Sesta Finds Home

......

...... Sun is warm. But Sesta feels slightly hungry. Perhaps Sesta should look in town for food...

Oh?

If it isn't Sesta. I was wondering where you were.

Sesta is here. Has not moved all day.

Not at all? You mean to say that, in spite of the sun just passing its zenith, you have yet to move from this garden?

Yes. Is there problem?

(Has she truly been here all day? And with such a stony expression...) (She is indeed a strange one. And now that I think about it, we have hardly spoken since she began her stay in the castle...)

...Would you care to have a chat with me?

Queen wishes to talk with Sesta?

Yes. In fact, I just acquired some excellent tea leaves. Let us talk over tea and treats.

Very well. Nona does speak very highly of Queen...

And Sesta intrigued by treats.

I appreciate your enthusiasm. In that case, I shall wait in the greeting hall once I finish my daily rounds. Feel free to come when you please.

People of this country are always kind to Sesta. Sesta appreciates their kindness.

I must admit, I've never seen teacakes consumed so...passionately. You must have been famished.

Sesta did not realize she felt such hunger.

I see. That seems like a rather chaotic way to live. Oh, but I do not mean to chastise you. You are, after all, a savior of my country, as well as one who cares deeply for Nona.

Of course. Nona is Sesta's sister.

How strange. To think that I, the child's mother, and you, her sister, are so ill-acquainted. Alas...

By the way, for what purpose did Queen summon Sesta today?

I merely wished to speak with you. Is it not natural to wish to learn more about our savior and honored guest?

Now, I would be lying if I said it did not concern me to see one so young leading a life so uneventful...

...But I suppose I should be satisfied if you do not find this country to be dull.

Not at all. Sesta thinks this country is wonderful.

Sesta is simply...receiving world as gift.

...Could you explain what you mean by that?

This is the country loved by Nona. In the world loved by Nona.

Being with Nona taught Sesta that world is full of beauty. Sesta wants to live in a beautiful world. Sesta was simply savoring that feeling.

Is that so...

Well, if that is truly the way you wish to live your life, then I am in no place to judge.

......

Queen seems to be perplexed.

Not perplexed, per say...

...No, I should not be dishonest... You are correct. I do find it a bit perplexing.

Seems like Queen may have answer Sesta seeks.

Sesta has wondered for very, very long. So please, answer with honesty.

Of course. I only hope I am able.

Thank you. Sesta will ask now.

Is Sesta's way of living...strange?

......

It is certainly not normal.

It isn't!

Sesta felt suspicious. Nona and Aldo always made such puzzled faces...

I am more surprised that you find this surprising. I suppose you must have lived in a way unimaginable to most people... Now I wonder just what kind of lifestyle got you to this point.

Sesta has never followed "lifestyle."

Pardon?

As soon as she was created, Sesta began journey to find Nona. She found her, saved her, and made it to this point. That is all of Sesta's life.

Sesta fine with disappearing then. But desire to live in this world kept body here. Considered doing something for world...

...But Sesta not know what she can do.

I see. I believe I understand now.

I cannot offer much advice, but I can say this, Isn't helping the world an awfully big step to take so suddenly?

A big step?!

There is only so much we can protect with our small hands. As queen, I have a responsibility to protect my country. That is why I used all of my knowledge...why I had an unwieldy device... That is just how much effort it takes to protect a single country. An entire world would be out of the question.

Queen makes good point...

What you must do is search for what you are capable of within the world you can see in front of you. That will tie in with finding a lifestyle that suits you. You will surely find your worth as you see others find use in you.

Is what Queen speaks of... what "work" means?

...You mean to say you don't know what work even is? Nona must certainly have her hands full...

Do you have any particular skills?

Yes. Sesta has.

Very good. That should help with finding a job...

Sesta is very skilled at breaking and eradicating.

I'm sorry?!

All people are surprised when Sesta says this. Attacking and eliminating enemies are useful skills, no?

No, I was simply...taken aback.

So in other words, you are capable in combat. You also have the experience associated with saving our country...

I've got it. There is a job I can give you.

What?

Domestic defense. My specialty lies in defending the border, so I was just thinking of hiring someone to keep the interior safe. I can handle external threats, but there are times when monsters and such appear from within the kingdom.

Sesta likes this proposal. The Kingdom is part of Sesta's beloved world, after all.

