Side Story 25: Chasing Butterflies (2)
The maids at the Rothstaylor Estate already knew, to some extent, that the moment Lucy recovered even the slightest amount of magic power, trying to control her would become practically impossible.
After all, Lucy's magic power far exceeded that of a regular magician. Even with the smallest amount of magic power, she far surpassed the ordinary maids.
Nevertheless, the maids at the estate were able to keep Lucy in check thanks to the head maid's assistant, Bell Maya. Surprisingly, Lucy Mayreel listened to Bell, and it seemed the trauma she had experienced back at Silvenia Academy still remained to some extent.
Thanks to that, the maids who worked beneath Bell Maya were able to do their jobs quite comfortably. Because of that, they ended up slowly lowering their guard.
"…Lady Lucy has disappeared."
As soon as Bell Maya received the report, she felt ashamed. Bell Maya was a maid who took care of all of her work perfectly. However, there were naturally going to be times when she made mistakes.
"…Lady Lucy…?"
The maid who reported to Bell Maya lowered her head. It was a brief report, but it was easy to imagine how serious it was for the maids. Under the direct orders of their master, Ed Rothstaylor, they were supposed to take special care of Lucy Mayreel. It was safe to say that this had been an extremely important assignment.
Bell Maya didn't change her expression, but on the inside, she was quite panicked. She leaned on the cabinet, deep in thought for a moment. The maid who delivered the report then began to explain the situation in more detail.
When she went to Lucy Mayreel's room to check on her, she wasn't there. However, the window was wide open. There were even traces outside of Lucy moving from the mansion's central garden to the main gate.
It seemed that Lucy hid in a merchant's wagon when they came to deliver goods to the Rothstaylor Estate that morning. The carriage's final destination was none other than Acken Island.
"…Should I contact the merchant and ask them to look inside their carriage?"
"By the time we get in touch with them, it will probably already be too late."
"…I-is that so?"
It was a special order from Ed Rothstaylor himself. She couldn't believe she had made such a mistake.
Bell Maya, who tended to be a perfectionist in everything she did, let out a heavy sigh as she wiped her face. However, she knew that sitting around feeling depressed and regretful wasn't going to change anything.
Given the situation, it was obvious where Lucy was heading.
"Then… Should I send a report to Lady Tanya and Young Master Ed…?" asked the Maid carefully.
Bell stood up and patted her clothes, replying, "I will notify Lady Tanya myself. As for Young Master Ed… There's no need to contact him. He will find out soon."
"…Is that so?"
The reason Lucy suddenly ran away was clear.
Recently, Ed Rothstaylor had been too busy to return home to the mansion. It was obvious that he would be short on time once the semester began. Bell Maya felt that she was at fault because she hadn't anticipated the situation, as she was too busy taking care of the mansion.
The chances were high that Lucy had gone to see Ed in person. No matter how much she preferred to be alone and enjoyed a solitary life, there were still times when she missed other people.
Stray cats on the street might live on their own, but that did not stop them from occasionally slipping through fences because they missed the warmth of a human touch.
Why would a person be any different?
"Lucy's sudden actions… Right now, it's not a major issue. Since she's recovered to some extent, she's not in a condition where her well-being is at risk…"
Lucy Mayreel was capable of defeating a magician who was capable of intermediate magic with just a fingertip's amount of magic power. Because of her strength, there was no need to worry about protecting her.
"… A letter of apology… I think it would be better to write one in advance…"
Bell sighed as she spoke. Still, it was inevitable. Given Lucy Mayreel's personality, she had endured the frustrating lifestyle she was trapped in within the mansion for quite a long time. It was about time she ran away.
Thinking that it was inevitable, Bell Maya felt more at ease. Given that it was Lucy Mayreel they were talking about, the fact that it was only just happening was a blessing.
* * *
"These are the theories necessary to properly utilize Intermediate Magic. Though the way each element reacts to magic power is completely different…it will be much faster for you all to gain a better understanding of it through individual practice."
Professor Ed Rothstaylor's Elemental Studies Lecture was the most competitive class among the first-year students. Not only was Ed's name famous, but his teaching skills were far superior compared to the old professors.
Because the new students wanted to learn Intermediate Magic as quickly as possible, they all rushed to take his class. Because of its popularity, it wasn't an easy class to sign up for.
In the large classroom packed with students, Ed Rothstaylor spoke calmly.
"Let's stop here for today. It's dangerous to try intermediate magic without fully familiarizing yourself with beginner elemental magic. So, for your evaluation later this month, we will be focusing on beginner magic. Later, we will be moving into researching intermediate magic. As for the schedule of practical classes, my assistants will notify you of them later. That will be all."
Ed put down a piece of chalk, packed away his lecture materials, and walked out of the classroom.
That morning's Elemental Studies lecture was the last class of the day. However, he still had to go and observe the first years practicing intermediate magic later in the student practice room. That was why he had to leave quickly and eat lunch.
As he walked into the hallway to quickly head over to the faculty cafeteria, a flood of students filled the hallways with various questions.
"You can ask me while I walk."
He walked down the hallway while answering the students' questions. Even though he looked like a celebrity, he was simply a professor answering the students' academic questions. It was a life that seemed much more exhausting than glamorous.
Nevertheless, Ed walked down the hallway answering the students' questions without showing the slightest bit of irritation or exhaustion.
In the lobby of the building, expensive wooden benches were placed for students on top of the clean marble floors.
All of the students in the area were busy sitting and reading their books. They would eat a simple meal while waiting for their next lecture. A few of them even spoke with their friends. However, in the corner of his eye, there was a student lying down with a witch hat pressed down on her face, as if she were asleep.
Just before he left the building, he glanced back at what he had just seen.
"…Wait a minute."
Ed had been quickly walking out of the building while listening to the students' questions non-stop. However, as if seeing something strange, he suddenly stopped. The students that were following him couldn't help but stop with him.
"H-Huh… ? Professor? What is the matter?"
The students who had just been asking questions all looked up at Ed in confusion. Ed rubbed his eyes as he looked into the lobby he had just walked through. He then quickly walked forward to a bench off in the corner of the lobby.
On the bench, there was a student asleep with a witch hat over her face. Ed sat down right next to her.
However, she wasn't a student. In fact, she wasn't wearing a uniform at all. Instead, she wore a cute blouse. After all, she did drop out of school long ago.
"What are you doing here…Lucy?"
It was surprising to see her there, thousands of miles from the estate.
Lucy.
All the nearby students who heard that name suddenly doubted what they had just heard. There wasn't a student at Silvenia Academy that didn't know the name 'Lucy Mayreel'.
She was a legendary former student, one who was considered the next Archmage.
"H-huh…?"
That legendary magician woke up with drool rolling down her cheek. She sat up, holding her witch hat tightly. She then looked around with drowsy eyes.
Lucy Mayreel.
All of the students who heard that name opened their eyes wide as they quickly gathered.
"…Hi. I was bored, so I came to see you."
Ed Rothstaylor was one of the most powerful individuals in the empire, someone who was greatly respected by everyone. Even so, she spoke to him casually, as if she didn't care either way…
However, Ed Rothstaylor didn't look bothered in the slightest. That was because he knew she didn't speak like that for no reason. After all, the girl could easily defeat Ed Rothstaylor.
"The school hasn't changed at all even after that incident… Old Man Glockt must be happy about that…"
Upon hearing her words, all of the students in the surrounding area were in complete shock, falling over. The lazy-looking magician in front of them was the same genius magician who had broken every record in Silvenia's history?
After a moment of silence, there was an explosion of reactions.
"Lucy! I respect you so much! I'm doing my best to become a magician like you!"
"I read all of the records about you, Lucy!"
"Kyaaa! Lucy looked my way!"
