Bear-san, Heads To The Island Of Reenes

“I’ll arrange for a ship, then.” (Shin.o.bu)

We had to go to the island by boat.

But Sakura seems to want to say something.

“Anou, Yuna-sama. May I ask you something?” (Sakura)

“What is it?” (Yuna)

“I heard that Yuna-sama came to this country by crossing the sea on Swaying Bear-sama and Hugging Bear-sama, is that true?” (Sakura)

“It’s true.” (Yuna)

Shin.o.bu saw me and nodded since there was no point in fooling her if she had already reported it to Sakura.

“Well, if it’s possible, then…….” (Sakura)

It was a small voice that seemed about to disappear.

“Do you want a ride, perhaps?” (Yuna)

The look on Sakura’s face, it’s quite a complicated expression.

She wants to ride, but she also feels like she shouldn’t be selfish.

“Etto, anou, that, umm.” (Sakura)

Sakura looked down and reluctantly gave a small nod.

“When I heard about it, I thought it was a dream come true to run on the sea. I mean, if it’s not too much trouble.” (Sakura)

I glanced at Hugging Bear.

“I don’t mind. But I can’t give you a ride in public. I don’t want people to be surprised if a bear shows up, and I don’t want them to see us running on the ocean.” (Yuna)

“Then there’s a good place for that. I just happen to know of a place where we can go out to sea without being seen.” (Shin.o.bu)

Shin.o.bu said there’s a place where Sakura can ride Swaying Bear and Hugging Bear, and no one will ever notice.

“Thank you, Shin.o.bu.” (Sakura)

“No problem. I want to ride it too after all.” (Shin.o.bu)

It seems that was her aim all along.

Are you sure It’s a good idea when you have your summoned horse, Hayatemaru with you?

Anyways, we decided to ride Swaying Bear and Hugging Bear to the island of Reenes.

“Come to think of it, does everyone know about Swaying Bear and Hugging Bear?” (Yuna)

I asked. I was curious to know how far Sin.o.bu had reported.

“The only people I’ve reported to are the King and Sakura-sama. If the King and Sakura-sama hadn’t told anyone, then only the two of them would have known.” (Shin.o.bu)

“I haven’t told anyone.” (Sakura)

“What about the ones monitoring us other than Shin.o.bu?” (Yuna)

“No, they didn’t. No one would wait for someone whom they’re not sure when they will come from the sea. Only when you were fighting my master did they watch. I guarantee that.” (Shin.o.bu)

“Well then, in the meantime, can you tell the king to keep his mouth shut?” (Yuna)

I don’t know how far this request will be fulfilled, but I’ll still ask.

“But I didn’t expect Sakura to go with us to the island.” (Yuna)

I thought that Shin.o.bu was going to show me around.

“If I don’t go, Kagali-sama won’t listen to Yuna-sama’s words. Besides, Yuna-sama’s outfit is, well, it’s like a bear.” (Sakura)

Sakura said with some difficulty.

It is true that if I, dressed as a bear, were to say, “I am the light of hope that Sakura was talking about,” people would not trust me. If Sakura herself says it, however, there’s a good chance they’ll trust her. In the first place, I’m too embarra.s.sed to call myself the light of hope for the people.

“And Kagali-sama is someone who has her likes and dislikes clearly defined. It is said that that is why she created a barrier that prohibits men from entering and leaving.” (Sakura)

“I thought it was because the monsters release miasma.” (Yuna)

“That’s also true. But the majority of the crew in the ship were men, so most of the thieves were also men.” (Sakura)

“What does the barrier like, anyway? Will they die if they go in?” (Yuna)

“It’s not that scary. It’s more like sapping physical strength. Your body will get lazy and you won’t be able to move.” (Sakura)

I asked, and that’s what Sakura answered.

Such barriers exist. If they were to go to war, they would be invincible if they made them as a defensive formation.

“So that means you can approach the island by boat, but you can’t land on it. If you do, then don’t steal anything, so you won’t die.” (Shin.o.bu)

It’s a safe and secure setting.

Then, after the talk was over, we ate dinner, and the time came to go to bed.

“Are you sure?” (Sakura)

Sakura asked while hugging the bear cub Hugging Bear.

Sakura seemed to enjoy being with Hugging Bear, and Hugging Bear didn’t seem to mind. So, I suggested that they sleep together. By the way, she’s not hugging me, but Hugging Bear.

“Just for today.” (Yuna)

“Thank you very much. Hugging Bear-sama, please take care of me this evening.” (Sakura)

I laid out the futon, I slept with Swaying Bear, and Sakura slept with Hugging Bear.

By the way, Shin.o.bu left to prepare for tomorrow. I wondered wasn’t she was supposed to be my caretaker? Still, I don’t need her when I go to bed, so I didn’t pursue her.

