Chapter 369

However, Ivia inside the suit didn't feel particularly frustrated. After all, a momentary action couldn't restore the lost trust and distance. So he just sighed and said gently.

"I'm going back."

The Black-Haired Girl did not answer, keeping her head down and her lips pressed tightly together.

Only after Ivia left did she squat down, pick up the Jade that had fallen to the ground again, lean forward, and touch her cheek. Realizing she was crying, she covered her mouth with her hands, trying to suppress her sobs, which showed no signs of stopping.

Sometime later, the rain stopped, and the Sun came out, bringing with it the dazzling and beautiful light often seen after Sun shower— Rainbow.

Perhaps it was the dazzling sunlight, or the beautiful Rainbow, that caused the girl's eyelids to flutter slightly.

Under the vast blue sky, was that a gentle breeze or a young girl's murmur that brushed past my ear?

Under the seven-color spectrum, are those glistening droplets sliding down my fingertips raindrops or my own tears?

The cicadas began to chirp in the treetops, and the calls of unknown insects rang out. May 5th is both Children’s Day and the Japan of Beginning of Summer in Japan.

When she was six, the girl's initial wish was, "When summer comes, let's go see the real sea together." However, when she was seven, she said, "I never want to see that person again."

But saying "never to see you again" probably means that one really wants to see you again, which is why they would say that.

Chapter 402 The Sutra of the End of the Dharma: Wish of Dragon Flower (7. K)

Chloe woke up at six in the morning.

Since Ivia was already up, her getting up didn't disturb anyone. The Pink-Haired Girl touched a trace of drool at the corner of her mouth and revealed a subtle smile, not towards Ivia, but rather a shy expression of embarrassment at her own embarrassing state.

Ever since Ivia pointed out that she came here every night at midnight and then ran back at five, perhaps thinking she might as well give up, Chloe hasn't gone back since she arrived. And then, somehow, she started drooling...

You can probably always feel this warmth, like something you'll never get tired of no matter what.

Since things had come to this point, and Ivia hadn't said much to her, Chloe figured it wasn't a big deal. After all, they were family, and this little thing wouldn't affect anything. That's what she thought.

Then, as Chloe was about to go out to wash up, she saw a scene that made her think she was dreaming.

The moment the tent was opened, a wave of moisture rushed towards Chloe, and the sweet, humid scent of grass and soil filled the air. Among them were a group of girls, about 1.2 to 1.3 meters tall, dressed in European-Style Maid Uniform, with Big-Eared Ones on their heads that looked like ornaments, and with skin as dark as Chloe's.

At first, Chloe thought she was confused and subconsciously rubbed her eyes. She realized that the group of people seemed to be laying the foundation for this Small Park, just like they were building a house. Then she felt a faint but familiar flow of Od on it.

Chloe stood there, unsure what to say, when the maids noticed her and hurriedly stopped what they were doing. They came to Chloe's side and began to dress her and give her massages, basically serving her in every way imaginable.

"Please tell us what you need us to do, Madam."

"Ah?"

"Please allow us to serve your wife wholeheartedly."

"This..."

After hesitating for a while, Chloe brought up the topic.

"Who exactly are you...?"

She could sense that these people who had suddenly appeared meant her no harm, but were genuinely working for her, just as their strange words suggested. This left Chloe completely baffled.

What is this? Could it be due to the ability that comes with this Class Card?

Upon hearing this, dozens of maids who had surrounded Chloe —yes, dozens—came to Chloe, all striking incredibly elegant poses.

"Our names? We don't have individual names, but for convenience, each of us has been assigned Numbering. I'm number 1, and this one is number 2. We each have our own Numbering on our arms."

"You can call us whatever you like, ma'am."

"Our master called upon us incompetent beings and readily accepted us. In return for his unparalleled kindness, we will serve him with all our heart and soul."

"This is the collective opinion passed down through millions of years and thousands of reincarnations of our lineage—all of us will dedicate ourselves to serving, working for, and caring for our master and mistress."

