the second one, she seemed to have gotten a bit better, but not enough. Strange how much effort this will require in comparison. To my confession, nothing was presented against me, probably that's what was to be expected, but skepticism gives no peace. Long-ears offered to teach me katana—I was absolutely floored. I have no practical or spiritual aspiration for this, but perhaps a part of cosmic justice is truly present. If I have a chance to save another piece of the homeland from oblivion, do I have the right to refuse? Visited the bag—he seemed a bit depressed. Maybe worked while I was gone? Hope it's not anyone I know, and that our company brightened his day even a little. I wonder what he looks like inside?.. Entered the secret place. It was very pleasant to see the girl and that she is doing fine. Drank tea, chatted about this and that; she seems happy enough, realized that life isn't exhausted by just one thing. Hope they don't overload her with work, and hope she's not undereating, otherwise I'll have to give them a scolding.
- Entered the tentacle. Still don't understand if it was a mistake or not. Do the words of a heretic carry weight, even if he is a good person? And if not, what is the criterion for having weight—an official badge and the reverence of the plebs, and then let grass not grow, let kittens be drowned by the bagful? The longer I live here, the more I realize that I understand nothing. Perhaps the Kami are the only ones who can bring some harmony here and break the cycle of incoherent internecine strife. But I don't know yet, I'll leave it to the judgment of Anuzish—whether she accepts my humble offering or curses me for audacity. Visited the large grandpa. Although I didn't like him when I first saw him, maybe that was just in the heat of the moment. In the moment, I asked him for the blade, as if I had already decided, though that's not the case. What else was there to do with it? I need nothing and never needed anything. No matter—I'll give it to long-ears if I change my mind.
- Entered the editorial office—it's fun, spirited, smoke is billowing. It was pleasant to see safe that which almost slipped through my fingers, my heart eased a bit, which I couldn't quite believe. Wanted to write everything I think in the questionnaire, but that's a bad idea. And these sweets clearly won't benefit me. Visited the smart ones—didn't expect such a meeting. Had to put on a poker hannya, and how good it is that Jun didn't start the old song about bored members; I'm afraid to imagine what would have happened. Visited the little one—came solo and did the right thing, because he had completely gone mad. But everything seems fine with him, and that's good enough. At the exit, observed a funny but very instructive scene—the semi-corpse was absolutely right, spoke what I lacked the courage for. Descended into hell and found out I'm a bandit. Apparently, this is karma for associating with thieves. At the airport, met a couple familiar by their energy. Taught them the ropes, as I was taught; they probably didn't even know they were lucky to receive advice from the chief expert on the capital. Grandpa is fine, still grumbling, but that's only on the surface. Hope my snacks last him a while. And the doggy is very cute, pity they weren't giving them out in the park. ...Finally trotted to the rabbit-girl, and she frowned at me. At me! And this after I saved her for the second time—unthinkable. What does she even think of herself? Someone somewhere will get a slap on the back of the head, and of all people, it certainly won't be me.
Even though by the end of the account Ayano had already begun to nod off and her mind and pencil-hand were shrouded in fog, the last few remarks returned her vigor. In the end, she went to bed in irritation and didn't fall asleep for a long time, despite the fact that she laid out a futon with cherry blankets and played a bit with the parrot.
In the morning, upon completion of all standard routines, she decided not to have breakfast at the villa, but to throw back some tiramisu, which she had already forgotten about. While working with the diary, her gaze kept falling on the bundle lying in the far corner of the desk, but her mind said—UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES. In the end, she blocked it with some books: out of sight, out of mind. It turned out to be pleasant, but not the kind one could write about enthusiastically in newspapers. Maybe it sat too long overnight.
Throwing on a long dress, upon leaving the room, she first decided to look for the familiar servant.
"It still doesn't suit me..." she decided. "The design isn't bad, but the color is clearly wrong."
Nevertheless, its lightness and the fabric's pleasant feel against the skin had a beneficial effect on her mind, so she decided that it wouldn't be shameful to appear in this outfit before the rivets of a ceiling beam during the third session of diary writing:
I. Suburbs
<adds to point 6>
- Tai Manin - servant. Suffers from existential angst and a severe allergy to the female gender.
