Chapter 138: Book Release Commemoration SS – “Farewell”
About 80 years have passed since I was reincarnated into this world. I’ve been here quite a long time. I’ve already been in this world four times longer than my original one. Since defeating the Evil God, I’ve been running a General Store in the Tronbalen Republic while also continuing my activities as an Adventurer.
The General Store kept growing larger and larger. Finding it bothersome, I decided to only handle material deliveries and dumped everything else onto Oswen-san, the head of the Commerce Guild.
Thanks to that, I had more free time, which allowed me to enjoy carefree solo journeys in different forms, gathering materials along the way.
This world changed significantly over these past few decades. The Verdelin Kingdom, the Mystia Empire, the Augnes Holy Kingdom, Demonize the Demon Kingdom, and the Tronbalen Republic—these five nations signed a peace treaty.
Aurora was the one who contributed greatly to this achievement. The three beings Aurora contracted were the A-rank Red Dragon ‘Vora’, the S-rank Ultimate Griffon ‘Snow’, and the SS-rank Storm Dragon ‘Nagini’.
Even one of them is a nation-destroying threat, yet a single Summoner had three gathered under her. No one could possibly oppose her. However, since the Empire Aurora belonged to didn’t desire domination, things settled down with the signing of a peace treaty.
Of course, the Emperor of the Empire is Theodore. His eldest brother made secret deals with the Holy Kingdom and the Demon Kingdom, plotting to eliminate Theodore, while his second brother, who boasted of his military might, found that strength overshadowed in Aurora’s presence.
In that regard, Theodore—or rather, Aurora—had connections with key figures in each nation, like Ochcho-san, the S-rank Adventurer from the Kingdom; Hayato, who became the Demon Lord of the Demon Kingdom; Sayaka, the Saint of the Holy Kingdom; and Ignito-san, the head of the Tronbalen Republic’s council, becoming the driving force behind the peace treaty.
Eh? Did Theodore and Aurora get married, you ask? That’s a secret!
Ah, by the way, Hayato and Sayaka-san got married. I was invited to their wedding, so I went to see it. Hayato was already completely henpecked, but maybe things work out better that way.
Also, Zmey and Jabberwock, who guarded Heaven’s Door and Devil’s Gate, were released from their duty with the defeat of the Evil God.
They now live in the Dragon village on Mount Dragonia. Both seemed incredibly happy to be freed from the Dungeon after thousands of years. I’ve asked them both to lend their aid if anything happens to this world, so it should be fine.
And now, sensing Aurora’s time was near, I’ve come to visit her. In the form of a Black Cat.
Slipping inside through a somehow open window, I sit primly by the pillow of Aurora, who is lying in bed.
“You came at the end, didn’t you, Mist.”
Her voice was raspy, and the hand stroking me was wrinkled. That’s only natural, as Aurora was now a grandmother over ninety years old.
“Fufu, yes. Somehow.”
“Me too. Thank you for answering my summons. I don’t have much longer now. You came because you knew that, didn’t you?”
<…Yeah.>
(If I used time magic on Aurora, this wrinkled hand too…)
“You don’t need to do that. I’ve already lived long enough.”
(Ah, she read my mind even though the contract expired long ago. Aurora is amazing. She understands everything about me, doesn’t she?)
(And now I know for the first time. Cats can cry too.)
“So, what will you do now?”
“I see. Far away… Does that mean you’re returning to your original world?”
“Surprised? I just figured it out now. I’m surprised too. But somehow, it strangely makes sense. After all, you were quite close with Hayato-san and Sayaka-san, and your way of thinking was different from the people of this world.”
“No, it’s fine. But wasn’t it difficult living in a completely different world?”
“Eh!? Moss!? What do you mean!?”
After that, I told her about when I was reincarnated and about my previous world. Aurora listened with great interest, sometimes surprised, sometimes laughing. But that too was drawing to a close.
“Phew. I’m glad I could hear such an interesting story at the end. But, I suppose it’s almost time for me too. I feel… tired… sleepy… Thank… you… Goodbye…”
With those words as her last, Aurora gently closed her eyes.
(Resurrec… No, I shouldn’t. I have to overcome this too. Goodbye, Aurora.)
Finally, I placed a kiss on Aurora’s cheek, bidding farewell to the person who had become the most precious to me in this world.
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On January 24th, the book version of ‘Moss Reincarnation: An Otherworldly Life’ (formerly ‘Moss Reincarnation: An Otherworldly Existence’) was released. To commemorate this, we have released this short story (SS).
In the book version of ‘Moss Reincarnation: An Otherworldly Life’, new evolution paths not present in the web version have been added, allowing readers to enjoy new developments. Additionally, scenes delving into the secret of the birth of the mysterious girl met in the Royal Capital, Amy-chan, have also been prepared.
Furthermore, Muni-sama has provided wonderful illustrations. I really like the cover art, which is quite unusual as it doesn’t feature a single human!
Initial sales are crucial, so my editor has told me to promote it thoroughly. Please, I humbly ask for your purchase.
Also, as the Kakuyomu Contest is ongoing, I tried posting a short story about what happened immediately after returning to Earth. If you’d like, I hope you enjoy reading that as well.
Title
“Modern Life Starting as an Ant ~ It’s Not Just Humans Protecting Earth Invaded from Another World”
Catchphrase
“Insects, animals, and even me, reincarnated as a monster, are fighting to protect the Earth!”
↓↓↓ If you like it, please consider rating it m( )m
https://kakuyomu.jp/works/16818093092079152879
Also, the author’s first rom-com short story
Title
“The Story of Me, Who Gained the Ability to See Favorability After That Accident, Trying Hard to Raise the Favorability of the Girl I’m Interested In from 0 to 100”
Catchphrase
“I just wanted to try raising the favorability of that girl who had closed off her heart. That’s all I thought at first.”
↓↓↓ Please check this out too if you have time!
https://kakuyomu.jp/works/16818093087861173472