[ As Kirito and the others returned, later, Kirito was having a conversation with Kainan, then Dorothy approached them - ]

Dorothy:
"Kirito, have you seen Sarai? I think it is time I took her back..."

Kainan:
"Hmm? I do believe I recall seeing her head out together with those two." Then Kirito questioned him

Kirito:
"Together? Wait, with who?" Kirito said as Sarai approaches them with Medina and a green haired boy named "Rogu."

Rogu:
"This doesn't seem quite right. Can't put my finger on it."

Sarai:
"Maybe because our group is small? Rogu, you're the dog, and Medina is the cat."

Medina:
"That means two of the three of us are playing animals in your house-play..."

Rogu:
"Well, Sarai was the one who wanted it. I guess we kinda match the animals."

Sarai:
"You got it!"

Rogu:
"Okay! I mean, I'm just happy to sit around, bark, and get treats."

Medina:
"And I've got the hard job. Playing house at my age, and all I can do is meow?"

Dorothy:
"Ah, I see, you were playing with her? Thank you both, Rogu, Medina." Then she look at Sarai. "Come now, Sarai. Let's say goodbye to everyone and go back to the orphanage."

Sarai:
"Do I gotta go back? Are you unhappy about me being with you?"

Dorothy:
"Of course I'm happy having you here. But you will be safer at the orphanage."

Kirito:
"..." Kirito was silent until someone approached behind him: It was Deku

Deku:
"Hey guys, what's going on?" Deku said as Sarai happily spoke to him

Sarai:
"Hey, Mister Deku!!" Sarai was happy to see Deku again as she wants to give him a happy hug.

Deku:
"Hey sweetie. Good to see you in high spirits again."

Kirito:
"Hey Deku, we were just talking about taking Sarai back to the orphanage."

Deku:
"Back to the orphanage? You sure we should take her back?"

Kirito:
"You said she didn't fit well in there, right, Dorothy?"

Dorothy:
"Well, yes, that's true."

Rogu:
"It's not like she needs to return. Why not let her stay? Or is there a problem? I was an orphan too, and what mattered to me is who I was with, not where I was."

Medina:
"Dorothy, the pro-war faction attacked you. Would she really be safer elsewhere? Personally, I think she's far safer here, where we can keep an eye on her. I mean, our base has people around at all hours, and Kainan's always here, too."

Kainan:
"Hmm. Babysitting wasn't in my contract, but I am always ready for more billables."

Deku:
"Billables?!"

Kirito:
"Come on, Kainan, you stand to make a mint as it is with Human Realm trade."

Kainan:
"Oh yes, I foresee great riches, indeed! I already have my palace planned!"

Kirito:
"So you know that you'll eventually get paid back for this good deed. In spirit."

Kainan:
( 🙂 - 😳 )
"Oh, Kirito, If I must, I suppose I will. Wait, what? You said in spirit, yes? As in, payment without currency? Kirito?"

Dorothy:
"Well, but... I am sure it would be a burden on all of you..."

Medina:
"Enough. Pretending this wouldn't cause Sarai more pain is an even greater burden."

Dorothy:
"..."

Rogu:
"Dorothy, don't let her get you down. What this cat actually means is, "I'm worried about Sarai, let's keep her safe!"

Kirito:
"Seems like you're getting a handle on Medina, Rogu."

Rogu:
"Heh, you bet I am, Kito! After all, I'm your student!

Deku:
(🤔)
"Huh?! "Kito?!" And he's your student?!" Deku questioned

Kirito:
"It's a long story..."

Medina:
"Mrrgh! I do not need an interpreter, thank you!"

Kirito:
"For what it's worth, I agree. Letting her go is dangerous. And it's no burden."

Deku:
"Plus, I really like her company. It won't be the same without her here with us." He gently patted Sarai's head.

Dorothy:
"Well, if you all are so willing, then... I can't argue."

Sarai:
(😁)
"Yay! Can I stay, then?"