II. Port
5. Hellfire - smithy.
- Crag - employee. A giant grandfather breathing the spirit of the old school, hardcore, and masculine ultra-violence.
IV. Ceremonial District
<adds to point 2>
- Dragomira - tourist photographer from Zimivia; dresses as if she dreams of getting into trouble.
- Umila - refugee tourist from Zimivia, a quiet kindred soul.
VIII. 39th District
<adds to point 1>
- Tamaris Gillon - warrior. The only one capable of holding a weapon while others hide behind his broad shoulders.
Mitten, Farellia
I. City
1. Bernainz - hotel. Cozy, but rooms are less than eighteen cells long; however, there is an onsen.
- Lina - maid. Friendly and energetic; one can only envy her patience.
2. Air Glider School - a house with a warehouse on a cliff.
- Heidi - pilot. Has many suitors; surprising energy for such a compact body.
3. Adventurers Guild - a board for mundane village errands.
- Tristan - manager. A man of harmonious body and mind, with plenty of free time.
4. Swings - two poles and a stick with a rope.
- Radgrid - girl. A responsible older sister who doesn't mince words.
- Brother A - eldest; learned bad habits from questionable characters and now peeks into the onsen.
- Brother B - moody;
- Brother C - silent;
- Brother D - mischievous;
- Brother E - unremarkable;
- Brother F - youngest; a kind soul who loves to draw.
5. Church of Arselia - a place of spiritual nourishment for the population and certain death for the unworthy.
- Jingai Dethto - missing priest. Rumored to be easygoing.
- Bruno - humble servant of Arselia. A boor with a highly developed sense of duty, but without a feeling of malice.
6. Bergenigin - general store, prices are very cheap by imperial standards.
- Ingrid - employee. Friendly and kind, fond of gardening.
7. Wunderschoenes - small restaurant, limited but high-quality assortment.
- Trude - owner. A person with an incredible life story and a big heart, a magnificent cook.
8. Post Office - pigeon post.
- Ella - employee. A sweet girl who works surprisingly quickly for her industry.
9. River - river.
- Emil - poet-troubadour; kind heart, perceptive gaze, and ornate manners.
- Akiya - mermaid. A bit lonely and shy in places, but capable of brightening any day with her presence.
10. Countryside Territory - cliffs and some forest.
- Bibizyana A - defecates in its own hand;
- Bibizyana B - defecates on the go;
- Bibizyana C - bites its toenails;
- Bibizyana D - waves shafts around and eats the feces of A and B;
- Bibizyana E - omega male, attacks last and runs away first.
Hands flipped to the narrative section, and the cherry pencil continued scribbling:
- Stopped by the enchanting shop the day before—hoped to find Aiko, but she wasn't there. Met the actual owner, a cheerful fellow. Says he has "everything possible." Paid a round sum for a wholesale order; he indeed did everything perfectly, consulted on all questions, and even agreed to a discount—a miracle of a shop. I'll tell all my friends. Popped into "Abundance" to buy some trifles, took a lottery ticket out of curiosity. This obviously doesn't count as jinjo divination, but generally, they say the lottery is an unofficial "stupidity tax." Well, what can you do—I have no shortage of it. Supposedly, you can win fabulous riches and even a house on Sapphire Street or something—I don't even know such a street. Either it's imaginary, or only moneybags live there.
- Put on the Minjin dress—the feeling isn't comfortable. Looks not too bad, but... Met Bazhena at the confectionery—we had agreed on this earlier, but I forgot to write it down. She looked more like a snowman than a yuki-onna, but it suited her anyway. Turns out she eats like there's no tomorrow! Three desserts at once—and such a slender figure? If anyone else were in my place, they would probably harbor resentment and black envy for such an organism, but I think it adds much-needed cuteness given her tongue. We had a great time, chatted about many things, and suddenly she even suggested I stay with her. Were Bazhena not Bazhena, I would assume she was lonely given her lifestyle, but surely there's no such subtext here. Sounds good, though surprisingly generous, but my housing conditions are currently hard to define. Chatted about women's things, told her about the bear and various "accompanying factors"—she liked the story, however, in her naivety, she assumed I was somehow interested in the three-x manager. Yeah, right, absolutely. If it were up to me, I would strike this event from the chronicles of the universe.
