397 Beside the outside is the Green Guardian.

- in a swamp called Zebrest (Rudolph perspective)

"Look, Octopus. You can come and play."

Whoo! Whoops!

If you prompt, once you see this one and respond, you jump to the swamp. Numerous frogs were playing in the marsh ahead of them.

This is where you were supposed to live. And now, the majority of the frogs living in the swamp were frogs who had grown up in the castle.

Though they live apart now, they were formerly of the same herd of compatriots. They are more intelligent than regular frogs - as a species, you all fall into the category of demons - they seem to know their companions and are happy to reunite.

At the same time that I smile at the appearance of those frogs, I find them a little... just a little, envious.

"I guess that's what it is... unlike humans, there doesn't seem to be a fight"

For me, the word 'family' was a very marginal one.

It is not uncommon for something called royalty, nobility, to contend with one another by blood. Especially if 'the only position' is involved: 'the Lord' or 'the King'. It becomes a dispute involving each other's forces and associates.

……

No, then it's still better...... maybe. At least, I'm convinced. Because whoever wins has the power to do just that.

Of course, it will be if the winner is an arrogant ambitious man. But if you make many enemies while incompetent, you will only be pulled down in that position. That's all.

In my case, it all started when my father was jealous of so many good people, not ashamed of his stupidity.

Beyond being kings, there are better men round about them than children. Supporting a king means the same thing as supporting a country, so that would be the same in any country.

... but. My father was more humble than expected around him, it seems.

Compare the talent of those who help themselves to their own strength, and let them down. The only place that beat them was the King.

All I can say is foolishness. My father strangled himself as well.

The result of eliminating those who feel neglected while remaining in personal emotions. My father's surroundings were overwhelmed with mood, and the country was rough.

Well, still, it wasn't crushed by a party headed by the Crest family. I would say I grew up decent because of their asylum.

However, the scar my father put on even that crest faction is deeply rooted. Young Irvi is in the prime minister's position not all because me and I are close in age and can be counselors.

... they felt the blame for not being able to turn their predecessors, and moved on to a position of supporting the next generation. It's a bad way of saying it, but it abandoned a gorgeous and active place and tried to nurture the next generation and sustain the country. Even if you look at these things, you know how stupid my father is.

Those who are supposed to have to put the country first think only of themselves.

Those who were expected to contribute to the country abandoned their glorious future and moved on and turned back.

The only reason I didn't give up was because of my willingness, my sense of duty as a royalty, and my disappointment with my father. It's also big that I couldn't give up because I know them like that.

The harm was… excessive 'expectations' from those who were disappointed in their father.

From my father's point of view, I would have seemed like the biggest traitor. In a way, the existence of a 'son' who can be an absolute person stands as a threat to himself… without doing anything to honor him with his father.

There were all the elements that made me hate that guy. Still, I didn't choose to give in myself... because I didn't choose to have feelings as a parent and child, so I have 'now'.

At the time of hostility with my father, I was ready.

I have nothing to be sorry for, but I have no regrets.

Still...... it is also true that whenever I saw Arvi and Sayle, Eliza and their families, I was feeling lonely. Though I've never spoken of it, because it puts them in trouble.

Think that far and laugh bitterly. Remember, they're all in the past... and I've stopped thinking that lately.

The reason is simple, because I knew Mizuki.

Mizuki, a different world man, should have come to this world alone, without joking. No matter how many guardians and guardians you have, that loneliness should remain the same.

But there's my self-absorbed daughter. Mizuki did well enough to flaunt her surroundings.

When he first came to Zebrest, he also had a role to play, which he should have said many things already. That was also the case in the report, so this would not be a mistake.

But Mizuki had no depressing or blocking personality with it.

'If you only have enemies around you, you're not all-you-can-have! I'm cute about myself'

So I don't know why "I'm cute" = "The enemy squawks, worn out quotes, used as a stepping stone". Isn't "I'm cute," not "I'm the only one cute"? And how many times did you think at the time?

Well, anyway. For Mizuki, 'loneliness' was a situation where no harm was done to his associates. At this time, Elshon was not supposed to be that close, so even if a protest was made to Elshon, it would appear that he never cared.

If I succeed with that...... then no matter how much I say it, it can't be improved.

The parent cat was educated early, so here he was.

I've kept my mouth shut. I guess, but I wanted to take my best friend's side, so I have no regrets.

……

No, I regret it for a bit!? No way, I didn't think I was going to push Gungan's own way like that... I did something bad to Elshon.

That being said, it feels a little good to see everyone panicking.

Arvi and the others flatter me every once in a while, but I know some of Mizuki's thoughts. The same goes for Elshon on this. Looks like just the three of us are connected, pretty... glad.

