Monster no Goshujin-sama Vol 2 Chapter 20

Chapter 20
Chapter 20 – A Doll’s Challenge

Synopsis of the last chapter:

( ゜∀゜)o彡゜Tentacle, tentacle .

I put the rasp on the block of wood I had taken into my hands . ᴬ

I had mostly given the shape, however, the finis.h.i.+ng touches were yet to be given so it could match the my imagination . There was no way I could let my mind wander, not that there was an opportunity to do so anyway .

What was needed was the delicacy to finish a work of art .

Although, I had never seen the so called actual article .

However, 『art』could be comprehended as an object without any practical use, valued purely on aesthetics and the article I was making would also leaned towards having more artistic value than practical .

Therefore, I was paying the maximum attention that I could muster .

Even a slight change in the angle of insertion of the rasp could warp the facial expression to an astonis.h.i.+ng extent . Therefore it was a must that I didn’t let my mind wander even for a moment . I focused till the point that my mind felt like it was about to burn and advanced .

——Considering why I was making it, it was beyond my means to make it too gaudy .

——However, if I considered what this was for the sake of, I didn’t think it was enough even if it was the perfect beauty .

I, currently, was making something for myself .

With my intention, I was making my possessions .

This was an unusually rare case .

Until now I made things for other with my own free will . Or rather, I made things in accordance to Master’s wishes .

I hadn’t made things I wanted personally .

You could say this would truly be the first possession I obtained . On the other hand since it was something that I owned I didn’t want it to be too gaudy . Neither did I think that it would suit me nor did I think that it would be something within my means to have .

However, it was . It was『something of mine』as well as not『something that was for me』 . ᴮ

At any rate, it was something I didn’t see myself usually . In everyday life, it was another person who saw this to the utmost, but in this case, that another person was my Master, who was more important than anyone . Therefore, I wasn’t too exhausted no matter how much I tried all possible means .

“I’ve completed it . ” (Rose)

When I finished the entire process, there was a『face of a girl』exquisitely crafted within my hands .

The age range was about the same as Master . It had well-featured looks, but there were some places where it was lacking features a little bit . The skin was a little too white, but it was smooth and had a tone typical of a girl . It was extremely troublesome for me to have finished it in a calm atmosphere .

“How about it?” (Rose)

I handed over the work to the friend who had been looking at the work beside me .

She was my collaborator . She didn’t have an ability to make things herself, but without her I wouldn’t be finding my work in this direction . So to speak, I guess she was something like an advisor?

Even now, she had been watching and taking a good look at my work from various angles .

By combining her own dark facial expression, the cave illuminated by the open-air fire, and the exquisite work she held in her hands, her figure had the appearance of an eerie witch .

Hou, a sigh leaked out from my friend’s pale lips . The result was about to be told . If I possessed a feature to breath on me, there was no doubt that I would have had my breath taken away by the tension .

“It’s perfect, right?” (Rose)

“Well……” (???)

My friend——Katō Mana floated a thin smile towards me who had leaned my upper body forward, and spoke .

“With a remake . ” (???->Katō)

When we separated from Master, was the day before yesterday already .

In the preparatory meeting beforehand, we had expected that the knights would leave the forest and head towards a town . The development where they were guided to a fortress like that wasn’t expected, and putting it clearly, this was quite inconvenient .

However, it didn’t necessarily change what we needed to do . We were waiting for contact from Master, and if we perceived through the path that Master was in danger then we were to rush to his side at all costs . For that it was desirable to be as near Master as possible .

Therefore, we had found a moderate cave among the mountains at a low alt.i.tude where we were able to look out on the fortress that Master went towards, and were staying in it . It seemed to be a den that was dug out by some kind of monster, and whether or not the owner of the den was subjugated a long time ago, we hadn’t seen its figure .

“In Kato-san’s opinion, what would be the issue?” (Rose)

In the cave, I questioned my friend who was facing me .

“——Mana . ” (Katō->Mana)

A short reply . No, this was simply a complaint? A pair of eyes that carried light like she was blaming me were turned towards me .

Eyes that were damp really matched her well .

“Please call me Mana . ” (Mana)

Recently, it had reached the point that she, my friend, asked me to call her Mana .

I hadn’t gotten used to the way of calling her that yet . Due to that, I occasionally made a mistake like just now and she would sulk .

“Seeing it from Mana…’s eyes, what would be wrong with my work?” (Rose)

“It isn’t to the extent of calling it bad, but . ” (Mana)

When I said it again, Mana loosened her mouth only a little .

“But, what I’m saying is, I have a feeling that the human charm isn’t enough . ” (Mana)

“Human charm, is it?” (Rose)

I repeated Mana’s words verbatim .

——With my own mouth .

Indeed . I had been wearing the head that I manufactured to try it out .

I hadn’t successfully produced vocal cords that had natural human movement, so, as a matter of fact, I was only『moving my mouth to match my voice』, but if you looked at it quickly, it would look as if I was voicing out the words with my own mouth .

This, that I had only made some time ago, was my face as a girl . It was fine to say that this was the first step so I could be held tightly by Master . If it was only as a model at best, I was bragging about making something perfect after what Mana said .

The journey to reach this point wasn’t straightforward by any means .

Regarding making things by hand, I had self-confidence in itself even now . Being able to process wood into anything to my heart’s content was a special characteristic of mine as a magical puppet .

Indeed . It was『to my heart’s content』 . That I understood it was meaning『the things that I couldn’t imagine I couldn’t make』in the end, it was from beginning this trial .

In making the face of a person, the way had been different than usual .

To put in simpler words, this was in a direction that was different from my usual works .

My works generally pursued functionality over form . They were crude yet practical . However this was essentially close to a sort of work of art . Even though the tools and materials I used were the same, the technique needing to change would be natural if the objective was different .

A gap of just several millimeters could destroy the entire balance . If done poorly, it would even collapse to an extent that it wouldn’t even look human .

If I spoke about the first prototype, it was something more terrible, and it was to the extent that I didn’t want to think about it .

