2
The Empire’s territory is not particularly large, but most of its cities are very prosperous and highly regarded by neighboring countries. Among them, the imperial capital Elis-Tira is especially advanced. Particularly at this time, it’s brimming with excitement to the point of being noisy. The [Sword Saint Festival] holds such great significance in this country known as the [Land of Knights]. Naturally, many dignitaries from other countries can be seen as well.
“Ah, so annoying.”
Looking at such scenery through the window, a girl muttered a complaint and roughly sat down at the dressing table, crossing her legs. She picked up a comb and adjusted her bangs, mixed with white hair, a few times. As she did so, she naturally checked her own expression, as she was often told she had a mean look. She hadn’t told anyone, but she was a little concerned about that.
Her slightly pointed ears, characteristic of her half-elf heritage, were adorned with numerous piercings. She sometimes changed some of them depending on her mood, but today they would remain as is. She put on her favorite choker around her neck—at that moment, her left eye emitted a slight golden glow. Reflected in it was a fluffy being emitting a green light, a spirit.
“You guys are quiet and cute, that’s nice.”
She had a special power. It was fundamentally different from magic or skills, truly a [Gift] bestowed by the heavens. That was the [Spirit Eye].
An extremely rare ability that allows one to see and interact with spirits. And it was because she possessed the Spirit Eye that she noticed this incredible anomaly.
“Hm, what—Aaaaaaaaaah!?”
The sunlight streaming through the window suddenly grew larger, then changed colors one after another.
However, she instantly understood that this was not sunlight. It was—a light created by an unprecedented number of spirits, larger than she had ever seen before.
“What the… is that…”
The girl mumbled in a faint voice as she plopped down on her bottom.
§
There are times when I find the status of nobility troublesome, and now is precisely one of those times. Before me are the influential nobles of this country. I thought they’d leave after the party celebrating my defeat of the ice dragon, but… so it’s come to this.
“Luke! It’s finally time!”
“…………”
It’s all because of Abel… this idiot. Now I have no choice but to officially go to the Empire as a noble. Of course, this means more trouble. That’s why I went through the trouble of creating the adventurer status, but now it’s all for naught.
But I see. In situations like this, I’m reminded that Abel is merely a commoner. Not all the gazes directed at him are friendly. Even if he is a student at Aslan Magic Academy, it seems they still can’t fully accept him.
The discriminatory mindset rooted in this country’s noble society. I can’t understand measuring people by anything other than ability.
“Hey, Dia.”
“Y-Yes…!”
Dia’s body trembled in response to my call, and she immediately bowed her large head.
“Absolutely obey my Father’s orders, understand?”
“Yes! Of c-course…”
“And…”
“Yes, is there something else…?”
“It’s cold.”
“Huh?”
“It’s cold when I’m near you. Suppress your magical power.”
“Eeeek! I’m sorry, I’m sorry!”
With the Aslan attack incident and whatnot, it seems there are forces targeting me for some reason. If they come after me directly, I can handle it somehow. The trouble is if they target my father and mother. Well, they are my parents. It’s inconceivable that they’d fall behind to some random rabble, but there’s also the matter of that magic-nullifying artifact. I suppose there’s no such thing as being too prepared.
“Luke, be careful out there.”
“Yes, Mother.”
“Luke, if anyone displeases you, I’ll—”
“Oh, you… Sensei Amelia, Sensei Freyja, please take good care of our Luke.”
“Leave it to us.”
“We’ll take full responsibility for him.”
I’m still not used to Amelia acting like a person of common sense, though Freyja is more understandable. Well, such things are trivial.
I’m truly surprised at myself. I didn’t expect my heart to be this excited.
“…Heh.”
After finishing the tedious greetings, we boarded the carriage.
I wonder why Alice and Mia have somehow ended up accompanying us as well. Seriously… these influential nobles are a pain.
Come to think of it, I don’t see Polpon. He should have been here too, but maybe he’s already returned to the royal capital. I’m a bit curious about what that Second Prince came here to do, but…
READ THE ORIGINAL TRANSLATION AT gadgetizedpanda.net
§
Besides Lily, who was complaining to Abel about why she wasn’t invited, there was also Eleonora who could use spatial magic. If it had been just Luke alone as originally planned, they could have used spatial magic to significantly shorten the travel time compared to the current carriage ride. However, there were two problems with that.
