An ordinary profession creates the world's strongest

"She's been like this since she took a bath in the hot springs... but she looks quite happy, so she should be alright."

"Ms. Yue... I, I discovered the truth."

It looked like she was very busy. Just now, she seemed relieved to have broken free from her office worker habits, but it seemed she had broken away too much.

“…Truth?”

"Yes. After soaking in the hot spring, my state of mind changed—I felt like nothing mattered anymore. As I thought that, I seemed to hear a voice saying, 'It's okay, I can pass the finish line.'"

"...Remia, things aren't looking good. I'm even experiencing auditory hallucinations."

"Maybe that's just her own inner voice, the devil's side."

Liliana gently spread her arms and looked up at the sky, her expression like an enlightened monk, and continued:

"I have understood everything and received divine revelation. Yes, the voice of heaven is telling me so—"

"...Tio~! Come help! Prepare to activate soul magic!"

"—If you go to work, you lose."

No, that wasn't the voice of heaven, it was just internet chatter. No, that was actually what Myuu said.

The last time he saw Liliana at the theme park, Myuu was worried about her. So, half-jokingly, he whispered to her while she was asleep about the internet and the "I don't want to work" thing. These whispers merged in Liliana's subconscious, lingering in the corners of her consciousness.

For now, I'll cast a "soul-calming spell" on Liliana. Liliana came to her senses, blinking as if waking from a dream. Then, as if suddenly realizing reality, her expression fell silent. May this princess remain in peace.

After the group got together, there was some noise as usual, and then the countdown finally began.

To welcome the new year, people who don’t know each other cooperate with each other and count down in unison, and the atmosphere in the entire hot spring street becomes more and more lively.

Of course, Hajime and the others also counted down aloud.

Myuu even shouted with all her might as each second counted down, standing on tiptoe and stretching her fingers. Shia's bunny ears, invisible to the average person, also stretched out repeatedly in the same way.

This feeling of unity filled Tio with joy, and she narrowed her eyes. Remia, on the other hand, narrowed her eyes tenderly at the sight of her beloved daughter's joy, her body swaying to the rhythm of the countdown.

Jin and Chou, a couple, watched their sons and daughters-in-law from a distance in the back, snuggling together and savoring the happiness of the moment.

Then, the countdown finally reached zero.

“““““Happy New Year──!””””””

Countless cheers and the sound of people blessing each other echoed throughout the hot spring town. Then, the heart-shaking boom of cannons resounded all around, and dazzling fireworks burst into a dazzling display in the night sky above the hot spring town.

"Happy New Year, Dad!"

"Well, Happy New Year, Myuu."

Miao was beaming with energy and a smile, yet her bow was somewhat respectful. Shiji patted his daughter's head with satisfaction, praising her for following the instructions to greet the New Year.

Myuu jumped down from Hajime's arms and bowed to Yue-sister.

Sister Yue also responded politely to Mu's New Year greetings.

Then the two smiled at each other, held hands happily, and went to wish Jin and Chou a happy new year.

"Happy New Year, husband."

"Happy New Year, Remia. Please take care of me this year as well."

"Yes. Please take care of me and my daughter. This year will surely be a difficult one as well."

"Wait, what do you mean?"

"Aiyah ...

"Don't play dumb, tell me!"

Remia still didn't answer, but just smiled meaningfully, as if saying, "Do you even need to ask such a thing?", and then went over to wish Sumire and Sou a happy new year.

"She's still as unpredictable as ever. Or perhaps it's more accurate to say she sees through everything. Fufu, perhaps Remia is the one who's made the most careful plans since coming here."

"Tio..."

Tio came to Hajime and said this. She looked at Remia's back and unfolded a fan she had bought from somewhere. The fan had the words "Perfection" written on it.

"However, I share her opinion. Master, you were born to be plagued by constant turmoil. This is your fate... No, it's not just you, Master. I, your concubine, am determined to stand by you forever. Therefore, this year will undoubtedly be filled with many turmoil and no peace."

"Please spare me... Anyway, please take care of me this year."

