When I came to the world, I went to the notice board at the east end of the village to take a look.

Anything can be posted on the village bulletin board, which is usually called the recruitment board, and you can usually see some job search or recruitment notices, and even a lot of work from outside the village, but not many people pay attention to this.

The humans in the village have their own almost planned trajectories since birth, and unlike the crowded outside world, it is rare for people to go to the job due to an accidental loss of work.

These days are a special situation, because the major clans seem to move in unison, so that many dependent warriors lose their jobs, and then, cover letters are plastered all over the notice board - in the era of poor information, there are few other ways to sell themselves, but even cover letters are not easy to write, and many literate samurai can only imitate other people's handwriting, reluctantly change their own names.

When Mo Ming came, it was just after noon.

After lunch, Reimu went to the Shouya Shrine in Youkai Mountain, and he planned to come to Renli to read two new novels - because the flow of people was going this way, Mo Ming also came over to join in the fun.

It's been a long time since the notice board came, and the surrounding area was crowded with villagers pointing and pointing, and there was no desolate scene at all.

Earlier, I saw Alice recruiting magic apprentices here, but because the name of the newcomer Alice Margot Royd was not written in the previous edition of "Gensokyo Origin", no one wanted to joke with their lives, so there was no follow-up.

However, the reason why they are gathered here is not because of the samurai's cover letters in crooked handwriting, but because of a large-character poster posted in the middle of the notice board that covers many other revelations—although some point fingers, no one raises questions. For no other reason, the small print signed at the bottom of this notice includes almost all the representatives of the real power and well-known people in the world.

Mo Ming didn't look at it very closely, because he knew what was written on it, this seemingly very formal and important announcement was actually just a small step forward for mankind.

"The 1st Past Past Essay Contest" is a project for all human beings, aiming to collect the stories that are sung between humans and monsters—whether they are good or bad, whether the theme is love or hatred, whether the ending is happy or regretful, whether the theme is praise or curse, as long as it is related to the wonderful stories outside of humans, it is within the scope of submission.

Youkai don't tell their own stories, only humans can record them - in this way, no matter whether it is a lesson, a move or a sigh for future generations, there is always something left behind, a taste in it, and its own descendants will appreciate it.

It is worth mentioning that in response to Mo Ming's opinion, a note was added at the end - the submission of non-human parties is also accepted, but the requirements have become the opposite, and the story told must contain human beings.

As for the excellent parts of these articles that will eventually be selected and bound into a book, and the villagers who don't understand the meaning of this event are more concerned about the generous rewards after the works are selected - in addition to living materials and luxuries, there are also ceremonies similar to awards, which sound very powerful.

Mo Ming didn't stop for too long, after all, he still had two novels to return in his arms - by the way, he went to Suzuna-an to ask Suzu, the famous "Suzu Taro" had any thoughts on this matter.

If she and Aqiu can contribute as Sutaro and Christie Q, it will definitely cause a small sensation and promote the smooth development of this project.

Just as he was thinking this, he saw Alice from afar.

......

......

The witch is still the one who acts in the human world—the hood covers the gorgeous blonde hair and the fluttering dress is still conspicuous.

Is this witch not the character who usually comes to the world to go shopping, but usually acts with a clear purpose.

But...... I seem to know her very well, but the truth is not like this at all.

In other words, what Mo Ming thinks she understands is actually the witch who was afraid of life...... I've been thinking about Alice lately.、It's because of the fact that she suddenly became unusually cold to herself before and after the festival.。

There were no trigger events or turning points that made Mo Ming completely confused...... It's better than a stranger, but I don't feel like I'm being treated like an acquaintance at all, and even if I visit her house, I won't be politely entertained, and the treatment is worse than a stranger who gets lost in the forest.

That's not all, the most important thing is that the girl suddenly became leaky, not like she was losing her temper at all, and after several attempts to no avail, she could only give up in the end.

While thinking about cause and effect, I couldn't help but follow Alice far behind, wanting to see what she was doing.

