宮国国有鉄道
Simulacrum National Railways




　

空が白み始めた空を背景に二人は口づけを交わす。余韻が醒めぬうちに桜色の唇は緑色の宝玉へと寄せられる。淡く光りを放ち始める翠玉。そして車両そのものを揺るがすかのような低音を奏でだすヘリカルモートリス。
Two persons exchange kiss against the background of the sky where empty began to turn bright. Before a reverberation awakes, a pink lip is brought near by green bririant ball. Emerald which begins to emit light palely. And Helical-Mortris which begins to play low noise as if it shook the vehicles itself.
「ヘリカルモートリス起動」
"Helical-Mortris starting"
「起動確認」
"Starting check"
　独特の口調と共に指で示しながら称呼する。わたしの声に復唱するのは涼やかなソプラノ。互いに頷きを交わすと彼女は最後尾の車両へと歩み去っていく。無人の、まだ薄暗い客車の通路を抜けて。
I call, while a finger shows with a peculiar tone. It is coolnd the soprano who are repeated to my voice. If nods are exchanged mutually, she will follow away to the vehicles at the tail end. Escape from the uninhabited passage of a still gloomy coach.
　ここはシムラークルム宮国国有鉄道中央管区始発駅。宮国全土に張り巡らされた鉄路の中心だ。タブレットと制御ハンドル、ダイヤグラムを受け取り、未明の駅で祈りを捧げることから一日が始まる。わたしたちは神殿から遣わされた巫女であると同時に鉄道の運転士であり、車掌だ。
The place is a Ｓｉｍｕｌａcrum national-railways central precinct starting station here. It is the center of the railroad spread around the Ｓｉｍｕｌａcrum whole country. A tablet, a control handle, and a diagram are received, and since a prayer is offered at a predawn station, one day starts. While we are the shrine maidens dispatched from the shrine, we are the drivers of a railroad, and we are conductors.
　鉄道の運行を十代の娘が担うのは宮国の鉄道ならではだろう。動力にヘリカルモートリスを使う以上、巫女が乗り組まざるを得ないのは当然だ。
Teens-girls bears operation of a railroad. that is peculiar to thef Ｓｉｍｕｌａcrum-railroad. If Helical-Mortris is used for power at all, naturally a shrine maiden cannot but join.
　――落ちこぼれ、だけどね。
-- I'm a drop behind, however ?
.
　ふふ、と一人で静かに笑いを漏らしたところで客室乗務員が顔を出した。
The cabin attendant took out the face with the place which leaked laughter calmly by and one person.
「おはようございます。どうなされました、巫女様」
"Good morning. The shrine maiden made what"
「おはようございます。いいえ、なんでもありません」
"Good morning. No, it is nothing."
　軽く微笑んで会釈をする。神殿の巫女たる者はどんな時にも優雅であらねばならない。
I salutes by smiling lightly. The shrine maiden slack person of a shrine must be graceful at any times, and must be in them.
「定刻通り発車となります。客室の方はいかがですか？」
"It is left as at the appointed hour. How is the direction of a drawing room? "
「清掃、点検共に済んでおります。いつでもお客様を迎えられます」
"Cleaning and check have ended. A visitor can be greeted at any time."
「始発列車なのに大勢のお客様が待っておられるのね」
"Although it is the first train, it waits for many visitors."
「荒れた都を見限る方が増えていらっしゃるようです」
"It seems that the direction which abandons the devastated capital increases in number and comes."
　わたしは小さく息を吐く。
I breathe out small.
「戦争って、こういうことなのね」
"They are such things as war."
　

特等車は礁国の兵士たちのものとなり、宮国民は二等車に鮨詰めになる。車中では酔った礁国兵士による宮国民への狼藉が絶えなかった。そのため客室係には屈強な男性を配置してもらっていたが、銃を持った兵隊たちが相手ではあまり効果もない。
The Special seat cars, such as belong to the soldiers of Argentum and the Simulacrum-people become jam-packed at a second-class wagon. The disorder to the Simulacrum-people by the Argentum soldier who got drunk in the train did not cease. Therefore, although I had had the sturdy man stationed to a room clerk, an effect does not not much have soldiers with a gun at a partner, either.
「巫女様方は客室へはお出でにならないよう」
It is "coming to a drawing room and needing the method of Ms. shrine maiden ."
　つい先日、巫女である運転士が礁国兵に銃殺されるという事件が起きていた。テンプスパティウムの恩寵を信じない彼らは巫女を欠いて停まってしまった列車に苛立ち、さらに数名の宮国民の命を奪った。巫女がいなければ列車さえも動かない国なのだとさえ知らないのだ、彼らは。
The incident in which the driver who is a shrine maiden was shot dead by the Argentum soldier had occurred just the other day. They who do not believe deity of Temps-Spatium became irritated with the train.The train has stopped,because of  lacking the shrine maiden , and claimed several more Simulacrum people's life. it will not know, even if there is no shrine maiden and it is the country to which even a train does not move -- them.
「ありがとう。あなた方に任せきりになってしまうわね。車掌にもしっかり言ってあげて。あの子は正義感が強いから騒ぎが起これば飛び出さずには居られないでしょう。しっかり守ってあげてくださいね」
Thank you for ". Will you leave it to you and will become leaving? It says also to a conductor firmly. Probably, that child is not in not jumping out, if a noise takes place, since a sense of justice is strong. please protect firmly -- "
　車掌室から呼び出しの信鈴が鳴る。
The bell of a call sounds from a conductor room.
「はい。機関車」
"Yes. morter-car"
『後尾より。準備よし。発車前手順の開始を請う』
"Rear. preparation means. " which asks the start of the procedure before departure
「機関車了解」
"Morter-car comprehension"
　ヘリカルモートリスで動く機関車はあらゆる種類の動力を後続車両に供給している。機関車から電力を送らねば照明も点らないし、油圧バルブを開いてやらねば制動装置さえ開放できない。発車前手順というのは機関車から後部車両への動力を与えることだ。
The morter car which runs by Helical-Mortris supplies all kinds of power to succession vehicles. If electric power is not sent from an engine, lighting will not be lighted, either, and even braking equipment cannot be opened if an oil pressure valve is not opened. The procedure before departure is giving the power from an morter-car to rear vehicles.
　チェックリストの通りの作業を上から順に消化していく。内容は空で言えるほど身に染みていたが、大勢の客の命を預かる大事な仕事だった。漏れの無いようひとつひとつリストを潰していく。。
The work as a check list is digested sequentially from the top. Although the contents had touched him to the core so that they could be said in the sky, it was the important work which keeps many visitors' life. Lists are crushed one by one so that there may be no leak. .
「今日も一日テンプスパティウムのご加護がありますように」
"May a divine protection of Temps-Spatium there be for one day today also!"
　チェックリストを埋め終えると車掌と二人で祈りの言葉を唱和する。唱和と同時に投入された照明灯のスイッチが客車を一斉に明るくする、それを見たホームの乗客たちがぞろぞろと立ち上がり始めた。車両の最終点検を済ませるまでは乗車できないのだが、乗客たちはとうに待ち兼ねていたのだろう。特等車の前に陣取った礁国兵士たちは早くも列車に乗せろと騒ぎ始めていた。
If it finishes burying a check list, the language of a prayer will be sung to a conductor in chorus by two persons. The passengers of a home to whom the switches of the lighting thrown in simultaneously with a response make a coach bright all at once and who looked at it began to stand up in succession. Although it could not get on until it finished the last check of vehicles, probably, passengers were waiting impatiently long ago. The Argentum soldiers who took up position in front of cars, such as Special seat, are beginning to make noise as already put on a train.
「先が思いやられること」
"I feel anxious about the point."
　出力を?待機?に落としたヘリカルモートリスを確認し、わたしはホームへと降りる。機関車に接続されていた予備動力を切り離すためだ。一端起動してしまえばヘリカルモートリスのみで莫大なエネルギーを生み続けるが、起動時だけは外から動力を与えてやらなくてはならない。
Checking Helical-Mortris which dropped the output on ? standby ?, I get down to a home. It is for separating the reserve power connected to the morter. If end starting is carried out, inducing immense energy only by Helical-Mortris is continued, but you have to give power from outside only at the time of starting.
「よう、姉ちゃん。重そうだな、手伝ってやろうか」
"Hello, my baby-sister, it seems to be heavy for you?  I'll help you? "
　声をかけてきたのは礁国兵の一人だった。下卑た笑いを顔に貼り付けているところを見ると手伝いに来たというのは口実で、巫女である女性機関士をからかいにきたのだろう。
One of Argentum soldiers had spoken. Having come for help is an excuse and, probably, it came for teasing the female engineer who is a shrine maiden, when the place which is sticking lower valger laughter on the face was seen.
「ありがたいお申し出ではございますが、お客様に手伝っていただいては機関士の面目が立ちませぬ。作業区画内も危険でございますのでお戻りいただけますようお願いいたします」
"Although a kind proposal occurs, if I have a visitor help, an engineer cannot save his face. Since the inside of a work division is also dangerous, please return."
　乗務員という仕事柄、礁国と嶺国の言葉は片言ながら話せるようになっていた。ためらいもなくアルゲントゥム語で話しかけてきた兵士はこちらの言うことなどに耳も貸さず、肩に手を回してきた。
She can speak now about the language of the occupation being what it is of the crew, Argentum, and Plumbum with babble. The soldier who hesitation does not have, either and has addressed in Argentum language did not give his ear to the said thing here, either, but has turned the hand to the shoulder.
「おう。なんだアルゲントゥム語がわかるのか。ふむ。いいじゃねえか。手伝ってやるって言ってるんだ」
"Hey  baby, what are you recognize Argentum language?  It steps on. don't bother  I said that  you helps."
「危険だ、と申し上げましたが」
"I said that  it was dangerous."
　わたしはそう言って胸に抱えた電力端子を兵士へと向ける。
I turn to a soldier the power terminal which had said so and was held in the breast.
「この端子には機関車を起動できるだけの大電力が流れるようになっております。触れられますと、まず、雷に打たれるより酷いことになりますかと」
"The large electric power of only being able to start an moter flows into this terminal. severe rather than first struck by thunder, if touched -- it is -- "
　一抱えもある電力端子は微かなオゾン臭を放つ。端子の接続の度に散らされる火花によって煤もこびりついている。さらに、極太のケーブルが低周波音を漏らしていることに気づき、兵士は数歩後じさった。
An armful also releases an ozone smell with a certain faint power terminal. Soot has also stuck by the sparks scattered to the degree of connection of a terminal. Furthermore, one notices the fat cable having leaked the low-frequency vibration, and a soldier is back after several steps.
「ああ、スピリフェリフ」
"Ah -- Mr.SUPIRIFERIFU"
　わたしは偉丈夫の客室係に呼びかけた。兵士に絡まれているのを見つけて早速駆けつけてきてくれたのだ。
I called to the room clerk of great character. It found being involved in a soldier and it was run instantly.
「こちらのお客様がお飲み物をお求めです。お茶を一杯差し上げて」
"The visitor here asks for a drink. The full difference of the tea has been carried out."
「はい。巫女様」
"Yes. The shrine maiden"
「ご親切な申し出をしてくださったお客様です。失礼の無いように」
"He is the visitor who did the kind proposal. It is " so that there may be no impoliteness.
　スピリフェリフは兵士に向かって、どうぞ、と巨体で道を示す。彼は宮国の民にしては珍しく、がっしりとした体つきと地の底から響くような低声の持ち主だ。
Mr.SUPIRIFERIFU shows a way please with a huge form toward a soldier. He is unusual for people of 宮国 and are the figure carried out strongly and an owner of low voice who is echoed from the bottom of the ground.
　機関車に接続されていた極太のケーブルを巻上機に収納し、線路へと降りて車止めを外す。以前にはこんな作業は駅作業員の担当だったが、戦乱で人の減った今では運転士の仕事になってしまった。保線作業の人手も不足しているとかで、職員たちはいつ事故が起きるかと暗い顔で囁き合うばかりだ。
The fat cable  connected to the engine is stored to a lifting equipment, it gets down to a track, and a bumping post is removed. Although such work was the station worker's charge before, in the now whose people decreased by war, it is a driver's work. the helps of track maintenance work also run short, or it comes out, and the personnel just whisper about each other by when an accident occurs and a dark face.
　乗車時刻になりくたびれた顔の人々が客車に吸い込まれていく。運転士であるわたしも乗車口の脇に立って胸の前で腕を交差させ、乗客を迎える。以前は明るい顔で声をかけてくれる乗客が多かったが、今では神殿から派遣される巫女に笑顔を向ける者は少なくなっていた。
People of the face which became and was tired at entrainment time are inhaled by the coach. I who am a driver also stand on the side of a bus door, and make an arm cross in front of a breast, and a passenger is greeted. Although there were many passengers who speak by the bright face before, now, those who turn a smiling face to the shrine maiden dispatched from a shrine had decreased.
　ふと視線を上げると乗客の列の中に背の高い帽子を被った灰色の服の四人がいた。特徴的な額の入れ墨は――嶺国の巫女だ。
When the look was raised suddenly, there were four persons of the dress of the gray which was wearing the tall hat in a passenger's sequence. Tattoo of a characteristic frame -- He is the shrine maiden of Plumbum.
　戦勝国の巫女は宗教者独特の笑みで軽く膝をかがめて挨拶を送ってきた。
The shrine maiden of a victorious nation bent the knee lightly with the smile peculiar to a religion person, and has sent the greeting.
「ようこそ宮国国有鉄道へ。あの、巫女様。巫女様方は特等個室もご利用いただけますが」
"Welcome! -- Simulacrum national railways. That shrine maiden of the. The method of Ms. shrine maiden can also use single rooms, such as special seat."
　あらかじめ連絡がなかったために準備はしていなかったが、個室車両も連結されている。礁国の高級将校や外交官たちには個室をあてがう方針となっていた。戦勝国の人間に配慮したと言うより、保安上の理由だ。宮国の民はおしなべて穏和な性質だったが、敗戦によって苦境へ転落した人々が敵国の有力者を前にした時、いつ暴徒へと転じるかわからない。
Although preparations had not been made since there was no connection beforehand, single room vehicles are also connected. It had become the plan which assigns the high-class officers and diplomats of Argentum a single room. They are the reasons of security rather than it says that the human being of a victorious nation was considered. Although the people of Simulacrum pushed and were character mild in general, when people who fell to the predicament by defeat make it a front [ influential person / of the enemy country ], it is not known when they change to a mob.
　先頭の巫女が視線を上げた瞬間わたしは凍り付いた。
The moment the top shrine maiden raised the look, I frozen.
　嶺国の巫女たちはその服装が地味なことと、髪を隠す修道頭巾と帽子、目立つ額の入れ墨のために個々人の見分けがつけにくい。その巫女も顔立ちは整っていたし、修道頭巾の隙間から覗く髪は鮮やかな赤毛ではあったものの、特別目立つ存在ではないように見えた。なのに、わたしは彼女と合わせた視線が離せなくなってしまっていた。灰味を帯びた青い瞳。燃え立つ赤毛。そばかすの残る透き通った肌。血の気の薄い、けれどふくよかな唇。その顔がまっすぐにわたしを見返している。
Individual distinction cannot follow the shrine maidens of Plumbum easily because of the tattoo of that the dress is modest, the Osamichi hood which hides hair, a hat, and a conspicuous frame. Features were also ready the shrine maiden and did [ a shrine maiden ], and although the hair looked into through the crevice between the Osamichi hoods was skillful red hair, it seemed not to be the existence which is conspicuous specially. It was impossible for me to detach to a thing the look united with her. The blue pupil which wore 灰味. Red hair bursting into flames. The transparent skin in which a freckle remains. A plump lip with thin however vitality. The face is looking down on me straightly.
「……いいえ。嶺国では巫女は清貧が美徳とされます。それにわたしくしたちも宮国の人々との触れ合いを求めます」
".... No. As for a shrine maiden, let honorable poverty be a virtue in Plumbum. it -- me -- combs also ask for the contact with people of Simulacrum -- "
　僅かばかりの沈黙の後、わたしのプルンブルム語よりは相当に流暢なシムラークルム語での答えが返ってきた。
The answer in Simulacrum language fairly more fluent than my Pulumbum language came on the contrary after silence of small foolish.
　二等車に乗りたい、と言うならば止めることもないだろう。嶺国人と言えども巫女は巫女だ。元来信仰心の強い宮国の人間が他国の者とはいえ巫女に辛く当たることもないだろう。敗戦以来、宮国の巫女はその地位を低下させていたが表だって詰難されたことはない。
It will not stop, if it says that he wants to ride on a second-class wagon. A shrine maiden is a shrine maiden also although it is called Kunihito Mine. Originally, the human being of strong Simulacrum of a faith does not ask a shrine maiden pungently, although it is the person of a foreign country. Since defeat, although the shrine maiden of Simulacrum was reducing the status, it has become public and she has not been blamed.
　わたしは頷いて巫女を見送る。四人の巫女たちは混み合う二等車へと乗り込んで行った。巫女たちの一人が後に続いた老人の手を引いて、客車の階段を上らせていた。その様子を見るともなしに眺めていたわたしは、彼女たちが客室へ消える直前、赤毛の巫女が一瞬だけ視線を送ってきたのに気づいた。
I bow my head in assent and see off a shrine maiden. Four shrine maidens got in the second-class wagon which is [ each other ] crowded. Whose one of shrine maidens pulls the hand of the old man who followed, and makes the stairs of a coach go up. the situation -- seeing -- I who was watching have noticed the redheaded shrine maiden having sent the look only for a moment, just before they disappeared to the drawing room.

　列車は定刻に駅を離れた。宮国は首都と言えども数分も走ると景色は田園地帯のそれとなる。これからしばらくは湖岸に沿って走るので、湖の中央に建つ神殿を右手に眺める道行きだ。かつて、あの神殿には巫女たちの憧れとも言える大型船、アルクスプリーマが係留されていたものだが、その姿はもう見られない。敗戦に伴い礁国へと委譲されたと聞く。
The train left the station at scheduled time. Also although Simulacrum calls it a capital, if it runs also several minutes, a scene will serve as it of a country zone. Since it will run along the lakefront for the time being from now on, it is way going which looks at the shrine built in the center of a lake to the right hand. Although the large vessel and Arcs-Prima which can also be said to be yearning of shrine maidens were once moored to that shrine, the sight is not caught any longer. It is heard that it was transferred with defeat to Argentum.
「速度六〇。?−?番標識定刻通過」
"Speed 60. ?-? watch sign scheduled time passage"
　運転台に置いたダイヤグラムと路傍に立てられた距離標を照合し、声に出して確認する。下り列車向けには男性用のクルスと同じ意匠の翼に数値が刻まれる。上り線向けには女性用クルスと同じ曲線的な翼の札に距離が示される。十一個の小距離標と一個の大距離標で一単位だ。始発駅には零距離標として両翼のモニュメントが埋められている。
The distance mark formed to the diagram [ which was put on the driver's seat ] and way side is compared, and it takes out to voice and checks. A numerical value is minced by the wings of the same design as the cross for males for down trains. For lines headed for Tokyo, distance is shown in the card of the same rounded wings as the cross for women. It is one unit by 11 small distance marks and one large distance mark. The monument of both wings is buried as a zero distance mark at the starting station.
　本来ならばこの区間は平地の続く高速路線だったが、保線作業の滞りによって上限速度が引き下げられていた。
Maximum speed was reduced by stagnation of track maintenance work, although this section was the high-speed route which the flat ground follows properly speaking.
　――今は、まだいい。
-- Now, it is still good.
　安全を確保するためにダイヤグラムを組み直す余裕がある。だが、この先、さらに鉄道組織が弱体化していけば安全速度の見極めも付けられず、ダイヤの見直しがなされることもなくなるだろう。車両の整備も追いつかなくなるかもしれない。すでに宮国の機関車の半数は礁国へと引き取られていった。ヘリカルモートリスを操る巫女諸共、だ。
In order to secure safety, it is  possible to re-construct a diagram. But, it will become, without not attaching ascertaining of safe speed, either but making reexamination of a diagram henceforth, if the railroad organization becomes weak further. Maintenance of vehicles may also stop also fulfilling demand. The half of the engine of Simulacrum was already taken over to Argentum. Many shrine maiden ,which manipulate Helical-Mortris.
　――どうせ売られていくなら嶺国の方が良さそう。
-- If sold at any rate, the direction of Plumbum will meet in merit.
　嶺国の巫女たちを思い浮かべた。いや、脳裏に描いたのはたった一人。赤毛の巫女だった。服装は質素だったが、身綺麗に着こなす美しい人だった。燃えるように鮮やかな赤毛と額の青い入れ墨の調和が美しく思い起こされた。シムーンに乗るためにこの国へ来たのだろうか。
The shrine maidens of Plumbum were visualized. No, having drawn on mind is only one person. He was a redheaded shrine maiden. although the dress was simple -- the body -- he was the beautiful person dressed stylishly finely. Harmony of a blue tattoo of skillful red hair and a frame was beautifully recollected so that it might burn. In order to ride on SimounUN, did it come to this country?
　シムーン、と心の中で呟いてみる。それは微かな痛みを伴う言葉だった。
It murmurs in SHIMUN and the heart. It was the language accompanied by a faint pain.
「戦争が終わってから、空が濁ってきたわね」
"Has empty become muddy after war ends?"
　車掌を務める相棒がぼんやりと窓の外を眺めて呟く。
The partner who acts as a conductor looks at it and murmurs the outside of a window vacantly.
「そう？」
"It is ? so."
「殊に夜。星の数が少ないわ」
"It is night especially. There is stellar a  few."
　宮国を南北に貫くこの路線は首都の始発駅から終点まで五昼夜を要する長距離列車だ。機関車の運行には巫女の手が離せない。二人で八時間ずつ機関士役を交代しつつ終点までを走りきることになり、非番時の車掌役は通常、最後尾の車掌車に乗務するのだが、礁国兵士たちのが特等車両を占領している今は客車を縦断して車掌車と機関車を往復するのは危険だった。客室係の男性に実質的な車掌職を代行してもらっているのが実情だ。それで、時間を持てあました相棒はここで空を眺めている。
This route that pierces through Simulacrum north and south is a long-distance train which requires five day and night from the starting station of a capital to a terminal point. A shrine maiden's hand cannot be lifted for operation of an engine. Although even the terminal point will have been run and the role of a conductor at the time of off duty usually crewed in the cabin car at the tail end, changing the role of an engineer 8 hour respectively by two persons, it was dangerous to travel through a coach, and to go and come back to a cabin car and an engine now when Plumbum soldiers' occupy special-seat. The actual condition is having got a room clerk's male to execute a substantial conductor job by proxy. Then, the partner who could have time and left is looking at empty here.
　空が汚れてきているのは礁国・嶺国の軍船が多数、国内に入り込んでいるせいだと言う。確かに時折見かける飛行船は黒い煙を吐き出していたが、それで空が濁ってしまうほどのこともないように思われた。
That empty is becoming dirty says that many warships of Argentum and Plumbum are because it has entered at home. Although the airship which surely is seen occasionally was breathing out black smoke, it seemed that there is also nothing to the extent that empty becomes muddy.
「あなたは泉には行かないの？」
"Don't you go to a spring?"
　相棒がわたしに訊ねる。ここしばらく、彼女は同じ質問を繰り返していた。
A partner asks me. It carried out here and ばらく and she had repeated the same question.
「行かない」
"There is nothing in a line."
「後輩にヤクザな兵隊たちの相手をさせたくない、って？」
"It is ? as , the younger generation  to make it carry out worthless soldiers' partner."
　まあね、と軌道前方から視線を外さずに答える。今は巫女の志願者も多くはない。ヘリカルモートリスを扱う産業はどこも巫女の確保に大わらわだ。神殿も、派遣できる巫女が足りないためか、間もなく十八歳になろうというわたしに泉へ行けとの声が掛からない。そんな特権はシムーンに乗るシヴュラのみにゆるされるものだったはずなのだが……。
It answers without removing a look from ね and the orbital front well. There are not many applicants of a shrine maiden now. The industry of where treating Herical-Mortris is busy to reservation of a shrine maiden. A shrine does not require the opinion "go to a spring" for me that it will become 18 years old soon, either, probably because the shrine maiden who can be dispatched is insufficient. Although such a privilege must have been a looseness thing only at Sibyllae which rides on Simoun ....
「あたしは泉に行きたい」
"I want to go to a spring."
　相棒はちらりとこちらを窺いながらそう言った。言いたいことはわからないでもない。彼女は以前からパートナーを探していると公言して憚らなかったし、わたしに対しても誘いをかけてきてはいた。
The partner said so, hearing here at a glance. It has not turned out that he wants to say, either. From before, she declared that the partner was looked for, was not afraid, and had applied invitation also to me.
　機関出力を三ノッチだけ上昇させる。この先は丘陵地帯に向かう緩やかな上り傾斜が始まる。小距離標にも１パーミルの勾配標識が追加され始める区間だ。湖岸から離れるわけではなかったが、山の斜面がそのまま湖に接しているため、線路が高い位置に敷かれるようになっていた。朝日を背景にして神殿が湖に浮かび上がる展望が得られるので、客車でも多くの人が祈りを捧げる時間でもあった。かつては。
Only three notches raise an organization output. The loose going-up inclination in which this point goes to a hilly country starts. It is the section where the slope sign of 1 per mille begins to be added also to the small distance mark. Although not necessarily separated from the lakefront, since the slope of a mountain is in contact with the lake as it is, a track is laid in a high position. Since the view from which the morning sun is made into a background and a shrine rises to a lake was obtained, it was also the time when many people offered a prayer also with a coach. Once.
「いつもより重いわね」
"Is it heavier than usual?"
　わたしはそう呟いて一ノッチ機関出力を追加する。客車の他に貨物車を四両、接続していたがその荷物が重いらしい。客車の乗客数はいつもと同程度だ。
I murmur so and add a 1 notch organization output. Seemingly, the load will be heavy although the freight car other than a coach was connected four cars. The number of passengers of a coach is comparable as usual.
「ああ、貨物車ね」
"-- such -- a freight car -- "
　そう、車掌が頷く。
Right [ that ] and a conductor bow their head in assent.
「ヘリカルモートリスが積まれているらしいわよ。嶺国向けの」
"Seemingly, Helical-Mortris is stacked. for Plumbum"
　それで、とわたしは腑に落ちた。嶺国の巫女は積み荷の付き添いなのだろう。礁国と違い、嶺国には巫女が居る。ヘリカルモートリスさえ手に入れば、あとは自前でなんとかできる、と言うことだ。礁国のように巫女ごと買い取っていく必要はない。
Then I fell to the intestines. The shrine maiden of Plumbum is attendance of a cargo. Unlike Argentum, a shrine maiden is in Plumbum. If even Helical-Mortris is obtained, it will be saying that it can do somehow on its own account after that. It is not necessary to buy the whole shrine maiden like Argentum.
「そう言えば、巫女がいたわよね。嶺国の」
"When saying so, was there any shrine maiden? Plumbum"
「……そうね」
"I see... "
「眩しそうに見つめてた」
"It was gazing dazzlingly."
「え？」
"-- Obtaining -- ?"
「ああいう人が好みなの？」
"Such a girl as you like ?"
　どう答えて良いかわからず目に飛び込んできた大距離標の数字と時刻を読み上げる。定刻通過、と事務的に告げると車掌がそれに唱和した。
The number and time of the large distance mark which it did not understand how I could answer but have jumped into the eye are read out. When it was announced as passage at the appointed hour in a businesslike manner, the conductor sang to it in chorus.
「責めているんじゃないわよ。あなたの心が射止められなかったのは残念だけど、とっくに諦めたもの。未練はあるけどね」
"It is not blaming. It is what regrettably was given up long ago that your heart was not won. It is regretful."
「…………」
"........"
「あんな顔をしているあなたを見たの、初めて」
"I ' ve seen you who are wearing such a face,for the first time -- "
「他国の巫女様とお会いして緊張しただけ」
"I met the shrine maiden of the foreign country, and it was only become tense."
　ふうん、と意味ありげに笑う彼女を無視して線路上に視線を戻す。心なしか顔が火照った。車掌には気づかれませんように、と願いつつ踏切通過に備えて警笛を鳴らす。
She who laughs it as  "huh" meaningly is disregarded, and a look is returned on a track. The face was flushed a little. An alarm whistle is sounded in preparation for crossing passage, wishing a conductor I am not noticed.
「……踏切、まだ先よ」
".... A crossing -- yet -- the point -- "
「…………」
"........"
　わたしは横目で軽く彼女を睨む。黙っていろ、との意志を込めて彼女に水筒を押しつけた。ついでにクッキーの包みを投げつけてようやく静かになった。
I glare at her lightly by a side glance. The will "be silent" was put and the canteen was forced on her. The package of Cookie was thrown in passing and it became quiet at last.


