Lortel Kehelland was quick at grasping a situation.
Arriving at the scene, revealing her identity to the soldiers and giving them some money to hear the details of the incident, and organizing her thoughts. After doing all of that, she was able to set a course of action.
While Lortel was riding in a wagon, Krepin, who was rebelling against the imperial power, seemed to have caused a calamity by summoning an evil god. Though, somehow it seemed that Ed, Yennekar, and Lucy had stopped his plans.
The downfall of House Rothstaylor was to be expected. It seemed that all of the members and servants of the mansion were in poor health, and all those who held high positions within the imperial household would be kicked out.
A war of nerves would take place over the newly vacant spots. In order to put their own people in those seats, those who held power would have to act. Thus, it was obvious that the dispute over the imperial throne between the princesses would also intensify as a result.
And intensifying disputes smelt like money.
Following the wave by riding the flow, money was bound to follow.
However, this case was special. That was because Ed Rothstaylor was involved.
"Hmm…"
To put it bluntly, Lortel, who has a strong romantic interest in Ed Rothstaylor… especially when he was involved, her judgment and reasoning became completely clouded.
Despite Ed Rothstaylor being a key political piece, she prioritized getting him away first.
She gained Selah's trust through her skillful techniques and managed to get Ed away from it all through the Elte Company. The problem was that Lortel wasn't the only person thinking of that.
"Ed is seriously injured. The right choice is to bring him to Pulan, as there is no better place for him to heal and recuperate over the break. It'll also be a great place to hide from those who chase after him."
"Just because there's clean water and fresh air doesn't mean he's going to heal. Rather, high-ranking priests and nursing personnel within the Holy Father Building would be better…"
Lortel pressed on her throbbing head as she said.
"I can do everything from finding him shelter with clean water and fresh air to preparing competent medical personnel to take care of him. The problem is, we need to discuss what we are going to do afterwards."
Lortel walked closer to Yennekar and Clarice, as she spoke with a quiet voice.
"Are you two capable of keeping Ed safe while also mediating between the ongoing political situation?"
At those words, Clarice and Yennekar couldn't say anything.
Lortel was proficient in handling the real world.
Living on the frontlines of the market, she had a keen sense of understanding and reconciling interests between different people. An ability that Yennekar and Clarice did not have.
She was even capable of taking Ed away under the guise that Elte Company would manage him. Thus, making time to dig around to find other workarounds to the situation.
Once Ed's body came into the Elte Company's hands, she was ready to create all sorts of excuses so she wouldn't have to give up his body to the imperial household.
"I will take Ed to Oldek. Because it is the safest option."
Even though Ed would receive treatment and recover his health at the company, ultimately what would happen afterwards was up to Ed to judge and decide.
"But once the imperial household is set on it, you won't have any way to deal with them."
Clarice was the one who spoke back first.
"I acknowledge the intelligence and tactics of the Elte Company, but in essence, all of that is just gimmicks. If the Imperial Household decides to capture Ed through a pure overwhelming force, without any reasoning… Will the Elte Company really be able to still go up against the Imperial Household? When your business only survives by utilizing the empire's distribution networks?"
"…Making sure something like that doesn't happen is what the Elte Company does."
"But if it's somewhere as large as the Holy Father Building, it's possible to oppose the imperial household."
At those words, Yennekar and Lortel were left speechless.
Saint Clarice was willing to risk a situation where conflict arose between the Imperial Household and the Holy Father Building just to avoid losing Ed.
There was no way that the Holy Father Building would go out of their way to save a single man's life. She'd probably need another reason.
"Ed needs to undergo a holy trial in the Holy Father Building. Because he hurt me."
That was the reason Saint Clarice came up with.
Ed Rothstaylor was a believer who had been baptized by the Telos Religious Group during his coming-of-age ceremony, and because a believer had directly injured the Saint, he became a young man that needed to be judged according to holy law.
And the place that had the sole right to a holy trial was the Holy Father Building. Before they handed over a sinner to another nation, they held the authority to judge them first through holy law.
Of course, since the Saint was on Ed's side, there was no way that he would receive a major punishment. It was also unclear whether the Saint was injured because she had stumbled and fallen, or whether she had really been injured through Ed's actions.
She just needed to use holy law as justification to gain control over Ed. Later, when he was healed and things calmed down, they could acquit him.
"The distance between the Holy Father Building and the Kroel Imperial Household is quite far. So, what would you do if the Holy Father Building tried to protect Ed at the discretion of the Saint, but didn't have access to the various necessary information regarding the reorganization of the imperial household and the ongoing situation?"
"…Pardon?"
"The safety of his body is important right now. However, how we handle the situation and turn things to our advantage is also important. That's why the correct decision is to leave Ed's safety in the hands of the Elte Company."
You couldn't beat Lortel through logic.
It was uncertain whether the Holy Father Building would even agree to protect Ed, and even if they did, Ed would become caught up and completely vulnerable in a war of nerves between the Holy Father Building and the Imperial Household. That wouldn't be an ideal situation either.
"It's important to protect Ed, but does that mean the only thing we have to think about is securing his body?"
Yennekar didn't stand still either.
"If the issue is the fact that those with power want to take advantage of him, isn't it best to first move him to a place without such people…?"
Although she was speaking vaguely, Yennekar's words were clearly addressing the main issue.
Wherever Ed went, they also needed to make sure to get him to a place away from the political strife.
"I'm confident I won't get caught if I make up my mind and run away. Unlike Lortel and the Saint, my body isn't tied to anything."
Yennekar already looked quite exhausted, but if she made up her mind, she was ready to run away with Ed to the other end of the map.
"While I'm running away with Ed, the safest thing to do is deal with all the issues through fighting or conciliating."
Whether things developed through a fight between the Telos Religious Group and the Imperial Household, or if Princess Selah was deceived through Lortel's skill.
In the end, it all depended on Clarice and Lortel… But there was no reason for either of them to personally take care of Ed.
However, there was no way the other two could understand that fact. If they didn't secure Ed's safety themselves, they wouldn't feel confident about what would happen afterwards.
In the end, it became a war of nerves over who would be taking Ed.
It was quite heartwarming and romantic that they all cared greatly for Ed Rothstaylor's safety… but the situation couldn't be any bloodier than it was.
Yennekar Palerover. An elementalist who could summon even an ultimate spirit if she clenched her teeth.
Lortel Kehelland. A wealthy merchant who could buy an entire sailboat with just the money currently in her wallet if she wanted to.
Saint Clarice. Revered as the most sacred and noble being within the greatest religious faction on the continent, the Telos Religious Group.
The clash of gazes between the three made even the soldiers standing far away gulp on their dry saliva.
They couldn't overhear their conversation, but they seemed to be discussing a rather important political issue.
Though, in reality it was solely a battle of nerves over who was going to take Ed Rothstaylor.
They were all looking for justification to take Ed using various plausible reasons.
If their reasoning didn't get through to each other in the very end, they were people who were willing to take him at all costs. Watching them from a distance, you would lose all strength in your shoulders.