Or there's a verse around Arvi that sees the three of us like brothers. Positioning would be Elshon making him the guardian of the solid and elder brother, Mizuki and I (= handy sister & brother) under it.

I don't know about that perception of other royal opponents, but that's all I've been counting on. When things went wrong before, it was better to keep quiet because Elshon pissed me off, so it's true that I can take good care of him.

- Still, me and Elshon have a position, so we can't all hang out with Mizuki's 'prank'.

They left me this time! Blah, I want to replace Sail!

I was so distracted that I was allowed to come and visit you in your hometown with escorted patience. Arvi must have pitied me every time, every time, for giving me an ex-post report that seemed fun.

But...

"I... no, 'we' have changed."

Before Mizuki came, I couldn't afford to think about this. Of course, I can't believe you're being patient.

I can't move and I can't make things better. Well, there's no such thing as relying on anything other than Elshon.

Now, how about that?

Not only did I get to know other countries through Mizuki, but I could afford to make jokes around me. Even that Arvi has come to forgive me for my patience.

Mizuki is the one who tried to make that cut or accomplish it... the exorcist of different worlds.

The presence that is supposed to be called "The Disaster of the World" has served me equally to the Savior in this Zebrast.

Well, it's not good intentions, it's not personal. When we met Mizuki, we realized... 'Out of a penetrating self, the fiercest...!' And!

They also turn elements that seem to be only faults into great advantages, depending on where they are used. Elshon is the only one holding his head to it, so only the good side will be appreciated.

Pathetic, pro-cat. It is the last fortress for the common sense man, and the Savior for those who suffer the damage of Mizki is undoubtedly Elshon.

The prince, nicknamed His Royal Highness the Demon King, would also have dramatically changed his surroundings in the past year.... mainly in such directions as' Parent Cat 'and' Guardian of the Mage '.

Nowadays, there will be fewer people who speak ill of Elshon. For those who came into contact with the real outer path (= Mizki), Elshon was' the merciful prince '(= the stopper of the demon conductor).

Some good care from the beginning, and his ratings are up in the good direction of cancer. I don't even feel like that's Mizuki's ruse, but silence would be friendship.

Whoo!

With that in mind, your honking sounds.

When you look at me, you're sitting right back at me, right around the corner.

'You're Master Rudolph, aren't you? Thank you for your help. "

"Is...? Oh, oh, thank you."

There were creatures like white snakes...... Unexpectedly return and interpret to the neutral voice that echoes in your head. That being said, I was, honestly, confused.

No, no... this snake (?) just talked in a nutshell, right? Oh, you understand the words!?

"Heh heh, a lot more than people think, we have a lot to understand."

Seeing my confusion, the snake narrowed her eyes and laughed. My head also gets cold in situations like when I'm dealing with people.

……

Yeah, this guy's not a regular snake. I haven't seen the eggs as bait, and they have eyelids.

"What's wrong!

You felt my anomaly, Eugene, who was escorting me at a distance, comes running. And I opened my eyes gently to the two figures in front of me.

"Is this... a snake of grace?

"This is the first time you've seen your knight."

"Nah!?

"Easy, Eugene. This guy brought his eggs. Apparently, we know each other."

Even Eugene, who knew the snake's name, didn't seem to know that a conversation was possible. When I tap on my leg, which was close enough to calm me down, I turn to me with a puzzling look on my face.

"I've forgotten my official name, but it's a demon commonly known as The Serpent of Grace. It is a warm, herbivorous species characterized by a light purple colour over the tail"

"Heh... you say 'snake of grace'"

Sure, it hangs light purple over my tail. Again, it looks like a demon.

"By the way, they say the meat is delicious"

Is it delicious?

……

Hey, they don't treat you like food, do they? Exactly because it's hard to say 'edible', I think it's called 'snake of grace'.

"That's what they seem to say."

"You know that too!?

"Besides people, it's a species that's often preyed on."

If you go in unintentionally, the snake of grace returns it like it's nothing.... No, you guys were food-treated species too. And the frogs seem very nostalgic for this snake of grace - which would be fine with 'snakes' already.

So this serpent was like the guardian of the frogs and coexisted in this swamp? Even now, the way this snake looks at you is so sweet.

... but.

In front of that smiling sight, I noticed unexpectedly.

We... we grabbed your kids (= toddlers of frogs) from this snake, right?

The plan is Mizuki, but we would be guilty of the same crime. Oh, in the swamp where the toddlers are gone, the appearance of a lonely white snake comes to my attention...

That's all I thought about. I acted fast.

"I'm sorry!

Immediately correct your posture and put your hands on it, lowering your head deeply. It's Mizuki's direct line, "Dutchman." I heard it was effective when expressing respect or sincerity for the other person, so I wouldn't be wrong.

