12: Start of Summer 2/3

Dammit, this is just an album! No, it's worse than an album!

Why isn't the story coming together? I'm developing it and everything!

I'm not making a catalog this time. The story needs to be the star!

I can't put it out like this! Not now that I've chosen Orkney for the setting!

？！

Fujimaru? Are you going somewhere?

？！

Got it. See you later then. Don't worry, I'll cover for you with Mash.

Oh, and I don't know where you plan to go, but wherever it is, maybe you should take Suzuka's motorcycle?

？！

I see. So Baobhan Sith is holing up in that house working on a creative project of some kind.

To think the daughter of the high queen of Faerie Britain would concern herself with something so trivial. It seems she still has yet to understand her place.

Thank you for telling me. I will pay her a visit later. Barghest, accompany me.

Me? I can certainly show you around that forest if you like.

But, um, making a book? I've never done anything like that before...

Not to mention that, if doing so means I also need to visit the city...well...

All the more reason to do so. You are one of the finest knights in my service.

I cannot have one who is practically an extension of my own hand saddled with dishonor forever.

...

This conversation is over, Fujimaru. Return to that house at once.

Whatever you do, do not stop by the beach, as there is a good-for-nothing dragon there building a nest.

Do I make myself clear?

？！

What're you doing sneaking in here, idiot? You just went out for some air, right?

I know you don't have the guts to run off and play, so when you walk in here, do it with your head held

Held...

Hello there, people I don't know. I apologize for my sudden intrusion.

My name is Aesc the Rain Witch. I was told you're making books here.

Hold. I appreciate the courtesy of your introduction, but this is a special place. The fate of the whole island rests on what happens here over the next few days.

We must be selective about who we let inside. And that goes double for one who openly declares herself a witch.

W-wait! You've got it all wrong! This is her house!

I mean, she looks exactly like the picture of the rain nation's librarian I found in Mother's library! It must be her!

So you know who I am. Thank you, young lady.

It's quite all right, Sir Lancelot. You were only doing what any good knight would.

A knight's first duty is the protection of their lord, after all. In fact, I have such a knight accompanying me as well.

Greetings. I am Red Elder the maid. I have come along to protect and serve Lady Aesc.

Lady Red Elder... What a lovely name for a dignified, elegant woman like yourself. Forgive me for asking, but have we met?

No, I don't believe so. You must be mistaken, Sir Knight.

Hmm. I see.

(I never would have forgotten a woman as beautiful as her before... Am I losing my touch?)

M-m-more importantly, what are you doing here?

I've only been staying here because no one else was using it. Now that you're home, I'll clear right out.

No, please. By all means, stay.

I created this house to serve as a Bounded Field, but I think it's happy to have someone like you living in it.

Now, more importantly...

...I was told you are in the midst of creating a story revolving around faeries.

Would you be willing to let me help? I think I may be able to contribute some knowledge, if nothing else.

Oh! Y-yes, of course! That would be great!

...Heh.

Hey, what're you laughing at, asshole!? Now come on, get out of your seat so Lady Aesc can take a load off!

As for the maid... Red Elder, was it? That outfit really doesn't suit you...

But, fine. I'll play along. Go clean the upstairs bathroom, would you?

If Lady Aesc is gonna be staying there, it needs to be spotless.

You needn't tell me. I'll get to work straight away.

All right, I'm feeling inspired! Fujimaru! Mash! Bumpkin faerie! We need to go back over the whole rough draft!

We're changing gears to focus more on the emotional stuff than the violence!