Bitter and Sweep/Story

### The Daily Lives of Patissiers

Cinnamon enjoys working together with Macadamia and Chervil. During which, she hears a rumour about pests building a nest and it brings up some bitter memories from her past. Cinnamon can't leave it alone, and so she asks her old friend Crown of Thorns to join in with the subjugation unit.

**Macadamia:** Al-right! I've made an extra cake!
**Chervil:** Waa, it's so cute! I'll put it on display right away!
**Customer:** Excuse me.
**Cinnamon:** Yes, welcome to Patisserie Macadamia! We've just finished baking this cake.
**Customer:** Wow, it's freshly baked! Ok, I'll take three of that one.
**Cinnamon:** Thank you! I'll go and wrap them up, so please wait a moment.
**Chervil:** Macadamia-san's cakes are super popular again today.
**Cinnamon:** They're all so cute and tasty. We've also been getting a lot more repeat customers recently.
It looks like I'll be able to manage customer service by myself for now, so why don't you go and help Macadamia-san, Chervil-san?
**Chervil:** OK! If you start to get short-handed, then give me a call.
**Cinnamon:** Yes, thanks.
Hmm. Today really is a lot more successful than usual.
Ah, welcome. Welcome to Patisserie Macadamia!
**Female Customer 1:** Araa, this store has a huge variety of cakes.
**Female Customer 2:** I know, right? On top of that, they're all delicious!
**Cinnamon:** If you tell me what you like, then I may be able to make a few suggestions.
**Female Customer 1:** It's fine... We came here to buy a lot today, so let's just get one of every kind.
**Cinnamon:** Waah, thank you very much! I'll get them ready, so please take a seat over there.
(It's the first time these customers have come here. Hopefully they'll like the taste and become repeat customers...)
**Female Customer 2:** It's a little far to your house, so is this a good idea?
**Female Customer 1:** You're right... Once it calms down, then we might be able to think of something.
**Female Customer 2:** Once it calms down? What's happened?
**Female Customer 1:** Hmm, there's a rumour that a pest has built a nest in the suburbs. Once I heard about that, there's no way I can just leave my house easily, right?
**Cinnamon:** (A pest nest...?)
**Female Customer 2:** That's terrible! What are the knights doing about it?
**Female Customer 1:** We got a notice that they were heading out to subjugate not long ago. They told us that there's nothing to worry about... But, you know?
**Cinnamon:** ...............
**Chervil:** I've got some more baked sweets!
**Cinnamon:** Haa...!
**Female Customer 1:** Wow, what a wonderful smell... They're freshly baked too! Could we have some of them too?
**Cinnamon:** Yes, thank you very much!