騒ぎが起きたのは一日目の昼過ぎ、四つ目の停車駅でのことだった。駅、と言っても駅員の一人もいない無人駅で、上下線が擦れ違うための待避線にホームがついているだけ。周囲には森が広がるばかりで人家どころか畑ひとつない。乗降客もいない。停車と同時に車掌はタブレットを渡すために待避線の機関車へと向かった。ホームには物売りもいない。静かな森の空気が流れていた。
It was a thing in the fourth stop station that the noise occurred the afternoon on the first. The home is only attached to the sidetrack for an up-and-down line to pass in the station but the unmanned station in which one of station employees is not present. There is even no field, not to mention a house, in the circumference about [ that woods spread ]. There is also no passenger. Simultaneously with a stop, the conductor faced to the engine of the sidetrack, in order to pass a tablet. A peddler is not in a home, either. The air in quiet woods was flowing.
　わたしは待避線の貨物列車の車掌からタブレットを受け取った。
I received the tablet from the conductor of the freight train of a sidetrack.
　タブレットというのは輪状の通行票だ。宮国の鉄道は基本的に単線なので、衝突事故を避けるためにこのタブレット制度が敷かれている。この先の区間を走るには、貨物便の車掌から受け取ったこのタブレットが必要なのだ。タブレットシムーン球のロックキーも兼ねており、これを受け取らねばこの駅から先の区間へは発進できない。区間ごとに異なるタブレットを対向列車と交換しながら先へと進んでいくことになる。この厳密な仕組みのおかげで宮国の鉄道では衝突事故が少ない。
A tablet is a ring-like passing vote. Since the railroad of Simulacrum is single track fundamentally, it is covered with this tablet system in order to avoid a collision. In order to run the section of this point, this tablet received from the conductor of freight facilities is required. It serves also as the lock key of a tablet SHIMUN ball, and if this is not received, it cannot depart for the previous section from this station. It will go on exchanging a different tablet for every section for an opposite train. On the railroad of Simulacrum, there are few collisions by the favor of this strict structure.
　貨物列車の車掌も当然、巫女だ。神殿流の挨拶を交わし、タブレットを手渡した彼女はそそくさと自分の車掌車へと帰って行った。ガタガタと音を立てながら動き出してゆく貨物車を見送りつつ、わたしは相棒が戻るのを待って機関の点検を始めたが、そこで女の緊張した大声が響いた。
Naturally the conductor of a freight train is also a shrine maiden. Greetings of the shrine style were exchanged and she who handed the tablet carried out by returning to its own cabin car in haste. Although I waited for a partner to return and check of an organization was begun, seeing off the freight car which begins to move while making a rattle and sound, the big voice with which the woman became it tense there sounded.
　――相棒だ。
-- She is my partner.
　咄嗟にホームへ飛び出すと数名の礁国の兵士と対峙する車掌の姿が目に入った。同時に三人の客室乗務員――全員男だ――が客車からばらばらと飛び出してくる。わたしも即座に整備用の大型スパナを握り、彼女に向かって駆けだした。
When it jumped out to the home suddenly, the figure of the conductor who takes a stand against several soldiers of Argentum went into eyes. simultaneous -- Three flight attendants -- he is an all the members man -- jumps out of a coach scatteringly. I also grasped the large-sized spanner for maintenance immediately, and started toward her that it was running.
　車掌の背後には十四、五歳の少女が縋り付いていた。どうやら礁国兵が少女にちょっかいをかけようとしたのを、車掌が制止したらしい。気性の激しい彼女は乱暴者たちの神経を逆なでしてしまったのだろう。車掌も兵士たちも緊張感を孕んだ険悪な気配を漂わせていた。
A 14 or 15-year-old girl leaned behind the conductor, and it was attached. Seemingly, the conductor controlled that the Argentum soldier tried to apply interference to the girl somehow. Probably, intense she of temperament has rubbed rowdies the wrong way. conductors and soldiers are contained about a feeling of tension -- the dangerous sign was set adrift.
　――まずい。
-- It is unsavory.
　兵士たちの手はすでに背負った銃に伸ばされている。よく見れば先頭に立っている男は始発駅のホームでちょっかいを出してきた男でもあった。トラブルを起こす人間というのは決まっている。
Soldiers' hand is extended by the gun already carried on the back. When often seeing, the man standing on the head was also a man who has interfered at the home of a starting station. The human being who causes a trouble was decided.
　ぴぃぃぃぃぃぃぃぃぃぃっ。
Piiiiiiii
　警笛を吹き鳴らしながら一目散に駆け寄った。車掌の肩を掴もうとしていた男がその笛の音に動きを止める。だが、そのタイミングがまずかった。血の気の多い車掌は、わたしたちがが止めに入る前に兵士の腕を取ると、見事な投げを決めてしまったのだ。さらにまずいことに倒れた男の顔を爪先で蹴りつけた。
It ran up at full speed, tooting an alarm whistle. The man who is trying to hold a conductor's shoulder stops a motion in the sound of the whistle. But, the timing was unsavory. The hot-blooded conductor will have opted for the brilliant throw, if a soldier's arm is taken before us goes into a stop. Furthermore, the face of the man who fell on the unsavory thing was kicked on tiptoe.
　神殿では巫女たちに自衛のための護身術を教えている。とは言え、それはあくまでも相手の不意を突くだけのもので、銃を持った本職の兵士を相手に使うようなものではない。車掌の振る舞いは男たちをいきり立たせるだけの結果になってしまった。
In the shrine, the art of self-defense for self-defense is taught to shrine maidens. It seems that but it is only what seizes on a partner's suddenness to the last, and is not used against a professional soldier with a gun. Behavior of a conductor has brought only a result at which men are excited.
「やめろっ！」
"-- Stop --! -- "
　乗務員やわたしの声が重なる。男たちは明らかに殺意を漲らせて車掌に銃を向けている。投げられた男も、公衆の面前で小柄な少女に投げ飛ばされるという恥を掻かされては平静でいられるはずもなかった。立ち上がると、やにわに銃の台尻で車掌を殴り飛ばした。
The voice of the crew or me overlaps. Men made murderous intention rise high clearly, and have turned the gun to the conductor. It was calm and the shame that the given-up man is also flung off at a girl short in stature in the face of public cannot have been required, if carried out in . When it rose, the conductor was suddenly hit by stock of the rifle.
　脇腹に台尻を叩き込まれた彼女は声もなくその場に崩れ落ちた。さらに軍靴で顔を踏みつけようとしたところで間一髪、男の乗務員たちが割って入る。数秒遅れてわたしが辿り着いた時には再び睨み合いとなっていた。
She in whom stock was driven by the flank does not have voice, either, and collapsed on that occasion. Furthermore, a man's crews divide and enter a hairbreadth with military shoes in the place which was going to trample the face. When it was late several seconds and I arrived, it had become enmity again.
「列車へお戻りなさい」
"Return to a train."
　客室係の間を割って男たちの前へ一歩踏み出すとわたしは命令口調で宣言した。
When between room clerks was broken and it stepped toward the men front 1 step, I declared in the command tone.
「へぇ。こりゃ、今朝の巫女さんじゃねぇか」
"Hey. At the shrine maiden of and this morning, it is."
「兵隊さん、列車へ」
"To the soldier and a train"
　手に持った身長ほどもあるスパナを目の前に突いて見せる。だが、わたしの精一杯の威厳を込めた示威行動はあっさりと無視された。
A certain spanner is poked at hand also like the height which it had in the hand, and it shows. But, the demonstration action which put my dignity as hard as possible was disregarded frankly.
「勇ましいねぇ。さすがは宮国の巫女様だ。へっへっ」
"It is brave. She is the shrine maiden of Simulacrum truly. he he!
「列車へ、戻れと、言っているのです」
"To the train, it has said "Return"."
　兵士を睨み付けつつ、乗務員たちに車掌を連れて行くよう片手で指示を出す。すっかり取り乱して泣きじゃくっている少女と共に意識を失った車掌が列車へと運ばれていくのを横目で眺め、わたしは男たちを見渡す。
Glaring at a soldier, directions are taken out with one hand so that a conductor may be taken to the crews. Looking at the conductor who was flurried completely and lost consciousness with the girl who is sobbing being carried to a train by the side glance, I overlook men.
「どうしたのです。神の乗機に立ち向かった勇猛果敢な礁国兵とは思えません。年端の行かない子供や巫女を相手に狼藉をはたらくとは。恥を知りなさい」
"It carried out what. I cannot think the dauntless Argentum soldier who fought against the winges machine of Godess. It is about disorder against the child and shrine maiden with whom age does not go. Get to know shame."
「黙りやがれ！」
"-- becoming silent --
- "
　男がわたしを平手打ちにした。予想していたとは言え、避けることができなかった。男の膂力に数歩分を弾き飛ばされ、身を起こそうとしたところで馬乗りになられた。
The man made me the slap. It was unavoidable although expected. It became a rider in the place from which a minute was flipped off by a man's 膂力 several steps, and it was going to rise.
「おいっ、何を！」
"-- taking -- っ and what -- "
　わたしとともに兵士たちの前に残った男性乗務員が止めに入ろうとしたが、他の兵士たちが下卑た笑いと共に銃を突きつける。
Although the male crew who remained before soldiers with me tried to go into the stop, other soldiers thrust a gun with lower valger laughter.
「おいおい、せっかく巫女様をひんむいてやろうってところなんだから邪魔するなよ」
It is "not interfering with the shrine maiden with much trouble, gradually, since strip naked and wax are places."
　そう言いながら弾丸の装填音を響かせる。
The charge sound of a bullet is sounded saying so.
　上に乗った男を押しのけようと抗ってみても腕力では敵わなかった。腕に爪を立ててみても意に介さない。ならば、と噛みつこうとして暴れてみたがさらに平手打ちを二度、三度と受けただけだった。腕を押さえられ、制服のボタンを引きちぎられ、絶望感に襲われる。
Even if it concludes with 抗 that the man who rode upwards will be pushed away, at physical strength, it is enemy trap かった. It does not mind, even if it stands a nail to an arm. Although it was going to bite as if it becomes and rioted, the slap was only further received with 2 times and 3 times. An arm can be pressed down, the button of a uniform is torn off and it is attacked by feeling of despair.
「離せっ」
"No! no touch"
「へええ。巫女様、性別化前だってのに、ご大層な胸をしているじゃねえか」
"Yes [ it passes and ]. It is か" in じゃ which is carrying out the very breast to it being before the shrine maiden and genderization.
　上着を肩まではだけられ、馬乗りになられて身動きもままならない。無闇に足をばたつかせてみてもどうすることもできず、ただ、悔し涙が浮かんだ。
A coat can be bared to the shoulder, it becomes a rider, and movement does not often become, either. Even if it flapped the leg recklessly, it could not do what, either, but tears of vextation merely came.
　――赦せない。
-- No Extaqtion  utterly.
　けれど、そう思ってみたところで男を跳ね除ける力が得られるわけでもない。テンプスパティウムは信徒の危難を救う都合の良い神ではない。世界の調和を司る万物神だ。人に対してはその性別を決定することで恩寵を与える。シムーン球とヘリカルモートリスを通じてのみ奇蹟を見せはする。けれど人々の間のことには関わりを持たない。
However, the power which eliminates a man in the place which considered so is not necessarily acquired. Temps-Spatium is not Godess with the sufficient convenience which saves a believer's danger. It is everything Godess which manages harmony in the world. deity is given by determining the sex to people. only it leads Helical-Mortris to a simoun ball -- a miracle -- showing -- it carries out. However, it does not have relation in the thing between people.
　汚らしい男の指で下着の上から胸を鷲掴みにされ、半ば観念して横を向く。
With a dirty man's finger, it is made a grab, the idea of the breast is halfway carried out from on underwear, and it turns to width.
　だが、その時、銃声が鳴った。救いの手をさしのべてきたのはテンプスパティウムではなく他国の神だった。
But, the report of a gun sounded then. God of the foreign country instead of Temps-Spatium had given help.
「そこの礁国兵、巫女様から離れなさい！」
"The Argentum soldier,  Separate from  that shrine maiden!"
　凛と響いたのは女声のアルゲントゥム語。
Having been echoed valiantly is the Argentum language of female voice.
「聞こえないのですか、離れなければアニムスの名の下に射殺します」
"-- it is not audible -- if it does not separate, it is shot dead under the godess name of ANIMUSU -- "
　嶺国の、赤毛の巫女だった。
It was the redheaded shrine maiden of Plumbum.
「なんだと？」
It is ?" when it is ".
　男は背負った銃に手を回そうとした。が、男の手が銃に触れる前に嶺国の巫女が手にした拳銃が火を噴く。弾丸は過たず、男の眉間に緋色の点を打つ。撃たれた男はわたしの上に乗ったまま、ゆっくりと後ろに倒れた。倒れながら吹き出した血潮が飛沫を散らす。
The man tried to turn the hand to the gun carried on the back. Before the hand of が and a man touches a gun, the handgun which the shrine maiden of Plumbum gained sends out fire. A bullet strikes the point of red to the glabella of no away and hit a man. The shot man fell back slowly, ridden on me. The blood which blew off scatters splash, falling.
「てめえっ！」
"Hey bitch !"
　血相を変えたのは小銃を構えて周囲を威圧していた兵士たち三人だった。だが、嶺国の巫女は動じる様子もなくすでに男たちの一人に銃口を向けている。
Three soldier  who held the rifle at ready and were coercing the circumference changed the color. But, the shrine maiden of 嶺国 does not have signs that it is perturbed, either, and has already turned the muzzle of a gun to one of men.
「嶺国の巫女に銃を向ける愚か者はどなたです？」
It is "? the fool who turns a gun to the shrine maiden of Plumbum is? ] whom."
　巫女の声が冷え冷えと響く。その一言で男たちに動揺が走ったのが見て取れた。
A shrine maiden's voice gets cold and it is echoed with the cold. It has grasped having run agitation to men at the word.
「銃と認識票を置き列車へ戻りなさい」
"Place a gun and an identification tag and return to a train."
　くい、と巫女は銃を振る。その示す先は特等車両だった。ふと顧みると二等車の昇降口の近くでは嶺国の他の巫女たちも銃を構え、鋭いshi支線を周囲に配っている。
A stake and a shrine maiden shake a gun. The shown point is lounge car both だった. If it looks back suddenly, near the hatch of a second-class wagon, other shrine maidens of Plumbum hold a gun at ready and are distributing the sharp branch line to the circumference.
　銃を置いた男たちは力ない足取りで列車へと向かう。特等車の方角からは明らかに不満の声が上がっていたが、間近に立った嶺国の巫女が視線を送るとその呟きも消えてゆく。
The men who placed the gun face to a train with feeble steps. Although dissatisfied voice was going up clearly from the direction of the lounge car, if the shrine maiden of Plumbum which stood close at hand sends a look, the murmur will also disappear.
　――なんて威圧感。
-- Feeling of coercion.
　嶺国の巫女があっさりと礁国兵を射殺してしまったことも驚愕だった。
It was also astonishment that the shrine maiden of Plumbum has shot the Argentum soldier dead frankly.
「お怪我はありませんか？」
"Isn't there any injury?"
　嶺国の巫女はシミュラークルム語へ切り替えて訊ねてきた。兵士の死体を押しのけるのを手伝い、立ち上がらせてくれる。その顔に浮かぶ懸念の表情は先ほど礁国兵に対して見せた非情な顔とは別人のようだった。その赤毛の巫女が前のはだけてしまったわたしに薄い外套を被せてくれた。ホームに落ちた帽子も拾って手渡してくれる。
The shrine maiden of plumbum has changed and asked Simulacrum language. It helps pushing away a soldier's body and it is made to rise. The expression of the concern which appears on the face seemed to be another person with the coldhearted face shown to the Argentum soldier as the point. The red hair's shrine maiden put the thin overcoat on former me who have been bared. The hat which fell to the home is also gathered and handed.
「あの子……わたしの相棒は無事でしょうか。車掌は」
"That child .... Is my partner safe? He is a conductor."
　列車を振り返ると、嶺国の巫女三人がぐったりと横たわった車掌を取り囲んでいた。
When looked back upon the train, three shrine maidens of plumbum surrounded Wearily and the conductor who lay.
「大丈夫。わたしたちは簡単な医術の心得があります。救援を呼ぶことはできますか？」
"OK. We have the knowledge of easy medicine. Can relief be called? "
「はい」
"Yes"
「それではできるだけ急いで。それと、礁国兵士の遺体の引き渡しも必要です。警察も呼んでください」
"Then, hurry as much as possible. Delivery of it and a Argentum soldier's dead body is also required. The police also needs to call."
　そう言われて我に返る。本来ならばそれはわたしが気づかねばいけないことだった。慌ててホームの中央に走り、緊急用の電信箱を開ける。鉄道には線路に沿って電信索が張られている。符号化した信号のやりとりしかできなかったが、離れた地域と連絡の取れる唯一の方法だった。わたしは礁国兵による事件の発生と負傷者の発生を伝える。わずかなやりとりの後、救急用のシミレが間もなく到着すると聞き、胸を撫で下ろした。
It says so and comes to self. It was that I have to notice properly speaking. It runs in the center of a home confusedly and the telegraphic communication box for urgent is opened. Morlus-Wire is stretched by the railroad along the track. Although only the exchange of the coded signal was completed, it was the only method of contacting the distant area. I tell the occurrence of an incident and the injured's generating by a Argentum soldier. He heard that Sumila for emergencies arrived soon after the slight exchange, and it was relieved.
「どうでしたか？」
"How was it?"
「はい。救急用のシミレ・シムーンがすぐに来る予定です。警察も。――ただ、お客様方を目的地までお届けすることができなくなりそうです」
"Yes. Smile-Simoun for emergencies is due to come immediately. Also police. -- it is likely to become impossible to send free and visitors to you to the destination."
　巫女である車掌が病院に運ばれてしまえば機関車のヘリカルモートリスは動かない。今も、車掌と運転士の双方が機関車を離れてしまったために動力は停止してしまっているはずだった。代替の巫女を手配すべく近隣に招集がかけられているはずだったが、この近くは人家のない森林地帯だ。そう簡単には代わりの巫女は見つからないだろう。
If the conductor who is a shrine maiden will be taken to a hospital, Helical-Mortris of an engine will not move. Since it was separated from an engine of the both sides of a conductor and a driver, power should still have stopped. Although the call must have been applied in the neighborhood that a substitute shrine maiden should be arranged, the neighborhood of this is a forest area without a house. An alternative shrine maiden will not be found simply so.
　だが、嶺国の巫女は首を傾げる。
But, the shrine maiden of Plumbum tilts a head.
「列車は専任の者でなければ動かせませんか？」
"If a train is not a full-time person, can't it be moved?"
「は？」
"は?"
「いえ。巫女はここに四人、おりますが」
"Say. Four shrine maidens get down here."
　微笑む彼女の言葉がすぐには理解できずに呆然と見返したが、彼女が自分を指差すのを見てようやく思い当たった。
Although the words of her who smiles looked again aghast, without the ability understanding immediately, she was seen point at herself and it has occurred at last.
「巫女様――嶺国の巫女様のお手伝いがいただける、と？」
"shrine maiden appearance -- It is ?" that a help of the shrine maiden of Plumbum gets.
「鉄道の動かし方は存じ上げないので運転はお手伝いできませんが、ヘリカルモートリスの起動であればわたくしども嶺国の者でもお力になれるかと」
"It is whether since how to move a railroad is not known, cannot help operation, but if it is starting of Helical-Mortris, the maiden of Plumbum will also get used to helping also as for me."
　嶺国の巫女の提案はもっともだった。ヘリカルモートリスは性別化前の者であれば分け隔てなく反応する。ただし、シムーンやこの機関車のような比較的大きなヘリカルモートリスを起動するのにはそれなりの訓練も要る。
The proposal of the shrine maiden of Plumbum was reasonable. If Helical-Mortris is a person before genderization, it divides, and it will not separate and it will react. However, appropriate training is also needed for starting Simoun and comparatively big Helical-Mortris like this engine.
「巫女様はシムーンには……？」
"shrine maiden appearance is in Simoun.... It is ?."
「はい。この度の戦ではシヴュラを務めさせていただきました」
"Yes. I'm Simoun-Sibylla  engaged  in this war."
「それならば、ぜひ。お待ち下さい。中央司令室の裁可を仰ぎます」
"If it is it, it is right or wrong. Please wait. It looks for sanction of a central commander room."
　単線の路線は一本の列車が止まるだけで全面的に運送が停止してしまう。今の首都はその輸送機能のほとんどを麻痺させていた。鉄道が唯一残った細い生命線となっており、今、輸送能力を失ってしまえば首都はさらなる混乱に陥るだろう。正規の巫女の手配には時間がかかるだろう。急場を凌ぐだけならば後続列車の巫女を借りてヘリカルモートリスを起動し、この先の駅のどこかで正規の巫女を補充しても良い。一人でも機関車に巫女が残りさえすれば、最低限の運用は可能だ。もっとも便数の減っている現状では、次の列車まではそれなりに間が開いてしまう。
Transportation will stop the route of single track extensively only by one train stopping. The present capital paralyzes most of the transportation functions. The railroad serves as a thin lifeline which remained uniquely, and if transportation capability is lost now, a capital will lapse into the further confusion. Arrangements of a regular shrine maiden will take time. As long as it becomes as an emergency is endured, the shrine maiden of a succession train may be borrowed, Helical-Mortris may be started, and a regular shrine maiden may be replaced with somewhere in stations of this point. Minimum employment is possible if a shrine maiden makes even the remainder an engine also for one person. But as it is in the present condition which is in the decrease of the number of facilities, between will open the following train.
　司令所に嶺国巫女の提案を伝えると即座に許可が下りた。本来ならば巫女の交代は神殿に許可を取らねばならない重大事なのだが、その余裕はない。そもそも神殿の発言権も低下しているこの時勢だ。中央司令室は気にもかけなかったことだろう。
When the Plumbum shrine maiden's proposal was told to the commander place, permission got down immediately. Properly speaking, a shift of a shrine maiden is a vital problem which must obtain permission to a shrine, but the margin does not exist. First of all, it is this trend of the times to which the voice of a shrine is also falling. Probably, the central commander room was not applied to mind, either.
　車掌の怪我は重いようだった。
It seemed that an injury of a conductor was heavy.
「すぐにシミレが来るから」
"Since Sumila comes immediately"
　手を握りしめてそう呼びかけてみても苦しげな呻き声が返るばかりで答えはない。時折、血の混じった泡を吐き出していた。
Even if it grasps a hand tightly and calls out so, there is no answer about [ that a painful groan returns ]. Occasionally, the bubble with which blood was mixed was breathed out.
「大丈夫。状態は安定しています。下手に動かなければ危険はないはずです」
"OK. The state is stable. If it does not move poor, there must be no danger."
　巫女の一人が口の周りを血で汚してそう答えた。血泡の吸い出しと呼吸の補助を行ってくれているらしい。左の肋骨が三本、折れていると言う。折れた肋骨が肺を圧迫し、痛みと酸欠で意識を失ったのだろう、とのことだった。
One of shrine maidens soiled the surroundings of the mouth with blood, and answered so. Seemingly, sucking of blood bubble(血泡) and breathing are assisted. It is said that three left ribs have broken. The rib which broke was what lungs were probably pressed and consciousness was lost for in a pain and an oxygen shortage.
「シミレが来たようです」
"It seems that Simile-Simoun came."
　巫女の一人が空を見上げて言う。ずんぐりとしたシミレの影がぽつりと森の上に現れたところだった。
One of shrine maidens looks up at and says empty. The thickset Sumila's shadow just appeared on forest.

