> Kira PoV

“There you go… just like that…” (Ellie)

“O-okay… What next?” (Kira)

“Put one finger there… and the other one there…” (Ellie)

She gently yet firmly guides my fingers around the side and into the opening.

“You’re too stiff, Kira. You need to loosen up a little.” (Ellie)

“I’m… I’m not so sure about this… It won’t hurt, right?” (Kira)

I’ve never done this before so I’m really nervous!

“It won’t. In fact, when you do it right, it feels really good.” (Ellie)

She reassuringly puts a hand on my shoulder and whispers into my ear. My tense body eases up just a little.

“Perfect. Now remember what I showed you last night. Gently now...” (Ellie)

I follow the sound of her voice as I slowly flex my finger. And then-

*Pachew*

-the thing in my hands suddenly kicks back with a flash of light and a weird noise!

*Splatt*

The bright blue something that flew out of the end hit the wooden dummy I was pointing it at! It burned a smoldering hole halfway through it!

“Well done, Kira! You hit it on the first try! I expected nothing less!” (Ellie)

Ellie practically jumps for joy next to me.

“So? So? How was it?” (Ellie)

“It felt… pleasant. That jolt it sent through me was oddly satisfying!” (Kira)

It was a weird sensation. The slight shock seemed to travel up my arms, through my shoulders, into my torso and down to my feet. I was expecting it to rattle my bones like an explosion. But what I felt was actually much less violent. Almost like a solid pat on the back.

“Want to try a few more shots?!” (Ellie)

“I don’t know. I feel a bit odd training to use a weapon.” (Kira)

“Kira, it’s a mistake to think of it as a weapon. It’s a tool. Whether you use or misuse it is all up to you! Just like magic!” (Ellie)

“Oh! I see!” (Kira)

Thinking of it that way makes me feel a lot more comfortable. It’s not something that exists solely to hurt people, is it? It’s only a weapon if I use it like one. Just like my magic!

Hmm? Wait a second… Doesn’t that mean my magic is potentially the most terrifying weapon of all? Surely that’s just my imagination, right? Oh well, it’s my loss if I think too deeply about it.

“Now, take your stance and fire off a few more!” (Ellie)

“Okay!” (Kira)

I resume the stance Ellie showed me earlier and firmly hold out my birthday gift with both hands. I lign it up just like earlier and squeeze the trigger!

*Pachew*

I put another thumb-sized hole into the wooden dummy! This is great! Let’s try chaining a few of those together!

*Pachew pachew*

Every time it kicks it seems to fill me with confidence!

*Pachew pachew*

At first I had no idea why Ellie insisted on using the full name every time, but I think I’m starting to understand!

*Pachew pachew*

The PLR-45 Sidearm. I see now! Omitting any part of that designation would be disrespectful to its maker!

*Pachew pachew*

*Beepbeepbeepbeepbeep*

“Ah! Ellie?!” (Kira)

“Relax Kira. It’s just telling you it needs to cool off. The safety measure we talked about, remember?” (Ellie)

“Ah! Right! So… I just grab here and pull back on the top, right?” (Kira)

“Yes, that’s right, just make sure there’s nothing blocking the sides at the front first.” (Ellie)

“Okay… Here I go!” (Kira)

I tighten my grip the top bit and pull back. Something gives way after I put in a bit of strength into my fingers and the top part slides halfway towards me, exposing a trio of oval-shaped holes on either side of the front.

*PTSUUUUUUUuuuu*

Steam blasts out of the holes while the beeping noise fades away. Once both the steam and the little red light have stopped, I let go of the top and it slides back into place with a satisfying click!

“That’s the way, Kira! You’re really good at this!” (Ellie)

Wow, she’s way more excited than I am! She looks to be having more fun than me, and I’m the one using it! Ah, I’m actually having fun with this, aren’t I?

“I just had a wonderful teacher ~♡! Thank you so much for the wonderful gift, Ellie ~♡!” (Kira)

It was a really good choice after all. Whether I actually use it in the field is irrelevant - just idly taking shots at dummies with it is super fun!

“Hehehe!” (Ellie)

Of course, it can never compare to the biggest gift of all. The one Ellie’s been giving me every single day since I met her - that wonderful carefree smile!

“How’s it going out here, Red?” (Kelly)

Kelly greets us as she exits the tower. Judging from the various fresh stains on her leather work clothes, she must have just came out of the basement.

“Hey Kelly.” (Kira)

“Ah Kira! Put the safety on!” (Ellie)

“Oh, right!” (Kira)

I push against a tiny lever on the side with my fingertip. It slides forward and makes a tiny click. This is to make sure it doesn’t accidentally go off while I’m holding it. Whoever made this thing really knew their stuff!

