Acacia/Scenes

-*I've joined Acacia in her mission to transport nectar. Her special forces are moving under her command – The Acacia Corps. Today, I've been dispatched to help out with this mission.*

**Acacia:** It's true that the the two of us going together wouldn't be unreasonable. It just so happens that everyone else is off on other requests today. Black Locust and Cherry Sage are on different transport missions, Lupin and Dahlia were injured in the previous mission – Which leaves me as the only one healthy enough to work.

But we must not fail this mission. At a time like this, having Danchou come along with me is a huge help. It's not a – chore, I'm trusting you to take good care of this important task! I'm counting on you!

-*I support the swaying supply cart as our two man transportation team advances through the wilds. There haven't been any attacks by the pests, so our progress is quick – actually it's a bit too quick. No matter the road, Acacia is tireless in her advance, and the supply cart looks like it's about to fall over.*

**Acacia:** Hey, Danchou! Please keep a better eye on the cargo! We need to hand over this flower nectar to lots of people! You definitely can't drop any of it! If you drop any of it, you can't reclaim it!

-*The usual happy and smiling Acacia has become quite strict regarding her cargo. For her, the cargo is more important than her own life. But to me, losing even one Flower Knight is forbidden.*

*Eventually, after passing through the wilds, we found ourselves in a lush meadow. A huge healthy tree can be seen.*

**Acacia:** Oh, perfect. Let's take a rest there, Danchou. Although it's important to be quick in delivery, but you shouldn't rush and lose sight of your surroundings.

-*At Acacia's invitation, we took a rest under the giant tree. As I was re-securing the load so it wouldn't fall, a sudden strange feeling fell over me.* “I'm sure it was flower nectar we were delivering, but this is...?”

**Acacia:** Aah, that? Apart from the flower nectar, I was asked to deliver that. So I'm transporting it. It's most likely a letter. This is a birthday present, and this one's an anniversary gift...and this is---

Hm? Wha-at, those eyes. Are you going to say this isn't allowed? Just because it's not part of the mission? Or because it's heavy?

We-ll it's hard to say, you know. The rules are secondary and tertiary! If someone's waiting for something, I'll deliver it. That's my job after all.

-*She's not good at refusing things, so there's a huge amount.* “All this cargo that's not part of the mission is private requests, and that's alright but... That makes the weight so heavy as to cause the mission to be more difficult.”

**Acacia:** I'm happy that you're worried about me, but I'm fine. The smile on the faces of the people that you deliver to is far greater than the toil of carrying heavy cargo. Even you've experienced that, haven't you, Danchou?

“I understand that. The smile you get when giving a gift to someone is irreplaceable. Is that the reason you set up this transport unit, Acacia?”

**Acacia:** Yeah, it's not quite right, but I wonder if it's part of the reason? Wha-at, I'll tell you the next time you help me out. OK, break time's over! Let's go, Danchou!

*-Acacia springs up and pats the supply cart. We need to deliver the goods to town before the sun goes down. For her sake, and for those who are waiting for her cargo.*

**Acacia:** Acacia Corps. Move out!

### The Reason her Unit was Formed

**Acacia:** ---- and, as I was saying! Danchou, I look forward to today!

-*Due to other unit members being unable to attend due to other tasks, I've responded to a request of cooperation. It's alright. I'm happy to do whatever to help out Acacia. But saying that...*

“Isn't all this cargo a little too much? I'm a little worried about this load. It's about twice as much as last time and the cart is creaking from somewhere.”

**Acacia:** Too much? That's right, I did get more. Isn't it more convenient to carry more at once?

“That's true, but was it really necessary to increase the load since last time... We don't have the manpower to cover this amount if the pests attack.”

**Acacia:** Wha-at, that's not the case. If I have Danchou with me, I can defeat any number of pests.

-*As she says that, Acacia stops leaning against the cart. Her tone is more serious as usual, as she makes the final preparations.*

**Acacia:** You asked me last time why I formed the Acacia Corps. right? …A long time ago, the transport missions were left to the fresh Flower Knights. The fledgling kids were sent out to get some real combat experience. They carried small bags that suited their builds.

But, don't you think that's a little strange? It's good training for Flower Knights,but not so good for the people waiting for important deliveries. A lot of people are waiting for their flower nectar, but when I think that's the only way it's delivered, it's not good enough. Even if they managed to deliver it, they weren't happy.