"No! At me! She looked at me!
"Lucy Mayreel. Lucy Mayreel. Lucy Mayreel!"
Lucy sat down on my lap as she covered her ears as if they were too loud.
Seeing her wearing that thin blouse, I quickly figured out what had happened.
Lucy must have escaped from the mansion and come all the way to Acken Island by herself. However, it wasn't a short distance to travel, so she probably used some means of transportation to get there. After all, I didn't think that her magic power had recovered to the point that she could use Spatial Magic yet.
I put my hands under her armpits as I lifted her up. Lucy didn't fight back as I lifted her. Instead, she looked down at me with a blank expression on her face. Like that, I had to quickly carry her out of the crowd of students and bring her to my lab.
* * *
"L-Lucy?! I-it's an honor to meet you!"
When Lucy—the legendary magician—entered the lab, all of the assistants were in complete shock. They quickly went to grab refreshments and tea to serve her, but Lucy ignored them as if she wasn't interested. She dragged a chair over to my desk and sat down, yawning.
"You work in a pretty noisy environment…" she said.
"You are the reason it's noisy."
I dropped the lecture materials on my desk as I leaned back in my chair.
Dead silence.
Lucy was still half-asleep as she looked at me with drowsy eyes. The students were silent as they carefully watched the two of us, completely dumbfounded. For a while, there was nothing but silence in the lab.
I could have sent my assistants outside to ask Lucy why she had come, but given the fact that my assistants also had a lot of work to take care of themselves, I didn't want to bother them. I ignored Lucy for the time being as I went back to quickly finishing the work I had to do. Once I finished, I grabbed Lucy's arm as I quickly left my lab.
Rumors spread quickly in Silvenia Academy.
Rumors that Lucy Mayreel, a legendary magician who once attended Silvenia, had returned would have already spread quickly. In fact, by the end of the day, everyone would probably know.
Some passionate students had come to Trix Hall to try and catch a glimpse of the legendary magician. Not only that, but other students were forming long lines in front of Ophelis Hall just in case she might go back and visit. After all, that was where she lived when she was a student there. There were a bunch of students around the education district who were hoping to meet her as well.
The image of Lucy in the students' heads was a benevolent, beautiful, mature, and admirable magician, one whom everyone looked up to. I didn't want to shove the dagger of reality into them… So, in the end, the only choice I had was to bring her to my private lab in the North Forest.
It used to just be a shabby cabin, but with the support of the school, I was able to build a large wooden laboratory.
"It's changed a lot here, but… The campfire is still the same. Now that I'm here…I'm starting to get drowsy again…"
"It has been a while since you were last here, Lucy. I guess you still also think of this as your home."
It was early evening, just as the sun started to go down. Lucy sat across the campfire as I boiled water in an iron pot. The sound of the bubbling pot over the campfire could be heard.
My life had become a lot more relaxed, and I had the funds to live in luxury if I so desired. Still, when I needed to organize my thoughts or take a break, I found myself coming back to my campfire in the North Forest.
I no longer felt that sense of desperation and struggle in my daily life that I felt when I lived in the wild. Still, everything else felt the same.
I quickly made a cup of herbal tea before I handed it to Lucy in a mug. She grabbed it with her small hands as she sat down on a nearby wooden stump. Before, she would have laid down the moment she came to the camp. However, she was patiently sitting down with the drink in her hand.
It seemed that the maids' efforts back at the mansion were starting to come to fruition. Though, they probably didn't realize it themselves.
"I thought you'd be angry," Lucy said quietly, the mug on her lap.
I cleaned the campfire for a moment. I then grabbed a cup of herbal tea myself as I casually answered her.
"Why?"
"I escaped from the mansion on my own to come to Acken Island to see you."
"It's not like I was trying to lock you in the mansion. Though, I'm sure the maids are freaking out that you ran away…"
I surprised myself a little. Despite all of the trouble she caused, when I saw Lucy's face in the lobby of Trix Hall… What I felt more than anything else was happiness.
"I'm sure you must have felt lonely because I've been busy with work."
Recently, it felt as if I had had no time to take a break at all. It had been a while since I went to the mansion, so I couldn't help but feel glad to see Lucy, someone I hadn't been able to see in a while. Even though she escaped from the mansion on her own… It wasn't like anything could be done about it right then.
"I'm glad you look good, Lucy," I said honestly.
Lucy then glanced down at the mug she held tightly in her hands. She did her best to reply, although she spoke too quietly to hear.
Maybe she was embarrassed? The subtle change in her heart might be hard to notice for most people, but compared to the first time we met, she was much more emotional.
At some point, Lucy had become a decent girl. Humans changed, and sometimes, in unexpected ways.
"…Anyway, there's something I should ask you since you're here. I think I will have to go to the Lamelin Mountain Range pretty soon."
Amputator Zellan.
I planned to meet with the war hero and make a deal with her using information about the location of the previous residence of the Archmage Glockt.
When I explained to Lucy that I might need some help, she simply nodded without much change in her emotions. I figured that Glockt's old residence would be a sensitive topic for her, but she didn't seem to mind all that much. I didn't know how much time I'd be able to make to go to the mountain ranges, but with Lucy's assistance, it shouldn't be a difficult task.
Well…I didn't think it'd be difficult, would it?
"Hmm…"
"…You don't look too good."
"I'm fine. It doesn't have to do with you, Lucy…"
Eventually, when we went to the Lamelin Mountain Range, we would also have to pass through the lawless region of Kohelton.
Unfortunately, the Kohelton Lawless Region wasn't a place you could pass through without approval from the Imperial Household. That was because it was the most infamous restricted region in the empire.
Even though the imperial household was protecting me, that didn't mean I had unlimited privileges. I needed at least some kind of justification so that the Imperial House could save face.
However, even if I came up with a reasonable justification… There was another issue in the way.
There was a member of the imperial family who was in charge of managing all restricted regions, including the Kohelton Lawless Region.
She and I… Recently, we hadn't gotten along all that well… Strangely, every time she saw me, she raised her voice and tried to start a fight. Still, if I had no choice, I would have to meet with her…
I scratched my chin as I fell into deep thought. Seeing me do that, Lucy finished her tea and moved into my lap with a smile on her face. She seemed happy to see me for the first time in a long time.
I put my chin on her head and slowly fell further into thought.
In the North Forest, where the sun was slowly setting, it was just as quiet and peaceful as it always was.
-x-X-x-
Side Story 26: Chasing Butterflies (3)
Are you doing well, Young Master Ed?
This is your head maid, Bell Maya.
If my assumption is correct, Lady Lucy has left the Rothstaylor Estate and has reached Acken Island. I am sure you have also quickly grasped the situation yourself.
I have nothing to say.
Despite the orders you personally gave me, I failed to watch over Lady Lucy until the end. I won't give any excuses. The maids in charge, myself included, are prepared to accept whatever disciplinary action you demand.
Perhaps by the time you read this message, the other maid I sent from the mansion will have already reached Acken Island.
I've already fully explained the situation to them, so you may leave Lady Lucy with them. We will make sure to watch over her as we bring her back to the estate. Given the gravity of our error, I feel inclined to go to Acken Island myself. However, under Lady Tanya's orders, I must remain at the mansion. Instead, I must send a representative in my place.
Once again, I would like to express my deepest apologies.
I failed to perform the task you personally ordered me to oversee. This was due to the mistakes of both myself and my staff. As such, if you issue a specific disciplinary order, we will carry out whatever you ask of us.
Bell Maya
* * *
Don't worry about any disciplinary action.
There are some circumstances, so I will be watching over Lucy myself for the time being.
However, please make as much beef jerky as you can and send it to Acken Island. You can send it to my assistant's office, located in Trix Hall. Please make it as salty as possible.
