TDK

<< Previous | TOC | Next >>

Chapter 9 Part 3

---

“We are here to deliver a letter from your father, Duke Giluas Sorey.”

When Odette arrived at the dormitory, the Sorey family’s soldiers were already waiting.

Holding up an armband to indicate he’s a messenger, the soldier handed her a letter.

“From Father, huh… Well, I can imagine the contents.”

“Well then, I’ll take my leave now.”

After Odette received the letter, the messenger hurriedly left.

“… This spoiled the mood.”

Just a while ago, I was happily talking with Yuuki Grossalia.

Odette entered her dormitory and opened the letter in a tedious mood.

‘To my daughter, Odette.

I’m sure you would understand.

To live freely as a mage, you must fulfill the conditions I have set for you. If you don’t, you will be returned to the household as promised.

The daughter of a Duke family has the duty to live only for the family’s sake.

I hope that you will understand my intentions and come back obediently.

Giluas Sorey.’

“My lady…”

The private tutor and the maid were looking at Odette with concern.

“I’m fine. It’s always the same.”

“We are well aware of the conditions that Duke-sama has set. Either become Her Royal Highness Princess Iris’s knight escort or a C-rank mage within a year…”

“E-rank learns three types of high-level ‘Ancient Magic’. D-rank is capable of defeating designated monsters alone. And C-rank can step into the lower third level of the ‘Capital of Ancient Magic Civilization, Elysium’.”

The only thing a guild apprentice can do is wander till the second level at most.

I know it is hard, but not impossible.

And with a top-rank mentor in the ‘Magic Guild’, I can enter the lower levels of the ‘Capital of Ancient Magic Civilization, Elysium’ as an attendant. If I train well there, then I should be able to manage.

“I’ll take care of Father’s conditions myself. Leaving that aside, it’s about Princess Iris now. I made a promise to Her Royal Highness. That I would always be with her. Even if she ──”

(Even if, unlike me, she never ages.)

It was a promise I made as a child.

Despite hearing about her grandmother’s eternal youth, which her half-sisters were creeped out by when they were told, Odette took Iris’s hand and said, ‘I will always be by your side. I’ll never be scared of you. We’ll always be friends‘.

Princess Iris nodded with tears in her eyes.

For Odette, who was raised by parents who saw their children as nothing more than political tools, it is an important promise, something like a vow. That is why Odette went ahead and joined the same ‘Magic Guild’ as Iris.

In truth, Odette did not care about being a knight escort.

As long as I can protect my best friend, it does not matter what form it takes.

The only reason I became a candidate for the knight escort was to go along with the Duke’s ostentation.

“… But if only Iris had someone she could trust as much as I do.”

That might be something to celebrate.

Of course, I would not just give up quietly.

“Prove to me in this examination. Whether you are worthy of Iris or not. Yuuki Grossalia.”

Clutching the letter from her father, Odette murmured with determination.

The Duke’s daughter, Odette, and I were standing before Princess Iris.

This is a guest house in front of the royal palace. The parlor.

What I am wearing is a uniform provided by the ‘Magic Guild’. It had arrived at my dormitory this morning.

I am supposed to wear it to meet with the Princess.

“First of all, I would like to apologize. Yuuki Grossalia-sama.”

said Princess Iris, sitting across the table.

“I had intended for Yuuki-sama to be my knight escort and for Odette to study with me as a friend. But that’s…”

“It’s not Your Royal Highness’ fault. Father pushed me to become a candidate for the knight escort. Originally, Yuuki Grossalia should have become Your Royal Highness’ knight.”

“If Duke Sorey recommends you, then His Majesty the King will have no choice but to act.”

said Princess Iris, and gave me a detailed explanation.

When a royal family member turns thirteen, they can appoint their own personal knight escort.

Princess Iris had appointed me as her knight escort back in the Baron’s territory. That was confirmed by Barnes-san (who I later found out was a General) and the soldiers.

All that was left was for Princess Iris to obtain the King’s permission, and that would have been it.

However, the other nobles interfered.

They were furious because the princess’s knight escort was an illegitimate child of a Baron family.

They all went around recommending their own children.

Princess Iris insisted that it had been decided.

However, the royal family disapproved of it.

They insisted that a few of the nobles’ children be selected and tested to determine who would be the knight escort.

As a result, the Duke’s daughter, Odette Sorey, a boy from a Marquis family, and another boy from a Count family were chosen.

The four of us, including myself, who was chosen for the role in the first place, were to vie for the ‘knight escort’ position.

“I’m truly sorry, Yuuki-sama.”

Princess Iris bowed again.

“After I returned from the Baron’s territory, I became ill and had… a fever, which delayed my response.”

“A fever… are you okay? Your Royal Highness.”

“Yeah. I’m fine, Odette.”

Princess Iris smiled reassuringly.

“It’s just that I had a lot of fevers and… various dreams. That’s why I couldn’t get in touch with Yuuki-sama. When the fever receded, and I woke up, I discovered that they had made it impossible for me to send letters to Yuuki-sama…”

“So that I won’t be the only advantageous one?”

“Yes. Everyone knows that Yuuki-sama is the primary knight candidate.”

Princess Iris took my hand and told me.

“Now that the selection of the knight escort has become a matter for the royal family, I cannot insist on my opinion alone. However, even if Yuuki-sama is not selected as a knight escort, I will have Yuuki-sama stay by my side. As an apprentice, I intend to make sure that we have the best mentor.”

“Thank you very much, Your Royal Highness.”

That’s fine with me.

I was appointed as a knight escort for Princess Iris to learn more about her relationship with ‘Fila Village’.

If I can stay by her side as an apprentice at the ‘Magic Guild’, I will achieve my goal.

“I’m fine with that, too. Thank you for your consideration, Your Royal Highness Princess Iris.”

“Thank you very much, Yuuki-sama. And thank you, Odette.”

Princess Iris then bowed to Odette Sorey.

“You are the reason why I was able to talk to Yuuki-sama like this. By summoning two candidates at the same time, it doesn’t mean I’m favoring Yuuki-sama.”

“I’m honored to be of service. Princess Iris.”

“Please don’t be so formal. I had originally intended for Odette to be under the same mentor as me after joining the ‘Magic Guild’.

Princess Iris looked at us mischievously with one eye closed.

“But still, I was surprised. When did Yuuki-sama become friends with Odette?”

“I was on my way to the royal capital when she happened to call out to me.”

“A coincidence, huh… It was the same for me. Perhaps Odette was saved by Yuuki-sama as well?”

“… I will refrain from commenting on that, Princess Iris.”

“Oh? It seems that I’ve hit the nail on the head. Isn’t Yuuki-sama’s fighting ability amazing?”

“That’s why I will refrain from commenting on that.”

“Oh, dear.”

Her Royal Highness Princess Iris and the Duke’s daughter, Odette, seem to be having fun.

They really are good friends.

---

<< Previous | TOC | Next >>

<< Previous | TOC | Next >>

Chapter 9 Part 2

---

After a while, our carriage entered the royal capital.

The royal capital, Milgallia, was crowded with people. After the carriage reached the main street, all I could see were humans. I could hardly see the street stalls and other shops because humans were in the way. 

The only other thing I could see was a large gate at the end of the main street.

And the noble district beyond that, and also the royal palace.

“Martha is surprised. This place is amazing, Yuuki-sama.”

“This is also the first time I’ve been to this country’s royal capital.”

The essence of the country, the royal family, and even the organizations have changed from my previous life.

‘Fila Village’ belonged to a different country than this one.

The royal capital of that country was under the control of the ‘Sanctuary Church, Elysium Temple’ and was not a place that would welcome an ‘Immortal Mage, Lord of Nosferatu’. I have not been there much either.

The royal capital of this era is quite open-minded.

It remains to be seen whether it’s a difference of country or a difference of eras.

“Nii-sama said that the ‘Magic Guild’ is located on the other side of the large front gate, in the noble district.”

“Is that also where the entrance to the ‘Capital of Ancient Magic Civilization, Elysium’ is?”

“I don’t know that much about it. Maybe it’s managed by the ‘Magic Guild’?”

“Martha hope it’s somewhere I can help Yuuki-sama.”

“No-no, Martha can take care of the dormitory.”

Martha does not have combat skills.

I want her to support me from the rear without doing anything dangerous.

“Maybe you can gather information about the capital when you are free.”

“Information, you say?”

“Yeah. Information about other nobles’ servants, and gossip. I’m not very good at that sort of stuff.”

“I understand. Please leave it to Martha.”

“Thank you. I appreciate it.”

“Martha is Yuuki-sama’s partner, after all.”

My partner smiled mischievously.

The carriage entered the noble district and stopped in front of a large building.

This seems to be where we would be staying.

After dropping off our luggage, we were to greet Princess Iris on our arrival.

“Is Odette Sorey staying in the next dormitory?”

“There seem to be several identical buildings.”

“They’re small, but each one has its own quarters?”

“I feel relieved. I was wondering what I would do if I were to suddenly meet up with someone from the Sorey family in the hallway of the same building…”

Martha and I headed for the quarters.

There are two dormitory buildings. The building on the right is where Martha and I are staying.

The one on the left is used by Odette Sorey and her private tutor.

“It’s surprisingly spacious inside. Cleaning is going to be challenging.”

“Just clean the areas we use.”

“I can’t do that! It’s Yuuki-sama’s home, so it has to be clean.”

“…Is that so. Then I’ll get you an assistant. Is that okay, Remy?”

‘…Kyu-? Master?’

“Remy, I’m appointing you as Martha’s bodyguard and apprentice maid. And Martha, turn around.”

‘Yes.’

As soon as Martha faced away from me, I cut my arm with the dagger.

I picked Remy up and placed her mouth close to the wound.

“Remy, you’re a member of the Silver Beofox family, aren’t you?”

‘…I don’t know.’

“Did your mother ever turn into a human?”

‘She might have.’

“Do you want to be one, too?”

‘I don’t know. But I’m getting impatient.’

“Do you want magic power?”

‘Can I have some?’

“Sure.”

‘… (Nods)’

Remy started licking my wound and drank my ‘Magical Blood, Mistel Blood’.

And then ──

*Pon*, Remy turned into a human.

A girl with silver hair and is roughly around ten years old. Even as a wild animal, she could already walk the moment she was born, so she seems to be a little more mature as a human.

“…Remy has become a human now?”

“How long can you keep this up?”

“Hmm… It’s my first time, so maybe for about two hours.”

“Alright.”

I checked Remy’s status.

‘Remy’

Race: Silver Beofox Level: 3

Stamina: C Strength: C Agility: B Magic: B Dexterity: B

Skill: Humanization

Servant skills: Intelligence. High-speed movement. Increased defense. Increased regeneration.

The ‘Silver Beofox’ originally had the skill to become a human.

But now that I’ve given her my ‘Magical Blood, Mistel Blood’, she gained the skills of intelligence, high-speed movement, increased defense, and increased regeneration. The reason for her low level is that she is still a child.

“From now on, I’ll give you magic power every day so that you can practice becoming human. Once your humanization skill is stable, I want you to help Martha and guard her. Can you do that?”

“Yes, I can.”

“…Well, maybe you should take a bath first.”

Remy, now human, is covered in sand. And naked.

“Martha, you can look over here now.”

“Okay. That’s Remy-chan right there, isn’t it?”

“It’s okay to be a little surprised, you know?”

“I’m quite surprised. Martha is just trying to look cool in front of Yuuki-sama.”

“By the way, the reason I have Remy turned into a human is that I needed someone to help Martha.”

“I know.”

“I’ll be assisting Martha from today. I’m Remy! It’s nice to meet you!”

“Yes, it’s nice to meet you, too. Remy-chan.”

“Well then, I’ll warm up the bath. And then, I’ll wash Remy.”

“No, Martha will do it.”

Martha wrapped Remy’s body in a blanket.

“Even though Remy is a fox, she is still a girl. So Martha will take care of her.”

“I don’t want to increase Martha’s workload…”

“Yuuki-sama.”

“Yes?”

“Martha is also a girl, so Martha has to bathe Remy-chan. Otherwise, Martha won’t be able to work while Yuuki-sama is washing Remy-chan.”