Rogu:
"You bet! It's real rough having to say goodbye right? Isn't this great, Sarai?"

Sarai:
"Yep! It's great! I can stay with Mister Deku and the others! Thank you, everyone!" Sarai hugs Deku more

Dorothy:
"Oh, Sarai."

Deku:
"Hmm?" Deku looks at Rogu and Medina. Then Kirito notices it.

Kirito:
"What's wrong, Deku?"

Deku:
"Well, I know that I've been away for months now... but... are they new?"

Kirito:
"Oh! This is Medina, you don't remember her because you were knocked out, but she knows and remembers you - She was also part of the rescue mission a while back."

Deku:
"Oh... Well, nice to meet you in person, Medina."

Medina:
"You too, Deku."

Kirito:
"And this one is Rogu. It's a long story, but he's a good guy and he's here to help us out with the war."

Deku:
"And he also calls you "Kito?!" And you're his teacher?!" Then Kirito chuckles nervously

Rogu:
"Yep! He's a good guy, like my big brother! And it's really nice to meet you, Deku!" Rogu offered a handshake to him

Deku:
"You too, Rogu. Likewise." Deku shakes his hand

Rogu:
"Hmm? What nickname I should give you... hmm?"

Deku:
"Oh, you don't have to, just "Deku" is enough."

Rogu:
"Hmm, okay, I'll let it be for now."
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[ Then a bit later... ]

Leafa:
"Heeey, over here!" Leafa catches Kirito and Deku's attention. "We're ready and raring to go whenever!"

Kirito:
"Great. Sorry we made you wait."

Leafa:
"Deku, if I remember right, you got that thing from Renju. We might need it."

Deku:
(🤨)
"Thing?" What thing-?!" Deku was confused on what Leafa was talking about until he remembered what the item was.

(😯)
"Ohhh! Now I remember! I still got it. Thankfully, I didn't misplaced it."

Leafa:
"At first, I was going to say "You're just like Kazuto, such a klutz!" But, never mind, you just proved me wrong."

Deku:
(😑)

"Seriously?! First Alice chewing me out and now you?! Why people keep complaining about me being the same as your cousin?! Why comparing me to him?!" Deku was now irritated, then Leafa giggles

Leafa:
(😅 - 🙂)
"Sorry, not trying to pick on you, promise. I'm just saying that I'm glad that you can keep up with things better than Kazuto. So don't sweat it, buttercup." Kirito snickers as she called Deku "Buttercup"

Deku:
(🤦🏾‍♂️ - 😑)

"Okay - I had enough for one day." Deku leaves Kirito and Leafa behind

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]

(A/N: 0:18 - 0:24)

Leafa:
(😯 - 😅)
"Ah - Deku-Kun! Come back! I'm sorry for calling you "Buttercup." I was just joking, I swear."

Deku:
(😑)
"Uh-huh, I bet you are sorry, you little bully. First Yuuki, being a tattletale, then Asuna with Alice being unreasonable, and now you added to the list. My day keeps on getting better." Deku walks further away from them. Then Leafa tries to catch up to him

Leafa:
(🤣)
"C'mon! I really mean it! I'm so sorry, Deku-Kun! Please forgive me." Then Kirito was following Leafa to catch up with Deku

Deku:
(😑)
*Sarcastic tone*
"Oh, I forgive you, but I'll never forget the incredibly original insult of calling me 'Buttercup.' That's incredibly clever and bold of you. Bravo on spending hours crafting such a witty insult."

Leafa:
(😅)
"Okay, okay, I won't call you any names. I was just playing around with you!"

Deku:
"Uh-huh. Go away, you little goofball."

Kirito:
(😂)
"Oh man! I never laugh this hard enough in my life!"

[ As they were traveling to the Orc Territory, they had encountered some monsters along the way... luckily it didn't take long for them to finally meet their destination, but then - ]

"Stop! Humans are not permitted past this point."

