Section 9: The Sluice Is Loose

Hey, the mist is gone! The vodyanoy attack must finally be over!

Phew. We did it. We kept everyone safe...

We've never been able to drive them all off before. This is great.

What Nhị said. Even when we managed to reclaim parts of the island before...

...new water monsters would eventually show up and take them back from us.

But now, it feels like we're finally making some real progress.

I couldn't be happier!

And we never could have done it without the defense network you built.

And then there all the other incredible things you've built. We've never seen anything like them...

Thank you so, so much. The Con are thrilled, too.

？！

All right, now that it seems like the water monster attack is over...

...we should prepare to retake the next area before more show up.

After taking a little break, of course!

(And while they're doing that, I need to make some headway on our analysis.)

(A strange mist from across the sea... Water monsters from all over the world...)

(And coordinates we still can't determine. Just what and where is this place?)

Haaa...

(...Peek)

(...Peek)

Looks like no one's here. ...Maybe I'll sunbathe a bit.

Helldyste! Can I come?

It's been so long!

Or do you wanna be alone?

No, I didn't come out here to be alone. Besides, I expected you guys would be here.

Anyway, sunbathing together does sound nice...

...but since it's been so long, why don't we do something fun? Come on, I'll make you some stilts or something.

Ahaha. That's it! You're doing great!

Check out my pretty legs! Tippy toe, here I go.

And...here, all done.

Okay, guys, I finished the bamboo slide. Now you all form a nice, orderly line.

Zooom.

Watch me go!

Come on, Boss-Boss, join us.

Me? I'll, uh... I'll pass. I'm too old for that sort of thing now...

(Puppy eyes)

O-okay. Fine, you win.

All right, come on then. Anyone who wants to slide with me, get on my head.

Annnd...go! Wahaha!

Oof. That was more fun than I expected, but I can't land on my butt like I used to.

I didn't even think about laying something soft out since I made it for the Con. Maybe if I gather up a bit of...

...grass?

？！

Aah! What're you doing here!? WHEN did you get here!?

I brought him.

？！

I-I see. They have been using this place as a playground for a while, so I can see why they'd want to bring people here sometimes...

...

You think it's strange that I'd be here, don't you?

？！

It's all right. I know it doesn't seem like the sort of thing I'd do. I understand that I'm usually blunt and surly.

But, you know, I actually really liked playing outside. That is, I used to back when I was still alive, I guess.

Maybe that's what it is. There's something about this island and these innocent Con that makes me want to cut loose and just be silly again.

？！

I had a job to do after we started the rebellion: protecting my precious sister.

And just so we're absolutely clear, I was happy to do it.

I was proud, in fact. I loved that everyone looked up to her, and I got to fight by her side.

But then, she became the king, just like everyone wanted.

And then I could no longer live like the playful child I used to be.

I understood my duties and had no choice but to carry them out.

It was my job to do what my sister, as king, couldn't. You know what I mean, right?

I mean the kind of dirty jobs you wouldn't even want to talk about. The kind of awful things you could never let kids hear about.

Sister wasn't happy about it, but we both accepted it because we knew these things had to be done.

Desperate times, and all. But at some point, I just...forgot about playing.

So I never imagined I'd play like this again, especially in a place like this.

...

That was weird. I didn't mean to tell you all that.

？！

Well... I guess we have been fighting together for a while now.

So this isn't all that big a deal, right?

Oh, but you'd better not go around telling everyone else how I was playing like a little kid or anything.

...You wouldn't dream of it? Well, good.

？！

Hm?

...I hope I wasn't too off-putting. I wouldn't have minded if he had stayed.

I mean, I wasn't about to go down the slide with him or anything, but there's nothing wrong with enjoying some sun together...

Oh well. All right, now what should we play nexHm?

So the Con have led me here, hm? What is this place?

Aah! Who are you?

I am a Chaldean Servant. Technically. You needn't be afraid around me, girl.

(Man, they really do have a lot of people on their team, huh...)

So what do you want with me?

Nothing.

I was merely doting onthat is, relaxing withno, observing the Con, and "going with the flow," as they say.

...One moment. What are those devices the Con are playing with?

They are very simply made, but evince a rare sort of creativity. They appear simultaneously terrifying and fun. How truly sublime.

You mean the stilts?

Oho, so those are stilts. I have heard of them before, but I had never seen them in person... I see...

How delightful to see them toddle about on their little legs. And above all, they are the very highest of heels.

This should serve as most excellent inspiration for any contemplating a new creation. But first, we must ensure they are safe.

Fortunately, I am not presently occupied with any pressing tasks. I therefore give you permission to present me a pair as tribute.

(Is she asking me to build her a pair of stilts so she can try them out herself?)