Ed Rothstaylor
In front of a group of maids who sat together with terrified expressions on their faces, Bell opened Ed's letter and she quietly read it with a puzzled expression on her face. Just what was written in that letter for Bell, who was always serious and rational, to have such a strange and unusual expression?
All of the maids who sat together couldn't help but hold their breath.
* * *
Since I had to deal with Amputator Zellan, it wouldn't make sense to send Lucy back to the mansion right away. With the situation turning out in such a way, I figured it would be best to take care of the artifact right away.
Also, as I wanted to see how much Lucy had been able to recover while staying at the mansion, I figured it would be a good idea to watch over her for the time being at Acken Island.
"I know how busy you are with your job as a professor. I can't help but be worried that it's too much for you to watch over Lady Lucy as well." said the maid Bell Maya had sent my way plainly and politely as she bowed.
I told her it wasn't something they needed to worry about, but I could tell from her worried eyes that for them, Lucy Mayreel was a person that was much too difficult for a single person to keep under control. It couldn't be helped that they thought like that. However, from my point of view, even though it was a bit unfair to them, it wasn't that bad.
When I sat at my desk, Lucy would come over and sit on my lap or lie on a nearby sofa. She would always spend her time reading through books or staring blankly at the crackling campfire.
Whenever she got lonely, she would press her fingers to her temples and organize her thoughts. When I saw Lucy crouching like that in front of the fire, I would go over and keep her company or hug her. Most of the time, Lucy didn't care that much, as she crawled up close to me and leaned on my body, but… At other times, she suddenly acted embarrassed and pushed me away.
There was no consistency in the way she acted or treated me, but, either way, Lucy didn't get in my way. Most of the time, she actually helped me. For that, I was extremely grateful to her.
Lucy didn't seem to realize that herself. I looked over at her and she had a bright expression on her face.
Regardless, it was fair for the maids to be worried that I might be overdoing it. With rumors spreading across campus that the legendary magician Lucy Mayreel had been spotted there… the two of us continued to spend our time together at Silvenia Academy.
It was more relaxed than I had originally thought, but there was nothing wrong with passing the time without any trouble.
And like that, half of the semester passed by.
"The Imperial Household's inspection team is scheduled to visit sometime next week," said the Dean of the Magic Department, Professor McDowell, at the school meeting.
The academic conference hall, which was full of senior professors, had quite a solemn mood. That was because the agenda that was brought up by the head dean was rather important.
"As you know, this is an inspection that only happens once every few years. That's why, if we don't do a good job in taking care of it now, it will become troublesome later on."
McDowell was taking over Headmaster Obel's duties for the time being, as he was still unable to move property. If the school's evaluation was lackluster, things would become difficult for Silvenia Academy.
After all, the school was nothing but an institution that was under the Imperial Household. If the evaluation was subpar, funds might be dropped and that sense of trust between the two, as well as the school's image, would drop tremendously.
"In regards to this, I would like Professor Ed Rothstaylor to personally guide the inspection team when they come to visit…"
The head dean was in charge of dividing duties among the professors. Nevertheless, I raised my hand as I argued against it.
"As this is related to the Imperial Household, I understand why you would believe that it would be more beneficial for me to personally guide them. However…"
I silently glanced at the list of inspectors coming to visit. In particular, the head of the team.
72nd Session – Complete List of the Inspection Team
Head of the Inspection Team- Selah Einer Kroel
The inspection of various institutions was a crucial task for the Imperial Household. In order to check whether an institution was up to standard, it was necessary to have talented individuals personally visit the site to write the reports. After all, those reports needed to be entirely accurate, without being inappropriately influenced. It would be easy for the emperor to do it themselves, but that wasn't always possible.
That was why the position of head of the inspection team was usually given to a member of the royal family. Before, the first princess Selah Einer Kroel quickly volunteered to take on such tasks. That was because of the fierce competition over the throne.
However, after she had given up the throne, wasn't she quietly spending her time managing the western and northwestern parts of the Empire instead?
I didn't know what kind of change of heart she had after giving up on the throne, but… I never imagined that she would continue doing such demanding and physical tasks.
"…To put it bluntly, I don't have a very good relationship with Her Highness Princess Selah."
"…But I think it would still be better for you to do it, as you're more familiar with the members of the Imperial Household…"
"If that is what you think, then I will take care of it. However, I can't guarantee that things will work out in our favor."
Because I was being protected by the next empress, Penia Elias Kroel, occasionally I was given such burdens. Whenever there were issues that involved the Imperial Household, they were all quick to point my way to have me take care of them.
However, no matter how much I thought about it, I didn't think Selah would suddenly treat me warmly just because her sister Penia was on my side.
She occasionally came to the Rothstaylor Mansion, but every time she did, she would always complain. She would stomp her feet on the ground and say that she could never forgive the fact that—despite being protected by the Imperial Household—we lived in such a small house.
"But…um…even at our meetings… Does she need to be here…?" McDowell whispered carefully, afraid to step on a landmine.
I knew exactly what he was trying to say and why he acted like that. Despite the serious mood in the meeting, there was a stranger sitting down right next to me.
It went without saying, but it was Lucy Mayreel.
Lucy sat on my lap with her back towards the table, swinging her feet in the air as if she were bored.
"…I understand your concerns, but… I figured it would be better to carry her around with me rather than having her cause a scene on campus."
"Student Lucy… No, you're not a student anymore. If you don't have anywhere to stay, the school can provide a dormitory for you to—"
"I'm comfortable right here," Lucy suddenly cut him off.
She pushed her head into my chest as she closed her eyes, holding onto her witch hat tightly. That meant she was getting ready to sleep again.
"I understand why it would cause issues, but… it would be easier if you just think of her as a part of my body."
There was silence.
"I know how ridiculous I sound, but that is all I can ask…"
"Well, alright… You have contributed greatly to the school, so this is something we can overlook." McDowell had an awkward smile on his face as he cleared his voice before continuing. "Anyway, once this inspection is over, there won't be much else to do until the break. So, let's just make sure to do a good job with the inspection this time."
All of the professors who sat together agreed in unison. Everyone seemed to be motivated.
* * *
"Well… I figured I'd see you again for the first time in a while…but I never expected to see this."
The month quickly passed by, and it was finally the day the Imperial Household's inspectors came to visit Silvenia.
There were many things to prepare, as a member of the royal family was personally visiting the school. It would be too much to explain every single thing that needed to be taken care of.
Selah, who led a large inspection team, gave a brief speech at the student center. She then immediately came over to Trix Hall's lobby, where I was waiting.
She was a member of the imperial family who inherited the blood of the emperor. Not only did she have a large inspection team with her, but also a large escort team as well.
After being completely pushed out of the race for the throne, Selah was rumored to have become much crueler. Just like before, she continued to look down on the subordinates and aides who followed her. However, there were still quite a large number of people who fully followed her footsteps.
Still, one's nature could never change easily.
She was still as arrogant and short-tempered as ever. Even her bluish hair looked as cold as her heart.
However, the reason for her anger was understandable. It was because of Lucy Mayreel, who had clung to me to the extent she felt like a part of my body. Seeing Lucy clinging to my body… At that point, even the people within the school were used to it.
Princess Selah, whom I was seeing for the first time in a while, let out a heavy sigh with her hands on her waist. She looked down at Lucy, who was still stuck to me.
"Are you the one who is going to guide me around the school? I already know what the others in the school must have thought… Since you have a good reputation with the Imperial Household, they want to take advantage of you to easily pass the inspection."
"Rather than that, it's because I am the most familiar with treating members of the Imperial Household respectfully. We can't have just anyone greet someone as noble as you, Princess Selah."
