Chapter 2 Part 11
11
I had anticipated that things would turn out this way.
From the moment I sat at the same table as Princess Valtrune, everything had been going according to her plans.
“…Very well. I’ll join forces with you, Princess Valtrune.”
On this day, I, Ixion Leto Reshfeld, the fourth prince of the Kingdom of Reshfeld, decided to renounce my loyalty to the Kingdom.
As a result of discussions with her, I promised to side with the Empire in the upcoming war between the Kingdom and the Empire.
The military power of the Valugan Empire is world-class.
The Kingdom also has a substantial military, but I cannot imagine it defeating the Empire.
And most importantly,
“Thank you, Prince Ixion.”
I cannot bear the thought of being an enemy of Princess Valtrune, who is far more intelligent than my brothers.
“No, I simply chose the side that seemed most beneficial to me.”
“Even so, I’m pleased.”
If I had to add something, her words were also quite persuasive.
‘I promise to recommend you as the new king of the Kingdom, should the Empire win the war between the two countries.’
Hearing that, how could I not be moved?
It was clear that the relations between the two countries would break down now that her engagement to my brother Yuri had been annulled.
Although I had not heard about the engagement being annulled, if it had been officially dissolved with my father’s consent, then it was irreversible.
――Even if I were to serve this kingdom, my status as the fourth prince would surely make me a hindrance.
I would probably be sent to the front lines when war breaks out.
I want to avoid the worst possible future of being ‘used until I die’.
On the other hand, the benefits of siding with the Empire are significant.
The Imperial Princess is offering to make me the next king. I find her far more trustworthy than my brothers Sein and Yuri.
Additionally, the likelihood of being forced into a difficult battle on the front lines seems low.
She said I can do as I please, as long as I cooperate when necessary.
――There was no way I could turn down such favorable terms.
“Thank you again, Prince Ixion. I appreciate your wise decision.”
Wise decision, huh…? She bowed her head as she said this.
I am the fourth prince with a dubious standing, lacking prospects for a free life or the throne. But because of this unfortunate status, she reached out to me.
She must have thought I would be easy to pull in.
I think it is a good judgment. In fact, I have decided to lend her my hand. I am well aware that I am an easy pawn to obtain.
With that, I asked her,
“Sister Valtrune, what should I do first?”
Once I had decided to lend her my hand, there was no turning back.
“Um, Prince Ixion, as I’ve been saying, I am no longer in a position to be called ‘sister’…”
“No, if possible, may I continue to call you that?”
“………”
Either way, we will eventually be at odds with the Kingdom. As long as I stand by her, I intend to continue respecting her as a sister, not bound by blood. So, I would like to keep calling her that.
This is also a symbol of my resolve.
“Alright. You can call me whatever you like.”
“Thank you, Sister.”
The topic is then shifted to what I should do.
“Prince Ixion, I have a request for you right away. Soon, the Kingdom will demand the transfer of the Dyrst region, which is part of the Empire’s territory. Then they would invade the Empire. …At that time, can you delay the invasion of the Kingdom’s forces, even just a little…? Is that possible?”
To make her plan work, it is essential for me to have some influence over the military. It is uncertain how much I, being the fourth prince, can do, but it is going to be challenging.
However, without hesitation, I nodded my head.
“Understood. I’ll do something about it!”
It was only natural to give my all to the side I had bet on. I vowed to exert an effort I had never applied before for her sake.
The life I was supposed to live as the fourth prince took a significant step forward.
Chapter 2 Part 10
10
Born as a prince in the Kingdom of Reshfeld, I never had any expectations for this life. My brothers, who share my blood, are all selfish. They just continue to behave arrogantly within the castle simply because they are princes. My father and mother are only interested in my two older brothers. They have not even spoken to me, the fourth prince, in a long time.
“…Haa, how boring.”
I spend my days waiting for time to pass in this cramped room. I practice swordsmanship and study culture just enough to achieve mediocre results, making sure not to stand out.
――What meaning can I find in this kind of life?
Since the day I began to harbor such doubts, I have wanted to abandon my position as a prince.
A fourth prince who can never become king. An oppressive, boring life with no merit whatsoever.
“Perhaps it wouldn’t be so bad to defect to the Valugan Empire… Living as a commoner might be nice.”
These muttered words were merely a joke.
I do not seriously wish for that, but at least it seems more attractive than maintaining the status quo.
I genuinely want to see the outside world freely and live my life for myself.
“Your Royal Highness, a guest has arrived.”
I heard the maid’s voice from outside the room.
People who visit me are almost always eccentric because buttering up a failed prince like me is pointless. Normally, they would try to deepen their relationship with my older brothers. That would certainly be more advantageous for them.
“Who is it?”
“That’s… um, it’s a bit difficult to explain who it is…”
I can tell from her voice that the maid is flustered.
She continues to mumble indecisively.
――I became slightly interested.
“Well, it’s fine. Where is this guest?”
I cut off the maid’s reply and made my decision.
“The guest is in the adjacent guest room, but um, Your Royal Highness…”
“Let’s meet them.”
“Eh?”
“I said I want to meet this guest.”
I opened the door of my room.
The maid, who looked surprised, was standing there frozen, but I looked around without paying her any particular attention.
The hallway is as quiet as ever, and I cannot even hear the voice of the guest in the next room. I do not see any servants, just the usual desolation.
“Your Royal Highness, are you sure you want to meet this guest?”
In response to the maid’s question, I replied immediately.
“Yes, I want to see the face of someone who would want to meet me, this failure of a prince.”
“Is that so… but the relationship between Your Royal Highness and this guest is a bit… complicated.”
The maid seems reluctant to let me meet this guest.
“Would it be a problem if I meet this person?”
“N-No, I don’t think there would be any issue…”
“Then it’s fine. Call them immediately.”
――I am a little excited for the first time in a while.
Who is this person that even the maid seems so reluctant to introduce?
Who would waste their time to meet someone like me…? I stand in front of the door of the adjacent room.
“Now, let’s see who is the person bored enough to visit me…”
I slowly opened the door.
When I step into the room, I sense a change in the atmosphere.
A harmonious atmosphere… combined with a tense air.
“……You are――”
The person inside was someone familiar.
Not just the royalty and nobles, everyone knows about her.
Because she is the person who served as the bridge between the Kingdom and the Empire.
“Good day, Prince Ixion.”
“Sister Valtrune…?”
The person standing there was Valtrune von Felsdorf, the Imperial Princess and the fiancée of my older brother.
“Why…?”
Doubts fill my mind. I had always thought that she would not waste her time on someone like me.
Whatever her motive might be, showing her any disrespect is unforgivable. It could escalate into a diplomatic issue.
I quickly hid my previously curious attitude.
Feeling cold sweat, I moved further into the room.
How much time has passed since I was taken aback?
Facing me, who was frozen in place, Princess Valtrune, with a smile, blinked and patiently waited for me to speak.
Her expression seemed much more mature than the last time I saw her. And her melancholic eyes, as if she sees through everything, paired with her smile, felt unnatural.
“Um, why… are you here, Sister Valtrune?”