=====

The next morning, I woke up to find Sakura hugging the bear cub Hugging Bear.

“Mornin’.” (Yuna)

“Good morning.” (Sakura)

Sakura’s expression seemed to indicate that something was wrong.

“Did you have a dream, by any chance?” (Yuna)

“Yes, it’s a dream where Hugging Bear-sama protects me.”

“Hugging Bear?” (Yuna)

“Yes. As I cried in the darkness, Hugging Bear-sama gently wrapped me in his arms. He was warm and filled me with a sense of security as if my anxiety was disappearing. He shone a bright light on the oncoming darkness and protected me from it. His appearance was very dignified and cool. It’s been a long time since I slept so peacefully. Thank you, Hugging Bear-sama.” (Sakura)

‘Kuu ~ n’

Hugging Bear disagreed. He cried with an expression that said, “No I did not”.

“Does that mean the serpent’s sealing succeeded then?” (Yuna)

“I don’t know. Maybe it’s just a dream, not a premonition. I think Hugging Bear-sama helped me with the dream that my anxiety showed.” (Sakura)

Well, when Swaying Bear and Hugging Bear are together, I can sleep in peace. They give me peace of mind. Maybe Swaying Bear and Hugging Bear have such power.

After breakfast, we were to take a carriage to the beach. From there, we would ride Swaying Bear and Hugging Bear to the island of Reenes.

I looked at the carriage that was being prepared and saw that Hayatemaru was tethered to the carriage.

“Hurry up and get in.” (Shin.o.bu)

Apparently, Shin.o.bu would be the one driving the carriage.

Well, if it’s another person, Swaying Bear and Hugging Bear would not be able to run on the ocean.

Sakura and I, carrying Swaying Bear and Hugging Bear in their cub form, rode in the carriage, and Shin.o.bu sat on the coach box.

When Shin.o.bu saw that we were in the carriage, she started to move the carriage.

“Sakura-sama, you seem to have taken a liking to Hugging Bear.” (Shin.o.bu)

Shin.o.bu, who is on the coach box, speaks to us.

Sakura is holding Hugging Bear cub on her lap as if she’s holding something precious. It’s a little different from the way Fina and Noa adore him.

By the way, I have Swaying Bear cub on my lap.

“I feel safe when I’m with Hugging Bear-sama.” (Sakura)

“I understand that feeling. It’s soft and comfortable.” (Shin.o.bu)

I agree with that statement. When I hug Swaying Bear and Hugging Bear, it feels amazing.

“It’s a little different from that. Of course it feels good, but it also calms my anxious mind.” (Sakura)

It seems to be thanks in part to Hugging Bear’s presence, who also appeared in her dream.

“Also, in the land of harmony, white is revered as a symbol that brings happiness and is undefiled. Maybe that’s why I feel that way even more.” (Sakura)

`Kuu ~ n’

“It’s not that Swaying Bear-sama is tainted or depressing, so please don’t look like that.” (Sakura)

When Sakura saw Swaying Bear’s slightly sad expression, she responded to him and reached out to pat Swaying Bear’s head.

Certainly, there are stories about white birds, white snakes, and white cats that bring good luck and happiness. There’s even a white rabbit that also brings good luck. When you think about it, it is no wonder that the colour white is said to bring good fortune.

Black, on the other hand, has more of a bad image.

But that doesn’t matter to me.

“Swaying Bear, Hugging Bear, you’re both bears that bring me happiness.” (Yuna)

Swaying Bear and Hugging Bear squealed happily at my words.

Well, actually, I do. I enjoy having Swaying Bear and Hugging Bear, and I can’t imagine life without them.

=====

After a while, we arrived to a place away from the city.

“You can’t see it from here. But be careful of the boats out in the ocean.” (Shin.o.bu)

Well, if we keep our distance, they shouldn’t notice us.

Shin.o.bu unsummoned Hayatemaru. The rest of the carriage was put away in my bear box. I’ve already been seen putting away dozens of tatami mats, so it’s too late to hold back now.

And in order to cross the ocean, I will need to return Swaying Bear and Hugging Bear from their cub form to their normal size.

“Okay then, Sakura and Shin.o.bu, you will ride on Hugging Bear. Hugging Bear, is that okay with you?” (Yuna)

`Ku~u ~ n’

After I confirmed this, Hugging Bear sat down in front of Sakura.

“Thank you, Hugging Bear-sama.” (Sakura)

Sakura gets on the Hugging Bear with excitement. She almost lost her balance, but Hugging Bear followed up.

“Thank you, Hugging Bear-sama.” (Sakura)

`Ku~u ~ n’

[It’s so soft and fluffy. It’s very comfortable.” (Sakura)

Sakura has an expression befitting her age.