However, it was a problem that Ed Rothstaylor himself couldn't see.
Was he going to Pulan, the Holy Father Building, or Oldek?
Depending on the destination Ed went, his stance in the war of nerves with the imperial family would greatly differ.
Someone who ran away, someone who opposed them, or someone who took advantage of them. Each of them had their own pros and cons. No matter what choice was made, it could be considered a reasonable decision.
However, for the three girls, it wasn't just about Ed's stance.
If it boiled down to the question of whether he would follow Yennekar, Clarice, or Lortel… In the end, only one of them could have Ed.
If Ed regained consciousness even a little bit and declared who he would follow… At that point, the other two would have to admit a major sense of defeat.
Though, if you were to ask, they would say they were only discussing what route Ed should take.
It was the three girls who started creating an extra meaning to the decision. It was the result of trying to create a legitimate means to somehow have Ed come with them. But now, the atmosphere was heated. They were all fueling their own flames.
"Soon, the imperial army will arrive and start looking around the fallen buildings to assess the situation. The army is rather large and well-trained, so they will get the job done quickly."
There would be a mix of personnel who would clean up the scene and collect the bodies. Of course, such personnel would take Ed when they arrived as well.
If that happened, Ed would naturally end up being moved to the Elte Company. Lortel designed the situation to be like that.
Thud! Thud!
At that moment, the sound of the soldiers guarding the vicinity of the garden pounding their ceremonial spears began. That meant a high noble had arrived.
Though, from the start this place was full of nobles. With that in mind, it meant that the noble in question was powerful enough for the soldiers to raise their spears for them, unlike with the others.
The person who walked through the entrance to the garden was Selah, The Princess of Frost.
"This is where you were, Ed Rothstaylor."
She was accompanied by all sorts of other nobles.
The enraged nobles shouted that House Rothstaylor's descendants should all be killed. Selah stepped forward with her back to them as she looked in the direction of the girls.
Though, she didn't even give a glance towards them as her only concern was Ed Rothstaylor, who was leaning against a tree.
That petite girl named Lucy and the boy next to her had his eyes closed. They were the key for Princess Selah to reorganize the entire power structure.
Though, the forces gathered around him were ready to protect him if necessary.
Yennekar's hand, grabbing the wand, tightened. If she wanted to, she could easily call on Takan to run away with Ed at that very moment.
However, it wasn't Yennekar who stopped Princess Selah.
Fwaak, Clang!
A Wind Blade flew from the sky as it sliced between Selah and Ed.
The Wind Blade left traces on the floor as it dispersed into the air, disappearing. All that was left was the heads of those around them looking around in confusion.
As the dust blew away, a girl was seen standing in front of Ed.
There was a lot of dust all over her body, and her hair, which had always been elegant, was now loose and tangled. Her clothes were also dirty, so she couldn't really be seen as a noble.
And the girl who was between Selah and Ed… was Tanya Rothstaylor. She stood there between them as she looked up at Selaha.
"Don't touch him."
Refusal of Imperial Command.
For Tanya, who always succumbed to authority, it wasn't easy for her to say those words.
Yennekar, Lortel, and Clarice were all thinking of taking Ed away in some way. That was because they all had a place that they could take him to that was better than where they were.
Those who had an option were all trying to make the situation as beneficial to them as possible.
However, for Tanya, it was completely different.
Tanya's home was Rothstaylor Mansion. She was a girl who only looked towards the glory of House Rothstaylor.
Much had been lost, and she had been used. As she clenched her fists, she had nothing left.
In front of her were the nobles, who were full of rage. The damage was caused by Krepin's plans, but they demanded Tanya to pay the price.
Having lived like a king under the Rothstaylor name, it was time to pay the price.
With absurd reasoning going around, Tanya finally appeared at the scene, raising her voice.
Tanya defended Ed with her arms stretched out… she slowly opened her mouth as she spoke.
"For me… he's the last… and the closest person I can call a blood relative."
She had lost Arwen. Her house's honor was lost. And all of her belongings were burned.
There was nothing left for her as she fought back with her arms stretched out toward the world.
She was just like Ed when he sat by himself on a rock in the north forest of Acken Island by the wooden shelter he had built.
She imagined her older brother clenching his teeth and building a new home despite having no reason to live.
Only then did Tanya realize just how difficult and long of a journey that must have been.
However, Tanya's situation was a little better than Ed's.
The large mansion and the power of her House, which had suddenly crashed down… Still, Tanya had someone she still shared blood with.
That boy leaning against the tree with his eyes shut was now Tanya's last asset.
That was why Tanya didn't try to run away or hide, instead coming out to the central garden and standing proudly.
"Tanya and Ed Rothstaylor."
Selah and the other nobles lost their breath seeing Tanya act as such. Her usual elegant and noble appearance was nowhere to be seen.
Selah spoke Tanya's name quietly as she frowned.
"Siblings that inherited the blood of House Rothstaylor… You two will have to accompany me to the imperial household to report the situation."
The political battle was ultimately just a fight for reasoning.
And the reason that Selah had come up with was to listen to the circumstances properly and fully understand the incident. Though, in reality, there was no need to travel all the way to the imperial household to hear the details of the incident. It could just be done on the spot.
It was clear there was another reason behind wanting to bring them to the imperial household. Tanya felt an ominous sense of dread as she shuddered. However, she didn't back down, holding her arms wide open and protecting Ed.
Selah took a deep breath as she looked around.
A lot of people were spread out around Ed.
Lucy was sleeping on his shoulder. Tanya was in front of him.
There was even Yennekar, Lortel, and Saint Clarice as well.
It felt as if all the highest nobles had gathered in one place to come to a decision about Ed.
And Selah herself was also planning to wrap everything up before he woke up.
According to Lortel, Ed Rothstaylor was a clever and capable man. That meant he was a person that held no benefit in being kept alive.
Selah herself agreed with that opinion to some extent. So, she thought that she was going to follow through with Lortel's suggestion, but…
"Yawn."
As if it had come to end the war of nerves that was like walking on a sheet of ice… A small yawn was heard.
The one who had rubbed her eyes, standing up as if they were too noisy, was… Lucy Mayreel.
She leaned on Ed's shoulder as she stood up. The power of the girl who was staggering forward… Everyone there knew it well.
"What."
In an exhausted tone, she looked at the people gathered around as she said.
"What's with the atmosphere?"
It felt as if the atmosphere had completely changed since she had fallen asleep. Selah felt a strange sense of danger, but she didn't stop.
"I order all of you to get away from Ed Rothstaylor at…"
Whick.
However, a wand swung down, quickly stopping Selah in her path.
Yennekar, who was standing nearby, took out her wand as if she were blocking Selah.
Selah frowned as she looked around at the atmosphere. Behind her were a group of furious nobles, but in front of her they were calm and quiet.
The future… Ed Rothstaylor would pave the path.
And at that moment, he was lying unconscious against the tree in the central garden.
However, there wasn't just one or two people blocking her.