So, it would be more efficient if stronger Flower Knights could deliver larger amounts of cargo. Doing so would mean we could safely protect the cargo and the recipients would be happy. It's no good that nobody had ever thought about it until now. I'm sure the officials would like us to work a little harder.

-*I have no words to reply with. It's just as Acacia says. Up until now, transportation has been overlooked. However, since the formation of the Acacia Corps., transportation requests have begun to appear from all around. The superiors have also opened their eyes to using experienced individuals.*

**Acacia:** Well, the newcomers can't afford to lose out on their experience, but that's been left to you now. That's your speciality, right? Teaching the new buds their first steps.

*-I don't want to speak bad of anyone. However, as Acacia says, if we leave the transportation to her, then my job is to train the Flower Knights. Thanks to the abundance of equipment, training has become easier.*

**Acacia:** So saying that, let's go back to our first conversation. This amount of cargo is proof of trust. I also have trust in you, Danchou, so that's why I can carry this much cargo.

Besides, I believe you were the first one to believe in our Acacia Corps. It's only natural to respond to trust with trust in kind. We-ll, if you leave it to us, we'll deliver it right away.

So then, let's go, Danchou! For all of those who are waiting!

### Acacia's Delivery

**Acacia:** Danchou! I look forward to working with you again today!

-*I'm starting to get used to the activities of the Acacia Corps. Even though all the members were able to work, they were all on vacation, but for some reason they've been called out. Well it's a good thing, but each and every day the amount of cargo keeps increasing.*

“Well, How much cargo would we have today – or so I was wondering, but there's nothing at the collection point. Hey, where's the cargo?”

**Acacia:** Today's cargo is me!

“...What do you mean? Is this some kind of code, or maybe...”

**Acacia:** Today is a day off, so take me somewhere. You're also off today, right Danchou? I don't often get days off, so I want to go and play!

“Aah... I see, so it's like that. If so, that's simple.”

“Anyway, what kind of thing were you thinking about? Normally, you're with Black Locust and the others. They would know a good way to spend a day off.”

-*As I asked her this, Acacia's face turned bright red and troubled.”*

**Acacia:** Um... Well, they weren't the people I chose to hang out with. Today is about you. I want to be with you. Is that a no, then...?

I-I really don't know when I came to like you. But, whenever you're transporting luggage with me, when I look at you... That trusting relationship that has developed, I love it... maybe that's how it happened. Ahaha, I really don't know.

-*Acacia composes herself, but she can't hide her embarrassment. She's very straightforward and isn't cowed by anyone, but she's no good at deception. It's because of her honesty that all the members of the Corps. follow her.*

**Acacia:** Ahaha... Of course it's impossible, and embarrassing. I'm sorry, Danchou, this girl has fallen in love. If it's a problem, please tell me straight that it's a problem. Wha-at, this nervous aching isn't such an issue.

“Nobody said anything like that. There isn't a man that wouldn't be happy to be loved by a girl like Acacia.”

-*She carries a huge amount of cargo, so there is only one man who could be good to be next to her.*

**Acacia:** Really...? Am I really good enough?

“Of course you're good enough, Acacia. If Acacia wasn't around, it would be over –.” *As I tell her this, she blushes and gets flustered.*

**Acacia:** I-I see... I'm so happy. Somehow, I can only really express these kinds of emotions, but I'm truly happy. What should I do, what's the best thing?

-*It's not like Acacia to be lost. I tell her she could keep honest and true to her heart.*

**Acacia:** I want to deliver all of my body and soul to you. I want to tell you this straight away. I want to deliver to you all of my loving feelings faster than I work. I hope you'll accept them and hold onto them forever.

-*Her speech is quick, as Acacia presses herself to my chest. I hug her tightly as I stroke her hair. Acacia's eyes are watery as she giggles shyly.*

**Acacia:** It's strange... I'm so happy that you've delivered me. How about you, Danchou? How do you feel about receiving this gift?

“Of course I'm happy. Everything that Acacia delivers brings happiness.” *I deliver my most heartfelt feelings. I'm sure Acacia would be really pleased.*

**Acacia:** As I thought, I'm getting embarrassed. But, thanks. Danchou. I love you.

...Although it's embarrassing, I wonder if it's alright to ask a single favour?

“Of course. If it's a wish of Acacia's, I'll make sure whatever it is comes true. Up until now, you've managed to deliver a huge amount of cargo after all.”

