Chapter 372

After being showered with such Smallpox praise and exaggerated claims about Ivia, Luce felt her mood improve considerably, and even her annoyance towards the Mice lessened. However, the reason the Daikokutens were so concerned about the Blue-Haired Girl before them, who, despite being the master's daughter, hadn't been mentioned to by him during this time, was probably because it was inconvenient for them to meet. Therefore, they planned to use such flattery to get Luce to leave.

The result was a resounding victory. Luce, who had been completely bewildered by the Daikokutens's constant refrain of calling her "Master's lovely daughter" and "Young Miss," soon left happily, forgetting all about her plan to spend time persuading Ivia to "come to her senses."

On the other hand, Ivia, who went to the mall to buy swimsuits with Chloe, ran into Ilya was also there to buy swimsuits, along with three friends, and Miyu, who was being asked by Luvia to buy Miyu. At that moment, the atmosphere suddenly turned cold.

However, before Ilya could say anything to Ivia who had arrived, Ivia was called in by Chloe had changed into her swimsuit in the changing room.

"Ah..."

"Ilya was completely defeated by Kuro."

"There's nothing we can do about it; after all, the relationship is what it is."

The words of Suzuka Kurihara, Tatsuko Yamama, and Moriyama Nanaki made Ilya, who had been in high spirits, become somewhat gloomy.

"Hehe, after all, they're siblings..."

That's what she said, but Ilya still circled around and sneaked to the side of the changing room to eavesdrop.

"How about this one? But there's a bit too little fabric, and that one's just a rope, only suitable for home. This is a regular female biker bikini, glamorous and cute, and of course there are also cute, simpler styles..."

Hearing Chloe's enthusiastic words, Ilya gritted her teeth in anger, and at the same time felt truly exhausted.

Forget it, it doesn't matter anymore. Destroy everything.

However, just as Ilya walked sadly to the other side of the changing room, preparing to leave, she bumped into Miyu, who was doing the same thing as her.

So the two of them stared at each other, speechless for a moment. But unlike Ilya, who was completely stunned and didn't know what to say, Miyu spoke first, calmly:

"The staff said I'd been there a bit too long and asked me to come and check it out."

Well, because Miyu's expression was so serious and earnest, Ilya wasn't sure if she was lying, so she could only nod. However, after Miyu said that, Ilya suddenly thought of a question: since Kuro said there were so many swimsuits inside, could it be that she was planning to change into them in front of everyone...?

Just thinking about Ilya made the sky fall, because the only difference between Chloe and her, in terms of appearance, was skin color and hair color. From another perspective, wasn't it the same as if she had swapped places with Chloe right in front of her?

Immediately afterward, Ilya, seemingly lost in thought, followed Miyu, as if intending to enter the changing room with her. But after only a few seconds, she noticed Miyu stop at the door, as if she had seen something through the curtain. Curious, Ilya peeked over herself—

In the changing room, Ivia lifted Chloe's arm and put it around Kuro's neck.

And so, even though they hadn't made any physical contact, their faces were so close they could feel each other's breaths, and with the slightest movement, their noses would touch...

Oh my god, what's with this atmosphere? No, no, no, how can you do this! Is this supposed to be romantic? Did Kuro really tell the truth tonight? Oh my god, no, this is absolutely unacceptable! Perverted Kuro! Vulgar Kuro!

Why did I even come here to buy swimsuits with everyone today?! I don't want to see all this! I can't even bear to think about it! Kuro, please, don't do this! Using my status as your sister because of me to do this kind of thing is really unacceptable...

"... Don't disturb them."

Just as Ilya was practically rolling around on the ground in embarrassment, Miyu, who had been silent for a long time, suddenly spoke up.

Looking at the Black-Haired Girl, Ilya recalled her at the Animal Paradise that day, and thus asked a question.

"Miyu, are you really not bothered by this? And you, too—"

"What are you saying? I don't understand."

"Anyway, Miyu, you really don't care at all? This is a personal..."

"It's none of my business."

Miyu closed her eyes. "Ultimately, it was his decision, and Chloe did it because she needed to. As an outsider, I shouldn't interfere."