Yennekar Palerover, wielding a wand that was larger than her body. Lortel, who wore her robe and was hiding her expression despite supposedly being on Selah's side. Clarice was looking coldly at Selah as she held up the ends of her skirt. Tanya, who didn't clear the way despite trembling. And Lucy, who was rubbing her eyes and glaring at Selah.
All she had to do was walk through them, but there was a strangely cold and eerie atmosphere around those girls… Selah swallowed her dry saliva.
Each one had their own plans, but ultimately, their goal was all the same.
The moment she approached Ed Rothstaylor, the atmosphere seemed to change. And the sensation of walking on a thin sheet of ice sent a chill down Selah's spine.
Pandora's box, which should never be opened.
Unless you opened it, you would never know if a treasure was inside. However, sometimes one's intuition would give you hints to its contents—like magic.
Ed Rothstaylor, lying unconscious against the zelkova tree.
Even though he had a calm expression, not moving one bit, the people standing around him all had cold expressions on their faces.
Certainly, if the goal was to secure Ed Rothstaylor's body, now was the perfect time, as he is unconscious.
However, Selah could only unconsciously swallow her dry saliva.
She had already heard of the people that were on Ed Rothstaylor's side, but she never expected the atmosphere to be like that.
It had been nearly a decade since she last felt such a feeling of tension.
-x-X-x-
"After this is all over, let's go home."
That was what the commanders always said before they headed out to the battlefield.
As they went to the forefront and pulled the trigger for their own reasons, the image that suddenly came to everyone's minds was the scenery of their hometown.
The fact that there was a place they could return to gave them the strength to endure harsh reality. Whether it was their hometown or the open arms of their family, it wasn't all that strange to think of ending such a hellish life to return back to their hometowns.
Floating around in the hazy world of his unconscious, that difficult period of his life moved to one side of his memory.
Unfortunately, in this world, there was no place to call home.
* * *
"Ed is severely injured, Princess Selah."
The chilling atmosphere was unwilling to melt as Selah appeared.
A strange chill circulated between the people gathered around Ed Rothstaylor and Selah. The numerous nobles who followed Selah also could feel the unusually tense atmosphere, which was making it hard to breathe.
"And naturally, I have also been caught up in House Rothstaylor's genocide, and I have been injured quite a bit here and there. Thus, this is something the Holy Father Building will not be taking lightly."
Saint Clarice used the best reasoning she had to somehow secure Ed's body from Selah.
"As Ed is a baptized follower of the Telos Religious Group, he is being accused of in the actions of harming me, the Saint. Thus, he needs to be taken to the Holy Father Building for a trial of the Holy Law."
"..."
"The holy law of our religious group is something that even I, the Saint, cannot hastily go against. Thus, Ed's body must be guided safely from members of the Holy Father Building."
"The holy law of your religious group deserves respect, but the law within the imperial household is also in a situation where it cannot be easily overlooked."
Selah quietly lowered her eyes as she spoke.
The holy law of the Telos Religious Group and the law of the imperial household. The one who had the upper hand between the two changed over time.
The fierce confrontation between the religious group and imperial power had spanned hundreds of years. Sometimes, it was the laws of the religious group that took precedence. Other times, it was the laws of the imperial household.
Recently, as Emperor Kroel's power rose sharply, the imperial household's laws had begun to hold more power. Thus, if the two collided, the priests of the Holy Father Building had no choice but to be more understanding.
"More than ten high-ranking nobles of our empire have died, and there are many that have been seriously injured. How could the Kroel Imperial Household simply sit still?"
Originally, Princess Selah did not want to confront the Holy Father Building.
However, the situation in itself was completely unusual.
Ed Rothstaylor was a key figure that could lead to a massive change within the imperial power structure in the near future.
Even if it wasn't Selah, anyone who wanted to hold influence would want to be in control of both Ed and Tanya.
But among all of them, Selah was the person that had first access to the two of them, because she was there at the scene.
However, the people blocking her path on Ed's side were all incredible individuals.
After meeting them all in person, Selah suddenly couldn't help but swallow her dry saliva.
They weren't just friends at Silvenia Academy. They looked like a legitimate group of people that were willing to protect Ed with a desperate level of determination.
Yennekar and Lucy, who played an active part in the subjugating of Krepin, were also staring at Selah with cold gazes.
The reason those two helped stop the disaster at Rothstaylor mansion was because they were determined to protect Ed Rothstaylor, not because they possessed some heroic spirit or drive to reduce the number of victims.
Lucy Mayreel, who was standing blankly in front of the zelkova tree with her white hair fluttering in the air, looked up.
Only then did Selah realize it. That girl was more of a wild disaster that did as she liked rather than a hero.
She was not driven by political logic or a calculation of interests. Money, power, fame—she had absolutely no interest in the values that ordinary people regarded so highly.
She did what she thought was right and didn't care about anything else… One who lived outside of the world.
Then, was she willing to turn even the imperial household into an enemy if she so decided? As those feelings started to flood her, Selah started to sense it.
If she touched that man recklessly, that girl might get extremely furious.
However, if she left things as they were, it may become an even bigger issue in the future.
Even though he didn't look like an issue at the moment, incredible individuals like her were already following him.
It seemed certain that the imperial power would be threatened if he gained even a small amount of power or built up his forces.
She realized why Penia Elias Kroel was so cautious of that man.
She had no idea what they saw in him, but he had the power to bring all of those incredible individuals to his side.
Weeds that would eventually run wild should be trampled down while they were still young. However, Selah couldn't think of a way to do so at the moment.
Saint Clarice even seems to be thinking of using her political influence. Unless Selah personally mobilized the imperial army, she wouldn't be able to stand up against her.
If she didn't secure Ed Rothstaylor, there was no telling when she would have the chance or cause to subdue him again.
Selah's intuition was screaming. This is her last chance.
If she couldn't crush him with her authority, she needed to bring him to the imperial court either by means of a compromise or through deceit.
The next time she met with Ed Rothstaylor, there's no way of telling what position he would be in.
"Ed Rothstaylor's efforts deserve praise."
Selah slowly closed her eyes and opened them as she spoke.
"We need to take him to the imperial household to treat him. We also need to report his efforts to my father so that he will be appropriately rewarded."
As Selah said as much, the atmosphere among everyone there flipped.
Selah had backed down. Struggling to believe that fact, the nobles that were present started to murmur.
They couldn't complain or ask Selah what nonsense she was saying. So, all they could do was stare at each other in bewilderment at her unexpected reaction.
"Of course, the same goes for Tanya Rothstaylor. The reason I am trying to take these two is because I understand their position the best and I want to fully represent them within the Imperial Household."
Seeing Selah's reaction, Lortel chuckled under her hood.
Even though she said as much, Selah would try to hand Ed Rothstaylor's body over to the Elte Company rather than the Imperial Household.
If they believed that, then Ed Rothstaylor would come under Lortel's management in the end anyway. Thus, through the support of the Elte Company, he would be able to recover his body, regain consciousness, and think of a new plan to stab Selah in the back.
Checkmate.
After pushing Selah to that point, no matter what option she chose, she wouldn't be able to avoid creating a beneficial situation for Ed Rothstaylor.