　発車許可が下りたのは早かった。嶺国と礁国の合同憲兵隊が現れる前に、兵士の死体だけを残しての発車が許された。車掌はシミレに運ばれ、病院へと送られていった。救急隊員の弁によれば生命に別状はないという。応急手当が適切だったとも褒めていた。
It was early that departure permission got down. Before the joint military police of Plumbum and Argentum appeared, the departure which leaves only a soldier's body was allowed. The conductor was carried by Sumila and seen off in the hospital. An ambulance officer's valve says that a life is not in danger. It was much said that first aid was appropriate.
「では、巫女様。機関車へいらしていただけますか」
"He is the shrine maiden. Would you carry out [ engine wall ]?"
「ルミナスと申します。そう、お呼び下さい。お互い巫女なのですから」
"It is called RUMINASU. So, please call. Since it is a shrine maiden mutually"
「ありがとうございます。わたくしのことは――と」
Thank you for ". It is my thing --."
「素敵なお名前」
"It's cool your name"
　わたしが名乗ると赤毛の嶺国巫女は花のように笑った。先ほど躊躇なく引き金を引いたのと同一人物には見えなかった。
When I gave my name, the redheaded Plumbum shrine maiden laughed like a flower. It was not visible to that the point pulled the trigger without hesitation, and the same person.
　初めて見るのだろう、機関車の中へ案内するとルミナスは物珍しげに辺りを見回す。巫女が二人とも離れてしまったヘリカルモートリスはすっかり光を失い、機関室は薄暗い。
If it shows around into the engine which will be seen for the first time, RUMINASU will look around the neighborhood curiously. Helical-Mortris from which are separated of both of shrine maidens loses light completely, and it is gloomy in an engine room.
「少々お待ち下さい」
"Please wait a little."
　そう言い置いてわたしはヘリカルモートリスの近くの床板を開く。ここには外部から電力を得られない場所でヘリカルモートリスを起動するための発電機が収められている。小型の内燃機関だ。
Leaving word so, I open the alcove slab near Helical-Mortris. The dynamo for starting Helical-Mortris in the place which cannot obtain electric power from the exterior is stored here. It is a small internal-combustion engine.
　燃料バルブを開き、気化器へと燃料を送る。ポンプで数回、燃料をエンジン側へと強制的に送り込みチョークバルブを「始動」の位置に合わせる。燃料の香りが鼻をついた。そして早すぎず遅すぎず、体全体を使って始動ハンドルを引く。電池さえ不要のシンプルな発動機だ。始動ハンドルはワイヤーでクランクに連動し、端まで引くことによって三回の点火位置を通過する。ハンドルを引いている途中で手応えが生まれた。小さな小さなエンジンは簡単に呼吸を始める。
A fuel cap valve is opened and fuel is sent to a vaporizer. Fuel is compulsorily sent into an engine side several times with a pump, and a choke valve is set by the position of "starting." The scent of fuel attached the nose. And it does not already pass, but it is not too late and a starting handle is pulled using the whole body. It is a simple motor even with an unnecessary battery. A starting handle is interlocked with a crank with a wire, and passes through three-times of ignition positions by pulling to an end. The response was born while having pulled the handle. Small, small engine begins breathing simply.
　始動後、回転が安定した時点ですぐにチョークバルブを戻した。
After starting, when rotation was stabilized, the choke valve was returned immediately.
「シムーンと同じなのですね」
"It is the same thing as Simoun."
　ルミナスが感心したように呟く。シムーンのヘリカルモートリスもこの機関車のものと同じように、補助動力によって起動する。
It is murmured that RUMINASU was impressed. Helical-Mortris of Simoun as well as the thing of this engine is started with auxiliary power.
「ヘリカルモートリスが起動してしまえば発電機は必要ありません」
"A dynamo is unnecessary if Helical-Mortris starts."
　シムーンはヘリカルモートリスが何かの拍子に停止したときにも即座に再起動に入れるよう、予備動力を常に稼働させておく。鉄道は故障時にはすべてが停止する方向に作られるが、シムーンは逆だ。空を飛ぶ乗り物は動き続けることが使命となる。
Also when Helical-Mortris stops in some rhythm, Simoun always works reserve power so that it may put into a reboot immediately. Simoun is reverse although a railroad is made in the direction which all stop at the time of failure. It becomes a mission that the vehicle which flies in the sky continues moving.
　わたしはヘリカルモートリスの起動に入ろうとして自分の姿に気づいた。服のボタンは外れたままだったし、兵士の返り血は手と言わず顔と言わず点々と散ったままだ。これでは到底嶺国の巫女の口づけを受けるわけにはいかない。
I was going to start starting of Helical-Mortris and have noticed my figure. The button of dress had separated, and a soldier's return blood is not called hand, and is not called face, but has broken up here and there. Now, kiss of the shrine maiden of Plumbum cannot be received at all.
「申し訳ありません。その、身繕いの時間をいただけますか」
"I am sorry. The time of the getup is got."
　これが普段の相棒であれば多少の身だしなみの乱れには目を瞑ってもらったかもしれない。遅れを取り戻すためのわずかな時間が惜しい。だが、眼前の巫女は異国のシムーン・シヴュラだ。本来ならば鉄道巫女ごときが易々と口をきける相手ですらない。血塗れのままで唇を汚すわけにはいかなかった。
When this was a usual partner, possibly I had disorder of some appearance shut an eye. The slight time for regaining delay is regrettable. But, a shrine maiden in sight is exotic SHIMUN SHIVUYURA. if it is original -- a railroad shrine maiden -- there is no time even at the partner who can speak easily. A lip was not able to be soiled while it had been bloody.
　だが、嶺国の巫女はわたしを引き留めた。
But, the shrine maiden of Plumbum buttonholed me.
「血で汚してしまったのはわたくしのせいなのに。いいえ、動かないで。清めさせてください」
"My cause has soiled with blood. no -- without it moves. Please let me purify."
　ルミナスがそう言ってハンカチを取りだした。水筒の水で湿し、わたしの顔を拭いはじめる。どうして良いのかわからないまま小さな子供のように顔を拭かれるうち、間近で視線が重なった。
As for the word, RUMINASU took out the handkerchief so. It wets in the water of a canteen and it is begun to wipe my face. While the face was wiped [ why it is good and ] like a small child, not understood, it was close, and the look overlapped.
　――ああ、綺麗な瞳。
-- Ah,  beautiful pupil.
　最初に視線を合わせた瞬間を思い出した。この視線に囚われたのだ。彼女の視線には不思議な力があった。
The moment of having united a look first was remembered. It was caught by this look. There was wonderful power in her look.
　僅かに灰色を帯びた青。
Blue which wore gray slightly.
　思わず覗き込んでしまった瞳に笑みが返され、途端に羞恥を覚える。だが、さらにわたしを慌てさせたのはルミナスが首や胸元まで拭い始めたことだった。
A smile is returned to the pupil into which it has looked involuntarily, and shame is memorized just then. But, that RUMINASU began to wipe to a head or the bosom confused me further.
「ルミナス様っ。その、ご親切は大変ありがたいのですが……」
"Ms.RUMINASU . The kindness is although it is very kind ...."
　続く言葉が見つからずにうろたえているとルミナスが小さく笑う。
If confused without finding the continuing language, RUMINASU will laugh small.
「遠慮なさる必要はありません。巫女同士なのですし。それに臨時とは言えわたくしたちはパルなのですよね？　互いの体を清めるのは当然のことです」
"He does not need to withhold. They are shrine maidens. Although it is emergency, am I PALs at it? It stands to reason that the mutual body is purified."
　そう主張され、結局ルミナスの手に任せてしまった。もっとも宮国の巫女たちには互いの体を清め合うという習慣はない。正規のシムーン・シヴュラであれば年少の練習生に身の回りの世話をさせることはあるとも聞いていたが、そんな高位の巫女とは縁がなかった。これまでは。
It was claimed so and he has left it to the hand of RUMINASU after all. But the shrine maidens of Simulacrum do not have the custom of purifying each other's mutual body. Although it had heard that a young trainee might be made to take care of personal appearance when it was regular Simoun Sibylle, I was not meant to meet with the shrine maiden of such a high rank. Until now.
「下着の血は落ちないかもしれないわ。高価そうな品なのに……」
"The blood of underwear may not fall. Although it is the elegance which seems to be expensive ...."
「いいえ、異国の巫女様、シヴュラであられる方にこんなことをさせてしまって。助けていただいただけでも恐縮でございますのに」
"No, such a thing is made the direction which are the exotic shrine maiden and Sibylla. It is thankful that I also had you help."
「お気になさらず。それより、急いでいらっしゃるのでしょう。機関車を動かさなくては」
"He does not care. It will come in a hurry from it. If an engine is not moved"
　はい、と素直に頷いて予備の上着を纏う。
Its head is obediently bowed in assent with yes, and it is clothed in a spare coat.
「鉄道巫女の叙任を行います」
"A railroad shrine maiden is appointed."
　片膝をつき、両腕を胸の前で交差させたルミナスに向かい宣言する。ルミナスは帽子と修道頭巾を外してその紅葉のように燃え立つ赤毛をわたしに曝している。
one side knee片膝 is attached and it declares toward RUMINASU which made both arms cross in front of a breast. RUMINASU has put to me the red hair who removes a hat and the Osamichi hood and bursts into flames like the autumnal leaves.
　鉄道巫女への叙任は洗礼に等しい。聖水――聖別した香油を垂らした水――を指に浸して頭に振り注ぎ、額と唇をなぞる。これだけだ。叙任の証としては鉄道徽章の授与となるはずなのだが、今は予備がない。だが、神事の代行者を任命するときは現職の者が身につけている品物を授ければ良いことになっていた。わたしは神殿から授かった鉄道巫女の証であるピアスを片方だけ外してルミナスに渡す。
The appointment to a railroad shrine maiden is equal to a baptism. holy water -- the water which hung down the perfumed hair oil carried out the holy-exception -- is dipped in a finger, it shakes and flows into the head, and a frame and a lip are traced. It is only this. Although it should become confer ment of a railroad badge as a proof of appointment, there is no reserve now. But, when appointing the proxy of a divine work, what is necessary was just to give the article which the incumbent person puts on. Only one of the two removes the pierced earring which is a railroad shrine maiden's proof received from the shrine, and I hand RUMINASU.
「正規の徽章でなくて申し訳ありませんが神殿の品物です。徽章の代わりに身につけてくださいませ」
"It is not a regular badge, and it is the article of a shrine although it feels sorry. Attach to the body instead of a badge."
　わたしは自分の襟につけた鉄道徽章を示す。同じように衣服の襟か胸にでも付けていて貰うつもりだったのだが、ルミナスは自身のピアスを外し始めた。
I show the railroad badge attached to its collar. Although it has attached even to the collar or breast of clothes and it was planned similarly to give it, RUMINASU began to remove an own pierced earring.
「ルミナス様？」
"Ms.RUMINASU . ?"
　耳に付けられてしまうのは少々気まずかった。
Being attached to an ear was a little unpleasant.
　わたしの出身神殿では一組のピアスを共有することは未来を約束する印とされている。他神殿の出身者に聞いてみても、概ね同じ習慣があるとも聞く。
In my graduate shrine, sharing one pierced earring is considered as the mark which promises the future. Even if it asks the person from other shrines, it is heard that there is the in general same custom.
「ピアスなのでしょう？」
"? which will be a pierced earring"
　不思議そうに見返すルミナスの瞳にどう説明すればいいものかと迷う。
It wavers [ that what is necessary will not be just not to explain to the pupil of RUMINASU miraculously looked again how, and].
「ええと、その。ブローチのようにつけていただければと。神殿の教えとは関係ありませんが、ピアスの交換は、その、わたしの生地では婚約に相当します」
"yes -- the 。 It is as if you attach like a brooch. Although it is not related to the instruction of a shrine, exchange of a pierced earring is equivalent to an engagement in the my home area ."
　そもそもがピアスなどを外して渡した自分の間が抜けているのだ。
First of all, between it has fallen out.  who removed and handed the が pierced earring. 
「そうなの？」
"It 's right that?"
　ルミナスは僅かに手を休めたが、そのまま構わずにわたしのピアスを耳に付けてしまった。さらに、外した自身のピアスをこちらに差し出してくる。
Although RUMINASU rested the hand slightly, my pierced earring has been attached to an ear, without mattering as it is. Furthermore, the pierced earring of the removed self is presented here.
「……あの」
".... that -- "
「良かったらつけて下さい。奇遇ですね、嶺国の神殿でもピアスの交換は恋人同士のするものでした。単なる少女たちの遊び――願掛けのようなものですが、なんだか見習いの頃に帰ったようでわくわくするわ」
"If good, please attach. It was coincidence, and it was peevish and exchange of a pierced earring was what strep and Chloe does also in the shrine of 嶺国. play of mere girls -- although [ like a vow ], it is exciting as it returned somehow at the time of apprenticeship -- "
　最後の方は少しだけ砕けた口調にだった。ふふ、と声を抑えた笑みはどこか悪戯っ子のような気配を漂わせている。
The last direction was at the tone in which only a few broke. The smile which suppressed   and voice is setting a sign like  somewhere  mischievous adrift.
　――猫の目のよう。
-- Like a weather cock in the wind. (She change iher attitude into as like cat's eyes.)
　ルミスナスは次々と新しい顔を見せる。清貧の巫女、厳しい兵士、悪戯な明るい少女。どれが本来のルミナスなのだろう。あるいは他にもまだ顔を隠しているのかもしれない。
RUMISUNASU shows a new face one after another. A poor but honest shrine maiden, a severe soldier, a mischievous bright girl. Which is original RUMINASU? Or the face may still be hidden in others.
　わずかに戸惑ったが、わたしは結局ルミナスのピアスを受け入れた。躊躇している時間もなかったし、正直なところ、わたしもルミナスの言うように神殿に入ったばかりの頃を思い出して胸が躍ったのだ。悪い気はしなかった。
Although puzzled slightly, I received the pierced earring of RUMINASU after all. There was also no time which it is hesitating, the time at which it honestly just went into the shrine so that RUMINASU might also say me was remembered, and heart beat. Bad mind was not carried out.
「では、ヘリカルモートリスを」
"It is time to activate Helical-Mortris ."
　内心の緊張を隠しながら促した。
It urged hiding strain of a its real intention.
　シムーン球の前に立ち、予備動力で灯った車内灯の薄暗い明かりの下でルミナスと向かい合う。衣擦れの音が耳についた。
It stands in front of a Simoun ball, and RUMINASU is faced under the gloomy light of the courtesy light which was lighted with reserve power. The sound of the rustle of clothes rang in the ear.
　対面したルミナスは印象よりも小柄だった。わたしが大柄なせいもあるが、高さのある帽子の先端がようやくわたしの身長と並ぶ程度。これで荒くれ者の兵士たちを威圧したのだから大したものだ。
RUMINASU which met was short in stature than the impression. The grade to which the tip of a hat with height is located in a line with my height at last although the cause [ being large-patterned ] also has me. Since the rowdy person's soldiers were coerced now, it is great.
「失礼いたします」
"I am sorry."
　そう言って顔を近づけるとルミナスの瞳がゆっくりと閉じられ、顔が上を向いた。その細い顎の線に心臓が大きく音を立てる。初めてヘリカルモートリスの起動に挑んだときのように鼓動ばかりが耳についた。
When it had said so and the face was brought close, the pupil of RUMINASU was closed slowly, and the face turned to the top. The heart makes sound on the line of the thin jaw greatly. Only the beat rang in the ear like  when challenging starting of Helical-Mortris for the first time .
　――落ち着こう。ヘリカルモートリスを動かすためなのだから。
-- Calm down myself, because of activating Helical-Mortris .
　そう、自分に言い聞かせて顔を寄せる。ルミナスの肌は陶器のように白く、頬には血色を透けさせていた。繊細な睫毛が薄く震えている。
Yes, he persuades himself and a face is brought near. The skin of RUMINASU was white like a china and color was made transparent on the cheek. Delicate eyelashes are trembling thinly.
　慎重に、そっと重ねた唇は冷たく感じられた。互いの体に指一本触れるでもない遠慮がちな口づけ。もっと強く唇を押し当てたくもあり、抱きしめてしまいたくもあったが、礼を失した行為になりそうなのが恐ろしかった。後ろ髪を引かれる思いで唇を離し、ルミナスに向かって笑みを作る。緊張のあまり笑顔が引きつった
Carefully, the lip piled up quietly was felt cold. one finger touches the mutual body -- also coming out -- kiss in the reserve which is not. pressing a lip more strongly -- た -- being and having given a tight hug -- た -- although it was, what is likely to become the act which lost the greeting was fearful. A lip is detached with painful reluctance and a smile is made toward RUMINASU. The smiling face 引きつed out of strain.
　そのまま二人はシムーン球に唇を寄せる。ヘリカルモートリスの反応が感じられる一瞬だ。冷光を放ち始める翠玉。実際に音が響くわけではないのに、頭の中を駆け抜ける不思議な音。浮遊感と同時にふわりと髪の毛が舞い上がる。そしてゆっくりと回転を始めるヘリカルモートリスの内周部。起動成功だった。
Two persons bring near a lip by a Simoun ball then. It is an instant in which the reaction of Helical-Mortris is felt. Emerald which begins to emit cool-shining. Wonderful sound which runs in the head although sound does not necessarily actually sound. The hair of hair soars softly simultaneously with a feeling of floating. And the inner circumference part of Helical-Mortris which begins rotation slowly. It was a starting success.
「ありがとうございます、ルミナス様」
"Thank you, Ms. RUMINASU"
「無事に動いたようですね」
"It seems that it moved safely."
　ヘリカルモートリス起動の成否は巫女には確実に伝わる。互いに確認するまでもなく笑顔が浮かんだ。
The success or failure of Helical-Mortris starting get across to a shrine maiden certainly. It did not need to check mutually and the smiling face appeared.
　一礼してわたしは客車への動力供給手順を開始する。列車は走り出すまでに多くの手順が必要だった。
Bowing, I start the supplying power procedure to a coach. By the time a train began to have run, it needed many procedures.
「ルミナス様」
"Ms. RUMINASU"
　内燃機関の予備動力を停止し、供給した主動力の状態を確認しながらわたしは呼びかける。電力計の針と油圧計の針は緩やかに首を振るが、油圧ポンプの回転計はカタカタと跳ねるように針先を揺らす。鉄道に使われる技術は保守的だ。礁国の技術を取り入れているという嶺国の巫女には、この計器類はさぞかし時代遅れに見えることだろう。
I call out stopping the reserve power of an internal-combustion engine and checking the state of the supplied main power. Although the needle of a wattmeter and the needle of an oil pressure gauge shake a head gently, the rotating meter of an oil pressure pump sways the needle point so that it may bound with Katha Katha. The technology used for a railroad is conservative. Probably, these meters look outdated to the shrine maiden of Plumbum of having taken in the technology of Argentum, very.
「わたしはこれから車掌車へ行って列車に走行指示を与えます。シムーンで言うところのリ・マージョンに近いもので車掌車からしか行えないものです。その間、ルミナス様には機関車で待機していただきたいのです」
"I go to a conductor vehicle after this, and give run directions to a train. It is close to Ri MAJON said by Simoun, and can carry out only from a conductor vehicle. I would like Ms. RUMINASU to stand by with morter car in the meantime."
「承りました。わたくしが操作しなければならないことはありますか？」
"It heard. Can I operate it? "
「車掌室から信鈴を鳴らしてそちらの」 とわたしは手で示してみせる。「伝声管で声をかけますので、その時にはシムーン球にお手を乗せていただけますでしょうか」
"-- a conductor room to bell -- sounding -- your place -- " -- I show by hand and show. "Would you put the hand on the Simoun ball then, since it speaks by Speaking tube
?"
「シムーン球に、手を？　それだけで良いのですか」
"It is a hand to a Simoun-gem. Is it a thing so much?"
「はい。機関室に居ていただくだけでも十分なはずですが、お手を触れていただければ確実です。わたしは客室扉閉鎖の確認を兼ねて最後尾までを往復して参りますので、すぐに戻って参ります。お願いできますか？」
"yes. Although it is may be sufficient by my just having you be in an moter room, it is certain if you touch a hand. Since I will go and come back even to the tail end to serve also as the check of drawing room door closing, I will return immediately. Can thank you for your consideration? "
　ルミナスは僅かに眉間に皺を寄せる。
RUMINASU brings near wrinkles by the glabella slightly.
「礁国兵たちは大丈夫でしょうか。彼らも神経が立っているでしょう」
"Are Argentum soldiers okay Probably, also as for them, the nerve stands."
「現在、乗務員が客車に乗客を戻しています。人のいないホームを往復するだけですので、問題はないでしょう」
"The crew has returned the passenger to the coach now. It will be satisfactory since it only goes and comes back to the home in which people are not present."
　もっとも、客車の窓は広いし乗降口も緊急用の開放機能がついている。その気になればいつでも列車に出られる。
But the window of a coach is large and the open function for urgent also attaches the doorway. If it becomes the mind, it will appear in a train always.
「心配です。わたくしの僚友を付けましょう」
"It is anxious. Let's follow my comrade."
　辞退をしたのだがルミナスは譲る気配を見せず、結局巫女の一人に同行してもらうこととなった。わたしは人のいなくなったホームを嶺国の巫女と並んで車掌車へと向かうことになった。特等車両の窓からわたしたちを眺める礁国兵士たちの視線は冷ややかで憎しみさえ感じられたが、ルミナスの懸念は杞憂に過ぎないようだった。銃を構える者も激発しそうな様子もない。
Although declined, RUMINASU does not show the sign of yielding but gets one of shrine maidens to accompany after all. I will go the home in which people stopped being to a cabin car along with the shrine maiden of Plumbum. Concern of RUMINASU seemed to be only Needless anxiety, although the look of the Argentum soldiers who look at us from the window of special-seat car was cold and even hate was felt. There are also no signs that those who hold a gun at ready are also likely to burst forth.
「お名前を――」
"Please your name --"
　車掌車からこなすべき手順を終え、機関車へとホームを戻る道すがら、嶺国の巫女がぽつりと口を開いた。
The procedure which should be managed from a cabin car is finished and a home is returned to an engine -- the shrine maiden of Plumbum opened a mouth on the way.
「はい？」
"Yes ?"
「ルミナス様のお名前を他の者の前で口になさるべきではありません」
"He should not use the name like Ms.RUMINASU as a mouth in front of other persons."
「え？」
"-- obtaining -- ?"
「真名、と申します。我々嶺国の巫女は本名で呼び合う習慣はありません。普段は、仮名、と申しまして、なんと言えばよろしいのでしょう……。そう、あだ名で呼び合うのです」
"It is called a truth name. There is no custom in which the shrine maiden of Plumbum, we, calls each other under her real name. It will be very well, if it is called the Japanese syllabary and is usually called what .... Yes, it calls each other by a nickname."
「それでは、もしかしてわたしはとても失礼なことをしていたのですか？」
"Was I then doing the very impolite thing possibly?"
「いいえ。真名を相手に与えると言うことはとても重要なことです。そう呼ぶよう預けられたのであれば、真名でお呼びすべきです。けれど、それは人目を避けてのこと。人目のある場所では『ミナ』と呼んで差し上げてください。それに――」と嶺国の巫女は灰色の瞳でわたしの耳元へ視線を送る。「いえ、なんでもありません。出過ぎたことを申しあげました」
No [ "]. It is very important to say that it gives against a true name. If it was deposited so that it might call so, you should call and carry out by a true name. However, it is what the public notice is avoided for. At a place with the public notice, please call it "Mina" and give. The shrine maiden of it --" and Plumbum sends a look to close to his ears [ of me ] with a gray pupil. "It can say and is not anything. It said having stuck out too far."
　彼女の視線の意味はすぐにわかった。
The meaning of her look was understood immediately.
「あの……、ピアスの交換にももしかして重要な意味があるのでしょうか。鉄道員の証としてわたしの付けていた物を差し上げたのですが。替わりにこれをお預かりして」
"Is only a peach made exchange of that .... and a pierced earring, and is there any important meaning? The thing which I had attached as a railroad worker's proof was given. It keeps this instead."
　わたしは左耳につけたピアスを示す。
I show the pierced earring attached to the left ear.
　嶺国の巫女は瞳と同色の灰色の髪を揺らした。
The shrine maiden of Plumbum swayed a pupil and the hair of the gray of the same color.
「そうですね。わたくしどもの間ではそれなりに意味を持ちます。契約、約束。色々です。――正直を申せば多少妬ましく思います。わたくしは神殿を出て以来ミナ様とパルを組ませていただいていますが、結局わたくしのピアスは受け取っていただけませんでした」
"Well. As it is in our Hazama, it has a meaning. A contract, a promise. It is various. -- If honesty is said, I will regard some as envious. Since I came out of the shrine, I am allowed to construct a PAL with Mr. Mina, but my pierced earring could not be received after all."
　嶺国の巫女は小さく溜息を落とした。
The shrine maiden of Plumbum dropped the sigh small.
「詮無いことを申しました。お許し下さい。ですが、ミナ様があなたのことを気にかけておいでなのは確かだと思います。先ほどは宮国の巫女様と機関車を動かすのだと、見たことのないお顔で喜んでいらっしゃいました。わたくしが申し上げるのもおかしなことですが、どうかお気持ちを汲んで差し上げてくださいますよう」
It said that there was nothing. Please allow. Mr. Mina worries about your thing and I think it clear that it is a coming. Like the point, when the shrine maiden and engine of Simulacrum were moved, by the face which has not been seen, it was glad and you came. It is " so that how or a feeling may be considered and given, although it is also a strange thing that I say.
「ル……ミナ様を大切に思われているのですね」
"RU .... I regard Mr. Mina as important."
　黙って頷く巫女の仕草が切なかった。
The behavior of the shrine maiden who bows her head in assent silently was painful.