- Ran to the coordinates, surprisingly arrived without problems, although I expected all sorts of obstacles; even meditated with Yumi (hope nobody saw that, because it probably looked strange from the outside). Had to struggle with the box, but it turned out to be kind—until it revealed its insides. Then I realized that my life path on Anuzish had come to an end. Somehow limped home, ran into the "hard worker." What was he doing there?.. In an ironic twist of fate, he showed concern for my distressed state, and it took immense effort for me to answer him with a pure heart. In the end, I hadn't experienced such stress since the opening until this moment for a long time. Carrying such a thing would be madness—luckily, Denka found a container. Along with this, I still haven't figured out what to do with the otherworldly ones, and laid the cards on the table—most likely, this is my last chance to contribute. She agreed, though without any joy. I hope this doesn't turn out to be a fatal mistake.
- Visited the old man—he was glad that his card gestalt was closed. That's a good thing. He didn't beat around the bush and lent me his protégés; it's clear the matter is serious. Denka, as promised, did her job—if I hadn't known who I would see before me, I would probably have been stunned. The "capacity" disappeared, so most likely, nobody ended up being sacrificed, however... if I understand anything about her method, then... may the Kamisama-tachi forgive us. In the morning, I was surprised by Lolita—she had learned to speak, by about half a percent. It seems she even managed to make out something in Nihonese, amazing. So, what I saw was true. Visited the sleeping beauty—looks like everything is fine, some boy is looking after her. By the look of it, he's a bit strange; I really hope no unworthy ideas occur to him. Returned to the other side—turns out the old man hadn't gone to bed. He was very happy with the news and invited us to breakfast—that turned out to be a double mistake. I'll omit the first, and the second is related to the circumstances of the box. Although I've already accepted my fate, I should have guessed in advance that it might affect him. The rest of the day blurred and was full of fatigue and tears. Holy Ladya pointed the way for me, and I am grateful to the Kamisama-tachi that it proved true, and that I made it in time. I will never forget the cruel sight of that tragedy. Idiotic men—every single one of them. And then it got even worse. During the process, I said something wrong, or it wasn't perceived correctly, and the tragedy grew. I don't even remember what I did next. I think I ran chaotically through the city in a panic? I remember clearly that I bumped into Nadya somewhere. Her cheerful appearance almost made me vomit blood from a heart seized by an infarct. I couldn't find the words to say to her, and I couldn't stand the situation. So, I decided to get to the root of the evil. If necessary, I'll sit in the corridor until night. I can even stay on the street until morning, for a whole week. That's nothing at all. Holy Ladya, for whom I will offer daily prayers if by some miracle I survive until that moment, helped me again at the last gasp of my spiritual strength, and praise Kami that I caught the evil in its place. After having a long and one-sided conversation, I left to prepare for death. I think I even stopped by the smithy and left a message for the old men.
- Sleeping Beauty still hasn't woken up. Sad, but at least I saw her one last time. I didn't know if he would come, but I bought perfume anyway. Nonsense and meaningless, but if I am destined to perish, I might as well do it according to all the rules. In the end, he appeared without delay—and seemed completely unscathed after yesterday. And I was planning to sit until evening, and then spend another week sleeping on the ground by the cafe. Tried to flaunt his wealth—as if such a thing could impress me. We had a lengthy conversation. I told him if not everything, then everything that matters. I don't care anymore. What will he do—kill me or hand me over to the bores? What difference does it make? After what happened, I more than deserve it. However, it didn't seem to surprise him much, but amused him. Apparently, for the locals, this isn't such a rarity, or maybe he just didn't show it. In the process, the conversation took a strange turn, which seemed excessive to me. Why all this beating around the bush if it's already clear how it will end? Surprisingly, today it didn't end. Well, yes, of course. Cats love to play with mice before ripping their throats out.