"You..."

But Miyu, you're clearly lying. Ilya wanted to say those words, but she couldn't.

That day at the Theater, just like the Kuro who left directly with Ivia, I wondered what Ivia had done that caused Miyu to see Ilya pick up Miyu Jade that had been thrown on the ground and then cry.

"Besides, Ilya, you've probably thought about this kind of thing too, haven't you? After all, you're not an outsider to him."

"Actually, I didn't think that way..."

Ilya avoided Miyu's gaze and muttered to herself, looking at her feet.

I don't want to admit it.

I don't want to admit it, but this feeling, which is gradually clouding my heart, is something that can be described as pure.

Finally, Chloe chose a simple and cute pink swimsuit as the result of her shopping trip. As for why she chose to kiss at that moment, it was because she was 'lacking mana', but whether that was really the case is hard to say.

On the day we headed to the beach, the weather was fantastic, with a bright, blazing Sun hanging high in the azure sky, Perfection befitting the name of summer.

On the deserted beach, five people were excitedly playing volleyball. The waves crashed against the breakwater, turning into sparkling sprays in the air. The sun baked the ground, making the distant scenery sway. Across the road, people could be seen playing frisbee and badminton. The sounds of cicadas and laughter spread all around.

This is the taste of the sea that can only be experienced firsthand.

Ivia sighed and walked away.

Despite being by the sea, there were steep stone steps leading up to a small cliff, probably a unique scenic spot. It might even connect to a path that led to a higher climb. After slowly reaching the end of the path, Ivia called out after meeting Miyu's gaze as she turned around upon hearing the voice.

"Aren't you planning to continue playing volleyball with Ilya and Chloe?"

"... I don't know, and I don't know the rules."

"It's actually quite simple, and it's just a casual game; the rules don't really matter."

"Rule?"

Miyu repeated the sentence, a somber look creeping over her, before turning away again.

"Whatever? Is that something you would say?"

"That happens occasionally."

"... That's true, after all, I'm an outsider. Until recently, I was abroad and didn't know you."

"Indeed, but since we're at the beach, let's try to be as happy as possible, right? After all, Ilya really wants to get along with you."

"Isn't that also because of you?"

Miyu didn't turn around, but continued to watch the line connecting the sky and the sea from the side.

At such a height, if you concentrate, you can see the clouds over the sea slowly drifting, breaking apart, and changing shape, casting light shadows on the hillsides, on the houses, and on the sea surface.

She knew that although the sea was calm, if you went closer, the surface of the water was as uneven as crumpled aluminum foil, not to mention that he had said that before.

The vast ocean, and the tiny people.

Everything she had heard from Sakatsuki when they were still alive was the place she had always longed to see. But now that she had actually arrived and experienced it, she felt no joy or happiness whatsoever, only an indescribable restlessness and emptiness.

The scenery I once imagined and the scenery I see now blend together to evoke completely different feelings; the bittersweet past reappears as a single line.

I wish I had never imagined that feeling.

If I were always alone, would I not feel this emptiness?

The Black-Haired Girl couldn't help but think so.

"I think that even if Ilya did this because of me, she would still consider you a friend, given her personality. Besides, it wasn't because of me. After all, as the second Magical Girl, having seen so many Magical Girl, she naturally wants to make friends too."

Ilya, it's either Ilya or Chloe. If you care so much, then please stop looking for me. I already made that wish, and it should have come true. I expressed that sentiment that day. Since that's the case, it should end here...

"There's Birthday party later, do you want to come?"

Without answering, Miyu simply turned and left quickly, as if that were her answer.

Soon it was evening, and everyone except Miyu gathered at the newly opened, spacious restaurant by the beach for Birthday party for Ilya and Chloe.

"Ladies and gentlemen, at this auspicious time, let us offer our blessings and gifts to Lady Ilya and Lady Chloe!"

Dozens of Daikokuten spoke in unison, and then set out on the table fish caught nearby for grilling, stewed vegetables gathered from the countryside, and of course, the indispensable cake for Birthday occasions. Since it was made by the Daikokutens themselves, each one was delicious.