"What a sly tongue. Do you think I'm going to go easy on the evaluation just because it's you?"
"…I never thought such a thing."
"Ha! Even though you say that, I can see in your eyes that—"
"…Achoo!"
At that moment, a cute sneeze could be heard throughout the lobby of Trix Hall. A sneeze that interrupted a member of the royal family from talking. However, the person who had just sneezed simply stared at Selah casually, her eyes blank as she held onto my sleeve.
Princess Selah was someone who had seen Lucy many times before. Of course, Lucy couldn't draw on her full strength at the moment, but the fear imprinted in Selah's memory wasn't something that would easily disappear.
She could still easily remember the Lucy who caused chaos inside the Kroel Imperial Household all on her own.
Selah frowned for a moment before she asked in a low tone, "Why did Penia become so obsessed with a man like you?"
I remained quiet.
"I tell you this bluntly, but I hate you. You are no fun, you are not flattering, and you always do whatever you want without caring about others."
"If I have made a mistake, I will quickly correct it."
"See! Just like that! You don't care about me and always show me that pitiful expression."
No matter what I did, she was irritated. At that point, there was nothing I could do to calm her down. All I could do was wait for Selah to relieve her stress and anger on her own.
"And why are you always so busy, to the point that we can't ever meet each other casually? Why are you always running around as if you're the busiest person in the world? One would think you are a construction worker, not a professor of magic. Working so much doesn't mean you're any more impressive… Maybe you should go and get yourself examined to see if you're delusional. Also, the last time I visited your mansion…"
Selah, who had been yelling at me for quite some time, suddenly stopped as she let out a sigh. It seemed she realized how unsightly she was acting.
"…Yeah, what's the point of saying any of this? That's just the type of man you are."
"I apologize."
"…I'll tell you this now. Don't think for one second that the fact you are guiding me will have a positive effect on the inspection evaluation. Not even a little."
"…I never once thought that."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes."
"…Really? Not even once…?"
At that point, it was hard to tell what the hell she wanted.
"I'm well aware that you are someone who clearly separates public from private."
"You know me well. However, if you say that, doesn't it imply that I have private feelings towards you?"
"…I didn't mean that."
"J-just watch what you say so that you avoid misleading anyone. Language is something that can easily be misunderstood with just one word."
"Yes… I'll keep that in mind."
It was becoming harder to say anything else in response aside from agreeing with whatever she said. As if Princess Selah caught on to how I felt, she quickly turned her back towards me.
"L-like I thought. There's not one part of you that I like."
Selah shook her head as she calmed her breathing. She then turned back towards me as she spoke. It was weird to see her try and speak, all while trying to force the corners of her mouth down.
"And when the inspection is over, come to my carriage. I need to see you in private."
"…Your carriage?"
"Yes, come alone. Not with anyone else. It's an Imperial Order."
When I pushed for a moment, thinking about how I should respond, Selah had a dumbfounded expression on her face. She acted as if she belatedly realized she was causing a misunderstanding. In shock, she fanned her face with her fan.
"I-I didn't mean anything special by that! S-so why are you staying strangely quiet?! Aren't you making me look strange by suddenly not saying anything?!"
"I was just thinking for a moment. May I ask…what the reason is…?"
"I-I'm telling you this to avoid any misunderstanding… There's someone you need to meet. As they earnestly asked me to meet with you, I am having them wait in my carriage. It will be worth your time."
Someone that the princess herself brought in her carriage? Not just anyone, but the arrogant Princess Selah?
I didn't know who it was, but it was clear that they must be an extraordinary person. All sorts of people came to mind, but it was hard to exactly guess who it was.
However, Princess Selah didn't wait long before immediately saying the name of that person.
"Amputator Zellan."
When I heard that name, I frowned.
"I heard you're the one who wanted to meet with her. Well, it seems she wanted to meet with you, too."
I opened my eyes wide. Seeing that, Princess Selah put her hands on her waist, puffed out her chest, and had a satisfied smile on her face.
"It seems you now owe me. Huhuhu."
As if she were in an ecstatic mood, Selah was unable to wipe that smile from her face for quite some time.
She really was an exhausting person to deal with in many ways.
-x-X-x-
Side Story 27: Chasing Butterflies (4)
Fortunately, the inspection ended without any problems. I was worried that Princess Selah, who didn't treat me kindly, would find something to complain about. Surprisingly, she quickly finished her inspection without any real complaints.
As I watched Princess Selah inspect the school's facilities, she looked surprisingly calm and relaxed. I wondered whether she simply had little interest in the state of the school and its academics.
Still, even if she wasn't interested in such things, Princess Selah wasn't one to slack on her duties.
Once the inspection was complete, it was time to go into her large carriage as she had ordered me to do.
Amputator Zellan.
It was time to meet the war hero.
"I'm going, too."
Lucy Mayreel didn't hesitate to say she was coming along. At that point, if she wasn't right next to me, I felt like something was missing. I thought about it for a moment. After all, Princess Selah had ordered me to go by myself.
"Once you tell her that you know Glockt's previous residence, she's going to want to meet with me, too."
Lucy had a point. Princess Selah might not have been happy with it, but she was strangely uncomfortable around Lucy. I didn't think it would take much to convince her to allow Lucy to tag along.
In the end, Lucy came along with me as I went into Princess Selah's carriage. In truth, this was hardly a carriage at all. It was large enough to be considered a house—certainly bigger than the first cabin I had built in the forest.
There were thirteen horses attached to it. It was so large that it was more like a moving fortress than a mere carriage. It took a while just to climb up the stairs. The soldier standing guard in front of the entrance of the carriage saluted us politely, as if he had been notified of our arrival in advance.
I bowed my head back as I went inside. There were more people waiting inside than I expected there to be. The first person I saw was Princess Selah, who was sitting at the head of the table. That was only natural—it was her carriage, after all.
"You're here."
A middle-aged man with his head bowed was sitting quietly beside her. Next to him was a petite magician. Since they were wearing a large robe, it was hard to get a good look at their face. However, from the size of their body, I figured they were either a little boy or girl.
"You can sit over there. But…I thought I told you to come alone."
"Yes, you did. However, I am going to need this girl."
I held Lucy's hand as I brought her over to me. The two others in the carriage glanced our way. Lucy looked around the carriage for a moment before climbing up on my lap to sit down. After all, she wasn't the type to care what others think.
"Lucy Mayreel. Right now, she is perhaps the only one who knows the exact location of the Archmage Glockt's previous residence."
Upon hearing those words, the old man started to tremble. The same was true of the person who was wearing the large robe. They both reacted rather strangely.
"If you are curious about the Archmage Glockt, there is no one more suitable than Lucy to answer your questions."
"…It seems you already have some idea what Zellan is after."
"It was briefly mentioned to me by her old colleague, Professor Kaleid."
"It seems like that old man is still opening his mouth carelessly like always. I guess it's a relief that nothing much has changed about him."
Her voice was clearer than I expected, and there was something surprisingly playful in her tone. At the same time, she seemed completely at ease.
As she took her hood off, a young girl appeared, as I expected. Her hair was tied up neatly, falling down on both sides of her shoulders like a pair of wings.
I frowned for a moment as I took in her slightly violet-white hair. Unlike what I had heard, she looked extremely young.
Professor Kaleid definitely said she was old, but…
"Nice to meet you. My name is Zellan Allendark. Though, I am better known as 'Amputator Zellan' after cutting the northern Olpend Mountains in half completely. However…"
The girl who introduced herself as Zellan—there was no way that someone could consider her old. She twisted her hair as she continued to speak in a relaxed voice, similar to that of a young girl.
"…I don't particularly like that nickname."