–That evening, at the nearby knight barracks–
**Cinnamon:** Do you have some time? I heard that rumour about the pests, and...
I heard that they've built a nest and the knights will be heading out to subjugate soon.
**Knight Attendant:** Aah, you're talking about that case?
A large swarm of pests is suspected to be lurking within the nest, so it seems we require a considerable number of personnel to form a subjugation unit.
**Cinnamon:** So a proper subjugation unit is being organised?
**Knight Attendant:** ... Speaking of which, we had a similar case as this before. An unbelievable number of pests came bursting out of the nest...
**Cinnamon:** Yes... I'm fully aware of it.
**Knight Attendant:** Eh...?
**Cinnamon:** No, it's nothing. Thank you for letting me know... Excuse me.
... I can't forget it. It's the same as that time...
But we definitely completely exterminated that swarm. So I expect this case has no relation to it...
–The next day, Patisserie Macadamia–
**Chervil:** Huh? Have we already run out of the new baked sweets?
**Cinnamon:** The baked sweets that you thought up, Chervil-san? The customers who came not long ago bought them all up.
Congratulations on selling out!
**Chervil:** Th-thank you...!
**Macadamia:** So it's possible that customers who are looking for new releases can come in the afternoon too! Chervil, let's make some more of them together!
**Chervil:** Y-yes!
**Cinnamon:** Are you taking proper breaks, Macadamia-san and Chervil-san?
**Macadamia:** I got it! Well, let's get charged up and come back!
**Cinnamon:** Fufu...
......... Haa.
(It's about time for them to move out... It's going to be tough to secure so many people so suddenly, but we need to do something before the nest gets too big.)
(It's never to soon to act. On the other hand, it would be suicide to rush in before the unit is fully prepared...)
(How will they handle it...?)
**Crown of Thorns:** ... Seems like she's deep in thought?
**Cinnamon:** Ah, welcome!
... Ah, Crown of Thorns!?
**Crown of Thorns:** Thank you for the other day. We haven't paid for the ingredients yet, so I've brought the money.
**Cinnamon:** You didn't have to go out of your way...
**Macadamia:** Aah, Crown of Thorns! From that time!
**Chervil:** I'm glad I could see you again!
**Crown of Thorns:** Me too. Thank you so much for making the cake party possible the other day.
As a representative of the orphanage, please allow me to thank you once again. Thanks.
**Cinnamon:** But you've gone out of your way to come to our shop... That must have been tough.
**Crown of Thorns:** It's not a problem as I was curious as to what kind of shop you had. It's got a wonderful atmosphere... It looks like you have fun working here.
**Cinnamon:** Yes. Every day is fun thanks to everyone here.
**Crown of Thorns:** I see, that's good.
**Cinnamon:** ... Hey, Crown of Thorns. I have my break soon, so could we talk a little?
**Crown of Thorns:** ... Why, what's happened? I saw that you had a troubled look when I took a peek into your shop.
**Cinnamon:** Eh... Really?
That's... Not like me. Especially as I never know when a customer might come in...
It's just something that I can never forget just crossed my mind for a fleeting moment.
**Crown of Thorns:** ... Me too. But there's nothing we can do about it.
**Cinnamon:** ... Hey, Crown of Thorns. Why don't we sign up for the subjugation unit?

### Jumping In

Cinnamon and Crown of Thorns decide to take advantage of their mercenary backgrounds and join the subjugation unit. Although they've kept it a secret from the sisters at the orphanage and the other patissiers, Macadamia knows all about Cinnamon's past, and predicting her actions decides to sign up to the subjugation unit alongside Chervil.

**Cinnamon:** Yes, they are most likely the subjugation unit this time around. The leader is...
**Crown of Thorns:** ... You apparently know each other, judging by the looks on your faces.
**Cinnamon:** ... Danchou-san, do you have a moment?
**Crown of Thorns:** It's a little sudden, but we would like to join the subjugation unit. You can't have too many people who can fight, right?
**Danchou:** It's going to be quite a dangerous mission...
**Cinnamon:** We fully understand how dangerous it is, so please don't act like we'll slow you down.
Myself and Crown of Thorns' skills as “ex-mercenaries” haven't gotten rusty.
**Crown of Thorns:** We will definitely be of use to you.
**Cinnamon:** ... Fuu. We managed to sign up.
**Crown of Thorns:** Well, with our backgrounds, I'm sure he would have signed us up even if it wasn't an emergency.
**Cinnamon:** ... I think it's a little unfair of them to not explain a single thing from “that previous case”.
**Crown of Thorns:** ......
**Cinnamon:** By the way, is everyone alright at the orphanage?
**Crown of Thorns:** Y-yes... The other sisters are there, so I sent them a letter to say that something has come up and I'll be away for a little longer, so it's fine.
How about yourself? Will your shop be fine?
**Cinnamon:** The other patissiers are there, and I applied for days off, so there shouldn't be any problems.
**Crown of Thorns:** ... But you didn't say anything about it being a mission.
**Cinnamon:** Just like you didn't.
**Crown of Thorns:** I don't want to make them worry unnecessarily. They're all very nice people who would definitely worry about me far too much...
I don't know if I'll feel any better about things after we complete this mission though... We're going to do everything properly this time.
**Cinnamon:** Yes, this time will...
... It's about time for the mission brief. Let's listen.
... Basically, we have to keep in formation and move as one. It might seem so simple and obvious, but it's essential.
(The previous me didn't ever understand how important it was...)
**Crown of Thorns:** Wait... Hey, Cinnamon. Who's that who's running towards us...?
**Cinnamon:** Eh...?
**Macadamia:** W-a-i-t uppppppp!
**Chervil:** W-we made it in time!
**Cinnamon:** Eeeh, Macadamia-san!? Chervil-san too... W-why...?
**Macadamia:** I know how you feel, Cinnamon-san, so I couldn't let you go alone...
Ma-chan will help you get over your past!
**Crown of Thorns:** ... Cinnamon. Did you two talk about your past?
**Cinnamon:** Only Macadamia-san...
There are already rumours spreading around here about a subjugation unit being formed, so it is a little suspicious that I would apply for time off at the same time.
**Chervil:** I don't really know any of the details, but if there's a way I can help Cinnamon-san out, then of course I'll help!
**Cinnamon:** This is a very dangerous mission. It's not something you sign up to lightly.
**Macadamia:** Of course we didn't take it lightly! Danchou! Please let Ma-chan sign up too!
**Chervil:** W-we're counting on you!
**Cinnamon:** Fuu. There's nothing I can do about it now.
... Thanks, you two.