Whichever path she chose, she'd be left with nothing but a path leading off a cliff.
That was why the merchants of Oldek never turned Lortel into an enemy.
Of course, everyone there was looking at Selah with a look of doubt.
It was suspicious that Selah, who often used her status and authority, had suddenly changed to such a cooperative attitude.
However, Selah's words were like the devil's temptation.
If Selah really joined Ed's side, when the imperial family investigated the truth, she would have the upper hand.
Princess Penia would also be on Ed's side… If the two of them supported him, it might be the lottery rather than a punishment.
"..."
It went without saying, but once Ed's body was handed over to the Imperial Household, it couldn't be taken back.
Once Ed's life was held hostage, everyone on his side would be unable to act hastily. Therefore, it was difficult to hand over Ed's body to Selah.
However, that didn't mean that they wouldn't chase after his body in the Imperial Household. Ed Rothstaylor's body was in desperate need of rest.
"The investigation of the truth and the hearing of the events isn't necessarily done by the imperial household."
At that moment, Tanya stood up, covered in dust, as she spoke.
"I will remain here at the mansion."
At those words, Selah and everyone else's eyes turned to Tanya.
"There may still be servants who survived and the restoration work on the mansion site needs to be started. I can't leave this place like this. I'll also have to recover my father's body too. I'm sure those of the imperial family will need to return soon as well."
"Then…"
"I will take responsibility for the remaining power my house has."
Tanya's eyes remained alive.
Even though she didn't have anything in her grasp anymore, she didn't feel emptiness nor disappointment. Rather, only a strong will remained.
"Whether it's prison or a reward, I want to receive it after I finish what I have to do."
Tanya quickly pulled out a ragged thing from her pocket. It was the torn cloak that Arwen was wearing.
The cloak was already covered in dust and frayed here and there, but… the eagle, symbolizing the valor of the Rothstaylor family, was still visible.
Tanya put the cloak on as she tied her hair back in the wind.
"Like it or not, I am the heir to House Rothstaylor. That's why… From this moment on, I am now the head of House Rothstaylor."
In front of the broken and burnt down Rothstaylor's mansion, Tanya spoke proudly, unwilling to back down.
"I will make decisions about matters regarding my house, and I will also decide what to do with my older brother's body. Because I am the head of house."
At those words, the whole group hardened like ice. Only Lucy continued to stare at her with tired eyes.
To claim to be the head of a family that was already in ruins was the same as declaring 'I will be burned to death'. House Rothstaylor was a family that plotted rebellion against the imperial household, slaughtered various high-ranking nobles, and even plotted to summon an evil god.
However, the exact investigation behind the truth of the incident had yet to be completed… Thus, until they were confirmed guilty, she could exercise the right to make decisions according to the house's law.
"Whether my older brother Ed goes to Pulan, Oldek, the Holy Father Building… or the Imperial Household… That is up to him to decide…"
"But right now, Ed is unconscious."
"No. He just woke up. That's why I also woke up."
Lucy spoke against Clarice's words. And the moment she said as much, a strange sound was heard.
Thunk
It was the sound of a dagger being shoved into the zelkova tree.
Suffering from a high fever and chills, it was difficult to control his body. However, Ed slowly stood up, leaning his weight on the dagger. Ed's group, who were all facing Selah, all looked back at him in surprise.
"Ed!"
Yennekar quickly ran over and supported his body. Just by grabbing his shoulder, she felt his fever. Yennekar swallowed her dry saliva.
Ed's physical condition was more serious than she thought.
"Ed, we need to go somewhere and get you treated…"
"Cough, Cough…!"
Ed's eyes could slowly be seen through his disheveled bangs. He could see the faces of everyone around him.
"Keuk. Sigh… Cough…."
"Brother. Right now…"
"I vaguely… heard… what you were talking about…"
Grasping his hazy consciousness, Ed found of his center of gravity.
He wasn't in a situation where he could comprehend much, but Ed clenched his teeth as he opened his mouth.
"I am… Cough… Cough…"
Tension grew between everyone present.
There was still quite a while left of Silvenia's break.
Yennekar Palerover needed to return to Pulan as planned, and Lortel Kehelland needed to return to Oldek to finish her business.
Clarice was also in a position where she needed to return to the Holy Father Building. Lucy had an expression that said she would be fine regardless of what happened.
Princess Selah also intended to take Ed to the Imperial Household to finish things.
It wasn't difficult to choose who to follow. Lortel had already used all her business tricks, so no matter which option he chose, the situation would ultimately be in Ed's favor.
Therefore, there is no such thing as a correct answer. Ed Rothstaylor just… had to say whatever came to mind.
"Cough, Cough, Cough…"
So, who would he follow in the end?
Here at the burning mansion, he had ended his long and bitter fate with House Rothstaylor.
However, there was still a lot of work left to be done. There was still a journey in
Even then, Ed Rothstaylor… wanted to rest for a while.
* * *
The Imperial Central Army entered the mansion.
The well-trained Central Army quickly controlled the scene as they skillfully divided their numbers and began investigating.
Princess Selah looked at them as she wiped her face. She remembered the man who looked at everyone with a dying expression on his face.
"Ed Rothstaylor."
In front of the majestic imperial carriage, Princess Selah looked up at the ruined Rothstaylor mansion.
"Just what sort of worth does he have…?"
In the eyes of Princess Selah, she couldn't see his abilities.
However, because of the talented individuals gathered around Ed Rothstaylor, she couldn't easily lay her hands on him.
The intuition she currently felt was that his existence was likely to act as a bigger variable than she had originally thought in the future competition for the throne.
"By the way, I don't see Penia."
After leaving the tent with cold eyes, Penia had never shown up again.
"I heard that she made a report to the imperial army and immediately rode back to the imperial household on horseback."
"What? She went back to the imperial household?"
"It seems… She has decided on something… It seemed as if she planned to arrive at the imperial household before you."
Selah frowned as she closed her mouth. Even Penia, who was lethargic, now seemed to have developed a will.
It wasn't hard to figure out what she was up to, but right now, she was far away.
She was already busy worrying about Persica, but if Penia started to eye the throne, things would become even more complicated.
After all, Ed Rothstaylor was a landmine in many ways. The repercussions were too great if you tried to hastily tamper or dismantle him.
Selah swallowed her dry saliva.
Still, she couldn't neglect him. She needed to constantly remember him on one side of her mind.
Sitting next to the carriage, she saw a number of nobles returning to their estates after being investigated.
A procession of glamorous carriages went off towards their respective estates. Among them, she could see the carriage in which Yennekar Palerover was riding in, as well as the one in which Lortel was riding in. Of course, she could also see the ridiculously grand and large carriage of the Holy Father Building.
In any case, from the position of the imperial family, they needed a person involved in the incident to properly testify about what had happened at the mansion.
Ed Rothstaylor was the most suitable to do so. But in the end, Selah was unable to secure Ed due to those who protected him.
Instead, she negotiated to take another person who was directly involved in the incident to the Imperial Household to testify in his place.