One was that Eleonora’s spatial magic couldn’t interfere with multiple beings possessing too much magical power. The other was that they were great nobles, the pride of the Kingdom of Mirestia. Even if spatial magic were possible, they had to maintain a certain appearance. That’s why they were now traveling in a large group accompanied by several knights.
“L-Luke… I think we’re about to arrive, so I’d like you to wake up… ahaha…”
A weak voice, as if seeking help. Indeed, the owner of that voice, Abel, was seeking help. There were four people in this carriage. With Luke asleep, the remaining three were Alice, Mia, and Abel. However, it would be an exaggeration to say that Abel got along well with the other two. It was a relationship that couldn’t function without Luke. The atmosphere was so stifling that Abel felt like he was suffocating.
(I can’t take this anymore! Luke, please wake up! Alice keeps glaring at me with a terrifying expression from time to time, and Mia’s been staring at the sleeping Luke with an incredibly dangerous look on her face!)
Since Luke fell asleep, Abel had tried his best to break the ice. He was good at making efforts. He truly believed that no matter how high the wall, it could be overcome with effort and ingenuity. But no matter what he said, Alice would respond with “Could you not speak to me so casually?” and Mia wouldn’t respond at all, maintaining her dreamy expression. It was truly a dead end. He mentally called out to his friend Lily for help many times, but she wasn’t here.
He had made an effort, so now it was time for ingenuity. He switched his thinking and tried to fall asleep himself. However, he couldn’t sleep at all. He was at a complete loss. What should he talk about? Should he even talk at all? What did he usually talk about with his friends? Everything became unclear, and he felt like he was wandering in darkness.
(It’s… hard to breathe…)
A frozen silence. He couldn’t sleep, but he decided to at least close his eyes and pretend to be asleep. Just as Abel made this decision—
“What, have we arrived already?”
Luke awoke from his slumber. At last, a helping hand was extended.
“L-Luke… ugh…”
“…Why are you crying, Abel?”
While rubbing his eyes with his thumb and index finger, Luke pondered about the man sitting to his right. From his perspective, he had no idea why Abel was looking at him with tears in his eyes, as if clinging to him.
“Good morning, darling.”
“Ah… who are you calling darling?”
“Is there anything you want me to do for you upon waking, or anything you’d like to do? I’ll grant any wish.”
“Shut up, I don’t need anything.”
Abel watched this scene and thought.
(She’s so talkative! Alice suddenly became talkative! She had an ‘I’ll kill you if you speak’ aura just a moment ago…)
“U-Um! Good morning, Luke!”
“Ah.”
“…………”
The Mia that Abel knew was a very sensible person, and he had a strong image of her often getting into verbal arguments with Alice, who occasionally made extreme statements. However, the person in front of him now was somehow strange. It’s difficult to express, but she occasionally wriggled her body and there was something dangerous about her eyes.
(This is… scary…)
Yes, Abel sensed Mia’s precariousness through his honed senses as a warrior and his instincts as a living being. Nevertheless, now that Luke had woken up, a slight smile returned to Abel’s face.
§
Meanwhile, in the other carriage:
“So, Mr. Alfred, have you ever seen Luke’s magic? No, right? While Luke’s swordsmanship is impressive even from my perspective, I believe we should place more emphasis on magic, don’t you think?”
“With all due respect, Lady Amelia. How well do you understand Luke’s swordsmanship? As the former Vice Commander of the Royal Knights, I must say his talent is extraordinary. It’s not just rare; there’s absolutely no precedent for it. In fact, wasn’t it his swordsmanship that brought down that ice dragon?”
“Then let me speak as the current Director of the Magic Research Bureau and a Magic Knight. Luke’s dark magic, historically speaking—”
“…………”
A heated debate was unfolding between Luke’s sword master and magic master.
(Fufu, I’m glad big sis seems to be having fun. Haa, I’m hungry. When we arrive, I want to eat lots of sweets~)
Amidst all this, Freyja gazed out the window, wishing they would arrive soon—.
§
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