“Well then, me too please.” (Shin.o.bu)

Shin.o.bu rode behind Sakura as if hugging her, and I rode on Swaying Bear.

“Then we’ll be running on the ocean, but it’ll be fine, so don’t freak out.” (Yuna)

“Ye-, yes.” (Sakura)

“I’m getting nervous.” (Shin.o.bu)

Swaying Bear, with me on board, and Hugging Bear, with Sakura and Shin.o.bu on board, ran on the sea.

“We’re really running on the ocean.” (Sakura)

“It’s amazing.” (Shin.o.bu)

“It’s like a dream.” (Sakura)

Sakura is riding Hugging Bear with a big smile on her face. It’s the kind of smile a child would have at an amus.e.m.e.nt park. Unlike the other children, Sakura is a mature child. Her tone of voice is polite, and I wish Shin.o.bu would learn a little from her.

“What is it?” (Shin.o.bu)

It seems that Shin.o.bu noticed that I was looking at her.

“It’s nothing. Now, hold on tight as we pick up speed.” (Yuna)

Swaying Bear and Hugging Bear sped up towards the island of Reenes.

The island of Reenes was visible from the harbor, even from here. Even though we could see it, it was still quite a distance away.

As we proceed, we see the size of the island. About the same size as Targui?

I can’t tell for sure, but it looks about that big.

And when I look over the island, I see what looks like a blackbird flying around. It looks a little ominous.

Without taking too long, we arrived at the beach on the island of Reenes.

“We’ve really crossed the ocean.” (Sakura)

“Swaying Bear and Hugging Bear are really amazing.” (Shin.o.bu)

“Thank you very much, Hugging Bear-sama.” (Sakura)

“It was a valuable experience for me too. Thank you.” (Shin.o.bu)

When they thanked him, Hugging Bear became happy.

“And thank you too, Swaying Bear.” (Yuna)

`Ku~u ~ n’

=====

After arriving at the island of Reenes, we rode Swaying Bear and Hugging Bear to a place, where the person named Kagali lives.

The island was covered in forest. In the middle of the forest that spreads out on both sides, there’s a single road that has been cleared.

“Does this Kagali-sama live here all by herself?” (Yuna)

“Normally, she’s alone most of the time, but sometimes her caretaker comes over.” (Sakura)

But that means she’s basically alone.

“Isn’t it pitiful to be alone in such a place?” (Yuna)

Even as a former hikikomori, I don’t want to live alone on an island.

“She sometimes goes to the capital or the city, so I think she’s okay.” (Sakura)

“Is that so?” (Yuna)

“She doesn’t move away for a long time, but it’s okay because it’s not like what Yuna-sama thinks.” (Sakura)

That’s fine, then. I’d feel sorry for her if it seemed like she was sacrificed and locked up though.

Swaying Bear and Hugging Bear, with us on board, proceeded along the road. The road was heading towards the center of the island.

“I think we’ll see it soon.” (Sakura)

After a while, I saw a building that looked like a shrine.

It was a magnificent building.

We got off Swaying Bear and Hugging Bear and entered a shrine-like building.

“Kagali-sama, are you there?” (Sakura)

Sakura called out into the room.

“Who is it?” (Kagali)

“It’s Sakura” (Sakura)

“You’re here again? Didn’t I tell you to run to another country?” (Kagali)

A beautiful woman in her early twenties appeared from the back of the room. Her long, golden hair swayed as she came towards us. The woman was wearing a brightly colored kimono and her golden hair was beautiful.

But the woman was wearing a kimono that was so loose that her large bosoms could peek out at any moment.

“Ah, you’re dressed like that again, please put your clothes on properly.” (Sakura)

Even as a woman, I find it hard to look at them.

However, her figure looks bewitching and s.e.xy.

Above all, what stood out was the swelling of her b.r.e.a.s.t.s. They are so huge, I can see my future in them.*

“Shut up. It’s not like anyone’s going to see us.” (Kagali)

“We are here watching you.” (Sakura)

“We’re all women. I don’t see the problem.” (Kagali)

“No, you have to wear it properly. I’ve brought a guest with me. Shin.o.bu, please help me.” (Sakura)

“Roger that.” (Shin.o.bu)

Sakura and Shin.o.bu approached the woman they had called Kagali and dressed her with a practiced hand.

This blonde, disheveled beauty is the Kagali-sama who manages the barrier?

=====

Author’s Note:

Sakura loves Hugging Bear.

White brings good luck.

On the contrary, black is……

But for Yuna, it doesn’t matter. They are both bears that bring you good luck.

※ My next post may be a day late. Please understand that I may be a day late with my next post.

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Translator’s Note:

* (なにより、目立つのは胸の膨らみだ。大きい。未来のわたしの大きさぐらいある。) Not really sure what she meant by “her future”.

Editor’s note: I think her “bleak” physical future.

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