If you want to talk about the reason for being alienated, in fact, you have already considered it. It won't be because of the matter of the moon lin, and the confession on the night of the New Year's Eve festival should not be false-

Is there any other reason? Is it because of "overreach" that they are being guarded against?

Because I feel that my relationship with her may cross ordinary friends and touch the taboo line between human and non-human feelings, so I consciously keep my distance?

At a time when there is no other reason, this possibility is not impossible.

If this is the case, how should we solve it? Mo Ming felt that he should first examine his own heart.

There is no doubt that Mo Ming likes to get along with Alice, and one of the reasons that cannot be ignored is because she is a cute girl.

This is important, but not the heart of the matter.

How should you get along with a powerful non-human who can take your life with a gesture? In Mo Ming's life, he didn't have much experience in communicating with non-humans.

There are only two people worth mentioning - the gods see the moon on the night...... That is, Kaguya of Penglai Mountain, and Alice Margot Royd the Witch. Without exception, both are young women with a pride in their beauty.

But as far as Mo Ming himself is concerned, he feels very comfortable with these two people - this feeling is the so-called "the person who knows in his heart and admires himself also appreciates himself, and the other party thinks so".

Appreciation is the core of this mode of getting along with people with very different values, without self-denial, but on the premise of understanding the differences between the two sides, seeking common ground while reserving differences.

It's hard to be 'appreciative'. First of all, if you don't have confidence in yourself, you will only feel dazzled when you see the shining points of others, and you can't help but want to "admire" them, but if you have too much confidence in yourself, you will not be able to see your own limitations, and because of this, it will be difficult to "admire" others from the bottom of your heart.

It's funny to say - the god of the moon and the night of the god of creation was initially very confident in herself, while the witch Alice, as a witch who was not deeply involved in the world, was very lacking in self-confidence at first.

The two more extreme situations are gradually tilted in their relationship with themselves - becoming the ideal balance mode of Mo Ming, and in this situation of 'mutual appreciation', it is not surprising that additional feelings are derived, rather, it is the only possibility for self-proclaimed rational people to have a so-called love for each other.

It's a headache...... But I have to face an ethereal and realistic topic.

Mo Ming stopped suddenly, not because he was surprised that he suddenly lost Alice's figure, but because he suddenly thought of another possibility.

This kind of thinking is very self-righteous - especially in this fantasy country where even thoughts that are only in the conceptual stage can be ingested and peeped by others, and usually, Mo Ming tries to forbid himself from having such thoughts.

That is, Alice distanced herself not because she approached her "with an impure purpose", but because she did not clearly state that purpose, and therefore alienated herself.

If she is pursuing Alice, then she can choose to accept or refuse, but her behavior is only in the normal interaction between friends, which is the crux of the problem - it turns out that the child saw the final development of this mode of relationship earlier than herself and made a wise and reasonable choice as soon as possible?

On Penglai Mountain, under the Penglai tree, if you don't weave the weed ring as a tribute on a whim, where will the end of the story go?

Insisting on her own "justice" and ignoring the feelings of others, imposing the same meaning on the other party, firmly believing that she must think the same way...... And what is it?

Are you just a rotten person who is bent on enjoying the feeling of being with a so-called "confidant", refusing to think about its meaning and stopping?

Thinking about it, Mo Ming couldn't help but yawn...... Really, it seems that you still have to take a lunch break after lunch, otherwise you will be sleepy in the afternoon.

While smiling wryly, the characters in the story have all realized after the vicissitudes of life, what is going on with themselves...... Wandering around and having a good idea?

No, it's not that hard to figure out...... For a long time, I just subconsciously didn't want to delve into it.

Although finding the crux of the problem is the premise of cure, Mo Ming is completely out of idea at the moment, and he can't find a solution in his mind - because he refuses to accept Alice's choice and has since parted ways with this girl, which is depressing. So, is there a compromise?