- Finally flew in. Beautiful and peaceful—too bad it wasn't under different circumstances. Walked around the surroundings, ate, talked about various things. Met the owner—her "kind" proved to be as familiar to me as it was surprising. She doesn't let him do whatever he pleases, and that's somewhat refreshing. Do people who can resist the inexorable steamroller of the universe still exist in this world? Local children popped up and decided I was his wife. Who knows what they imagine. But it was very strange to see them tugging at his coat, and him answering them as if he were some local good-natured uncle. Shouldn't he be eating them alive or kidnapping them and demanding ransom?.. Nothing interesting in the guild—milk cows, chop wood. I might have milked them, but in the current situation, it was completely unacceptable; I won't explain why. In the end, he chopped wood for them while I read the interview aloud. Said he likes my voice, although in my life I've mostly read norito. I wonder, if my answers were there too, how would he react?.. Checked into the hotel—it wasn't easy. I knew it was probably pointless, but I still tried to beg for the most secluded room. What else could I do? How would another person act in my place? Surely exactly the same. Went into a shop—there were many inexpensive talismans and various dresses for all occasions—I am writing these lines in one of them now. Don't know why I took it, seemed funny to have some kind of uniform for writing. Nonsense... Over the last couple of days, I started to believe a bit more in returning alive—even if he's just throwing dust in my eyes to lull my attention, it eases my thoughts a bit. Therefore, I couldn't help but buy omiyage. Not sure if I immediately remembered the full list of people who played some role in my life. If anything, I'll buy more. Somewhere along the way, he suddenly remembered Denka—well, just in time. Wasn't it he himself who forbade me from stirring the waters under threat of terrible punishments? At the thought of what might happen yet again, I felt sick, but luckily, there was a post office even here. I tried very hard to convey in text what needed to be conveyed, and prayed for the health and agility of this pigeon. If he succeeds, he's a real hero. Finally, we went to the onsen. I realized that this is where my fairy tale ends, and I told him as it is, so he shouldn't be surprised later. But what followed stunned me. I didn't realize it immediately and didn't believe my eyes, but... I was proposed to? Me? Did I catch a curse from the box, fall into the Abyss, and all this is just a dog's dream? I don't understand anything. And how am I supposed to respond to such a thing? Even if I were the woman capable of giving such an answer, and even if he weren't who he is, can one give it just like that, barely knowing the person? Recklessness and debauchery. I couldn't answer, but he didn't seem offended; he probably understands it too. Did he believe me when I said I'd think about it? I didn't lie. If he stepped over himself and had the sincerity to declare such a thing, then at the very least it would be fair to respond in kind. ...The onsen turned out to be good.
- Surprisingly—confirming his words, I wasn't touched tonight. Lulling vigilance or what? Though, he has no need for such things. Managed to feast on phantom salmon at Trude's; I thought it was an urban legend. I'm afraid to imagine how much it costs in "free" sale, if such a thing even exists for it. She's a good woman; Edgelord would be much better off with her... Went to the flight school, Heidi taught me the intricacies. In the process, it seems some misunderstanding arose, or maybe I'm imagining it. I can't call it flying, but it was still pleasant. And then Heidi boasted of her skill by clipping a crow's wings. The way he fell would look funny if it weren't for the height. As if I didn't have enough with one dead ghost in my arms, fate throws in a second. Heidi agreed to help and I followed her. Reached there without adventure—absolutely nothing happened on the way, definitely neither monsters nor wild animals attacked me, nor tried to rip off my head or desecrate me in any other way. Found him in a cave, beaten but surviving. Good thing I had the emerald in my pocket that didn't come in handy with the box. It was already late, so we stayed until the next day; an ofuda helped against stray beasts, returned in the morning and I immediately dove into the onsen. Simply because I hadn't been in it since the previous day, and not for any other reason. Visited Heidi, settled the issues. Visited the church... Better to have done without it. Barely managed to keep him from bloodshed; realized that my life is meaningless and not worth the dirt under the feet of the locals. On the way back, the crow tried to cheer me up—a good attempt, albeit futile. Said everything is fine, nothing to worry about. It came across weakly.