“All right, I understand. I’ll leave it to you then.”

“Yes. Please leave it to me!”

“I’ll get the bath ready. Remy, why don’t you wait here with Martha?”

“Yes, Master.”

I went to the bathroom, filled it with water, and heated the bath.

While waiting for the fire to get going, Dick flew over and said, ‘You have a visitor.’ Dick, Gale, and Neal are all around the dormitory now, and they’re in charge of security.

Incidentally, the status of Dick and the others are as follow.

‘Dick, Gale, Neal’

Race: Forest Bat Level: 12

Stamina: B+ Strength: C+ Agility: B+ Magic: B+ Dexterity: C+

Skills: Ultrasound. Flight.

Servant skills: Diurnal. High vision. High-powered ultrasound. High-speed movement. Increased defense. Increased regeneration.

Dick and the others have improved their level considerably after the battles with the ‘Dark Bear’, ‘Griffin’, and ‘Dark Wolf’. They are more than capable of fighting small monsters on equal terms.

They would do well in scouting the royal capital and even in assisting Martha and Remy.

“So, who are the visitors?”

‘It’s a man that is dressed very well.’

“Either the princess, or Odette, or one of their envoys.”

It’s as expected.

When I stepped out of the front door, an envoy from the princess was waiting for me.

I was told to meet the princess at the guest house in front of the royal palace, and that Odette Sorey and I should come.

---

<< Previous | TOC | Next >>

<< Previous | TOC | Next >>

Chapter 9 Part 1

---

Chapter 9 – The Former Demon King, Arrives At The Royal Capital

“I underestimated Yuuki Grossalia.”

said Odette Sorey in the carriage of the Sorey family.

“I thought that since he’s the illegitimate son of a Baron family, he would gladly form an alliance with us. But I was rude to someone like him. I was too naive.”

“Such fighting ability… and situational awareness. The familiar is also… powerful. He is a top-notch warrior and mage…”

“Until he defeats the other two, he will be a powerful ally.”

“But… after that…”

“He will be our most formidable rival. Until then, we need to get to know him better.”

With her finger, Odette drew a crest in the air.

She chanted in a low voice and looked at her private tutor. The petite private tutor nodded, “That’s correct”.

“…Come to me. My ‘earth attribute’ familiar. ‘Shadow snake’ ──”

A magic circle formed under the carriage, from which a pitch-black snake appeared.

Even though it is a snake, it moved unusually fast.

It instantly disappeared behind the baggage while Odette watched.

“I will have it sneak into Yuuki Grossalia’s carriage. We should be able to hear at least some voices.”

“…Brilliant ‘Ancient Magic’… My Lady.”

“I still have a long way to go.”

Odette brushed her golden hair back.

“I will be a knight escort, standing next to Her Royal Highness Princess Iris. This is something that I need to be able to do.”

“…There’s a familiar in the carriage.”

‘…Kyu-Kyu’

“Remy-chan has noticed it, too.”

“It probably belongs to the Duke’s daughter, Odette. I’ll be back in a bit.”

“Yes. Take care.”

‘Be careful, Master.’

I waved to Martha and Remy and got out of the carriage.

“T-That’s right. I’ve come to call you! With my familiar!! That’s why!!”

The Duke’s daughter, Odette, raised her voice as she stared at me.

Here we are in the Duke family’s carriage.

I had come to ask her about the familiar and was confronted with the Duke’s daughter, Odette.

“That being said… It’s amazing that you can detect the familiar before it calls out to you.”

“It’s intuition.”

That was a lie.

The four corners of the carriage were smeared with little drops of my blood.

Blood is a part of my limbs. If someone walks by, I would be able to feel it.

“I was wondering if the Sorey family uses an ‘Ancient Magic’ familiar to call people.”

“You know quite a lot!! That’s right! Yes!!”

“If you shout, the soldiers outside will hear you.”

“Urgh.”

The Duke’s daughter, Odette, was staring at me with her cheeks puffed up.

Why is that?

“I called you here for one reason only. I wanted to see the aspirations that you had.”

“Aspirations?”

“You know that when you become an apprentice of the ‘Magic Guild’, the guild’s mage becomes your mentor, don’t you?”

“I heard about that from my brother.”

“Do you know that becoming an official member of the guild gives you the right to explore the ‘Capital of Ancient Magic Civilization, Elysium’ and that finding new ‘Ancient Artifacts’ there will raise your family’s peerage or a new peerage will be given?”

“…I didn’t know that.”

Peerage, huh?

If I find the ‘Ancient Artifacts’, the Baron Grossalia family will become a Viscount family. Or maybe I can establish a new noble household.

“Is the new noble household only for one generation?”

“That’s right. When said person dies, their peerage and territory will be lost.”

“What if they don’t die?”

“That’s not going to happen, isn’t it??”

She is right.

I thought about getting a peerage and relaxing in the territory that the country gives me, but I guess that is impossible.

In my case, there is a possibility that I would not die.

A one-generation peerage. It would be a problem… if the noble does not die.

“I have a weird question.”

“Ask away.”

“Is there any ‘Ancient Artifact’ that makes you immortal if you have it?”

“How greedy can you be?”

“No, it doesn’t have to actually make you immortal. As long as it’s an item that makes the people around you think, ‘If he has that, he can’t die’.”

“There… may be one. Ancient Artifacts are powerful magic items, after all.”

“I’d love to have it.”

“Seriously… just how grandiose are your aspirations?”

said Odette Sorey.

My aspirations, huh…

That is obvious.

It is to know more about humans.

And to find out if Princess Iris Restia is a descendant of Alice.

After that, it is to find out what happened to ‘Fila Village’.

To summarize,

“── My aspiration is to become a knight to protect Her Royal Highness.”

“Is that for the sake of the Grossalia family?”

“There is also that. But more than that, I want to see the results of my efforts. I want to know what happened because of my decisions and to know whether it was a good or bad one. That’s all.”

“I understand. You must have worked hard to handle ‘Ancient Magic’. As a result of your hard work, Her Royal Highness named you a knight personally. In that case, I’d like to see how far you can go. And how far I can go.”

“Eh?”

“Eh?”

“Oh, yes. That’s right. I want to know where I’d end up with my magic.”

“You’re a good person, aren’t you?”

Odette Sorey smiled with her chin in her hand.

“You have no desire to make your own mark in the world. I’ve found you to be a respectable rival.”

“Why did you want to be Her Royal Highness’s knight, Odette-sama?”

It might be rude, but I asked.

I was curious as to why a high-ranking noble would want to become Princess Iris’s knight.

“The reason I want to become a knight is to protect Her Royal Highness Princess Iris Restia. I’m ready to give up everything to protect Iris. That’s all!”

“Iris?”

“──── !?”

Odette Sorey’s face turned red.

Then she sighed and continued speaking.

“Her Royal Highness Princess Iris Restia is my childhood friend. I can’t tell you the details, but Her Royal Highness has a reason that requires her to learn magic. That’s why I want to be the one to support her.”

“…Is that so?”

“You are the first person I have told about this.”

Odette Sorey looked away from me.

She then sighs again.

“I’m sorry. I lied to you earlier.”

“You lied?”

“The truth is, I sent a familiar to sneak into your carriage to find out what kind of person you are. But you are more amazing than I thought, and you even found my familiar.”

“Eh? I was also thinking of using bats to call for people next time.”

“Please don’t do that, you’ll get scolded.”

“So it really was a lie?”

“Please accept my sincere apology. I really wanted… to become Her Royal Highness Princess Iris’s knight escort.”

“All right. I understand.”

After all, even I am hiding my true identity, living off as a human.

Besides, I know what it is like to stop at nothing to protect someone.

“I trust you, Odette Sorey-sama.”

“…Yuuki Grossalia.”

“Next time you want to use your familiar to call for me, please just tap on the window.”

“And not on the premise of using familiars to directly call for you!?”

said Odette Sorey, laughing.

“I’m really… no match for you.”

Sitting on the seat of the carriage, Odette clasped her hands in prayer.

“Please let it be you or me to be Her Royal Highness Princess Iris’s knight.”

“── Odette-sama. Yuuki Grossalia-sama. The royal capital is in sight!!”

Suddenly, I heard the voice of a soldier coming from outside the carriage.

Odette Sorey and I opened the window and looked out.

At the end of the road, a huge city wall rose.

“That’s the royal capital, Milgallia.”

said Odette Sorey.

“And it’s also where the entrance to the ‘Capital of Ancient Magic Civilization, Elysium’ is located.”

…The ‘Capital of Ancient Magic Civilization, Elysium’, huh?

It has been two hundred years since the ‘Sanctuary Church, Elysium Temple’ found that place… I wonder what it looks like now.

I was thinking about this as I looked at the towering city walls.

---

<< Previous | TOC | Next >>

<< Previous | TOC | Next >>

Chapter 8 Part 3

---

“Will you cooperate with the Sorey family, Yuuki-sama?”

“I will.”

In the carriage, I was talking to Martha.

“If we join hands with the Sorey family, we can avoid conflict with the other nobles. It would be better for us not to cause trouble for Father.”

“As expected of Yuuki-sama. You’ve thought of everything.”

Another reason is for me to get to know how to be an ordinary noble.

I am still a novice at being human, after all.

If I force myself to pretend to be an ordinary noble, I might get found out.

But if I were with the Sorey family’s Odette Sorey and imitated her, I would be able to live like a human in the ‘Magic Guild’.

‘Master. There are monsters up ahead.’

Suddenly, Dick flew in through the window.

‘There are Dark Wolves at the end of the road. They seem to have been waiting for the carriage.’

“Please stop the carriage. There are monsters up ahead. Signal the carriages around us!!”

“Y-Yes!!”

The coachman took his whistle and blew on it.

Three times short. Two times long. This is the signal for the appearance of a monster.

Dark Wolf is a wolf with a body larger than the average human adult.

They have jet-black body hair and attack people under the cover of dusk. They are carnivorous and ferocious. And they also move fast.

Well, if they are trying to surround the carriages… It will be troublesome.

“I’ll be back in a bit. Take care of Martha for me.”

“Eh? No, Yuuki-sama can’t possibly be…”

“Take care. Yuuki-sama!”

I jumped out of the carriage.

The Sorey family’s soldiers are surveying their surroundings with swords in their hands.

“Monsters, they say!? They’re nowhere to be found!!”

“The illegitimate son of the Baron family… is giving a false alarm.”

“Since you say there are monsters, then tell us exactly where they are!!”

“Three are three Dark Wolves up ahead. The distance is ten minutes by carriage. But that’s a diversion. The main pack of Dark Wolves will be attacking from both sides. They are probably planning to attack from both sides while we are distracted by the enemies in front of us. It’s hard to see them because they are hiding in the grass. Be careful.”

‘‘‘…Skii-Skkiiiitttt?’’’

This is due to ‘Ultrasonic Detection’ by my familiar bats.

It seems that the bats that received my ‘Magical Blood, Mistel Blood’ can now move whether it is day or night, and with their enhanced ultrasonic waves, they have the power to find hidden monsters.

“What Yuuki Grossalia just said is true. We have detected the monsters as well.”

Odette Sorey gets out of the carriage.

There is a woman wearing a light blue robe next to her. She is holding a staff. A mage, huh?

“Let me briefly introduce her. This is my private tutor.”

“…It’s amazing… that your familiar detected the monsters before we did. What kind of familiar…”

Just before she could finish that question, a green snake wrapped itself around the private tutor’s ankle.

She put her ear close to the snake’s mouth and nodded. So that is the private tutor’s familiar.

“…Our detection only found… three Dark Wolves troops. In terms of accuracy, we are no match for your familiar…”

“To think that they even know the monsters’ position. I wonder how smart Yuuki Grossalia’s familiar is.”

‘Dick has been praised?’

“Yeah. You did great.”

I stroked Dick’s head as he perched on my shoulder.

“Well, if it’s just Dark Wolves, I can handle them with my ‘Ancient Magic’. Soldiers, please prepare for the enemies in front.”

“What about me?”

“Yuuki Grossalia can… yes. Please help us distract our enemies.”

“Understood.”

The Dark Wolves coming from the front would be defeated by Odette Sorey and her private tutor’s magic.