“Done!” (Kira)

“Great job! Next I’ll show you how to properly clean and maintain it!” (Ellie)

“You two seem to be enjoying yourselves. Must be going well.” (Kelly)

“Yeah! Kira’s amazing! She’s way better at it than you are!” (Ellie)

“Ellie! That’s rude!” (Kira)

“Nah, it’s fine. I can’t grip that thing properly while I’m wearing scrappy, so it’s not useful to me anyway.” (Kelly)

“Also! Also! Kira is a really great shot! Look!” (Ellie)

Kelly’s eyesight follows Ellie’s finger, coming to rest on the smoldering wooden dummy.

“Wow, she hit it quite a few times, didn’t she? Huh? Wait, aren’t the holes on that oddly concentrated?” (Kelly)

“What do you mean?” (Kira)

“Well… What were you aiming at, exactly?” (Kelly)

“A weak point. Human-shaped monsters usually have a lot of the same weak spots that regular people have, right?” (Kira)

Also, it’s a lot easier to aim than magic. You just point and pull back on the trigger! It even has sights to help you aim and it doesn’t fall off or veer to the side if you lose focus! Compared to something like controlling a [Quake] or directing a [Firebolt], this just feels like cheating!

“Yeah. That much makes sense. But what I want to know is why that weak spot in particular!?” (Kelly)

“It’s a good choice for disabling a person without endangering their life, right Ellie?” (Kira)

“That’s theoretically right, although it’s still dangerous. This thing does horrible things to flesh. I would suggest you completely avoid using this unless you want to kill something.” (Ellie)

“You make a good point. I really don’t think I want to point this thing at other people...” (Kira)

I heard about what happened to poor Skittles when she was subjected to a sustained barrage from this guy’s bigger brothers. I almost lost my lunch that day. That purple one is really detailed with her descriptions, isn’t she?

“I figured you would say something like that, Red. I get what you mean, I really do. It’s just that, even though it’s only a wooden dummy, I don’t think any decent person would aim solely for the crotch like you did…” (Kelly)

“Never mind the details, how’s your end coming along?” (Kira)

“Hm? Ah, right. I’m a bit stuck right now. I broke one of the connector bits since I messed up while assembling the prototype. It was the last one I had, but it shouldn’t be a problem once we get back to the capital tomorrow. The first crop is just about ready.” (Kelly)

I’ve seen a few of those parts Nano needs and some of them look really delicate. I wonder if they’ll be alright with all that shaking? Well, Nano’s got it figured out, so my random prodding won’t help anyone.

“I see. I appreciate all the hard work. Thanks, Kelly.” (Kira)

“Yeah. And I look forward to my next paycheck.” (Kelly)

‘Pleasure working with you too’ huh? I wish she’d drop the mercenary speak already. Still, I’m seriously glad she’s spearheading this.

The goal right now is to make it possible for people to manufacture and assemble that thing without Nano’s help, so some trial and error is to be expected. Once Kelly is able to do it completely by herself then we’ll be ready to show it off in front of the King.

Wouldn’t want him to think we were being completely idle all this time.

* * *

“-and we should be able to present the assembled device in a week or so.” (Kira)

“So you weren’t being completely idle all this time?!” (King Fred)

I knew it! It was a good idea to pay him a visit the instant we were back in the capital.

“I’m just kidding. Lighten up a bit! So, are you healthy enough to assume your post?” (King Fred)

“I am for the moment, Your Majesty. Ellie and Nano will have to serve as my proxies for a while, though.” (Kira)

Thanks to Nano I can technically do my job without leaving our house, but it’s important to show up in person whenever possible.

“Well, you’re more of a decision-maker rather than a laborer, so that much should suffice.” (King Fred)

“Please don’t make it sound like others will be doing all the actual work.” (Kira)

“Oh? Am I wrong in thinking that?” (King Fred)

“No. I just don’t like it when you point it out.” (Kira)

“Hah! Hahaha!” (King Fred)

Well, that was the agreement. As director of the Ministry of Progress my job will mostly be, as one might expect, directing others. Coordinating effort, deciding on what project to tackle next, keeping the king informed of how things are going, securing a supply of raw materials and talent - that sort of thing.

Nano and Kelly will be doing most of the prototyping while a small army of laborers and workers will be handling the transition into mass production or implementation once we’ve gotten that far with an idea. Ellie’s job is to sit right by my side and keep being perfect.

It’s a super important position you know!

“Fuuuu. I missed having you around, Mrs Quasse! Now, since you seem to have more or less have your illness under control, care to tell me exactly what it was? Your sudden collapse and equally sudden departure left us all quite worried.” (King Fred)

“Well, Your Majesty, that is… a bit difficult to explain. It’s a complicated situation.” (Kira)

I idly stroke my protruding belly over the white gown Skittles made for me. The fabric feels really nice against my skin. Ellie’s wearing one too, although I think white isn’t really her color. I should ask Skittles if she can dye these in some way.