- Felt a tiny bit better, by maybe a couple of percent. But it would be egocentric of me to continue frowning, so I assured him everything was fine and put on a figurative energetic hannya. Had breakfast, exchanged promises to help with some matters—for example, he offered me to work with Holy Ladya for a while. How would my ancestors, whom I don't know, look at this? Probably not at all, because under the new system I have none, and I'm just a piece of biomass onto which a fictional text was written. So be it. In the end, sent her a letter, and to my surprise, a reply came from Denka. Fortunately, she understood everything, although I felt a grave chill from her words. Thought about clearing my head and switching off my brain, and what can one do for that? Kraken has long been urging me to dive into the fish element. No fishermen were found, but a curious youth with a lute was. Started stirring the water, speaking in sing-song, eventually introduced me to his sister. Turned out to be good kids, spent the whole day with them, I finally managed to catch a kayanka. Thoughts receded for a while, and that's a good thing. Planned a small family outing to nature—we have everything we need or can acquire it. Although we are tourists here, let imperial money go toward a good cause rather than just effemerally into "the economy" somewhere.
- The crow flew all morning—fortunately, productively. Went to the church—alone. Some would say it's another folly. Maybe so. Perhaps I wanted to prove something to myself or accept punishment, if it were to be. Maybe I really exist within the framework of an irredeemable sin—mine or someone else's. But at this point, punishment still hasn't caught up with me, although I couldn't reach his heart; I suppose it's impossible. Reached the restaurant, fussed around the kitchen, then moved to the meeting point. Time passed unnoticed, and it would have been completely bloodless, but at one point he finally snapped. I don't know what he wanted—maybe to get approval from the population for the final measure, or maybe just to ruin the holiday. To my surprise, no one was bothered—perhaps they just didn't show it out of unwillingness to endanger the children... But still, I want to think that at least they accepted me. It wasn't as much of a blow to the head as yesterday, but more heartbreaking. I struggled to keep myself together. But in the end, everything finished successfully. On the way back, the crow decided to supplement the interview—surprisingly, he actually became interested in this question. Learned certain things in return. And then we said goodbye to Trude—sincere kindness was readable in her eyes. Perhaps she still doubts the rumors about her origin. Maybe I should have told her directly? But who knows how it would be perceived... Sometimes things should just be left to take their course.
- Spent the rest of the trip in relaxation mode; splashed around in the onsen in advance—because there won't be one in the capital. Almost everyone saw us off, good thing not *absolutely everyone*. By that time, they had already had time to think about the situation, and they still bid me farewell warmly. Cynicism says they were trying to escape with light blood by flattering with offerings, but I refuse to bend to it this time. Maybe the optimists are right.
- Arrived after a couple of days—fortunately, without adventure. Went together to the forest spot—looks like construction will drag on. That's sad, but good that the flowers survived.
Finally parted ways for the first time in a long while. Did I feel relief from this? Undoubtedly, by a very small degree. But simultaneously, some strange feeling of loss—apparently, the prolonged temporal anomaly in Mitten did affect perception. As if you suddenly lost an arm or some sensory organ, finding yourself alone in an alien environment. An almost forgotten sensation. Funny. At the entrance, I saw the servant—he hurried to escort me where I needed to go. Hope he didn't become an accidental victim of Denka's indignation. She herself met me reservedly, but I couldn't help but feel cold fury behind that facade. However, she didn't show it in any way, so perhaps it just seemed to me. She scolded me and I told her everything; fortunately, she took it calmly. Even said reluctantly that she wouldn't punish him. I understand how it looks from her side, after all, she wasn't a witness to those events. Found the sleeping beauty—popular as ever, but the instinct for self-preservation, as they say, is lacking. Looks happy with life, I don't feel any anomalies. A trick?