### Preparing for Subjugation

Cinnamon recalls her days as a mercenary as they make their way to their destination. Cinnamon deeply regrets her past actions and attitudes, and is deeply conflicted by these mixed feelings. Crown of Thorns is the same, and the two of them hope to overcome their past by completing this mission.

***Crown of Thorns:** Don't tell me you're getting scared? Not someone like you.*
***Cinnamon:** It's not like that at all. How many pests do you think we've subjugated so far?*
***Crown of Thorns:** You're among the best when it comes to defeating pests.*
***Cinnamon:** Fufu, thanks. If I'm among the best, that means you are too.*
*The only reason I've been able to get this strong is because I've had someone like you at my side.*
***Crown of Thorns:** Me too, it's only because we make a good combo that I've been able to get as good as I am.*
*So how about this time... We have a competition?*
***Cinnamon:** Is there any reason not to? I'll get rid of far more pests than you.*
***Crown of Thorns:** Fufuu, I won't lose. How many will I be able to kill today?*
***Cinnamon:** My fingers are tingling... Well, it's about time the pests showed themselves.*
***Crown of Thorns:** Ah, wait a moment! That pest is mine!*

**Macadamia:** ... Cinnamon. Ci-nna-mon! Cinnamomomomon!!
**Cinnamon:** Haa...! Macadamia-san?
**Macadamia:** You were spacing out! The mission's about to start!
**Cinnamon:** I see... Thank you. Sorry about that, I was thinking about something...
**Macadamia:** If it's about the shop, I've asked someone else to cover for you! There's nothing for you to worry about!
But this subjugation is the real deal! My heart's been pounding like mad for a while now!
**Cinnamon:** We're on a mission to head into the pests' nest. The scale of this mission is far different from usual, so everyone's nervous.
**Chervil:** Uuu... I'm a little out of my depth... Will I be alright...?
**Crown of Thorns:** It's only natural for those of us who jumped in at the last minute to be unfamiliar. So don't worry about it too much.
**Chervil:** Crown of Thorns-san...
**Cinnamon:** Are you afraid? It's alright to be afraid, but it's important that you relax.
Don't think about it to much, alright? For now, just focus on keeping in formation with everyone else.
**Chervil:** Y-yes! We're all going together so nobody's late!
**Macadamia:** Oooh, amazing Cinnamon-san! You know about so many things!
Ma-chan might be the boss in the shop, but out here, Cinnamon's the senpai!
**Cinnamon:** ... Well, I wouldn't call myself senpai.
**Chervil:** It's amazing how calm Cinnamon-san and Crown of Thorns-san are! I'm in awe!
**Cinnamon:** You're in awe... Thanks...
(If I just did it like this before...)
**Crown of Thorns:** You can't relive that time, no matter how many regrets you have.
You signed up as a way to get over those feelings, didn't you? Then get it together.
**Cinnamon:** Crown of Thorns...
**Cinnamon:** ... Yes, you're right. I need to get it together.
**Chervil:** Ah... Everyone looks like they're stopping! Did something happen?
**Cinnamon:** The pests' nest should be a little further ahead. It wouldn't be weird for pests to show up at this distance from it.
**Crown of Thorns:** There! There's a swarm right ahead!
**Macadamia:** H-h-how should we fight them? An ambush? A pre-emptive strike!?
**Cinnamon:** ... We're not fighting them alone. Keep calm and keep up with everyone else.