　機関車に戻るとルミナスは窓際のシートに浅く腰掛けて小さな本を開いていた。
When it returned to the engine, RUMINASU sat on the sheet by the window shallowly, and was opening the small book.
「ただいま戻りました。ご協力に感謝いたします。間もなくの発車になります」
"It returned now. I appreciate cooperation. Between also becomes departure of なく."
「お帰りなさい。すぐに動き出すのですか？」
"welcome back. Does it begin to move immediately? "
「はい。乗務員の点呼が終了次第」
"yes. As soon as roll call of the crew is completed"
　シムーン球を通じてヘリカルモートリスを待機状態から運転状態へと移行させる。機関車の床が微かな浮遊感を生んだ。ヘリカルモートリスで動く機関車には車輪はない。走行時は常に浮いているのだ。今、待機状態から運転状態へと移行したことで機関車は線路からわずかに浮上したはずだった。浮き上がらせようとする力が浮遊感となって巫女の感覚に訴える。シムーンと同様、機関車を走らせることは「祈り」であり、機関車の操作はヘリカルモートリスとの「語り」だ。他の機械からは生じないこの感覚がヘリカルモートリスの神性を示すと言われていた。
Helical-Mortris is made to shift to an operation state from a standby state through a Simoun ball. A feeling of floating with the faint floor of an engine was induced. There is no wheel in the engine which runs by Helical-Mortris. It has always floated at the time of a run. The engine must have surfaced slightly from the track by having shifted to the operation state from the standby state now. The power in which you make it come floating serves as a feeling of floating, and it appeals to a shrine maiden's feeling. It is "a prayer" like SHIMUN to run an engine and operation of an engine is "narration" to Helical-Mortris. It was said that this feeling that is not produced showed the deity of Helical-Mortris from other machines.
　機関車内にぎっしりと張り巡らされたパイプやバルブの大半は実は列車を走らせるためのものではない。機関の状態を数値で確認し、客車へ電力や油圧を供給するためだけの補助的な機械類なのだ。重要なのはシムーン球と動力ハンドルのみだった。
Neither most of pipes tightly spread around in the engine nor valves are for running a train in fact. They are the auxiliary machines only for checking an organization's condition numerically and supplying electric power and oil pressure to a coach. Important one was only a Simoun geml and a power handle.
　わたしは各車両への信鈴を鳴らす。三人の客室乗務員からは伝声管を通じて次々と乗車口の閉鎖報告が戻ってきた。運転台の表示装置も「全閉」を示している。
I sound bell to each vehicles. The closing report of a bus door has returned from three flight attendants one after another through speaking tube
. The display of a driver's seat also shows "all close."
　それらを確認してさらに二度、信鈴を鳴らす。
They are checked and bell is sounded twice further.
「軌道確認。出発進行」
"Orbital check. Start advance"
　鉄道員独特の声音で指差しながら発車手順を進める。長、短二種の汽笛を鳴らし、動力ハンドルを最弱の一ノッチに設定する。そこからゆっくりと制動レバーを開放することでじわりと機関車が前に出て各車両間の遊びが吸収された。一ノッチずつ出力をあげ、五ノッチ目からは一気に最大出力を投入する。
A departure procedure is advanced pointing by vocal sound peculiar to a railroad worker. The steam whistle of merit and short 2 kinds is sounded, and a power handle is set as one notch of the maximum weakness. and an engine started before by opening a braking lever slowly from there, and play between each vehicles was absorbed. It raises one notch of outputs at a time, and the maximum output is supplied at a stretch from a 5 notch eye.
　ヘリカルモートリスは瞬時と言ってもよいほど急激に出力が立ち上がる動力機関だ。連結部品に瞬時に大出力をぶつければ故障の原因となる。けれど、この機関車が曳いている十八両の車両はじわじわと出力を上げただけでは容易に動き出さない。何しろ、シムーンの倍程度の動力で数百倍の重さを牽引しなければならないのだ。
Helical-Mortris is the power organization with which an output rises so rapidly that you may call it an instant. It will become the cause of failure if a large output is thrown at connection parts in an instant. However, 18 vehicles which this engine is pulling do not begin to run only by having raised the output gradually easily. Anyway, you have to lead one hundreds times the weight of this under the about [ twice ] power of Simoun.
　列車はゆるゆるとホームから滑り出した。最大出力で稼働するヘリカルモートリスはシムーンのものよりもさらに数段低い共鳴音を発する。地の底から湧き上がるようなこの駆動音が宮国機関車の醍醐味だ。シムーン・シヴュラでさえこの大出力のヘリカルモートリスには魅せられると噂される。鉄道巫女の至福の一瞬だ。
The train started from the home slowly. Helical-Mortris which works with the maximum output emits a resonance sound lower several more steps than the thing of Simoun. This drive sound by which it has been sprung from the bottom of the ground is the real thrill of a Simulacrum engine. It will gossip, if even Simoun-Sibyllae is fascinated with Helical-Mortris of this large output. It is the instant of a railroad shrine maiden's Bliss
.
「ルミナス様、最後尾が駅のホームを抜けたら教えてくださいますか」
"Would you teach, if Ms. RUMINASU and the tail end escape from the home of a station?"
　わたし自身で後ろを振り返っても良かったが、本来の車掌の職掌でもある。ルミナスは子供のように窓に向かってシートに乗り、後方を眺める。風に帽子が攫われないよう押さえる手の白さと手首に記された青い入れ墨が印象に残った。
Although you could look back upon back for myself, it is also an original conductor's work. RUMINASU rides on a sheet toward a window like a child, and looks at back. The blue tattoo described at the whiteness and the wrist of the hand pressed down so that a hat may not review to a wind was impressive.
「ああ、もうすぐ……通過です」
"Ah-- such -- soon .... it is passage -- "
　声のタイミングに合わせて汽笛を二つ。長二点。
It unites with the timing of voice and is two about a steam whistle. Two merits.
「今の汽笛は？」
It is "the present steam whistle is ?."
「本来はホームに残る対向列車への別れの挨拶なのですが、列車がいなくてもこうして鳴らすのが習わしです」
"Although it is originally the greeting of separation by the opposite train which remains in a home, even if a train is not, what is sounded in this way is a custom."
「面白いものですね」
"It is interesting."
「やってみますか？」
"Does it do?"
　わたしが訊ねるとルミナスは目を輝かせて腰を浮かせる。
If I ask, RUMINASU will brighten an eye and will float the waist.
「宜しいのですか？」
"Is it all right?"
「はい。運転操作は代わることはできませんが、汽笛は構いません。駅を出て少しのところで踏切を通過しますのでその時にお願いします」
"yes. A steam whistle is not cared about although operation cannot be replaced. Since it comes out of a station and passes through a crossing in some places, I need your help then."
　乗降客がほとんどいないとは言え、停車駅が設けられているのは僅かながらも人家があるからだ。森の中には牧場があり、上り列車には毎日新鮮なミルクが積み込まれる。そして人がいれば当然道路もあり、線路を横切りもする。
Although there is almost no passenger, it is because there is a house though it is slight that the stop station is prepared. A pasture is in woods and milk fresh every day is loaded into an up-train. and -- if there are people, naturally there is also a road -- a track -- also crossing -- it carries out.
「どう鳴らせば良いのかしら」
"How should it sound?"
「この紐を、思い切り下へ。長三点です。線路脇にラッパの標識が見えたら鳴らしてください。踏切接近警笛です。そして踏切が目視できたら再度、踏切通過警笛を鳴らします。
"He is this string to the bottom of resolution. They are three merits. Please sound, if the sign of a trumpet is visible to the track side. It is a crossing approach alarm whistle. And if a crossing is viewed, a crossing passage alarm whistle is sounded again.
　――こちらへ。わたしの左隣に腰掛けられると標識が見やすいです」
-- Here. A sign is legible if it sits on the left of me."
　汽笛吹鳴は機関車の見学者も担える仕事だった。身元のはっきりした者――大抵は貴族の子女――は機関車の見学も許され、こうして汽笛を鳴らしていく。
Steam whistle 吹鳴 was the work which the visitor of an engine can also bear. those to whom the identity clarified -- mostly -- the child of は貴族 -- inspection of an engine is also allowed and -- sounds the steam whistle in this way.
「この椅子、椅子と言うよりは柵のよう。お尻が痛くなりませんか？」
"It is like [ rather than it calls it this chair and a chair ] a fence. Don't the hips become painful? "
「はい。これは腰掛けるというより、軽く凭れ掛かるだけの椅子なのです。背凭れもありませんから居眠りをしてしまう心配もないんですよ。座面も高いでしょう？」
"yes. This is only the chair on which it leans lightly rather than sits. There is also no fear of dozing, since there is also no back reclining. probably, 座面 will also be high -- ?"
　わたしはルミナスの右手を取り、頭上の汽笛索を握らせる。隣に接したルミナスの腰が温もりを伝えるのに対して、その手は冷たく感じられた。
I take the right hand of RUMINASU and make overhead 汽笛索 grasp. The hand was felt cold to the waist of RUMINASU which touched next telling warmth.
「間もなく標識が見えてくるはずです。線路の左側です」
"A sign should appear soon. It is on the left-hand side of a track."
「あ。あれかしら？」
"Ah. it is not that -- ?"
「そうです。よく見てください。ラッパの標識ですか？」
"that's right. Please see well. Is it the sign of a trumpet? "
「ええ、そう。そうです」
"Yes, it meets. That's right"
　三、二、一と声をかけて共に汽笛索を引く。最初の汽笛は彼女の手を包み込んだ上から普段通りに、二度目は軽く、三度目はただ添えるだけにして長鳴を三度繰り返す。
Whistle rope is pulled applying both me and partner  3, 2, 1, and voice. The second time is light, from from [ after the first steam whistle wraps in her hand ], the third times, because it merely attaches, it するs as usual, and long 鳴 is repeated 3 times.
「素敵です。祖国の妹たちに土産話が増えたわ。ありがとうございます」
"It is great. The travel story increased to the younger sisters of a homeland. Thank you"
　まだですよ、とわたしは笑う。
I laugh still.
「今のは接近警笛です。もう間もなく踏切が見えてくると思います。太い縦棒に細い横線が二本横切る標識です」
"That present is an approach alarm whistle. I think that a crossing can already be seen soon. It is the sign which two thin horizontal lines cross to a thick vertical line."
　すでに動力ハンドルのノッチは零に合わされ速度はかなり落ちていた。この路線の大半は無人踏切だ。遮断機はなく列車は徐行して踏切を通過することになる。
The notch of the power handle was united with zero and speed had already fallen considerably. The greater part of this route is an unmanned crossing. There is no crossing gate, and a train will go slow and will pass through a crossing.
「今度はお一人でお願いします。重大なお仕事ですよ」
"I need your help by myself shortly. It is serious work."
　真剣な顔になったルミナスを横目に捉えると自然に頬が緩んだ。どうぞ、と声をかけると緊張した面持ちのまま三度の警笛を響かせる。わずかに短めの長三点だったが、十分に役割を果たしていた。列車は最徐行で踏切を通過する。
When caught looking sideways at RUMINASU which became an earnest face, the cheek loosened automatically. The alarm whistle of 3 times is sounded with the countenance which became it tense when spoken as please. Although it was three slightly shorter merits, the role was fully played. A train passes through a crossing by the maximum going slowly.
　最後尾の車掌車が踏切を越えるのを確認してからわたしはルミナスに向き直る。
After checking that the cabin car at the tail end crosses a crossing, I turn round toward RUMINASU.
「ここから先はしばらく退屈な巡航が続きます。お手伝い願わなければならない仕事も当面ありませんのでご僚友の所へお戻りいただいて構いません」
"Cruising with the point tedious for a while continues from here. Since there is also no work which must be helped for the time being, you may return to a comrade's place."
　実のところ、ヘリカルモートリスを起動してしまえば後は一人でもこなせたのだが、この灰青の瞳を持つ巫女と離れがたく、用事を作っていたのだ。だが、この先はひたすら進路に目をこらすばかりの区間となる。引き留めておくわけにはいかなかった。
As a matter of fact, when starting Helical-Mortris, after that, one person was also able to manage, but it was hard to separate with a shrine maiden with the pupil of this graish-blue, and business was made. But, this point serves as the section to the extent that eyes are intently elaborated on a course. It was not able to keep back.
「あの、わたくしはここでお仕事を拝見させていただくわけには参りませんでしょうか」
"Am not that I overwhelmed by the reason for being allowed to see work here?"
「構いません。ですが、わたしは運転台から離れることもできませんし、こうして向かい合ってお話しすることも――本当は今もですが――できなくなります。職務中とは言えシムーン・シヴュラにそのような態度で接するのは気が引けます」
"It does not matter. I am also being unable to separate from a driver's seat, either, facing each other in this way, and talking. -- 本当 is although it is also now. -- It becomes impossible. Although it is the inside of a job, he feels diffident about touching Simoun Sibylla in such an attitude."
　いいえ、とルミナスは笑顔を見せる。
Ms.RUMINASU shows a smiling face as no.
「今のわたくしは臨時とは言え車掌を拝命しているのでしょう？　役には立たなくともお側に置いていただければと存じます。――お邪魔かしら？」
"Probably, present I am Appointing the conductor, although it is emergency? I think if you put on a side even if not helpful. -- It is obstructive ?."
「とんでもありません。……では、車掌としてのお仕事を継続していただくことにしましょう。とは申しましても駅を出てしまえば車掌の仕事はあまりありません。運転士が居眠りをしないよう話し相手になることと、休憩することです。時折お客様の様子を見てきていただくのも重要な仕事になります。特等の方は男性乗務員に任せて構いませんが、二等は貧しい人々が多く乗っています。具合を悪くなさるお客様も少なくありません。どうか気を配って差し上げてください」
"It has not flown, either. In ...., let's make it have the work as a conductor continued. - if it comes out of a station even if it says, there is seldom a conductor's work. It is saying that a driver does not doze and becoming a partner and resting. It becomes important work that I also have a visitor's appearance seen occasionally. Although it may leave the direction of 特 etc. to the male crew, many people with the second poor grade have ridden. There are not few visitors who worsen condition. Please distribute and give mind if you please."
「わかりました。大事なお仕事ですのね」
"I understand. It is important work."
「はい。機関車と客車の間の往来もご自由どうぞ。ただし、出入りの際には必ず施錠を」
"yes. the traffic of f an engine and a coach is also free -- pleasing . However, in the case of receipts and payments, it is certainly locking "
　わたしは車掌用の鍵束をルミナスに手渡す。
I hand the bunch of keys for conductors to RUMINASU.
「車掌として客車にお出でになる時はこちらの外套を。帽子もルミナス様の神がお許しになるのでしたら車掌のものをお使い下さい」
"It is the overcoat here when you come to a coach as a conductor. If Godess like RUMINASU also allows a hat, please use a conductor's thing."
　それだけ告げるとわたしは一礼して運転台に戻った。徐行状態のまま、もう十分すぎるほど運転台を離れている。
When heralded so much, I bowed and returned to the driver's seat. With the going-slowly state, it is separated from the driver's seat, so that it already passes enough.
　ルミナスは鉄道員服が珍しく感じられるらしく、胸にあてがったり袖丈を確かめたりしている。黒い外套は鉄道員の証であり、袖に入った三本の金線は巫女を示す。防寒着ではなく一種の礼装だ。この衣装が着たくて鉄道巫女を目指す少女もいるらしい。
Seemingly railroad worker dress was felt new, a breast is assigned or RUMINASU confirms sleeve length. A black overcoat is a railroad worker's proof and three gold streaks included in a sleeve show a shrine maiden. It is not protection-against-the-cold arrival but a kind of full dress. Seemingly, there are some girls who he wants to wear these clothes and aim at a railroad shrine maiden.
　――やっぱり女の子。
-- He is a girl too.
　清貧を旨とする嶺国の巫女と言えども十代の少女だ。目新しい衣装を前にすれば心もときめくだろう。
He is the girl of teens also although it is called the shrine maiden of plumbum which makes honorable poverty a purport. The heart will also be prosperous if it is made a front [ clothes / novel ].
「よくお似合いです、ルミナス様。凛々しくていらっしゃいます」
"Mr. RUMINASU who is well-matched well. It is valiant."
「おかしくないでしょうか」
"Isn't it amusing?"
「いいえ、少しも」
"No, also few"
　横目でちらりと眺めることしかできないのが残念だった。ひとつ、疑問を思い出してわたしは訊いてみた。
It was only regrettable that it can perform to watch at a glance by the side glance. Remembering one and a question, I asked.
「そう言えばルミナス様。礁国兵を撃ってしまったことに関してはお咎めがあったりしないのでしょうか。わたしのせいで巫女様が責められては申し訳が立ちません」
"He will be Ms. RUMINASU if it says so. Doesn't reproof occur about having shot the Argentum soldier? If the shrine maiden is blamed because of my fault, explanation does not stand."
　ああ、とルミナスは頷く。救急シミレに同乗してきた役人――警官の手配がつかずに役所の人間が来たらしい――はルミナスから事情を聞き、書き付けを一枚受け取っただけで済ませてしまった。
such -- と -- RUMINASU bows its head in assent. Government official who has ridden with emergency Simile-Simoun by which the human being of a public office seemingly came, without arrangements of a policeman sticking hears a situation from RUMINASU, and had made one note receive.
「心配いただきありがとうございます。けれど、問題ありません。嶺国の巫女にはその権限を預かっておりますから」
"Thank you for being worried. However, it is satisfactory. Since the authority is kept to the shrine maiden of Plumbum"
「権限？」
"Authority ?"
「連合軍の軍警察権です」
"They are the Allied Forces' army police powers."
　ルミナスはそれだけ言って口を噤んでしまった。巫女としてはあまり話したい内容ではない、ということなのかもしれない。兵士を裁く権利など与えられても、わたしなら喜ばない。おかしな話題を振ってしまったせいか、気まずい沈黙が降りたような気がした。
RUMINASU is said so much and has shut its mouth. It may be being seldom contents speaking as a shrine maiden. Even if the right which judges a soldier is granted, it is not glad if it is me. Because strange subject had been shaken, I felt that unpleasant silence got down.

「ルミナス様はシヴュラでいらしたんですよね」
"Ms. RUMINASU was Sibylla ago?
　昼食を摂りながらわたしは話しかける。嶺国のシムーン・シビュラには一度訊ねてみたいことがあった。
I address catching lunch. In some cases, I wanted to ask once Simoun-Sibylla of Argentum.
「ええ」
"Yes"
「嶺国のシムーンは濃い紫の、ヘリカルモートリスを背後に積んでいる機体ですよね。神殿の近くを飛んでいるのを見たことがあります。あれに乗っていらしたのでしょうか」
"Simoun of plumbum is the body which is loading with deep purple Helical-Mortris back. It has seen flying near the shrine. Had it ridden on that?"
　ルミナスは視線を伏せた。
RUMINASU cast down its look.
「はい。礁国の兵と共に西部空域に居りました」
"yes. It was in western airspace with soldier of Argentum."
「いえ。戦争の話は互いに辛いので……。シムーンです。ルミナス様はシムーンと語り、空に祈りを捧げて神の乗機であることを感じられましたか？」
"Say. Since the talk of war is mutually hot .... It is Simoun. Did Mr. RUMINASU say that it was Simoun, and did you offer the prayer to empty, and could feel that it was the winged machine of Godess? "
「神の乗機……。そうです。確かにあれは神の乗機でした」
"The winged machine of Godess .... That's right. To be sure, that was the winged machine of Godess ..."
　ルミナスが胸を押さえる。服の下にはクルスを身につけているのだろう。
RUMINASU presses down a breast. Probably, the cross is put on under dress.
「神の存在を感じられたのですね。羨ましい……」
"Could existence of God be felt? It is enviable...."
「羨ましい、ですか？　あなたも巫女ではありませんか」
"Is it enviable? Are also you a shrine maiden?"
　わたしは静かに頭を振る。
I shake the head calmly.
「いいえ。巫女にも格があるのです。わたしはシヴュラの選抜に残れませんでした。神との対話を交わす能力に欠ける、と」
No [ "]. A shrine maiden also has a rank. I was not able to remain in selection of Sibyllae. The capability which exchanges dialogs with Godess is missing."
　ルミナスは複雑な表情を見せる。
RUMINASU shows a complicated expression.
「それは……単にシビュラが狭き門だということだったのではありませんか。わたしも多くの巫女の中からシビュラの任を得ましたが、シムーンと語る能力で選ばれた訳ではありません。当時、我が国にはシムーンはありませんでしたから」
"It .... Didn't I hear that Sibyllawas only severe competition? Although I also got the duties of Sibyllae out of many shrine maidens, it was not necessarily chosen by the capability it is said that is Simoun. It is since there was no Simoun in our country those days."
　そういうことではないのです、と再び否定の仕草を示した。
The behavior of again denial that it is not such a thing was shown.
「シビュラの適性試験で一度、シムーンに乗ったことがあります。熟練のアウリーガに乗せてもらうばかりの経験でした。ごく簡単なリ・マージョンを描いてもらうのですが、多くの練習生たちが神の乗機たることを実感して喜んでいたのに、わたしは神の存在を微塵も感じることはできませんでした」
"It has ridden on Simoun once by the aptitude examination of Sibylla. It was experience to the extent that I have you put on skillful AURIGA. although I have very easy Ri MAJON drawn -- many trainees -- winged machine of Godess -- a machine -- although it was glad to realize things, as for me, a piece was not able to feel existence of God, either -- "
「……それで、シムーン・シビュラへの道を断念なされた、のですか？」
"-- give up the way to ...., then Simoun-Sibylla -- they are -- "
「はい……」
"Yes ...."
　嶺国の巫女は難しい顔をしている。シムーン・シビュラの宗家たる宮国の巫女が神の乗機に神性を感じられないなど、あってはならないこととだと思われたのかもしれない。だが、ルミナスは意外なことを口にした。
The shrine maiden of Plumbum is wearing the difficult face. Possibly the shrine maiden of head family slack Simulacrumof Simiun-Sibylla was considered to be with the thing which must not be been -- deity cannot be felt for the winged machine of Godess. But, Ms.RUMINASU used the unexpected thing as the mouth.
「あなたは、真面目な方なのですね」
"You are the more serious one."
「真面目……でしょうか。融通が利かない、とは言われることがあります」
" Serious -- is it ....? It may be said that it is not rigid."
　頑固だ、とも。
It is that it is stubborn.
「信仰に対して真摯だということです。シムラークルム語では敬虔、と言うのでしょうか」
"I hear that it is earnest to faith. Is it said in Simulacrum language that it is pious?"
「敬虔――とはとても。祈りを忘れることもありますし、恥ずかしながらわたしはわたしの神を必ずしも信じてはいないのです」
"Pious -- Very much. I do not necessarily believe in my God, forgetting a prayer and carrying out in shamely."
「けれど信じたいと思い、神の恩寵を、その足跡を探し求めているのでは？」
"-- however -- if he wants to believe and deity of God is searched for the footprint -- ?"
「……はい」
It is ".... is."
「それを敬虔と言うのだと、わたくしは、思います」
"If it is referred to as pious, I will consider."
　わたしは首を捻る。
I twist a head.
「わたしが初めてシムーンに神の息吹を実感したのは戦いの中においてです。破壊と殺戮のリ・マージョンを描き、多くの宮国兵をアルクス・ニゲルと共に葬り去った時に感じました。これは神だけに許された力である、と」
"-- having set in fighting that I realized breath of Godess to Simoun for the first time -- it is . Li Maher John of destruction and slaughter was drawn, and when many Simulacrum soldiers were buried with Arcs-Niger, it felt. It is that this is the power which only Godess was allowed."
　わたしは静かに耳を傾ける。
I lean an ear calmly.
「恐ろしい力でした。その力の大きさに神を感じ、リ・マージョンを描くことで神の奇蹟を呼び出すシムーンに神性を感じたのです。シムーンと語り、空に祈りを捧げることそのものに神性を感じたのではありません。破壊を体験しなければ、わたくしも神を感じられなかったのだと、そう思います」
"It was fearful power. Godess was felt for the size of the power and Godess divine nature was felt for Simoun which calls the miracle of Godess by drawing RI MAJON. It said that it was Simoun and Godess divine nature  was not felt for offering a prayer to empty itself. If destruction is not experienced, I consider so, adding that I was not able to feel Godess, either."
　ルミナスはわたしの手を白い指で包む。シムーン球に載せていた右の手を。
RUMINASU wraps my hand in a white finger. The hand of the right put on the Simoun ball.
「嶺国では宮国の巫女は高い尊敬を受けています。シムーンを受け継ぎ、シヴュラを伝承する。失われた神の言葉が、宮国には多く残されていると聞きます。ご存じですか、アニムス信仰の原典はシムラークルム語の古語で記されているのですよ」
"The shrine maiden of Simulacrum is highly respected  in the Plumbum. Simoun is inherited and Sibyllae are handed down. The language of lost Godess asks Simulacrum that it is left behind mostly. do you know  the original text of ANIMUSU faith is described with the archaic word of Simulacrum language? "
「嶺国の聖典が……」
"The sacred book of plumbum ...."