Until then, the enemies on the left and right should be kept at bay.

As expected of a high-ranking noble. It makes sense.

“May I ask you something, Odette-sama?”

“What is it, Yuuki Grossalia?”

“How long does it take for an ordinary noble to defeat a group of monsters? Does it take at least an hour?”

“…Wha-!?”

Odette Sorey looked daggers at me.

“Are you doubting my capabilities? Are you saying that the Duke’s daughter, Odette, is only as good as the Dark Wolf?”

“No, that’s not it, I’m talking about a noble in general who can use magic.”

“In that case, it doesn’t take more than ten minutes for a noble to defeat a pack of Dark Wolves!”

“Ten minutes, huh?”

“That’s right! Someone from a Duke’s family would probably be able to take care of it in five minutes!”

I see.

A typical noble takes ten minutes. And five minutes for the Sorey family.

As someone from the Grossalia family who is aiming for the ‘Magic Guild’, I’ll take the middle and take care of it in seven and a half minutes.

“Understood. Then, I’m off.”

“Yes. Your familiar can confuse the enemies… Wait, you’re going in personally!?”

While still listening to Odette Sorey’s voice, I started running in my ‘Body Strengthening, Boosted’ state.

Seven and a half minutes to kill the Dark Wolves. The nobles in the present age are amazing.

It took the people in ‘Fila Village’ about twenty minutes to completely defeat ten Dark Wolves.

“I need to show a little bit of nobility. To be a proper human.”

‘Master!’

“I’ll take care of the Dark Wolves on the right. Dick, get their exact location!”

‘Understood’

As I listened to Dick’s reply, I went for ‘Body Strengthening, Boosted’ x2.

Let’s get it over with. I do not want to take too much time and have people be suspicious of me, “Are you really human? What’s taking so long?”.

I lowered my body and ran towards the grassland right beside the road.

Let me take care of the ones on the right.

With my ‘Body Strengthening, Boosted’ x2 state, I quickly closed in.

‘Grr!?’

The Dark Wolf that was hiding in the grass noticed me. But it was too late.

“One down.”

I thrust my dagger into the head of the first Dark Wolf.

The Dark Wolf shrieked and stopped moving.

Meanwhile, I erased one of the crests of the ‘Body Strengthening, Boosted’ spell and replaced it with ‘Fire God’s Relentless Barrage, Ifrit Blow’. Then I activated it.

Zudododododōntsu!!

‘Grr!?’ ‘Giieee!?’ ‘Grrrr!?’

The Dark Wolves that received a direct hit from the ‘Fire God’s Relentless Barrage, Ifrit Blow’ were blown off and burned.

This should be all for the right side.

‘Master.’ ‘My lord.’ ‘My liege.’

“Dick, Gale, Neal, how’s it going?”

‘As you instructed, we’ve restrained the Dark Wolves on the road.’ ‘Now look at this.’ ‘Look what we have found.’

“Let me see.”

When I jumped and looked down from the sky… I saw a Dark Wolf lying on the road.

There are countless cuts on its body.

It seems to have been cut by the wings of multiple ‘Body Strengthening, Boosted’ bats. Did they fatally injure the Dark Wolf? That is amazing.

A stone spear is flying towards the escaping Dark Wolf.

The magic of the Duke’s daughter, huh? Impressive.

“Well done. I’ll go ahead and defeat the Dark Wolves on the left side of the road.”

‘No. They’ve already escaped.’

“What?”

‘They must have noticed the shrieks and flames of their companions. And thought they could not win.’

“I’m going after them. Support me.”

I kicked the ground.

I used my ‘Flight’ skill to search for the Dark Wolves from the sky ── found them.

They are hiding in the tall grass, desperately trying to escape.

“Dick, Gale, Neal. Prevent them from escaping.”

‘‘‘Understood’’’

Dick and the others cut off the path of the Dark Wolves that were trying to escape.

The one that tried to get through collapsed as its chest got cut by wings.

The wings of the ‘Body Strengthening, Boosted’ bats are as hard and sharp as a blade.

“While they are distracted by Dick and the others, let’s get this over with.”

‘Giiiiieeeeee!?’

I attacked the Dark Wolf from behind.

‘We’ve got the enemies surrounded.’ ‘They’re in a panic.’ ‘I’ve found something that you might be interested in.’

Then ──

“…I failed, huh?”

It took us ten minutes to defeat them.

It is hard to pretend to be a human noble.

“…Hey. Isn’t that Yuuki Grossalia from the Grossalia family…”

“…I can’t believe it. I can’t believe that a noble, other than being able to use magic, can fight in such an amazing way.”

“…Odette-sama has formed an alliance with an outrageous opponent…”

I could hear the soldiers talking. Everyone is surprised.

That’s right. It took too long to defeat the Dark Wolves.

As an ally, I cannot help but feel unreliable…

It is really hard to pretend to be human.

“I’m sorry. Odette Sorey-sama.”

I returned to the carriage and bowed to the Duke’s daughter, Odette Sorey.

Odette Sorey is standing in front of the carriage, staring at me.

“……”

“It took me long enough to defeat the Dark Wolves. I’m embarrassed to say that it would take me ten minutes to defeat a monster that the Duke family can do in five minutes.”

“……”

“If you think I’m unreliable, I won’t complain even if you dissolve our alliance…”

“You…”

“Yes?”

“Do you remember what I said?”

“That the Sorey family can defeat a pack of Dark Wolves within five minutes of detecting them?”

“…My words were inadequate. I meant that the Duke family would be able to defeat the monsters within five minutes of ‘entering battle’ with them.”

“I’m sorry, I misunderstood.”

“Five minutes after detecting the monsters and exterminating them? That’s not something a human can do, right!? It’s very abnormal!! Please use your common sense!!”

“I’m a countryside noble, so I’m not familiar with the common sense of the capital. I will be careful from now on.”

I bowed honestly.

She is a surprisingly nice person. The Sorey family’s daughter, Odette Sorey.

And she even pointed out my mistakes.

“…I’ve misjudged your abilities. I had no idea that you were so powerful… If you’re this good, then you don’t need to form an alliance with me…”

“No, I’ve come to understand that I need Odette Sorey-sama’s help.”

“Eeehhh!?”

“By all means, please form an alliance with me. If possible, it would be helpful if you could teach me the common sense of a noble. Let’s aim to become Her Royal Highness’s knight escort together.”

“I’m rather interested in you.”

Meanwhile, Odette Sorey and I shook hands again.

‘Kyuu… Kyuu’

At the same time, I heard a chirp from my chest.

“Sorry. I forgot about you.”

I took out the little creature that I had hidden under my clothes.

It is a small fox with a silvery coat.

“What is that… creature?”

“I found her during the battle with the Dark Wolves. It seems to be the offspring of a fox that lives in this area. The other family members had been killed by the Dark Wolves.”

“…Could it be the ones we were attacked by?”

“We must have passed by when this fox family and the Dark Wolves were fighting. The Dark Wolves got drunk on the blood from killing her family and attacked us, too.”

“You say that like you’ve seen it.”

“…It’s just my imagination.”

“…Will she be okay? Even though she’s just a child, she’s still a wild animal, right?”

Odette Sorey reached out her hand to the fox timidly.

“She doesn’t bite, right?”

“She bit me.”

“She bit you!? Did you bleed!?”

“Yes. But she apologized right away. She won’t bite people unless I tell her to. By the way, her name is Remy.”

“You’re going to keep her!?”

“I’ll use her as a guard dog. After all, I’m worried about my maid while I’m at the ‘Magic Guild’.”

“…Well, it’s only natural for a mage to have familiars, but…”

“Thank you very much. Let’s go, Remy.”

‘Yes, Master.’

The silver fox, Remy, replied in human language.

When I had saved her earlier, Remy had bitten me in a panic.

At that time, this child licked my ‘Magical Blood, Mistel Blood’. That’s how I came to be able to communicate with her.

Then we talked it over, and eventually, I decided to take her into my care.

“I’m sorry for what has happened to your family. If only we had come here a little earlier.”

‘…Uuu’

“Let’s go back to the carriage for now. I’ll introduce you to Martha and the bats, Dick, Neal, and Gale. Also, I’ll give you some food.”

‘Thank you, Master.’

I returned to the carriage, holding the fox, Remy, in my arms.

“Odette-sama.”

“What’s the matter?”

“That fox has silver fur, doesn’t she?”

“Yes”

“Maybe she’s a higher fox species, the Silver Beofox?”

“The one that can use magic power to turn into a human?”

“Yes.”

“That’s impossible. The Silver Beofox can’t be tamed by humans, that’s for sure. Every mage has tried and failed to turn it into their familiar.”

“That’s right. And in any case, it takes a lot of magic power to turn into a human. It would take decades for that little fox to transform.”

“So she’s just a silver fox.”

“One that’s tamed by a human.”

“Yes, she sleeps soundly in Yuuki Grossalia’s arms.”

“She’s just a fox… I’m sure of it.”

The Duke’s daughter, Odette, and her private tutor muttered these things as they looked at Yuuki’s back.

---

<< Previous | TOC | Next >>

<< Previous | TOC | Next >>

Chapter 8 Part 2

---

In front of the Duke Sorey family’s carriage stood three people.

One of them is a girl about my age. The other two seem to be bodyguards.

“I take it you are from the Sorey family.”

I bowed as per the noble’s formality.

“I’m the second son of Baron Grossalia, Yuuki Grossalia. Since you’ve stopped the carriage, is there something you want from me?”

“This is the daughter of Duke Sorey, Odette Sorey-sama.”

It was the two bodyguards who answered.

“Odette-sama has graciously offered to speak to the illegitimate son of a Baron family. It is an unbelievable blessing for a low-ranking noble, so be grateful.”

If it were not for the fact that he is the Duke’s family bodyguard, I would have already punched him.

…No, it is because I am still a novice at being human that I feel that way.

Maybe I am just incredibly blessed.

In that case, let me respond accordingly.

“I’m afraid I have to refrain myself from speaking.”

I continued.

“I’m just an illegitimate son of a countryside noble. If I were to receive a word from the Sorey family, then I would have used up my lifetime of blessings. I may even die tomorrow. But unfortunately, I have orders from my father, so I can’t die before I have fulfilled them.”

“No, wait a minute.”

“First of all, I would like to write to my father to see if he is okay with me receiving a word from the Sorey family. After all, it is an unbelievable blessing for a low-ranking noble.”

“……”

“So, now, if you’ll excuse me.”

I bowed and stepped back.

When you are dealing with high-ranking nobles, the theory is to wait for them to leave.

Humans really are troublesome.

“I apologize for the rudeness of my bodyguards.”

The girl with golden hair stepped forward.

She has a slender and well-proportioned figure, and ample bosom. She is wearing an expensive-looking dress. Rumia would be thrilled if she sees it. After all, the Grossalia family can’t afford such a dress.

So she is Duke Sorey’s daughter, Odette Sorey.

“I got out of the carriage because I have a proposition for you. Yuuki Grossalia.”

said Odette Sorey.

“It has something to do with you as well. It’s about Her Royal Highness’s knight escort.”

I stared reflexively at Odette Sorey when she said that.

Probably because it was the expected reaction. 

The girl, Odette Sorey, nodded contentedly.

“You are aware that Her Royal Highness Princess Iris Restia will be appointing her own personal knight escort, right?”

“I am aware of it. Yes. I heard it from Her Royal Highness directly.”

“And did you know that there are four candidates?”

“…Four candidates?”

“It’s because Her Royal Highness can’t decide who will be selected to be her personal knight escort.”

I did not realize it until she mentioned it.

For a noble, being a knight escort of the royal family is the greatest honor.

She is the one being escorted, yet she cannot choose who will be her knight escort?

Princess Iris also said that she needed to get permission from His Majesty the King.

There must be some sort of power balance between the nobles.

“In other words, in addition to the person designated by Her Royal Highness, there are three other candidates that are to be Her Royal Highness’s knight escort. And you are saying that one of them is you, Odette Sorey-sama?”

“That’s right.”

“You seem to understand. For a mere illegitimate son of a Baron family.” 

The bodyguard looked at me and said.