Kirito:
"We are the peace mission from the Human Realm. We should be expected." The Renju approach them.

Renju:
"Oh, it's you!"

Deku:
"Miss Renju. It's been a while. How have you been?"

Renju:
"I have been well, and I am pleased to see you are too. I'm glad to see you again."

"Princess Knight, how can you speak so casually to these humans?"

Renju:
"These are the people I mentioned before. Especially to this human - Deku, the Throne Slayer, who saved me and my maid. It's a good thing I was going about. Sir, I gave you proof of our friendship. Do you still have it with you?"

Deku:
"Yes, I do, of course." Deku revealed the item

"Oh! A wooden bracelet carved by Renju herself! Humans who aided an orc... I apologize for my rudeness. I'm afraid our leader has left in a fury."

Renju:
"As it happens, we've had issues with orc girls being harassed since we met. The vandals hurt them, tear off their clothes, and then leave them on the roadside. We just heard of another victim. Lil ran off in a rage, speaking... of murder."

Deku:
("I wouldn't blame him at ALL of thinking that way for protecting his people.")

Leafa:
"That's AWFUL! Can we help search for - Wait, "Lil?" Are you two close?"

Renju:
"Yes, he's been a friend of mine since we were little."

Leafa:
"Then we'd better find him. I'm sure he's waiting for you, too! We'll help!"

[ Renju leads the way to find Lilipin before it's too late. Then for 5 - 7 minutes later, they manage to find Lilipin - As he was defending a female orc and was surrounded by 3 human men - Kirito and the others quickly rushed to the scene! ]

Lilpilin:
"Renju?! Stay away! Who knows what they might do to you!"

Traveling Youth A:
"What? Oh hell, it's THOSE guys!"

Leafa:
"You total bullies! What did these people ever do to you?"

Traveling Youth B:
"People? You mean the orcs? They're ugly livestock! Barely even animals!"

Deku:
"Love judging people, animals, and even orcs, huh?! How'd understand how they feel if you were in their shoes! Making fun of, treating them like pests!"

Leafa:
"Exactly right! There's no difference between us at all. They speak the same words, worry over the same things - They're people just like us!"

Deku:
"They can even stand on their own two feet like us humans, and live, breathe, think, wear clothes, survive, and fight like us humans! Some selfish people like you three fools who only hurt people - You're the lowlife animals!"

Leafa:
"That's right, Deku-Kun!"

Lilpilin:
"What in..."

Leafa:
"You should be embarrassed, being so bad. But I'll hammer you back into shape!"

Deku:
"Make that two - I don't need my blades for this! Get ready to say your prayers-!"
NECK POPPED!
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[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]

[ With Leafa and Deku was teaching other humans a lesson, the three of them flee away in an instant! ]

Deku:
"I swear, these people in the Dark Territory will NEVER learn!"

Renju:
"Lil!" Renju checks up on Lilpilin

Kirito:
"The girl's leg explains it. We can treat that. Leafa, give Lilpilin a hand."

Lilpilin:
"No, I'm fine."

Leafa:
"So you're Lilpilin, right? I'm Leafa." Leafa introduced herself to Lilpilin

Lilpilin:
"..."

Leafa:
"That was really brave of you, shielding that girl. I see why you're the leader!"

Lilpilin:
"..."

Leafa:
"Oooh, I know scars are manly and all, like my other friend (Deku) here, but this is nasty. Hold on, I'll heal it."

Lilpilin:
"Really, I'm fine - Nngh!"

Leafa:
"What? Oh, it must hurt a lot. Hold on, I can make that pain go away."

Lilpilin:
"No. I, I wanted to ask."

Leafa:
"What?"

Lilpilin:
"Am I... Am I really... a person to you?"

Leafa:
"Huh?"

Lilpilin:
"Am I... are orcs people?"

Leafa:
"Did you not hear me just now? Yeah! You're a very cool person, at that! After all, a man is the sum of their actions! And everything Deku said about you and all orcs are true as well."