"…"
"You look a little surprised. It must be because I look different than you imagined, right?" The girl fixed her hood that she had taken off as she continued to casually explain. "Even though I look like this, I'm actually one hundred and forty this year, young man."
* * *
"I am a person who challenges what's considered taboo."
I had heard about such a thing before, during the Glast subjugation. There were three areas of magic that a magician should never pursue. Three major areas that twist the world provinces and disrupt the order of souls.
The pursuit of eternal life, the resurrection of the dead, and the reversal of time.
Of course, there were magicians who continued to research such subjects while riding a fine line between the boundaries, but it was hard to find someone who so openly broke the rules of magicians.
That was because most of them were disciplined heavily by magic towers and organization, even to the extent of one's magic powers being sealed.
Since Silvenia Academy had to set an example as an educational institution, naturally, research into such taboos was forbidden.
However, Amputator Zellan was challenging all three areas head-on.
"…Professor Kaleid mentioned that you were going to be an old lady…"
"Ahh, well… That's what I looked like back then on the battlefield."
I was quiet.
"Well, it's not easy magic to use, but… It was something I needed to do." The girl spoke as she continued to fiddle with her hair. "In fact, I don't age. At the age of fifteen, I broke a taboo and was able to use magic to stop the effects of time on my body."
"…Is that possible?"
Even with Celestial Magic, there were limitations.
Time Prison could forcefully stop living objects, but there was no such thing as stopping one's growth. If such magic existed, all of the rich and powerful individuals of the world would never stop trying to get their hands on it.
"Why wouldn't it exist? After all, I'm a genius."
"…"
"…Yeah, I can tell what you're thinking just by looking at your eyes. I did exaggerate a bit. It was through sheer coincidence and partial insight… That's how I ended up living forever. I don't want to go into the details, so let's just say that I got lucky."
"The reason why you were hidden all this time…"
"That's right… I am guilty of committing a grave sin. If I am found out, I will be executed immediately. My name, Zellan, is just an alias."
Zellan, a war hero in history, was actually a criminal who broke the rules of magic. After hearing the shocking truth, I could see why Princess Selah had told me to come alone.
It wasn't a truth that could easily be allowed to be known.
"Sometimes, I lived a life as an elderly archmage. Other times, as a precious child of a family that knows no better. But… With the name Zellan, I lived a life doing various different things. At this point in my life, it's rather confusing to remember it all."
"…Then what are you going to do now with this new appearance?"
"…Well, what do you think?"
Zellan had an eerie smile on her face. It wasn't easy to figure out what it meant. I pressed my hand on Lucy's head for a moment as I thought about it deeply. After meeting Zellan, I was able to sort some things out to some extent.
One who challenges the forbidden.
Amputator Zellan.
"You are trying to find Glockt's relics that he left behind to further challenge the forbidden, all for the sake of satisfying your personal academic greed. After all, there is nothing more precious than Glockt's artifacts when it comes to trying to twist the providence of this world. After all, he was a master of Celestial Magic."
"That's…only half correct."
"Which half was wrong?"
"I do want Glockt's relics he left behind to further challenge the unknown, but not to simply satisfy my academic greed."
"Then?"
The girl thought for a moment before saying, with a large smile on her face, "It's just… There's something I want to observe. But not for academic reasons."
After saying that, she went quiet. I took a sip of the black tea on the table as I tried to organize my thoughts once more. I looked at her quietly for a moment before looking towards Princess Selah.
"Does the Imperial Household all know the truth about Zellan?"
"Yes. Not just me, but also my father, Penia, Persica, and brother Lindon all knew."
"…It seems as if the royal family was protecting a famous criminal who challenged the forbidden."
"How much do you think a mere criminal within the magician world would affect the royal family?" Princess Selah spoke with her legs crossed, fanning her face. "We are the royal family. It would be arrogant to think that a mere criminal within the magician world would be enough to shake the authority of the Imperial Household.
"…But you didn't want the truth to be publicized because it might cause a dispute with the magic towers?"
"That wouldn't mean anything to us. Scholars like you always talk big, but what's the point of trying to threaten us by exposing the truth about Zellan? That doesn't just affect me, you know. That would also put Penia in a troublesome spot."
Even though she said all of that, she wouldn't have called me there if she didn't have faith that I wouldn't tell others about it. There was no way someone as thorough as Selah wouldn't have thought things through.
Selah had intended to share the secret about Zellan with me. Naturally, the question 'why' followed.
"So why would you reveal to me such a big secret?"
"This isn't a grand secret. However, the existence of Zellan is indeed a bit troublesome. After all, she keeps causing all sorts of trouble in the lawless region of Kohelton, which I am in charge of."
"Haha. That was just an incident that came from my research…"
"Keep your mouth shut."
Selah had a brief tantrum as she told Zellan to shut up. Zellan smiled as she shrugged her shoulders, taking a sip of her black tea.
"I made a small promise to Zellan. If I introduced her to someone who would solve her problems, she would move her lab to another region."
"And you promised to introduce her to me?"
"Is there a problem with that? You needed Zellan's help too, right? Since you two can benefit from each other, you should be thanking me."
Upon hearing those words, I fell back into thought for a moment.
"Yes… You definitely have a point."
Selah was quiet.
"Thank you, Princess Selah. Thanks to your kindness, I saved a lot of time and effort."
I expressed my gratitude towards Selah with an honest heart. I thought she'd act arrogant hearing my thanks, but her response was surprisingly tame.
"…I never thought you would be so honest and grateful towards me…"
"…Pardon?"
"Never mind. I was just a bit flustered to hear you speaking so honestly. You always hide what you're really thinking and say strange things."
"That's…"
I was going to say, 'Aren't you talking about yourself?', but I swallowed my words. Making such a provocative remark against the imperial family wouldn't do me any good.
However, it seemed that she could guess what I had been thinking, as Princess Selah looked at me angrily.
"You have a talent for making me angry."
"…I apologize."
"Hearing you apologize with that expression only irritates me more." Selah let out a sigh as she continued to explain. "I will give you special permission to pass through the lawless region of Kohelton."
I was busy, as it was the middle of the semester. However, if she gives me an 'imperial order'… It wasn't like I could refuse it either.
"The two of you will help each other with whatever you need, and then you are to quickly leave my territory. And don't get distracted with Zellan's strange research, Ed. Just finish things as quickly as possible."
That was the imperial order Princess Selah gave me.
* * *
"Let me introduce you, this is my assistant, Wilhelm. He's a pretty reliable guy, so you'll get along fine."
After getting out of Princess Selah's carriage, Zellan introduced the assistant she was accompanied by. The large man, who I didn't recognize, lowered his head with a gentle expression on his face as he introduced himself. I nodded my head, greeting him in return.
"Being surrounded by young kids again, it feels as if I've gone back to the old days." It wasn't convincing to hear her say all of that while looking like a kid herself. "Now that we have been given an order, it would be best to take care of things as soon as possible. Once you help me find Glockt's old relics—Ed, was it…? I'll help you with whatever you want."
"I will need some time to get ready to head to the Lamelin Mountain Range first."
"Well, take your time." Seeing her smile like a kid, I started to think she was purposely acting more mature and polite in the carriage because Selah was there. "And did you say her name was Lucy Mayreel? I've heard that name before. The genius magician."
Zellan looked down at Lucy, who was glued to my waist.
"…She's hanging onto you like some accessory."
"I like holding onto him like this."
"Wow… I respect that. Well, you're going to guide me to Glockt's old residence. I look forward to working with you."
"…I don't want to."
An unexpected answer came from Lucy. At Lucy's brief refusal, Zellan tilted her head. It seemed she was also completely taken aback by Lucy's answer.
"Oh?"
"You are hiding too much."