“If you understand, then you should immediately withdraw your candidacy as Her Royal Highness’s knight escort. After all, the one who deserves the honor of being the knight escort is our Odette Sorey-sama!” 

“What are you saying!? This fool!!”

Odette Sorey yelled at the bodyguard behind her.

“What would a Duke be if they didn’t obtain their position through their own abilities! Don’t say something foolish! Please correct what you just said!”

“I-I’m sorry! Odette-sama!!”

“Someone! Please take away this insolent fellow. Now!!”

She ordered, and the bodyguard was taken to the other side of the carriage.

“I apologize for showing you something unsightly. My proposition is simple. Please join hands with me, Yuuki Grossalia.”

“Join hands with you?”

“The other two already seem to be in an alliance. If you join hands with me, we can fight on equal terms, don’t you agree?”

“You’re saying that the other two candidates are working together?”

“I caught hold of the information. The Marquis family and the Count family.”

“Only one of us can be the knight escort, right? In other words, after we defeated the other two candidates, it will be Odette-sama and me in the end?” 

“That’s still too early to say. But that’s right.”

Odette Sorey shook her ample bosom and smiled.

“Of course, I’ll be the one to win. But even if I do, I will treat you as an ally. The Grossalia family will receive the Sorey family’s favor. Wouldn’t this be beneficial to you as well?”

“Please let me think about it.”

“Sure. There will probably be an examination to select the knight escort, so I’ll wait until then.”

“No, I’ll decide by the time I get to the royal capital.”

“You’re quick to make a decision.”

“Until then, let’s call it a temporary alliance, shall we? Instead of being hostile to each other, we’ll cooperate in cases of adversity. That way, we’ll also understand what we’re capable of, don’t you agree?” 

“Y-Yeah. T-That’s fine with me.”

“Good. I look forward to working with you.”

“Please wait.”

Odette Sorey stopped me as I was about to return to the carriage.

“Yuuki Grossalia. Is it true that you single-handedly defeated the griffin summoned by that tutor, Kachel?”

“Who told you that?”

“Your father.”

…Father. What are you doing?

“I’m not alone. There was also Her Royal Highness and the other soldiers. We worked together to defeat it.”

“I-I know, right? I was surprised.”

“I’m sorry. I’m afraid there are some strange rumors going around.”

“Yeah. I was surprised when I heard about it. It’s not humanly possible for someone to single-handedly defeat a griffin.”

“I am a human, you know. The Duke’s daughter, Odette Sorey.”

“…Of course. It’s just a metaphor.”

“Is that so.”

“Anyway, you seem to be promising. I look forward to working with you.”

Odette Sorey and I shook hands.

After that, we returned to our carriages and continued the journey.

“My Lady. How was Yuuki Grossalia?”

“…He is a formidable opponent.”

In the carriage, the Duke’s daughter, Odette, was talking to her private tutor.

“A dignified demeanor even in the presence of a Duke’s family member. Quick situational judgment ability. Decisiveness. Even though we have a large number of soldiers, he was completely unfazed. He must be hiding his true abilities.”

“It’s just a rumor that he single-handedly defeated a griffin, right?”

“No.”

Odette shook her head.

“My father heard the story from a soldier under the direct command of Her Royal Highness. There were also other soldiers at the scene where Kachel went on a rampage, but he was the one who single-handedly defeated the griffin. Despite that, Yuuki Grossalia was not proud of it. It’s as if he has no interest in becoming Her Royal Highness’s knight escort.”

“What noble wouldn’t want to become Her Royal Highness Princess Iris’s knight escort?”

“There’s no way such a person exists.”

Odette bit her nails in frustration.

“Her Royal Highness’s knight escort is a close aide of hers. Where he or she will be taught by the same mage as Her Royal Highness in the ‘Lindbel Magic Guild’. The highest-ranking mage of the guild…”

“The future of an apprentice depends on which mage they study under.”

“Moreover, if they investigate the ‘Capital of Ancient Magic Civilization, Elysium’ and find new ‘Ancient Artifacts’, their peerage rises. If one wishes, they can receive a new peerage and territory.”

If it’s a Baron family, they become a Count family.

If it’s a Duke family, they will have the privilege to marry a royal family member.

If they do not intend to inherit the peerage, they will receive a new peerage and territory.

This is what it means to cultivate your magic at the ‘Lindbel Magic Guild’.

“Let us not make an enemy of him. For my own goals and the sake of Her Royal Highness Princess Iris’s peace.”

Odette muttered quietly.

---

<< Previous | TOC | Next >>

<< Previous | TOC | Next >>

Chapter 8 Part 1

---

Chapter 8 – The Former Demon King, Leaves Home

That night. I was back in the mountains again.

“So, I’m going to the royal capital. Who wants to follow me?”

‘Master.’ ‘Gi-Gi-Gi.’ ‘Kii-Kii.’ ‘…Kii.’

All the bats in the mountains agreed.

“There’s too many of you. I’ll take Dick and only two more.”

So I said.

A fierce battle between the bats began.

The result.

“Okay. The two of you then. Your names will be Gale and Neal. I’ll give you ‘Magical Blood, Mistel Blood’ as well.”

‘Kii.’ ‘Ki-Kii.’

I cut my finger, and blood began to flow.

The two bats, Gale and Neal, licked the blood.

With this, they will be able to talk as well. And do as I say.

“What I need you guys to do is to scout the royal capital. Also, information on the guild and the town. I also want you guys to check out the routes I can take to hide in case of an emergency.”

‘Master.’ ‘Understood.’ ‘Got it.’

Dick, Gale, and Neal replied.

Let’s have them help me live the way of a human.

I’m still a novice at being a human. So I want to make sure I do not get found out.

I have learned my lesson. I do not want anything like what had happened in my previous life to occur again.

“We’re leaving tomorrow. So I’ll end it early today. Until then, please accompany me in practicing ‘Ancient Magic’.”

‘‘‘Kii-Kii!’’’

And so, after practicing ‘Ancient Magic’ for a while, I returned to the mansion ──

The next day.

The day for me to leave for the royal capital has finally come.

“I’ll be going, then. Father, Xellos nii-sama, Rumia.”

“Yeah, please do your best.”

Father holds my hands.

“If it’s you, I know you’ll be fine, Yuuki.”

Xellos nii-sama gave a refreshing smile.

“P-Please take care and write to me, Yuuki nii-sama.”

said Rumia, with tears flowing down her face.

“Her Royal Highness wants you to be a knight escort, but there is no need to push yourself. Always try to favor the high-ranking nobles. Don’t forget that our Grossalia family is considered an upstart.”

“I understand. Father.”

“There are many children of nobles who will be going to the royal capital as well. I have also told the nobles of other families about you. Please don’t be rude to them.”

Father, you do not need to be concerned about that.

I have a feeling that getting involved with the other nobles… will be troublesome.

“Martha. Please take good care of Yuuki for me.”

“To be honest, Martha doesn’t really like you, since Xellos-sama disliked Yuuki-sama.”

“…You always speak frankly, don’t you.”

“Martha is Yuuki-sama’s personal maid, after all.”

“I understand. I apologize for what I have done so far. In return, I’m going to back up Yuuki with the entire Grossalia family. Can you please believe me on that?”

“Yes. Xellos-sama.”

“And don’t worry about your mother, Melissa. We’ll take good care of her.”

“Thank you for your kindness.”

Martha bowed and began to load her baggage into the carriage.

But before that, I wish she would tear off Rumia, who is still hugging me.

“It’s not like we won’t see each other anymore, right? And you also won’t mind if Rumia goes to visit you, right?”

“There are holidays too, and I think I can at least have a family visit. So it will be fine.”

“Take care, Martha. Even if we’re far apart, we’ll always be friends, won’t we?”

“Yes. Please come and visit us, Rumia-sama.”

“Yeah… yeah.”

“Come on now, Rumia. It’s about time.”

said Father. 

Rumia finally moved away from me.

Father, Xellos nii-sama, Rumia, maids, and servants are all lined up in rows in front of the mansion.

Speaking of which, this is the first time I’ve been sent off on a journey by someone.

In my previous life, I was asked, ‘Why don’t you age!?’, ‘Get out of here, you monster!’. I was chased off all the time, and after I settled down in ‘Fila Village’, I hardly ever went out of the village.

I see. So this is how humans send off their families.

“Thank you for everything.”

“What are you talking about, Yuuki?”

Xellos nii-sama held out his fist to me.

“This is your home. If you need anything, you can always come back. ‘My Lord’.”

“Xellos? What do you mean by ‘My Lord’?”

“It’s a secret between Yuuki and me. Hey, Yuuki.”

“…Yes, nii-sama.”

Xellos nii-sama and I put our fists together.

This is what it means to be human.

I’m no match for them. Seriously.

And so, the carriage carrying Martha and I departed Baron Grossalia’s territory.

The carriage carrying Martha and I is going smoothly along the road.

It takes about fifteen days by carriage from the Baron’s territory to the royal capital.

Today is the 14th day, so we should be able to see the royal capital tomorrow.

“There’s no need for a carriage, though.”

“That’s not how it works. Young Master Yuuki.”

said the coachman.

He is an old soldier over fifty years old, who had been patrolling the territory.

“We have social norms. Besides, young master is going to be Her Royal Highness’s knight escort. It’s a great honor to be given the task of escorting young master to the royal capital.”

“Don’t get all teary about it. Also, you don’t need to call me young master.”

“Please don’t worry about it, ‘Young Master Yuuki’.”

“Stop it, Martha.”

“Hehe.”

Martha smiled happily while sitting on the vibration suppression blanket.

“Martha never thought that Martha would be going to the royal capital.”

“I’m sorry, you had to come with me.”

“Martha is Yuuki-sama’s partner, after all.”

“It’s to survive in this world.”

“Martha realized that this is not a kind world when Martha’s father died.”

“I’m not going to die, so don’t worry.”

“Martha trust you. Yuuki-sama.”

“Thank you. Anyway… isn’t the carriage slowing down?”

I looked out of the carriage window.

The scenery has hardly changed for a while now.

“Pardon me, young master, Martha-chan.”

“Please stop adding the ‘-chan’.”

“I don’t think you have to worry about it, ‘Martha-chan’.”

“…Mm.”

“Is something the matter?”

“No, the carriage in front of us isn’t really moving…”

The coachman bowed to Martha and me.

“Dick. Are you there?”

‘Yes. Master.’

Dick, who had been hiding among the baggage, appeared.

“I’m sorry, but I need you to see what’s going on.”

‘Certainly.’

Dick flew out of the carriage window.

“That’s my familiar, Dick. There are also Gale and Neal.”

“You have many friends, don’t you? Yuuki-sama.”

“I thought you’d be surprised.”

“It’s only natural that Yuuki-sama is amazing.”

“I’d like to surprise Martha for once, though.”

“No, Martha doesn’t get surprised anymore because Yuuki-sama surprised Martha so much when Martha was still a child.”

“I’m sorry.”

“No, it’s fine. It was good training for Martha to become Yuuki-sama’s personal maid.”

“Martha is amazing.”

“Right back at you.”

While we were having that conversation, Dick returned.

‘The road is empty, but the carriage in front of us is moving slowly. Together with a large parade of soldiers.’

“A large parade of soldiers?”

‘Yes. Three carriages. And many guards.’

“It’s really a large parade. Do you know who the carriages belong to?”

‘The carriages have Wyvern emblems on them.’

“Wyvern emblem, huh. Martha, do you know?”

“In that case… Marquess-sama? No, Duke-sama’s…?”

“The Wyvern is Duke Sorey’s family crest. Young master, Martha-chan.”

said the coachman at the driver’s seat.

“It’s a historic noble family. We can’t overtake that large parade.”

“No, they seem to have stopped.”

I looked out the window and saw that the Duke’s carriages had indeed stopped.

A little later, our carriage also came to a halt.

“Martha, do you remember what Father said to me when we were about to leave?”

“Please do your best.”

“Then Father said that there are many children of nobles who will be going to the royal capital as well.”

“Martha remembers. Baron-sama also told the nobles of other families about you.”

“I wonder what Father told them.”

“Martha thinks it was bragging about Yuuki-sama.”

Martha and I looked at each other. 