「元は一つの教えだったのです。嶺国の巫女たちの尊敬を一身に集める宮国の巫女が、格が低いなどと悲しいことをおっしゃらないでください。シムーン・シヴュラであろうと鉄道巫女であろうと、あなたがた宮国の巫女がわたくしたちの尊崇の対象であることを忘れないでくださいませ」
"A yuan was one instruction. Please do not speak a sad thing that the shrine maiden of Simulacrum who brings respect of the shrine maidens of Plumbum together in herself has a low rank etc. If it is a railroad shrine maiden in case of Simoun-Sibyllae, don't forget that the shrine maiden of Simulacrum, you, is an object of my worshiping."
　重ねられた掌が強く握り締められる。
The piled-up palm is grasped tightly strongly.
「戦に出て、殺戮を重ねてシムーンの神性に触れました。けれどそれは、本来あってはならない奇蹟です。迷えるままに突き進み罪に染まってしまうことを快しとせず、自らの神に疑問を持ち信仰を求め続けるあなたこそ、信仰者にふさわしい、とわたくしは思います」
"It appeared in war and the deity of Simoun was touched with slaughter in piles. However, it is a miracle which originally must not exist. It does not assumed it is pleasant.
pushing on as it can waver, and being dyed a crime, but I regard just you who continue asking your Godess for faith with a question as suitable to a believer."
　それに、とルミナスは微笑む。
Ms. RUMINASU smiles continue.
「機関車を操るあなたは神の恩寵の体現者でもあるのですよ。自信をお持ちください。あなたは自身の示される奇蹟の重さに気づいておられないだけ」
"You who manipulate Helical-Morter are also an ardent exponent of Grace of Godess. Please have confidence. As you do not notice the weight of the miracle by which self is shown"
　ルミナスを見つめる視界が不意に歪む。つん、と鼻の奥を熱い感情が刺激した。わたしはぐい、と目頭を拭って軌道の前方を睨む。
The field of view which gazes at RUMINASU is distorted suddenly. Hot feeling stimulated the back of  a nose. Cotton is carried out and it skins, and it is,  and eyes are wiped, and it glares at the orbital front.
　――落ち着かなければ。
-- Settle down me...---
　視線を走らせればヘリカルモートリスがわずかにその出力を増していた。見習い巫女のように感情を乱してシムーン球の働きを乱してしまったらしい。
When running the look, Helical-Mortris was increasing the output slightly. Seemingly feeling was disturbed like an apprenticeship shrine maiden and work of a Simoun ball has been disturbed.
「シムーン球は心を映すと聞きます。今、機関車の速度が上がっているように感じられるのはわたくしの言葉があなたに届いたと、そういうことでしょうか」
"It is heard that a Simoun ball projects the heart. Is that it is thought that the speed of an engine is increasing now such a thing as my words reached you?"
　わたしは黙ったまま彼女の手を探る。先程まで重ねられていた掌は、今は指を組むように握り合わされていた。輝きを増したシムーン球は果たしてどちらの感情を映したものだろう。
I explore her hand, become silent. The palm piled up to previously is grasped so that a finger may be constructed now. The Simoun gem which increased brightness would project which feeling sure enough.
　この国では、鉄路は少女たちの心によって結ばれる。
A railroad is connected with this country by girls' heart.
　青空に薄く絹雲が棚引いていた。
Cirrus was hanging over the blue sky thinly.

　

三日間をわずかな休憩のみで走り通して四日目の朝。対向列車の待ち合わせで一時間の仮眠を得、目覚めてみると問題が発生していた。
It keeps running only by slight break during three days, and is on the morning of the fourth. When the nap of 1 hour was obtained and it woke up in waiting of an opposite train, the problem had occurred.
「重連機関車が故障で来られない？」
"Pile Heavy ream morter car  does not come by failure ?"
　タブレットを渡しに来た巫女は渋い表情で頷く。
The shrine maiden who came the tablet for delivery bows her head in assent with an astringent expression.
「ええ。こちらの便は貨物の一部を峠の向こうに残して来ました」
"yes. The facilities here have left some cargo beyond a peak."
　嶺国との国境を控えたこの先の山岳地帯は森林限界まで一気に登り詰める。線路の勾配は急で、機関車を追加しなければ登り切れない。本来ならば今、対向ホームに停車している列車が重連機関車を連れて峠を降りてくるはずだった。それが機関車の故障で置いて来てしまったのだと言う。
The mountains zone of this point that cut down the border with Plumbum goes up to the top at a stretch to a tree line. The slope of a track is sudden, and if it does not add an engine, it reaches and it does not go out. Properly speaking, now, the train which has stopped at the opposite home must have taken the Heavy ream morter car engine, and must have got down from the peak. It is said that it has placed by failure of an engine.
「でも、峠のこちら側には操車場もないのよ。編成を縮小したくても車両を切り離しておく場所もないわ」
"But there is also no classification yard in the peak side here. Even if he wants to reduce organization, there is also no place which separates vehicles."
「そう、なんだけど。中央指令室の指示でとりあえず来てしまったから……」
"It is although it is what that meets. Since it has come by directions of a central directive room for the time being ...."
　わたしは歯噛をして電信箱へ向かう。すでに疲労は極限に達しているというのに、正規の巫女の補充もなく、後先を考えない中央の対処方法が腹立たしかった。礁国では普及していると聞く音声電信があれば中央指令室には盛大な罵声を浴びせてやったことだろう。だが、ここにあるのは汽笛のように長短の信号を送る符号化電信だけだ。
I do While chewing teeth well and face to a telegraphic communication box. The solution of fatigue of the center which a supplement of a regular shrine maiden does not have in having reached the limit, either, and does not consider front and rear was already provoking. In Argentum, probably, grand boos were showered over the central directive room, when there was voice telegraphic communication it is heard that has spread. But, here is only the coding telegraphic communication which sends the signal of merits and demerits like a steam whistle.
　中央指令室の反応は能天気だった。
The reaction of the central directive room was happy-go-lucky.
『機関車出力の公称値範囲である。そのまま進行せよ』
It is the nominal value range of "engine output. go on then -- "
　睡眠不足の頭にくらくらと目眩が走る。指令室は千人を超える命を乗せていることを理解しているのだろうか、とはらわたが煮え繰り返った。公称牽引能力が計算上の列車の重量を満たすからと言って必ずしも牽引可能とは限らない。貨物は常に予定より重いものだし、機関車の性能は最善に保たれている保証もない。現に、重連機関車など故障して公称値どころか出力は零だ。勾配区間での主機関車の故障に備える意味を兼ねての重連編成でもあったはずだ。
And others and giddiness run to the head of lack of sleep. Whether his understanding the directive room having put the life exceeding Kazuto and the intestines boiled, and wound and returned. Just because it fills the weight of a train with nominal calculative traction ability, traction is not necessarily possible. Cargo is always heavier than a schedule and the performance of an engine does not have the guarantee currently maintained at the best, either. Actually, a Heavy ream  formation. breaks down and an output, not to mention a nominal value, is zero. It must also have been the Heavy ream organization which serves as the meaning with which failure of the main engine in the slope section is equipped.
　明らかに不機嫌な顔をしていたのだろう、機関車に戻ると留守を守っていたルミナスが心配そうに声をかけてきた。
If it returns to the engine which would wear the clearly ill-humored face, RUMINASU which was protecting absence will have spoken anxious.
「どうなさったのです？」
"? done what"
「それが……」
"It ...."
　と勾配区間用の応援が得られなくなったことを説明する。
It explains that the aid for the slope sections is no longer obtained.
「でも、待っていてもその重連機関車は来ないのでしょう？　荷物を置いて行くこともできないのでは、試してみるしかないのでは？」
"But, the Heavy ream locomotive engine will not come, even if it is waiting? It is ?", if a load cannot be placed, it cannot go, either and it cannot but try.
「その通りです。とにかく荷を軽くすることから始めます」
"that's right. A load is anyhow begun from making it light."
　厄介な礁国兵たちは二つ手前の停車駅で降りていった。大河に沿って運行する船便で祖国に向かったのだ。人的なトラブルの可能性が減ったのがせめてもの慰めだった。
Troublesome Argentum soldiers got down at the stop station of 2 this side. It went to the homeland by the sea mail which operates along a big river. It was an only comfort that the possibility of the human trouble decreased.
「水を捨てます。できれば汚物もここに投棄して行きたいくらいですが後の始末が大変なことになるのでやめておきましょう。乗客の皆様の持っていらっしゃる水も捨てていただきます。駅のお手洗いにも行っていただいてわずかでも軽くなってもらいます」
"Water is thrown away. Since filth will also want to abandon and go here if it can do, but next settlement becomes a serious thing, let's stop. Please also throw away the water which you, passengers, have. Even when I have you carry out also to the restroom of a station and it is small, I have you become light."
　のんびりしている余裕はない。四日をかけてようやく遅れを取り戻したところだったのだ。ダイヤグラムをこれ以上混乱させる訳には行かなかった。
There is no calm margin. He just made up for delay at last over four days. A diagram was not able to be confused more.
　わたしは客室乗務員たちを集めて対策を申し渡す。
I assemble flight attendants and tell a measure.
「重量物の廃棄を徹底してください。職員の不要な荷物は駅舎に預けるよう。補修部品も最低限を残して駅に残すこと。特等車は二等客に開放してください。上り勾配では可能な限り進行方向に向いて腰掛けるよう指示してください」
"Please put abandonment of a heavy load into practice. the personnel's unnecessary luggage is deposited in a station building -- as . Replacement parts should also leave minimum and should leave it to a station. Please open a lounge car wide to a second-class passenger. Please point with an uphill slope to sit toward a direction of movement as much as possible."
　乗客を列車全体に分散させるのは機関車が停止した時の制動装置の負荷分散のためだ。座席の指定は制動しきれず暴走した時の衝突対策。いずれも非常時用の運行手順に指定されている対策だったが、自分が試すことになるとは思わなかった。
It is because it is load distribution of braking equipment when an engine stops to make the whole train distribute a passenger. Specification of a seat is a measure against a collision when being unable to brake and running recklessly. I did not think that he would try, although it was the measure with which all are specified as the operation procedure for emergencies.
「他に何か考えがあれば遠慮なく提案して。思いついたらなんでもいいわ。乗客の皆様を安全に目的地へ運ぶことだけを考えてください」
If there are some ideas in " etc., it will propose unreservedly. If it happens to think, it is good anything. Please only consider carrying safely you, passengers, to the destination."
　客室乗務員の男性たちは当然、年長の者ばかりだった。だが、責任を預かるのはわたしだ。万が一にでも事故を招けば自らの命で対価を支払わねばならない。宮国の鉄道巫女は一人でも乗客の命を損なえば、死を持って償う慣習だ。
They were only the persons of seniority [ males / of a flight attendant ] naturally. But, I keep responsibility. If that it should also be alike causes an accident, you have to pay a countervalue by your life. The railroad shrine maiden of Simulacrum will be the custom for which it compensates with death, if one person also spoils a passenger's life.
「……ありませんか？　では、作業に取り掛かってください」
".... isn't it? Please begin work."
　乗務員たちは合図と共に散って行く。
With a signal, the crews break up and go.
「ルミナス様にもお願いがあります」
"Ms. RUMINASU also has a wish."
「承ります」
"It hears."
「シムーンで二重起動を試されたことはございますか？」
"Was double starting sometimes tried on Simoun?"
「二重起動？」
"Double starting ?"
「はい。すでに起動している状態のヘリカルモートリスにさらに起動の手順を重ねると通常より大きな出力を呼び出せる可能性があります。シムーンでの話ですが。ただしこれは真のパルでなければ成し得ないとも聞きます」
"Yes. If a motive procedure is further repeated to Helical-Mortris in the state where it has already started, a bigger output than usual may be able to be called. It is a talk in Simoun. However, it is heard that it cannot be accomplished if this is not a true PAL."
「真の？」
"Truth."
「わたしも噂でしか知りません。ですが翠玉のリ・マージョンを実現させるパルはこの二重起動もこなすと聞いたことがあります」
I can hear only the rumor of Simoun-Sibyllae, but the PAL who successed the Emerald Ri-maajion can "double starting".

翠玉、という単語にルミナスは反応したようだった。胸元を押さえて小さく呟く。
It seemed that RUMINASU reacted to a word called  The bosom is pressed down and it murmurs small.

「アー・エール……」
"Aa...el ...."

「は？」
"Hah?"

　なんでもありません、とルミナスは首を振る。
Ms.RUMINASU shakes a head as it is not anything.

「二重起動というのは初めて聞きました。ですが、わたくしどもの神殿に伝わる伝説の中のシヴュラはそれらしきことを成したとも聞いた覚えがあります。わたくしでよろしければぜひお手伝いさせてください」
"Double starting was heard for the first time. they of Sibylla in the tradition which gets across to the shrine of us are carried out, it comes, and has the memory it was heard that accomplished things. If very well, please let me surely help by me."

　わずかに躊躇したがわたしは正直に告白する。
Although wavered slightly, I confess honestly.

「相手があなたでなければこんなことはお願いする気にもならなかったでしょう。空に祈ることのできなかったわたしですが、ルミナス様、あなたとならばどんな祈りでも捧げられそうな気がするのです」
"Probably, such a thing did not feel inclined thank you for your consideration, when a partner was not you. Although it is me who was not able to pray to empty, if it becomes Ms. RUMINASU and you, I will feel that any prayers are likely to be offered."

　ルミナスはわたしの言葉に笑みを返した。
Ms. RUMINASU returned the smile to my words.

「光栄に存じます。あなたとシムーンで祈りを捧げられればどんなに素晴らしかったことでしょう……」
"I think that it is honorable. Probably, it was wonderful however, when the prayer could be offered by Simoun with you...."

　その通りだ、とわたしは感じた。もし、初めてシムーン空を舞った時のパルがこの人であったなら、シムーンに神聖さを感じ取れずとも空を目指したことだろう。そう思って気がついた。わたしが欠いていたのは信仰心ではなかったのだ、と。信じられるパルを求めていたのかもしれない。
I thought that it was right. Sacred has not been taken in to Simoun but, probably,  also aimed at empty, if the PAL when dancing Simoun sky for the first time was this man. He thought so and has noticed. It is that it was not the faith which I lacked. Possibly it was asking for the PAL believed.

　わたしはただ頷いて立ち上がる。
I merely bow my head in assent, and stand up.

「身体を清めます」
"The body is purified."

　機関室はそもそもが小さな祭壇だ。機関車における神事の折にこの場は禊の場にもなる。
An engine room - although - it is a small altar. This place also turns into a chip box of the divine work in an engine, or a place of purification ceremony.

　窓にカーテンを引き、蝋燭を灯して照明を落とす。小さな桶に張った水に香油を一滴垂らすとほのかなラベンダーの香りが広がった。その水を機関室の四隅に数滴ずつ撒いて、ヘリカルモートリスのあるこの部屋は禊の場となった。
Curtain is pulled in the window, a candle is burned in it, and lighting is dropped to it. When one drop of perfumed hair oil was hung down to the water filled in the small bucket, the scent of delicate lavender spread. Scattering every several drops of that water in the four corners of the engine room, this room with Helical-Mortris became a place of purification ceremony.

　衣服を脱ごうとしたところで側に控えたルミナスが申し出る。
Ms. RUMINASU which was in a side in the place which was about to remove clothes offers.

「お手伝い致します」
"I help."

「……お願いします」
".... thank you for your consideration"

　これまでも運転業務の合間に疲れを拭い、清潔さを保つために幾度か清拭を行ってもいた。だが、今回の禊はまるきり意味が違う。神事なのだ。これまでのように肌を隠す必要はない。
Tiredness was wiped in the intervals of operation business until now, and in order to maintain cleanliness, even if it performed how often or 清拭, it was. But, this purification ceremony differs in a meaning completely. It is a divine work. It is not necessary to hide skin like the former.

　嶺国に程近いこの地域はすでに空気も冷たい。加えて、ヘリカルモートリスはその動作に発熱を伴わない。機関室の中は外套を纏っていても寒さを感じるほどだったが、禊には都合がいい。
The air of this area nearby Plumbum is also already cold. In addition, HERIKARUMOTORISU does not follow generation of heat on the operation. Even if the inside of the engine room was related in the overcoat, it was like [ which feels cold ], but it is convenient for purification ceremony.

　一枚ずつ丁寧な仕草でルミナスが脱衣を手伝う。次いで、髪から爪先まで全身を丹念に拭って行く。神殿の巫女が花の香りを漂わせているのは香油を垂らした水で身体を拭うからだ。
RUMINASU helps changing by behavior polite one sheet at a time. Subsequently, from hair to a tiptoe, the whole body is wiped carefully and it goes. It is because that the shrine maiden of a shrine is setting the scent of a flower adrift wipes the body with the water which hung down perfumed hair oil.

　ルミナスに身体を拭われるのはひたすらに心地よかった。羞恥は感じない。鉄道巫女とはいえ、わたしは神殿に仕える巫女でもある。禊は日常の神事だった。
it boiled intently that the body was wiped by RUMINASU and it was comfortable. Shame is not felt. Although it is a railroad shrine maiden, I am also a shrine maiden who serves a shrine. Purification ceremony was an everyday divine work.

　最後に、手拭いを洗った桶の水をヘリカルモートリスに注いで、わたしの禊は終了した。新しい下着を身に纏い、ルミナスの手を借りながら装いを終える。
Finally Helical-Mortris was filled with the water of the bucket from which the towel was washed, and my purification ceremony was ended. It is clothed in new underwear on the body, and a fashion is finished, borrowing the hand of RUMINASU.

「わたくしの禊もお願いできますか？」
"Please also give me my purification ceremony."

「はい。喜んで」
"Yes. I'm willing to you,please ".

　帽子、修道頭巾、上着とひとつひとつ預かったものを折り畳む。服の下から現れた裸体は想像以上に小柄で細かった。この身体で礁国兵たちに睨みを利かせていたというのが信じ難い。
What was kept a hat, the Osamichi hood, a coat, and one by one is folded up. From under dress, the naked body which appeared was short in stature than imagination, and thin. It is hard to believe having used the glare for Argentum soldiers with this body.

　燃えるような赤毛はショートカットにしているのが惜しまれた。肌は玉のように滑らかで、蝋燭の明かりを受けて仄白く輝く。そのきめの細かな肌の何カ所かには大きな傷痕が残っていた。
It was regretted that red hair who burns is making it shortcut. the skin -- a ball -- like -- smooth -- the light of a candle -- winning popularity -- 仄 -- it shines white. The big scar  remained to several places of the fine smooth pure skin .

　嶺国の国情は厳しく、貧しい地域では治安も悪いと聞く。ルミナスの傷もそんな環境を映したものなのだろうと、ルミナスの身体を拭う手にさらに敬意を込める。受難の痕跡に同情するのは失礼なことだ。苦難を乗り越えてなお気高さを失わず、優しさを失わない魂は尊敬に値する。
It is heard that the conditions of a country of Plumbum are severe, and unsafe in a poor area. If the crack of RUMINASU will also be what projected such environment, the hand which wipes the body of RUMINASU will be further loaded with respect. Sympathizing with the trace of sufferings is impolite. The soul which overcomes distress, does not lose nobleness in addition and does not lose tenderness deserves respect.

　もっとも異文化に触れて驚くこともあった。嶺国巫女の証しである入れ墨は額と顎だけではなく、うなじや肩甲骨、腰、胸元、下腹部、膝上、踝と全身に刻まれていた。小振りな乳房にも青い線が浮かんでいるのを見て、痛そうだ、と思う。
But it might touch and be surprised at foreign culture. The tattoo which is a Plumbum shrine maiden's proof was minced by 踝 and the whole body on a frame, not only a jaw but the nape, a shoulder blade, the waist, the bosom, the abdomen part, and the knee. I see a blue line appearing also on a small size breast, and think that it seems to be painful.

　禊を終えて服を身につけたルミナスはいたずらっぽい笑顔で問いかけてきた。
RUMINASU which finished purification ceremony and put on dress has asked with the smiling face appropriate for a mischief.

「驚きましたか？」
"Was he surprised?"

「はい」とわたしは素直に頷いた。「入れ墨は相当な痛みを伴うと聞きます。嶺国ではわたしは巫女になる前に逃げ出してしまいそうです」
"Yes" and I bowed our head in assent obediently. "He hears that a tattoo is accompanied by a considerable pain. In Plumbum, I am likely to escape, before becoming a shrine maiden."

　ルミナスは少女らしい笑いを披露する。
RUMINASU announces girlish laughter.

「わたしも巫女の印を受ける前日は逃げ出そうかと本気で思いました」
"I considered whether it will escape the previous day when I also receive a shrine maiden's mark, and seriously."

「痛いのですよね？」
"-- it is painful -- ?"

　わずかに考えて、ルミナスは破顔する。
Thinking slightly, RUMINASU smiledl.

「内緒です。嶺国の巫女にも神秘は必要です」
"It is secret. A mystery is required also for the shrine maiden of Plumbum."

　苦笑しながら客車との扉を開くと客室乗務員たちが作業を終えて顔を揃えていた。準備は概ね整ったらしい。後は駅舎で用を足している人々が戻ってくるのを待つだけだと言う。
When the door with a coach was opened smiling wryly, flight attendants finished work and had met together. Seemingly, preparation was completed in general. The rest says [ only waiting and ] that people who have done their business in the station building return.

「嶺国の巫女様からも最大限のご助力を得ることができました。駅に取り残されているお客様がいないことを確認したら、すぐに発車手順に入ります。乗務員の皆さんは不足の事態に備えて各車両の緊急制動装置近くで待機をお願いします。最悪の場合にはヘリカルモートリスの暴走の可能性も考えられます。制御不能に陥った場合は即座に客車との機関車の接続を解除するので、その後の乗客の安全確保をお願い致します」
"The maximum help was able to be obtained also from the shrine maiden of Plumbum. If it checks that there is no visitor left behind by the station, it will go into a departure procedure immediately. You, the crews, ask you for standby near the urgent brake mechanism of each vehicles in preparation for an insufficient situation. When the worst, the possibility of a reckless run of Helical-mortris is also considered. Since the connection of an engine with a coach is immediately canceled when it lapses into loss of control, please give me safe reservation of a subsequent passenger."

「……巫女様？」
"Ms....shrine maiden ?"

「目一杯の出力を絞り出すのです。万が一を想定しなくては」
"The full of output are pressed out. If emergency is not assumed"

「その、何か危険な事をなさるのですか？」
"Does he do something  the dangerous?"

「ヘリカルモートリスの二重起動を試みます。中央指令室による計算では通常出力でも勾配区間を通過できるはずですが、わたしの経験では、最大勾配付近で登坂能力が不足すると判断しました。速度が維持できなくなった時点で二重起動を行います」
"Double starting of Helical-Mortris is tried. Although the output must also usually have been able to passed through the slope section in calculation by a central directive room, it was judged in my experience that the Tosaka capability was insufficient near the maximum slope. Double starting is performed when it became impossible to maintain speed."

「その、嶺国の巫女様は鉄道には不慣れなのですよね。やはり、代替の重連機関車を待つべきではないでしょうか」
"The shrine maiden of the Plumbum is unfamiliar on a railroad. Too, should not it wait for a substitute Heavy ream morter car?"

「指令室はこの列車に機関車を送るつもりがないと断言しました。どれだけ待っても重連機関車は来ないのです」
"The directive room was declared [ not planning to send an engine to this train, and ]. Even if it waits only for anything, a Heavy ream morter car does not come."

「そんな……」
"Such a..."

「それに嶺国の巫女様はシムーン・シヴュラです。巫女の中の巫女たるシムーン・シヴュラのお手をお借りして何の不足があると言うのです。
"The shrine maiden of Plumbum is Simoun-Sibylla in it. It is said that I borrow the hand of shrine maiden slack Simoun-Sibylla of true maiden of  all shrine maiden, and there is shortage of what.

　……他に質問は？　無ければ直ちに配置に。お客様には不安を与えないよう配慮してください」
.... Otherwise, it is a question? If there is nothing, it is arrangement immediately. Please consider a visitor not to give uneasiness."

　三人の乗務員たちは揃って静かに頭を垂れた。
The three crews hung down the head calmly together.

　峠の麓にある駅を出発して大距離標を八つ数えたところで勾配標識が登場する。三パーミル。これはほんのアプローチに過ぎない。列車は平地の余勢をかって制限速度を維持していた。動力ハンドルは五〇パーセント程度。まだ余裕はある。
A slope sign appears in the place which left the station at the foot of a peak and counted eight large distance marks. Three per mille. This is only mere approach. The train was being encouraged by the flat ground and was maintaining the speed limit. A power handle is about 50%. It is still generous.

「ルミナス様、こちらへ」
"Mr. RUMINASU and here"

　汽笛の吹鳴を頼んだ時とは反対に、わたしは彼女を右隣りに招いた。運転台の右側にシムーン球が据えられているためだ。
Contrary to the time of asking for 吹鳴 of a steam whistle, I invited her to right-hand. It is because the SHIMUN ball is set on the right-hand side of a driver's seat.