Naturally, manufacturing was a tough process .

Nonetheless, for me, it was also impossible to give up with that . If I was going to give up over an issue this minute I shouldn’t even have started . Besides, I also had promised to show it to Master someday .

Although I had put in a lot of work and improved bit by by after all that, the out of place feeling was still present no matter how many I made . Honestly, I was fl.u.s.tered . If Mana hadn’t informed me that it was because it had come near the area referred to as the『uncanny valley』, this trial of mine may have been at a standstill .

In the modelling of art pieces with facial features that closely resemble humans, after a certain extent we reach a point where small discrepancies could be felt in uncanny things . It seemed that this was called the『uncanny valley』phenomenon .

In order to improve it, there was no choice but to bring it even closer to life .

By getting my mistakes pointed out each time, I improved my work . Whether or not this became several tens of works, I didn’t even remember myself .

Even with mistaken thoughts that couldn’t be seen of such a past, Mana had accompanied me patiently .

Truthfully, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration that this was our group work .

Maybe due to that, there was a part that closely resembled Mana with a set of facial features for some reason in the work I made . As Mana had very young looks for her age, we may have even appeared to be sisters if we stood next to each other . If it was the humanity of the places that Mana pointed out in some way or another, however .

“Well, let’s judge it as being okay . There is another even bigger problem . ” (Mana)

Mana said in her usual flat voice .

It was hard to be able to imagine from the undulation of emotions of her weak facial expression¹, but she was motivated by this . I understood that . In actuality, the things she pointed out were mostly to the point, and it was simply helpful for my trials .

“Rose-san doesn’t make facial expressions well . Although it’s become quite human-ish for modelling……to say it, it is too perfect, there’s no humanity, and it is angel-like……but, the facial expression is no good . ” (Mana)

Mana was staring at my face . No . She was observing it .

“With just the technique improving to a point where you are unable to tell it apart from humans if you stand silently, the out-of-place feeling related to the movement of detailed facial expressions is getting bigger . The way the voice is produced and the movements of the mouth are also mismatched . If those areas are corrected, you will be somewhere in the place where the looks have been a little too arranged . On the contrary, even if the facial features of countless faces are things full of human traits, it comes to nothing if the facial expression is no good . ” (Mana)

“Although I am aware, nothing can be done . ……is it no good to that degree?” (Rose)

“Honestly, it’s eerie . ” (Mana)

We had been exchanging comments over and over so far . Now, there was no such thing as holding back our thoughts with unnecessary fear .

Mana, as always, pointed out my faults bluntly, and I, as always, accepted it, and felt down as it was .

Although it was impossible for me to advance without my faults being being pointed out, it didn’t mean that I didn’t feel down because of that .

“I think that the feeling of things like the skin are very good . ” (Mana)

Whether or not she read my innermost feelings like that, Mana reached out her hand and touched my cheek .

When her fingertip pressed me, my cheek sank softly .

“This area, I am happy as expected, even for me . Things like the『Pseudo Damascus Steel Sword』, and later things like the『Black Armor』 . The Magic tools that you made had appearances that were quite different from wood at the point in time they were completed . If that was the case, I thought that such raw materials could be made as well . ” (Mana)

While she was able to make it hard like iron, there was no way that she couldn’t make it to the degree of human skin .

That was Mana’s theory . It was a way of thinking I didn’t have .

“I thought about what it would be when I heard it, but there was nothing that you couldn’t do . Although, there is a part where it is hard to say that this is also a perfect score . ” (Mana)

It was far off from a perfect score even though it had pa.s.sing marks; that was my feeling .

For example, the strangely white skin wasn’t able to reproduce as far as the feeling of blood flowing beneath the skin . To the bitter end, this was an imitation . It didn’t mean that blood flowed even if it was cut . As there weren’t any pores, if you approached and looked properly, you would notice that this was an imitation .

I also couldn’t make too large of a facial expression . It was because I wasn’t able to make wrinkles naturally, and I wasn’t able to skillfully reproduce the movements of muscles under the skin, which were the causes of it .

Even the modelling of a calm impression into the looks wherever practicable, was a plan to suppress the out-of-place feeling even a little that such parts produced .

If the facial expressions were limited, I shouldn’t mind even if it was without rich facial expressions . Needless to say, it was a makes.h.i.+ft solution plan to the bitter end .

There were many limits of such techniques that couldn’t be overcome no matter what, as a result, my current face had an inhuman impression .

Although there were places that had been made exquisitely, this was nothing but the face of a doll to the bitter end .

This was not『the face of a human girl』 . It was『the face of a girl doll』 .

Be that as it may, if it was as『a doll that looks like a human』, I thought that it was well made by myself . That is to say, it even was meaning that it was『spoiled if I changed it』 .

“In any case, it was because of Mana’s cooperation that I could reach this point . ” (Rose)

“It was because you touched it many times over, wasn’t it?” (Mana)

Mana took in her hand from my face, and this time I scratched my cheek .

For the sake of reference, I had *touch touch* touched her face many times over so far . This was Mana’s proposal, and I was proud that I was able to trace that of hers, if only softly at least, thanks to that .

“Well, I guess there’s no choice but to plan for the long-term when it comes to the facial expressions . If I had to say then that isn’t a hard problem but a soft face……because it depends on Rose-san’s processing ability . ” (Mana)

“There is no face . Unlike my limbs, it is a part I hadn’t changed so far . ” (Rose)

“You’ll surely become better if you practice . Let’s keep at it together after this . ” (Mana)

Mana who gave me words of encouragement lowered the ends of her eyebrows a little bit immediately following that .

“……Although I said that, I don’t think I’m capable of saying that I am a suitable person for the role of a teacher here, though . ” (Mana)

“……Although I said that, I don’t think I’m capable of saying that I am a suitable person for the role of a teacher here, though . ” (Mana)

“Is that so? Why is that again?” (Rose)

“Although it isn’t an imitation of an infant, to imitate is the basis of learning . In that point, I don’t have a very rich facial expression . ” (Mana)

Mana appeared to be self-aware about her thin facial expression .