'Um, what's wrong?

"For grabbing these marsh toddlers! Are you like the guardians of the frogs? Even though there were circumstances, I'm sorry! And I apologize for not being here for my best friend!

…… On behalf of the Knight, I apologize, too. I'm in charge of Rudolph's escort, so I beg your pardon for your continued posture. "

Eugene also apologized for my behavior. There are signs of a snake's confusion in our appearance.

But it wasn't a grudge against us that came from the snake.

'Heads up, you two. Indeed, I was very lonely and sad then. But that's because of my own impudence. I can't protect these kids because of my pity for myself. "

When I looked up surprised, the snake looked at the frogs who could play in the swamp.

'When those kids came home, I was really surprised. You look fine, you're not even thin and faded. And I say it orally...... [I had it raised very dearly, without fear, without starvation]'

That's not a lie either. We were cute frogs looking up with innocent eyes.

But it's also true that I used it.

"It's true that I raised you to use"

'That's what you say it is. This was a really dangerous place. Fangs, seeds without nails, and if they weren't all hunted down, it would eventually increase… it was a good feeding ground for the carnivores. Still, I couldn't do anything about it'

"... there is no poison in the serpent of grace. The common name also comes from what those who suffered from hunger said and helped. It's not a belligerent personality, so I was wondering if carnivorous beasts and demons could help."

To Eugene's supplement, enlighten the remorse of this serpent. That feeling of powerlessness, remorse, is exactly what I once had.

'That's not all. Those who have mercied these children have planted trees with sweet fruits around the swamp, hunting for the horrible carnivorous beasts. Those are no easy things to do. That these children are loved is more than anything else. "

"Ahhh... yeah, that's what I'm hearing. As for the nuts, my best friend... Mizuki's suggestion." The biggest enemy is hunger! Give these kids a daily snack too! I said, "You've been putting some kind of hand on a tree to bear fruit all year."

It's like he said something about a varietal improvement modoki that does it magically... Anything, you said it was improved by multiplying it with something strong in sweetness?

Of course, I can't do it publicly, so they say, 'If you say anything, just [mutate] it'. Well, it looks almost the same as the conventional one, so you'll be fine with that statement.

By the way, don't tell Elshon. Maybe it's still kept a secret.

Mizuki must have been really, really cute with the frogs. With me at the forefront, Eliza and the knights, even Arvi, acquiesced in this matter. I can say that Mizki's proposal was welcomed, as it is not always a situation where there is food.

And another "extermination of beasts and demons that could strike frogs" is done regularly by the knights. Sayle says it's turned into a routine event for those who go to this swamp to see how the frogs are doing.

... but me and Arvi were flabbergasted when we saw it on the magic prop.

"Where is my child's enemy?"

"Turn you guys into chunks of meat!

Knights wet in return blood, doing their work spitting noisy dialogue. By the way, their main job is to direct Sail... who should be my escort. But they've never seen anything so impatient.

Well, when I was escorting you, you said you had a sense of sadness, or you were mostly seen in the eyes of 'hard work'. For not being able to crisp and pest control (meaning), I guess I could only create sadness.

But if the frogs' enemies are against them, there's nothing to hesitate about. The knights seem to have struggled with their thoughts. It is also greater that no one can blame it than it is the extermination of dangerous creatures for humans as well.

- The frogs looked at them like that with respect.

Even though it would be a noisy bloody knight, for the frogs, 'they protect themselves, my favorite father & brother'. From a guardian snake, that would have seemed reliable.

Whoa, whoa!

'Hehe, is that right? Master Magic, you all adore you.'

Whoops!

Even while I was a little distant, you were talking to a snake.... Apparently, the frogs have been reporting a lot. Apparently this snake came not to protest, but to express gratitude and greetings.

I was slipping my mouth on the two friendly figures.

"... Occasion. You guys want to live here? There are people here, like parents. Perhaps there is no danger.... If we stay in that pond, maybe one day the nobles will try to harm you?

The role we wanted for the frog is over. There are a few of you left right now because they will guide us.

The fact is that the treatment of the "Frog of the Magic Instructor" protects the frogs. But I don't know how long it will last... because the frogs have no claws, no fangs, they are the weakest species.

I know you're leaning on me, like I said, instead of Mizuki. But that's why. I'm terrified these guys are going to get killed.

"You're spinning a good bond"

What strikes my head is the gentle serpentine voice.

"Dear Rudolph. These kids are good, but they can't do [what they don't know]. '

"Huh...?

"If these children were to protect you, they would have been loved and protected by you. That's what we learned because we had them do it. These kids don't have a fence, so it's up to them to choose to be beside you."

- Nobody wants to lose their loved ones, right?