We had a bad feeling about this. 

“Young master. Someone is getting out of the carriage in front of us.”

“I’ll handle it. Martha, get my clothes ready.”

“Yes, Yuuki-sama.”

I turned my back to Martha.

Martha took the best coat out of the baggage and put it on my shoulders.

As soon as I unfasten my belt, she turns her face to the side and gives me ironed trousers. While I change out of my casual clothes into something more formal, Martha takes a comb out from the chest pocket of her maid’s uniform and fixes my hair. She then smooths out the wrinkles of my coat, adjusted the collar, and I was done.

“…You two are in tune with each other, like a married couple who have been together for twenty years.”

“We are partners, after all.”

“Martha has pledged her allegiance to Yuuki-sama.”

I got out of the carriage, leaving Martha and the coachman behind.

---

<< Previous | TOC | Next >>

<< Previous | TOC | Next >>

---

I had a dream for the first time in a long time. Perhaps it was because I was exhausted after solving one of my problems.

It was a dream about my previous life.

Back when I was still Dean Nosferatu, I was teaching children in that old castle ──

“My lord!!”

“Lyle. You’re still here.”

“Yes!”

The 8-year-old Lyle Carmine nodded with laughter.

This is the innermost room of the old castle. It’s a classroom for the children.

The villagers jokingly call it the ‘Throne Room’.

Indeed, there is a chair that makes it look like a throne. The villagers made it several generations ago. It’s getting a bit worn out, but it gets repaired every few years.

On the floor, there are tablets lying around.

Until just now, the children of the village were practicing their writing and doing math problems.

In the morning, children between the ages of four and thirteen come to this old castle to study. They would leave before sunset.

It may sound like a classroom, but it also partially acts as a nursery.

I’m always taking care of the little ones while letting the older children study.

“And why aren’t you home yet, Lyle?”

“Please continue teaching me, my lord!!”

“It’s already late today. Let’s do it tomorrow.”

“No!”

“…Hey now.”

Lyle is the only son of Dick and Gerda. He is small for his age and likes to study more than playing. However, his ability to learn is poor.

When I look at Lyle’s writing on the tablets… Aah, he makes a lot of mistakes in his grammar and calculations.

After all, Lyle is a hasty child.

I always tell him to write more calmly.

“Look outside, Lyle.”

“It’s dark, isn’t it! My lord!”

“You probably heard the evening bell ring, didn’t you?”

“I did. My lord!”

“Then, what should you do?”

“To learn more!”

“Wrong! Hurry up and go home! It’s dangerous, you know!?”

“There are no monsters on the mountain trail around here, so it’s okay!”

“That’s because the people in the village and I have been exterminating them regularly.”

“Thank you very much! My lord!”

“Don’t mention it, just go home. I’ll send you off.”

“Eeeeeehhhhhh.”

“Go home!”

“Ouch, ouch! My head hurts!”

He is saying that, but isn’t he smiling?

Seriously, I don’t understand humans. They came to a ‘Monster, Nosferatu’ like me, and showed me a smile.

I have lived for nearly two hundred years, and I still do not understand humans.

“In the first place, why do you want to study so badly?”

“Because I’m behind everyone else.”

“It’s not a contest, you know?”

“I know. B-But…”

Lyle’s cheeks turn red.

He crouches down and begins to poke at the tablets.

“What’s wrong with Remilia’s tablet!?”

“No! I don’t like Remilia!”

“Huh?”

“I don’t care that Remilia said she likes smart people! I don’t care that Remilia said she wanted to be the wife of the village chief! I just don’t care!!”

“I see. So you want to marry Remilia!?”

“Stop it!”

Hey, don’t hit me… while crying.

Seriously.

“It’s late now, so go home. This is my decision.”

*Sniff Sniff* “…Uuu.”

“Instead, come back thirty minutes early starting from tomorrow morning.”

Lyle looked at me dumbfounded.

Before I knew it, his tears had stopped. He is a calculated child.

“Tell Dick and Gerda that I asked you to help with the cleaning. I’ll help you with your studies before the other children get here.”

“…My lord.”

“It’s just that. Remilia is by far the best I’ve ever taught. It will take a lot of effort to make her fall in love with you, you know!? So don’t hit me!”

I took him back to the village since it was getting late ──

“Good morning! My lord!”

“I told you to come here thirty minutes early, didn’t I!? Why are you coming right after dawn!!?”

I really do not understand humans.

“I’ve decided to marry Lyle.”

It was a few years later that Remilia came to report this.

Her declaration of marriage threw the men of the village into the depths of despair.

For she is a beautiful girl, which was rare around here.

“In commemoration of our marriage, please teach me the magic for restraint, my lord.”

“Why’s that!? What are you going to use it for?”

“Don’t worry! I won’t use it on anyone but Lyle!”

“What are you going to do to your newly-wed husband?”

“…I mean, isn’t Lyle popular?”

Is that so?

Are you not the only child in the village who likes him?

“Lyle is good-looking, hardworking, responsible, and very honest! What girl wouldn’t like him!!?”

“You think so?”

“…Please make corrections. My lord.”

“…Well, first of all, I think you two are a good match for each other.”

“As expected of my lord, you’re a good judge of character!”

“Stop pointing your finger at me. Don’t prepare to chant. That’s intimidation!”

“I mean, only my lord knows how great Lyle is.”

“I know he’s been working hard to get you to like him.”

“I know, right.”

“But didn’t you always like Lyle? So why did you put conditions on the marriage? Like becoming the village chief or the best mage in the village?”

“Eh? Because isn’t it cute that Lyle makes an honest effort?”

“…Human women are scary.”

“When we get married, I’m going to make him work hard so we can have lots of kids.”

“Please be moderate.”

“If Lyle gets sick, please take care of him.”

“Don’t rely on me before you two get married!”

It can’t be helped.

I grabbed some herbs from the warehouse.

“Here. This is a decoction of ‘Hermes Grass’ root, which is good as a nourishing tonic. Use it only once a day.”

“I love you! My lord!!”

“Yes, yes.”

“In return, Lyle and I would like to give you a present.”

“A present?”

“Lyle loves you, my lord.”

“I suppose so.”

“Of course, I love my lord, too. In other words, the number one and the number two in the ‘I love my lord ranking’ of ‘Fila Village’ will get married. What do you think will happen?”

“I don’t know.”

“Well, believe it or not, the child who loves my lord the most in the world will be born and will become your wife!”

“Don’t talk nonsense!”

“Why is that?”

“Because you’re all going to die before I do.”

“…Is that why you’ve always been alone?”

“It was pretty tough when your parents died. What would I do if it was my wife?”

“It will be fine!”

“What?”

“Because Lyle and I are going to have lots of children.”

Remilia smiles shyly.

“Then maybe one of them will be immortal who can stay with my lord forever and even have a child together.”

“What are the odds of that?”

“You will see. I’ll do my best!”

“Well, just make sure Lyle doesn’t die. Also…”

I placed a stone on the palm of Remilia’s hand.

It was the ‘Lapiris Stone’ that I had refined, which has a magic power accumulation effect.

It was quite difficult to find one with high purity.

“It’s a wedding gift for you. Be happy, Remilia.”

“Yes!! I promise!!”

“Haa… haa…… My lord…”

“It’s okay, Alice. You’re not going to die.”

A few years later.

This is my room in the old castle.

Lying on the bed is Lyle and Remilia’s daughter, Alice.

Around that time, the epidemic of ‘Death Crest Disease’ was in full swing.

The death toll in the royal capital continued to rise.

So I told the villagers not to go to the royal capital or any villages near it, but ── I couldn’t stop the ones coming from there like messengers and emissaries.

There were several infected people in the village.

Those with mild symptoms were placed in the inner ‘Throne Room’.

But Alice’s fever has not gone down yet.

The ‘Death Crest Disease’ that appears when one is infected is still there. That is why I have been keeping an eye on her.

I did the treatment.

I have been giving Alice my ‘Magical Blood, Mistel Blood’, and continue to use the power of ‘Purification’ on her.

The worst is over. Alice should be ── fine.

Now it’s just a matter of time… I keep repeating the same words over and over again, don’t I?

I have been living for almost two hundred years, and every time someone is dying, this would always happen. I just never grow up, don’t I?

“Hey… My lord.”

“Go back to sleep, Alice.”

“Why do you look like you’re in pain?”

“…Huh?”

“My lord is immortal, right? But ever since Alice is dying, my lord has been in pain. Why’s that…?”

“…I don’t like this kind of thing.”

“…This kind of thing?”

“I just can’t get used to people around me dying young. It’s like I’m cheating since I don’t die. That’s all.”

“Is… that so.”

Alice rolled over in her sleep.

She squinted her big eyes and looked at me.

“Then Alice will do her best.”

“Yeah, that’s the spirit. The purification is progressing, so you’ll feel better soon. Hang in there.”

“If I do my best, will you reward me?”

“Very well.”

“Then, when Alice grows up, Alice will be my lord’s wife.”

“Yes, yes.”

“…My lord, you idiot.”

“Why, all of a sudden?”

“That’s not how you answer a maiden’s confession.”

“That can wait till you get better.”

“By the way, by wife, Alice meant that Alice would be with my lord for the rest of her life.”

“…I’ll think about it when you’re older.”

“…My lord, didn’t you tell everyone that?”

“You’re scary.”

“They’ll forget about it when they’re older anyway, is that what you think?”

“Don’t read the mind of the ‘Immortal Mage, Lord of Nosferatu’.”

“Won’t you think about it…?”

“Time passes differently for humans than for me. I’m not going to let the ‘future you’ take responsibility for the ‘present you’.”

“Mmm. Then let’s play a game.”

“A game?”

“Alice will always remember this feeling, even after Alice is older. So, if Alice doesn’t forget, take Alice as your wife.”

“Sure. But then who’s going to succeed Lyle?”

“Mother has a second child in her belly. So it will be fine.”

“Remilia is overusing ‘Hermes Grass’ on Lyle, huh…”

“He’s still young, so he’ll be fine.”

“Don’t say that. And don’t say that to the other children.”

“We’re quite open about it.”

“All right, all right. Now go to sleep.”

“…Yeah.”

I patted her on the head, and Alice closed her eyes meekly.

This was just before I died.

I don’t know what happened to Lyle, Remilia, and Alice after that.

I… should not know.

However ──

*Rustle Rustle*

I heard strange noises.

There are faint voices from over there. What… is this?

Whose memory ── is this?

“I… I… with this hand of mine… my family… ‘My Lord’…”

“……‘My Lord’ said… ‘see you’… so surely… someday.”

“…You are…… our…… hope……”

“──── Hero ────. I put you ──── in ──── charge.”

“──── If you are okay with it ────, I understand.”

“──── No matter how much time passes ──── I will always be waiting for you ──── so ────”

“Someday, I hope we meet again ────”

“…Eh?”

When I came to my senses, I found myself in my bed in the Baron’s mansion.

…I was dreaming.

A dream from long ago…

The last thing I heard was voices. Lyle, Remilia, and Alice’s.

There was also a mixture of voices from people I didn’t know.

It was not my memory. Maybe it was something that has happened from the past two hundred years ago.

Something that Lyle and the others were talking about…?

In that case, who conveyed it to me…?

I don’t know.

I don’t even know why I was reincarnated in the first place. It is pointless to think about it.

…But Lyle… was concerned about the fact that he killed me.

If that was truly his voice, what did Lyle and the others do after my death…?

“What’s the matter, Yuuki-sama?”

“…Something from long ago… no, I had a strange dream.”

“Please tell me about it, Yuuki-sama.”

“Rather than that, Martha, why are you in my room?”

“You’re leaving for the royal capital tomorrow, aren’t you? And you told Martha to wake you up early because you have many things to do before that, didn’t you?”

Right.

It has already been about a month since the enrollment examination.

Since then, I have been very busy every day. I have to read the materials that Princess Iris sent me and the enrollment guidelines for the ‘Magic Guild’. I read the orientation guide and the document about the ‘Knight Escort’, and I accompanied Rumia in my free time ── just like that, time flew by quickly.

If Martha had not helped me with the preparations, I might not have made it in time.

“Thank you, Martha. I’m getting up.”