"Well, Master, please take good care of me. I will do my best, and this year, please reward me with plenty of punishments—ahem, should I say rewards."

"It's not concealed at all."

Tio turned around and rejoined Yue, Sumire, and the others, her plump hips swaying as if deliberately showing off. Ignore her for now—

"Happy New Year, Hajime-san~! Let's do lots of fun things together this year!"

Shia jumped up from behind like a rabbit and hugged Hajime.

Hajime bent forward slightly to carry her on his back, resting his palm on the back of Shia's hand that was wrapped around his neck, and gently stroked it as if it were a treasure.

Xia felt a little itchy, but also very happy, and her rabbit ears twitched repeatedly.

"Shia, I'm truly grateful to you. Because of you, the Nanyun family can enjoy regular meals. Not only that, you always take the initiative to take care of all the housework. Thanks to you, my parents' work and careers are more successful, and they are very grateful to you."

Hajime turned around and said, their faces so close that their lips were almost touching. His tone was quite sincere.

"Thank you so much. Please take care of me this year as well."

"Hehe! Leave it to me! In this world, rabbits are a symbol of happiness, right? Let me personally experience it!"

Shia kissed Hajime gently, then let him go and jumped over to join Tio and Yue's conversation. Then came the next—

“Hajime-san…”

"Uh... Lily? What's wrong with you?"

Liliana's expression was that of a warrior with tragic determination.

"I...I realized the truth of the world."

"Let's get the doctor first..."

"Rome wasn't built in a day! No work, no pay! No work, no food! You can work 24 hours a day! That's it!"

"At least I understand you're trying hard to understand Earth."

Although Hajime had no idea what was going on, he wisely kept his mouth shut. He knew it without even asking. At least Hajime understood that Liliana had now remembered her mission as a princess.

However, apart from the first sentence, the rest of the sentence was terrifying for her subordinates, but that wasn't a burden for the ruler...

"Lily, I truly admire your dedication to your country. I will also work hard to make travel between worlds more convenient. So, if you have any difficulties, please feel free to ask."

"Hajime-san... I'm so happy! Please take care of me this year too! Seriously!"

"Uh, oh."

The princess from another world was moved and tightly grasped Hajime's hand. The expectation revealed in the last sentence seemed particularly urgent. Could it be an illusion?

Hajime felt a little regretful for the boast he had made, but Liliana happily went to meet Yue and the others, and Sumire and Sou came over, so Hajime decided to forget about it for the time being.

"Happy New Year, Hajime. What are your goals for this year? What are your plans?"

"Happy New Year, Dad. My goal is to enjoy a normal and peaceful student life."

"Happy New Year, Hajime. Speaking of plans, when will you let us greet Shia and her family? And as your parents, we should also thank those who took care of you in Todas."

The couple tried to show the solemnity that should be shown during the New Year, but Shi, their son, could see their sincerity.

In fact, their hearts are full of anticipation and they can't calm down. I also know what they really want to say.

"What's the truth?"

““I really want to go to another world! Take Daddy (Mom) there quickly!””

The couple's true colors were revealed in an instant. Their solemn demeanor disappeared and they looked like they were about to burst into tears at any moment.

As natural homebodies, the mere mention of a way to travel to another world was a natural impulse. Now that the new year had arrived, the couple couldn't wait any longer. Furthermore, they desperately wanted to greet their in-laws, including Cam and Edel, in person, and their emotional need to go was paramount.

"Got it, got it. I'll definitely make the plan."

"Of course!?" "Those who break their promises are bad people!" The couple warned like children, but then wisely stepped aside.

Because, the last person came to wish Shi a happy new year.

“…Hashi. Happy New Year.”

Yue, who had just been talking to everyone, returned to Hajime.

"Yeah. Happy New Year, Yue."

Yue stood beside Shi and took his hand. She didn't say anything, but just stared into his eyes quietly, as if she was confirming something. Or perhaps she was missing something.

The eyelids under the thick eyelashes blinked, and the ruby-like eyes seemed to be recalling various past events, as vivid as a film reel.

Watching the moon immersed in emotion, Shi did not urge her, but just waited quietly.