However, I cannot officially hire you just yet. Defense is not about attacking but protecting, so "breaking" things is not the main goal. I would like you to start by doing rounds in the castle town. I will make my decision after that.

To tell the truth, we will be holding a concert in this castle soon. I wanted to improve security for that day.

Concert?

All citizens will be invited to the castle to perform and enjoy music to their hearts' content. A gathering of community. You like music, do you not?

Sesta...is unsure. No memory of singing or listening to it before. But Sesta feels desire to help with security. At least...if it will help Sesta's world.

I expect big things from you, Sesta. Now, off to the town with you.

......

Sesta patrols town, but how will Sesta know all is secure... No enemies makes judging very difficult.

Queen said breaking is not main goal. Not attacking, but protecting...

What is main goal then?

It is best that you discover that for yourself.

But as a hint, it may help you to imagine what the results of your defense look like. What would make you happy to see?

See... Sesta only sees usual peaceful kingdom now, though.

Hi, Sesta!

Oh, Nona.

I heard you got a job!

Yes. Hope this will stop Nona from making worried faces.

Ahaha. I guess I was a little worried about you...

Yo, Nona and Sesta! Looks like you two are still thick as thieves, huh!

Hi, Dekim! How've you been?

Great! It's nice how peaceful things are. Means I can relax and focus on my work.

Relax... Indeed, relaxing is important. Peace relaxes people, so people feel safe...

Sesta?

Wh-What are you doing?!

Woah! Hey, now! What?!

I-It's ok, Dekim! See, Sesta can transform into a wolf...

But you know, Sesta, I don't think now's the time!!!

Very difficult...

Sesta just wanted to protect peace. If Sesta looks strong, people can relax, no?

Well, I can't say seeing a giant monster pop up out of nowhere is all that relaxing...

Is that so? How difficult. In that case...

Oh, hey!

Can we play together today...

Huh?!

Strong and reliable, but not monster...

Wait...whaaa?! Why did you turn into ALDO?!

Wait. What's up with his face?

I-It's kinda scary...

How is this? People relax with this form, no?

No! It's terrifying!

Sorry. Nona had to explain all...

Don't worry about it! It's no biggie!

Sesta only wanted for people to relax. To show Sesta will protect Nona and everyone's hard-earned peace.

Sesta believes that a security job should result in people feeling safe.

Oh, I get it now. Your new job is protecting the country. Hmm... You know, I feel plenty safe just knowing you'll protect me.

Come to think of it, I feel like the soldiers in Claude's kingdom did look pretty put-together... Maybe some kind of uniform like that helps? Since they look so official and all.

Interesting... May be worth trying.

Wait, what?

H-Hold on! We don't want to do anything that'll scare people...

Sesta?!

When Sesta was born in the future, Sesta obtained a lot of knowledge. So Sesta tapped into knowledge to make new clothes. What does Nona think?

I think you look amazing!

But Sesta wants to know if Nona feels safe, not if Sesta looks cool...

But compliment makes Sesta feel happy.

Why don't we go say hi to people with you in that outfit? We can tell them how you'll keep us all safe!

I'm so glad everyone reacted so well!

......

Sesta? What's wrong?

Sesta feels somewhat pathetic. Relying on Nona too much.

...Nona. Sesta will try patrolling alone tomorrow.

Oh! Ok!

Sorry. This is not because Sesta does not like having Nona around.

Oh, I know! I was just surprised.

After almost disappearing before... I'm really happy you've found something you want to do.

This is all because of Nona. Nona taught Sesta the world is beautiful.

Me? I don't remember saying anything special...

But I'm really glad to see you protect this kingdom, including my mom.

Nona can trust Sesta.

Finally time for real work. Queen said Sesta will officially get this job if done well. Let's go to the castle now. Sesta looks different, but the Sesta on the inside hasn't changed. Sesta will protect the Kingdom

More chatter and excitement than usual. More people too. The Queen did mention inviting people to the castle. More noise is natural...

What? You can't find Nona?

Is that true?

What? Something happened to Nona? Sesta must hurry!

S-Somebody! Anybody!

What is wrong?

Nona was attacked by a monster?!

So this is...unrelated?

(Sesta...Sesta wants go save Nona. That was Sesta's purpose for being born.) (Sesta wants help Nona when she's in trouble. Sesta must find her right away.) (But...but...)

Me? I don't remember saying anything special...

But I'm really glad to see you protect this kingdom, including my mom.