More like a girl, if she smiled like she was blooming, like Lily-ane-sama for example, the impression would also change considerably……I thought so, but Mana didn’t smile like that .

If you considered her circ.u.mstances, I guess that was something inevitable .

“That’s right . ” (Mana)

The thin Mana with such a facial expression clapped her hands with a *slap* .

“What about if you ask Lily-san if you are so inclined? I think that person is more suitable for a thing like this, though . ” (Mana)

“No . That is……” (Rose)

It was the at great pains proposal of Mana, but my words were spoken ambiguously .

Certainly, Lily-ane-sama’s facial expressions were rich and charming . As a living thing called a woman, it would be possible to say that she has reached some kind of ideal .

However, I was hesitating over seeking a.s.sistance from ane-sama .

Regarding this trial that was advancing together with Mana, I had felt it hard to rely on Lily-ane-sama somehow .

Although I said that, there wasn’t any kind of problem with ane-sama . Stubbornly, my side just felt guilty towards ane-sama for some reason or another .

Regarding the reason, it wasn’t known . Even I myself had been thinking in wonder .

——I was held tight by Master, a night like that dream again .

That was my wish .

I wanted to be held tight by Master . What I wanted was that alone,

The reason why I had to feel apologetic towards ane-sama there didn’t exist .

It should be that . ……should be that, however .

Really, I wonder why .

Due to this feeling I didn’t understand, I hadn’t had a talk with Lily-ane-sama about this trial that I was conducting .

Whether or not Lily-ane-sama also was perceiving my complicated feelings around that, she should have noticed the thing I was doing together with Mana, but she had pretended not to see without taking it upon herself to touch it .

“It can’t be helped if Rose-san is reluctant . ” (Mana)

As for the story around that, there was an opportunity before and I had a discussion with Mana . For that reason, even though I refused the proposal without a rational reason, Mana had accepted it easily .

“I’m sorry, Mana . I’m aware that it is valid but……” (Rose)

“Things like apologizing are unnecessary . I can understand your feelings and why you feel guilty . ” (Mana)

Mana replied indifferently without even appearing to mind in particular .

Mana seemed to understand my feelings even though I myself couldn’t understand them .

It appeared that she had a rough idea somehow of what in the world the cause of this mysterious guilty conscious of mine towards Lily-ane-sama was .

However, she wouldn’t inform me of what it was .

It was because she knew that I didn’t want that .

From the start, one of the motives I thought of trying to fulfill my desire of『I want to be held tight by Master』was because I wished『to understand the minds of people』 . Even though that was the case, doings things like simply seeking the answer to what my feelings were from another person were just putting the cart before the horse .

I had to get an answer with my own power .

……However, for that, it was also true that Mana’s long-awaited response was all wasted for that reason . I also felt sorry about my miserable thinking in an honest way .

“……I’m sorry . ” (Rose)

“I don’t think it is necessary to brood over it to that extent . ” (Mana)

Whether or not it was recognized by the insides of such a me, it was enough that it wasn’t understood by anyone but close people, but Mana made her voice soft .

“Even if you don’t rush, you too will arrive at the answer before long . If it is ‘no matter what’, why do you think that you want to be held tight by Senpai; it may be good to try to think about that again . ” (Mana)

“Why do I want to be held tight by Master……is it?” (Rose)

“Yes . Rose-san was held tight by Senpai one night, and you were happy more than anything, right? Enough that you desire it again . Where on earth are the feelings you thought so coming from, what kind of emotions are the source……if you realize that then you should go forward a step again . ” (Mana)

Being held tight by a person that was considered important .

That was pleasant . Enjoyable . It was happiness .

——And, this wasn’t merely only that feeling, it was something that could have been guessed even by the current me .

This feeling of mine of wanting to be held tight by Master, it didn’t mean that I wanted to be connected like Ayame pressing Master with her snout, for example .

If I were to say it, this thought wasn’t something innocent but something pure .

Stirring up even this body that was a doll, this wonderous and powerful thought, it was something subtle and even more complicated and mysterious .

……It was a premonition .

At the time a name was given to this feeling, it would it be arranged so that I’d understand the minds of people in a true meaning . Also for that reason, I had to think about it .

“I understand . I’ll agree . ” (Rose)

“Okay . ” (Mana)

To my response, Mana loosened the shape of her mouth, though only a little, seemingly in satisfaction and nodded .

“In which case, let’s decide to let the matter of proposing a discussion about this matter to Lily-san drop . I’ll continue to play the role of being your teacher . ” (Mana)

“I’ll be taking up Mana’s time, but I look forward to working with you . ” (Rose)

“I’ll be taking up Mana’s time, but I look forward to working with you . ” (Rose)

“I don’t consider it like time . Since I am doing something I like . Poking my nose into Rose-san’s business is fun . ” (Mana)

Whether or not that was a remark of worrying about my matter, were those her true feelings weren’t known by me . Either way, I couldn’t do anything but show my grat.i.tude to my friend’s goodwill with a nod .

“Thereupon, while improving for the meantime, are we doing practice concerning facial expressions?” (Rose)

“Ah, no . ” (Mana)

When I asked with the intention of confirming, Mana shook her head .

“I think it’s nice as well, but it’s also a fact that it will take time . I think I’ll change the plan a little bit here . ” (Mana)

“To?” (Rose)

“Although Majimsenpai is able to understand your feelings of wanting to show flawless things, I think it also isn’t wrong to fill up the outer moat with time until then . ” (Mana)

“Do you have some kind of idea?” (Rose)

Mana nodded and asked .

“Did you make the things that I asked before?” (Mana)

“The said, is it that? Yes, it is completed . ” (Rose)

I stood up and stepped up to the alongside of the wall of the cave .

Although I also said this, there were many『Not-well understood prototype models』placed there .

Since after manufacturing the disguise of Master’s『Pseudo-Damascus Steel Sword』, I was experimenting with whether or not the tools that I’ve preformed craftsmans.h.i.+p on like that could do something .