The two of them were once again immersed in their own world. The sounds and lights of the fireworks, the cheers and happy chatter of the crowd, were now just background music and background music for them.

Finally, Yue spoke softly. Though her voice was so tranquil, it felt strangely audible, unimpeded by the clamor, clearly vibrating Hajime's eardrums. Yue's voice comforted Hajime, both physically and mentally.

“…It seems a bit late to say this now, but it feels a bit strange.”

"What do you mean?"

Hajime asked, his tone gentle and calm. Yue leaned her head on his shoulder and continued carefully and attentively:

"...At the bottom of the abyss, we set out, determined to make the world our enemy, on a lonely journey, two of us. Yet, before we knew it, many important people had joined us. Not only that, we're now celebrating the New Year together in another world, gazing up at the brilliant sparks of the night sky."

"That's true."

"...From an objective perspective, the pain in my life was immensely long and took up a disproportionate portion. Whether it was being rescued by you, meeting my friends, learning the truth about my uncle, or living with my new family, in the grand scheme of things, it all seemed like the blink of an eye, like a dream."

"..."

"...But now, my feelings are completely different. Instead, the long nightmare was as short as the blink of an eye, disappearing like a bubble. I feel as if I have always lived such a happy life. Always full of happiness."

The firelight from the sky illuminated Yue's profile, filling it with a mysterious beauty. Her expression was that of a sage who had lived through a long time, yet also of an innocent young girl.

A surge of emotion welled up in Hajime's heart, and he couldn't help but hug Yue from the front.

Yue's face rested against his neck. As if her glasses were getting in the way, she smiled and removed them. Even with her stunning beauty revealed, nothing in the world could stand between the two of them now.

“…The world is so cruel and unreasonable, so malicious and playful. However, for those who work hard, there will sometimes be very gentle and thoughtful arrangements. After meeting you, I can now think this way, Hajime.”

"...Yes. I think that's the way it is. No matter what happens, as long as you keep fighting, you'll eventually reach a place like this."

"……Um……"

Yue nibbled on Hajime's neck and looked up at his face.

Hajime also gently kissed her forehead. The mysterious atmosphere immediately disappeared, and her eyebrows opened into a smile, her expression softening.

Yue snuggled closer to her beloved, looking over his shoulder at her new family.

Noticing her gaze, the family members responded one after another. Some gave her a thumbs-up, others looked at them with either resignation or affection, and still others responded with a jeering smile. Despite their varying reactions, they all revealed a genuine affection, without exception.

So Yue stepped back slightly to take in both those she loved and the beloved who had brought her to this place. Then, she gave them all her brightest, most alluring smile and gave them the following words.

"...Thank you so much. Please continue to take care of me."

At the same time, as if to add color to her words, a particularly bright firework bloomed in the New Year's night sky.

Volume 14, Chapter 11: Welcoming the New Year with a New Family

The air is fresh and pleasant, and the transparent sunlight shines warmly. Today is the third day of the first lunar month, and after noon──

"Dong~! Dong~! It's getting tastier! Dong~! Flatten!"

"Dong~! Dong~! It's getting delicious! Dong~! Flatten!"

In a corner of the Nanyun family's courtyard, such a lovely shout was heard.

The ones shouting were Shia, whose bunny ears were wagging with joy, and Myuu, whose bunny ears on her headband were swaying with equal joy.

There stood a rather authentic-looking mortar, which Chou had gotten from somewhere. The two stood on either side of the mortar, pounding the steaming hot hemp cake in the mortar with the tacit understanding of sisters, taking turns swinging their pestles.

That’s right, they are enjoying the traditional Chinese New Year activity - pounding mochi.

"You two, it's great that you're pounding so rhythmically, but I think you should slow down and use less force. My hands have been hit several times."

Tio, who was in charge of turning the mochi inside the mortar, advised. Her expression was a little stiff, but she also seemed a little excited.

"Miss Tio, what are you still standing there for!? Turn the mochi over!"

"Hmm! That's right! Making mochi is a race against time! Tio-nee, get serious!"