-*When I ask what her wish is, Acacia pulls herself tighter into the hug. Her violet eyes shine, as a mischievous smile forms.*

**Acacia:** As a sign of your acceptance – a kiss.

-*As she says this, she moves closer.*

### A New Dream

-*A certain afternoon. A single old man is looking our way, as Acacia stares at a sheet of paper.*

**Acacia:** Hmmm. I see, I see..

-*The old man before us is a private merchant. We had come to negotiate for provisions for the next expedition, but was offered a rather high price.*

*Originally I had planned to contract with a trusted merchant, but due to various circumstances, I decided to do business with him this time. However, I had heard he was a good hand and he had come along with Acacia, who is well informed about these things.*

**Acacia:** ...Yes, yes, I understand. This may be a little forward.

-*Saying that, Acacia begins to fill out various parts of the paperwork. The expression of the merchant who was quietly watching the situation beside me, clouded as he saw what was written.*

**Acacia:** Hmm, and... Yes, that's it! Well, the reality is kind of like this, right?

*-With that said, Acacia had written a different figure from before in the “Total amount” column of the document. Also, some items in the “itinerary” column have been modified in a similar way... Overall, it's a cheaper offer than before.*

*The clouded expression of the merchant changes bright red with anger. But before he could open his mouth, Acacia interrupts him.*

**Acacia:** I told you to be straight, but you're the one whose embellished it. You have estimated it will take five days to deliver, but in reality it will only take three.

The road you'll take to transport it this time.. It's not written on the map, but there's an underground passage here. It's an old tunnel, but it's wide enough for carts to pass through, and there are few pests. Before I formed the Acacia Corps., it was a very convenient road.

-*As Acacia says this, the merchant's expression suddenly changes from anger to wolfish. Adversely, Acacia's expression was becoming even more gentle.*

**Acacia:** You wrote this quote without knowing about this shortcut, didn't you?

-*After a brief blank look, the merchant slowly nodded.*

**Acacia:** I thought so. There's no way you would know about this shortcut, but still write five days instead of three, so as to charge a greater amount of money... There's no you would do that, right?

*-The merchant was shaking his head so hard, I thought it was about to fly off somewhere. He was bowing deeply while apologising for his rudeness as he collected his papers.*

**Acacia:** We-ll, it's no big deal. Well, I look forward to our continued business.

-*Without any losses to our side, and crushing the facade of the the other party, she drove in the final nails and ended the negotiations roundly. Acacia's ability to analyse the situation and act upon it has been well known for a long time, but it seems she's been refining it even further recently.*

*The merchant spoke of how impressed with Acacia he is. He is surprised that such a young lady has become such a brilliant negotiator. If she ever became a merchant, she would definitely meet success.*

**Acacia:** A merchant... That might not be so bad.

*-The merchant bowed deeply again, as he said that he was looking forward to the partnership. Myself and Acacia both bowed back. We then stood from our seats, and headed home.*

**Acacia:** Fu.... Case closed. How tiring.

-*Acacia began to speak once we were a little away from the city.* “Same here, if Acacia hadn't come with me, I might have been forced to sign an unnecessarily expensive contract. I can't believe that there are merchants trying to scam the Knight Company...”

**Acacia:** Don't look so scared. It's only natural for a merchant to try and make some profit. Also, it might actually have been true that he didn't know, right?

“It's only natural for... merchants? It seems like I've been naïve. When I'm such a situation, I should be a little more suspicious.”

**Acacia:** Yeah... I wonder if it's a little different from suspicious? The important thing about negotiations is to gain the upper hand without raising the other side's suspicions.

Well, if anything, it's more interesting than being straightforward.

-*Saying so, Acacia laughs. Even though she has honest eyes, there's a lot of depth. Just as that old merchant said, she could be successful if she started a business.*

**Acacia:** A business... what do you think about it, Danchou...?

-*Suddenly Acacia made a serious look.*

**Acacia:** Actually, I... I've been thinking it would be nice to become a merchant.

-*Acacia's sudden confession makes my heart pound.* “If you want to become a merchant, in other words, does that mean that you'll quit being a Flower Knight?” *I ask Acacia.*

**Acacia:** Hm? Ah, no no. Of course I'm talking about when the fight against pests is over.

The Acacia Corps. was my dream. But, these days, the Acacia Corps. is doing well, so I'm wondering if I should move on to something new. For example, next is... Acacia Trading, or something.