The words squeezed from my throat were laced with vague suspicions. Despite my incoherent speech, she seemed to understand my intention clearly and began to answer my question.
“I came to see you, Prince Ixion.”
said the Princess.
…I still do not understand. Why would she want to see me?
We barely exchanged pleasantries before. Yet now, she seems to have a keen interest in me. What has changed in her heart?
She soon revealed the answer.
“And, let me correct one thing… I’m no longer your sister.”
It was as if she could see right through my heart, making my chest tighten.
What is this?
Like the calm before the storm, I felt a premonition that something tremendous would happen soon, something beyond imagination.
“Prince Ixion… I have called off my engagement with Prince Yuri. So, you don’t need to call me sister anymore.”
Princess Valtrune spoke fluently, her expression very calm.
However, my emotions were turbulent. And the man beside her… the black-haired escort, has drawn my attention since earlier.
A dangerous vibe was emanating from him.
It was not that I felt threatened by him. And yet, chills ran down my spine, warning me not to provoke him.
This is not a mere hunch. The fact that she trusts him completely is evident. It was unusual for an Imperial Princess to have just one escort.
“………”
The man did not say anything, but his occasional gestures towards her seemed like they were communicating something.
‘I can’t escape now,’ naturally popped into my head.
I have never felt anything like this before.
No matter what I say, everything seems futile before these two, and they appear to be a different breed from the common lot who would be pleased with empty words.
Prolonging the discussion would probably be meaningless.
In that case, let’s get down to business and have them leave as soon as possible.
For me, the atmosphere was suffocating.
“So, what is Sister Valtrune’s true purpose for being here?”
The Princess, known for her intelligence, wouldn’t have come all this way just to make a trivial joke by saying she wanted to see me.
Upon hearing my words, Princess Valtrune’s expression changed abruptly.
“Right… feeling each other out is a waste of time. You’re a very wise person.”
What does she know about me?
She continued to assess me with her eyes.
Is she bringing something into my life?
Where would it lead me? I do not know, but undoubtedly, my fate will be heavily affected if I listen to her.
She grinned wickedly and leaned forward.
“Prince Ixion… have you ever thought about becoming the ruler of this country?”
Now, in front of me was an enormous bomb that seemed like it could explode at the slightest touch.
Am I prepared for this dangerous deal? I need to decide now.
Chapter 2 Part 9
９
War is a great calamity that throws everything into chaos.
It is a foolish act that threatens people’s peace.
A spark of conflict that no one desires.
Nevertheless, quelling the chaos of war is not an easy task.
Once set in motion, it accelerates and continues to move forward until it exhausts itself.
“Aldia, let’s move on to the next operation.”
The detestable age of war is unavoidable.
Rather than avoiding causing wars, Princess Valtrune was planning to take her next step to control the overall situation and put it in her favor.
“Your Imperial Highness, the next operation? I thought you were just going to return to the Empire.”
“The formal annulment of my engagement with Prince Yuri was a blow that led to a decline in my status within the Empire. However, it was necessary for me to move forward. You understand, don’t you?”
“Yes, of course.”
Maintaining a connection with the Kingdom will have long-term consequences.
There was no point in continuing an ambiguous relationship. It was the right decision to sever ties with the Prince immediately, once she had decided to do so. With that in mind, she poses the next question.
“So, what is necessary for me to get closer to becoming the empress next?”
“………”
From my point of view, she is nearly flawless.
She has the ability to become an empress as she is.
“In that case, securing talented individuals… perhaps?”
“You’re on the right track. The lack of talented generals was one of the reasons the Empire lost to the Kingdom. Recruiting and developing capable people is essential for us.”
She nods in agreement with my thoughts but interrupts with, “However,” making it clear that I am not entirely correct.
“Your Imperial Highness, what do you intend to do?”
When asked, she leans in close to my ear and whispers in a crystal-clear voice.
“I will win over a significant figure within this kingdom… a prince.”
“A prince…?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
I was utterly shocked for a moment, but upon further thought, what she was trying to say became clear.
“In other words, you aim to draw in a prince other than Prince Yuri, correct?”
“Exactly. I have no lingering attachment to Prince Yuri, but I’d prefer not to sever all ties with the royal family.”
There are five princes in the Kingdom of Reshfeld.
Only the first and second princes are typically involved in the succession to the throne. The third prince and below have almost zero chance. In a harsh expression, they are the reserves in case something happens to the first two princes.
Naturally, the princes would also be treated differently.
――If that’s the case, the prince that Princess Valtrune wants to bring into her fold would be the third prince or lower. It means a prince with a low chance of becoming the ultimate authority.
“Your Imperial Highness, who are you targeting?”
She’s probably not thinking of winning over multiple princes. The reason she’s trying to win the favor of a prince to get closer to the emperor is solely to strengthen her influence within the Empire.
“I rule out the First Prince Sein and the Second Prince Yuri. There’s little benefit for them to get close to me, as they are involved in the succession to the throne, and I don’t wish to either.”
Mixing facts with her own feelings, Princess Valtrune speaks calmly.
“As for the Third Prince Blois, he’s no good. Like the first and second prince, he has a personality problem and is not particularly talented. He’s hard to handle and useless.”
She harshly evaluates the third prince and also states she has no intention of involving the fifth prince simply because ‘he is too young’.
By this point, it is clear who her target is: the Fourth Prince, Ixion Leto Reshfeld.
He is known as the ‘Ghost Prince’, an unremarkable presence among the five princes.
“Your Imperial Highness, why Prince Ixion?”
“That’s because he’s extremely talented, much like you.”
“I see. If you say so, Your Imperial Highness, there is no doubt about it.”
I understand everything from her meaningful phrasing.
That is, Prince Ixion is only pretending to be an ‘incompetent prince’.
Chapter 2 Part 8
８
The Kingdom of Reshfeld.
His Majesty the King, Douglas Leto Reshfeld.
He is the king who rules this country and Prince Yuri’s parent.
His stature was immense, and as he looked down upon us from his elevated throne, his visage truly reflected that of a ruler. The Princess and I had come to discuss with him about her engagement with Prince Yuri.
“And what brings you here today?”
Compared to Prince Yuri, King Douglas exuded an even greater aura of refinement.
How such a cunning prince could have emerged from this man was truly puzzling.
“Actually, I have come to discuss my engagement with Prince Yuri.”
“Oh…?”
Douglas moved his chin, prompting her to continue. She took a deep breath after making brief eye contact with me.
“I wish to annul my engagement with Prince Yuri.”
‘Annulment of Engagement’
Upon hearing those words, Douglas’s gaze sharpened like an arrow ready to strike down its enemy.
“Annulment of the engagement, you say…? Surely, I must have misheard?”
“No, Your Majesty, you heard every word correctly.”
A cold sweat trickled down my spine. The unpleasant silence and Douglas’s contemplative face heightened the tension in the throne room.
“You wish to annul your engagement with my son…?”
His sonorous voice echoed throughout the throne room.
Even Princess Valtrune seemed a bit tense. However, she was resolute.
She quickly regained her composure and explained with her hand on her chest.