Unfortunately, there is not always a compromise in everything - there is indeed black and white in the world, and ambiguity is not allowed there.

Yes...... Is there any temple or other place where there are masters who can guide the disciples, at this moment, Mo Ming was rarely stunned because of confusion...... Even if there are people who are highly attained, can they really instruct themselves? What do you expect others to come up with if you don't even understand what you can't figure out?

Mo Ming, who was distressed by herself, suddenly felt that someone had pulled her sleeve-

......

......

Turning her head, Alice, who was wearing a hood, pulled herself expressionlessly and walked towards the alleyway on the side.

Mo Ming didn't struggle, just wondered what she was doing.

In the alleyway, Alice took off her hood and looked at herself a little strangely...... Indeed, because the things I just thought about are relatively rare, the expression on my face must not be very good-looking.

Immediately, Alice stepped forward, so crowded that Mo Ming had to step back and lean her back against the wall.

Stretch out your right arm and make a "bang".

This is the legendary wall knock? A little frightened.

Mo Ming swallowed his saliva: "What...... What's going on? There is a lot of public here, pay attention to the impact ......"

Alice and Reimu are not much different in height, so the posture of this wall dong is slightly strange - the witch's headband is almost just between Mo Ming's mouth and nose, and the hand on the wall is under Mo Ming's armpit...... Of course, Mo Ming's posture at the moment was not normal, but he still tried his best to remain calm and did not let the two novels in his armpits fall to the ground.

It is not difficult to see that the witch made a lot of determination to make this gesture, and it may even be through this gesture that she finally made up her mind...... In other words, something important may be intended.

Smelling the fragrance from Alice's hair between his noses, Mo Ming's heartbeat was rarely a little faster.

"Mo Ming Wanshiwu、I have a problem that I can't solve and need help。 ”

I see.

Mo Ming's 'Wanshiya' signboard erected in Suzuna-an, and people who don't know him can't pay attention to this inexplicable livelihood...... In fact, it is just used to provide an excuse for those who know you to ask for help. So now, if something comes to the door, I won't refuse.

"I'll do my best to help, can I ...... before that" This gesture Mo Ming didn't dare to breathe, so as not to be mistaken for a pervert.

"It's a tricky question - even you, I don't think I can help. ”

"I don't know if I can help you say it. ”

“......”

"That...... Why don't you put ...... first?"

"Fiction. ”

"Huh?"

"You've written novels, haven't you?"

"I ...... Theoretically, well, I've written a book, but I'm better at reading novels than I am at writing. ”

"I'm not kidding, I need someone who can help me with my writing. ”

"In that case, I recommend Honju Kosuzu and Barnyard Asuke......"

"But I can't find them. ”

"Huh? Why?"

"Not only that, but I can't tell anyone about the things I came to you today and the content of the commission...... Especially those two. ”

"May I take the liberty of asking why?"

"If you know it's presumptuous, don't ask, take me to the coffin, or ......"

The slender arm that originally seemed ordinary suddenly exerted force, and the five fingers with the finger guards of the manipulating puppet line pressed into the stone wall behind Mo Ming.

Mo Ming swallowed again, thinking that the resident behind him had really suffered.

“...... Why bother? I don't know what I said? I don't want to say, just don't ask, customers have the right to keep their privacy, as it should be. ”

"It's good to understand. ”

Alice finally nodded, withdrew her outstretched arm, and took a step back, giving Mo Ming some free space.

Mo Ming stood up again, fluttered the ash on his clothes, and asked cautiously: "I still have some things that I don't know about the content of the commission that I don't know first, if it's inconvenient to disclose it, just say it, no offense." ”

Alice nodded, "Just ask." ”

"I want someone to guide you in writing, do you plan to write a novel, do you want to write for a long time, or do you?"

"No, for the time being, I will only write one, both long and short, and there is an important premise - it must be completed by the end of the month. ”

"Is there a time limit?"