However, that person couldn't be held as hostage or move according to Selah's intentions. Among Ed's party, she was the one that was most difficult to control.
Selah, guided by Dest, climbed into the carriage as she looked at the girl across from her, who waved her legs in the air. There was no such thing as etiquette in her at all.
It was quite the sight to see that large witch's hat on her head as she twirled her messy white hair.
As if ignoring the princess in front of her, the girl lay down in the carriage and exhaled quietly.
Lucy Mayreel.
The magician who would attend the imperial investigation as a replacement for Ed Rothstaylor… A time bomb that was impossible for Selah to control.
It was unlikely that the magician would be cooperative. So, all Selah could do was send her back after investigating as much as she could.
It was a completely unsuccessful compromise.
* * *
Lortel's completed villa was not as big as expected.
With her resources, she was able to build the largest mansion on Acken Island. Bell Maya tilted her head at the surprisingly modest scale.
Still, after seeing Ed's camp, it made sense. If Lortel's residence was too large, there would be a feeling of incongruity.
Lortel just wanted to live right next to Ed, not to overwhelm him with her tremendous wealth.
That was why the size of the small villa was understandable.
"Once she comes back from break, she can live there right away."
The northern forest where the crescent moon shone.
Bell Maya, who came to inspect the camp after her day's work, felt a sense of emptiness.
The biggest reward she got from working as a maid in Ophelis Hall was being able to help students who were having a hard time adjusting to an unfamiliar environment and maintaining their lives.
That was why the vacation period, when all of the students left Acken Island, felt empty. She was already quite used to it now, but when she walked around the empty Ophelis Hall and school grounds, she got wrapped up in that strange feeling.
That said, once school started again, she would become too busy all over again… There was no middle ground. Though, it was not a bad environment for her, as she was a workaholic.
After closing the door of Lortel's small villa, Bel Maya stretched to relieve her body.
As her body was always rigid and cold, seeing her stretch looked unnatural. It was as if a robot was stretching.
Perhaps because there wasn't anyone there to watch, she could relieve a bit of her tension.
Naturally, Bell Maya was also influenced by the relaxed atmosphere of late summer.
The shadow of a grasshopper ran past under the crescent moon. Only then did she become aware of the sounds of bugs late in the summer night. The sound of nature tickled her ears.
Leaves swayed under the moonlight. The sound of them brushing past each other faintly within the camp.
It was extremely peaceful, as if she had come to another world.
With that thought in mind, the moment she turned around to return to Ophelis Hall, a boy appeared among the grass.
"...!"
Bell Maya, who normally maintained a somewhat dull expression on her face, was caught by surprise.
Ed Rothstaylor, who she thought had returned to his house… stumbled through the grass as he walked into the camp.
At a glance, his face was red, and he was limping. He was not in his normal condition.
As Bell Maya was caught off guard, he slumped down on a tree stump near the campfire… and dropped the leather bag he was carrying on his shoulder.
His bag fell to the floor, rolling over a few times.
"Y-Young master Ed? Weren't you coming back to school at the end of break? The others that went with you… what…?"
As Bell Maya questioned him in bewilderment, Ed Rothstaylor grabbed ahold of his hazy mind as he swept his hand over his face.
"You were at the camp, Bell."
"…huh? Ah, yes…"
"Light me a fire. It's a bit difficult for me to use magic right now."
Speaking in a dying voice, Bell lightly drew on her magic power as she started a campfire.
As if welcoming the owner who returned after a long absence, the campfire subtly lit the surroundings.
Ed sat in front of it as he swept at his face. With his forearms resting on his knees, he looked down.
The warm heat tickled his face.
The smell of grass, along with the familiar sound of insects at night, stimulated the tip of his nose. Ed felt the tension in his shoulders loosen as his stiff muscles slowly relaxed.
Bell Maya looked at him… and stood behind him, not saying a word for a while.
The shadow of the camp that was cast from the falling moonlight split into several other areas as the camp was covered in a new source of light.
It was as if the heat of the flickering flames rubbed against his body.
"…was it a difficult journey?"
Bell, who had been waiting for Ed for a while with her hands clasped behind her, asked slowly.
Ed thought for a moment upon hearing that question.
Those who roamed the battlefield would eventually wander in search of a place to return home to. Was he any different?
The traces of his suffering, crawling through the dirt, and clenching his teeth after falling into this world for the first time was the entirety of his camp.
The first wooden shelter he made, the first fishing rod he made, the first campfire he made, the cabin, spear, hunting tools, clamps, wild animal skins, magic training textbooks, woodworking bench, hammer, fishing net…
Turning around and going home, was the camp his place to return to?
The camp where he suffered through countless hardships. He was more attached to it than he thought… He wanted to come back even when his body was in shambles.
Ed refused the proposals of all his allies to return with him. Thus, he ended up coming back to the camp on his own.
Yennekar, who was about to abandon her plans to return home. Lortel, who was willing to follow after him even at the expense of her business. Clarice, who tried to adjust the entire schedule of the Holy Father Building. He refused them all. Tanya even encouraged him to return alone and recover his body, as she would stay behind at the mansion to finish what needed to be done.
He glanced up at the crescent moon in the sky… and pondered on Bell Maya's question.
Was the journey difficult?
Of course, the journey over break was difficult.
Returning to Rothstaylor mansion, fighting for his life, somehow ending his relationship with House Rothstaylor, and his body ending up in shambles. Although it was a brief summary of the journey, it was so arduous and difficult that even Ed, who never complained before, had no choice but to let it all out.
On top of that, there was still a lot of work left to be done.
He somehow ended his affairs with House Rothstaylor, but it seems that he exerted some influence on the imperial household's power structure. He also had to think about what to do with the remaining power that House Rothstaylor held. There was also still no clear way to defeat The Holy Blue Dragon Velbrok, and there were still plenty of academic schedules that filled the next semester.
Of course, looking back on the road he passed, it had never been easy for him. From the days when he lived alone in the forest, trying to survive, till now… Ed lived every moment doing his best.
And in the end, the place he wanted to return to after finishing all his work was… in front of that very campfire.
"It was difficult. I almost died several times."
Then Ed answered.
"So… I wanted to quickly come back here."
"..."
Bell glanced at Ed's back, clasping her hands. He looked like he needed to receive medical treatment right away. But right now, it seemed he wanted to be alone.
Still, she was worried about leaving him unattended. Thinking about it for a little while… she finally realized something was different.
"By the way… you're finally talking casually to me."
"Yeah, you win."
"I'm glad you understand. However, what caused such a sudden change of heart…?"
"Hey, Bell."
Ed had his head lowered as he called out Bell's name softly.
Through his journey that vacation, it felt like he finally tasted the life of Ed Rothstaylor.
The moment the whole journey began… Vaguely remembering the senior maid who discovered Ed Rothstaylor trying to end his life, stopping him. He then spoke in a quiet voice.
"You were a better person than I thought."
"..."
"I am grateful for you in many ways."
At his sudden words, Bell tilted her head for a moment… She then lowered her head as she said.
"You think too highly of me."
After saying that, Bell left the camp, leaving him alone in front of the campfire.