Glockt Elderbane was like a father to Lucy Mayreel. We were going to search for that man's last home. Obviously, it wasn't something she would easily agree to. Even though she may have said she would help me before, there were some things she couldn't do.
"How you ended up with an eternal body, why you are breaking the taboos of the magic world, and what are you planning to observe with my old man's relics… You haven't told us anything."
It was true. Zellan was keeping quite a few things secret, so it made sense that Lucy was unwilling to tell Zellan about what she knew.
"If you don't tell me everything, I won't help you."
"…Even if this blond young man you care so dearly about asks for it?"
Hearing those words, Lucy trembled as she looked my way. She was looking at me, waiting for my answer on whether I really wanted Lucy to help me by giving all the information she knew to Zellan.
If I really wanted her to, she would be willing to tell Zellan about Glockt, regardless of how Zellan was acting. Lucy looked at me anxiously, awaiting my response.
It went without saying, but I was always on Lucy's side.
"Unfortunately, I also agree with Lucy." Lucy hugged my waist as she buried her head into me. She seemed happy that I agreed with her. "If we want to help each other, we will just have to show each other the cards we hold. Don't you think so?"
Wilhelm, the assistant next to Zellan, frowned upon hearing that. However, Zellan smiled cheerfully, completely disregarding how Wilhelm felt.
"You're right, young man." She stretched for a moment as she put her hood back on and continued. "As I said, it is not for any academic reason that I want my hands on Glockt's relics."
She struggled to speak, as if she didn't want to recall unfavorable memories again.
"I am a failure." The girl went on to explain. "Everything I've ever tried to achieve in my life, I've failed. There was one long-cherished desire that I held deeply… But I had failed there as well."
Zellan looked down at Lucy, who was still wrapped around my waist.
"Lucy Mayreel. You care so much for this young blond-haired boy. Maybe he is the reason for your life?"
As if it were embarrassing to say, Lucy nodded her head as she softly said, "I decided to live for his sake. He's the only reason I'm alive."
"Isn't that a bit much, Lucy…?"
"It's fine. I don't hate it."
Lucy spoke as if she didn't care about anything else. Zellan paused for a moment before responding.
"I see. But I am not like you, Lucy Mayreel. I don't have any reason to continue living anymore. I have lost everything I had, and I have failed in everything I've done."
Hearing that, Lucy frowned. Lucy knows the pain of loss better than anyone else, so I wondered how Lucy saw Zellan after hearing that.
There were many people who had lost a lot, but for Zellan… Not only did she lose everything, but she failed to protect them.
"I wanted to make the non-humans acceptable members of this empire. However, I ended up in a position where I had to kill countless numbers of them with my own hands. I had to stand at the forefront of the war against the non-humans as a magician of this empire."
With her head lowered, Zellan spoke in a low voice.
"When I came to my senses, I was covered in their blood. The empire even called me a war hero who slaughtered countless non-humans."
Suddenly, I remembered the non-human nuns in Cledric Monastery. Those young non-human survivors, whom Zellan had entrusted to the monastery, were perhaps her last remaining guilt.
"It is said that once you reach the height of Celestial magic like Glockt used, you will be able to observe the countless flows of both the future and past."
Finally, she explained what she was trying to observe.
The only one who has ever reached such heights was the Great Sage Silvenia. She was the only one who had observed the countless flowing paths of both the future and the past.
It was probably impossible for anyone else to reach that level. However, even if it was much less than Silvenia… Perhaps Zellan would be able to at least see the flow of a few different pasts and futures.
"It might be a little hard to understand, but all I want is to observe one of those diverging flows where I finally achieved a future I wanted… I just wanted to find out if it exists."
A world where Zellan didn't slaughter the non-humans. Could such a possibility exist? Zellan wanted to confirm that possibility.
I wanted to ask what the point was of such a thing, but as if Zellan knew what I wanted to ask, she spoke with a smile on her face.
"Yes, you might think it's meaningless." The girl reached out towards the sun floating in the sky. "It's like a butterfly that can never be caught. Even though I know it can't be possible, I keep chasing after it."
I remained quiet.
"I just want to see if such a future is possible. That is the last secret of my life."
"…You speak like you're about to die."
"Well, what do you think?" Zellan lowered her arms as she looked at Lucy. "Did that answer your question, strict cat lady?"
She didn't answer everything, but… She did tell us something.
Lucy looked at Zellan as she slowly nodded her head. That was because, in Lucy's eyes, Zellan's relaxed appearance actually looked empty.
* * *
"So."
We promised to meet after getting ready to leave for the mountains. Lucy and I said farewell to Zellan as we walked down the street as the sun set on the horizon.
"…What is it?" I asked.
"Hug me."
Hearing that, I looked down at Lucy.
"Was it hard to walk so much today? If your legs hurt, do you want me to carry you…?"
"It's not that. I just want a hug."
Even though she was still a little embarrassed, after spending so much time together it seemed that Lucy was getting a bit bolder when she asked for such things.
Was there a change in her heart? I looked at Lucy, trying to figure out how she felt, before stopping after changing my mind.
That was because I already knew what Lucy felt.
The school at sunset.
A deserted street.
I sat down and hugged Lucy tightly.
Lucy hugged me back as she whispered in my ear, "Thank you."
"You must have recalled a bad memory," I said.
I felt for Lucy. Was it because they were former comrades? Those empty eyes of Zellan's… They also looked similar to the eyes of Professor Glast, who had left the world.
None of which was a good memory for Lucy Mayreel. It left a bitter aftertaste in her mouth.
The memory of Professor Glast closing his eyes forever as he died underneath that tree… Unable to overcome the pain of loss, that lonely professor ended up tying himself to the chains of death.
For Lucy, it was a memory that reminded her of the days she also fought against loneliness.
But she overcame it, and now, I was next to her. Lucy quietly hugged me as if she wanted to be reassured of that fact.
The sun continued to slowly set. Beneath that falling sun, I continued to hug Lucy tightly for some time.
-x-X-x-
Side Story 28: Chasing Butterflies (5)
It was a childhood memory.
Lucy, who was practicing with magic power on her own, accidentally knocked over the container beside the wall. It held the ashes taken from the fireplace, and because of Lucy's mistake, Glockt's entire cabin ended up covered in ash.
Not only Glockt—who had been sitting by the fireplace reading a book—but Lucy as well—who had been lying on a wooden bed—ended up completely covered in ash.
Lucy was startled, quickly trying to shake off the ash. Glockt quickly used wind magic to send the ash flying away.
No matter how insensitive and emotionless Lucy usually was, she could not help but feel bad about her mistake. She approached Glockt with a guilty look on her face. Seeing that, Glockt burst into laughter and stood up.
He brushed off his clothes, but the ash all over his body showed no signs of clearing off completely.
"Thanks to you, I've come to my senses. But I thought I told you to be careful when practicing magic power in the cabin…"
Glockt had been about to scold her for a bit, but seeing Lucy's expression, he changed his mind. Lucy was always doing her own thing, yet now she was fiddling with her fingertips and looking up at him apologetically. Glockt put a hand on her shoulder. Seeing her like that, he felt there was no need to scold her further.
"Everyone makes mistakes."
He tried to console her, but Lucy seemed depressed as she continued looking down. Sometimes, it was necessary to severely scold a child. However, upon seeing her act like that, it was too much for him to do so. Glockt thought about how he could make Lucy feel better.
He then opened his mouth again, saying in a brighter tone, "We'll have to find something to brush off the ashes first."
Having said as much, Glockt entered the cellar under the cottage. It was used as a storage space and private laboratory. Lucy was left alone as she brushed her clothes off in the messy cabin. She was thinking about how she should apologize to Glockt.
The entire cabin was left in silence for some time. Eventually, Glockt came back up from the cellar.