Lilpilin:
"Hah... Is that right?"

Leafa:
"Moreover, a woman is defined by her audacity!"

Renju:
"Heh... Hahaha."

Lilpilin:
"Oh! Also, Throne Slayer."

Deku:
"Yes?"

Lilpilin:
"I want to be express my deepest gratitude for your bravery in saving Renju from other humans, and for your kind words about us orcs, including Leafa."

Deku:
"It's my pleasure, Lilpilin. No problem at all."

Kirito:
("In that moment, I recalled something Cardinal once mentioned. Orcs, Goblins, all of the Underworld "demihumans," no matter who... The fluctlight driving them, or rather, their soul, is the same as any human. Perhaps that was what Lilpilin so desperate to know if he was a "person." Simply being an orc, whatever his soul "was," made him doubt his personhood. Yet, that was precisely why - Leafa and Deku's sincerity was able to move his heart. Even I found peace in their words. It feels cruel to say it worked out, but this helped us secure orcish support.")

[ Then Kirito and Lilpilin shake hands as now the Human Realm has earned the Orc's support. The negotiations went well, then it was time to head back to report to Shasta. Then later... ]

Sarai:
"Hi, Dorothy! Lady Lipia, Dorothy's here! Welcome home!"

Dorothy:
"Sarai! Lady Lipia, what brings you here?"

Lipia:
"I came here to see how Sarai was doing on my way back from looking in on the orphanage. It has been a while, so we took the time to have a little walk in the city."

Sarai:
"Guess what? Lady Lipia bought me candy! I'll give you one, Dorothy. Say ahh!"

Dorothy:
"Um? Now? W-Well then. Aaah?"

Lipia:
"Kirito, how was Dorothy been? I hope she hasn't been pushing herself too hard."

Kirito:
"She's been great. Don't worry, my friends and I know Dorothy can overdo things."

Lipia:
"Really? Thank you."

Kirito:
"You're a really good person, Lipia."

Lipia:
"Dorothy told me a lot of your wealth goes to freeing orphans from slave traders."

Lipia:
"...I could have been them. I want more children to have the opportunities I did. Honestly, losing Dorothy at the orphanage to you has been a bit frustrating."

Kirito:
"Ah, sorry about that. Still, I can see why she'd be a big help. Dorothy would be careful and thoughtful with the kids, I bet."

Lipia:
"Indeed. Though at times, it feels like Sarai is all Dorothy has. In truth , I had missed that Sarai has being harassed. Dorothy helped greatly. And frankly, Dorothy is like a sister or mother to Sarai than a "friend."

Kirito:
"Yeah. I noticed how close they are."

Lipia:
"Until the talks conclude, I am sure His Excellency will keep Dorothy here. But I wonder if she would be happier with all of you."

Kirito:
"Please keep her in your thoughts. She's worked really hard to please you both. Ultimately, I think her home is here, with the people she wants to defend."

Lipia:
"I wonder... I do hope is true, though."

Kirito:
"So, when's your wedding?"

Lipia:
"Erm."

Kirito:
"Oh, sorry. I thought it'd be a big deal, with you being a power couple and all."

Lipia:
"Ah, well, um. H-His Excelleny and I are still discussing... a date. Yes." Then Dorothy and Sarai joined the conversation.

Dorothy:
"Kirito, Lady Lipia, what are you talking about?"

Kirito:
"I was talking about Lipia's wedding."

Dorothy:
"Oh goodness! Miss Lipia, I do hope you'll let me help you prepare!"

[ And then, Kirito, Deku and Dorothy met up with Shasta - ]

Dorothy:
"...That is all I have to report at the moment."

Shasta:
"Yes, good work. Now we consider what's left: The Dark Mages, both Goblins tribes, and the Assassin Guild."

Kirito:
"They all seemed pretty opposed to peace. How should we approach this?"