### A Bitter Past and Sweet Candy

During their mercenary days, Cinnamon and Crown of Thorns would compete against each other to defeat pests. Due to that, their mercenary band was destroyed around them without them noticing. Cinnamon is now wracked with worry about whether she will be able to protect her friends this time until she puts one of the sweets Chervil brought in her mouth, and her tension starts to melt away.

***Crown of Thorns:** So stubborn. Go away already.*
***Cinnamon:** You're pretty good.*
***Crown of Thorns:** Fufuu, you too. Huh, what? Did you come to talk?*
***Cinnamon:** No... It's just the boss has just put out an order to retreat.*
***Crown of Thorns:** Retreat? Why? We can still fight, so why not carry on?*
*We just defeat, defeat, defeat, and defeat the pests. That's our job as mercenaries. Don't you think?*
***Cinnamon:** ... Yes, you're right. I fully agree with you.*
*- We left our allies behind and headed towards the pest infested nest. There was no way we could lose. Absolutely not with the two of us.*
*- In doing so, we succeeded in completely exterminating the nest that the pests built.*
***Cinnamon:** Fuu... Hey, did you count?*
***Crown of Thorns:** I lost count about halfway through. I was just dropping one after the next.*
***Cinnamon:** So the both of us dropped more than we could count. Should we call this time a draw then?*
***Crown of Thorns:** Probably. Well, there's nothing left for any of our allies...*
***Dying Mercenary:** Uu... You...*
***Cinnamon:** ... Eh?*
***Crown of Thorns:** Are you alright? Your body... You shouldn't get up yet...*
***Dying Mercenary:** Aah... You're safe then... I didn't see you... So I was worried...?*
***Cinnamon:** We're all fine. Don't speak, just focus on breathing...!*
***Dying Mercenary:** It's just you two though... I'm glad you're sa......*
***Cinnamon:** The bleeding won't stop... W-we need to get the medic straight away!*
***Crown of Thorns:** ......... It's too late.*
***Cinnamon:** That's... The others are...?*
***Crown of Thorns:** ... They did just say it's just us two and they were glad we were safe.*
***Cinnamon:** Just... Us? Don't tell me that the retreat order before...*

**Crown of Thorns:** ... Fuu. Don't tell me we're going to hang around here...
**Macadamia:** Uuu... I thought we were moving in formation, but we ended up getting split up...
**Chervil:** Even after the warnings that Cinnamon-san gave them... Wh-what should we do...?
**Crown of Thorns:** Complications can happen, no matter how well prepared you are. This much can't be helped.
**Cinnamon:** (It would be fine to split us into two groups, but... But our wing is much smaller and doesn't have Danchou-san.)
(Which means that someone else is going to have to take command in his stead. On top of that, falling into disarray...)
**Crown of Thorns:** ... Everyone's pretty exhausted right now.
This isn't the time to be pushing ourselves. Why don't we wait for the sun to rise before we go looking for our comrades?
**Macadamia:** That's a good idea!
**Chervil:** Moving around in the dark is definitely dangerous. Everyone also looks so tired...
**Cinnamon:** I think it's a sound judgement, but we joined in at a later point... We should go and hear the feelings of the subjugation unit members who have been here from the start.
**Crown of Thorns:** Alright. Are you two fine with staying here?
**Macadamia:** ... Umu! Everyone seems to agree with your feelings, Crown of Thorns!
**Cinnamon:** Well, let's take our rest for now. You should try and get some sleep if you can.
(... I say that, but I don't think I can sleep myself. Can I really protect everyone here...?)
**Crown of Thorns:** ... You're not sleeping, Cinnamon?
**Cinnamon:** You too?
**Crown of Thorns:** Well, I can't sleep. I need to make sure I protect everyone this time around...
**Cinnamon:** Yes. We need to do...
**Chervil:** Ah! That reminds me...!
I actually brought some sweets with me! I have loads of them, so please take some everyone!
**Cinnamon:** S-sweets...?
**Chervil:** Ah... It makes this feel like we're on a picnic, but that's not what I...!
But it's just that I don't really have much I can do to contribute to this mission, so...
So I thought that if I can at least bring a smile to everyone, then...
**Cinnamon:** Chervil-san...
**Macadamia:** Chervil's sweets are exquisite! Thank you for them!
Mmmm, they're so tasty and energising! Everyone should definitely eat some of them at a time like this!
**Chervil:** Y-yes! I'll pass them out now...!
**Cinnamon:** ... I can't believe that we're going to get Patisserie Macadamia sweets at a time like this...
**Crown of Thorns:** Fufuu, it's fine, isn't it? We should eat some too, Cinnamon.
If you get stuck in your head, your heart will be the first thing to break. So, right now...
**Cinnamon:** ... You're right. We're here, so it'll be fine... Let's get some proper rest and prepare in the morning.