“No, it was actually Prince Yuri the Second Prince who first raised the issue. He feels I am lacking as his fiancée.”
“That can’t be. You are the Imperial Princess of the Valugan Empire, known for your intelligence. Furthermore, I recognize your qualities as well.”
“Thank you very much for your kind words. However, I seem to be a person of shallow consideration, often displeasing Prince Yuri.”
Douglas furrowed his brows at her exaggerated humility.
After hearing her words, he turned his gaze to Prince Yuri, who was standing a short distance away.
“Yuri… is this true?”
If, at this moment, the Prince tried to act innocent and place the blame entirely on her, I would have to reveal the ‘magic tool’ hidden inside my pocket. If he were as cunning as he seemed, I would have no choice but to use our last resort. However, our tense moment turned out to be unfounded.
“Yes, Father! A princess from another country with such an attitude is not suitable for me. I’ve wanted to break off our engagement for quite some time!”
“I see…”
“Father, please annul my engagement with her immediately!”
To put it simply, the Prince was a complete fool. He wanted to break off the engagement, and she was proposing it to King Douglas.
An engagement that both parties agreed to annul. The relationship between the Kingdom and the Empire might be in jeopardy, but forcing them to continue a relationship that is on the verge of crumbling seems inevitable. Eventually, it will fall apart.
“I see… So, both of you agree on annulling the engagement?”
“Yes.”
“Of course!”
Considering it was the Prince who first wanted the annulment, there was no way Douglas could force them to stay engaged.
“I see…”
This outcome was inevitable because the Prince wished to break off the engagement. The moment his words reached Douglas, things were set in motion exactly as we had hoped.
“Your Majesty… will you allow the annulment of our engagement?”
“…Understood. I hereby declare the annulment of the engagement between Yuri Leto Reshfeld and Valtrune von Felsdorf!”
From this moment on, relations between the two countries were likely to deteriorate. This was an unavoidable circumstance. However, the vague ties between them had been firmly severed.
The Princess had a bright expression on her face.
“I sincerely thank you from the bottom of my heart for your precious time.”
The Prince watched her, looking pleased. Yet, from this moment on, his position would gradually crumble, eventually leading to his downfall.
The next king would likely be the first prince. Prince Yuri had lost the significant support of an engagement with the Empire’s Imperial Princess, which considerably diminished his chances of ascending the throne.
If he had just maintained the engagement, there would have been no war, and he could have led a stable life as a reigning king. But the one who first discarded that opportunity was Prince Yuri himself.
“Haha! At last, I can lead a new life with Reshia!”
――A foolish prince who, being swayed by the Saintess, threw away a promising life. However, he will not come to understand that for a while. For now, he should just savor this fleeting joy.
As the elated Prince celebrated, Princess Valtrune stood up gracefully. Seeing that, I also raised my knees off the ground.
“Then, I shall take my leave.”
Having completed her business, she prepared to leave.
“Hey, Valtrune.”
“…What is it?”
“It’s a pity, isn’t it? Being discarded by me. You can’t become the next queen of the Kingdom of Reshfeld anymore.”
“Indeed… Goodbye, Prince Yuri.”
The Princess probably knew that his words would eventually bounce back to him. But she felt no obligation to point that out.
She was not just another individual amongst the royals. The Princess was a noblewoman aiming for the pinnacle――the position of empress. The breaking of her engagement with the Prince did not waver her determination.
“Your Imperial Highness… congratulations on formally annulling your engagement with Prince Yuri.”
I offer her words with a hint of sarcasm towards the Prince. She looked back at me with a smile forming on her lips.
“Yes, thank you. Now I can finally move forward.”
The path ahead is long.
The future where she becomes the empress will be both a thorny path and the start of a history where she breaks a dark, bloodstained fate.
I will walk alongside her on this path to supremacy.
We will bear wounds and suffer together, but I will continue supporting her from the closest vantage point until she reaches her final destination.
Chapter 2 Part 7
７
Currently, Princess Valtrune and I are on our way to the royal castle of the Kingdom of Reshfeld.
In the aftermath of the engagement annulment, she is taking this step to sever ties with Prince Yuri formally.
During the graduation ceremony at the military academy, the Princess and the Prince had clearly taken opposing stances. However, simply taking a stand doesn’t officially break off an engagement between the royal and imperial families.
The annulment of the engagement is only finalized when formal letters are exchanged.
In my previous life, their engagement had continued even though their relationship had deteriorated. This had prevented her from securing her position within the Empire, effectively closing the path to becoming an empress.
――Which is why a formal annulment of the engagement is necessary this time.
“Aldia. I believe the annulment of the engagement will proceed without a hitch. But if an emergency arises, I’m counting on you.”
I nodded, gripping a certain object she had given me――a small magic tool that could briefly record voices. Ideally, it won’t be necessary, but it’s a precaution, insisted upon by her.
I accompany her precisely because we’ve considered unforeseen circumstances. And moving in a way that meets those expectations is my first task.
“I will execute everything according to your plan, Your Imperial Highness.”
“Thank you. I find that very reassuring.”
Our resolve is set.
We pass through the gates of the royal castle and approach the one who stands in our way. The interior of the castle is lavishly designed, not a place for commoners like me, but this time is an exception.
“Valtrune von Felsdorf requests an audience with Prince Yuri!”
I had been allowed entry under the pretext of serving as her escort. We proceed down a corridor where someone seems to be waiting for us――it’s Prince Yuri, a person she would likely detest the most.
“Heh, so you came after all, Valtrune. I thought you wouldn’t dare show up.”
The Prince looks down on us with disdain, mocking her stoic expression.
“Cut the talk. I’m here to break off our engagement.”
“What’s the point…? You were the one I discarded. Trying to repeal it now would be pointless!”
I’m tempted to sigh at his arrogant attitude. It’s truly foolish. Why does he think she would cling to the engagement with him?
She is the Imperial Princess of the Empire, and he is oblivious to the fact that they are on equal footing, completely disregarding any diplomatic considerations.
Despite his barrage of disdainful words, her face remains unchanged, speaking dispassionately.
“Is that so? Then let’s officially annul this engagement with the approval of His Majesty the King.”
To her, breaking off the engagement is neither painful nor troublesome.
Prince Yuri, however, gradually looks displeased, perhaps because her reaction wasn’t what he expected.
“You seem quite composed.”
“It’s just the fact.”
“――――!”
Then, his anger turns toward me, who stands beside Princess Valtrune.
“And who is the man beside you? He looks of low standing.”
The Prince doesn’t know me. We’ve never directly interacted before, likely because I’m a commoner. That’s why he understands that I am not a noble.
“He is my escort.”
“Oh? So, the Imperial Princess has such a scrawny commoner as an escort. Haha, now I see the level of the Empire!”
“Haa…”
Prince Yuri continues to provoke. However, she doesn’t even cast her gaze at the Prince.
Sighing, she ignores him and starts walking toward the room where the king resides.
“Aldia, let’s go.”
“Yes, Your Imperial Highness.”
I obey and follow closely behind her.
“Hey, wait!”
The Prince seems to be bothered by being ignored.