Thunk.
He put something on Lucy's head.
What he had put on top of Lucy's hair was a large witch hat that was nearly the size of Lucy's upper body.
"It's a gift."
Lucy held the hat as she looked up at Glockt blankly.
"I'm giving this to you now."
"This is…"
"Cherish it. One day, this hat will be your most precious item."
"…Why…?"
"…Well, you'll find out one day."
* * *
"And that's the hat I received back then."
Inside the gently swaying carriage, only four people were leaving Acken Island for the lawless region of Kohelton.
Amputator Zellan, her assistant Wilhelm, Lucy, and me.
"Then… Does that mean that hat is also a keepsake of Glockt's?"
"Yes," said Lucy quietly, nodding at Zellan's question.
I figured as much. Lucy always carried that hat around wherever she went. I wondered just how many layers of defensive magic were put onto that hat… Despite the countless fights and the chaos Lucy found herself in, that hat was never severely damaged.
For Lucy, it was one of her last memories with Glockt, so she naturally treasured it dearly.
Aside from the hat, there are a few more items of Glock's that Lucy kept. In particular, at Glockt's tomb—which was hidden in a coastal cave on the west side of Acken Island—there are all sorts of items left behind.
Well, most were just random keepsakes without any real value. Some items had no value in terms of magic, but there were also some really valuable items as well—like the Introduction to Celestial Magic book that I owned.
"If there really is something, it's most likely to be down in the cellar." Lucy continued to kick her feet in the air as she sat on my lap like usual. "When he passed away, I wasn't in my right mind, so I left the cabin without looking through everything."
The memory of Glockt's passing wasn't a pleasant memory for Lucy. Surprisingly, Lucy spoke as if it didn't bother her.
"He kept saying that he didn't want to do anything academic in the final days of his life, but once in a while, he would go down to the cellar to research something. I… I was never really interested in it, so…"
There was something that the archmage Glockt had researched that his pupil, Lucy Mayreel, was unaware of. Lucy wasn't one to have much curiosity about things like that. However, it seemed that Zellan and Wilhelm weren't the same.
"We definitely need to check that," said Zellan's assistant, Wilhelm, as his eyes flickered. "It might be something extremely valuable in terms of academic research. Given that you are a professor yourself, Ed, you must also be interested in what it is."
I looked at Lucy as I nodded my head. Lucy looked happy for some reason. She was probably just happy that the two of us were leaving for a long trip. Looking out the window at the scenery, she seemed to be quite excited.
Of course, it was hard to tell for sure how she felt from the outside. It was all just an assumption of mine after having known her for so long.
"By the way, once I finished helping you investigate the Lamelin Mountain Range… I need your help processing an artifact I have."
I quickly jumped to the main point. Zellan was the best in the world when it came to processing such artifacts. I spent a long time studying magic engineering myself, but I couldn't handle an artifact like that on my own.
"Yes, there is nothing I can't handle. By the way, young man, you must be quite talented in magic yourself. What kind of artifact do you possess that you are unable to process yourself?"
It would be easier to show her than to explain. I pulled out Tyrcalaques's body from my pocket and showed it to her.
It was only a small marble-sized object, but someone as skilled as Zellan was able to instantly recognize its value. She smiled as she looked at it intently.
"That is quite the ridiculous thing you have there. What are you going to do with it?"
The use of artifacts was important. That was why Zellan had to take care of it for me. So, I decided to say what was on my mind without beating around the bush.
"Among the spirits I have contracted, there is a high-ranking wind spirit called Merilda."
"A high-ranking wind spirit… You must be well versed in Elementalism."
"At this point, I am already quite capable of using her power…"
Hearing what I said, Zellan looked at me with a large grin and a dumbfounded expression at the same time.
"So, I'm going to make her become an ultimate-rank spirit. Right now, the position of ultimate-rank wind spirit is vacant."
Her reaction was understandable. I was basically declaring that I planned to be able to freely use an ultimate-rank spirit. I was well aware of how ridiculous I must have sounded.
"You're quite an interesting young man."
However, Zellan Never said that I was planning to do something completely ridiculous and stupid. I was sure of it. Zellan wasn't in her right mind, either.
* * *
Everything after that was rather boring.
We listened to Zellan's story about when she traveled across the lawless region of Kohelton with her assistant Wilhelm. We would occasionally take breaks and step out of the carriage to get some fresh air.
We would also stop by every village we met to get some sleep in an inn. Like that, the boring carriage ride to the Lamelin Mountain Range continued. My journeys to Pulan and Oldek were also quite long, but the Lamelin Mountain Range was on the other side of the empire from Acken Island.
Lucy had told me before that she had come all the way to Acken Island on her own while carrying Glockt's body. I started to realize just how absurd that was.
In a high-speed carriage, it would take several days. Despite that, she had traveled the entire distance without canceling her magic for even a moment. I couldn't help but have my mouth open in awe at her feat.
Chances were Lucy hadn't returned to the Lamelin Mountain Range since, and it was hard to be sure if the cabin was still going to be there as she had left it.
After a long and tedious journey in the carriage, we eventually reached the Lamelin Mountain Range. However, our journey was still far from finished. In a small village at the entrance of the mountain range, we purchased various supplies before our hike.
The Lamelin Mountain Ranges was a massive section that crossed through the northern part of the continent. One had to be thoroughly prepared to climb a mountain that high. Of course, the goal wasn't to reach the top, but rather a cabin in the middle.
As if Lucy was happy to be back here after such a long time, she used her magic power to fly to the top of a tree, looking around.
Then we finally started our hike.
Zellan and Lucy were small in stature but were talented at using magic power. Because of that, they did not consume much energy during the climb. As for Wilhelm and I, we used our physical strength and endurance to survive that long hike. Whenever we were having a hard time, we could also use some magic as well.
Sometimes, spirits would be summoned to help guide us, and we would camp in the middle of the trail. We continued like that for almost two days.
We weren't so weak that we were in danger of wild animals, and we had more than enough supplies. It wasn't a difficult hike—in fact, it was more of a sightseeing tour than anything else.
As I had heard, the Lamelin Mountain Range was really beautiful.
It was the place where Lucy ran around spending her childhood. It wasn't difficult to imagine Lucy as a child, flying around the tops of all those trees.
However, the mountain was enormous. It was much larger than I heard. I could see why no one had dared to try and find Glockt's cabin despite the rumors of his treasures being there.
The sheer size of the mountains was much larger than the Alps. If we were trying to reach the top, I would have had to prepare much more in advance. Even from where we were, the mountain peak still seemed so far away. We could only just see the peaks of the mountain, covered in pure white snow.
"We're almost there."
Finally, Lucy told us some good news.
It took about a week of traveling in the carriage to reach the mountain range and three days of hiking to reach the cabin. I could see why Glockt chose such a place to live a secluded and remote life.
Anyway, the forest that seemed to stretch out forever…eventually ended at some point. What was beyond it was a sunny field. It wasn't all that large—in fact, it seemed rather strange for such an area to exist on this large mountain full of trees and snow.
In the middle of the field…was a shabby cabin
"Ohh, finally! That's… Archmage Glockt's Cabin… Is this where he lived after retirement?"
Professors who majored in magic history would drool at the sight. It was the last residence of one of the greatest men in history.
* * *
"When he first built the cabin, he must have used magic to set things in place. It's not like an old man of his age could have built a cabin on his own… Of course, it was only natural that he had to use magic to do so."
Despite the cabin being neglected for years up in the mountain, his cabin was more intact than I anticipated. When he built it, he must have used magic to keep the building's structure maintained. Given that he was an archmage, it wasn't all that surprising.
Zellan slowly walked towards it as she glanced at the door. When she pulled on it, it let out a squeak as it slowly opened.