I think I could entrust the management to Black Locust, and the on-the-ground work to Dahlia. I'd like to keep Cherry Sage close to me so that I can keep on teaching her lots of things, but I wonder if Lupin would get jealous... Fufu, even just thinking about it gets me excited.

“I see. Right now, we can't afford to lose Acacia, but if we ever get world peace, it'll be a different story. I'd like Acacia to chase her dreams.”

**Acacia:** Thanks, Danchou. You really are a good person when you say things like that.

-*Besides, only she can make her dreams come true. Acacia's not only a Flower Knight, but has talent as a merchant, as I saw at today's negotiation. Although–.*

**Acacia:** Hm? What's wrong, you look worried. Maybe it's... Do you think that if I become a merchant, I'll go away somewhere far away?

Haa... I don't really know yet, what will happen to me. It's a bit of a shame.

I've decided to take you along with me.

I have fun every day all thanks to you. If you're with me, things won't ever stop being interesting. Even if you say you don't want to, I'll keep pulling, so be ready.

“Aah... Is that right? I see. That would be Acacia. The leader of one of the best transportation units in all of Spring Garden.” *Having someone say that to her makes her openly happy.*

**Acacia:** But, if that happens... I wonder what Danchou's job would be in Acacia Trading? Maybe be my apprentice, or maybe, that...

My husband... maybe?

-*Acacia's looking for confirmation.* “That's... When that time comes, we'll figure it out, but no matter what the title is, I want to be near Acacia” *I answered.*

**Acacia:** Yeah, me too. Right now, we're still Flower Knight and Commander, but when that time comes... Please do?

-*Acacia muttered the intense feelings within her chest, clenched her fist tight and held it into the sky. Then –*

**Acacia:** O-K! From tomorrow, I'm going to work even harder! To aim for a world without any pests! Danchou, let's scream out together! Hey! Hey! Ho!

-*The sound of Acacia's determined voice reaches high into the sky. I felt like I could see that new world in which there are no pests, even just a little.*

## Date Scene

**Acacia:** O-K, just sign here to accept the receipt of delivery! I checked earlier, but please check again to ensure that none of the food has been damaged!

*Acacia, who has delivered a parcel to the expedition base, is doing a post delivery check with efficiency.*

*She's a Flower Knight, but at the same time is that captain of a transport unit called the “Acacia Squad”. Acacia has a good reputation for her transportation methods, and so is always very busy. Therefore, it's been decided that I would join her tomorrow as an assistant on a transportation mission.*

**Acacia:** Danchou, have you made the preparations for our return trip? My next task is to return Danchou safely to the base, so make sure you're properly prepared.

Well, seeing as it's us two going home together, we'll be there in no time! I guarantee to you, you'll return to the base unscathed. We'll return by ship, so, let's go home!

*I say goodbye to the Flower Knights who are heading to their next mission, then head back to base with Acacia.*

**Acacia:** Hey, Danchou, hold out your hand! You mentioned this was a mission, right? If we get split up, it would be a problem.

*Acacia offers her hand. She was a little embarrassed, but seeing as she asked, I put my hand in hers.*

**Acacia:** Fufu, it's a mission, but it feels like a picnic. The weather's nice today, and it's perfect for this mission! Such a wonderful feeling!

“Certainly, we don't get such great missions very often. But, I think that this mission was requested by someone, but I didn't get any further details.”

**Acacia:** They didn't tell you, Danchou? This request came from Acacia!

Danchou's mission yesterday was to go on a delivery with me, right? If your important partner gets injured, it would cause trouble for the recipient. So we need to protect each other.

*As she says that, she holds my hand even tighter. Just as Acacia said. It's no good if the assistant gets injured and slows everyone down. We need to take care.*

**Acacia:** Fufu, it's bad if we're not careful, but we don't need to be too cautious. I've already done a proper preliminary inspection of the route! I know it to be safe!

The road goes this way. That was doesn't have many pests... Ah, there, it's easy to trip, so watch out.

*I fall into the belief that I'm a valuable object. I'm reminded that this is what a proper transporter is about. After all, I need to be enthusiastic about tomorrow's mission.*

**Acacia:** Danchou, there, it's all muddy...!

*Acacia suddenly hugs me. There was a small puddle which we managed to avoid.*

**Acacia:** Fuu, I wonder if someone has washed down their carriage, as it wasn't there when I did my check... You didn't get dirty?