He tried to grab her shoulder forcefully. However, I didn’t overlook it. Just before his hand touches her shoulder, I firmly grasp it, preventing the forceful contact.
Normally, such an act of disrespect toward royalty would justify immediate execution. However, right now, I am acting under the guise of the Imperial Princess’s escort.
“How dare a commoner like you touch me…!”
The Prince’s face turned bright red with rage, but I did not hold back.
“She is the Imperial Princess of the Empire. I cannot allow any further disrespect.”
“――――!”
Hearing the commotion, the surrounding guards swiftly encircled us.
“Do you even know what you’re doing?”
“I’m merely fulfilling my duties as the escort of the Imperial Princess.”
“…You bastard!”
He boils over in rage, glaring at me.
“Guards, behead this insolent fool!”
“B-But… he’s the escort of Her Imperial Highness Princess Valtrune…”
“I don’t care! Do it now! This is an order!”
Confused, the guards draw their swords.
Once ordered by the Prince, there’s no talking back.
――Can’t be helped, then.
“If you intend to proceed, then I shall also fight you seriously.”
I have my own feelings about this, too.
The insults Prince Yuri has thrown at my lord, Princess Valtrune, have been numerous. As her knight, I’ve been holding back, but irritation is welling up from within me.
Meeting the Prince’s hostile gaze, I glared back. Then, the Prince’s face suddenly shows signs of fear.
Was he that scared?
“…H-Hurry up!”
At the Prince’s words, the guards start closing the distance.
Amidst this growing tension, the hand not holding the Prince is gripped by Princess Valtrune.
“That’s enough.”
When I turned around, she had a somewhat troubled expression on her face.
“Aldia, now’s not the time. I understand how you feel, but causing a scene isn’t wise.”
“But…”
“I know, it’s for my sake, isn’t it…? Thank you. But calm down, okay?”
She probably saw right through my heated emotions.
I take a deep breath and let go of the Prince’s hand.
The moment I let go, he rubs the part of his hand that I had grabbed and steps back toward the guards.
“…Don’t think you’ll get away with this!”
Even when glared at, I feel no particular fear.
“………”
“Ugh… damn it, are you making fun of me!?”
Until now, his anger was apparent. But recognizing the change in the situation, he displays a malicious smile.
“Well, fine. It’s best to dispose of trash like you right here. Do it, you all!”
Having been released, he now speaks with more confidence than before.
“Your Imperial Highness, permission to unsheathe my sword…”
“It can’t be helped. But you must not kill the guards.”
“Understood.”
I slowly draw my black sword that’s been hanging at my waist.
The guards also began to aim their swords at me.
They can’t go against Prince Yuri’s orders. Hence, they have no choice but to oppose us.
“If you point your sword at me――you should be prepared to lose a limb or two.”
As I take a step forward, the atmosphere suddenly shifts.
Deliberately pressuring the opponents, the guards start to move anxiously.
Then, they all come rushing at me in unison――a coordinated, nimble movement.
“Take this…!”
――I see. Their swordsmanship is not bad at all.
The skill level of the guards is quite refined.
As expected from those entrusted with guarding the royal castle, they are on an entirely different level compared to the students of the Philnotes Military Academy. They’ve staked their lives on this job.
Their movements are well-coordinated, and each one is highly skilled. They maintain distance from one another and attack me without interference.
“――Haah!”
“Yaah…!”
“Fuah!”
They don’t flinch, even against my intimidation. They’re fully prepared.
While carefully dodging their attacks, I clash swords against them with great force.
I find a moment’s opening and knock their swords away.
“WHA…!?”
Indeed, these guards are strong.
From the fact that Prince Yuri could command them, it’s clear that the guards have strong trust from the royalty.
…However, that’s all there is to it. With the level of these guards here, they will never reach me with their swords.
One of the guards’ sword flies through the air and sticks into the floor a short distance away.
“Haah!”
“――Fuah!”
I also knock away the swords held by the nearby guards.
“N-No way…”
The guards make faces as if they don’t understand what just happened.
“Do you still want to continue…?”
“T-That’s…”
“I don’t mind if injuries occur.”
They stop moving altogether at that.
“What are you doing? Stop fooling around and take his head already!”
The Prince’s heckling flies over, but the guards no longer close the distance. There’s not a single step taken towards me.
“Shall I cut off both of your arms next? If you’re willing to stake your lives, I’m more than happy to oblige.”
“――――!?”
As I tell them in a threatening low voice, the guards all at once turn their gaze towards the Prince.
“…We can’t.”
“What did you say? Your voice is so soft that I can’t hear you.”
“Your Royal Highness… We can’t defeat him.”
“What? …Hey, say that again.”
“I said we can’t defeat him! The difference in our abilities is too vast!”
With those words, the guards began to sheath their swords one after another.
“Huh? Don’t spout such nonsense! He’s just one person!”
Judging from his attitude, the Prince probably couldn’t measure my strength.
I can’t help but feel sorry for the guards who are being asked to do something unreasonable.
“Aren’t you all soldiers serving the proud Kingdom!?”
“No matter how many times you ask, the answer is the same. It’s impossible!”
“Fools! It’s your job to make the impossible possible!”
The guards of the Kingdom gathered here are exceptional. They are well aware that they’re being overpowered.
The Prince may not understand, but I have put tiny cracks in all the swords held by the surrounding guards. If they aim their swords at me one more time, their blades will undoubtedly shatter.
The outcome of this match has already been decided.
“…That’s enough. Prince Yuri, you have lost.”
As if forcing him to face the cruel reality, Princess Valtrune speaks sternly.
“Don’t joke around! Aren’t you all ashamed to lose to such an insolent youth!?”
“Saying such things is pointless. My escort will not lose to anyone… One look at his swordsmanship, and you should easily understand the difference in their abilities.”
“Quiet! Don’t speak so arrogantly!”
“But it’s the truth.”
Upon hearing this, a sense of humiliation seems to have surfaced on the Prince’s face. This skirmish doesn’t carry much weight. It’s nothing more than a response to the insult made by the Prince against her.
“Your Imperial Highness, I apologize for showing you something unsightly.”
“It’s fine, Aldia. It was a good opportunity to reaffirm your strength. Besides, you held back well. No one is dead thanks to you.”
At Princess Valtrune’s words, the faces of the guards turn pale again.
“If it is Your Imperial Highness’s command, I intend to accomplish anything.”
“I feel truly reassured that you’re here, Aldia. So, you heard that, Prince Yuri? Please don’t make me choose the worst option, okay?”
“――Damn it!”
From her expression, it’s clear. It was a cheerful demeanor, as if all the stress she had been holding onto was instantly relieved.
Chapter 2 Part 6
６
Imperial Princess Valtrune von Felsdorf.
Once, Princess Valtrune herself stood on the front line and threw herself into the battle against the Kingdom of Reshfeld’s army.
Throughout the war, she fought valiantly and ultimately met her end as a princess of the Valugan Empire. I am the one who knows this best, as I personally witnessed her tragic end.
Now, in her second life, she doesn’t seem to want to go from one battlefield to another. Her reason for this is very noble.