She suddenly turned around and saw him resting in front of a soft campfire in the dark forest.
From tomorrow onwards, she felt she should definitely check on his physical condition… But for tonight, she thought she should let him enjoy the camp alone.
The head maid of Ophelis Hall was always good at getting things done. Reading her employer's inner thoughts and letting them do as they pleased was a necessary virtue to have.
And like that, Ed Rothstaylor sat in the corner of the camp for a while looking at the bonfire.
There was a lot of work left to be taken care of, but he needed a moment to forget it all and take a break.
The quiet summer night deepened. The bright crescent moonlight shone through the forest.
The long summer vacation was slowly coming to an end.
-x-X-x-
"It can't be helped that there are many spirits who find it difficult to communicate with humans. Since the lifespan of humans is short, to spirits they always look impatient."
[You're talking as if you aren't a human. You're exactly the same in my eyes, too!]
It was before the Academy was even established on the vast Acken Island.
There was the towering Right Mountain, the vast northern forest, the large plains in the southeast, and the coastline on the west. There were also grasslands to the south.
Opposite of that, while walking towards the edge of the cliffside in the north, passing through the broadleaf trees, climbing over the right mountain, walking up the stream that ran through the forest, you would find a plethora of various spirits.
For Merilda, who had just become a high-ranking spirit, that warm sight left quite the impression.
Because of that, she had stayed on Acken Island for a long time. By the time she realized it, she had already become stuck on the island, unable to leave.
Even Acken Island, located on the southwestern tip of the continent, was not without its own native people.
The farmers who escaped from Zahul's Frontier Territory to find a new home, or the explorers who came in search of natural resources like magic power stones in the caves on the coast of Acken Island. Such people often came to visit.
A few settlers with their own circumstances settled in, forming a small village that contained about six or seven families.
The human race was such an unpredictable existence… Sometimes, they seemed to harmonize with nature, but other times they threatened nature when deemed necessary. Merilda, who had already fallen in love with the northern forest, had a hard time figuring out how to deal with them.
It went without saying, but there were moments of conflict and also moments of harmony. There were times when they worked together to deal with disasters that came to the island, and there were times when she was angry at the humans who practiced excessive hunting and logging.
"I'm going to build a school."
If she had to pick the most unique creature among all of those people, it was that girl.
The girl, with her shiny silver hair tied back and dressed in her gold semi-robe and leather tunic, which was often worn by magicians. From the simple multicolored rings on her hands, the dragon tooth-shaped necklace around her neck, and the jewels on the hem of her robe—every single piece was full of magic power.
She was praised as a great sage in the distant northern land, but had been caught using taboo magic, thus being kicked out of the imperial research facility… Rumors were that she was the biggest outcast amongst them all.
She had incredible achievements to her name already, so she didn't particularly feel any guilt for her actions. Still, for that curious girl who was eager to learn of the world, it must have been quite frightening to have run away to an island that had nothing.
However, the poor environment wasn't enough to stop that famed magic researcher—Silvenia Robester—or her passion.
When she arrived on Acken Island, she had cut down some trees in the northern forest to make a magic wand to study material transformation magic, causing a major argument with Merilda. Most of the time they spent together was spent fighting.
Suddenly creating a riverbank in an attempt to convert the energy of the water into magic power. Catching spirits by researching sealing magic circles. Trying to engrave a 'Substitute Magic'—which was a major taboo—on a massive tombstone.
Her unpredictable actions drove Merilda mad, but Silvenia continued to research all kinds of magical power with a smile on her face until the end.
In a place where there wasn't even a single research institute, Silvenia had managed to write down an abundant amount of research papers that would go down in history.
There was no way that Merilda would be able to stop that girl's enthusiasm for learning.
Merilda had already mentally prepared herself, as she was used to Silvenia doing completely unpredictable things. But this time, she was now saying that she was going to build a school.
"Well, since it won't be all that big, it would be better to call it a school building rather than an entire school!"
[Just what kind of nonsense are you talking about now?]
Due to her tendency to start a new project whenever she had spare time, there hadn't been a single quiet day since Silvenia came to Acken Island.
It was a difficult time for Merilda, who enjoyed spending her time with the wind leisurely at the edge of the lake in the northern forest or on the hills of Right Mountain.
"I need to build a small wooden building in the eastern plains to teach magic and basic combat skills. And if possible, alchemy as well."
[You seem to have a ton of time.]
"Not really. I always told you. Unlike spirits, humans don't have a lot of time, so they always have to live busily."
Silvenia put her hands on her hips as she smiled. Merilda was already nervous.
"There are going to be a few children coming to Acken Island after being sent away by the imperial family or the lawless district. They are all great kids, but I think they have all been kicked aside after being told to not do anything useless in the imperial household. All of them each seem to have their own story."
[That's true. After all, you also caused all sorts of incidents, which is why you were exiled to Acken Island. It seemed that the imperial family was having a hard time dealing with all of them, so they sent them to you.]
"Well, I felt a little bad because I thought they were making me deal with some little kids, but… Surprisingly, they're all kind and hardworking? Besides, they all came from a rather high background, so I thought there must have been a reason why I was entrusted with them while being called the great sage!"
After saying that, Silvenia recited each of the children who would soon enter Acken Island.
Teslin McLaure, a descendant of the Primordial Swordsman Luden. A magician who received the blessings of the stars, Glockt Elderbane. Philona Bloomriver, an alchemist who made a 'lethal reagent' even before her coming-of-age ceremony.
For those three children, who excelled in combat, magic, and alchemy, the future where they ruled the continent as the first disciples of the great sage Silvenia was a long way away.
"Regardless, when I start building the school on the eastern plains, I'm sure you'll get all upset again, so I'm here to tell you in advance. I will never bother the area around the northern forest, so that will be left as is. So, I hope you will not bother me about this as well!"
The scenery of Acken Island, which was still a land closer to nature than school.
Ignoring human affairs, she sat still on the top of the mountain as she watched the trees sway.
The great sage, who was enjoying the passing wind that hit her face, always hummed as if she were in a good mood. It was revolting to see her act like that before, but perhaps because Merilda got used to it, she was somewhat happy seeing her like that.
Adapting was really scary.
Just like a drop of water falling and seeping into a rock, by the time she came to her senses, the girl had already rubbed off on her… and it became natural to always be by her side.
Merilda, who had such an experience, unexpectedly thought that it might not be all that bad to get closer to humans.
Unlike what she thought before, she was now starting to think it wouldn't be all that bad to communicate with humans. It was only annoying to do so.
Having such a thought, that wolf looked down at the scenery of Acken Island for a while.
The passage of time for spirits was vastly different from the passing of time for humans.
The sun rose in the eastern sea and lowered quietly in the western sea. As it repeated, the landscape of the island changed quite a bit.
The cherry blossoms bloomed, the vegetation grew thick, the leaves fell, and the snow piled up. You could say that every moment on Acken Island was a beautiful sight, but it was not always the same.