### The Presence of Friends

Cinnamon and the others who have been split from the main unit into a smaller team proceed through the forest. Unfortunately for them they encounter a swarm of pests, but they manage to successfully defeat the pests while protecting their allies by working closely with Crown of Thorns. During the fight, they see Turep and Common Sorrel arriving to provide reinforcements.

**Cinnamon:** ... It's already morning? Thank you for waking me.
Did you get some rest?
**Chervil:** Yes! I was put on the last watch, so I managed to get a long rest.
You were keeping watch through the middle of the night, so it must have been tough for you, Cinnamon-san. I've woken you up a little bit early, but did you get some rest?
**Cinnamon:** Yes, I'm fine.
**Chervil:** That's good... Well, I'd better go and wake the others who are still sleeping!
**Crown of Thorns:** ... It looks like you got some sleep.
**Cinnamon:** I didn't think I would be able to sleep at first, but it's far more scary to not have any strength when you need it.
I'm happy that everyone's here.
**Crown of Thorns:** Yes, we're truly...
**Macadamia:** Which direction should we take to meet back up with our friends?
**Crown of Thorns:** Our top priority is getting back to everyone else, but if we return to the point where we got split up, then we'll be late for the subjugation...
They will be expecting us to join up with them later, so they will probably be getting ready to attack the nest right about now.
**Macadamia:** I see! Then we should be heading towards the route that our allies are likely to take...
**Chervil:** Ah, that's... A huge number of pests!
**Cinnamon:** ... It looks like they're pretty upset at their nest getting attacked.
**Chervil:** Sh-should we run away? We've not met up with our allies yet...
**Cinnamon:** That's impossible... They've already noticed us. We're not at a distance that this can be settled peacefully.
**Macadamia:** So... We have to fight! Isn't that right, Cinnamon!
**Cinnamon:** ......
**Macadamia:** ... Cinnamon? What's wrong? Do you have some kind of plan?
**Chervil:** Cinnamon-san...?
**Cinnamon:** (We don't have many people... Even if things go well in the beginning, I don't think we'll make it to the end... Especially these two, who aren't used to fighting...)
(I... If I pay no mind to my allies, and focus completely on fighting these pests, then I'll be able to fully exterminate them.)
(But, if I do that...)
**Crown of Thorns:** Cinnamon!
**Cinnamon:** Ah!!
**Crown of Thorns:** I'll watch you back, so don't worry about it.
In exchange... Can I ask you to watch ours?
**Cinnamon:** Crown of Thorns...
... Yes, leave it to me. Sorry for having those thoughts again.
Everyone, listen up! We're going into battle!
But don't “rush towards victory”. Our mission is to stay alive and meet back up with our friends...
Will you put your faith into myself and Crown of Thorns and fight alongside us?
**Macadamia:** Of course we will!
**Chervil:** I agree with what she said. We're counting on you!
**Cinnamon:** ... Thanks everyone...