Princess Valtrune placed her hands on her chest and opened her eyes wide.
“I want to lead the Empire from now on. No matter how painful it gets or how discouraging it may be, I am determined to walk this path!”
She doesn’t just aspire to remain an imperial princess; she aims to ascend even higher――to become the empress.
If her wish comes true, it will undoubtedly bring about significant changes in the future. However, it won’t be an easy journey.
“Your Imperial Highness, do you truly wish to become the empress?”
“Yes. To achieve that goal, I must sever my lingering ties with Prince Yuri. Procrastinating our engagement would only harm the Empire.”
Once before, the Empire rushed to a conclusion too hastily. As a result, they declared war before they were publicly attacked.
While they likely reached that decision to preserve the Empire’s dignity, initiating conflicts may lead other countries to view them unfavorably.
Due to that past experience, she believes that taking a more defensive stance this time is necessary.
“We need to show the world that the Kingdom’s invasion comes first. This will be especially important in our conflict with the Kingdom.”
They intend to provoke the Kingdom into starting the war. After that, they will act without arousing resentment from neighboring countries that were once enemies.
“Was the idea of the act of aggression conceived by Prince Yuri…?”
“Yes, after the annulment of our engagement, he demanded that we surrender the Dyrst region, which is part of the Empire. However, we have no intention of giving up such precious territory.”
“In that case… we have no choice but to fight to the end.”
“Yes, we need to make our opposition clear. Once they make their move, I intend to defeat them decisively.”
However, waiting for the other side to act means allowing a preemptive attack, which could potentially put the Empire at a disadvantage.
“That’s why I will develop the strategies necessary for a successful counterattack against the Kingdom.”
“I understand. I will do my utmost to align with Your Imperial Highness’s wishes.”
The challenge lies in restraining the impulsive Empire while Princess Valtrune gains control over the entire Empire.
If she publicly acknowledges the annulment of the engagement with Prince Yuri, her standing within the Empire will undoubtedly deteriorate. She must overcome this setback and align it with her path to becoming the empress.
The journey to becoming the empress of the Empire is undeniably challenging. Despite this knowledge, she persists in pursuing this position.
In that case, even if this path is fraught with obstacles, I am determined to repay her debt with gratitude.
Princess Valtrune then turned her gaze toward me and smiled broadly.
“I’m counting on you, Aldia.”
“Yes, let’s walk this path together.”
Chapter 2 Part 5
５
“Well then, I’m heading to the Empire on my own dragon mount. Princess, Al, see you again in the Empire!”
As Mia ran off into the distance, we were finally alone. I glanced around once more, just to be sure, but there was no one else in sight.
Mia’s presence itself was an irregularity.
From now on, when discussing our life before regression, I’ll need to ensure there’s no one around.
“She’s gone, isn’t she?”
“…Yes, that’s right.”
There is no such thing as a sigh of relief.
Princess Valtrune and I quickly turned our attention to our next course of action.
“So, Your Imperial Highness. What are you going to do now?”
“You’re perceptive. It’s something very important… The move I’m about to make should change the world situation into something greatly different from before.”
What is she planning at this time when the war has not even started yet?
“Hey, Aldia. Why do you think the Kingdom and the Empire started the war?”
I found myself at a loss for words in the face of this unexpected question. Her specific intent eluded me.
“Because Prince Yuri broke off the engagement with Your Imperial Highness… right?”
With my existing knowledge, I can only come up with this answer.
Surely, she wanted to hear something other than this clichéd response.
“Well, considering everything so far, it would lead to such a thought.”
――So, it was not the answer, after all?
It was undeniable that the annulment of the engagement between Princess Valtrune and the Prince triggered the war. However, she was hinting that the real reason for the full-scale confrontation between the Kingdom and the Empire was something else.
“I’ll tell you. The direct cause of the war between the Kingdom and the Empire was――because the Kingdom invaded the Empire’s territory, under the misguided pretext of ‘reclaiming the Holy Land for the Saintess Lexia’.”
Her words were tied to my compelling motive to defeat the Kingdom utterly. I never knew that the root cause of the war lay with the Kingdom.
The war commenced following a declaration of war from the Empire’s side. That’s what I always believed. However, she claimed the truth was different.
“…Is that true?”
“Are you surprised?”
“I was, because I had no prior knowledge of this.”
――But why?
If the Kingdom initiated the conflict, why did the entire world believe the Empire was responsible for starting the war? As the divide between the Kingdom and the Empire widened and skirmishes broke out, countries around the world declared their hostility towards the Empire. However, in retrospect, it all seemed too conspicuous. It’s as if there was an underlying scheme in motion.
“I always believed the Empire was the one to start the war.”
Princess Valtrune neither denied nor confirmed my words. She simply smiled, her expression fleeting.
“It’s only natural that you would think that way. From an external perspective, it would appear as though the Empire abruptly declared war on the Kingdom.”
‘From an external perspective’, huh…?
Could that mean there was no evidence of the Kingdom’s invasion?
No, if that were true, the fact might have come to light from the very beginning.
If she had been aware, she could have made it public. Nevertheless, the war was perceived as the Empire’s initiation, painting them as the aggressor.
“…Will you tell me the details?”
Ignorance is truly frightening.
When you lack knowledge, even lies can easily deceive you under the guise of truth.
“…Alright. I’ve been wanting to have a proper conversation with you about it, Aldia. I’ll tell you all about it――the root cause of this war and the direction I must strive for.”
Chapter 2 Part 4
４
The Kingdom of Reshfeld and the Valugan Empire were currently in a state of armistice.
The reason for this was the engagement between Prince Yuri Leto Reshfeld, the second prince of the Kingdom, and Imperial Princess Valtrune of the Empire.
The deep ties between the royal families, along with an unspoken understanding not to invade each other’s territories, had brought about a period of temporary peace in both countries
――However, that peace would crumble in just a few years.
“Please wait a minute! Does that mean the Princess was dumped by that trashy prince!? That’s awful…! In the military academy, he treated the Princess poorly and was infatuated with his country’s saintess or something… I wish that trashy prince would just break a limb. Let’s feed him to the dragon mounts!”
The tentative peace was nothing more than that.
Indeed, Mia’s outburst seemed to confirm that the peace was false and on the verge of collapsing.
Still, the language was rather harsh.
Since the revelation of the entire story about Princess Valtrune’s engagement annulment, Prince Yuri’s reputation had plummeted in Mia’s eyes. Many in the Empire disliked the Prince for his selfish behavior at the military academy… So much so that Mia referred to him as a ‘trashy prince’, reflecting how much he was disliked.
The story told earlier was just the final blow. The initial evaluation was not that high, either. It was as if a near-zero evaluation had plunged into the negatives.
“I’ve suspected that Prince Yuri would talk about breaking off the engagement for a few months now, so I don’t really have any particular thoughts on it.”
“Heehh~ The Prince must be deceived by that saintess! Aren’t you vexed?”
“No, I didn’t particularly like Prince Yuri myself…”
said the Princess, expressing it flatly with a forced smile.