As of now, it didn’t look like results appeared as what was made was sheer junk only, but sooner or later, it was a place where I was thinking that I could receive praise from Master if I made things .

“Is it this?” (Rose)

I picked up the thing that had slipped into and lied down among that, and handed it to Mana .

It was a white mask . It was something simple which only had slits for eyes opened, and it didn’t particularly have devices and the like . It was something requested by Mana that I had manufactured a few days ago .

“Well then, shall we try out various things for a little while?” (Mana)

“Try out, is it?” (Rose)

“Yes . Please have peace of mind . Rose-san doesn’t need to worry about doing anything . Because it is okay to leave everything to me . ” (Mana)

The att.i.tude of Mana like that, following what she herself said some time ago, was certainly vaguely happy .

Like that, a little time pa.s.sed .

“……it’s perfect . ” (Mana)

Mana murmured .

Despite the completely same thing being said some time ago, I wonder why the tone of voice that resounded in the cave was heard differently .

“Mana, this is……” (Rose)

I had been standing stock still in wonderment .

My overlooked appearance had completely changed .

The white clothes that Gerbera had made for Lily-ane-same were wrapping up my doll body that felt whitish .

This was my first time wearing clothes, but it felt somewhat weird .

Concerning the details, my doll body wasn’t manufactured, but if it was wrapped up in clothes like this, I couldn’t see it as anything but that of a woman from the delicateness and the lines of the body .

On the jacket which covered the chest that rose modestly, semi-stiff gray『hair』was flowing .

This was the diligently shaved tail fur of a fire fang . Hair that was a little peculiar was prepared; the sides were long enough to reach my chest, and the back stretched until my waist area with thick braids .

“It’s a little disappointing, it seems better to hide your face with the mask . ” (Mana)

Mana, who had turned me into a literal dressing-doll hitherto, removed the mask on my face .

As a result, what was there was a gray-haired woman who had put on a mask .

Only the ends of my limbs that were sticking out a little had indicated that this body of mine was that of a doll’s .

“Gloves are also needed . And shoes as well . ” (Mana)

“Um, Mana?” (Rose)

I couldn’t endure before very long, and my mouth interrupted Mana’s conduct .

“I am sorry that it’s a new and fun part, but……what kind of thing is this?” (Rose)

“Aah . Now that you mention it, I haven’t explained yet, have I? As there is a need to have Rose-san seen as a woman by Senpai, this is a strategy for that . ” (Mana)

Mana replied to me who asked about the situation .

“If it was until now, there was a feeling that Rose-san, no matter what, didn’t enter into the category of a woman in Senpai . As for Senpai’s personality, you would at least put clothes on if treated as a woman . I think it’s better to reform his awareness around that early on . ” (Mana)

“Have me seen as a woman by Master……is there that necessity?” (Rose)

“There is . For example, wouldn’t Rose-san find it unpleasant to be carried in his arms like Asarina and Ayame do so?” (Mana)

“It isn’t particularly unpleasant, but……” (Rose)

However, as there was a thought that it was somehow different, I swallowed the reb.u.t.tal .

That, in other words, was something of approving this appearance .

After this, I would come into contact with Master with this appearance; it was a thing like that . Just as I thought so, anxiety seeped from the interior of my chest .

“……isn’t it weird?” (Rose)

“It’s alright . It’s enough that there is mysterious charm with the face not being visible . … . how should I put it?” (Mana)

“It’s alright . It’s enough that there is mysterious charm with the face not being visible . … . how should I put it?” (Mana)

Mana gazed at me from the top of my head to the bottom of my feet with me stepping back a step, and shortened the distance slowly and stretched out her arm .

“Still, there are such things as places where you get anxiety like that, even with Rose-san . ……it’s cute . ” (Mana)

She tightly embraced me .

No, was it more correct to say she was hugging me as there was a difference in height?

Mana had something like a habit of hugging . Perhaps, if some emotions within her reached a threshold, I guess she would do so impulsively .

Well, because even for me it didn’t feel unpleasant to be hugged by a friend, I liked it .

Moreover……by some possibility, this might be the ruins of a conduct of hers, who was transitioned to this world, from her former world .

If I considered so, I shouldn’t refuse this action and the like of her, a friend .

“Rose-san, cute . ” (Mana)

As it was a flat voice saying her thoughts, it was a little eerie .

‘If you went into emotion a bit more’, I thought that while being quietly hugged by Mana .

“……However, it’s hard . ” (Mana)

“It seems so . ” (Rose)

I responded with a voice that was a little shocked to my friend who said something obvious .

In turn to what I said, Mana had narrowed her eyes in pondering while clinging to me as is .

“……You should also correct your body . ” (Mana)

“It is my body as well?” (Rose)

“Yes . So far you have created faces, but with that alone it seems to be partial . It’s absolutely no good if a girl isn’t soft . ” (Mana)

“No good, is it?” (Rose)

“It’s no good . ” (Mana)

It seemed to be no good .

I didn’t know much about things like this, but it seemed to be true if Mana said so . I didn’t harbour doubts there . Originally, I had thought it’d be best to put in order only my figure, but Mana also proposed that I bring my face near the feel of material wherever practicable .

She, a human, knew better about humans . It would be right to obey docilely . I nodded .

“I understand . I think I will try to produce it in trials after this . ” (Rose)

“Please keep at it . I think it still will be simple if compared to the face, though . ” (Mana)

“In what way? I don’t have too much self-confidence . ” (Rose)

“Even if the details are more or less splendid, it doesn’t feel out-of-place like the face . If it is Rose-san’s skill, I think you can make it without spending so much time . ” (Mana)

“It’s fine if that’s the case . I think I want to do it until exhaustion with all of my strength . ” (Rose)

I nodded greatly at my friend’s words of encouragement, and then changed and lowered my head .

“Well then, although it will take time for Mana as well this time, please help me . ” (Rose)

“Yes . ” (Mana)

Mana nodded, rolling her eyes as is while expressionless .

