Because Janitor-san Is Not a Hero - Chapter 36 The Moon G.o.ddesss Attendant

For some reason, Kurando thought the room seemed wider than before.
As Yukis.h.i.+ro and Kurando sat around the fire, it felt as if something was missing from the opposite side of the fireplace.

Akari had chosen to camp outside with Oofuia () and her group.
Makus.h.i.+mu () had taken several people with him and headed down the mountain to the village.
Over his shoulder, Makus.h.i.+mu carried the Atorabas.h.i.+ku () that the girls of MaruunaNiyuumu () had subjugated. They had 24 hours to pa.s.s through the Atorabas.h.i.+ku territory.
Makus.h.i.+mu sighed as there wasnt time to take a smoke break; although, Kurando thought it was a good thing that they were putting Makus.h.i.+mu to work.

As Kurando leaned his back against Yukis.h.i.+ro, he suddenly noticed his loneliness.
He is overcome with feelings of loneliness.
However, these feelings are proof of his freedom.
This is the freedom that he himself had chosen.

While a part of him wished for it, another part of him longed for company.
And as expected, he was unable to let those feelings go.
Kurando couldnt bring himself to say that the time he had spent with Akari, Iraida (), and most of all Yukis.h.i.+ro werent enjoyable. He just couldnt.

Yukis.h.i.+ro brushes its tail against Kurandos cheek.
Kurando made a broad smile and then silently moved his hand to lightly scratch Yukis.h.i.+ros throat.

Kurando-san are you awake? (Akari)
Upon hearing Akaris voice, Kurando slowly opens his eyes.
Yukis.h.i.+ro who Kurando is lending against, it pretended to be asleep.
Kurando confirmed that is it Akari. She is sitting with her knees to the floor. (T/N: seiza)
He sees Akaris face being illuminated by the evening light in the background.
Did you need something? (Kurando)
well, I wanted to apologize for all that has happened. (Akari)
In silence, Akari bowed.
For some reason, Kurando thought Akari appeared smaller than usual.
She was alway small and she always had seemed delicate.
Akari is still about 17 years old. Kurando himself is about 10 years older than her. When they were summoned here, she was maybe 15 or 16 years old.
Although she is a child, in this moment, she left a strong impression on Kurando.
What do you mean? (Kurando)
Akari raised her head.
You have provided me with shelter. And, you had to put up with being mistreated by the villagers. Not to mention, for my sake, Makus.h.i.+mu had broken his promise. Kurando-san, Yukis.h.i.+ro-san, I have brought trouble to your everyday life, and so much more (Akari)
Even now, Akari is determined not to cry.
Well, it couldnt be helped. From Makus.h.i.+mus perspective, Im just some random guy who had appeared. If he had to choose between me or you, Makus.h.i.+mu would definitely pick you, Akari. (Kurando)
There is a chance that Makus.h.i.+mu had noticed the connection between Kurando and Akari. Although, surely, he isnt aware of the fact that another hero stole Kurandos ability.
About that, mostly likely, Makus.h.i.+mu only told Oofuia that Kurando is an abandon child who has been living alongside an Iruniiku (). If it is just that then there is nothing to worry about.
Ah, but (Akari)
let us leave it at that. Perhaps it was the only way to save you, Akari. Well, it did bring me trouble, but it is not like I dont have a way out. Anyways, did Makus.h.i.+mu mention anything about me being a summoned person? (Kurando)
He didnt appear to have mentioned it. Makus.h.i.+mu had probably guessed it, but he didnt appear to have said anything to Oofuisan. (Akari)
Deep down, Kurando felt relieved.
The fact that Kurando is a summoned person is something that should not be leaked.
It is Kurandos final lifeline. Who knows what sort of turmoil it would cause in the country if the people of this world came to learn that Kurando is a summoned person who had his ability stolen.
It isnt that they want Kurandos ability, but they would use the incident as an excuse to hold contempt against Hayato and the other summoned heroes.
Not to mention, what would happen if the other summoned people became aware of Kurandos existence?
Either way, Kurando is the most likely to end up shouldering the burden.
Akari looks to Kurando, but to where should her apology be directed?
Kurando speaks up.
Then, I wont say to not worry about it. Let it be a promise that you take with you to the grave, guard it with you life. (Kurando)
Kurando couldnt tell Akari that it is okay for her to take her own life.
It is not like Akari would wish for such a thing.
To Kurando, Akari would always show an expression that reflected the guilt that she felt. Most likely, she is the type of person that has a strong sense of responsibility.
Besides, there is nothing wrong with being happy. At least, Im trying to be. (Kurando)
She wiped the tears from her eyes and then made a determined expression.
Yes. No matter what happens, Ill keep my promise. (Akari)
The young girl seemed to have made her decision and had determined the path that she will be walking.
Kurando found the scene to be extremely radiant.

