Chapter 52: Temptation
 

 
The Garland territory is the birthplace of Saint Claudia, so it is a popular tourist destination both domestically and internationally. As a tourism resource, it is one of the most valuable in the Leuville Kingdom, which is a testament to how the party that defeated the Night Witch is venerated. Especially regarding Saint Claudia, there are many mysterious legends, such as “she was resurrected after being burned at the stake” and “she was actually a spirit disguising itself as a human.” These somewhat dubious… no, mystical anecdotes have earned her many believers.
 
Right now, we are … Read the rest

“Hey, what do you mean?”
 

 
I caught Loretta the day after that dreadful meeting.
 
It’s unusual for me, who always acts swiftly, to let a day go by. It’s too slow, but that’s because Loretta, my best friend, has been evading me.
 
As a result, it was difficult to catch her. In the end, relying on my excellent intuition, I stormed into this room used for the meeting yesterday, and hit the mark perfectly.
 

 
“What’s wrong, all of a sudden?”
 

 
“Don’t play dumb. It’s about your arm, right?”
 

 
My gaze … Read the rest

Chapter 51: Luce, Berg, Leuville
 

 
I – Luce Berg Leuville – first met Loretta when we took the entrance exam for the academy.
 
…No, “met” may not be the right word. To be precise, I “saw” her.
 

 
As a child of the royal family of the Leuville Kingdom, where gaining power is an obligation, I had to pass the entrance exam for the magic academy on my own merits. But it’s not that difficult. As someone who has been educated as a royal, I have an advantage over the average student.
 

 
I couldn’t … Read the rest

Episode 50: Fleeting Back 
 
 
 
 
 
From birth, he had been blessed.  
 
He hadn’t experienced any particular hardships or made any special efforts. He was in an environment where he didn’t have to.  
 
That was Simeon Garland. 
 
The Garland territory, to begin with, was special compared to other territories.  
 
Its shine as the birthplace of the Holy Maiden Claudia, who once battled the Night Witch, was not only revered and cherished within the Kingdom of Leuville, but also held in high regard by other countries. It held great value as a pilgrimage and tourist destination. He could get away with some unreasonable … Read the rest

Chapter 49: Planning Meeting
 

 
After spending the night at the mansion of Lord Garland, we promptly began our discussions the following morning.
 
Present were myself, Luche, Charl, Noel, along with my close aide, Makina, and the knights dispatched from the capital.
 
Representing the Garland territory were a few Garland soldiers and, though not present yet, Simeon Garland, the Lord of Garland. Also in attendance was Loretta Garland, the eldest daughter of the Garland family.
 
With her silver hair and androgynous features, Loretta exuded an elegant charm that garnered her many fans, alongside Luche, at the magic academy. Being of … Read the rest

Chapter 48: To the Garland Estate
 

 
After rescuing the girl, Nenel, and retrieving the magic ring from her, I returned to Charl and the others. While explaining the situation to Makina, whom we encountered on the way, I instructed him to capture the men who were frozen in ice.
 
Back at the carriage, while Charl healed Nenel’s wounds, I briefly questioned her about the situation. I thought she might resist at first, but by the time Makina returned, Nenel surprisingly told us everything without much resistance.
 
It seems that in the Garland territory, there is an annual festival to … Read the rest

Chapter 47: Contract with the Demon
 

 
“Hey, you old bastards. You can’t talk your way out of this one.”
 
“Damn it…! Damn it…!”
 
While the other men paled and fell to their knees, Morgan was different.
 
He only glared at the black-haired boy with eyes boiling with hatred.
 
Looking into those eyes, she unconsciously stepped back. The hatred in them was like murky, burning magma, something the young Nenel couldn’t possibly understand or handle.
 
“……”
 
Her feet instinctively moved backward. Cold sweat poured out, unstoppable.
 
Scary.
 
Nenel was terrified of becoming like them.
 
“It’s okay.”
 
Pat, a hand rested … Read the rest

Chapter 46: The Power Known as Magic
 

 
Running through the lush greenery, the girl chuckled to herself.
 
This forest was her playground. She had the confidence that here, she wouldn’t get caught even if she played tag with adults.
 
“Huff, huff… serves them right.”
 
A royal carriage. Surely, those were the people the adults had mentioned, the ones who came to purify the “land god.”
 
The royals had come all this way to help that “land god.” That was unforgivable.
 
“Anyone trying to help that ‘land god’…”
 
She muttered to herself, releasing the pent-up frustration in her chest.
 
The … Read the rest

Episode 45: Change of Heart

Before I could stop him, Al-sama disappeared into the thicket. It’s childish to go as far as using strengthening magic just to chase after someone.

“Sigh… Please consider the one doing the chasing.”

Al-sama, or rather, combat prowess is essential for the royalty of this country. Even looking back through history, it’s not uncommon for them to be stronger than guards.

Well, that’s to be expected since they are tasked with fighting against the [Fragments], monstrous entities that only the royalty can defeat.

However,

as a guard, I can’t just let him go, and it’s … Read the rest

Episode 44: Romantic Comedy and Mischief

The carriage rattled softly as it moved along. Outside the window stretched a vibrant, emerald landscape, appearing as though it were adorned with a lush green carpet. Amidst this beautiful expanse of green, stood rows of sun-kissed, crimson roofs.

“Could it be? Is that it?”

Charl asked without tearing her gaze away from the scenery outside.

“Yes, we’ve arrived at Garland Territory, Charl-chan. Is this your first visit?”

“Yes, it is. Although I’ve heard of it as the birthplace of Saint Claudia, who once fought alongside the founding kings of the great nations, including … Read the rest