“……eh?” (Mana)

While thinking in wonder with ‘what happened?’, I put both of my hands on the shoulders of Mana who was hugging me .

The gist was the same as the face . I needed to receive collaboration from her .

“Eh?” (Mana)

I was really being looked after by Mana .

I had to pay back this debt someday, I etched the determination into my heart again .

Author’s Notes

◆The story of the synopsis of the previous story .
Although I have a hunch that something happened in addition……well, a family .
( ゜∀゜)o彡゜Tentacle, tentacle .

◆I forgot to write it in the afterword of the previous story, but I’m summarizing the impression returns with cooking .
The previous story, I will summarize it around this evening (Monday) or tomorrow probably .

◆About this story . The end was cut at a good place .
Well, there are 10,000 characters still, though . As an author, I wanted to write until the end .
It is Rose’s turn . I wanted to write it accurately because I couldn’t write that『wanting to become human』wasn’t something that wasn’t human .

◆It wasn’t such a thing when I thought I finished being busy by last month . orz
However, I won’t be busy if I overcome next week (or, perhaps I should say this week)…I shouldn’t be . For work, I am turning my eyes to another matter after .
As for fixed-updates, I intend to try my best . I am keeping at it .
Next update is planned for 6/7 (Sat.u.r.day) . On Sunday if it’s impossible .

Translator’s Notes

¹ – Not sure about the first part of this . ‘感情の起伏が薄い表情からはなかなか想像できないが、’ 

Editor’s Notes

A: This part’s in Rose’s perspective . For those who forget like I did she’s the wooden doll that makes stuff for team Majima .  

B: I’m unsure what the difference is supposed to be here so I’ll leave it as the raws say .  