Shasta:
"I would leave the goblins for last. Only force of arms will persuade them. If you have allies among the Ten, you can challenge them purely on numbers. As for the Assassins, their agenda is frankly a mystery. Set them aside for now. Dee Eye Ell, meanwhile, is easy to grasp: she operates purely on personal gain. She will ask things of you. What, I don't know, but if it's possible, assist her."

Deku:
("Or slay her ass...")

Kirito:
"So it sounds like, for now, we need to go speak with Dee Eye Ell."

Shasta:
"Indeed. They have an outpost here. Find the Dark Mage Guild Encampment. Go there. But Kirito, Throne Slayer... I wish to speak you two privately first." Then Dorothy gave those three men some privacy. "Kirito, Throne Slayer. When you two speak to Dee Eye Ell, keep her from taking Dorothy."

Kirito:
"Wait, why would she..."

Deku:
"That foul woman planned to do something to Dorothy, isn't that right, Shasta. I happen to hear your conversation with her a while ago... not to be rude by ease-dropping or anything."

Shasta:
"Hmm. Dorothy is... unique. Moreso even than is obvious. From birth, she has had abnormally high Life. I don't know how Dee Eye Ell found out, but she has hounded Dorothy ever since. Many Dark Mages use magic that employs living sacrifices. Dorothy... yes, well. Between all of this, I am sure she will go after Dorothy when you speak to her."

Deku:
"Trust me Shasta - I will do anything to protect Dorothy, even if I have to harm Dee Eye Ell, I don't want to make things worse because we're on a peace mission, but if Dee Eye Ell planned on doing something to Dorothy, I will harm her with ZERO hesitation. Plain and simple."

Kirito:
"Well, we'll always protect our friends. So you don't have to worry about Dorothy."

Shasta:
"You both have my gratitude. Dorothy is... prone to self-sacrifice to prove herself. Some of the blame for that is mine. I've failed to protect her from discrimination. Dorothy's mother was my friend. I told her I would keep Dorothy safe. Yet... Just being in public, she knows she is not one of "us."

Kirito:
"I think, if we achieve peace, fewer and fewer people will find Dorothy strange. We should build a city, or something. A place where our peoples meet. I'm sure that would be a place no one would bat an eye at Dorothy."

Shasta:
"A city that cares not for race or origin..."

Kirito:
"Kainan would be perfect for it. He's a good merchant, and good at being pushy. You ask him to build a city, he'll do it. Just... have a separate treasurer."

Shasta:
"Heh heh... How true that is."

Kirito:
"So you CAN laugh too, huh, Shasta?"

Shasta:
"Ahem. Let that be our secret. Considering my position, I must be wary of your group."

Deku:
"Must be rough being the leader of the Dark Army Knight. We're not dangerous."

Shasta:
"Oh, but you two are. You're both stones, thrown into a still pool of water. Everyone around you ripples and changes, in some fashion or another."

Deku:
"So... is that like a bad thing?"

Shasta:
"It depends on one's perception. I see it as both dangerous and good. You two can be the change we need. We... are far too bound to the Law of Power. As you say, force of arms cannot be our only means to settle our differences. If we cannot find a way to coexist, the Dark Territory will destroy itself. That may be the work of generations to come. But that day must come, someday."

Kirito:
"We dunno about us being a bringer of change, but the rest of it... yeah. I don't think we need to change everything all at once. The Dark Territory's always had its local rulers focus on their lands first, right? Now they just need to coexist. If we really are what you say we are... We hope we can help focus on that."

Deku:
"..."

Shasta:
"I have high hopes that you both can. Kirito, Throne Slayer, take care of Dorothy for me." Then Shasta walks away from them both

Deku:
*Sigh*
("This'll be a tough one... I rather eliminate Dee Eye Ell like I did to Quinella than gain her trust. But... it cannot be help. Gotta stay cool and keep Dorothy safe.")

- To be continued -