*- I still see it in my dreams. Hear it. Smell it. Feel it; The corpses of my comrades. The deafening silence. The stench of blood. The despair.*
*- It's in my past. I know it. But even so, I still can't erase it in my mind. No matter how many times I relive it. I can't forget, like it's tearing off my nails.*
*- My soul is still trapped in that battlefield.*
**Cinnamon:** Haa... Haa...! It will be alright... I won't let any of my friends die...!
**Crown of Thorns:** We'll definitely... Protect them all!
**Chervil:** ... Cinnamon-san's amazing... She's really... She's really strong...
**Macadamia:** Crown of Thorns too! Also, the harmony between the two of them is perfect!
**Pest:** GishaAAAAAAAAA!!!!
**Cinnamon:** The queen is still alive. We can't let our guard down.
**Macadamia:** Roger that!!
Hm...? Can you hear someone calling from over there?
**Cinnamon:** Eh?
**Macadamia:** I can hear... Th-that's... The Flower Knights!? Our friends have come to save us!
**Chervil:** Does that mean... We met back up...?
**Crown of Thorns:** No... Those people weren't part of the original unit.
**Chervil:** Then that means that Danchou-san called for reinforcements for us! We're saved...!
**Turep:** Ah, there they are! Crown of Thorns-saan, are you alright?
**Common Sorrel:** Uwaa, your clothes are all torn! This definitely means that we're going to have to buy a new set...!
**Crown of Thorns:** Eh... Turep and Common Sorrel-san...!? Wh-what's the meaning of this?
**Common Sorrel:** We'll explain later! Let's focus on smashing these guys for now!
**Turep:** In the name of God... Heart Leaf Orphanage will assist!

### Bitter and Sweep

In the past, Cinnamon and Crown of Thorns left the mercenary band in order to find something, or to run away from their own mistakes. They have now successfully completed this subjugation and protected the people who are close to them. Crown of Thorns is blamed for keeping secrets by her friends, but she's grateful to have someone close to her to get angry at her.

***Crown of Thorns:** ...............*
***Cinnamon:** But we killed every single pest... How did this...? Hey... How did this happen...?*
***Crown of Thorns:** I don't know... I don't know, but... Did we... Make a mistake...?*
***Cinnamon:** A mistake...? When... Where... What...?*
*How did this...? But we won... So why do I feel...?*
*What... Should we do now...?*
***Crown of Thorns:** ...............*
*- The worst possible result. The worst possible ending.*
*- Then, with the few allies left alive at our base camp, the townspeople were saved from the pest threat...*
*- We were praised, with them saying “We were the only two to survive a deadly battle.”*
***Cinnamon:** Aah... This is horrible, terrible. Nothing... There's nothing I can say...*
***Crown of Thorns:** I'm the same. Do you think anyone will blame us if we told them the truth?*
***Cinnamon:** ... They can't blame us even if they wanted to. Even if someone tries to blame us, someone else stands up to protect us.*
***Crown of Thorns:** Yes... We shouldn't be getting any praise, but at the same time, nobody would be happy if we told them the truth...*
***Cinnamon:** ... Then what should we do? How should... We amend for that time...?*
***Crown of Thorns:** ...............*
*- So, in order to find the answer to that question... Or maybe we were just running away from our own mistakes when we left the mercenary band.*
*- So without exchanging any more words, we parted ways...*

**Cinnamon:** Fuu... It's finally over.
Macadamia-san, Chervil-san, are you hurt? Are you alright?
**Macadamia:** Cinnamon's in a far worse state! You should go and get medical help!
**Cinnamon:** I'm used to these kinds of injuries, so it's fine.
**Chervil:** Cinnamon-san... You really are amazing. You seem so calm, even though you're heavily injured...
**Macadamia:** She's amazing, but she still needs to get help! Sit still and don't complain!
**Cinnamon:** Fufu, alright. If I don't recover from my injuries, then I can't go back to being a patissier.
**Turep:** Crown of Thorns!
**Crown of Thorns:** Ah, Turep...! It doesn't look like either of you have gotten seriously hurt, Turep or Common Sorrel-san.
**Common Sorrel:** All of the reinforcement squad have relatively minor injuries.
But- more- importantly... Look at your injuries, Crown of Thorns-san! Your tattered clothes! Your weapon! It's insane that you've pushed yourself this far!!
**Crown of Thorns:** ... I've made you mad. I'm sorry, both of you.
(... But, thank you for getting mad at me...)

### Epilogue

A nun and a patissier reevaluate their feelings. Cinnamon and Crown of Thorns don't feel like they will ever forget their bitter past, so they make a vow to never forget it so that they will never lose anything important again.