“With that said, what were you dreaming about?”

“……I don’t remember.”

I feel bad for Martha, but I have to leave it like that.

“What a shame.”

“Why’s that?”

“Martha thought that by analyzing the dream, Martha would be able to serve Yuuki-sama better.”

“It’s fine. Rather, come help me get dressed.”

“Yes, Yuuki-sama.”

From now on, I will study ‘Ancient Magic’ at the ‘Magic Guild’ in the royal capital.

I wish I could find out about Lyle and the others… there.

I should be careful not to reveal my true identity and be prepared to disappear at any time.

If I disappear by dying… they would be sad.

So let’s just be sure that it will be a normal, missing person case.

“Well then, let’s go, shall we?”

“Yes, Yuuki-sama.”

I then left the room of the mansion.

Tomorrow is the day I will leave for the royal capital, so let me do what I can today.

---

<< Previous | TOC | Next >>

<< Previous | TOC | Next >>

Chapter 7 Part 4

---

“Thank you very much for your help today”

The princess and I are in the reception room of the detached building.

The tea that Martha had made for us was long gone. Not knowing how to pass the time, I drank it in small sips until it was all gone. I don’t know what to say to the princess.

Mainly because she reminds me of Lyle’s daughter, Alice.

“Apologies. It wasn’t just ‘today’. You already did save me ‘the other day’, too”

“It was Clara-san that I saved the other day”

“That was me in disguise”

“Why did you use an alias, Your Royal Highness?”

“I sometimes help the ‘Magic Guild’ with their investigations. As a princess, it’s not easy for me to go out, after all. When I want to move freely, I use the name ‘Clara’”

“So that’s why you were in the mountains…”

“Yes. So, I was wondering if you would accept my proposal”

“About me becoming an apprentice at the ‘Magic Guild’, right?”

“I was so excited earlier that I declared it without even asking for your opinion…”

Princess Iris’s face turned bright red.

“But it’s also true that I was amazed by Yuuki-sama’s abilities and that I want you by my side as someone I can trust. If you stay by my side, I will be able to do my research at the ‘Magic Guild’ with peace of mind”

I understand that.

After all, the princess has been attacked by monsters in the mountains and by Kachel in the Baron’s territory.

Having more guards would be better.

“Is that why you want me to join the ‘Magic Guild’?”

“It’s odd, isn’t it? That a member of the royal family would be so obsessed with magic”

“I don’t understand why you would go so far”

“…I’ll tell you the reason why I’m so obsessed with magic”

The princess looks down as if deep in thought.

Then she looked me in the eye.

“Actually, there is something different about me from other princes and princesses”

“Something different?”

“My grandmother was a commoner who married off to a marquis two generations ago as they fell in love at first sight. She was very beautiful, wise, and also had a great talent for magic, but… she had a slightly unusual constitution”

“Are you sure you want to tell me about this?”

“I don’t mind”

“Why?”

“I can’t ask you to do me a favor while hiding things from you. Besides ──”

Princess Iris, choosing her words carefully.

“I have a feeling that if it’s Yuuki-sama, you will listen to me seriously. It’s just a feeling though”

“I understand. I’ll listen”

“Back to the story. There were two things about my grandmother that were unusual. One was that she had a larger capacity for magic power than most people. The other was that she always remained young. When I was young, I met my grandmother, and she was so young that I thought she was in her twenties even though she was in her fifties”

“What happened to your grandmother?”

“She passed away some time ago. My mother married into the royal family, had me, and then had an accident”

“Are you perhaps also in your thirties, Your Royal Highness?”

“No-no, I’m only thirteen years old”

“Right”

She has a large capacity for magic power. And she always remained young, huh….

Come to think of it, the familiar to whom I gave blood to, have lived longer than a normal bat. Their capacity for magic power also increased.

But I’ve never given ‘Magical Blood, Mistel Blood‘ to a human before ── no, there was Lyle’s daughter, Alice.

How much ‘Magical Blood, Mistel Blood‘ did I give Alice when I cured her illness in my previous life?

I can’t remember.

But I remember giving Alice a lot of my blood because her ‘Death Crest Disease’ was very serious….

“May I ask for your grandmother’s name?”

“My grandmother’s name is Rachel. Are you interested?”

“Yes”

If she was in her fifties when the princess met her, she’s probably not Alice.

“I would love to hear your story…”

“I understand. It’s hard to imagine what it’s like to live forever”

“Do you know the cause of your grandmother’s constitution?”

I asked.

The princess shook her head.

“I don’t know. My mother said she didn’t know either”

“Has the constitution been passed down?”

“I think so. After all, my magic power capacity is larger than most. There are very few people in the royal family who can use ‘Fire God’s Relentless Barrage, Ifrit Blow’, you know?”

…Is that so?

I’ve drawn the crest of ‘Fire God’s Relentless Barrage, Ifrit Blow’ on the wings of Dick and his companions.

I was able to analyze it when the princess used it in the mountains.

“In the marquis’s family, my grandmother’s constitution was not a problem. But not in the royal family. I was told many things about my constitution. The reason I joined the ‘Magic Guild’ was so that I could know what I am”

“You’ve been through a lot, haven’t you?”

“It’s all to find out my roots”

The princess smiled.

“I want to train at the ‘Magic Guild’ and become a mage recognized by everyone. I want to become a high-ranking mage, study hard, and know what I am. That’s why I’m obsessed with the ‘Magic Guild’. If it can be realized, then I would like Yuuki-sama to help me with that”

“Very well”

I understood the circumstances of Princess Iris very well.

I also understood why her hands were trembling.

She has told so much to someone she doesn’t know well. It can’t be helped that she is scared.

“Yuuki Grossalia will obey Her Royal Highness Princess Iris’s request and join the ‘Magic Guild’”

“Thank you very much!”

The princess grabbed my hand.

“I-If you don’t mind… would you be my knight escort?”

“A knight escort?”

“Yes. Children of the royal family can choose a knight to guard them when they reach the age of thirteen. Though many of them choose from among the nobles, I would like to ask Yuuki-sama to do it”

“Is that… different from studying together at the ‘Magic Guild’?”

“It’s something more intimate. We will be under the same mentor and work together at the ‘Magic Guild’. While we study together as apprentices, I would like you to be my friend and protect me”

“But I’m an illegitimate child of a Baron family?”

“I’ve seen what Yuuki-sama is capable of”

“I have no objection to being Your Royal Highness’s knight escort”

Conversely, I would like to help Princess Iris find her roots.

If she is a descendent of Alice from ‘Fila Village’, her ‘constitution’ might be my fault.

Maybe me giving Alice ‘Magical Blood, Mistel Blood’ two hundred years ago affected her descendants.

“May I ask you something? Your Royal Highness Princess Iris”

“Please. Go ahead, Yuuki-sama”

“Does Your Royal Highness Princess Iris like ‘Spicy Venison Thin Crust Pie’?”

“…I beg your pardon?”

The princess became puzzled.

Well, just to make sure.

That’s what Martha told me. She said that the taste of family is something that is passed down from generation to generation.

“…No, I’ve never had it before”

“Right”

It is a village dish. How could the royal family eat it?

“But I do like spicy food”

“Thank you very much”

Let’s put it on hold whether the princess is a descendant of Alice.

Even if I know she is a descendant… It’s not like I can say anything about it.

However, this is also a chance. We can be together while we are at the royal capital.

“Well then, I will serve as Your Royal Highness’s knight escort after joining the ‘Magic Guild’”

I stood up and knelt before Princess Iris.

“…Is this a verbal promise?”

“No, officially, I have to get permission from my father ── His Majesty the King”

“After joining the ‘Magic Guild’?”

“Yeah. I’ll talk to my father. There will be a briefing and orientation for new members at the ‘Magic Guild’, so I was hoping that Yuuki-sama could come to the royal capital before that”

If it’s before the briefing, it’ll be about a month from now.

“I understand. Then I will go to the royal capital before the briefing”

“You are really an amazing person. Yuuki Grossalia-sama”

Princess Iris put her hands together and smiled.

It is a strange, childlike smile ── or rather, since we are of the same age, we are just children.

“You have the ability for quick decision making, fast reaction speed, and a sense of humor as well as magic skills. I was surprised that you asked me what my favorite food is. If it’s someone like you, I can understand why your brother would want to teach you magic”

“Is that so”

“I’m also looking forward to seeing how much talent you will show at the royal capital”

Princess Iris stood up, picked up the skirts of her dress, and bowed.

“Please tell me one last thing. The ‘Sanctuary Church, Elysium Temple’ has been destroyed, right?”

“Yes”

“Then why would Kachel do that?”

“Barnes and the others searched his room and found a copy of a letter”

“A letter, you say? Is it addressed to his friends?”

“It wasn’t addressed to anyone, but the content was praised to the ‘Sanctuary Church, Elysium Temple’. It’s not clear where he got the amulets from. It’s just that…”

Princess Iris pondered a bit before continuing.

“I’ve heard that there is an organization that idealizes the ‘Sanctuary Church, Elysium Temple’”

“…Such an organization exists, huh?”

“The ‘Sanctuary Church, Elysium Temple’ is taboo, but I’ve heard that some people are studying it. If Yuuki-sama is interested, I can arrange for you to meet with the researchers”

“Thank you”

“Very well. Now then, I shall take my leave”

With that, Princess Iris left the reception room.

“So I’m to guard Her Royal Highness while she is an apprentice at the ‘Magic Guild’”

The terms are not bad.

If there’s someone looking into the ‘Sanctuary Church, Elysium Temple’, they might be able to get some information on it.

Given that Kachel was a worshipper of the ‘Sanctuary Church, Elysium Temple’, there may be others like him.

There is no telling what they will do, after all. So let’s take some precautions.

“…Well, that will be after I go to the royal capital”

I left the reception room.

Let’s have Martha bring me some snacks and then take a nap.

The next day, I was summoned to Xellos nii-sama’s room.

“You’re here. Yuuki”

“How nostalgic. I haven’t been in this room for three years”

It has changed a lot.

There used to be maps of the territory and books about the tales of this countryside, but now there are only materials related to the ‘Magic Guild’ and the examinations.

Xellos nii-sama is sitting behind his desk, with his back to the window.

I can’t tell what facial expression he has because of the backlight.

“I wanted to ask you something. That’s why I asked you to come here”

“To ask whether I am really the reincarnation of the ‘Immortal Mage, Lord of Nosferatu’?”

“That doesn’t matter”

“That doesn’t matter, you say?”

“Yes. It’s not what I wanted to ask”

Xellos nii-sama stood in front of me and looked me right in the eye.

“I’m going to keep your secret, no matter who you are. Do you believe that?”

“I believe you”

“Why is that?”

“Because nii-sama is prideful and does whatever he says”

“Are you serious?”

“Yeah?”

“…I see”

Nii-sama’s shoulders slumped and sighed.

“You’re amazing. Yuuki”

“What’s with that sudden praise?”

“I’ve always disliked you. I always thought it was because we had a different mother ── that you are my half-brother. But I was wrong. I’m no match for you. I knew that, and that’s why I’ve always disliked you…”

“I’m not that big of a deal”

“Yuuki. Take this”

Xellos nii-sama took out a sword from behind his desk.

He pulled out a sword and pointed the tip of the blade at himself ── wait, why would he give me the grip?

“This is an oath. Xellos Grossalia will always be on your side no matter what. If you doubt me, push the sword and take my life”

“No, I will not take a knight’s oath here”

“This is to set things to rights. Yuuki, I was saved by you. And so I’ll repay the debt”

“Nii-sama, aren’t you being too serious here?”

“I can’t help it. It’s in my nature”

In the first place, Xellos nii-sama is not the one to be blamed here.

Nii-sama had been under the influence of Kachel through that amulet.

It was also the reason why he said this and that to me.

And so I tried to convey this to Xellos nii-sama, but ──

“No, that’s another story. This is to set things to rights”

“You sure are troublesome!”

── Seriously.

Nii-sama is way too serious. I can’t help but think that he is devoted to the family in a weird way.

He sure is troublesome.

That is why I cannot leave humans alone.

“Yuuki Grossalia accepts Xellos Grossalia’s oath. I accept my brother’s oath to always be on my side. This should be fine, right?”