- Agreed to walk to the shop. Wanted to pull out the mage, but she wasn't there, though I at least saw the mini-version. Turns out she's the school president, surprising. Or maybe not. Didn't want to give my address, but had to; hope it goes without unforeseen consequences, she's a good girl. Reached the place, and that was it. It turned out touching; gave gifts, saw the second one, she seemed to have gotten a bit better, but not enough. Strange how much effort this will require in comparison. To my confession, nothing was presented against me, probably that's what was to be expected, but skepticism gives no peace. Long-ears offered to teach me katana—I was absolutely floored. I have no practical or spiritual aspiration for this, but perhaps a part of cosmic justice is truly present. If I have a chance to save another piece of the homeland from oblivion, do I have the right to refuse? Visited the bag—he seemed a bit depressed. Maybe worked while I was gone? Hope it's not anyone I know, and that our company brightened his day even a little. I wonder what he looks like inside?.. Entered the secret place. It was very pleasant to see the girl and that she is doing fine. Drank tea, chatted about this and that; she seems happy enough, realized that life isn't exhausted by just one thing. Hope they don't overload her with work, and hope she's not undereating, otherwise I'll have to give them a scolding.
- Entered the tentacle. Still don't understand if it was a mistake or not. Do the words of a heretic carry weight, even if he is a good person? And if not, what is the criterion for having weight—an official badge and the reverence of the plebs, and then let grass not grow, let kittens be drowned by the bagful? The longer I live here, the more I realize that I understand nothing. Perhaps the Kami are the only ones who can bring some harmony here and break the cycle of incoherent internecine strife. But I don't know yet, I'll leave it to the judgment of Anuzish—whether she accepts my humble offering or curses me for audacity. Visited the large grandpa. Although I didn't like him when I first saw him, maybe that was just in the heat of the moment. In the moment, I asked him for the blade, as if I had already decided, though that's not the case. What else was there to do with it? I need nothing and never needed anything. No matter—I'll give it to long-ears if I change my mind.
- Entered the editorial office—it's fun, spirited, smoke is billowing. It was pleasant to see safe that which almost slipped through my fingers, my heart eased a bit, which I couldn't quite believe. Wanted to write everything I think in the questionnaire, but that's a bad idea. And these sweets clearly won't benefit me. Visited the smart ones—didn't expect such a meeting. Had to put on a poker hannya, and how good it is that Jun didn't start the old song about bored members; I'm afraid to imagine what would have happened. Visited the little one—came solo and did the right thing, because he had completely gone mad. But everything seems fine with him, and that's good enough. At the exit, observed a funny but very instructive scene—the semi-corpse was absolutely right, spoke what I lacked the courage for. Descended into hell and found out I'm a bandit. Apparently, this is karma for associating with thieves. At the airport, met a couple familiar by their energy. Taught them the ropes, as I was taught; they probably didn't even know they were lucky to receive advice from the chief expert on the capital. Grandpa is fine, still grumbling, but that's only on the surface. Hope my snacks last him a while. And the doggy is very cute, pity they weren't giving them out in the park. ...Finally trotted to the rabbit-girl, and she frowned at me. At me! And this after I saved her for the second time—unthinkable. What does she even think of herself? Someone somewhere will get a slap on the back of the head, and of all people, it certainly won't be me.
Even though by the end of the account Ayano had already begun to nod off and her mind and pencil-hand were shrouded in fog, the last few remarks returned her vigor. In the end, she went to bed in irritation and didn't fall asleep for a long time, despite the fact that she laid out a futon with cherry blankets and played a bit with the parrot.
In the morning, upon completion of all standard routines, she decided not to have breakfast at the villa, but to throw back some tiramisu, which she had already forgotten about. While working with the diary, her gaze kept falling on the bundle lying in the far corner of the desk, but her mind said—UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES. In the end, she blocked it with some books: out of sight, out of mind. It turned out to be pleasant, but not the kind one could write about enthusiastically in newspapers. Maybe it sat too long overnight.
Throwing on a long dress, upon leaving the room, she first decided to look for the familiar servant.
My sword, my trusted ally, unphased by my aspect.
