When I use the word "distance", I often refer to the psychological distance between me and my partner. But in reality, it also includes a physical meaning. So, in this case, should I say that I feel close in a double sense? In the first place, if you are physically close to someone, then you are also close to them psychologically, so one meaning is enough.

"Are you thinking about something unimportant?
That's about it.

　Otherwise, I can't stand this atmosphere. The Murasaki, whom I hadn't seen in a long time, sat down right next to me without hesitation and stared at my face intently. It's okay if you're working on something at least, but ...... this is very hard.

The fact that you can make them embarrassed is also a nectar experience, right?
The embarrassed one has its advantages and disadvantages.

　He said that in a little while, the stew would be ready. Until then, you just have to endure the reason, but it is not easy. The charm of the purple is one thing, but Duvraeoli's quiet gaze at me is also quite painful. This does not mean that I want you to leave this place, but rather that I want you to stay because it is easier for you to stop yourself.

"If you don't want to be swallowed up by the atmosphere, you can tell me the rest of your souvenir story.
That's the thing. ...... I have very little memory of it. ......

　At first, I was talking about the events that happened in Trinh, but in Trinh, I was forced to go back in time in my memory . The most I remember is the King of Trinh.

"You played a big part in this, didn't you, Mix? If I had been there, I would have taken over for him. ......
I don't think I'd want my past self to meet the purple one.
Oh, you think I'll be inspired by your past?
I don't think so.
No, I don't. You're special to me because you're the one who reached out to me at that time, in that place. No matter how many times the past you have told me you would accept me, I don't want to not be able to relate to your memories of that time, do you?

　When a person falls in love with someone, it's more about the opportunity than the ability. In the case of Purple, this is even more pronounced, and easy temptation is unlikely to work.

The reason why I don't want you to meet him is because I don't want you to be exposed to all kinds of things.

　The reason why I don't want you to meet him is because I don't want you to be told things. If the purple becomes more aggressive, ...... it's doubtful that you can mentally withstand it anymore, yes.

But I would have liked to have seen you younger? I also wanted to see you with your beast ears and tail. ...... Didn't you take any pictures?
"We don't want to get that technology out there. Once people know about it, every country will want it.

　A camera that allows anyone to easily bring back visual information would be a revolutionary enough invention at the level of civilization in this world. Relations with other countries are good at the moment, but that only means with the heads of those countries.
　In Garne, there is a movement to dethrone the Demon King, Gold, and in Mejis, there are many who respect the stance of the Yugra religion. Even if no one crosses the line like Ceraes, there are probably plenty of people who secretly want to get rid of me.
　If the technology of photography becomes available, they will know exactly what I look like. It would be easy for them to attack me with untraceable adventurers, or ordinary people whom they manipulated by threatening me. Even a sketch would be dangerous, but it would be possible to narrow down the suspects.

You didn't use it in the battle against Scarlet, did you? It's a shame, isn't it?
I don't care. At least you got to please the people you wanted to please.
It's always nice to be treated special.

　Oh, shit. I thought I was trying to please him, but I made him a little too happy. The force of his touch is stronger than before. Help me, Duvvleoori. Oh, he's looking away.

...... Speaking of which, how are Ecdysium and Ao doing?
I got rid of them because they were in the way. But only for tonight, of course.

　All right, let's get out of here. We've got to come up with a plan for that as soon as possible. There will never be a savior here to ruin the atmosphere.

He's going to get a sarcastic look from Ao another time. ......
The two of them have made some progress, haven't they? I'm sure you're not the only one.
It seems so.
You don't want to open up the subject too much, do you? Do you want to talk about Luko?

　I knew you knew. I've been trying to avoid talking about my engagement to Purple, but I'm at a loss for words when she does this.

...... Sorry. I'm sorry.
"Hmm, that's sweet. You won the game with me, so you have the right to do whatever you want with me. Why don't you just send me away, it would be easier for you to draw the line. And yet, you allow me to be in a position where I can be close to you. You even feel guilty about it. I know you think I'm not responding to your feelings, but it's enough for me.
"People are greedy creatures, you know. Even if the other person says they are satisfied, it is frustrating to hold back when you know how to offer more.

　I'm satisfied, so that's good. It would be easier if I could think that way, but I feel guilty when I think that I'm being satisfied. He loves me so much, but I am not able to respond to his feelings. The desire to respond is like a poison that slowly corrodes the rational mind, seeping out from the heart.

A difference in values? I think that's mutual, don't you? If you were to ignore all the ties and respond to my feelings, I'm sure I'd be happier than I am now. But then I'd be just like you now. It's enough for me as it is, but if I get more in return, how much more do I have to think about you?
Is it that hard?
Yes, very. Because I'm thinking about you so much right now. I can't think of a better way to feel for you.

　Her second name is "Caged Purple," which I think is appropriate even without the power Yugra gave her. If I'm not careful, I'm really going to be caged. You might even end up throwing away all the problems you have in front of you and want the world with only her.