I'm going to snort in my gently sounding voice. But I can't do that... I don't want to do it myself.

"My surroundings are still dangerous. If you do poorly, these guys will be killed. I'm scared that time will come."

I take my side, and I remember there are those who are dead. Even if they have no regrets for themselves, for me their death is' my sin '.

I fear that the frogs will join in there.... and more than that.

"The frogs admire Mizki like their parents, like the Lord. If the frogs are killed because of me and Mizuki blames me... if I lose my best friend I could have cornered. Thinking about it, I'm so horrible."

There is no such thing as an identity difference between Mizuki and me because I am a fenceless otherworlder. He also says he is allowed to do so because he is also a benefactor of Zebrast.

Even Arvi and the others like him never forgot the line 'Lord' against me, while Mizuki's position was an exception during the exception. I'm an irreplaceable friend of mine, like my sister, like my twin brothers.

Such a friend criticizes me and scares me to leave.

I don't want the frogs leaning on 'me' to die, not the king.

But...

"The Wizard seemed to know your troubles."

"Ha!?

'What I talked to today was this kid asking me to. I want you to tell me your words,'

"Huh..."

You were talking to snakes about my confusion. Nod at it, the snake turns to me.

"Master Magic and these kids are adorable. But more than that, it respects the will of these children. Because you live on your own, she taught these kids to be free."

"Well, Mizuki is... self-absorbed"

'And here's what he said. [More than alive, when you die, you die. Life Jet Coaster, I don't know what it is]'

"Ooh! What do you want from him!?

Unexpectedly plunge into words that smash the atmosphere so far. Eugene was also swimming her gaze at just how unable she was to follow.

But the myth of Mizuki told by the snake still persists.

"[Worrying, acting, is only if you live! I can sleep, even after I'm dead! If there's something you can't give way to, good luck right before you die. If you need help, call me. If you want to run, run. But don't just regret it. I don't admit that much more than being my frog. I don't raise you that way] '

"What the hell did Mizuki grow up saying...?

"Um... I don't know if asking frogs to go that far..."

You just felt bad, Eugene pinching his mouth, but the snake shook his neck to the side.

'No, sir, knight. The Mage Master said such things because he recognizes these children. What is included there is trust and expectation.... In fact, this kid got excited. It's the same thing you told me about being a help to you, not a plaything animal. "

……

To the words of the serpent, your breasts were stretched. Being good at it and proud of it, it reminds me of Mizuki without any help.

And suddenly, I understood.

The frogs, like Mizuki, were in a position of no fence whatsoever.

When you chose to stay in that pond, you decided to ignore the anxiety I would have!

Oh, what a look like Mizuki... the frogs of the Magic Instructor. At least, there is no doubt that you have turned it into a similar product for Mizuki.

Selfish, selfish, cruel. Sometimes the gentle wizard... left his trusted 'comrade' in Zebrast.

That's why Mizuki doesn't stay in Zebrast. Whether you guide me or not, those who lead me... are protecting us.

"Help only when you really need it". That's the best way not to underestimate me more than the name of the Wizard is beginning to be known.

Besides, Mizuki talks a lot... "All I can do is make a cut."

You guys can definitely take on this role. "You can lurk anywhere without being alert", "You can attack noble opponents", and in some cases "Mizuki becomes the cut-off to intervene" existence. That's "The Octopuses".

"I was looking at you lightly... no, you were looking down, unconscious. These guys aren't weak."

'I don't think you have a choice, do you? These kids don't have the skill to communicate words. In the first place, whether you felt the need to tell. You seem to have grown very successfully and reliably.'

……

Me and Eugene got silent and looked at each other. In contrast, you catch the edge of your mouth... and you get a black laugh.

And now it's time for me and Eugene to get all together and snake... no, I sat down to the guardians of the frogs.

"Sorry! Our lack of power is the cause of it all!

"I apologize for making an innocent, good creature into some kind of evil thought creature! I apologize with all my might for the fact that this guy's thoughts have become totally mitzky!

'Cute and good frog' for us, but the ratings from the others would be different. Until now, he had been viewed in a 'faithful use of the Demon Master' way, but the truth seemed different.

The frogs are not attacking my enemies because Mizuki asked them to. "It's stained with Mizuki's thoughts, so it's just spontaneously attacking"......!

But snakes who are supposed to understand them just seem to have fun.

"Oh, no, don't worry about it. I'm relieved that the Swamp Boys seem to have been completely successful. '

To a serpent who tells him peacefully, there will be no shards of malice. I bowed my head even more because I knew it.

Apparently, there are no more frogs just good. It will also be a matter of time before Frog perceptions change in Zebrast. The guardian snake seems happy, but as far as I'm concerned, it's very difficult.

I'm sorry... I'm so sorry...!