“Complicated? In what way? Did you get pregnant or something?” (King Fred)

“Oh my! Your Majesty’s insight is truly formidable!” (Kira)

“... Huh?” (King Fred)

“It’s true! I was blessed with Ellie’s child during the last day of Autumn!” (Kira)

“What?!” (King Fred)

“There were some complications, which led to that unfortunate incident at the arena. However, both me and my child are doing just fine after a quick visit to some titan friends of mine!” (Kira)

“Ah. Titans, huh?” (King Fred)

“That’s right! As luck would have it, one of them was actually a friend of your ancestor, the First Magus of the Order of the Eye - Kotero Ferseit!” (Kira)

“Is that a fact?” (King Fred)

“Oh yes! She’s very eager to meet with her comrade’s descendant, so she came with us!” (Kira)

“Did she now? And where is this friend of yours?” (King Fred)

“She’s waiting back at our tower right now! Her appearance would probably disturb your retainers, so we’re having her wait there until we can arrange a proper meeting!” (Kira)

“Uh huh. Right. Mrs Quasse, mind if I ask you a question?” (King Fred)

“Not at all, Your Majesty.” (Kira)

Ellie, who was standing quietly by my side, suddenly leaped out in front of me and assumed a defensive posture!

“Huh?” (Kira)

“Do you take me for a complete fool!?” (King Fred)

“Eep!” (Kira)

The King got mad! He got super mad! I can almost see veins bulging on his forehead!

“I tolerate a lot of things, Mrs Quasse. Especially when it comes to you! But, that’s under the assumption you are being upfront about your activities!” (King Fred)

Scary! Angry King is scary! His voice is so forceful that it feels like it’s physically pressing down on me!

“Why is it that you had to tell me outrageous stories like these!? Even if you were having an affair-” (King Fred)

“Kira! Was! Not! Lying!” (Ellie)

Ack! Ellie isn’t losing out in volume!

“And how do you know that?! How can you so easily believe all that?! Are you sure she’s not fooling you as well!?” (King Fred)

“Absolutely! I trust Kira without question!” (Ellie)

“Well, I’m not as delusional as you seem to be! I demand proof!” (King Fred)

“Okay! You asked for it! Nano, do it!” (Ellie)

{Aye, aye!}

Wait… What do you mean ‘Aye, aye?’ Didn’t you say the same thing just before you subdued Red Skittles?! Is this why Nano insisted we stop directly over the castle!? You’re not seriously going to attack the king with those weapons are you!?

*CRASH*

“Uwah!” (Kira)

“Gah!” (King Fred)

Something just burst through the glass window and landed between Ellie and the king! Something big, purple and multi-legged!

“SKREEEEK! Oops! I mean - Greetings, Your Majesty! The Second Magus of the Order of the Eye is here to pay her respects to the First.” (Purple Skittle)

Purple Skittles regains her footing before making an elegant bow with her upper body. Her lower spider half sat gently on the ground. The white robe-like clothing she’s wearing clings to her slender body, while long purple hair falls out from under her pointy white hat, hanging down to her waist.

There’s an odd moment of silence while the king stares slack-jawed at this intruder. I’m no different though! What is going on here?!

“... It can’t be…” (King Fred)

*SLAM*

The double doors we came from open and a whole bunch of armed guards start pouring in! The blonde knight-looking person in the front seems to be in charge!

“My liege! Fan out men! Protect His Majesty from that monster!” (Blonde Knight)

This is bad. This is seriously bad! What is that looney spider even thinking!? She’s just sitting there perfectly still!

“Stand down, Percy!” (King Fred)

“Your Majesty?! Surely you-” (Percy)

“Ser Percival! Your King ordered you to stand down! Don’t you dare put so much as a scratch on anyone or anything in this room!” (King Fred)

Wah! The loud part of him came out again! I still can’t believe there’s an actual authoritative presence underneath all that casual attitude!

“Y-yes! At once, sire! You heard the King, men! Stand down!” (Percy)

At his orders, the soldiers warily put down their weapons! That was close! If Red came out in the middle of the castle it wouldn’t end with a simple apology!

“Good. Leave us.” (King Fred)

“But-” (Percy)

“Now! All of you!” (King Fred)

“...As you command, sire.” (Percy)

The blonde knight swiftly orders his men to retreat and departs from the scene. It’s just me, Ellie, the king and a still bowing purple Skittles between us.

“I… I’m going to have to lie down for a while. Excuse me.” (King Fred)

The king actually stood up from his throne! He walked shakily to one of the cushioned sofas on the side of the room and lies down. He’s gonecompletely limp.

Seeing that the king has apparently checked out for a while, Skittles gets up, walks over and pokes him a few times.

There's no response. Just like a corpse. She turns around and gives us a shrug of her shoulders.

"Well, then." (Ellie)

Taking it as a sign, Ellie walks over to the servant entrance and opens it slightly.

"Excuse me, miss? Can we get some tea, please?" (Ellie)

"Just a sec, dearie!" (Servant)

"Thank you!" (Ellie)

Ellie walks back next to me and hugs my arm with a satisfied smile.

Yeah, tea sounds good right now.