I'll do the best I can. ......
I'm going to enjoy every minute of your indulgence, okay?

　It's time for the food to be cooked, and with a wicked smile, Murasaki stood up. You'll be able to find a lot more than just a pair of shoes.

I want to finish the dish while it's still fresh. Why don't you go play with the Duvraioli?
How should I play ......?

　And by 'by' instead of 'with'. You can't be that naive. You'll be able to get a lot more than just a few of these.

　I'm not sure what to say.

　In the event you have a bad premonition, you know that it will come true more often than you think. ...... But still, when it actually happens, you will be very disappointed. I waited for him for a long time, but in the end it was sooner for the Wolfe to finish their meal and return.
　It seems that Ulfe and his friends met Ekduik, the Blue Demon King, at the Dog Bone when they were finishing their meal, and according to the story, he was invited by Duvraeori to the Purple Demon King's mansion for dinner.

"...... haha.

　Lakra is completely drunk, and Wolfe is already asleep. I'm having dinner alone. Wolfe had brought back some food from Dogbone. Thanks to him, I am eating dinner alone, but my tongue is satisfied with it.
　He must have already eaten. The fact that he hasn't come home yet suggests that he is staying over. The size of the house and the quality of the bedding is probably better than the one on the other side, and the Purple Demon King is .......

I know I'm not in a position to say anything about it,.......

　I thought about going to bed after I had eaten and cleaned up, but I didn't think I would be able to fall asleep right away if I just collapsed into bed. But I didn't feel like doing anything to pass the time, so I sat down in a position where I could keep an eye on the front door for no particular reason.
　This result is the result of my assumption, not his clear fault. I don't think for a minute that he should give priority to greeting me, the landlord, since it's been a while since he's been back to Taze.

"You think a little, you can't help it.

　I laugh to myself. It's more like a laugh. If Wolfe sees me doing this, he's going to look at me funny. Lakra is ...... going to be surprisingly worried about me.
　I've changed a lot since then. The environment around me has changed a lot, as well as my roommates, Wolfe and Lakra. No, I guess it's me who has changed. It's not that I've changed, it's that I've been changed. ...... So many things have happened.

"Should I go to bed ......?

　When I was about to get up, I felt a presence at the door. It's not just one person, it's a demon with strong magical powers - him and Duvraeoli. I thought he wasn't coming home today, but as I thought that, I heard a faint voice.

"Thanks for the ride, Duvvleoli.
I could have arranged for an overnight stay without going all the way home. I could have arranged for an overnight stay without going all the way home, but I think the Lord would have preferred that.
That's what I mean when I say the purple was unprepared. That's why the Purple didn't prepare it. He said, "That's enough for today.
Next time you get a chance, I'd like to hear the rest of the story.
Yeah, okay. Good night.

　At the same time, he opens the front door and walks in. He looked at me and our eyes met as we sat down. I should have stood up quickly, but this would have made me look like I was sitting there sulking like before. It had been a long time since we had seen each other, but I could see that we were both feeling slightly awkward.

"Welcome back to .......
"Hey, I'm back. ...... Have you been waiting for me?
"I just finished eating and sat down for a bit before going to bed. I was just sitting here for a little while before I went to bed.

　When I said that, he looked away once, then sat down beside me with a stupid smile on his face. He smelled of alcohol, a little drunk, I guess.

I see. It's true that if I wait like this, I'll feel like someone might come back.
"I guess so. Although most of the times I've waited like that, I've gotten held up.
You were very sulky then, weren't you? But you did follow up on it, didn't you?

　I still remember that day very well. When he first came to this house, I was away for a while, dealing with the aftermath of a bandit attack. I left him alone for more than a whole day, and when I returned, I was left alone for a whole day. When I was understandably sulking over the wait, he forcefully took me to the Dog Bone.

He said, "Well, you know. It wasn't so bad then.
I'll make it up to you again. I'll make it up to you next time, but you've already had dinner. You're not in the mood for a drink.
You'll make it up to me, won't you?
I don't make promises I don't intend to keep.

　I'm not going to make promises I can't keep. I'm not angry or sulking either. I'm not angry or sulking, but I'm trying to expect the word "make it up". Let's just say that this is his influence.

So let's hope for the best. Just don't forget about Wolfe, not just me. She woke up a little while ago rubbing her eyes, hoping to see you today.


"All right, all right. Then I'll stay here for a while in place of Ilias. You go to bed.
No one's coming back. Are you feeling sorry for yourself?
No. I just wanted to feel what you're feeling.

　I feel a little embarrassed when you say that. I feel a little embarrassed when you say that. If I stay here like this, I might feel like I'm being understood in detail right next to me. There's a lot I want to talk about, but I'm also a bit tired, we'll talk about it next time.

Well. Well then, ....... No, I have one last thing to say.
What is it?
I said it randomly, but I wanted to say it with a little more feeling. ...... Welcome back.
Yeah, I'm back.

　Yeah, not bad.