Although they all seemed very enthusiastic, Chloe still had a troubling question, which was—

"Wait, your master is—"

As they turned away silently, Ivia, who was behind the park fountain, also turned around and made a sound at that moment.

Good morning, Kuro.

Now that things had come to this, Chloe could guess that the master these suddenly appearing maids were referring to was Ivia.

So she went up to Ivia, who was gently patting her face after washing it with water, and pouted. Ivia could tell what she was thinking, so she spoke first.

"Beast Transformation Magecraft, or Anti-Beast Magecraft, it's pretty much like that. After my instruction, it successfully became human and is willing to help us build houses."

Beast Transformation Magecraft is Magecraft that transforms the body into Anti-Beast Magecraft is Magecraft used to deal with wild beasts. However, no matter how Chloe looked at these people, they seemed to be a group of little girls using Beast Transformation Magecraft, after all, they had those Big-Eared Ones that looked like rats. But she couldn't understand how Ivia managed to do it in one night, since Beast Transformation Magecraft gradually loses its humanity and is difficult to pass down as Magecraft Lineage.

But this wasn't something Chloe needed to delve into, so she smiled and said:

I'll just accept that as it is.

After all, she was quite happy to be called "Madam," and it meant she would have maids to serve her, which suited her impression of Ilya's status in Einzbern.

Immediately afterward, as Ivia and Chloe were leaving, the leader, Number One, respectfully said:

"We will deliver lunch to the school at noon. Please accept our kind offer, sir and madam."

These little maids are actually 'Daikokuten', which are the rats that were enlightened by Kavia, the Aspected God in ancient India, or their descendants that have survived to this day. In other words, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that they are a mysterious species with fantasy that has survived to this day.

After returning from the Animal Paradise yesterday, Ivia thought about how long she had been making the tent. Although she didn't mind, she wanted Chloe to have a better place to stay. So she called out to the Daikokutens. To the rats living on the inner side, Kavia was their enlightened master, a master they had to serve.

The women who accompanied the master, namely the wives, were expected to serve him until the end of time.

They were actually quite self-aware and would never tell Mrs. Chloe that there were other wives. After all, such matters should be discussed when the wives met. As the master's maids, their only job was to serve him well.

Besides, Ivia also has another purpose: judging from the timing, Bazett is about to come and compete with Rin Tohsaka and Luvia for the right to hold the Class Card. Therefore, Bazett will first beat up Luvia and Bazett, then defeat Kuro and Ilya, and then Miyu. Finally, the defeated group will join forces to temporarily stop the war.

Of course, Ivia felt that Kuro wouldn't get involved now, since she was living with him. However, he thought it best to let the Daikokutens handle Bazett for him. He didn't really want to get involved himself, since the Celtic King of the Gods Nuada was the Sun God, and Bazett was a descendant of the Red Branch Knights, the order Cú Chulainn belonged to. He felt it wasn't quite right, so he chose the Daikokutens.

Moreover, he also needs to visit the Dragon Flower Bodhi Tree today and take Chloe to Ilya's house to meet Mrs. Irisviel.

For the Daikokutens mostly rely on basic Basic Attack, Bazett's Fragarach is essentially ineffective, and Bazett will most likely fall into their traps.

At the table by the window, Ilya squinted in the sunlight.

She really wanted to turn around and ask Ivia to tell her what had happened between him Miyu, and why yesterday's incident had occurred. After all, in her mind, the atmosphere should have been loving and affectionate, but the result was completely different.

If the Ruby in the schoolbag knew what the silver-haired girl was thinking, she would definitely be Sorrow and absurdly so:

Ilya, for your Childhood-Friend Dream, I spent an entire day arguing with the rebellious Sapphire, who became a "Transfer-Student Faction. And now you've surrendered without a fight! Your buffs are maxed out! If we reconcile, then it'll be like a childhood sweetheart appearing out of nowhere. Your abilities are far superior to yours. Can you really win just by relying on your Magical Girl advantage?