The small Silvenia School, which was built on the eastern side of the island, was gradually growing in size. The number of students coming and going had increased, and at some point, large, magnificent buildings started to be erected. What started as a mere building was now a school called Silvenia Academy. A suitable name that honored the achievements of the girl who was no longer in this world.
As the years went by, the eastern school buildings became known as 'the education district.'
The village of humans, which was located in the west and consisted of only a few households, gradually increased alongside the size of the school… One day, a business district formed as various people started to come to the island in search of an opportunity.
The village to the west was now called 'the commercial district', and a dormitory managed by the academy began to be built.
As much more time passed, the landscape of Acken Island changed a lot.
The sight of Acken Island, where only wild animals used to roam, was now a thing of the past.
She could feel the passage of time as she looked at the buildings that were erected from time to time to the scenery of the students wandering around the school.
A lot of weapons were developed, and a lot of research in regard to combat techniques and tactics was conducted. Thus, the curriculum of the combat department was eventually divided into dozens of classes. Now, the school's Combat Department produced not only warriors, but also famous generals and strategists as well.
The same went for the magic department. In the distant past, there was a time when she could hear the sound of an elite magician who could only cast a singular mid-ranking spell. But recently, there was now even a magician who could use ultimate magic that appeared in the school. Though, she was an extraordinarily strong human at an unusually high level.
The alchemy department developed in a completely different direction. Not stopping with reagent formulation or mineralogy, but now also dealing with all aspects of magic power, from magic engineering, herbal medicine, workmanship, and magic biology. It seemed as if every field was now being researched in the alchemy department.
The flow of time, alongside the development of science, was so quick and grand.
[Again, time is passing by and leaving me like this.]
On Right Mountain, Merilda—in her human form—was sitting on a particularly tall tree.
Looking out over Silvenia Academy, Merilda muttered in a low voice.
[And it'll always be like that.]
* * *
[I'm trying to run away.]
If you often listened to useless words, you would develop immunity towards them.
"…What are you saying now?"
[Everyone seems to take me for granted these days, so I'm thinking of disappearing. You can think of it as the price for my actions.]
The camp's flames were racing against the warmth from the sun in broad daylight.
Although it was late summer, the weather was quite cool. So, it was rather easy to think that fall was quickly approaching. It was also a period where you could easily catch a cold if you wore thin clothes.
But for me, I wasn't in a state to worry about catching a cold. That was because the condition of my body was already a complete mess.
Bell Maya was slicing onions on the side of the workbench while I sat by the fire, staring blankly at the crackling flames.
For a while, it was a peaceful atmosphere where all that was heard was the sound of the kitchen knife hitting the cutting board.
"…Did you call on me?"
"No. Merilda… I mean, the spirit that I made a contract with was talking nonsense."
"I see."
Because my magic power was exhausted, I couldn't even manifest Merilda in her human form.
That was why Bell, who doesn't have any spiritual resonance, couldn't see Merilda.
After I responded to her, Bell began to chop the other various ingredients in the basket.
As it was vacation season, it seemed like the work she had to do at Ophelis Hall wasn't all that much.
Whenever she had free time, she would come to take care of me, as I wasn't in great condition. Whenever she came over, she even took care of the chores necessary to maintain the camp, so I was incredibly grateful.
Thanks to her, all I had to do was rest my body and recover over the rest of the break. When I got better, I planned to give her something in return.
[This isn't nonsense. Do you know how much I've gone through?]
Merilda stood up from the tree stump on the other side of the campfire as her pure white skirt fluttered, kicking her bare feet lightly in the air. Naturally, she started to float in the air as she came over, sitting on the tree stump next to me.
Stretching her bare legs towards the campfire, she let out an evil smile.
[What should I say? I feel like I want to run away. But if I suddenly disappear and there is no one left to manage the northern forest, then the mid-ranking spirits and low-ranking spirits who have settled here will be startled, right? ]
"You have a bad personality."
[Periodically, I need to do this type of thing. Since I'm always taking care of them out of goodwill, isn't this a right I deserve? If not, then I'm no more than a pushover. I need to periodically let them know how much I go through, and that without me there would be so much trouble. Yeah.]
Merilda smiled as she pulled the hem of her dress down with a smile.
[Aren't you just going to just rest for the rest of your break anyway? I'm just going to manifest a bit and wander around the school. I plan on leaving the northern forest alone for a few days.]
"Simply put, you want to take a break. Alright, that's fine… but Lucy is in the Imperial Household right now, so from whose help do you plan to manifest?"
Usually, Merilda consumed magic power through me and Lucy equally. But right now, there wasn't anyone on Acken Island with enough magic power to do so.
Consuming all of the magic power that I normally would have accumulated by now, it was impossible for me to maintain her manifestation. In my last fight with Krepin, I must have consumed nearly all of the magic power I had. I was completely dry.
[Your wand. Even without magic power, you can still cast spiritual skills just fine with it. So, through the wand's innate abilities, I should also be able to manifest my human form without any issues. I don't need to be capable of combat or anything, so it's no big deal.]
"…That's why you were saying such nonsense to me? To borrow the power of my wand."
[I'm a good kid who always asks for permission before I run away from home.]
Where in the world is there such a psychopath who got permission to run away?
That was what I wanted to say, but I guess it couldn't be helped since she had a special status with me, being a subordinate spirit of mine under contract.
[It's been a while since I've looked around the school, so unless there's something urgent that comes up, I'll just leave you alone.]
"Alright. You also have a lot you deal with normally, so you should rest when you have a chance as well."
I couldn't control my body yet, so I asked Bell to bring me the wand.
Bell boiled water in a pot next to the campfire as she nodded slowly. She then went into the cabin.
[Yennekar and Lucy said that they'd be back around the end of vacation, right? Until then, you need to continue to rest and recover. You got hurt severely after all, Ed.]
"Is that something that a spirit who is leaving their injured human contractor in a camp alone to wander off should say?"
[Either way, that maid is always taking care of you. I'm sure you have inappropriate thoughts inside of you, but are unable to show any of it since I'm always stuck beside you, right?]
As Merilda spoke with a smirk, I glared right back at her, sitting still.
[I guess you can't take a joke.]
"If not now, then I'll never have a time to rest."
[l guess so. Before the vacation, news about the remnants of your house will come out. And once the semester starts, you will be busy with the curriculum. Yeah, yeah. It must be so difficult because you are so busy.]
With a playful expression, Merilda lifted her bare feet up as she kicked a few nearby stones. A few small stones rolled onto the grass before settling near the campfire.
After sitting there absent-mindedly for a while, Bell finally came out of the cabin with the wand.
"Here it is. Are you thinking of using magic power? It would be best for you to not overdo it."
"No, I don't have any magic power I can use anyway. I just need to use the abilities of the wand."
As I held the wand and focused for a bit, the wand's power began to manifest little by little.
Although she couldn't use any of her combat abilities at all, Merilda succeeded in manifesting herself as a human girl.
There really was nothing else besides being manifested. I couldn't feel any magic power from her, so she was simply just a pretty girl with white hair.