「わたしの予想では、二〇パーミルの勾配区間で全力運転が必要になり、二五パーミルで速度が維持できなくなります」
"Best operation is needed in the slope section of 20 per mille, and it becomes impossible to maintain speed by 25 per mille in my anticipation."

「パーミルというのは？」
It is "per mille is ?."

「距離標に付けられている勾配の単位です。現在は三パーミル。水平に千移動した時に三登る、という意味です」
"It is a unit of the slope attached to the distance mark. It is 3 per mille now. When it moves 1000 times horizontally, it means reaching three."

　そう説明して笑んで見せるとルミナスからも笑みが返ってきた。
When it explained so and having been shown by 笑ん, the smile came on the contrary also from RUMINASU.

「一番きつい場所は？」
It is "the tightest place is ?."

「三二パーミルです。大した勾配ではありませんが、鉄道には厳しい。三〇パーミル前後でかなりの距離を走らねばなりませんし」
"It is 32 per mille. Although it is not a great slope, on a railroad, it is severe.   it must run a remarkable distance before and behind 30 per mille "

「こんなに力強いヘリカルモートリスなのに」
"It is such forcible Helical-mortris."

　ルミナスは低周波音を響かせているヘリカルモートリスの外周部に触れる。
Ms.RUMINASU touches the perimeter part of Helical-Mortris which is sounding the low-frequency vibration.

「宮国の鉄道は空大陸随一の牽引力を誇ります。この列車も他国ではありえない編成の長さです。貨客機関車としては最大級の機関車が牽引していますから」
"The railroad of Simulacrum is proud of the traction of empty continent No. 1. It is the length of the organization which this train is also a foreign country and does not obtain it. It is since the greatest engine is towing as a load cargor & passenger morter car."

　貨物専用の機関車の中にはさらに大きなヘリカルモートリスを積んだものがある。最大のものではトンネルを通せるぎりぎりの大きさだ。ただし、その機関車は存在そのものが胡散臭い。一説によると巨大な列車砲を牽引するために造られたとも噂される。終戦後、いち早く姿を消したところを見ると今は礁国でその任に当たっているのかもしれない。
Some engines only for cargo stacked still bigger Helical-Mortris. In the greatest thing, it is a last-minute size which can let a tunnel pass. However, the existence of the engine itself is suspicious. It gossips having been built in order to tow a huge train gun according to a report. If the place which disappeared promptly is seen after the end of the war, the duties may be now taken on in Argentum.

「ともあれ、ルミナス様のお席はそちらになります。椅子をご用意できずに申し訳ありません」
"-- Anyway -- Ms. RUMINASU -- a seat [ like ] becomes there It is I am sorry", without the ability preparing a chair.

「わたくしはお声がかかるのを待っていれば良いのですね？」
"-- I am good one if it is waiting for voice to start -- ?"

「はい」
It is and " is ".

　勾配標識はすぐに一〇パーミル、一五パーミルへと切り替わる。動力ハンドルは八割から全開の間を往復していた。だが、やがて二〇パーミルを過ぎたあたりで動力ハンドルは全開のままとなり、二二パーミルで速度を維持できなくなってきた。ヘリカルモートリスは歯車で車輪を駆動している訳ではない。機関車は宙に浮き、空間に働く力で直接列車を牽引する。変速機を介して駆動する他国の機関とは異なり、速度を落としても駆動力を増すことはできなかった。全動力を投入しているにも関わらず減速が始まれば、そのまま速度を減じて停止、後退を始めてしまう。
A slope sign changes to 10 per mille and 15 per mille immediately. The power handle was going back and forth between full open from 80 percent. A power handle serves as as [ of full open ] in the hit which passed over 20 per mille soon, and it is impossible but, to maintain speed by 22 per mille. Helicopter KARUMOTORISU is not necessarily driving the wheel with the gear. An engine floats in the air and a direct train is led by the power committed to space. Unlike the organization of a foreign country which drives through a gearbox, driving force was not able to be increased even if it reduced speed. If a slowdown starts in spite of supplying total power, speed will be reduced as it is and a stop and retreat will be begun.

　勾配はこれからしばらく二〇パーミル前後を推移する。急勾配区間が始まればヘリカルモートリスの二重起動は避けられないだろう。
A slope changes 20 per-mille order for a while after this. If the steep slope section starts, double starting of helical-Mortris will not be avoided.

　右手は既にシムーン球の上だ。集中を切らせば通常出力さえ維持できなくなる。
A right hand is already on a Simoun gem. If short of concentration, it will become impossible to usually maintain even an output.

「ルミナス様、そろそろお願いすることになりそうです」
"Ms.RUMINASU appearance," be soon given to me

　そう、声をかけるとルミナスはそっと手を重ねてきた。無人駅で機関車を起動した時には冷たかった手が、今は暖かい。
When right  and voice were applied, RUMINASU came the hand in piles quietly. When an engine is started at an uninhabited station, for the cold hand, it is now warm.

　その暖かさを実感した途端、ヘリカルモートリスは低音に力強さを加えた。
Just as it realized the warmth, Helical-MortrisI applied forcibleness to low-pitched sound.

　――現金なこと。
--I thought " It is cashy."

　わたしは内心で苦笑する。ルミナスに触れられただけでヘリカルモートリスはその出力を上げる。巨大な円盤は自分でも気づかない心の動きを映す鏡となるらしい。
I smile wryly in a my real intention. Helical-Mortris raises the output only by having been touched by RUMINASU. Seemingly, a huge disk will serve as a mirror which projects a motion of the heart which him does not notice by himself.

「わたしの心は嶺国の巫女様を必要としてしまっているようです」
"It seems that my heart has needed the shrine maiden of Plumbum."

　そんなことを口走る自分自身に驚いた。禊の前にこぼれ出た「あなたとならばどんな祈りも」という言葉も思い返してみれば赤面ものだ。
She was surprised at herself. [ who utters such a thing ] it fell and came out before purification ceremony -- "-- if it becomes you -- what kind of prayer -- " -- と -- it will be a blush thing if the language to say is also recalled.

　ルミナスからの返答は無かった。代わりに腕をからめるようにして手が握り直される。触れ合う肩からも温もりが伝わってくる。
There was no answer from RUMINASU. A hand is regrasped as an arm is entwined instead. Warmth is transmitted also from the shoulder which comes into contact with.

　大距離標に二五パーミルの勾配標識が見て取れた。最大勾配区間が始まる。
The slope sign of 25 per mille has been grasped in the large distance mark. The maximum slope section starts.

「ルミナス様、お願い致します」
"- Ms. RUMINASU -- thank you for your consideration -- "

　そう呼びかけてわたしはルミナスへと向き直る。こちらを見上げてくる彼女に対して一礼し、顔を寄せようとした。
Calling out so, I turn round toward RUMINASU. It was going to bow to her who looks up here, and was going to bring near the face.

「待って」
"It waits."

　嶺国の巫女の制止を受け、わたしは動きを止める。
I stop a motion in response to control of the shrine maiden of Plumbum.

「恋をしたことは？」
It is "it is ? to have carried out love."

「……ありません」
".... it is not -- "

「シムーン球は心を映し、ヘリカルモートリスはパルの結び付きを求める、ですわね？」
"It is ? ion which a Simoun-ball projects the heart and which Helical-Mortris asks for connection of a PAL."

「はい」
"Yes"

「わたくしたちが試みようとしていることは、ただ動かせば良いというものではなくて、本物のパルが――究極のリ・マージョンを成功させるようなパルが成すようなことなのでしょう？」
"Our trial -- the thing that supposing like should just merely move -- it is not -- a real PAL -- it will be what a PAL in which ultimate Ri Majion is made successful constitutes -- ?"

　わたしは黙って頷く。ルミナスが何を言おうとしているのかが朧げながらわかってきた気がした。
I bow my head in assent silently. I felt that it had turned out with being hazy what RUMINASU tends to say.

　運転台から完全に離れ、動力ハンドルからもシムーン球からも完全に手を放す。必要なのは彼女を求めることだ。大きく息を吸い、わたしは口を開く。
It separates from a driver's seat completely and its hold is released completely also from a power handle also from a SHIMUN ball. Asking for her is required. Breathing greatly, I open a mouth.

「あなたが欲しいのです」
"I want you."

　そう囁いて腕の中に彼女を抱き寄せる。ぴたりと胸を合わせ、背中に回した腕に力を込める。夕陽のような赤毛に顔をうずめるとラベンダーの香りがした。触れんばかりの距離に近づいた瞳を覗き込みながらそっと囁く。
It whispers so, and she is embraced and brought near into an arm. A breast is united exactly and the arm which turned to the back is loaded with power. There was the scent of lavender, when the face was buried to red hair like the setting sun. It whispers quietly, looking into the pupil approaching distance to the extent that it does not touch.

「異国の巫女様に恋をしてしまいました。せめてこの列車が終点に着くまでだけでもわたしのものになっていただけませんか」
the shrine maiden of "foreign country -- love has been carried out like Would you become my thing at least until this train arrives at a terminal point at least?"

　ルミナスはわたしの腰に回した腕にきゅうと力を込める。互いの腰が密着した。
RUMINASU loads with hugg and power the arm which turned to my waist. The mutual waist stuck.

「奥手で照れ屋の運転士さん。初めて視線を合わせたときから惹かれあっているのはわかっていたのに。ピアスは少女の誓いで、呪いなのよ。あなたの心がこの手に掴めますように、という。なのにあなたは少しもそれに気づかない。あなたをパルにと、わたくしは心から望みます」
"It is the driver of an embarrassment store at pensive(奥手). It is having understood loving from from, when a look's was united for the first time. a pierced earring is an oath of a girl and is a curse -- a thing . It is said that your heart can hold in this hand. You do not notice a thing at all at it. you -- a PAL -- と -- I wish from the bottom of my heart -- "

　わたくしの半身、とルミナスは呟き、小鳥のように軽く唇を啄んだかと思うと、含み笑いの表情でわたしを見上げる。。
My half the body and RUMINASU murmur, and if it thinks whether the lip was lightly picked like a little bird, I will be looked up at by the expression of a chuckle. .

「キスをしてもいい？」
It is good ?" even if it gives "kiss.

　今更のようにわたしはルミナスに訊ねる。花が開くような彼女の笑顔を確かめて覆いかぶさるように口づけする。軽く一度。そして少し長い二度目。暖かく柔らかな唇がわたしのキスを受け止めた。腰に置かれていた彼女の手が、ゆっくりと首の後ろへと回る。
Now --  -- I ask RUMINASU like. It kisses so that her smiling face which a flower opens may be confirmed, it may cover and it may hang. It is once lightly. And the somewhat long second time. The warm soft lip responded to my kiss. Her hand placed by the waist turns behind a head slowly.

　わたしたちは長い長い口づけを交わした。
We exchanged long, long kiss.

　離れ難い思いで、けれど使命を思い出して唇を離す。胸をぴたりと合わせたまま間近に交わす荒い呼吸のやり取りは大人のキスの続きだった。巫女の印である額の入れ墨に軽く口づけしてルミナスを促す。
It is the thought which is hard to leave, however a mission is remembered and a lip is detached. The exchange of rude breathing exchanged to nearness uniting a breast exactly was a continuation of grown-up kiss. The tattoo of the frame which is a shrine maiden's mark is kissed lightly, and RUMINASU is urged to it.

「シムーン球に」
"In a Simoun ball"

　片手をシムーン球に突き、片手をルミナスの指と絡めながら光を放つ翠玉に顔を寄せる。瞼を伏せてその心を映す宝玉に唇を触れさせると頭の中でグラスハーモニカに似た音が奏でられた。シムーン球に乗せた手でルミナスの手を探り、力強く握り締めるとヘリカルモートリスが不意に不思議な共鳴音を奏でた。ヘリカルモートリスが奏でる元々の太い低音に豊かな倍音が加わって、華やかに魂を蕩けさせる音色を作り出す。
poke one hand in a Simoun ball and one hand be involved with the finger of RUMINASU -- a face is brought near by Emerald which emits lights. When Simoun-Ball which turns down an eyelid and projects the heart was made to be touched with a lip, the sound which resembled the glass harmonica in the head was played. When the hand of RUMINASU was explored and it grasped tightly forcibly by the hand put on the Simoun ball, Herical-Mortlis played a wonderful resonance sound suddenly. A rich double sound is added to the thick low-pitched sound from the first which Herical-Mortlis plays, and the tone which melts a soul gaily is made.

　ふぉぉぉぉぉぉぉぉぉん。
Fwooooooooonn.....

　驚いて顔を上げるとルミナスと視線が重なった。柔らかな笑みが彼女の顔に広がっていた。
When the face was raised with surprise, the look overlapped with RUMINASU. The soft smile had spread to her face.

　シムーン球は常とは比べ物にならない輝きを宿し、列車は勾配を強めているにも関わらず加速の気配を示した。否。気配ではなく、明確に速度計の針を躍らせ跳ね上げている。
As for the Simoun ball, the usual state conceived the brightness which does not become a comparison, and as for the train, the sign of acceleration was shown in spite of having strengthened the slope. No. It is not a sign, and the needle of a speedometer is made to dance clearly and it has bounded.

　ルミナスがきゅっと手を握ってきた。わたしはすかさず頷きを返す。
RUMINASU has grasped the hand tightly. I return a nod at once.

　動力ハンドルを戻すべきではない、と直感する。シムーン球への祈りでその力の大きさを制御するべきだと本能が叫んでいた。
It senses that a power handle should not be returned. When the size of the power should have been controlled by the prayer for a Simoun ball, instinct had shouted.

　何をどうしたのかはわたしにもわからない。けれど、気づけば機関車は刻々と勾配を変化させる切り通しの鉄路を、制限速度をぴたりと保って登っていた。
I do not know what was carried out what, either. However, when he had noticed, the engine maintained the speed limit exactly and was reaching the end through railroad to which a slope is changed every moment.

「シムーンだけではなかったんだわ」
"It was not only SHIMUN."

　ルミナスは睫毛の縁に大粒の涙を溜めていた。
Their edges of eyelashes were filled with large tears.

「この鉄道にも神の息吹が……」
"The breath of God is .... also to this railroad."

　ぱたり、と音を立てて涙が零れた。
Pat and sound were made and tears rolled down.

　シムーン球の前に立つルミナスの胸にわたしは頭を寄せる。ルミナスがわたしの髪をそっと掻き混ぜた。機関車は客車の重みなど意に介さないかのごとく快速を示している。わたしたちはただ、前方へと伸びる線路を窓越しに眺めているだけだった。
I bring near the head by the breast of RUMINASU which stands in front of a Simoun ball. RUMINASU stirred my hair quietly. The engine shows high speed as if it did not mind it, such as dignity of a coach. We were only merely looking at the track extended to the front through window.

　神の息吹。
Breath of Godess.

　ルミナスの言葉通りそうとしか表現のしようのない何かが列車を支配していた。本来、下り勾配のために設定された制限速度に合わせて山間の隘路を列車が駆け上る。わたしたちはシムーン球に手を載せてはいたが、それで具体的に何が操作できる訳でもない。なのに列車は、まるでそうあることが摂理であるかのごとく決まり切った速度で走り続ける。
When met as the language of RUMINASU, something without how to carry out deer expression was governing the train. According to the speed limit which got down and was originally set up for the slope, it has been run in narrow load(隘路) of a place between mountains by the train. Although we had put the hand on the Simoun ball, what cannot necessarily be operated concretely. A train continues running to a thing at a fixed speed as if it was providence that it is so completely.

「美しい、調和」
"Beautiful harmony"

　ぽつり、とわたしが呟き、ルミナスが「調和」と

繰り返した。腑に落ちた、という声音だった。
Moment and I murmured and RUMINASU repeated "harmony." It was the vocal sound of having fallen to the intestines.

　どれくらいそうしていたのかわからない。けれど、調和は完成しつつあった。高山の冷たい空気の中、吐く息が白く空中に凍った。空は青いようでいて灰色に煙る。雲はない。空が開ける――。
It does not understand [ how much, then ] whether it was. However, harmony was being completed. The breath breathe out froze in the air white in the cold air of Takayama. Empty is so that it may be blue, and it gets dim in gray. There are no clouds. Empty opens --

「峠！」
"Peak"!

　森林限界を超えた高原が目前に広がる。左右の山の狭間を抜けて、列車は、路線の最高地点に到達したのだ。頬を寄せ合い、二人で一つの外套にくるまりながらわたしたちは喚声を上げた。
The plateau beyond a tree line spreads at hand. Escaping from the interval of a mountain on either side, the train arrived at the highest point of a route. Bringing near each other's cheek, we raised the cry, being wrapped up in one overcoat by two persons.

「巫女様！」
"Ms. shrine maiden"!

　客車へと続く扉から飛び込んできたのは大男の乗務員、スピリフェリフだった。だが、彼は仲良く外套を共有する二国の巫女の親密な姿を見て言葉を失ったらしい。
What it has jumped into from the door which continues to a coach was a big man's crew and SUPIRIFERIFU. But, seemingly he caught a sight with the intimate shrine maiden of two countries who shares an overcoat with sufficient relations, and lost language.

「ああ、スピリフェリフ。お疲れさま。なんとか峠までは辿り着いたわ」
"Ah Mr. SUPIRIFERIFU. Tired with labor. It arrived up to the peak somehow."

　機関車の動力ハンドルはすでに零位置に戻され惰性だけでゆるゆると走っている。すでにシムーン球は通常の輝きに戻り、ヘリカルモートリスの普段の音に戻っていた。
The power wheel of an engine is already returned to a zero position, and is running slowly only from inersha habit. The Simoun ball returned to the usual brightness and had already returned to the sound of the usually of Helical-Mortris.

「あの、巫女様？」
"That Ms.shrine maiden  ?"

「これから下りに入るわ。お客様には列車前方側の座席に座るようお知らせして。他の乗務員への伝達もお願い。衝撃に備えて。次の駅まではお客様に歩き回らせないこと」
"It enters for from now on getting down. We announce a visitor so that it may sit on the seat by the side of the train front. Please also give me transfer to other crews. Prepare for a shock. Up to the next station, he walks on a visitor and he is not rotated."

「は、はいっ」
"Y, yeah...."

　大男は慌てて後部車両へ向けて駆け出していった。
The big man started confusedly that it was running towards rear vehicles.

「ふふっ。彼、驚いていたわ」
"Fuh aha. He's surprised -- "

　となりでルミナスが悪戯っぽく笑う。
RUMINASU appropriate for a mischief  in my next.

「謹厳な嶺国の巫女様がこんな愛らしい姿を見せれば」
"If the shrine maiden of grave 嶺国 shows such an lovely figure"

「そう？　むしろ、彼はあなたに衝撃を受けていたような気がするけれど」
"So. Rather, he is although I feel that it was shocked by you."

「はい？」
"Yes ?"

　なんでもない、とルミナスは頬に唇を寄せる。
Anything, RUMINASU brings near a lip by the cheek as there is nothing.

「平野部までは下り勾配なのでしょう。もう一息です。わたしの愛しい半身」
"A plain part will get down and it will be a slope. It is already a breath. My darling half the body"

「はい。気は抜けません。短いですが先程よりきつい急勾配もありますし」
"yes. It does not escape from mind. Although it is short, し [ there is also a steep slope tighter than previously ]"

「ずっと到着しなければ良いのに」
"It is good if it does not arrive all the time."

「ルミナス……」
"RUMINASU ...."

「ごめんなさい。詮無いことを申しました。嶺国の巫女に戻らなくては。――下りは二重機動は必要ですか」
"I'm sorry. tiny(詮無い) things were said. If it does not return to the shrine maiden of plumbum. -- Whether going down is required for double movement, and"

　否、と答えると彼女は寂しげに笑う。
If it is answered as no, she will laugh lonesomely.

「車掌としての務めを果たします。高所に上がって気温も下がりました。宮国の方にはきつい寒さでしょう。客車の巡回をして参ります。気付けに酒精の使用は構いませんか」
"The duty as a conductor is achieved. It went up to the height and temperature also fell. It is cold tight in the direction of Simulacrum. I will patrol a coach. Doesn't use of spirits of wine care about the restorative?"

「蒸溜酒が車掌車の医薬品入れに備えてあります。――ルミナス」
"Medical-supplies of a conductor vehicle is equipped with distillation alcohol. -- RUMINASU"

　離れ難さのあまり、わたしは呼び止めた。だが、客車へ続く扉の前で振り返った彼女はもう先程まで隣で温もりを感じさせてくれた恋人ではなかった。鉄道員の外套と制帽を被ってはいたが嶺国の巫女としての顔をしていた。振り返った彼女はわたしにつかつかと歩み寄り、短いキスを残して離れた。客車へと歩み去る彼女は今度は振り返る素振りも見せなかった。
Out of the difficulty of separating, I call toed him to stop. But, she who turned round in front of the door which continues to a coach was not the sweetheart who already impressed warmth next to previously. Although a railroad worker's overcoat and regulation cap were worn, he was wearing the face as a shrine maiden of Plumbum. her who turned round -- me -- it compromised with whether you are Nikkatsu, and short kiss was left and left. It followed to the coach and last she did not intimate an intention to turn round shortly, either.


　下り勾配を降りて峠の麓に位置する高原駅――終着駅に辿り着いた時には制動装置が焼き付きかけていた。機関車の動力による制動が不十分で、制動装置を酷使してしまったのだ。金属の灼ける匂いを纏わり付かせ、降り立ったホームは寒風に吹かれて貧しい人々が不安げな表情で周囲を見回している。その人々の間に、さらに北へと帰って行く巫女の一団があった。
Takahara station which gets down, gets down from a slope and is located in the foot of a peak -- Brake mechanism is being printed when it arrives at a destination station. Braking by the power of an engine is inadequate and brake mechanism has been overworked. the home which is related, made the metaled 灼ける smell attached and came down is blown on a cold wind -- poor people -- being uneasy -- it is looking around the circumference with expression. There was a group of the shrine maiden who returns to north further and goes among the people.

　わたしはその一段に向かって呼びかける。
I call out toward one of them.

「……ミナ様」
".... Ms. Mina"

「…………」
"........"

「嶺国巫女の皆様方とご一緒できて本当にようございました。宮国の者も皆様と触れ合えて良かったと感じていることでしょう」
You, "Plumbum shrine maidens, can be accompanied and it needs really -- it was. The person of Simulacrum can also come into contact with you, and, probably, thinks that it was good."

　客室の巡回から戻ったルミナスはすっかり出会ったばかりの頃の異邦の巫女へと戻っていた。慈愛の微笑みを浮かべた慎ましく礼儀正しい嶺国の巫女。貧しい人々に惜しみない救いの手を差し伸べる博愛の――。
RUMINASU which returned from the round of a guest room had returned to the shrine maiden of the foreign land at the time at which it just met completely. The shrine maiden of modest polite Plumbum who floated the smile with affection. Hiroyoshi who gives unstinted help to poor people --

「ミナ様。車掌不在の危難をお救いいただき鉄道関係者一同感謝しております。謹んでここにお礼を申し上げます。巫女様のお力添えがなければ首都では混乱が生じ大きな混乱を招いたことでしょう。また、巫女様と共に機関車を動かしたこの数日はわたしにとっても忘れ難い貴重な体験となりました。信仰の糧として終生忘れぬ体験となることと思います」
"Mr. Mina. You save the danger of a conductor absence and I am carrying out railroad all-concerned gratitude. I thank you here respectfully. If there is no aid of the shrine maiden, in a capital, it will be confusion having arisen and having caused big confusion. Moreover, it became precious experience unforgettable also for me on several [ to which the moter car was moved with the shrine maiden / these ]. I hope that you become experience which he does not forget as food of faith throughout life."

　そう告げてわたしは膝を折った。胸の前で腕を組み、拝跪の姿勢を取る。
Heralding so, I folded the knee. Its arm is folded in front of a breast, and the posture of pray is taken.

「もしよろしければ、このしがない鉄道巫女のために祝福を授けてはいただけませんでしょうか」
"-- supposing it is very well, have blessing given for this poor railroad shrine maiden -- it does not become precocious -- "

　頭を垂れて答えを待つ。四人の巫女の中で目の前に立ったのはルミナスだった。すでに足音を聞いただけでそうとわかってしまう。
The head is hung down and it waits for an answer. RUMINASU stood before Sakka in four shrine maidens. It will turn out that it meets only by already hearing a footstep.

「愛しい宮国の同輩よ。アニムスの名において祝福を与えます」
"-- darling Simulacrum -- an equal . Blessing is given in the name of ANIMUSU."

　額に置かれたルミナスの指先が恋しい。
The fingertip of RUMINASU placed by the frame is dear.

「あなたはアニムス神の加護を得ました」
"You acquired the divine protection of ANIMUSU God."

　そう告げたルミナスの顔が耳元に寄せられる。
The face of RUMINASU told so is brought near by close to his ears.

「ピアスを忘れないで。愛しいわたくしの半身」
Don't forget "pierced earring. My darling half the body"

　ささやき声と同時に耳朶に密かな口づけが残された。わたしはさらに深く頭を垂れる。去って行くルミナスを見送る勇気は持てなかった。ホームに人の気配が絶えてからようやく顔を上げると、すでに嶺国の巫女たちの姿はない。
Secret kiss was left behind to the earlobe simultaneously with whisper voice. I hang down the head still more deeply. The courage which goes away and sees off RUMINASU which goes was not able to be held. After people's sign ceases at a home, when a face is raised at last, there is already no figure of the shrine maidens of plumbum.

　――これでいい。
-- It is good now.