“I still owe you more though”

“You need to work on your overly serious nature, nii-sama”

“No, as a legitimate son of the Grossalia family, I have to be better than that”

“That’s the issue, nii-sama”

“…I don’t understand what you’re saying, Yuuki”

Nii-sama smiled with his head tilted to the side.

While we were talking, there was a knock at the door.

It seems that a maid from the main building had come to tell us that lunch was ready.

“You can also eat in the main building, Yuuki”

“No, Martha is waiting for me”

“Just eat twice. You are in your growth period, after all”

“Don’t be absurd, nii-sama”

We left the room together.

*Rustle* There was a noise.

I looked, and there stood Rumia across the corridor.

She was staring at Xellos nii-sama and me, paying no attention to the book she had dropped.

“Yuuki nii-sama… and Xellos nii-sama… are getting along well”

“Rumia?”

“Sorry for making you worry, Rumia. It’s as you said, Yuuki and I are getting along well…”

“It’s been a long time since I last saw this… I-I’m happy. I’m so happy”

Tears fell from Rumia’s eyes.

“Yuuki nii-sama!!”

“R-Rumia!?”

“I’m so glad. Yuuki nii-sama has always wanted to reconcile with Xellos nii-sama…”

“Why are you hugging me!? Go hug Xellos nii-sama”

“Xellos nii-sama has been very stubborn, so I won’t hug him”

“…No, I’m good”

Did Xellos nii-sama look chagrined just now?

“Yuuki will soon be going to the royal capital as an apprentice of the ‘Magic Guild’, after all. You should fawn on him while you still can”

“Is it okay!? Yuuki nii-sama”

“…It’s not fair to ask me that now”

“As the legitimate son, I’ll allow it. I’ll also tell Father about it”

Why do you have that “I got you” look on your face? Xellos nii-sama.

Rumia is… well, too clingy. You’re the daughter of a Baron family, aren’t you? Seriously.

And so Xellos nii-sama and I, for the first time in a long time, talked as brothers ──

As it is, I was free to go in and out of the main building as I pleased.

---

<< Previous | TOC | Next >>

<< Previous | TOC | Next >>

Chapter 7 Part 3

---

“Hey. What’s going on!? This child has been suffering!!”

Barnes-san carried Xellos nii-sama and ran toward us.

I looked at Kachel for a moment.

He is attempting to summon something and still putting up a huge magic barrier. 

But according to everyone, Kachel doesn’t have that much magic power.

If that’s the case, then he’s taking in magic power from somewhere else.

He has a glowing amulet in his hand. It’s just like the one that nii-sama has.

“So that’s it!”

I ran up to nii-sama.

“I’ll look after nii-sama. Please go back to escorting the princess, Barnes-san. Hurry up!”

“My apologies!”

With an axe in his hand, Barnes-san started running.

I took nii-sama in my arms and whispered in his ear.

“Xellos nii-sama. You’ve got something from Kachel, right!? Let me take a look at it!!”

“…Amulet for… strengthening magic power”

Nii-sama held up his right arm.

There was an amulet intertwined with a black crystal.

*Thump* *Thump* It was throbbing repeatedly. The chain dug into nii-sama’s arm like blood vessels.

“Sensei told me that… if I had this, it would make it easier for me to develop ‘Ancient Magic’. Sensei also said I could borrow his magic power with it”

‘Woooooooo’ 

An ominous voice reverberated in the surrounding area.

Kachel had deployed a huge barrier to defend against the soldiers’ attack.

From the magic circle in front of him, something in the shape of a human is about to emerge. As the figure became clearer, nii-sama’s face became pale.

He is leeching nii-sama’s magic power through the amulet.

In that case, could it be that this amulet is also a replica of ‘Ancient Artifact’?

“…I’m sorry, Yuuki. I saw you… as an enemy, and picked a fight with you. I deserve this. I’m…”

“I’m sorry too, but I’m not mad at you”

Barnes-san… already left. The princess and the soldiers also aren’t looking at us. Good.

I cut my finger with my dagger.

The blood that flowed out, poured into the amulet.

“It has always been my dream to quarrel with brothers like humans”

In my previous life, I only had younger companions.

And to be honest, I wanted to fight with my brother. 

“That’s why I don’t want nii-sama to die yet. I can’t laugh at the thought that the ‘Monster, Nosferatu’ had his family killed by trash like Kachel. Nii-sama”

“…Yuuki”

“‘Magical Blood, Mistel Blood’ ── ‘Erosion, Hacking’”

I activated my skill.

Blood is a part of my body.

I can move it as I see fit for a while, even after it is out of my body.

So I began pouring and filled the amulet with my ‘Magical Blood, Mistel Blood’.

It started to erode the spell cast on it.

Move the blood, deep, deep down.

The exterior of the spell ── Erosion Complete.

Magic analysis ── Successful.

The spell is made up of two configurations. One is the transfer of magic power from nii-sama to Kachel. The other is the mental attunement and message transmission from Kachel to nii-sama.

…So this was how he has been brainwashing nii-sama.

All right, let’s destroy it quickly.

Infiltrated the circuit that makes up the amulet’s spell ── Started interference with ‘Magical Blood, Mistel Blood’ ── Successful.

Eroding the technique.

Destroying the circuit of magic power.

If I can stop the flow of magic power and finally place my ‘Magical Blood, Mistel Blood’ into it and then hit it with about a hundred times the magic power that normally flows through it ── I can overload it.

“Get wrecked, you relic of the past!”

*Crack* Cracks started to appear on the black stone of the amulet.

As it is, the stone exploded. The metal fittings shattered and fell from nii-sama’s arm.

Xellos nii-sama collapsed.

He is still conscious. The outflow of magic power has stopped.

I hacked into the amulet and destroyed it.

The amulet had the effect of transmitting nii-sama’s magic power to Kachel, so I broke the circuit and destroyed it. There is no more magic power outflow.

As for Kachel, who was using nii-sama’s magic power to perform magic ──

“Gyaaaahhhh!!”

He turned completely pale and screamed.

With his pale face, he started scratching himself all over.

“Kachel has self-destructed!?”

“That’s because he tried to summon something above his caliber. Such a fool…”

The princess and Barnes-san watched as Kachel writhed in pain.

They don’t seem to know that I’ve done something.

“Gyaaaahhhh!”

‘Oooooooooo…’

The shadow of a person summoned by Kachel disappears.

Kachel collapsed while scratching his throat.

“…The magic channels throughout his body have been torn to shreds.”

After a while, Barnes spoke.

“This guy is beyond recovery now…”

“It’s only natural. After all, he used ‘Ancient Magic’ above his caliber. The thing he summoned must have drained all of his magic power”

“He may never be able to use magic again, and even his spirit may have been destroyed. As a mage, he is as good as dead…. Or worse than dead, I suppose”

Barnes-san and Princess Iris looked at me.

“He is as good as dead now. There is also no need for you to get your hands dirty anymore”

“…Is that so”

I picked up the amulet that had fallen to the ground.

During ‘Erosion, Hacking’, I noticed something. This thing was set up with a circuit to transmit  Xellos nii-sama’s magic power to Kachel. At the same time, it also can send instructions from Kachel to Xellos nii-sama.

That said, replicas or not, ‘Ancient Artifacts’ are out of my jurisdiction.

Just that while nii-sama was wearing it, he would have been more receptive to Kachel’s voice.

The story about me bad-mouthing Xellos nii-sama was probably told to him by Kachel.

“I have a question”

Princess Iris approached me slowly.

“Yuuki Grossalia-sama. Who are you?”

“Yuuki is my younger brother!”

When I turned around, Xellos nii-sama was about to stand up.

“He may be an illegitimate child, but there is no doubt that Yuuki is my younger brother. Is there anything suspicious about that!?”

“Then I will ask you this. How is it that your younger brother can use ‘Ancient Magic’?”

“That’s…”

Xellos nii-sama looked at me as if asking for help.

As for me, I was planning to disappear without a trace but now is not a good time.

…It can’t be helped, huh?

“I was taught ‘Ancient Magic’ by Xellos nii-sama. He was thinking about my future as an illegitimate child, so after learning magic from his tutor Kachel, he taught me what he had learned. I tried to use it and managed to activate it. That’s all”

“Is that true? Xellos Grossalia-sama”

“…Y-Yes”

Xellos nii-sama nodded.

“Yuuki is right. After Kachel-sensei’s lessons, I reviewed the day’s lessons and told Yuuki what I had learned. However, Yuuki seemed to have more talent than me and had learned magic one after another that I couldn’t use. I was so frustrated by this that I started to attack him”

“You attacked Yuuki Grossalia-sama?”

“…Yes. The reason why I asked Kachel-sensei to let me take the exam for the ‘Magic Guild’ was to get back at Yuuki. I really wanted… to be better than Yuuki, and that was all I needed”

“What about the ‘Sanctuary Church, Elysium Temple’?”

“I didn’t know anything about that. I’m speaking the truth!”

I also think so.

The ‘Sanctuary Church, Elysium Temple’ is taboo in this era.

There is no way that nii-sama, who is thinking of raising the status of the Baron family, would have done such a thing.

“Taking the fact that Kachel attacked Her Royal Highness during the exam, I think it’s obvious that Xellos nii-sama had nothing to do with it. If nii-sama were one of Kachel’s associates, then both of them would have attacked Her Royal Highness. That would be certain”

I held out the amulet that had fallen to the ground to Princess Iris.

Of course, my ‘Magical Blood, Mistel Blood’ has been thoroughly wiped off.

“It seems that this amulet was meant for Kachel to drain nii-sama’s magic power. This is based on the fact that Kachel had collapsed at the same time as the amulet was destroyed due to overload”

“Kachel also seems to have a similar amulet”

“Yes. If you examine his amulet, it can be proved that nii-sama was being used”

“Considering that Yuuki-sama had helped us, I suppose so”

The princess nodded at my words.

“This is without a doubt Kachel Mieghem’s own personal judgment in this incident. Now then, Barnes”

“Yes. As soon as I return to the royal capital, I will investigate the connection between him and the ‘Sanctuary Church, Elysium Temple’”

“I’m counting on you. Also, Xellos Grossalia-sama”

“Yes. Her Royal Highness Princess Iris”

“Due to Kachel’s rampage, this exam has been invalidated. However, a re-examination is possible. Would you like that?”

“No. I don’t have that kind of power. More than me, Yuuki is…” 

Oi.

Xellos nii-sama. What did you just say?

“I am, at best, a legitimate son of the Grossalia family. But Yuuki has talent. He also has the courage to face strong enemies. If Yuuki learns magic in earnest, he will become a mage like no other. Perhaps even to the point of changing history”

“That’s right. I also believe that Yuuki-sama has great talent”

“I would also love to have a mock battle with him”

“No. I’m going to a public school”

“I think you should make use of your talent, Yuuki Grossalia-sama”

The princess took my hand and said.

“I, Princess Iris Restia, hereby declare that Yuuki Grossalia, son of the Grossalia family, will be welcomed as an apprentice of the ‘Magic Guild’! I hope that he will learn together with me as schoolmates and eventually become my trusted retainer!!”

““““OOOOOOHHHHHHHH!!”””” 

A loud cheer was let out.

…This isn’t the kind of atmosphere where I can say no, is it?

That night.

I was in my room, thinking about my future.

“I’m going to replace nii-sama as an apprentice at the ‘Magic Guild’, huh…?”

When I thought about it, I had no problem with it.

I was originally planning to learn about the history of this world anyway. The ‘Magic Guild’ in the royal capital would probably have history books. There I can look into the history of my previous life after my death, and what happened to Lyle and the others and ‘Fila Village’.

While I’m at it, if I learn about ‘Ancient Magic’, I might also be able to find out why I was reincarnated.

I have all the time in the world, after all.

It wouldn’t be bad to spend two or three years in a human organization learning about humans.

Besides… if I turn down this offer, I will make the princess lose face.

I don’t want the royal family to keep an eye on the Baron Grossalia Household because of it. After all, I’m also a member of the Grossalia family.

“…I can’t allow the Grossalia family to go under now, can I?”

If the family is lost, Father, Rumia, and Xellos nii-sama will be in trouble, too.