Chapter 20 A Doll s Challenge Synopsis of the last chapter o Tentacle, tentacle . I put the rasp on the block of wood I had taken into my hands . I had mostly given the shape, however, the finis.h.i.+ng touches were yet to be given so it could match the my imagination . There was no way I could let my mind wander, not that there was an opportunity to do so anyway . What was needed was the delicacy to finish a work of art . Although, I had never seen the so called actual article . However, art could be comprehended as an object without any practical use, valued purely on aesthetics and the article I was making would also leaned towards having more artistic value than practical . Therefore, I was paying the maximum attention that I could muster . Even a slight change in the angle of insertion of the rasp could warp the facial expression to an astonis.h.i.+ng extent . Therefore it was a must that I didn t let my mind wander even for a moment . I focused till the point that my mind felt like it was about to burn and advanced . Considering why I was making it, it was beyond my means to make it too gaudy . However, if I considered what this was for the sake of, I didn t think it was enough even if it was the perfect beauty . I, currently, was making something for myself . With my intention, I was making my possessions . This was an unusually rare case . Until now I made things for other with my own free will . Or rather, I made things in accordance to Master s wishes . I hadn t made things I wanted personally . You could say this would truly be the first possession I obtained . On the other hand since it was something that I owned I didn t want it to be too gaudy . Neither did I think that it would suit me nor did I think that it would be something within my means to have . However, it was . It was something of mine as well as not something that was for me . At any rate, it was something I didn t see myself usually . In everyday life, it was another person who saw this to the utmost, but in this case, that another person was my Master, who was more important than anyone . Therefore, I wasn t too exhausted no matter how much I tried all possible means . I ve completed it . Rose When I finished the entire process, there was a face of a girl exquisitely crafted within my hands . The age range was about the same as Master . It had well featured looks, but there were some places where it was lacking features a little bit . The skin was a little too white, but it was smooth and had a tone typical of a girl . It was extremely troublesome for me to have finished it in a calm atmosphere . How about it Rose I handed over the work to the friend who had been looking at the work beside me . She was my collaborator . She didn t have an ability to make things herself, but without her I wouldn t be finding my work in this direction . So to speak, I guess she was something like an advisor Even now, she had been watching and taking a good look at my work from various angles . By combining her own dark facial expression, the cave illuminated by the open air fire, and the exquisite work she held in her hands, her figure had the appearance of an eerie witch . Hou, a sigh leaked out from my friend s pale lips . The result was about to be told . If I possessed a feature to breath on me, there was no doubt that I would have had my breath taken away by the tension . It s perfect, right Rose Well My friend Kat Mana floated a thin smile towards me who had leaned my upper body forward, and spoke . With a remake . Kat When we separated from Master, was the day before yesterday already . In the preparatory meeting beforehand, we had expected that the knights would leave the forest and head towards a town . The development where they were guided to a fortress like that wasn t expected, and putting it clearly, this was quite inconvenient . However, it didn t necessarily change what we needed to do . We were waiting for contact from Master, and if we perceived through the path that Master was in danger then we were to rush to his side at all costs . For that it was desirable to be as near Master as possible . Therefore, we had found a moderate cave among the mountains at a low alt.i.tude where we were able to look out on the fortress that Master went towards, and were staying in it . It seemed to be a den that was dug out by some kind of monster, and whether or not the owner of the den was subjugated a long time ago, we hadn t seen its figure . In Kato san s opinion, what would be the issue Rose In the cave, I questioned my friend who was facing me . Mana . Kat Mana A short reply . No, this was simply a complaint A pair of eyes that carried light like she was blaming me were turned towards me . Eyes that were damp really matched her well . Please call me Mana . Mana Recently, it had reached the point that she, my friend, asked me to call her Mana . I hadn t gotten used to the way of calling her that yet . Due to that, I occasionally made a mistake like just now and she would sulk . Seeing it from Mana s eyes, what would be wrong with my work Rose It isn t to the extent of calling it bad, but . Mana When I said it again, Mana loosened her mouth only a little . But, what I m saying is, I have a feeling that the human charm isn t enough . Mana Human charm, is it Rose I repeated Mana s words verbatim . With my own mouth . Indeed . I had been wearing the head that I manufactured to try it out . I hadn t successfully produced vocal cords that had natural human movement, so, as a matter of fact, I was only moving my mouth to match my voice , but if you looked at it quickly, it would look as if I was voicing out the words with my own mouth . This, that I had only made some time ago, was my face as a girl . It was fine to say that this was the first step so I could be held tightly by Master . If it was only as a model at best, I was bragging about making something perfect after what Mana said . The journey to reach this point wasn t straightforward by any means . Regarding making things by hand, I had self confidence in itself even now . Being able to process wood into anything to my heart s content was a special characteristic of mine as a magical puppet . Indeed . It was to my heart s content . That I understood it was meaning the things that I couldn t imagine I couldn t make in the end, it was from beginning this trial . In making the face of a person, the way had been different than usual . To put in simpler words, this was in a direction that was different from my usual works . My works generally pursued functionality over form . They were crude yet practical . However this was essentially close to a sort of work of art . Even though the tools and materials I used were the same, the technique needing to change would be natural if the objective was different . A gap of just several millimeters could destroy the entire balance . If done poorly, it would even collapse to an extent that it wouldn t even look human . If I spoke about the first prototype, it was something more terrible, and it was to the extent that I didn t want to think about it . Naturally, manufacturing was a tough process . Nonetheless, for me, it was also impossible to give up with that . If I was going to give up over an issue this minute I shouldn t even have started . Besides, I also had promised to show it to Master someday . Although I had put in a lot of work and improved bit by by after all that, the out of place feeling was still present no matter how many I made . Honestly, I was fl.u.s.tered . If Mana hadn t informed me that it was because it had come near the area referred to as the uncanny valley , this trial of mine may have been at a standstill . In the modelling of art pieces with facial features that closely resemble humans, after a certain extent we reach a point where small discrepancies could be felt in uncanny things . It seemed that this was called the uncanny valley phenomenon . In order to improve it, there was no choice but to bring it even closer to life . By getting my mistakes pointed out each time, I improved my work . Whether or not this became several tens of works, I didn t even remember myself . Even with mistaken thoughts that couldn t be seen of such a past, Mana had accompanied me patiently . Truthfully, it wouldn t be an exaggeration that this was our group work . Maybe due to that, there was a part that closely resembled Mana with a set of facial features for some reason in the work I made . As Mana had very young looks for her age, we may have even appeared to be sisters if we stood next to each other . If it was the humanity of the places that Mana pointed out in some way or another, however . Well, let s judge it as being okay . There is another even bigger problem . Mana Mana said in her usual flat voice . It was hard to be able to imagine from the undulation of emotions of her weak facial expression , but she was motivated by this . I understood that . In actuality, the things she pointed out were mostly to the point, and it was simply helpful for my trials . Rose san doesn t make facial expressions well . Although it s become quite human ish for modelling to say it, it is too perfect, there s no humanity, and it is angel like but, the facial expression is no good . Mana Mana was staring at my face . No . She was observing it . With just the technique improving to a point where you are unable to tell it apart from humans if you stand silently, the out of place feeling related to the movement of detailed facial expressions is getting bigger . The