　わたしは思い出をもらった。巫女として得難い体験もさせてもらった。幸せな五日間だった。ルミナスのピアスはわたしの左耳にあるし、わたしのピアスも彼女の左耳に留まっているはずだった。もう二度と会うことはないだろう。わたしの鉄道巫女としての任期はあと二年がせいぜいだ。その後は……泉に行って神殿に仕える神官となるか、乗務員として鉄道に戻ってくるか。男になっても女になっても、ルミナスはもうわたしとはわからないだろう。彼女の記憶にあるのは鉄道巫女の制服を纏ったわたしであるはずだから。
I got recollections. I was allowed to carry out experience difficult to get as a shrine maiden. It was for five happy days. The pierced earring of RUMINASU is in my left ear, and my pierced earring should also have stopped at her left ear. It never meets any longer. As for the term of office as my railroad shrine maiden, two more years are だ at most. After that .... Do you become a Shinto priest who goes to a spring and serves a shrine, or return to a railroad as the crew? Probably, RUMINASU does not turn out to be me any longer, even if it becomes a man and becomes a woman. Since I who was related in the railroad shrine maiden's uniform must be in her memory.

　疲れ果てた身体を引きずり、職員宿舎に転げ込む。久しぶりに湯を使ってからベッドに倒れ込んだ。
The body which got tired out is dragged and it falls into the way of personnel lodgings. After using hot water after a long time, it fell on the bed.

　ベッドの上には投げ出したままの外套が広がっていた。ルミナスが袖を通していた外套だった。顔を押し付けると、嶺国巫女が服に焚きしめる香の匂いがした。ルミナスの肌の香りも。
The overcoat gave up had spread on the bed. RUMINASU was the overcoat which was letting the sleeve pass. When the face was forced, there was the smell of the scent which a Plumbum shrine maiden burns and closes on dress. Also the scent of the skin of RUMINASU.

　その晩、外套を抱き締めて泣けるだけ泣いた。泣き疲れて眠ると、夢の中にルミナスが登場した。
It cried as a tight hug was given to the evening and an overcoat and it was moved to tears. When it was tired of crying and slept, RUMINASU appeared into the dream.

『泣くことはないわ、わたくしの半身』
" Does not cry -- my half the body"

　彼女はそう笑っていた。けれど、目の前で笑んでいるはずの彼女に触れることはどうしてもできなかった。
She was laughing so. However, touching her who must be by smiling at hand was never completed.


　わたしの相棒役は折れたあばらの事など忘れたような顔をして復帰してきた。礁国兵は相変わらず問題ばかり起こしたし、宮国はヘリカルモートリスを次々と失い本物の貧乏国へと転落していく一方だったが、国内は少しずつ混乱を脱しつつあるようだった。
My role of a partner wore faces which have been forgotten, such as spareribs which broke, and has returned. It seemed that domestic was escaping from confusion little by little although [ which the Argentum soldier started only problems as usual, and Simulacrum loses Helical-Mortris one after another, and was falling steadily to the real poor country ].

　わたしはと言えば、相も変わらず機関車を走らせる毎日だった。辛いことは多かったし、弱体の一途を辿る宮国鉄道を見るのも悲しかったけれど、わたしがヘリカルモートリスに触れていられる場所はここだけだった。ルミナスと共に感じた神の息吹は、ヘリカルモートリスを動かしさえすれば――微かにだが――感じられた。
When calling it me, it was every day which 相 does not change, either but runs an engine. Although it was also sad for there to have been many hardships to have seen the Miya JNR way which follows a weak way, the place where I am being touched by HERIKARUMOTORISU was only here. the breath of Jin who felt with RUMINASU -- Herical-Mortris -- even moving -- if it carries out -- faint -- but --.

　嶺国と宮国との間で相互乗入をする嶺宮縦断鉄道が開通することとなった。ルミナスと走ったあの路線がさらに北へ伸び、国境を越えて嶺国の鉄道網に結ばれたのだ。
The Plumbum-Simulacrum vertical section railroad which carries out each-other on between Plumbum and Simulacrum will be opened for traffic. RUMINASU and that route that ran were further extended to north, and was connected to the network of railroads of Plumbum across the border.

　わたしはこの嶺宮縦断鉄道の運転士に立候補した。プルンブルム語を習得している巫女が少なかったこと、治安の悪さが噂される嶺国便が巫女たちに嫌われたこと、などからわたしの嶺宮縦断鉄道勤務はあっさりと実現した。
I ran for the driver of this Plumbum-Simulacrum  vertical section railroad. Since it having been few to the shrine maiden who has mastered Plumbum language, and Plumbum-rail  by which the badness of the peace is spoken about were disliked by shrine maidens, my Plumbum-Simulacrum  vertical section railroad service was realized frankly.

　――泊地を足掛かりにルミナスを探してみよう。
-- I will look for RUMINASU for an anchorage on a foothold.

　そんなことで彼女との再会が果たせるのかどうかはわからなかったが、巫女でいられる残りの年月を彼女の消息を探るために使ってみるのは良い考えのように思われた。ルミナスのピアスには教区の番号らしきものが刻まれていたし、何よりわたしは彼女の真名を知っている。
Although it did not understand whether to have been being able to achieve reunion with her by such thing, spending the remaining years which stay as a shrine maiden in order to explore her news seemed to be a good idea. Doing by the parish's having number made it the pierced earring of RUMINASU, and having minced the kimono, I know her true name above all.

　――成算はある、はず。
-- Prospects of success may be a certain .

　離れてみれば尚更にルミナスが恋しかった。
When separating, RUMINASU was still still dearer.

　自分がこれほど未練な女だと、初めて思い知らされた。
He thought that he was such a regretful woman like this for the first time, and was told.



　嶺宮縦断鉄道の開通式前日。
The opening ceremony previous day of a Plumbum-Simulacrum  vertical section railroad.

　わたしは嶺国の首都へ来ていた。幾本も列車を乗り継ぎ、雪景色しか見えない道中に外套の襟を掻き合わせ、凍えながら降り立ったのは式典が行われる嶺宮縦断鉄道の始発駅だった。
I was coming to the capital of Plumbum. A train is changed also many, the collar of an overcoat was scratched to the trip which is visible only as for the snow-covered landscape, and the starting station of a Plumbum-Simulacrum  vertical section railroad where a ceremony is held came down, being frozen.

　――これがわたしの乗り組む列車。
-- Train which I join  this .

　一番端のホームには明日の式典を待つ列車が控えていた。機関車には布が被せられていたし、ホームは式典に備えた準備作業がたけなわで一般客の立ち入りはできなかったが、列車から降りたわたしはひとつ離れたプラットホームでぼんやりとそれを眺めていた。空から舞う雪は無かったが、時折横風が粉雪を舞いあげる。
There was a train which waits for tomorrow's ceremony in a home at the very end. Cloth was put on the engine and I did, and although the home had the full-swing preparation with which the ceremony was equipped and entry of a general visitor was not completed, I who got off the train was looking at it vacantly on the platform distant one. Although there was no snow danced from empty, a side wind dances and raises powdery snow occasionally.

「巫女様」
"The shrine maiden"

　唐突にシムラークルム語で呼びかけられ、ぎくりとした。聞き覚えのある声だった。
It was abruptly called out and startled in SIMM RAKURUMU language. It was familiar voice.

　体全体でゆっくりと振り返るとそこには独特の、丈の高い帽子を被った嶺国の巫女がいた。灰色の服に修道頭巾で髪を隠している。
When slowly turned round with the whole body, there was a shrine maiden of Plumbum which was wearing the hat with peculiar high length there. Hair is hidden in gray dress with the Osamichi hood.

「……ルミナス？」
".... RUMINASU?"

　そこに立っていたのは間違いなくルミナスだった。
RUMINASU stood there rightly.

「はい。お久しぶりです」
"yes. It is a long time."

　端正な笑顔でこちらを見上げているのは再会を願ってやまないその相手だった。
The partner who wishes reunion earnestly was looking up here with the seemly smile.

「なぜ？　どうしてあなたが？」
"Why? You are ?" why.

　喜びよりも驚きが先に立つ。
Surprise stands previously rather than joy.

「お迎えに参ったのです。宮国からの巫女様が最終列車で到着なさるから、と。なのに、あなたはいつまで経っても改札から出ていらっしゃらない。おかしいと思って様子を見に来たのです」
"It was overwhelmed by the person to meet. Since the shrine maiden from Simulacrum arrives with the last train. Even if you pass in a thing till when, you have not come out of the ticket gate to it. It came to think that it is amusing and to see a situation."

「改札って？　え？　待ち合わせをしていたのは嶺国の鉄道員……」
"Ticket gate? It obtains and is ?. Having waited is a railroad worker of Plumbum.... It is ".

　わたしの言葉にルミナスは笑って自らの巫女服の胸を示した。
RUMINASU smiled at my words and showed the breast of its shrine maiden dress to them.

　――嶺国鉄道の？
-- Plumbum railways?


　彼女の胸に光っているのは間違いなく嶺国神聖鉄道の頭文字が掘られた記章だった。
The badge with which the initial of the Plumbum sacred railroad was dug rightly had shone on her breast.

「鉄道記章？　なぜ？」
"Railroad badge? It is ?" why.

　いやね、とルミナスは笑って見せる。
RUMINASU laughs that it is disagreeable and it shows.

「鉄道巫女になったからに決まっているじゃない。嶺宮縦断鉄道よ。わたくしが嶺国側の巫女」
"Since it became a railroad shrine maiden, it had been decided. Plumbum-Simulacrum shline Running through -- a railroad . I am shrine maiden  of the Plumbum side ."

「嘘……」
"Lie ...."

「嘘なものですか。明日からはあなたの相棒なのですから。よろしくご指導をお願いいたしますね、先輩」
"Is it not lie ? Since it is a partner of you from tomorrow. please give me guidance -- senior sister"

　膝の力が抜けてしまったわたしは凍てつくホームに腰を落とした。
I from whom power in the knees has escaped dropped the waist on the 凍てつく home.

「ちょっと！　どうしたの。ね、大丈夫？」
"Just for a moment! What is the matter? ne, OK ?"

　立ち上がらせようと伸ばしてきたルミナスの手を捕らえる。
The hand of RUMINASU which was made to rise and has been lengthened as like is caught.

「本物……？」
"Genuine article .... ?"

「本物に決まっています。しっかりしてください。もう、いつまで惚けているつもりです？」
"It is decided that it will be a genuine article. Please become brave. ? which is already planning to fade till when"

「ルミナス、ルミナス……」
"RUMINASU, RUMINASU ...."

　不覚にも涙が溢れる。そう思った次の瞬間には滝のように涙が頬を伝い、膝の上にぱたぱたと音を立て始めた。
A tear is also careless enough to overflow. It was begun pitter-patter on the knee for a tear to be transmitted to a cheek like a waterfall at the next moment which considered so, and to make sound.

「ルミナ……ス」
"RUMINA .... SU"

　わたしは泣きじゃくった。手袋の上からルミナスの手を握り締め、取った手に思い切り頬擦りをする。
I sobbed. From on a glove, the hand of RUMINASU is grasped tightly and its cheek is pressed against a cheek by giving up in the taken hand.

「もう会えないものと、そう思っていました。こうしてあなたの姿を求めて嶺国を訪っても、泉でわたしの知らない姿になっているのではないかと不安でした」
"I considered so, adding that it cannot meet any longer. In this way, it was uneasy in whether it is the figure in which I do not know Plumbum as 訪 in quest of your figure in a spring."

　あら、とルミナスは驚いた風の声を出す。
The voice of the wind at which RUMINASU was oh surprised is uttered.

「そう言われてみればそうだわ。わたくしもあなたも、巫女の年限をとうに過ぎていますものね。なんとなくあなたはいつまでも鉄道巫女のままでいるような気がしていたわ。縦断鉄道の巫女になれば絶対にあなたと会えるものと思い込んでいた」
"That is right if so is said. That to which I and you have passed over a shrine maiden's period long ago. You were feeling somehow that it was forever with a railroad shrine maiden. When becoming the shrine maiden of a vertical section railroad, it was convinced that he can meet you absolutely."

　そう軽やかに笑うルミナスが眩しい。
RUMINASU at which it laughs lightly so is dazzling.

「……楽観主義者なんですね」
".... Are you optimist? -- "

「ふふ。だって、あなたは絶対にこの鉄道にわたしを探しにきてくれると思ったもの。そういう人でしょう？　あなたは」
"Fuh Fuh. you are what was regarded as coming me for search to this railroad absolutely as だ. Are you such a man? He is you."

　ぐうの音もでない。全くその通りだった。
It is not the sound of  give-up, either. It was completely right.

「ほら、お立ちなさい。宮国からの巫女様のために首都で一番の宿を用意してあります。そんなところに座り込んでいては美しい巫女服が台なしだわ」
"big talk -- stand. The hotel best for the shrine maiden from Simulacrum in a capital is prepared. If it has sat down on such a place, beautiful shrine maiden dress is spoilt."

　小柄なルミナスは思いの外強い力でわたしを立たせた。
RUMINASU short in stature made me stand by unexpectedly strong power.

　わたしは手を放さず、彼女の手を引いて抱き寄せる。それを予想していたのだろう。ルミナスは軽やかにわたしの腕の中に飛び込んできた。
I do not release my hold, but pull, hold and bring near her hand. Probably, it was expected. RUMINASU has jumped in into my arm lightly.

「いたずらな人」
"A mischievous person"

　ルミナスはわたしの外套の下に潜り込んで背中に腕を回してきた。宮国巫女の防寒着は羽織るばかりの単なるマントだ。防寒着としての実用性は低かったが、こうして二人で暖まるのには向いていたらしい。
RUMINASU was hidden under my overcoat and has turned the arm to the back. A simulacrum shrine maiden's protection-against-the-cold arrival is a mere mantle to the extent that it puts on. Although the practicality as protection-against-the-cold arrival was low, seemingly, it was fit for getting warm at two persons in this way.

　――神殿も乙な衣装を考えるのね。
-- A shrine also considers chic clothes.

　神官長や宮主のいかめしい顔を思い起こす。偉そうな顔をしたあの人達も娘時代には同僚の巫女と恋をしたのかもしれない。恋人と二人で暖を取るためにこんな前も閉じられない外套を制服に決めたのかもしれない。
The priestess chief and shrine mistress -- the main grave faces are recollected. Possibly those people that wore the face which seems to be great also carried out a coworker's shrine maiden and love at their girlhood. In order to warm oneself by the sweetheart and two persons, possibly the overcoat by which such before is not closed was decided to be a uniform.

　ふと思いついてわたしはルミナスの肩を両手で掴んで引きはがす。
Happening to think suddenly, I hold and tear off the shoulder of RUMINASU with both hands.

「ルミナス。鉄道巫女になったと言いました？　シヴュラは、シムーン・シヴュラは辞めてしまったのですか？」
"RUMINASU. Was it said that it became a railroad shrine maiden? Has sibyllae resigned Simoun-sibylla? "

「それは当然。神殿には若い巫女たちが犇めいているし、わたくしは本来なら泉に向かうべき時期が来ていたもの。頃合いだったの。縦断鉄道が巫女を求めていると聞いて一番に飛びついたわ。あなたと機関車を動かした経験を盾に、ね」
"It is natural. Young shrine maidens crowds.) in the shrine, and if I was original, the time when it should go to a spring was coming. time -- suiting -- だった. The vertical section railroad heard that it was asking for the shrine maiden, and flew at No. 1. To a shield, it is experience which moved the engine with you ね"

「シヴュラだろうと鉄道巫女だろうと巫女でいられる期限に変わりはないでしょう。栄光のシヴュラの座を降りてしまうなんて」
"If it will be a railroad shrine maiden in case of sibylla, there will be no change in the term which can stay as a shrine maiden. It will get down from the seat of sibylla of a glory."

　なんてこと、と肩を掴んだ手に力を入れ過ぎてしまったのか、ルミナスが顔を顰めた。
RUMINASU frowned whether power would be put in too much at the hand which has held things and the shoulder very.

「喜んではもらえないの？」
"Can't it be given if glad?"

「いいえ。いいえ。そんな事は絶対にありません。けれど、シビュラは至高の座。巫女が目指す栄えある地位です。嶺国でもそれは変わらないのではありませんか。戦をしてシムーンを手に入れなければならなかったくらいに」
No [ "]. No. There is no such thing by any means. However, SHIBYURA is a supreme seat. It is a glorious status which a shrine maiden aims at. Doesn't it change by Plumbum, either? About [ which had to hold war and had to get Simoun
"

「わたくしの半身」とルミナスは甘やかに呼びかけてくる。「シヴュラの地位はたしかにわたくしにとっても誇りでした。けれど、栄えあるシヴュラの地位にあっても、あなたが近くにいないのでは色褪せてしまいます。
It appeals for "my half the body" and RUMINASU to sweety call . "To be sure, the status of Sibylla was pride also for me. However, even if it is in the status of glorioussibylla if you are not in the neighborhood, it will fade.

　アニムスもテンプスパティウムも片翼の偶像として祀られます。もともとはこの二柱はひとつの神であったとも言われます。最初に出会ったときに感じました。神々と同じように、わたくしたちもひとつの魂を分かち合う存在なのだと。
ANIMUSand Temps-spatium are deified as an image of half-wing. It is said that these two pillars were one God also as the basis. It felt, when it met first. If I as well as gods am the existences which share one soul.

　――だから、こうして再会もできたのだと、わたくしは思います。二柱の神々のお引き合わせです」
I think that reunion was also completed in this way since it was --. It is introduction of the gods of two pillars."

「ルミナス……」
"RUMINASU ...."

　捕まえている彼女の肩に額を押し付ける。
A frame is pushed against her caught shoulder.

　ごめんなさい、と謝りたかったがここで詫びるのは彼女の選択を貶めてしまうことにもなる。ルミナスは巫女の格と言うものをを否定していた。鉄道巫女とシヴュラを秤にかけて鉄道を選んだのだ。機関車のヘリカルモートリスに神の息吹を感じることができたわたしは確かに己を卑下する必要を感じなくなっていたが、社会的地位という意味ではやはりシヴュラと鉄道巫女とでは大きく異なる。嶺国ではそもそもヘリカルモートリスの番人としての実用的な巫女などこれまで存在しなかったのだ。鉄道巫女の社会的地位など存在さえしないだろう。
Although he wanted to apologize as I'm sorry, apologizing here also becomes looking down upon her selection. RUMINASU had denied  called a shrine maiden's rank. The railroad was chosen having applied Sibyllae to the balance with the railroad shrine maiden. Although I who was able to feel the breath of Godess for Helical-mortris of the engine had stopped feeling the necessity of surely depreciating oneself, in a meaning called social standing, it differs greatly too at Sibyllae and a railroad shrine maiden. In plumbum, the practical shrine maiden as a keeper of Herical-mortris etc. did not exist primarily until now. Even existence, such as a railroad shrine maiden's social standing, will not be recognized.

「シムーンにはもう乗れないけれどシヴュラの称号は終身ですもの。それに、わたくしはあなたを手に入れたのでしょう？」
"The title of Sibylla is life although it cannot ride on Simoun any longer. It is ? to which I would get you to it."

「……はい！」
"Yeah !"

　わたしはルミナスの腰に腕を回し、そのまま細い体を胸に抱き上げる。粉雪が吹き込む夜のホームで彼女を抱きしめたままくるくると回ってみせる。
I turn an arm to the waist of RUMINASU and take the body thin as it is in my breast. Giving her a tight hug at the home of night which powdery snow blows, it turns round and round and shows.

　人の気配の絶えたプラットホームはわたしたちだけの白銀の舞台となった。
The platform as for which people's sign ceased became the stage of only our silvery snow.