Right now... Nona is not the only person Sesta must protect. And besides, Nona has Aldo. The castle has many people who cannot protect themselves. Sesta must protect them.

Sesta chooses...

Guh... How pathetic... To think that I, capable of casting out any enemy from our borders, am in such a sorry state within my own castle walls...

What?

Why are you...here?

Why? What does Queen mean?

I have received word that Nona is missing. And even I...was taken aback, to say the least.

And look where it got me. Surely you must be similarly distressed.

Hehe. Nona is the Queen's weakness. She is Sesta's, too. So Sesta will go find her. As soon as she finishes protecting the Queen.

...You look quite different now.

Indeed. It feels like...Sesta has better perspective now...like path forward is clear and bright. Sesta feels satisfaction knowing what to do.

Time for work. For Nona, for Queen's country...and for Sesta, herself!

I give you my thanks. You truly are a capable fighter.

Thank you. But now is not the time for talk. Sesta must go find Nona!

Indeed. I should be able to detect her if she is within my barrier...

Huh?!

The castle! Oh, Aldo, we made it back!

That voice!

Honestly. Such a worrisome daughter.

...I suppose we had better go see her. If we don't, I fear neither of us will be able to calm down.

Sesta agrees.

Thank goodness. It really is Cochlea Castle.

It was a wild ride, but I kinda had fun!

You sure are good at finding silver linings. I guess it'll make for a good story.

Nona!

Oh, Sesta! And Mom!

Are you all right?

Nona is not hurt?

Uh...

Haha...ha...hahahaha!

N-Nona? What's so funny?

Sorry... I was just so caught off guard by Sesta and Mom being so in sync.

It's kinda weird, but it makes me happy. I'm lucky to have two of my favorite people here.

Sorry to have worried you two. I'm ok.

Really ok?

We got caught up in a spacetime vortex, and it flung us to another era. Thankfully, we didn't have to do anything dangerous, but man, I'm glad to be back...

I'll tell you all about it later.

Anyway, isn't today the concert?! We gotta go!

Oh, my. That's right. As long as you are all right, I suppose the details can wait.

The monster did force us to temporarily evacuate everyone, but Sesta has taken care of that. It would be most disappointing to cancel the concert now. Inform the citizens that it is safe to return and to enjoy the show.

Nona. What is all this? I was not scheduled to sing.

How did I end up here? Did you all plan this?

Hehe... Well, we just thought it's such a good opportunity...

Honestly now... Nothing will come of you all hearing this.

I will respect the request, but this is a song in which we wish for still waters.

Still, gentle waters for our country and for our way of life. This song is a prayer for peace and safety.

(So this is "music"...)

(How strange. Sesta's eyes feel warm and heart beats strong. It is like something squeezes from inside Sesta's body.) (Maybe...)

(Maybe this is what is called... "being moved.")

*Sniff...* Waaah... The tears just keep coming...

Yeah... I don't know how to explain it, but...it's like my chest is all warm and fuzzy.

Indeed. It was...very wonderful. Yes...truly wonderful.

...You all exaggerate too much.

Oh, right. Sesta.

Yes?

I have something to say to you. You did an outstanding job protecting this concert and this country. I have heard from many citizens how you patrolled the town thoroughly every day.

Which is why...I had planned to formally hire you in an official capacity. However...

"Had planned"? What changed?

I remembered something important. Something I must confirm with you.

I realized that you are still but a guest to our lands. An honored one, but a guest nonetheless. So I must ask...

...Would you do us the honor of becoming an official citizen of Cochlea?

Citizen!

Of course, this is only if you so desire...

No question. The Queen told Sesta before. Sesta should imagine results of defense. What would make Sesta happy to see.

Sesta could see it today.

It is here in front of Sesta now. Nothing else.

Sesta's chest feels hot. And squeezed tight. But it is not a bad feeling. Actually...it is a good feeling.

Sesta loves this place that gives her this feeling.

...An impeccable answer.

Se, *Sniffle* Sezduhhh... At this rate...*sniff* I'll never stop cryiiinnnggg...

Didn't you say you were born to STOP me from crying???

Oh no! Sesta is sorry... What can Sesta do?

No, uhhh... I think...

Ehehe. It's fine. These are happy tears anyway. You too, right, Sesta?

Yes.

Thank you, Nona. Thank you, everyone.

Sesta...has a home now.