Then, the silver-haired girl began her First Handicraft Lesson handicrafts while she was deep in thought.

However, for some reason, while Ilya was sculpting the clay figures, she kept feeling someone outside the window waving at her. But when she turned around, she only saw the same old tree. When she turned back, she noticed that a large number of clay figures on the table were missing. She immediately knew that Chloe, who had gone to sit next to Ivia, was behind it all...

However, knowing that she would see Chloe's smug face if she turned around, Ilya chose to endure it.

You wretched Kuro, you just wait...

The withdrawn girl could only mutter to herself.

"You two have such a good relationship, that makes me feel at ease."

But all of this evoked a sigh from Irisviel, who was hiding in the tree observing her daughter.

The main reason she came here today for this solo 'Classroom Observation' was not only to see Ilya, but also because of Chloe. Several weeks had passed since Irisviel returned, so she naturally had some information about Chloe's current situation.

This includes, but is not limited to, adopting the boy Ilya is interested in as her older brother, living with him, and cooking for him every afternoon when they return home. Irisviel can't possibly not see that Chloe and Ilya are the same, so how should one explain it when both of her children are interested in the same person...?

Thinking about it carefully, it's actually quite interesting, but this won't do. But let's just let things take their course, since I've already said that. As for Kiritsugu, let's wait until he finds out for himself.

The reason Irisviel had stayed so long was that she planned to wait for Ivia to bring Chloe to see her, so that she could also explain the relationship between Ilya, who had already come into contact with the 'mystery'. However, she waited for a long time without any news, so Irisviel, who wanted to see her daughter Chloe, came secretly.

Hiding in the tree, Irisviel observed the classroom. Behind Ilya was Ivia, next to Ivia was Miyu, and next to Miyu was Chloe. However, Chloe always seemed to move next to Ivia, which made Ilya grit her teeth in frustration. And Miyu... hmm? That expression...

Irisviel felt that the Edelfelt House child, with his head bowed, was like a puppet, completely out of place in the atmosphere.

In fact, just as Irisviel observed, Sapphire Miyu, who were in Miyu's backpack, had been silent for most of the day.

Yesterday, in an effort to help Miyu get along better with Ivia, Sapphire tried to get back at her older sister, hoping to keep Ilya in check. However, she failed. When Miyu finally saw Miyu back at home, she expected her to be smiling, Sapphire when she saw Miyu's expression, she felt like the sky had fallen.

Miyu's expression at that moment was so unreal, as if she might collapse at any moment, which worried Sapphire. What was the true expression behind Miyu's feigned calm?

It's over.

"..."

"Sapphire, do you want to know why?"

"Um."

"But does everything have to have a reason?"

"But..."

"So it's already over."

After saying those words, the Black-Haired Girl didn't look at the Sapphire again and returned to her room alone.

Did I think it was a good thing for Miyu- sama, but it turned out to be a mistake? However, Miyu- sama's words sounded somewhat melancholic.

So, that's right, just like my sister said, people who always say 'it's over' or 'it's impossible' actually really want to continue, really want it to be possible. Therefore, Miyu- sama, I will still find a way to give you the opportunity to be alone with Ivia- sama again!

And so, the composed Sapphire made her decision, and in a way, became what Ruby considered a 'Transfer-Student Faction'.

That being said, Sapphire still doesn't know how to start a conversation with the silent Miyu.

Lunchtime arrived quickly, and just as Chloe was about to take Ivia to another empty classroom for lunch as usual, Ivia refused. Frustrated, Chloe returned to the classroom and bumped into Ilya was about to open the door.

"Ah, ah, Kuro, you're back! Haha..."

"Uh-huh?"

Chloe, watching Ilya's eyes darting around, naturally guessed her plan: she was probably going to follow her and Ivia. Unfortunately for her, she was caught red-handed the first time. But Kuro had no intention of mocking Ilya now.