this may be sudden but, do you mind lending out the bath to everyone? (Akari)
Umm, while they do have some rations, how about dinner? You see, everyone is worn out after their long trip and Makus.h.i.+mu wont be returning with food until tomorrow. So, how about a warm meal (Akari)

The sun had completely set. Outside the cave, the Earth and the yellow moon shone quietly in the night sky.
Not too long ago, it was noisy on the mountain as they were coming and going from the bath to having their evening meal. But now, it is quiet.
While he stands by the edge of the cliff behind the cave, Kurando is drawing a picture of the moon.
Yukis.h.i.+ro laid across from him.

But suddenly, Yukis.h.i.+ros ears showed a subtle twitch.
Do you mind if I keep you company? (Oofuia)
From behind Kurando, a person who is wearing a dark green robe appeared; it is Oofuia.
He gave a slight nod but doesnt stop moving his hand and continued to draw.
Is that suppose to be the moon G.o.ddess Maruuna? (Oofuia)
In this world, the yellow moon in the sky looks similar to the moon in j.a.pan. Being overcome with feelings of nostalgia, Kurando continued to move his hand.
With his thin brush, on the leaf paper, Kurando lightly used the ink to draw a picture of a woman and the moon.
The woman in the picture is looking towards the fleeting moon that in the distance.
It is a detailed drawing and yet an abstract picture.
Light and dark it sure is a mysterious picture. (Oofuia)
It is not that she is praising it, but rather the picture itself doesnt have a clear meaning.
Oofuia turned her head horizontally.
I am aware that we are uninvited guests. I must thank you for being understanding. (Oofuia)
The current situation cannot be helped; therefore, Kurando couldnt get angry even if he tried.
Because there are things he himself is unsure of.
Well, that is just how things are; its just like Makus.h.i.+mus betrayal. (Kurando)
But, that was my fault. (Oofuia)
It still doesnt change what happened. (Kurando)
Kurando spoke with a rough tone, but it doesnt necessarily mean he is angry.
fact can vary from reality. (Oofuia)
Maybe so. However, reality cant be undone or are you saying otherwise? If so, then who decides how the truth effects reality? (Kurando)
Certainly, that child is rude and doesnt think before acting. But more importantly, it is regrettable that you have been living isolated on this mountain. Such feelings (Oofuia)
it is to the point where I could kill someone, correct? (Kurando)
For the first time, Oofuia slightly trembled.
Kurando continued to move his brush and his emotions could clearly be felt.
If Makus.h.i.+mu had never met Akari, then chances are, he would not have gained Kurando hatred. If only they had not met one another.
Those who are not a.s.sociated with the heroes or Kurando would probably think Makus.h.i.+mu is a good guy.
However, Makus.h.i.+mus good intentions were something Kurando didnt wish for.
As that isnt the case, Kurando continued to move his hand.

While Oofuia looked to Kurando from the side, she began to think.
For a person who has been abandoned on a mountain, he is affluent in language and is able to draw pictures; he shows a certain level of culture and education. Could he be royalty or n.o.bility that had escaped from some internal dispute; or, is he a high-cla.s.s runaway slave?
In the major powers on Eripusu (), slavery has been abolished. However, slavery still remains in small and poor countries.
But, when she thought about, Oofuia found that the pieces didnt quite fit together.