way the voice is produced and the movements of the mouth are also mismatched . If those areas are corrected, you will be somewhere in the place where the looks have been a little too arranged . On the contrary, even if the facial features of countless faces are things full of human traits, it comes to nothing if the facial expression is no good . Mana Although I am aware, nothing can be done . is it no good to that degree Rose Honestly, it s eerie . Mana We had been exchanging comments over and over so far . Now, there was no such thing as holding back our thoughts with unnecessary fear . Mana, as always, pointed out my faults bluntly, and I, as always, accepted it, and felt down as it was . Although it was impossible for me to advance without my faults being being pointed out, it didn t mean that I didn t feel down because of that . I think that the feeling of things like the skin are very good . Mana Whether or not she read my innermost feelings like that, Mana reached out her hand and touched my cheek . When her fingertip pressed me, my cheek sank softly . This area, I am happy as expected, even for me . Things like the Pseudo Damascus Steel Sword , and later things like the Black Armor . The Magic tools that you made had appearances that were quite different from wood at the point in time they were completed . If that was the case, I thought that such raw materials could be made as well . Mana While she was able to make it hard like iron, there was no way that she couldn t make it to the degree of human skin . That was Mana s theory . It was a way of thinking I didn t have . I thought about what it would be when I heard it, but there was nothing that you couldn t do . Although, there is a part where it is hard to say that this is also a perfect score . Mana It was far off from a perfect score even though it had pa.s.sing marks that was my feeling . For example, the strangely white skin wasn t able to reproduce as far as the feeling of blood flowing beneath the skin . To the bitter end, this was an imitation . It didn t mean that blood flowed even if it was cut . As there weren t any pores, if you approached and looked properly, you would notice that this was an imitation . I also couldn t make too large of a facial expression . It was because I wasn t able to make wrinkles naturally, and I wasn t able to skillfully reproduce the movements of muscles under the skin, which were the causes of it . Even the modelling of a calm impression into the looks wherever practicable, was a plan to suppress the out of place feeling even a little that such parts produced . If the facial expressions were limited, I shouldn t mind even if it was without rich facial expressions . Needless to say, it was a makes.h.i.+ft solution plan to the bitter end . There were many limits of such techniques that couldn t be overcome no matter what, as a result, my current face had an inhuman impression . Although there were places that had been made exquisitely, this was nothing but the face of a doll to the bitter end . This was not the face of a human girl . It was the face of a girl doll . Be that as it may, if it was as a doll that looks like a human , I thought that it was well made by myself . That is to say, it even was meaning that it was spoiled if I changed it . In any case, it was because of Mana s cooperation that I could reach this point . Rose It was because you touched it many times over, wasn t it Mana Mana took in her hand from my face, and this time I scratched my cheek . For the sake of reference, I had touch touch touched her face many times over so far . This was Mana s proposal, and I was proud that I was able to trace that of hers, if only softly at least, thanks to that . Well, I guess there s no choice but to plan for the long term when it comes to the facial expressions . If I had to say then that isn t a hard problem but a soft face because it depends on Rose san s processing ability . Mana There is no face . Unlike my limbs, it is a part I hadn t changed so far . Rose You ll surely become better if you practice . Let s keep at it together after this . Mana Mana who gave me words of encouragement lowered the ends of her eyebrows a little bit immediately following that . Although I said that, I don t think I m capable of saying that I am a suitable person for the role of a teacher here, though . Mana Is that so Why is that again Rose Although it isn t an imitation of an infant, to imitate is the basis of learning . In that point, I don t have a very rich facial expression . Mana Mana appeared to be self aware about her thin facial expression . More like a girl, if she smiled like she was blooming, like Lily ane sama for example, the impression would also change considerably I thought so, but Mana didn t smile like that . If you considered her circ.u.mstances, I guess that was something inevitable . That s right . Mana The thin Mana with such a facial expression clapped her hands with a slap . What about if you ask Lily san if you are so inclined I think that person is more suitable for a thing like this, though . Mana No . That is Rose It was the at great pains proposal of Mana, but my words were spoken ambiguously . Certainly, Lily ane sama s facial expressions were rich and charming . As a living thing called a woman, it would be possible to say that she has reached some kind of ideal . However, I was hesitating over seeking a.s.sistance from ane sama . Regarding this trial that was advancing together with Mana, I had felt it hard to rely on Lily ane sama somehow . Although I said that, there wasn t any kind of problem with ane sama . Stubbornly, my side just felt guilty towards ane sama for some reason or another . Regarding the reason, it wasn t known . Even I myself had been thinking in wonder . I was held tight by Master, a night like that dream again . That was my wish . I wanted to be held tight by Master . What I wanted was that alone, The reason why I had to feel apologetic towards ane sama there didn t exist . It should be that . should be that, however . Really, I wonder why . Due to this feeling I didn t understand, I hadn t had a talk with Lily ane sama about this trial that I was conducting . Whether or not Lily ane sama also was perceiving my complicated feelings around that, she should have noticed the thing I was doing together with Mana, but she had pretended not to see without taking it upon herself to touch it . It can t be helped if Rose san is reluctant . Mana As for the story around that, there was an opportunity before and I had a discussion with Mana . For that reason, even though I refused the proposal without a rational reason, Mana had accepted it easily . I m sorry, Mana . I m aware that it is valid but Rose Things like apologizing are unnecessary . I can understand your feelings and why you feel guilty . Mana Mana replied indifferently without even appearing to mind in particular . Mana seemed to understand my feelings even though I myself couldn t understand them . It appeared that she had a rough idea somehow of what in the world the cause of this mysterious guilty conscious of mine towards Lily ane sama was . However, she wouldn t inform me of what it was . It was because she knew that I didn t want that . From the start, one of the motives I thought of trying to fulfill my desire of I want to be held tight by Master was because I wished to understand the minds of people . Even though that was the case, doings things like simply seeking the answer to what my feelings were from another person were just putting the cart before the horse . I had to get an answer with my own power . However, for that, it was also true that Mana s long awaited response was all wasted for that reason . I also felt sorry about my miserable thinking in an honest way . I m sorry . Rose I don t think it is necessary to brood over it to that extent . Mana Whether or not it was recognized by the insides of such a me, it was enough that it wasn t understood by anyone but close people, but Mana made her voice soft . Even if you don t rush, you too will arrive at the answer before long . If it is no matter what , why do you think that you want to be held tight by Senpai it may be good to try to think about that again . Mana Why do I want to be held tight by Master is it Rose Yes . Rose san was held tight by Senpai one night, and you were happy more than anything, right Enough that you desire it again . Where on earth are the feelings you thought so coming from, what kind of emotions are the source if you realize that then you should go forward a step again . Mana Being held tight by a person that was considered important . That was pleasant . Enjoyable . It was happiness . And, this wasn t merely only that feeling, it was something that could have been guessed even by the current me . This feeling of mine of wanting to be held tight by Master, it didn t mean that I wanted to be connected like Ayame pressing Master with her snout, for example . If I were to say it, this thought wasn t something innocent but something pure . Stirring up even this body that was a doll, this wonderous and powerful thought, it was something subtle and even more complicated and mysterious . It was a premonition . At the time a name was given to this feeling, it would it be arranged so that I d understand the minds of people in a true meaning . Also for that reason, I had to think about it . I understand . I ll agree . Rose Okay . Mana To my response, Mana loosened the shape of her mouth, though only a little, seemingly in satisfaction