"My brother had something to do, so I ate in the classroom today. You're doing the same, right?"

Although Chloe had no need to explain to Ilya, she said it to prevent Ivia from going out and bothering her.

Then, just as the twins were eating lunch, staring at each other blankly, the classroom Great Gate slammed shut with a loud bang—

"Good afternoon, Chloe... Miss, the meal we all spent an hour preparing, referencing a local recipe, is ready. Please enjoy it. If you have any requests, please let us know before class begins."

The seven Daikokuten girls dressed as maids entered the classroom, first serving the lunch prepared by all the members, and then standing respectfully beside Chloe.

The reason they didn't call her "Madam" but "Young Miss" was probably because they felt that using that title to address students in a school would cause unnecessary trouble, so they made a slight change.

"Ah? Miss?"

Ilya stared blankly at Chloe. She remembered Chloe sitting in the tent with Ivia. How come there was such a high-class maid? Why hadn't she seen her before?

Actually, Chloe was a little embarrassed by the sudden reaction from the Daikokutens, but seeing Ilya's shocked expression, she felt quite pleased with herself and waved her hand triumphantly, as if she didn't care at all.

"That's normal. After all, I am 'Ilya,' so it's only natural that I have so many excellent and elegant maids. I'm not like you, Impostor."

Wow, so many maids!? Just looking at the spectacle, you can tell how incredibly skilled they are. And they're all so petite, a perfect blend of cuteness and authority. Wow, I'm so envious! Sella is too strict, Leysritt is just a freeloader, she's incomparable. Kuro only became Ivia's sister because of me... Why can't I enjoy this?!

"That's all, Kuro, don't get too excited—"

Ilya gave a cold laugh, while gritting her teeth.

"As Magical Girl, I won't lose like this!"

At the same time, under the newly grown Dragon Flower Bodhi Tree at Homurahara Elementary School, the weeds that had just been cleared away last week sprouted up like bamboo shoots after a spring rain. The nearby trees had also shed their tender green leaves, and the leaves, now lush and green, had absorbed yesterday's rainwater, preparing for the upcoming summer sunshine.

Ivia was looking at the tree. For Dragon Flower, who was closely associated with 'Maitreya', Ivia could grasp everything about Dragon Flower without even meeting him in person. This was one of the abilities to know things that were originally unknowable in the distant future, after all, he was Maitreya.

But the reason he came was because he felt it was better this way.

No dialogue is needed; simply looking at Ivia is enough to instantly understand the reason for the appearance of the Dragon Flower Bodhi.

Just as he thought, Dragon Flower Bodhi truly believed that this was for his own good.

Because--

Just as the 'present' Savior attain enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree, the Dragon Flower Tree is the place where 'Future' beings will attain enlightenment.

The true Dharma can only be known by Buddhas who have personally realized it. This is the reason why it is said that "only Buddhas can fully understand the true nature of all phenomena." In other words, only those who have attained Buddhahood know the true Dharma. Even if it is told to the world, people's natures and preferences will differ.

Future Buddha Maitreya among the three Buddhas of Buddhism, will always be Bodhisattva in a sense, because the time when he attains enlightenment will not arrive in the Dharma’s End Age, or it will be a very long time.

Because Buddhism is a concept on Universe level, the corresponding end of the Dharma’s End is not actually the end of humanity. Humans are merely the Primate recognized by Human Order in this generation. In the years to come, new Primate may even be AI or other species. The so-called Maitreya saving the world 5.67 billion years after the Buddha's Parinirvana is only a human understanding of the Solar System. On Universe scale, it means the end of the Universe.

At the end of the Universe, or perhaps its final phase, will the Primate still be human? We cannot know.

In the Dharma’s End Age of Buddhism, the Dharma will gradually disappear, like an oil lamp that shines brightest when it is about to go out, then vanishes completely. This is the prophecy in the * Sutra of the End of the Dharma *. And after the Dharma's extinction, tens of millions of years later, Maitreya will be reborn as a Buddha.