Watching the two at the military academy, anyone could infer as much. There was never a scene where the Prince and the Princess were chatting amicably. The political nature of the engagement was all too apparent.
After all, like me, Princess Valtrune is living her second life.
Perhaps because she had already experienced the grueling process of nullifying her engagement, she seemed prepared. That was why she could find me hiding in the bushes when told about the annulment.
She was not distressed by the immediate disadvantages and was always looking forward, concerned about the Empire’s future.
“Her Imperial Highness is stronger than Mia imagines. Besides, talking about it now is pointless.”
I added, and Princess Valtrune nodded in agreement.
“Aldia is right. Prince Yuri doesn’t matter anymore. What we need to think about now is only the Empire’s future. Things will probably get tough from now on.”
Princess Valtrune’s and my minds are filled with thoughts on overthrowing the Kingdom.
Mia shouldn’t know this yet, but eventually, we will be swept into the ravages of war.
“Hey, Mia…”
“Mm?”
“After hearing the current conversation, you should now understand why I… tried to get everyone to go to the Empire, don’t you?”
She nodded slowly.
“Are you okay with that, Al?”
“Yes, I made up my mind when I talked to Her Imperial Highness.”
Being from the Empire, she would have naturally sided with them even if I hadn’t persuaded her. However, I also have many friends from the Kingdom.
“I understand. Al didn’t want a future where we fight, right? I don’t quite understand why Al brought everyone to the Empire’s side since you’re from the Kingdom, though.”
There might have been a future where I could have brought my friends, including Mia, from the Empire to the Kingdom. But that probably wouldn’t have led to a happy ending. Including Princess Valtrune; I want to protect those dear to me.
“But Al made that choice because of the Princess, wasn’t it!?”
“Yeah.”
“Well, I get it now! If you compare that trash with the Princess, of course you’d choose this side~ The Princess is fundamentally kind and doesn’t get angry irrationally.”
“That’s right. Her Imperial Highness is very charming.”
“Wow! Al also agrees~!”
Mia laughed lightheartedly, making casual conversation.
The difference in reputation may also be a factor. But Princess Valtrune has given me something far more precious, incomparable to such minor evaluations.
“Her Imperial Highness is also a benefactor to me. That’s why I decided to serve her.”
“Your benefactor?”
“Yeah, I owe her a debt of gratitude that I could never fully repay.”
I now stand by Princess Valtrune’s side and will continue to serve her no matter how dire the circumstances may become. I am certain that this determination will not change, regardless of how much time passes.
Chapter 2 Part 3
３
Riding on the back of a dragon mount, we are heading towards the Valugan Empire――at least that was how it was progressing, but the journey by means of dragon mounts was rather abrupt. That was why a problem arose.
“Captain Dorthos, we don’t have enough dragon mounts!”
A shortage of dragon mounts had occurred.
“Haa, if we had Linos… No, even that wouldn’t be enough.”
Combining the number of dragon mount soldiers and us, it results in a slight overage in the count.
Dorthos clutched his head and scratched it vigorously, while the other soldiers wore equally pained expressions.
“While it’s possible for three people to ride on a single dragon mount, it increases the risk of falling.”
“Considering the stamina of the dragon mounts, it’s best not to push them too hard.”
“The Imperial capital is a distance away, so traveling back and forth will take time…”
Each dragon mount can carry about two people, with a slight possibility of overloading. However, the dragon mounts have traveled extensively before reaching this place, so it is best to avoid putting a heavy burden on them.
“What shall we do, Your Imperial Highness?”
“That means two of us won’t be able to ride, right?”
“That’s how it will be.”
There are five dragon mount soldiers and seven of us, including Princess Valtrune, but there are only five dragon mounts.
If the dragon mount soldiers, who can control the dragon mounts, are riding on it, two of us must give up riding to the Empire on a dragon mount.
“I apologize. The dragon mounts are in high demand everywhere. Therefore, only we were able to come here…”
Dorthos lowered his head, looking apologetic.
Mia, who had been silently watching, interrupted.
“Can I say something? Actually, I have my own dragon mounts. So, if you leave me and one other person behind, the problem will be solved!”
Dorthos reacted to Mia’s voice and quickly looked up. Then, after observing her closely, his face turned to surprise.
“C-Could it be that… you are the daughter of the Crimea Trading Company’s President… Miss Mia?”
“Yes, that’s why we own quite a few dragon mounts ourselves~”
“I see… So, that’s how it is.”
――Mia is the daughter of a trading company?
I had always sensed that she was from a wealthy family due to the occasional graceful demeanor she exhibited within her carefree attitude. However, I didn’t know she was the daughter of a trading company.
“Heehh, Mia is the daughter of the Crimea Trading Company… I never knew.”
“That’s right. I’m as rich as a noble~!”
“I’m surprised, but stop with that smug look…”
I can understand why Steano was astonished. Petra, Ambros, and Flegel also appeared unaware of her background.
The Crimea Trading Company is one of the continent’s renowned trading companies, with an influence comparable to a small country. It wouldn’t be unusual for the daughter of such a company to possess numerous dragon mounts.
“So, problem solved… right?”
With this, the shortage of dragon mounts was resolved. Moreover, if she owned dragon mounts, arrangements for riders could also likely be made.
Everything was set to head to the Empire without delay… or so I thought, but someone objected. It was Princess Valtrune, standing beside me.
“There’s no need for that. Aldia and I will stay in Philnotes.”
For some reason, she outright rejected Mia’s proposal.
“…Um, what are you saying, Valtrune-sama? Since Mia suggested it, I think we should accept her kindness?”
Petra snapped at those words. It wasn’t clear what had upset her, but she glared at Princess Valtrune with an uncharacteristically confident attitude for a commoner. Despite Petra’s reaction, the Princess responded with unwavering resolve.
“I’m sorry, but I cannot agree to that.”
“Why not!?”
“As a princess of the Empire, I cannot head to my homeland, leaving behind my guests. Please understand.”
We were treated strictly as guests. Her words implied that prioritizing us was natural. However, one point remained unexplained, and that was the matter of why the Princess and I should stay behind. If we were to head to the Empire on dragon mounts, only one person would not be able to ride. Therefore, there was no reason for both of us to stay behind. So, I had a strong feeling that she must have had some other purpose in mind.
“Your Imperial Highness, is there something going on, perhaps?”
Whispering softly in her ear, Princess Valtrune quietly nodded.
“There’s something I want to discuss with you about the future. Do you have time?”
“Of course.”
I don’t know what it is about, but it’s undoubtedly related to the upcoming battle against the Kingdom. Whenever she uses that cold, chilling tone, it usually involves matters concerning the Kingdom.
“Hey, what are you two whispering about?”
Petra casts a suspicious glance in our direction again. Thinking quickly, Princess Valtrune smiles brightly.
“It’s nothing. I was asking if it would be alright to let our friends here ride the dragon mounts.”
“As Her Imperial Highness mentioned, I’ll head to the Empire later.”
I went along with her story. Petra still had a look as if she wanted to say something, but Flegel, placing his hand on her shoulder, spoke,
“That’s how it is. We shouldn’t keep the dragon mount soldiers waiting too long. Let’s go.”