Seeing such a girl appear on a tree stump, Bell looked toward her curiously for a moment. From Merilda's point of view, Bell was an acquaintance, so she naturally gave her a bright smile as she jumped down from the tree stump.
[Aha, I really liked the feeling of stepping on grass when I manifested.]
Her feet were frail enough that I worried she might get scratched. However, Merilda lightly lifted the hem of her skirt as if she didn't care, moving her legs around happily as if she was dancing.
[Then, until you hear news from your house, get some rest. I'm also going to be going around getting some rest on my own!]
After saying that, Merilda waved her hand at me as she walked away with a cheerful gait.
Wouldn't it hurt to walk around barefoot like that?
Even though I was curious, I thought she would be fine, so I left her alone.
I poked the campfire a few times with poker as I sighed, relaxing my body.
I had no sense of taste. Every time I ate, it just tasted like I was chewing on sand. I still couldn't hear well out of one of my ears, and my left leg was struggling to move.
I alternated between a low-grade and high-grade fever. Occasionally, I also had nausea and chills as well.
Not a single drop of magical power remained.
I didn't even fully summon an ultimate spirit. I only summoned its head and made it breathe flames once.
Even that brief manifestation was enough to destroy my physical condition. So, just how much spiritual resonance did Yennekar, who had manifested an entire ultimate water spirit over a long period of time, have?
Of course, Yennekar also had to lay down for a long time with medical care after summoning it. Even considering that, it was still an extraordinary level of resonance.
"..."
When I thought of Yennekar, I pictured her worried expression as she rode a train to Pulan. The same went for Lortel and Clarice, as well.
However, I would recover as long as I was able to rest in moderation. So, I couldn't have them postpone their long-awaited return home or their busy business schedules.
The best way for me to repay them was to get as much rest as possible over the break and show them a much healthier appearance.
The person who worried me the most was Tanya.
Tanya, who had pushed for me to return to Acken Island, was wearing a cloak engraved with a picture of an eagle, symbolizing the head of the house.
When I gently closed my eyes, I could see Tanya's back with her hair tied up as she looked at the collapsed Rothstaylor mansion.
I was worried about her, but it was hard for me to do anything with my hazy mental state and ruined body. I would most likely be a burden instead of a help.
Right now, a quick recovery was the most important task I had.
Knowing that fact, I relaxed my body as much as I could… and forcibly shoved the tasteless rice into my mouth.
* * *
When Magnus Callamore, commander of the corps in the northern territory, arrived at Rothstaylor mansion, everything was already over.
He was originally scheduled to visit at the end of the social gathering. However, the military meeting had suddenly been rescheduled, thus he was unable to arrive on time.
He couldn't help but widen his eyes at the sight of the completely destroyed Rothstaylor mansion and the tents that had been temporarily set up in front of it.
"Commander Magnus. I'm sorry that I couldn't welcome you."
And at the center table of the tallest tent, there sat a girl who was taking care of the entire current situation.
It was Tanya Rothstaylor, the student council president of Silvenia Academy and the current head of House Rothstaylor.
Her face still looked young and also exhausted. Nevertheless, Tanya appropriately spoke to the commander, who was several times older than her.
"As you can see, the current state of Rothstaylor mansion is like this…"
"What happened?"
After clearing the air, Magnus spoke politely to Tanya. He quickly noticed that her status had been upgraded.
Tanya lowered her eyes from the irony of the situation as she forced a smile.
Several distinguished guests that remained around Tanya explained the situation of the mansion. Most of the nobles had returned to their own estates, but some key figures still remained at the scene to help manage the situation.
One of them was the head of House Bloomriver, Sinir Bloomriver.
Sinir was an elderly woman with a few wrinkles on her face. She recognized Magnus and bowed her head slightly to greet him.
Magnus also greeted her with a bow, then sat down in front of Tanya.
Sinir and Magnus were both parents who had children of their own that were attending school at Silvenia.
Magnus' son, Wade Callamore, was the overall top student among the first years. The second of Sinir's twin daughters, Trayciana Bloomriver, was the current top student among the fourth years in the magic department.
As both of them were parents of top students within the school, they knew Silvenia's student council president Tanya Rothstaylor quite well.
However, they had never actually met her in person before. They could only guess as to what kind of a person she was.
The position of the student council president in charge of all students that attended the famous Silvenia Academy. In addition, she inherited the position of the head of house to take responsibility for her now ruined house.
The girl carrying the heavy burden of that seat was smaller than expected. Thus, the two of them had no choice but to look at her with worried eyes.
However, Tanya spoke first, as if she weren't bothered.
"I'm going to be straightforward. I'm in a tough spot. So, I don't have time to worry about every issue."
From the perspective of Magnus, who had yet to hear of the situation at Rothstaylor's mansion, it must have sounded as if she was speaking nonsense.
Still, Tanya spoke without hesitation.
"I will bring Princess Selah down."
Selah, Persica, Penia.
The battle for the throne was a three-way battle. So, which path would Tanya take to survive?
"Are you willing to cooperate with me?"
Magnus, born with the blood of a warrior, ascended to the ranks of a commander in charge of the entire northern border.
Sinir, the head of House Bloomriver, who led that famous witch house.
If she wanted to convince those two to be on her side, she would need to have a valid reason or power to do so.
However, right now Tanya was the head of a house that was on the verge of extinction. There's no such fool in the world that would follow a person that was in such a situation.
Even though she knew that fact, Tanya spoke confidently, nonetheless. Asking them to take her side.
As if it was the right answer… there wasn't even a moment of hesitation.
* * *
"Young master Ed."
"…Good morning, Bell."
"I'm sorry to bother you while you're resting, but… a letter has arrived."
"…a letter?"
It was the next morning.
As I was recuperating by the campfire, I looked at Bell, who had come since early morning with a confused expression on her face.
"…For me?"
"Yes. It arrived under your address at Ophelis Hall. So, I retrieved it and brought it over."
"…But it's already been so long since I've been kicked out of Ophelis Hall. Why only now have I received a letter from there?"
"I'm curious about that, too…"
I took the letter from Bell, opening it right away.
It was in a shabby envelope, but the ink was clean as if it were recently written.
The letter wasn't very long, so I took a quick glance through it.
[Notice to the worst kidnapper in custody, Ed Rothstaylor.]
"?"
Bell, who was reading the letter from behind me, made eye contact with me as she tilted her head.
[I know of the terrible deeds you committed against that frail girl. I can't ever forgive you, as you harassed a pitiful mute girl who couldn't even resist, let alone say a word back.
Personally, I would like to immediately report all your evil deeds to the academic council. However, at the mercy of your kind-hearted victim who stopped me, I will postpone your punishment if you personally come forth and apologize.
As soon as you read this letter, show up at Glockt Hall.
Sent by Patriciana Bloomriver, a student of the magic department.]
"...?"
"??"
Me and Bell looked at each other for a while as we continued to exchange glances, as if we were both puzzled.
"Have you kidnapped and imprisoned a girl recently?"
"..."
"…Excuse what I said."
Indeed, just looking at the speed of her apologizing for her actions, she was definitely worthy of being called a first-class maid.