*Acacia was still hugging me. I tell her that even if I got a little dirty, it wouldn't be an issue, but Acacia doesn't accept it at all. After fully checking everything, she finally nods in confirmation.*

**Acacia:** I have a responsibility to deliver my goods unharmed to the client. This time the client is myself, so my wish is, that I don't cause Danchou to have any unnecessary workload on the next mission, such as having to do laundry!

*As she says that, Acacia once again offers her hand.*

**Acacia:** Moving quickly is dangerous, so let's go home slowly.

*As she holds my hand, Acacia smiles brightly.*

**Acacia:** Hey, you can see it now, not long now!

*Thanks to Acacia's checks, we didn't encounter a single pest up until now. She's been holding my hand all the time.*

**Acacia:** But, this is a little disappointing. I wanted to spend a little more time with Danchou.

*Acacia shakes her head as I tell her that I'll be with her for all of tomorrow's mission.*

**Acacia:** We're going to have a load of cargo both on the way out and on the way back tomorrow. I'll be needing to use my hands to carry cargo, and not to hold Danchou's. In other words, we won't be able to hold hands tomorrow.

I wish the mission objective was always Danchou. What, I can't say that. But even if I had a single mission like that, I thought I'd be content!

*As she smiles brightly at me, she keeps her focus on the road ahead to avoid any missteps and tripping over a stone. It was truly impressive to watch.*

*I was impressed, but... Acacia trips over her own feet and in a panic, pulls me forward.*

**Acacia:** Wa! My feet...! Fu, I almost brought Danchou to the ground. I'm so sorry, and thank you.

*Perhaps she wasn't watching her own step because she was too busy looking at mine. I'm thankful for Acacia's care of me. But, she doesn't need to dote on me so much.*

*I ask Acacia.* “What's the most important thing about transportation for the Acacia squad?”

**Acacia:** ...Making sure everything's safe, of course. The safety of the cargo is absolute, but if something happened during the delivery, the cargo wouldn't ever arrive. I neglected that...

*As Acacia lets out a large sigh, I tell Acacia that's not right.*

**Acacia:** That's not right...? Then, it's to keep the deadline...? Eh? That's also wrong? Hmmm... I don't know, I give up! Could you tell me?

*As she says that, I lift Acacia up in a princess lift. As I lift her up, her armour begins to clank.*

**Acacia:** W-wait, Danchou!? Wh-what...? Does this have something to do with your answer?

*Acacia is surprised and upset.* “The most important thing to the Acacia Squad is Acacia herself. It is absolutely not allowed for anything to happen to Acacia, I expect. Especially with tomorrow's mission.”

**Acacia:** Fufu, certainly if something happened to me, Danchou would have to do everything by himself tomorrow, and that would be tough. Yeah, I'll have to be careful.

I'll be careful... So could you put me down please? Hey, can't you hear that Danchou? I'm heavy, right?

*Acacia was panicking being in my arms, but I ignored that and pulled her in for a hug.*

**Acacia:** Fufu... I'm supposed to be carrying Danchou... But I'm the one being carried.

*I thought there would've been more resistance, but in my arms, Acacia was being quite accepting.*

**Acacia:** To be honest, I left today's transport mission to another kid. It would be relatively easy as it's only a one-way trip. But I couldn't wait to meet Danchou so I also came.

I'm glad I came. To be carried by Danchou, I'm so happy. I feel like I'm something important.

*As she whispered that, she kisses my ear. That tickling feeling almost caused me to lose my power, but without thinking, my arms holding Acacia gained more strength.*

**Acacia:** What? Danchou, is it possible, your ears are ticklish? How cute. If that's the case, I'll give you some more! \*Kiss\*... Fufu, is that giving you some more gusto?

*Acacia's lips tickles my ears over and over. I'm desperately trying not to drop her.*

**Acacia:** Now that I'm being hugged like this, I feel like I'm an important parcel for delivery. It's not so bad, yeah, it's actually really nice!

I'll work hard to make sure to follow Danchou's lead with tomorrow's delivery.

“It seems like Acacia feels the same way as I was thinking before.” *I laughed.*

*Tomorrow, I'll carry out my mission and not embarrass the name of the Acacia Squad, and with renewed determination, I hugged Acacia again.*