“……Alright.”
He seemed to have sensed something and calmed Petra down. To be doubly sure, Ambros also stood beside Petra.
“Aldia, we’re going ahead.”
He looked right at me and told me so. Feigning calmness, I nodded at Ambros and waved my hand.
“Yeah, I’ll be a little late, but I won’t keep you all waiting too long. See you all in the Empire.”
“We’ll be waiting.”
With various emotions, my friends took off into the sky. Princess Valtrune and I watched them soar.
“…Did you bring your friends into the fold so you wouldn’t have to fight them if war breaks out?”
“Yes, that’s right. I don’t want to lose what’s precious to me anymore. If they’re within my reach, I thought I might be able to protect them using my past memories.”
“I know you’ll be able to protect them.”
“I hope so…”
My friends, soaring high in the sky, were far beyond earshot of our conversation. Steano appeared tense from riding a dragon mount, Petra gazed downward at us, Ambros kept his thoughts inscrutable with his eyes closed, and Flegel stared intently at the distant Empire. As for Mia… eh?
――She is not on the dragon mounts!?
“Hey, hey. What’s that conversation about?”
I turned around and found Mia standing there. I was totally caught off guard, as I had thought she was already on the dragon mounts. It occurred to me that she might have overheard my conversation with Princess Valtrune.
Wiping away the cold sweat, I exhaled deeply.
“…Mia? Um, how much did you listen to our conversation?”
“Mm? I didn’t hear much, but words like ‘war’ and ‘protect’ came through. So, uh, what? Is there going to be a war!?”
――Oh, thank goodness.
If it were known that we are living our lives for the second time, it would have caused quite an uproar. I must choose my words carefully.
“Hey, Al? Is it war? Are we going to war? Hey~ answer me~”
I left Mia alone and got lost in thought because I was flustered. Now that she had heard the disturbing words in our conversation, it became clear that completely hiding the truth was impossible.
“Al, if you’re going to keep secrets from me… I’ll tell Petra-chan that you’re keeping secrets from her!”
“No, please… anything but that…”
“Come on, come on, just spit it out~”
Leaking the conversation to Petra would be a problem, but it’s different if she personally heard me reveal our regression.
I turned my gaze to Princess Valtrune. She appeared to understand what I wanted to convey and cleared her throat lightly to redirect Mia’s attention to herself.
“Mia-san, allow me to briefly explain about our conversation.”
“……Alright.”
“First, concerning the possibility of a war…”
“Yes.”
“It’s likely that a full-scale war between the Empire and the Kingdom will break out within the next few years… But this is merely speculation.”
We who know of the future war have absolutely no room for ‘speculation’ or optimism. However, stating it as a fact would raise suspicion.
“I see… So, the reason Al and Your Imperial Highness stayed back and didn’t ride the dragon mounts was to discuss this?”
“Yes. Since he and I had shared this information, we were considering our next steps.”
“I see, so that’s what it was~”
Nothing false was said. I believe that Princess Valtrune had been preplanning various strategies for the war with the Kingdom. As we are both living our lives a second time, it’s easier for us who are aware of past failures to devise countermeasures.
“I see. Then, may I ask why the Empire and the Kingdom will go to war?”
Mia approached the Princess with a more severe expression than before. For Mia, who hails from the Empire, the content of this conversation was not irrelevant.
Princess Valtrune did not attempt to hide anything and spoke honestly.
“It’s because… I will break off my engagement with Prince Yuri. With the annulment of the engagement, relations between the Kingdom and the Empire will likely deteriorate.”
She pointed out the crumbling relationship.
“From the way you say it, the engagement is still…”
“Yes, it continues. Formally, but that too is only just a matter of time. I’m sure I won’t be able to come to an understanding with him.”
I did not miss the change in Mia’s complexion as she heard this.
――Many have their own thoughts regarding Prince Yuri.
While observing Mia’s complexion, she continues to speak.
“Whether it will lead to war from there… I don’t know either, but mending a relationship once it has broken down is a difficult thing.”
Broken things cannot be easily fixed. Lost trust and the consequences of foolish actions will all return to haunt those who have invited disaster.
“I see…”
“So, Mia-san, you may also want to consider what you’re going to do.”
“Alright. Thank you very much for explaining the situation.”
The deterioration of relations between the two countries has already begun. As a result, people are being compelled to choose what to believe in and which path to move forward on――a decision that must be made.
Chapter 2 Part 5
◆
After Rufus had left, Reid and Elria questioned Philia about her circumstances.
Rufus was not only the daughter of the tribal chief governing the Seven Islands of Serios, but she had also formed a pact with the ‘Guardian Dragons’, placing her at the center of immense expectations. To say that these expectations were a matter of national pride would not be an exaggeration.
Serios and Vegalta shared a long history and had established friendly ties. Precisely because of this history, Serios took immense pride in their summoning magic. The distinct magical languages enabling conversation with magical beasts, specialized ecosystems facilitating their coexistence, and a magical beast-taming technique, which was arguably the root of summoning magic, were all significant cultural and technological features of Serios.
However, their focus on these unique aspects meant other areas of magical advancement had been slower. Their use of magic tools paled in comparison to Vegalta, who had diversified their technology of magic.
Given this backdrop, the weight of expectation on Rufus was significant. If she could prove her capabilities in the summoning magic her country had prided itself on and outshine Vegalta’s magic, it would affirm her country’s standing as equal to Vegalta.
But that was a heavy burden for a young girl. Furthermore, Rufus’s determination and the intensity in her eyes revealed more than just the weight of these expectations.
Lost in thought in her room――
“――What’s got you more spaced out than usual?” Reid asked, holding a teacup filled with milk tea.
“Mm… I was just thinking about Rufus.”
“The <<Dragon Princess>>, huh? She did seem rather precarious, even to me.”
“You felt it too, Reid?”
“Yeah. I caught a glimpse of the mock battle. She seemed more obsessed with winning than the actual battle. There was a hint of desperation in her moves, as if there was no room for mistakes,” Reid mused, rubbing his chin.
“I get the national pride part. But if victory was her sole aim, she could’ve summoned her ‘Guardian Dragons’ as leverage. She must’ve known about you, just as we knew of her from Vegalta,” Reid continued.
“…Do you think youthful arrogance played a part?”
“If that were the case, she would’ve flaunted her ‘Guardian Dragons’ from the beginning. And would someone that arrogant appear so troubled?” Reid spoke with a grim expression.
Rufus looked almost tearful, her visage strained and desperate. Seeing that face was what made Elria restrain her anger.
“Seriously… it reminds me of the old times.”
“…The old times?”
“Yeah. In Altein, it was common for children to become soldiers. They understood that this would reduce the number of mouths to feed. Their eyes held the same desperation, willing to do anything for survival. Rufus’s eyes mirrored theirs.”
“So, you’re suggesting Rufus is undergoing something similar?”
“Who knows. Times have changed, and only she would know her reasons,” Reid sighed heavily, a hint of frustration in his eyes.