Inside the cabin, there was dust everywhere. Aside from that, it wasn't particularly messy. It was the same as when Lucy had left it.
Suddenly, I felt that my wrist was being held tightly. Looking down, I saw Lucy holding onto me. I watched her slowly look around the cabin. It seemed as if her childhood memories were slowly coming back to her.
"…Are you all right, Lucy?"
"I'm fine." I was worried, but Lucy reassured me, "Because you're here."
Clasping my wrist tightly, Lucy brushed away that feeling of loneliness. What was lost was lost. It had already been a while since she had said farewell to that feeling of emptiness.
That was why Lucy could enter the cabin without being bothered.
Returning to Glockt's Cabin years later… Yet as if she had only returned a day later, she casually went over to the rocking chair near the fireplace. She sat down and held her body tightly, letting out a sigh.
That was it.
* * *
The first thing we did when we entered Glockt's cabin was blow away the dust with Wilhelm's magic.
It didn't take long for Wilhem to clean the interior of the cabin. He gathered all of the spoiled ingredients in the kitchen that had been left unattended for a long time, burying them in the ground outside.
We then refilled the kitchen with the groceries we bought, then started preparing a meal.
Once everything was done, Zellan went into the cellar that Lucy had mentioned before to look for what Glock had left behind.
Lucy and I… We just sat together in a rocking chair by the fireplace.
That was because we had no obligation to help Zellan search for the relics. From that point on, it was something for Zellan to do on her own.
I enjoyed the warmth of the fireplace with Lucy on my lap. The sun had already set as the early fall's cool wind flew by… Then, Zellan quickly came up from the cellar.
"I found Glockt's relic. But…it's a little different from what I imagined."
"What?"
"Can you come down for a moment?"
We went down to the cellar while using Ignite to light the way. The area was used as a storage area and was full of all sorts of junk. We continued to go deeper inside before finally turning the corner and reaching Glockt's personal lab.
"The archmage Glock that I knew was a man who hated doing anything forbidden. He was a magician who always respected magic and the world's provinces, as well as one's destiny."
Listening to Zellan, Lucy nodded quietly.
As we made our way further inside, Zellan continued, "Lucy Mayreel. This might be a bit of a shock to you, but… It seems that the archmage Glockt…actually studied what is considered taboo in the later years of his life."
The pursuit of eternal life, the resurrection of the dead, and the reversal of time.
Three areas of magic that magicians all over the world considered taboo. Did the Archmage Glockt, who was strongly against such taboos, actually begin to research them in the final years of his life?
"…I have trouble…believing that…"
Lucy shook her head at Zellan's words. In Lucy's memory, Glockt was a magician who accepted fate as it was. He greatly respected the world's providence. Even though he was able to use Celestial Magic, he only lived the life he was given.
He was a magician who lived with no regrets. After doing everything he was destined to do, he left the world. That was why Lucy Mayreel did not revive Glockt with Professor Glast's Resurrection of the Dead spell.
It would be an insult to revive him using such forbidden magic, given that he was a magician who had pride in not researching such fields.
However, Zellan responded in a serious tone, "Me, too… I am having a hard time believing it as well. The Glockt that I knew wasn't one to do such a thing. But…in this underground lab…"
Zellan injected more magic power and cast Ignite to further lighten the room.
Thanks to that, we could see the entirety of his lab, an area that Lucy Mayreel had never bothered to look into because she was lazy and indifferent at the time.
There were numerous different artifacts left behind. There were also various magically engineered devices that Glockt had worked on at some point.
"There is clear evidence that he was researching one of the three taboos. 'Time Traveling.' Look at the large crystal ball in the center of the lab. It's a device that is used to gather Celestial magic power. And if you look at the other magic engineering devices next to it, it's not hard to guess what he was trying to do."
Lucy frowned as she looked at it. Glockt was a magician who would never do what was forbidden. That was something he took great pride in. There was no way Glockt would make such a thing.
However, for Lucy, who understood magic… No matter how many times she looked at what was in front of her, she couldn't come to a different conclusion. It was clearly a device that used Celestial magic power to cross through time.
Whether it was the future or the past… Glockt had jumped through time at some point.
"Given the situation we see here, it's safe to say that at some point in his lifetime… Glockt Elderbane messed with time. In other words, he committed the taboo of traveling through time. Looking at the magic power circuitry, it's clear that it has been used before. Given that all of the consumables were not replaced or refilled, it seems he only used it once."
Did he really jump through time before? All without Lucy knowing? If so, was it the past? Or was it the future?
There was no way to tell for sure, and it was even harder to figure out what made him do such a thing, despite him having such strong beliefs.
Everything about the situation was a mystery, because Glockt Elderbane, who was the only one who knew the entire truth, was no longer alive.
* * *
"There is good news and bad news. If you ask which one you want to hear first, naturally you would say the bad news first, right? Well, I'll just come out and say both of them at the same time then."
She was saying whatever she wanted. It was hard to tell her otherwise at this point. Zellan then spoke to us as she continued preparing a salad in the kitchen.
"After staying up all night to examine what was left in that cellar, I think there is enough equipment for me to observe the other possibilities of my life that I so desired. However, some things seem to have aged poorly and need to be repaired."
We listened to her speak.
"The items that he built were truly fitting of one of the greatest archmages to ever exist. They aren't easy to research and repair. After all, it'll take quite some time just to examine each and every one of them. Fortunately, there are two people here who are skilled in magic engineering."
Wilhem and myself, Ed Rothstaylor. We were both skilled in magic engineering to some extent.
"I don't really understand what they do or how they work, as they are objects that use Celestial magic power. It might be a rather dangerous task, but if you are willing to help me…"
Zellan put down the fork as she looked up at me and spoke.
"I'll take full responsibility and make sure you become the master of an ultimate-rank spirit. I am also quite curious about your plan to try and become capable of using an ultimate-rank spirit as you wish. So, let's help each other out. It's a win-win situation."
"Why do you think it could be dangerous?"
"As you know, Celestial magic power is hard to use. Not only is it powerful, it's hard to predict how it will react. That's why I need your help, as you are somewhat capable of using it yourself."
Zellan leaned against the back of her chair as she spoke to me rather confidently.
"I like you very much, young man."
Hearing those words, I thought an old lady was talking to me. In truth, inside that little girl was still the soul of an old lady who had experienced all sorts of things in her lifetime.
"So…let's work together. There are many things I can do to help you as well. And aren't you also curious about all of this?"
I remained quiet.
"Why did Glockt, an archmage who had great pride in his values, end up doing such a thing in the final years of his life? Don't you also want to find out the truth, strict cat lady?"
Lucy looked at Zellan. She would be lying if she said she wasn't curious…but some things in life were better left unknown. Lucy had finally been able to completely send Glockt off emotionally.
He was a magician who lived quite a turbulent life, and he had left the world with no regrets. That was the story that filled Lucy's heart.
So, was there really a need to try and change that?
"Alright."
After thinking for a moment, she agreed. I couldn't tell what she was thinking.
Zellan let out a satisfied laugh upon hearing that.
"When the sun rises tomorrow… Let's quickly repair the artifacts and look into everything."
A journey that started out of curiosity… Who knew what would happen? At that point, it was impossible for us to know. I quietly listened to the sound of the wind outside the cabin.
A shabby cabin in the middle of the Lamelin Mountain Range.
A place that was completely separate from everyone else.
Zellan lay down on a wooden bed as Wilhelm lay on a camping sleeping bag that was on the dining room table.
I sat in a rocking chair by the fireplace with Lucy on my lap.
Inside the cabin, the four of us slowly went to sleep unable to even imagine what would happen the next day.
-x-X-x-