"Inconvenient. ”

Mo Ming nodded: "That...... In terms of subject matter, does it have to be related to "the past of people"?"

"Sure enough, it was misunderstood," Alice sighed, "that notice was posted today, and I had been thinking about the subject matter and content a long time ago...... For the record, I have nothing to do with the essay in the world, and I don't have the slightest intention of submitting it, so I'm not interested in that. ”

Mo Ming thought about it and accepted her statement. There is no time limit before the end of the month, and there should be no rumors before.

Alice added: "Any theme, any story, I have only one hope...... Preferably a wonderful story. ”

“...... Wonderful story......"

"I've been in and out of the world these days, but it's so hard to find something that can be used as fodder – the so-called dramatic, deep connotations of the novel are so rare in human everyday life that it's almost impossible for me to capture this scene. ”

"So the commission for me is、Find enough good stories to use as fodder for your novels?"

Alice bowed: "Preferably a story from Gensokyo...... I know you've had a lot of good experiences elsewhere, but those things don't necessarily come to your fingertips. ”

"Sure enough, who are you going to write it for?"

"Novels are meant to be read by people. ”

Mo Ming was very wise and did not intend to continue to ask.

After thinking about it, he said, "If you want to say something exciting enough, wouldn't it be nice to have something to do at the Wisdom Game Festival last fall?

"I refused, I didn't want to write my own story. ”

Mo Ming thought that it would be embarrassing to write out his own things and show them to others, which is normal for people.

"In other words, it's better to have a story that has nothing to do with acquaintances like you and me, but really happened in Gensokyo?"

"Fiction is not always true, and exaggerated expressions are also needed. The important thing is to be good enough – even if it's just a legend that can't be verified. ”

"Looks like you've done a lot of homework...... Wrote novels before?"

“...... I refused to answer. ”

"It's good to ask clearly, the so-called guidance, in fact, just help you find good materials, right?"

“...... If you can, I'd like to ask you to give me some guidance on my writing. ”

"My Text...... Indeed, some people have commented that at best it is simplicity - the kind of simplicity that has no bright spots...... At worst, it's ...... Forget it, anyway, you know that my writing is very average. That's why I need to know your level to determine if I'm pointing you out. ”

"Know my level?"

"In other words, I want to see what you've written, anything. ”

"No, impossible!"

"Then it can't be helped. ”

“...... Even if you say that, you can't do it. Alice thought about it, but still refused.

"Let's talk about the material first, the so-called wonderful, of course, is not limited to the stories that can become materials in the first place, but also includes stories that will become good materials after literary processing, right?"

"Hmm. ”

"Got it, leave it to me......"

“...... Well. ”

Mo Ming thought about it, and finally spoke:

"Well, in terms of pay?"

"What do you want?"

"It depends on what you can give?"

"I don't know what I'm interested in here, you're asking for a lot of money, I'm bargaining, isn't that what you taught me?" Alice laughed.

Mo Ming hesitated.

"I ...... It's not clear what you want for the time being. ”

That's not good...... Originally, even if it was a meal, as the rule of the house, there must be a back and forth to make a deal.

But because I thought about some things before, it became difficult to make decisions. Alice can't be made to think she's taking advantage of herself, but she really doesn't need Alice's help in particular...... Maybe it was there, but suddenly it was gone.

Alice thought for a moment and said, "Well, let's take it as if I owe you a wish." Anytime you think of it, come to me. ”

"Wish ?......" Mo Ming couldn't cry or laugh. Making a wish to a witch has a bit of a fairy tale style.

"Yes, any wish is fine, as long as I can do it. ”

I don't know why listening to Alice's supplement made Mo Ming think crookedly, and the promise in this fairy tale became a little crimson.

"Ahem, I see, it seems that this writing commission is very important to you. ”

Alice nodded: "Equivalent exchange, it is this level of entrustment." ”

"I did accept this commission...... Will do their best to help. Mo Ming said with a smile.

"Then I will look forward to it as you say. Alice responded with a smile.