It can’t be helped.

Let’s go to the royal capital to ‘observe humans’.

“Yuuki-sama. Her Royal Highness would like to see you”

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door.

When the door opened, Martha was standing there.

“I’ve sent her to the reception room. Please come with me, Yuuki-sama”

“Her Royal Highness is here?”

“Yes. She seems to have slipped out of the party”

“She likes to sneak around, huh?”

“Yuuki-sama and Her Royal Highness seem to be kindred spirits”

“Not as much as Martha though”

“……”

“What’s the matter, Martha?”

“Sometimes I think Yuuki-sama is trying to stop Martha’s heart”

“That’s not it. I trust Martha more than I trust myself”

“Thank you very much. To live up to that trust, Martha has decided to follow Yuuki-sama”

“Follow me? As in, to the ‘Magic Guild’?”

“Where else could it be?”

Martha sighed.

“I’ve been told that those recommended by the royal family are allowed to take their servants to the guild’s educational institution. When Baron-sama learned of this, he asked me to do it. So it has been decided that Martha will accompany Yuuki-sama”

“…I’m sorry”

“No, don’t be. It’s better than sitting here worrying about Yuuki-sama”

“I’m sorry for being such a good-for-nothing master”

On my way out of the room, I high-fived Martha.

“Take good care of me. Partner”

“If Martha is late in getting married, it will be Yuuki-sama’s fault, you know?”

“I’ll take responsibility at that time. Only if I hadn’t left the family to live a vagabond life”

“Please don’t give me hope and despair at the same time. Yuuki-sama”

Martha smiled with a troubled look on her face.

---

<< Previous | TOC | Next >>

<< Previous | TOC | Next >>

Chapter 7 Part 2

---

“Oi. Kachel Mieghem”

“Hiieee!”

I called out to the pale-faced Kachel as he shivered in fear.

“Answer me. Private tutor, Kachel Mieghem”

“…A-A-Ah”

“I couldn’t hear you very well. Repeat it. What did you plan to do with my family?”

“Eek! Gyah. Gyaaaahhhh!!”

Kachel desperately held his arm.

“Speak. You’re a tutor, aren’t you? Answer the child’s question”

“Damn you. Damn you. Damn you!!!”

“That wasn’t what I was talking about”

With the ‘Body Strengthening, Boosted’ x2 spell still active, I kicked the ground again.

Kachel raised his arm and deployed a protective barrier in an attempt to stop the incoming dagger.

However, it was too late.

“Gyaaaahhhh!!”

My dagger avoided the protective barrier and cut into Kachel’s left arm.

Despite what just happened, he continued to chant in that state, so I leaped away before the spell could be activated.

“What did you just say about my family? Let me hear it again. If you’re not planning on saying anything, then you should have said so from the beginning. You’re just wasting time here. Private tutor, Kachel” 

I raise my dagger again.

“Please wait!”

shouted Princess Iris.

“You must not kill that man! Yuuki Grossalia-sama!!”

“…Why not?”

“Kachel may be a worshipper of the taboo ‘Sanctuary Church, Elysium Temple’! We should keep him alive to get more information ──”

“He insulted my family”

In my previous life, I could only protect Lyle and the others ── my family, by disappearing.

But in this life, I can use ‘Ancient Magic’, too.

So, anyone who hurts, insulted, or took advantage of my family, I will beat them up, no questions asked.

“Besides… this guy tried to hurt you, too. So I’m going to kill him”

“Y-You bastard! I used your brother, so what?!!”

Kachel shouted as blood dripped from his arm.

“Your brother…! You the illegitimate child…!! He… He looked down on you!!!”

“That’s because you induced him to do so”

“Your brother… cursed you… and… tried to take you down!” 

“Brothers fight, don’t they? That’s something that humans do”

Rather, he really fought with the ‘Monster, Nosferatu’, didn’t he?

Xellos nii-sama can be surprisingly forgiving.

“But you’re a lost cause. The moment you tried to use my family for your greed, I couldn’t think of anything else but to kill you”

“G-Guoooaaahhh!!”

*CLANG* 

My dagger was stopped by Kachel’s magic barrier.

“I’ve already… finished… drawing the crest and… chanting. Activating ‘Ancient Artifact Replica’. Catalyst summoning ──”

Kachel threw down a gray shard on the ground that looked like a catalyst for summoning magic.

A magic circle then appeared around the catalyst.

I turn my gaze towards the gray shard…. It’s a monster’s wing.

So I try to recall my memories. 

What type of wing was that? I remember seeing it several times in my previous life. A monster with wings. Cockatrice? No, it’s bigger than that.

“A griffin!?”

“Correct, brat!!”

A huge magic barrier formed in front of Kachel.

What a pain in the ass!

“I didn’t think I’d have to use my trump card here, though! This is the griffin’s wing used by the priests of the ‘Sanctuary Church, Elysium Temple’. I’m going to kill all of you and take Her Royal Highness as my captive!!”

“All of you! Draw your sword!! Protect Her Royal Highness!!”

The soldiers began to line up and draw their swords.

Her Royal Highness unleashes the ‘Ancient Magic’, ‘Fire God’s Relentless Barrage, Ifrit Blow’.

But still, Kachel’s barrier is unbreakable.

Odd. Did Kachel have this much magic power?

If he was this strong, he should have been a high-ranking mage in the ‘Magic Guild’.

“Now, my familiar! Trample the soldiers down and take Her Royal Highness into my hands!!”

‘Giiiiieeeeee!!’

A griffin emerged from the magic circle.

‘Ancient Magic’ is truly amazing. It can even summon such a monster.

The griffin is a monster with the upper body of an eagle and the lower body of a lion.

They are about the size of a small house. The scary parts are their beak and claws and their aerial attacks.

“Go! Kill all the soldiers!!”

‘Giiiiieeeeee!!’

Before I knew it, Kachel was straddling the griffin’s back.

The griffin continues to rise out of the magic circle.

“Listen! The griffin’s weapons are its beak, claws, and hind legs! It can’t use its beak with a person on its back because it would lose its balance! The claws’ attack range is in front of its body. Its hind legs’ attack range is just right behind it! Both attacks can’t reach the side of its body. Attack it right below the base of the wings!!”

I shouted.

“H-How do you know all this!? Yuuki Grossalia-sama!!”

“I heard it from someone I know!”

“T-That’s amazing. To know even that…. Understood! Soldiers, form a square!! Shields out. Swords through the gap! I’ll attack with magic!!”

“Yuuki Grossalia!! You-!!!”

*Thud!*

Kachel yelled out a war cry as the griffin’s claws struck the soldiers’ shields.

However, the soldiers’ defense did not crumble. They all huddle together and cover each other.

“You! Illegitimate child! Those who don’t even know their origin always get in the way!!”

“I don’t care”

Griffin feathers are a type of magical ingredient.

That’s why I’ve also used them in my research. So naturally, I’ve hunted them before.

Don’t underestimate the ‘Immortal Mage, Lord of Nosferatu’.

“Here I go! ‘Fire God’s Relentless Barrage, Ifrit Blow’!!”

“Protect Her Royal Highness Princess Iris!!”

The princess unleashed her magic just as the griffin descended, and the soldiers raised their swords to attack it.

But none managed to hit the griffin.

It is extremely difficult to hit an enemy that is flying around at high speed.

“Did you see that? This is the legacy of the ‘Sanctuary Church, Elysium Temple’!! It’s sheer stupidity to declare it taboo! If you disagree, then you can try to defeat me!!”

“Very well. Come! Dick!!”

‘Master ──── !!’ ‘Gii’ ‘Gii-gii!!’ ‘Giii!’

Four bats started to gather around.

The crest of the ‘Fire God’s Relentless Barrage, Ifrit Blow’ spell on their wings is gone. It eats up too much magic power.

However, the crest of the ‘Body Strengthening, Boosted’ spell remains.

“Yuuki Grossalia-sama!? What are you trying to do!?”

“Don’t make me repeat myself”

I said to Her Royal Highness.

Alice… no, Princess Iris, her silver hair fluttering in the air, is looking at me.

Alice and Iris… even their names are similar.

My previous life follows me even to this point.

Truly, humans are troublesome creatures.

“I’ll kill Kachel and protect you. I’m doing it for my family and for my past. Also, I’ll borrow one of your soldier’s back”

I ran up the soldier’s back and jumped with ‘Body Strengthening, Boosted’ x2.

“Fool! Don’t be conceited just because you can use ‘Ancient Magic’!!?”

The griffin flapped its wings and changed its course.

It’s trying to escape to a position I can’t reach.

But I’ve already anticipated that.

“Gather around! My servants!!”

‘‘‘‘Master ──── !!’’’’

At my signal, the four bats gathered and became a foothold.

All four of them have ‘Body Strengthening, Boosted’, so they are strong enough.

“Endure it. Dick!”

‘Got it!’

*Whack*

I used Dick and the others’ bodies as a foothold and jumped straight ahead.

“W-W-What the hell is that!? W-What the hell are you!?”

“You said it yourself, didn’t you? You said I was someone who doesn’t even know their origin. And you’re right, Private Tutor, Kachel!”

I thrust my dagger into the griffin’s neck.

At the same time, I press my left hand against the monster’s stomach.

My ‘Body Strengthening, Boosted’ x2 was activated using the bracelet and the crest on my left hand. And so my right hand is free.

That’s why I was able to draw the crest earlier.

“You know, magic should be used in such a way that it is absolutely certain to hit your target. Activate ‘Fire God’s Relentless Barrage, Ifrit Blow’”

‘Giiieeeeeeee!!’

── *BOOM* The griffin exploded.

The fire magic that was unleashed at a close distance burned the griffin from the inside and out.

“Gyaaaahhhh!!”

The flames that penetrated the griffin also scorched Kachel.

The griffin, now on fire, shrieked in pain and fell with Kachel still on its back.

“──── Gyaaaahhhh!!”

The griffin fell to the ground.

Kachel’s body followed suit and tumbled on the ground.

I ‘floated’ to slow down my fall and safely landed.

…Phew.

It’s the first time I’ve been in an aerial battle with this body, but somehow I managed.

“Yuuki Grossalia-sama… you’re amazing”

“‘Ancient Magic’ in close combat!? How is that possible…?”

“He’s got a bright future ahead of him. Even in the ‘Magic Guild’, there are only a few people with that kind of talent…”

“In the first place, a child of that age with familiars… where did he learn magic?”

The soldiers are making a lot of noise. But let’s leave it at that.

I’ve got things to do now.

“…The only thing left to do now is to get rid of Kachel”

“That’s not necessary. He’s done for”

said Her Royal Highness, interrupting me.

“He’s still alive… but your magic has seriously injured him. Besides, since he summoned that kind of familiar, he won’t have any magic power left. If he were to summon it forcefully, then he definitely ran out of magic power. That’s exactly what makes it so deadly”

“Don’t kill him, you say?”

“Kachel will be summoned to the ‘Magic Guild’ and will be punished accordingly. There’s no need for you, a future mage, to get your hands dirty. That’s all”

Princess Iris was looking straight at me.

…She looked just like Alice, whom I took care of two hundred years ago.

……Seriously, humans are cunning, aren’t they?

“…As Your Royal Highness wills it”

“Don’t say that while clicking your tongue, Yuuki Grossalia-sama”

“You heard me, huh? You have good ears, Your Royal Highness”

“…‘Ancient Magic’ ── ‘Spirit Summoning’ ── My beloved Ninth Priest of the ‘Sanctuary Church, Elysium Temple’ is hereby ──”

“Kachel!?”

He’s on the move again.

He was thrown off of the griffin and tumbled on the ground. His arm now bent in a strange direction.

Still, he is desperately trying to activate the ‘Ancient Magic’.

“…So what if I don’t have any magic power left? So what if I’m just a private tutor? I have… a plan to deal with situations like this. Why do you think… I was a tutor… for Xellos Grossalia. He only has… capacity for magic power…” 

“Uuuuhhhh!!” 

Suddenly, I heard a scream behind me.

There was Barnes-san, who was carrying a very pale-looking Xellos nii-sama on his back when I turned around.

---

<< Previous | TOC | Next >>