**Turep:** Umm, well about that...
**Common Sorrel:** We got a letter from Crown of Thorns-san saying that you had something important to do that will keep you away for a while longer after you left for Patisserie Macadamia, right?
**Crown of Thorns:** Yes... Was that somehow strange?
**Common Sorrel:** Of course it's weird. There was nothing specific written in it.
You never wrote any kind of date or time, and just that you will be back later than expected, so we got worried.
**Turep:** We had a peddler pass by the orphanage around the same time who told us that a pest nest had been discovered, and that a unit was being formed to carry out a subjugation mission.
They said that there was a huge amount of pests flooding out from within the nest... That made us think of an incident that you told us about before, Crown of Thorns-san.
It was very similar... Didn't you think so too, Crown of Thorns-san?
**Crown of Thorns:** ... Yes. It's the same as that time...
**Turep:** So because it was about you, then there would be no way we could sit around and wait, right?
So we thought to ourselves “why don't we just secretly sign up for this subjugation mission?”
**Cinnamon:** ... I'm so sorry. It's because I invited her.
**Crown of Thorns:** You have nothing to apologise for. If you never invited me, then I would have been the one inviting you.
Just as Turep said. As soon as I heard of it from you, Cinnamon, then it was already decided that I wouldn't be able to not do anything.
But to have Turep and Common Sorrel-san sign up to is...
**Turep:** It was something that Crown of Thorns-san had to do. So it's something that we want to help you out with.
But you left us behind and tried to keep it a secret.
**Common Sorrel:** I'm sure that you had a lot of reasons, like you didn't want to worry us, but that doesn't mean you have to keep secrets from us.
You can depend on the orphanage and all of the other sisters around you, so it's fine. If there's something you need to do, then please tell us openly and do it.
If you do things in secret, then we'll get worried! We were so worried... Grr, you idiot!
**Crown of Thorns:** ... I'm sorry. I've made you all worry.
**Turep:** You did... But you're alright. You're getting a big hug!
**Crown of Thorns:** Eh, eeeh...?
**Turep:** \*Hug!\*
**Common Sorrel:** Haa... Our sister superior really is soft.
**Turep:** You too Common Sorrel-san. Come here.
**Common Sorrel:** No, I don't really...
**Turep:** ......
**Common Sorrel:** Ah... Grr, don't make that face! Alright, just for today!!
**Crown of Thorns:** Common Sorrel-san...
**Turep:** Crown of Thorns-san... Did we help you save yourself?
**Crown of Thorns:** ... Yes, of course you did.
Thank you for saving me.
**Macadamia:** Kuu... How wonderful! We should do that too!
**Chervil:** !!
**Macadamia:** Ci-na-monnn! \*Huuuuug!\*
**Cinnamon:** Wha- Macadamia-san...!?
**Macadamia:** You too Chervil, you should hug Cinnamon too! Hey \*hug\*!
**Chervil:** Y-yes! Um, excuse me... \*Hug\*...!
**Cinnamon:** Even you Chervil-san...
**Macadamia:** I really felt how much you wanted to protect Ma-chan and everyone else, Cinnamon.
But, at the same time, Ma-chan wants to protect you too, Cinnamon.
**Chervil:** Yes! I want to protect you too!
**Cinnamon:** ... Thanks.
How are your wounds?
**Crown of Thorns:** They've calmed down, thanks to you.
It seems like most of the follow up work has been completed... It's about time we go home.
**Cinnamon:** ... I wonder if we can forget that bitter past just a little bit now.
**Crown of Thorns:** ... No. We definitely can't forget that. More importantly, we should always remember it as a rule.
It's not like every candy will always be sweet, right?
**Cinnamon:** ... I see. We should never forget that.
I'm grateful to everyone, and to you. I could never have gotten through this alone...
**Crown of Thorns:** I'm the same. Not being alone was the only thing that brought me salvation in the end.
That's... What we lacked at that time. It's not all about the fight, and about defeating them... There's something more valuable.
**Cinnamon:** A place to love from the bottom of my heart... Also, somebody who's there to stop you from wandering down the wrong path... Is that what you mean?
Thanks, Crown of Thorns.
**Crown of Thorns:** Fufu, you too.
Well, then should we go back? To the place where our treasured people are...
**Cinnamon:** Yes... Well, until next time.