In this environment, Ilya looked up at Ivia for a while, then chuckled.

At the same time, Chloe chuckled softly, and then said in front of Ilya:

"Ivia... just for a moment."

"What's wrong?"

"... Pat your head."

Ivia naturally touched him, and Chloe immediately tried to hug him tightly, but stopped a moment later—

Because Ilya stopped her.

"Isn't it unnecessary to do this kind of thing on Birthday, Kuro?"

"This is a special way for my brother and me. What does it have to do with you, Ilya?"

"Kuro!"

And so, the sisters began to fight again. Ivia, who had originally wanted to go out for a while, saw this and went out as well.

They shouldn't have come.

Thinking this, Miyu sat on the edge of the cliff.

Even though it is indeed beautiful here, with a cool breeze that feels refreshing and the ground slightly chilly, completely different from the City, and a tranquil place... I still feel a little lonely and empty about this reality, Buddha-Mind.

... Birthday party?

Suddenly remembering what Ivia had said earlier, Miyu stood there looking down at the restaurant below. She could almost hear faint laughter coming from inside the brightly lit restaurant. This was understandable, after all... it was her Birthday.

Although she became an orphan after becoming a 'human', she still had Birthday parties.

To this day, the girl doesn't know whether her words were accidental or intentional, but they evoked beautiful fantasies and stirred longing in people's hearts.

However, she has no intention of seeking the truth now; let it be, it's over.

The Ivia appeared in this world was still 'him', because she could feel a sense of closeness and security. Then, one day, 'he' would suddenly disappear without her noticing. That's how it was.

But some things don't disappear. Even if memories and records are abandoned, some things will still remain. Even if they can't be redeemed or rewarded, some things will continue to exist.

"It has a great atmosphere; it's definitely a good place to sit and relax."

The moment Ivia suddenly spoke, he too was sitting on the edge of the cliff.

Suddenly, Miyu stared blankly at the sky, slightly turning her neck as if her gaze was drawn to something in the sky. However, this was just because she didn't want to turn her head to look at Ivia. As for why she didn't leave immediately, it was entirely because Ivia had grabbed her wrist.

The sky was dyed a deep orange-red by the setting sun, gradually transitioning to pale purple and deep blue towards the distant horizon. The sea shimmered with sparkling light, and waves surged onto the beach one after another, making a soft "whoosh" sound.

How can we get Miyu Satsuki out of this mess...?

After that day, Ivia kept thinking about what to do, but when he saw Miyu, who was listless and empty-headed at the Animal Paradise that day, he felt that talking to her was meaningless. If he was not mistaken, the reason Miyu came to the beach today was because he had told her that she would Birthday at the beach.

Silence is the essence of this moment.

No, I don't need this kind of hypocritical emotion. Do you really think I can see someone who has abandoned me with a smile? Was there even a moment when I held onto hope? No.

Even though she had said these words to herself countless times, Miyu Satsuki still couldn't help but cover her mouth with her hand and lean forward.

"Why, five years ago...?"

After a moment of silence, Miyu recalled the past memories that had settled deep in her heart, memories that were painful and deeply rooted there.

"Why...?"

She cried intermittently, as if pouring out her emotions.

"To leave, to depart..."

In the face of actions, words are utterly inadequate at this moment; therefore, actions are the only appropriate response.

Without the slightest hesitation, Ivia grasped Miyu's hand that was covering her mouth, tilting it back, then took Miyu's tear-stained fingers into her mouth, and said with an extremely serious expression:

"This is how much I cherish Miyu, treating her like she's made of glass."

Although Miyu pulled back after only a brief touch, for some reason, even though tears still streamed down her face, she felt an urge to laugh.

Do I want to laugh until I cry right now?

She wasn't quite sure.

But then, Miyu Satsuki couldn't help but whisper.

"Don't go... don't leave me... stay with me..."

"Okay, no problem, there's never been a problem."

In that instant, Miyu's cries grew louder, piercing through the Stars- studded night sky, reaching the distant horizon, and dissipating into the atmosphere.

This is the midsummer night that the Black-Haired Girl had imagined.