宿舎にて
In lodgings　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

吐息だけではなく唇の動きさえも伝わる距離で囁く。
It whispers in the distance from which even a motion of not only breze but a lip is transmitted.
「わたしを見てください」
"Please see me."
　そうね、とルミナスは笑う。首を傾けて唇を深く合わせてきた。舌先を触れ合わせ、なぞり、絡める。吸い上げ、探り合うそれは会話のようだった。粘膜を触れ合わせ、絡め合い、唾液を共有することで互いの境界線が消えて行く。抱き締めた体も隙間なく重なって溶け合いそうな錯覚を生じる。
RUMINASU laughs whether to meet. The head was leaned and the lip has been united deeply. make the tongue point come into contact with, and be traced and involved -- る. Sucking and it which is explored together seemed to be conversation. Membrane is made to come into contact with, involve each other, and a mutual boundary line disappears and goes by sharing saliva. The illusion into which the body to which a tight hug was given is also likely to overlap without a crevice, and is likely to melt is produced.
「キスだけで溶けてしまいそう……」
"It is likely to melt only in kiss...."
　ルミナスが悩ましげ響きを交えて囁く。呼吸の度に大きく波打つ胸は口づけによる昂ぶりだろうか。
RUMINASU mixes and whispers about alluring sound. Is the breast which waves greatly to the degree of breathing the first time in [ by kiss ] ?
「ね、笑わない？」
"-- it does not laugh -- ?"
「何がです？」
"What is ?."
「宮国の列車で、初めて顔を合わせたでしょう？」
probably, by train of "Simuraclum, the face was united for the first time -- ?"
「ええ」
"Yes"
「あの時、思ったの。こののっぽの巫女様が欲しいって。誰かと、その、寝たいだなんて思ったのはあれが初めてだったわ。……いやだ。はしたないことを口にしている気がする」
"It considered at that time. Wanting this very tall shrine maiden of the is. That was the first to have thought someone in the だ which wants to sleep. .... It is disagreeable. I feel that the mean thing is used as the mouth."
　恥じらうルミナスがあまりに愛らしくて口づけずにはいられなかった。そして、相手を欲したのは自分の方なのだとの意志を込めて積極的に舌を絡めて行く。髪を愛撫しながら唇を離すと唇と唇の間に銀の懸け橋が渡った。
RUMINASU which are ashamed of was too lovely, and was not in kissing and having wanted the partner should put will that it is its direction, and it should be involved a tongue positively -- . When the lip was detached Careing hair, the silver bridge crossed between lips.
「ルミナス。懺悔を聞いていただけますか」
"RUMINASU. Would you listen to confession?"
「なあに？　おっしゃって」
"what. It tells and is ".
　懺悔、と言うには互いの声の調子は、あまりに甘い。
The tune of voice mutual for calling it confession is too sweet.
「禊の時に拝見したあなたの体が目に焼き付いて離れないのです。神事の最中であったのに、わたしはあなたに魅せられてしまいました」
"Your body seen at the time of purification ceremony is printed on an eye, and does not separate. I have been fascinated with you although it was the midst of a divine work."
　覗き込むと潤んだ瞳が頷き返してきた。
If it looks in, the wet pupil will bow its head in assent again.
「今はその体があなたの腕の中にあってよ」
It is "the body should exist in your arm now."
「あの時もお脱がせするのを手伝いました……」
"It helped making it remove also at that time and carrying out it...."
　もっとも禊の際には背中側のボタンを外し、脱いだ衣服を受け取っただけだったが。
But on the occasion of purification ceremony, the clothes which removed and removed the button by the side of the back were only received.
　今、わたしの手はルミナスの背を伝いながら巫女服の背中を開いている。
Now, my hand is opening the back of shrine maiden dress, being transmitted to the back of RUMINASU.
　ゆったりとしたシルエットのワンピースは背中のボタンを外し、腕を抜いただけで足元へと滑り落ちた。灰色の巫女服の下からはスリップをまとった白い肢体が現れた。その肌の白さは嶺国の雪の白さを思い出させた。薄布に包まれた体の線が緩やかな山並みのようにわたしを魅了する。
The dress of the silhouette carried out calmly removed the button of the back, and slid it down into the step only by extracting an arm. The white limbs clothed in the slip appeared from under gray shrine maiden dress. The whiteness of the skin made the whiteness of the snow of Olumbum remember. The line of the body wrapped in the thin cloth charms me like a loose mountain range.
「やはり、あなたはわたしの天使です」
"You are my angel too."
　靴紐を解き、長靴を脱がせる。足元にしゃがみこんだわたしの髪をルミナスが梳った。その髪への愛撫を心地よく感じながら腰を覆った下着に手をかける。いささか順番がおかしいような気はしたけれど、窓から差し込む月明かりに透けて見える体の線をドロワーズが台なしにしているように思えたのだ。
A shoelace is undone and boots are removed. RUMINASU is scare about my hair which combed down underfoot. A hand is applied to the underwear which covered the waist, feeling carering to the hair comfortably. Although mind which is rather amusing was carried out, DOROWAZU was able to regard the line of the body which is transparent and visible to the moonlight inserted from a window as making it spoilt.
　それに、と思い出す。禊の時も、ルミナスはスリップを最後に脱いでいた記憶があった。
it -- と -- it remembers. Also at the time of purification ceremony, RUMINASU had the memory which had removed the slip at the end.
　薄物一枚を纏うばかりになったルミナスが窓外の明かりに照らされるのを見てわたしは満足の息を吐く。
Seeing RUMINASU which only became clothed in one thin thing compared with a light outside the window, I breathe [ satisfactory ] out.
「落ち着かないわ」
"It does not settle down."
「とても奇麗ですよ、ルミナス。眺めているだけでも満足です」
"-- it is very beautiful -- RUMINASU. Watching is also satisfactory."
「あら、触れてはくれないのかしら」
"Oh, don't you touch?"
　笑いの気配を含ませてルミナスが言う。わたしは足元に跪いたまま彼女を見上げた。
The sign of laughter is included and RUMINASU says. I looked up at her, kneeling down underfoot.
「こんなに素敵なあなたに触れずにいられましょうか」
"Shall I am, without touching such great you?"
　静かに差し出した手にルミナスの手が乗せられる。その手の甲に口づけすると背筋がぴくりと反応した。緊張を覚えているのはわたしだけではないらしい。
The hand of RUMINASU is put on the hand held out calmly. When the back of the hand was kissed, the back reacted with ぴくり. Seemingly, only I do not remember strain.
「ああ、姿見がありますね」
"Oh, is there any full-length mirror?"
　部屋の片隅には全身を映し出せる鏡が置かれていた。鏡面を覆う紗を取り除き、窓際に立ったルミナスを映し出す。彼女の背後に回ったわたしは共に姿見に向き合った。
The mirror which can begin to project the whole body was put on the corner of the room. The sha which covers a specular surface is removed and RUMINASU which stood by the window is projected. Both I that turned behind her faced the full-length mirror.
「ほら、自身でご覧になっても奇麗でしょう」
"Probably, it will be beautiful even if it has a look a big talk and for itself."
　赤毛に顔を埋めるようにして囁いた。すでに心に刻み込んでいた彼女の香りが鼻孔いっぱいに満たされる。
As the face was buried to red hair, it whispered about it to him. Her scent already kept in the heart is filled to the limit of a nostril.
　ルミスナの下げた両腕を撫で伝い、腿の横で指先を探った。手のひらを合わせるように組み合わせたところで柔らかく、けれど力強く握りしめる。沿わせた胸が彼女の背中の暖かさを伝えてきた。
It stroked and was transmitted to the both arms which RUMISUNA lowered, and the fingertip was explored by side of a thigh. It grasps tightly softly, however forcibly in the place combined so that a palm might be united. The breast made to meet has told the warmth of her back.
「あなたは――」ルミナスが小声で笑う。「――背中から抱き締めるのが好きなのね」
"You [ -- ]" RUMINASU laughs in a low voice. " -- It is " in the thing which giving a tight hug from the back likes.
「変、でしょうか」
"Are they queerness and でしょう?"
「いいえ。とても安心する」
No [ " ]. He feels easy very much."
　わたしは小さく音を立てて髪に接吻する。幾度も繰り返して。
I raise sound small and kiss hair. Repeat many times.
「素敵な赤。こんな燃え立つような色合い、他に見たことがありません。憧れ――と言うよりあなたの髪だから好きになったのでしょうか……」
"Great red. It has not seen to such tone that bursts into flames, and others. yearning -- or [ having taken to it, since it was your hair rather than it called it -- ] .... "
　白い耳朶に唇を当てるとルミナスが軽く身じろぎする。ピアスに、そして耳介に見つけた薄い色のほくろに音を立てて接吻した。
If a lip is applied to a white earlobe, RUMINASU will move lightly. Sound was raised at the mole of the thin color found to a pierced earring and ear, and it was kissed.
「あなたの髪は光の加減によっては緑がかって見えたりもするのですね。不思議……」
"Do also たり [ that green cuts your hair and it is visible depending on the degree of light ]? Wonderful ...."
　鼻先で髪を掻き分けて耳を探り当てる。耳朶を唇で挟み込んで吸ってみると今度はルミナスの唇から長く息が漏れた。
Hair is pushed aside with the tip of the nose, and an ear is found out. When the earlobe was put and inhaled labially, the breath leaked from the lip of RUMINASU for a long time this time.
「くすぐったいわ」
"It is ticklish."
　指を組んだままの両手に力を込める。手のひらを合わせてた状態から手の甲を包むように指を組み替え、そのままルミナスの体を抱き締めた。彼女の胸の前で腕を交差するように。ちょうど祈りの姿勢と同じように。
Both hands [ having constructed the finger ] are loaded with power. The finger was rearranged so that the back of a hand might be wrapped from the state where the palm was united, and a tight hug was given to the body of RUMINASU as it was. An arm is crossed in front of her breast. Be the same as the posture of a prayer exactly.
「ずっと、触れてみたいと思っていました」
"I wished to touch all the time."
　手の甲に描かれた入れ墨の線を人差し指で辿る。
The line of the tattoo drawn on the back of a hand is followed by the index finger.
「一生付いて回るものだから、時には重く感じることもあるものよ」
being attached throughout life [ "], and also feeling it heavy occasionally, since it turns -- being certain -- a thing -- "
「そうですね。人々の思いを預かり、伝えるのが巫女ですからそう言うこともあるのでしょう。でも、今ばかりはこの入れ墨はわたしに愛されるためにあるのです。違いますか？」
"well. Since a shrine maiden keeps and tells a thought of people, it may say so. But since about now is loved by me, this tattoo has it. Is it different? "
　姿見の中でルミナスの視線がわたしの視線と重なった。鏡の中の彼女を見つめたまま、取った手の甲に接吻をしてみせると彼女は不意に頬に血を上らせた。
The look of RUMINASU overlapped with my look in the full-length mirror. When it was kissed and shown as the back of the taken hand, with her in a mirror gazed at, she made the cheek go up blood suddenly.
　再び手の甲にある巫女の印を指先でなぞる。手の甲から手首、肘、二の腕と巫女が祈りの姿勢を取った時にその青い線が美しく繋がるらしい。青い線を指先で辿ってみる。ルミナスの入れ墨はわたしにとって神聖さの象徴だった。わたしの中ではアニムスの巫女を代表するのがルミナスで、その彼女の神性を示すのが入れ墨に思われたのだ。彼女は単なる巫女ではない。少なくともわたしには信仰の対象に近い、崇敬すべき存在だった。彼女の与えてくれたヘリカルモートリスの二重起動という体験。それがわたしに彼女への崇拝を与えていた。
The mark of the shrine maiden who is in the back of a hand again is traced by the fingertip. Seemingly, the blue line will be beautifully connected, when a wrist, an elbow, and the arm and shrine maiden of 2 take the posture of a prayer from the back of a hand. A blue line is followed by the fingertip. The tattoo of RUMINASU was a sacred symbol for me. In me, RUMINASU represents the shrine maiden of ANIMUSU and it was considered by the tattoo that the deity of hers is shown. She is not a mere shrine maiden. It was the existence near the object of the faith to me at least which should be venerated. Experience called double starting of HERIKARUMOTORISU which she gave. It had given me the worship to her.
　恭しくなぞる指が鎖骨の入れ墨に触れたところでルミナスは再び身じろぎした。
RUMINASU moved again in the place where the finger traced respectfully touched on the tattoo of a collarbone.
「首筋にも」
"On a neck"
　そう言ってゆっくりと唇を寄せる。触れるだけの口づけでその青い線を辿ると今度は明らかに甘い色の吐息が漏れだした。
A word brings near a lip slowly so. When the blue line was followed only in the kiss which touches, breeze of a clearly sweet color began to leak this time.
「うなじにも」
"To the nape"
　襟足を掻き分けると緋色の髪の間から鮮やかなコバルトの幾何学模様が表れた。身を屈めてその模様に口づけする。神像に唇を寄せるように、祈りを込めて。
When the hairline at the back of neck was pushed aside, the geometrical pattern of skillful cobalt appeared from between the hair of 緋色. The body is bent and the pattern is kissed. Put a prayer to bring near a lip by the image of a deity.
「肩甲骨には翼の模様……。わたしはずっとここに口づけがしたいと思っていました」
"In a shoulder blade, it is the pattern of wings .... I thought that I wanted to carry out kiss here all the time."
　それはあくまでも口づけであり接吻だった。舌や指先で愛撫する訳でもなく、吸い痕をつけるでもない。唇を触れさせるだけの接吻。膝を突き、剥き出しになっている首筋から肩にかけて、入れ墨の上にだけ、丁寧に接吻を繰り返して行く。そして、その行為に応えるかのように、唇が触れるたびらルミナスの肌に震えが走る。その反応さえが何かの啓示のように感じられた。
It was kiss to the last and kiss. it necessarily 愛撫 neither by the tongue nor the fingertip, and inhales, and marks are attached -- also coming out -- there is nothing. Only kiss made to be touched with a lip. A knee is poked and it applies to the shoulder from the neck which is unreserved, and only after a tattoo, kiss is repeated carefully and it goes. whenever [ and / which a lip touches as if it responded to the act ] -- RUMINASU -- shaking runs to the skin. Even the reaction was felt like some revelation.
　背中側の、露出された部分の青い線が尽きると、そのしなやかな感触の肌着の肩紐に指を延ばす。肩紐を両肩から肘へと落とし、鏡の中のルミナスに視線を向ける。
If the line with a blue portion by which the back side was exposed is exhausted, a finger will be extended to 肩紐 of the underwear of the pliant feel. 肩紐 is dropped on an elbow from both shoulders, and a look is turned to RUMINASU in a mirror.
「ルミナス。見せていただけますか。あなたのすべてを」
"RUMINASU. Would you show? All of you"
「……ええ」
".... yes -- "
　胸の前で交差するように自らの胸を抱いていた腕がゆっくりと降ろされる。その腕の動きを追って肌を滑る衣擦れの音。液体か砂のように滑り落ちた薄布は、足元で小さくわだかまりを作る。合わせたままの視線がゆっくりと閉じられていく。
The arm in which its breast is held so that it may cross in front of a breast is taken down slowly. Sound of the rustle of clothes which slides a motion of the arm on the skin later on. The thin cloth slid down like a liquid or sand makes vexations small underfoot. The look [ having united ] is closed slowly.
「ああ……」
"-- such .... "
　眼前のルミナスも鏡の中のルミナスも息づく彫像のようだった。それは官能よりも神性、欲望よりも祝福をわたしに与えてくれる。生身の存在への崇拝は、それが相手への負担となることは知っていたけれど、わたしはルミナスを心の拠り所とせずにはいられなかった。
RUMINASU in sight also seemed to be the statue with which RUMINASU in a mirror also breathes. It is given to deity rather than organic functions, and gives me blessing rather than a desire. Although the worship to existence of a living body knew that it would serve as a burden to a partner, I could not but make RUMINASU strong emotional attachment.
　接吻の続きを再開した。肩甲骨の下、あばらに沿った脇腹、背筋、腰骨の上。背中側に施されたありとあらゆる入れ墨に接吻を繰り返した。体側に降ろされた腕や手の甲へも漏らさずに唇を触れさせて行く。それは聖なる偶像への接吻だ。性的な愛撫ではなく、そうせずにはいられない宗教的な感動の表れだった。
The continuation of kiss was resumed. On the flank which met spareribs under the shoulder blade, the back, and Backbone. Kiss was repeated to all tattoos given to the back side. A lip is made to be touched without leaking also to the back of the arm taken down to the body side, or a hand, and it goes. it --saint -- it is kiss to an image. It was not sexual care but the manifestation of religious impression which must be done so.
　くびれたウェストから張り出した腰へとその接吻の対象を移す頃にはルミナスはその素っ気ない唇の接触ひとつひとつに敏感に反応するようになっていた。唇が触れるごとに背筋を震わせ、肌の緊張を高めていく。呼吸も、まるで激しい口づけでも交わしているかのように乱れ、弾みはじめた。手持ち無沙汰な手を握ってみると、何かに耐えるように強く握り返された。
When moving the object of the kiss to the waist jutted out of the narrow waist, RUMINASU reacts to contact each of the aloof lips sensitively. Whenever a lip touches, the back is shaken, and tensions of the skin are heightened. Breathing is also confused as if it had also exchanged completely intense kiss, and it began to bounce. a stock -- when the hand free] was grasped, it was strongly grasped again so that something might be borne.
　丹念な、丁寧な接吻は臀部から太腿、膝裏、ふくらはぎ、踝《くるぶし》へと移動する。拝跪するようにして踵に辿り着いたころにはルミナスの全身が仄かに桜色に染まっていた。その上気した肌の色さえわたしにとっては崇敬の対象だ。
Careful polite kiss moves to thigh, knee back, calf, andan ankle from a buttock. As it prayed, when it arrived at the heel, the whole body of RUMINASU was dimly dyed pink. Even the color of the skin which moreover carried out mind is the object of veneration for me.
　背中側から口づけできる入れ墨が尽きる。正面に回り込んだわたしはあらためて爪先から接吻を開始した。祈りの姿勢を保ったまま蹲り、足の甲に接吻し、額を押し付ける。そうして口づけを重ね、唇が太腿にまで這い上がるころには、ルミナスは時折膝を震わせて上体を揺らすようになっていた。
The tattoo which can kiss from a back side is exhausted. I who turned to the front started kiss from the tiptoe anew. It crouches down with the posture of a prayer maintained, an instep is kissed, and a frame is pushed. Then, when kiss is repeated and a lip creeps up even to 太腿, RUMINASU shakes a knee occasionally and sways the upper part of the body.
　昂ぶっているのだ。
It is needed in 昂ぶ.
　それは膝立ちで彼女を見上げるわたしの目にも明らかだった。髪よりも色の濃い、けれど淡い下腹部の陰りは湿り気を帯びているように見えたし、その奥で息づく部分から内腿へは射し込む月光に滴りが筋を描いて輝いた。太腿から腰骨へと接吻を移動させると一瞬、逃げるように腰が引かれたりもする。
It was clear also to the eyes of me who look up at her by knee stands. The cloud of a light abdomen part with a color deeper than hair however hung [ take / on moisture mind ], and from the portion which breathes at the back, to the inner thigh, drop drew the line on the moonlight to put, and it shone with it to it. It is also in that the waist is pulled たり so that it may escape for a moment, if kiss is moved tobackbone from thigh.
　何かをこらえるように肩を奮わせ、呼吸を乱して立ち続けるルミナスはこれまで見たどのルミナスよりも美しかった。
RUMINASU which continues standing, making rouse the shoulder so that something may be borne, and disturbing breathing was more beautiful than any RUMINASU seen until now.
「辛いですか？」
"Is it hot?"
　緊張した様子のルミナスに声をかける。腰の、もっとも張り出した骨盤の端に接吻を済ませてのことだった。
It speaks to RUMINASU of signs that it was become tense. It was what kiss is finished for at the end of the pelvis which the waist jutted out most.
「ええ。……いいえ」
"yes. .... No"
　その答えが肯定と否定のどちらを意味するものかは分からなかったけれど、見上げた彼女は半ば閉じた瞳でこちらを見つめていた。眦《まなじり》には涙を滲ませている。交差させた腕はすでに祈りの姿というよりも、寄る辺のなさに自らを抱いているように見えた。
Although it did not understand whether it was that as which the answer means which of affirmation and denial, she who looked up was gazing at here with the pupil closed halfway. The tear is made to spread in corner-of-the-eye <<まなじり>>. The arm made to cross already seemed to hold oneself in friendless rather than the figure of a prayer.
　わたしはそんなルミナスへ微笑みを投げかけて接吻を再開する。
I throw a smile to such RUMINASU and resume kiss.
　臍の上部にある小さな楕円。そして、臍の下にで左右に広げた翼の紋章。翼の先端には小さな円が、翼の付け根には逆三角形にも見える模様が彫り込まれていて、これはそれぞれが卵巣と子宮を表しているのだと知れた。その翼へも隈無く接吻を落として行く。
The small ellipse in the upper part of a navel. And the crest of the wings which are under a navel and were extended right and left. Signs that a small circle was visible also to an inverse triangle at the root of wings were carved at the tip of wings, and this turned out that each expressed the ovary and the womb. Kiss is everywhere dropped also on the wings and it goes to them.
「う……んっ……」
"-- obtaining .... んっ .. "
　飲み込もうとした声がこらえ切れずに口から漏れ出しているらしい。呼吸に合わせて息づく陰りの奥は艶めかしい動きを見せ、性には疎いわたしにも限界の近さを感じさせた。全身への接吻を始める前から拍動を速めていたわたしの心臓も、さらに壊れてしまいそうなくらい強く動悸を訴えている。
Seemingly, it will begin to leak from a mouth, without the voice which it was going to understand bearing and going out. The back of the shadow which breathes according to breathing was carried out in eye gloss, was, showed the motion, and also made unacquainted me feel the nearness of a limit for a sex. It is as strong as the heart of me who was speeding up pulsation before beginning kiss to the whole body is also likely to break further, and it has appealed against 動悸.
　翼の紋章の下。薄く始まる繁みに隠れるように、恥丘にも青い線が見え隠れしていた。臍の下の翼が横から下へとその羽を広げた姿であるならば、下腹部のそれは上方へ広げられた双翼の紋章に見えた。小さなその紋章ら口づけようと顔を近づけただけでルミナスは腹筋を大きく震わせる。吐息が届いたのだろう。
Under the crest of wings. The blue line was becoming invisible from time to time also to mons veneris so that it might hide in the thicket which starts thinly. If it was the figure in which the wings under a navel extended the feather downward from width, it of an abdomen part was visible to the crest of twin wings which was able to be extended upwards. RUMINASU shakes a sit-up greatly only by bringing the small method of crest kiss and small face close. Probably, breeze arrived.
　恥丘の上部に一度、わずかに下にずらして一度。そしてその下で集まる翼の付け根、そこは陰りに隠れた割れ目の始まりが潜む部分に強く唇を押し当てる。ルミナスの香りが強く立ちのぼり、わたしの動悸をさらに煽り立てた。体への接吻を行う中では初めて、押し当てた唇で肌を吸い上げた。その最後の刺激にルミナスは一際強く体を震わせたかと思うと、わたしの頭を抱え込んで膝を崩した。
It shifts downward slightly once in the upper part of 恥丘, and is once. And the root of wings which gather under it, and there press a lip into the portion in which the beginning of the crack which hid in the shadow lurks strongly. The scent of RUMINASU rises strongly and instigated my 動悸 up further. While performing kiss on the body, the skin was sucked up with the pressed lip for the first time. When it thought whether RUMINASU shook the body strongly particularly to the stimulus of the last, its head of mine was buried in its hands, and the knee was broken down.
「んっ、んぅぅっ！」
「んっ 、 んぅぅっ"!
　胸に強く抱き締められながら、ルミナスが下腹部震わせるのを感じ取る。崩れ落ちようとする腰を腕の中に抱きとめると、正座した膝の上に膝立ちのルミナスを抱えるような形になった。
While a tight hug is strongly given on a breast, RUMINASU takes that of lower abdomen shaken in. When the waist which is going to collapse was caught in its arms in the arm, it became the form where RUMINASU of knee stands was held on the knee which sat straight.
　力いっぱいルミナスの腿を、腰を抱き締める。二度、三度下腹部に痙攣を走らせた彼女は、長く長く息を吐き出しながら全身の力を抜いていった。
A tight hug is given to the waist for the thigh of RUMINASU with all its strength. She who ran the spasm in the abdomen part 2 times and 3 times extracted the power of the whole body, breathing out a breath for a long time.
　彼女の恥丘を唇で捉えたまま、波が引くのをひたすら待つ。
It waits for a wave to pull intently, catching her mons veneris labially.
　わたしにはルミナスの昂ぶりが神聖な何かが彼女の体へと降りてきた証のように感じられた。少女の性と神性の深い関わりを感じずにはいられなかった。
Something with for the first time in [ of RUMINASU / extacy / sacred ] was felt for me like the proof from which it has got down to her body. Deep relation of a girl's sex and deity had to be felt.
　ルミナスはわたしの頭を抱えた姿勢から滑るように膝の上に腰を下ろしてきた。どこか気だるさを感じさせる声で呟く。
RUMINASU has taken down the waist on a knee so that it may slide from the posture which buried its head of mine in its hands. It murmurs in the voice in which it gives it somewhere to mind feel languid.
「音が……」
"Sound ...."
　汗を浮かべた額にキスをする。長円を描く額の入れ墨に。
The frame which floated sweat is kissed. To the tattoo describing a long circle of a frame
「シムーン球のあの音が聞こえたわ……」
"That sound of a SHIMUN ball was able to be heard...."
　高く澄んだグラスハーモニカのような音。ヘリカルモートリスの起動を行うときに巫女にだけ聞こえてくる聖なる音だ。それが昂ぶりの中で聞こえてきたというのはわたしにはとても納得の行くことだった。
Sound like the glass harmonica which became clear highly. when starting HERIKARUMOTORISU, only a shrine maiden hears -- 聖 -- it is sound. It having been heard in for the first time in 昂 was that conviction goes to me very much.
　――やはり、この人には本当の祝福がある。
-- This man has true blessing too.
　腕の中の恋人に福音――文字通りのそれ――が訪れるとは何という奇蹟なのだろう。巫女としても恋人としても特別な存在。わたしはついに信仰すべき対象を得たのだ。
It is good news to the sweetheart in an arm. -- It is the what miracle in which it literal -- visits. An existence special also as a sweetheart also as a shrine maiden. I got the object in which it should believe at last.
　――絶対にこの恋人を失わない。失ってなるものですか。
-- This sweetheart is not lost by any means. It will not come to lose.
　強く心に刻んだ思いが腕に力を入れさせる。
The thought strongly minced to the heart makes power put into an arm.
「ん……。そんなにきつく抱き締められると苦しいわ」
「ん .... It is painful if a tight hug is given so strongly."
「絶対に離しません。離さないから、絶対に」
"It does not detach by any means. Since it does not detach, it is " absolutely.
「……どうしたの？　泣いているの？」
".... what is the matter? Is it crying?"
「はい。涙が止まりません」
"yes. A tear does not stop."
　なぜか、と聞かれてもそれはうまく説明できそうになかった。本人に向かって「神聖なものが降りた」などと言うつもりもなかった。この世界の神は性別とシムーンの二つで奇跡を具現化させる実存の神だが、信仰とその恩寵とは別なのだ。肌を触れさせることによってわたしはルミナスへの崇敬を深めたけれど、それはあくまでも個人的な体験だった。わたしにとってルミナスは信仰の中心に位置する存在へと変わりつつあったけれど、わたしの内面での話に過ぎない。その感覚を言葉にするのは難しい。
Even if he was asked why it was, it was explained well. He did not plan to have said toward him, "The sacred thing got down." Although God in this world is God of the existence which makes a miracle embody by two, sex and SHIMUN, faith and its Grace are exceptions. Although I deepened the veneration to RUMINASU by making the skin touched, it was strictly individual experience. For me, although RUMINASU was changing to the existence located at the center of faith, it is only a talk in my inside. It is difficult to make the feeling into language.
「……恥ずかしかったわ」
".... it was shameful -- "
　しばらくの沈黙の後、ぽつりとルミナスが口を開いた。
ぽつり and RUMINASU opened the mouth after silence for a while.
「はい？」
"Yes ?"
「鏡の中であなたのキスを受ける自分をずっと見ていたの。あなたったら本当に神像にでも接するみたいな態度でわたしに触れるのだもの。恥ずかしくてとても見ていられなくて、でも、あなたが愛してくれている姿だから、目に焼き付けたくて」
"The one who receives your kiss in a mirror was seen. if you up, an attitude which touches even an image of a deity truly will describe me -- a thing. It is shameful, since it is the figure which you love, he wants not to look at all, and to print on an eye but, and it is ".
「わたしはあなたの体の隅々までこの目に焼き付けました。
"I printed on this eye to all the corners of your body.
　ああ、そうです。胸の入れ墨への接吻がまだでした。続きを――」
Oh, that is right. Yet [ kiss to the tattoo of a breast ]. Continuation --"
　だめ、と苦笑混じりのルミナスに額を指で押された。
The frame was pushed on RUMINASU of the bitter smile mixture by being useless with the finger.
「少し待って。もう少し体が鎮まるまで。それからベッドで続きをしましょう」
"Wait for a while. Until the body subsides to a slight degree. And let's continue on a bed."
　ルミナスが強くわたしを抱き締めた。幸せが形となって現れたような、そんな錯覚を覚えた。
RUMINASU gave me a tight hug strongly. Such an illusion which happiness serves as a form and appeared was memorized.


　短い睡眠を取り、北国の遅い朝日を受けながら目を覚ますと、先に目覚めたらしいルミナスが顔を覗き込んでいた。眠い目を擦りながら声をかける。
Short sleep was taken, and when woken up receiving the late morning sun of northern countries, RUMINASU which seemingly woke up first had looked into the face. It speaks rubbing a sleepy eye.
「おはようございます」
"Good morning"
「おはよう。わたくしの半身」
"good morning. My half the body"
「よく眠れましたか？」
"Could it sleep well?"
「……昨晩はあんなに愛し合ったのに、言葉遣いは変わらないのね」
".... although loved each other like that last evening, wording does not change -- "
「ええと、おかしいですか？」
"Is it amusing in yes?"
　いいえ、と額にキスの音が響いた。射し込んだ朝日に白く照らし出されるルミナスを見上げて、ああ、と嘆息する。
The sound of the kiss by no in a frame sounded. RUMINASU which begins to be compared with the put morning sun white -- looking up -- such -- と -- it sighs.
「なあに？」
"What ?"
「あなたは――」と目を細める。「わたしの天使なんですね。わたしの光。その名の通りの」
An eye is narrowed with "you --." "He is my angel. My light. As the name suggests"
　ルミナスと言う名は古語の光《lumen》や｜輝き《luminosus》に由来する。眩い朝日に照らし出される彼女はその名にふさわしい存在に思えた。
The name called RUMINASU originates in optical <<lumen>> of an archaic word, or | brightness <<luminosus>>. She who begins to be compared with the dazzling morning sun was able to consider in the existence suitable to the name.
　ルミナスは軽やかに笑う。
It laughs at RUMINASU lightly.
「わたくしが光《lumen》なら、あなたは希望《specula》、嶺国の冬空に射す一条の光は望みとなるの。そうでしょう、スペクリア？」
"A streak of light which you put to <<speculaof choice>> and winter sky of Plumbum if I am optical <<lumen>> is becoming a wish. SUPEKURIA? which will be so"
　すべてを白く染め上げる朝日の中で、ルミナスはわたしの名を呼んだ。
In the morning sun which finishes dyeing all white, RUMINASU called my name.

――了――
-- fin --