and nodded . In which case, let s decide to let the matter of proposing a discussion about this matter to Lily san drop . I ll continue to play the role of being your teacher . Mana I ll be taking up Mana s time, but I look forward to working with you . Rose I don t consider it like time . Since I am doing something I like . Poking my nose into Rose san s business is fun . Mana Whether or not that was a remark of worrying about my matter, were those her true feelings weren t known by me . Either way, I couldn t do anything but show my grat.i.tude to my friend s goodwill with a nod . Thereupon, while improving for the meantime, are we doing practice concerning facial expressions Rose Ah, no . Mana When I asked with the intention of confirming, Mana shook her head . I think it s nice as well, but it s also a fact that it will take time . I think I ll change the plan a little bit here . Mana To Rose Although Majima senpai is able to understand your feelings of wanting to show flawless things, I think it also isn t wrong to fill up the outer moat with time until then . Mana Do you have some kind of idea Rose Mana nodded and asked . Did you make the things that I asked before Mana The said, is it that Yes, it is completed . Rose I stood up and stepped up to the alongside of the wall of the cave . Although I also said this, there were many Not well understood prototype models placed there . Since after manufacturing the disguise of Master s Pseudo Damascus Steel Sword , I was experimenting with whether or not the tools that I ve preformed craftsmans.h.i.+p on like that could do something . As of now, it didn t look like results appeared as what was made was sheer junk only, but sooner or later, it was a place where I was thinking that I could receive praise from Master if I made things . Is it this Rose I picked up the thing that had slipped into and lied down among that, and handed it to Mana . It was a white mask . It was something simple which only had slits for eyes opened, and it didn t particularly have devices and the like . It was something requested by Mana that I had manufactured a few days ago . Well then, shall we try out various things for a little while Mana Try out, is it Rose Yes . Please have peace of mind . Rose san doesn t need to worry about doing anything . Because it is okay to leave everything to me . Mana The att.i.tude of Mana like that, following what she herself said some time ago, was certainly vaguely happy . Like that, a little time pa.s.sed . it s perfect . Mana Mana murmured . Despite the completely same thing being said some time ago, I wonder why the tone of voice that resounded in the cave was heard differently . Mana, this is Rose I had been standing stock still in wonderment . My overlooked appearance had completely changed . The white clothes that Gerbera had made for Lily ane same were wrapping up my doll body that felt whitish . This was my first time wearing clothes, but it felt somewhat weird . Concerning the details, my doll body wasn t manufactured, but if it was wrapped up in clothes like this, I couldn t see it as anything but that of a woman from the delicateness and the lines of the body . On the jacket which covered the chest that rose modestly, semi stiff gray hair was flowing . This was the diligently shaved tail fur of a fire fang . Hair that was a little peculiar was prepared the sides were long enough to reach my chest, and the back stretched until my waist area with thick braids . It s a little disappointing, it seems better to hide your face with the mask . Mana Mana, who had turned me into a literal dressing doll hitherto, removed the mask on my face . As a result, what was there was a gray haired woman who had put on a mask . Only the ends of my limbs that were sticking out a little had indicated that this body of mine was that of a doll s . Gloves are also needed . And shoes as well . Mana Um, Mana Rose I couldn t endure before very long, and my mouth interrupted Mana s conduct . I am sorry that it s a new and fun part, but what kind of thing is this Rose Aah . Now that you mention it, I haven t explained yet, have I As there is a need to have Rose san seen as a woman by Senpai, this is a strategy for that . Mana Mana replied to me who asked about the situation . If it was until now, there was a feeling that Rose san, no matter what, didn t enter into the category of a woman in Senpai . As for Senpai s personality, you would at least put clothes on if treated as a woman . I think it s better to reform his awareness around that early on . Mana Have me seen as a woman by Master is there that necessity Rose There is . For example, wouldn t Rose san find it unpleasant to be carried in his arms like Asarina and Ayame do so Mana It isn t particularly unpleasant, but Rose However, as there was a thought that it was somehow different, I swallowed the reb.u.t.tal . That, in other words, was something of approving this appearance . After this, I would come into contact with Master with this appearance it was a thing like that . Just as I thought so, anxiety seeped from the interior of my chest . isn t it weird Rose It s alright . It s enough that there is mysterious charm with the face not being visible . . how should I put it Mana Mana gazed at me from the top of my head to the bottom of my feet with me stepping back a step, and shortened the distance slowly and stretched out her arm . Still, there are such things as places where you get anxiety like that, even with Rose san . it s cute . Mana She tightly embraced me . No, was it more correct to say she was hugging me as there was a difference in height Mana had something like a habit of hugging . Perhaps, if some emotions within her reached a threshold, I guess she would do so impulsively . Well, because even for me it didn t feel unpleasant to be hugged by a friend, I liked it . Moreover by some possibility, this might be the ruins of a conduct of hers, who was transitioned to this world, from her former world . If I considered so, I shouldn t refuse this action and the like of her, a friend . Rose san, cute . Mana As it was a flat voice saying her thoughts, it was a little eerie . If you went into emotion a bit more , I thought that while being quietly hugged by Mana . However, it s hard . Mana It seems so . Rose I responded with a voice that was a little shocked to my friend who said something obvious . In turn to what I said, Mana had narrowed her eyes in pondering while clinging to me as is . You should also correct your body . Mana It is my body as well Rose Yes . So far you have created faces, but with that alone it seems to be partial . It s absolutely no good if a girl isn t soft . Mana No good, is it Rose It s no good . Mana It seemed to be no good . I didn t know much about things like this, but it seemed to be true if Mana said so . I didn t harbour doubts there . Originally, I had thought it d be best to put in order only my figure, but Mana also proposed that I bring my face near the feel of material wherever practicable . She, a human, knew better about humans . It would be right to obey docilely . I nodded . I understand . I think I will try to produce it in trials after this . Rose Please keep at it . I think it still will be simple if compared to the face, though . Mana In what way I don t have too much self confidence . Rose Even if the details are more or less splendid, it doesn t feel out of place like the face . If it is Rose san s skill, I think you can make it without spending so much time . Mana It s fine if that s the case . I think I want to do it until exhaustion with all of my strength . Rose I nodded greatly at my friend s words of encouragement, and then changed and lowered my head . Well then, although it will take time for Mana as well this time, please help me . Rose Yes . Mana Mana nodded, rolling her eyes as is while expressionless . eh Mana While thinking in wonder with what happened , I put both of my hands on the shoulders of Mana who was hugging me . The gist was the same as the face . I needed to receive collaboration from her . Eh Mana I was really being looked after by Mana . I had to pay back this debt someday, I etched the determination into my heart again . Author s Notes The story of the synopsis of the previous story . Although I have a hunch that something happened in addition well, a family . o Tentacle, tentacle . I forgot to write it in the afterword of the previous story, but I m summarizing the impression returns with cooking . The previous story, I will summarize it around this evening Monday or tomorrow probably . About this story . The end was cut at a good place . Well, there are 10,000 characters still, though . As an author, I wanted to write until the end . It is Rose s turn . I wanted to write it accurately because I couldn t write that wanting to become human wasn t something that wasn t human . It wasn t such a thing when I thought I finished being busy by last month . orz However, I won t be busy if I overcome next week or, perhaps I should say this week I shouldn t be . For work, I am turning my eyes to another matter after . As for fixed updates, I intend to try my best . I am keeping at it . Next update is planned for 6 7 Sat.u.r.day . On Sunday if it s impossible . Translator s Notes Not sure about the first part of this . Editor s Notes A This part s in Rose s perspective . For those who forget like I did she s the wooden doll that makes stuff for team Majima . B I m unsure what the difference is supposed to be here so I ll leave it as the raws say .