“It’s just that… she probably came to this academy carrying that heavy burden and resolve,” Reid continued, gazing into the void.
Elria realized just how perceptive Reid was about people.
He had an uncanny ability to see right through to a person’s core. His astute observations had never missed even the smallest of details. As a result, while fulfilling the role demanded of a ‘Hero’, he also led many as a country’s general, gaining deep trust from those he commanded. That was something Elria had been slightly envious of.
Elria admired him for this. While she excelled in disseminating the technology of magic, she often secluded herself in her research. It was only much later she understood that her admiration had evolved into romantic feelings.
“Speaking of which, Elria.”
“Hyaa!?”
“It’s been a while since I’ve heard that squeal of surprise from you.”
“I-It’s just that you caught me off guard by suddenly calling my name…!”
“I’ve been addressing you by your name as I always do, haven’t I?”
Choosing to ignore Reid’s puzzled look, Elria vigorously shook her head, attempting to dissipate her blushing face.
“S-So, what did you want to say…?”
“I’m rather curious about that little one,” Reid said, directing his gaze to Elria’s lap.
There, a small, pure-white puppy was playfully rolling about. And as Reid observed, it wiggled its tiny legs, revealing its soft white belly. Noticing Reid’s attention, the puppy let out a small whimper.
“Is that the magical beast you’ve summoned?”
“Yes. It’s worked hard for me, and I’ve put it through quite a lot.”
Elria brought her fingertip closer to the puppy, and it playfully nibbled on it.
The last attack had significantly drained Shehri’s ‘soul’. Though ‘drained’ might sound severe, it essentially means the creature had undergone a painful experience and felt discomfort.
As an act of apology, Elria allowed it to take some of her magic power.
If it was left unattended, the magical beast might sever the contract.
“Because a magical beast’s body is composed of magic power, making it small like this is more efficient.”
“It’s so small that it hardly seems majestic…”
Holding Shehri’s paw, Elria stretched it out for Reid to see.
While it retained traces of its original wolf-like appearance, it resembled more of a dog in this reduced size.
“Do you want to pet it, Reid?”
“…Can I? If it detonates because of my magic power, I might be so traumatized that I’d be bedridden for days.”
“It’s okay. While a magical beast’s body is formed from magic power, it turns into matter resembling a real creature. Touching it should feel like touching any ordinary dog.”
“I-In that case, I might try…”
Reid hesitated before slowly extending his hand.
When he felt its soft belly, Shehri wiggled as if tickled.
“I haven’t petted a dog in a while…”
“Do you like dogs, Reid?”
“I’ve always been fond of animals, be it dogs or cats. But they often avoid me or flee when I approach them, making it challenging for me to touch them.”
With his guard dropped, and smiling in a way that was unlike him, Reid continued to pet Shehri’s belly.
“Mm… Then, do you want to try holding it?”
“Would that be alright?”
“Yes, it’s safe. I’ve blunted its fangs and claws for now.”
Elria presented Shehri to Reid. The magical beast wagged its tail energetically while sticking out its tongue. But just as Reid was about to embrace Shehri――it lunged and playfully bit Reid’s face.
“…………………”
Stunned, Reid didn’t react.
After a moment, Shehri yipped, seemingly unimpressed by the taste, and returned to Elria’s embrace.
“It… might be grouchy after the mock battle.”
“Right… I wouldn’t appreciate unfamiliar hands if I felt that way…”
Reid looked crestfallen.
On second thought, the <<Mana-Eater Wolf>> was a magical beast sensitive to magic power. Perhaps it avoided Reid due to his unfamiliar magic power.
“…Maybe animals avoid you because of your magic power, Reid.”
“Could that be the case!?”
“Y-Yes… animals, with their keen senses, can detect magic power through their sense of smell or hearing, and that’s how they gauge the presence of others…”
Reid’s eyes flared with realization, but then he sighed deeply, looking even more dejected.
“Well… I suspected as much… Like, when I was camping, the wild dogs fled upon seeing me, or a bear abandoning its den when I sought shelter. Even magical beasts steer clear when I’m around…!!”
“You lead quite the adventurous life.”
“Haa… If it’s because of my magic power, there’s little I can do…”
Reid slumped on the floor, visibly upset.
What should she do?
This wasn’t a problem Reid could easily overcome. And though Shehri might stay put if Elria asked, Reid could be hurt more if he sensed the creature’s reluctance.
It pained her that he loved animals yet couldn’t interact with them.
Desperate for a solution, Elria delved deep into her thoughts. After all, she was once revered as the ‘Sage’.
Just as she had once revolutionized the world with the technology of magic, she believed she could devise the best solution now.
……………
…………………
“!”
Upon contemplation, an idea struck her.
Gently placing Shehri on the sofa, she quickly cast a spell and then lightly tapped the dejected Reid on the shoulder.
“Reid, Reid.”
“What’s the matter…? I’ve pretty much given up, so if you have comforting words――”
But when Reid glanced up, he froze.
Before him stood Elria, now adorned with white cat ears. Tastefully, she had also sprouted a tail, which she wagged gracefully.
“If you can’t pet animals, then you can pet me.”
With confidence radiating from her face, Elria made her declaration.
Without any hesitation, she proudly showcased her fluttering cat ears and wagging tail.
Upon witnessing this, Reid turned away, struggling to contain his laughter.
“You… Your solution is rather… bold, isn’t it?”
“W-Why are you laughing…!?”
“Well… it’s just so like you to come up with the idea of growing cat ears and a tail, and to then present it with such unabashed confidence…!!”
Reid struggled to stifle his laughter.
Somehow, this was not the reaction Elria had expected. She’d imagined Reid gratefully stroking her head. Disappointed, she puffed out her cheeks.
“……So, are you not going to pet me?”
“I will, I will. You’ve always had a cat-like quality, so this look suits you perfectly.”
Chuckling, Reid tenderly stroked Elria’s head.
Getting the petting she had hoped for, Elria playfully moved her ears.
“So, what should I do now?”
“…Given that I’m now a cat, perhaps I should sit on your lap?”
“Sounds good.”
Reid sat down on the sofa, and Elria promptly positioned herself on his lap. She adjusted slightly to find the most comfortable spot, then nodded in contentment.
“It feels comfortable.”
“Thank you for that.”
“Can Shehri join us?”
“Of course. You’re light, and there’s space for a dog or even more.”
“In that case, come here, Shehri.”
At Elria’s beckoning, Shehri barked softly and joined them on the lap.
“But you know… from the outside, it probably looks kind of stifling…”
“On the contrary, you could say it’s cozy. It’s twice as cozy with both Shehri and me.”
While she nestled into Reid, Elria playfully raised Shehri for him to see.
“You can continue petting me until you’ve had enough.”
“Alright, alright. Thank you.”
With a wry smile, Reid gently stroked Elria’s head. His big hand felt strangely nostalgic. It resembled the hand of her father, who always gently caressed her.
Elria last saw her father when she was heading to the royal capital. Even then… with his usual gentle smile, her father had lovingly stroked her head.
Remembering such a nostalgic image of her father, Elria softly wagged her tail.