Then, how long do you plan on hiding away from rest of the world? (Oofuia)
For the first time, Kurando lifted his head to pet the purring Yukis.h.i.+ro.
Are things really fine as they are? (Oofuia)
If Kurando wants to stay with Yukis.h.i.+ro, then he has no choice but to stay on the mountain.
Oofuia understood this. It could be said that that was the reason why she came here.
Kurando suddenly remembered. He looked to Oofuia.
Ah, thats right. While it was a verbal agreement, it was a life and death matter and that b.a.s.t.a.r.d Makus.h.i.+mu, at his own convenient, he had broken his promise to not tell anyone about me or Yukis.h.i.+ro. (Kurando)
As he said this, Kurando realized why he was so troubled.
Kurando was concerned about what would happen after the promise was broken.
Someone who would break such a promise is without a question an enemy that Kurando would want to kill.
That would be the expected result.
But the thing is, one reason kept Kurando from trying to kill Makus.h.i.+mu.
Despite Makus.h.i.+mu breaking his promise, the person does not act hostile towards Kurando; therefore, Makus.h.i.+mu is not clearly his enemy.

alright then, let us make a promise. I, Oofuiaoruvuerudevakuuufuoruniaeruioaru () of the blue forest tribe, swear on the name of the moon G.o.ddess to protect my promise for the rest of my days. (Oofuia)

Oofuia closed her eyes and then recited something.

DDetta liv r Tsukiyo oavsett vad, att de inte bryter eden. Vem hans oavsett hur fiende dock r denna kropp huggen, ven kommer att bli s.m.u.tsig, min orubbliga lfte.
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It was an elven vow.
Will this be alright? (Oofuia)
Kurando doesnt know what was said, but he had a feeling that she would keep her word.
And thus, Oofuia showed the same expression that Akari had previously shown.
I dont quite understand, but its good that you are willing to keep your promise. (Kurando)
I never thought that I would end up saying such things in my lifetime. (Oofuia)
Oofuia made an off-handed chuckle.
You see, such words, they are occasionally used with marriage vows.Fufufu. (Oofuia)
Kurando made a blank expression.
Well, my face isnt as youthful as it used to be. Please, do not stare so much at my wrinkly brow. Anyhow, this is my apology. I was the one who made a request to Makus.h.i.+mu. So, please accept this as a token of my apology. (Oofuia)
Oofuia presented Kurando with a ring the same color as her dark green robe.
Kurando showed no interest in the ring and waved his hand.
This is proof of being a member of MaruunaNiyuumu. There is also one for Yukis.h.i.+ro. (Oofuia)
Like a drop of morning dew, the dark green rings are placed on Kurandos palm.
Fufu, if you have that, there wont be a problem with having a large magical beast such as Yukis.h.i.+ro accompanying you around town. Anyone who objects would be making themselves the enemy of MaruunaNiyuumu and the hunter a.s.sociation.Fufufu. (Oofuia)
Oofuia laughs and shows an expression of an experienced chief.
However, dont go strutting around the streets of Dorugan () as Iruniiku is quite famous around these parts. Although, just in case, I will teach you an autonomous illusion magic. This isnt a deal but rather an apology, okay. (Oofuia)
why, are you doing this? (Kurando)
At last, Kurando voiced his opinion. He is doubtful and wonders why she would go this far for him.
Oofuia spoke.

As the moon goes round, we continue our journey.
As the attendant of the G.o.ddess of the hunt, we hunt.
All the while, we take along with us women who are troubled.
Although it may not be welcome, nevertheless, we wish to protect them.
You see, because Diantia () has the appearance of a monster, even now, she faces discrimination. As a result, Diantia has suffered from all sorts of cruel treatment.
As for Arii (), her husband was a violent man who beat her. You see, she was from a country where divorces are prohibited.
If you think about it, despite it all, people must continue to live from day to day.
Men, they too suffer from such things.
For example; they can suffer from discrimination, slavery & exploitation, fighting & war, and having to kill one another.
You also give off that sort of feeling. Do you too not suffer from something?
You see, that is why I came here. (Oofuia)

Her words were mesmerizing and her speech was captivating.
Well, sorry for intruding. (Oofuia)
After she gave her parting words, Oofuia left.
As Kurando grasp the dark green ring, he continued to draw.

He thought to himself.
Kurando pondered about what he wanted to do.

In this world, he can already survive.
The question is, what will he do afterwards.

Kurando fiddles with the dark green ring in his palm.