Chapter 2: Return
Around the time Rio and Sora met Eru in the Holy City Tonerico, Celia was arriving back at the Galarc Castle with Aria and her mother, Monica. As soon as the enchanted airship carrying them landed in the harbor of the castle, Christina promptly arranged an emergency meeting with them.
After Celia had delivered Christina’s letter to Duke Arbor, she had immediately set off for her home in the Claire territory to save her mother. The first half of her actions had been at Christina’s order, but the latter half had been entirely at her own discretion.
Celia and Christina sat face-to-face in King Francois’s office. Francois, Flora, Monica, and Liselotte were also present at the meeting.
“I sincerely apologize for acting of my own accord,” Celia said before anything else, bowing deeply.
Christina let out a breath of relief before addressing Celia and her mother. “There’s no need for any apologies. Lady Liselotte informed me of the situation. I’m glad you’ve returned safely, Professor Celia. Lady Monica too. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you for the first time.”
“It’s an honor to meet you, Your Highness. Thank you for all the consideration you’ve granted my daughter and our family,” Monica responded respectfully.
“I’ve heard that you were born with a weak constitution. How are you feeling?”
“There’s no need for any concern. I’m in perfectly good condition, especially after seeing my daughter again after so long.”
“That’s good to hear. Now... Can you tell me what happened on your journey in your own words, Professor?” Christina asked, turning to Celia.
“Of course.”
Thus, Celia gave an official report of the events that had transpired after she left the Galarc Castle as Christina’s envoy.
As they’d all expected, Duke Arbor had set up a trap to capture Celia at the fort, but she’d managed to fight off his forces and escape to Amande. She met up with Liselotte there and sought her assistance, explaining the situation before leaving for Cleia along with Aria. When they arrived in Cleia, they encountered mercenaries waiting in ambush at her family home. Celia and Aria joined hands to successfully repel them, and...
“After that, father remained in the territory and mother boarded the airship back to Galarc with us. It was all thanks to Aria that we were able to fight off the ambush at my family home. Liselotte, thank you for allowing Aria to come along with me.”
Celia concluded her report with words of gratitude for Liselotte. Christina and Monica immediately gave their thanks as well, while Flora bowed her head silently.
“I’m just glad you made it back safely. Good work, Aria,” Liselotte said somewhat shyly.
Aria bowed. “It’s my honor.”
“That aside... How in the world did you escape the fort, Professor?” Christina asked curiously, watching Celia’s face for her reaction. It wasn’t as though she doubted her—she valued Celia’s abilities as a sorcerer more than anyone else. But no matter how skilled a sorcerer was, their abilities were generally specialized in magic alone.
Thus, it was hard to believe Celia had avoided capture in a closed space like a fort, surrounded by so many knights. Something out of the ordinary had to have happened. Liselotte had reported how Celia had left Amande by flying with magic, so Christina probably wanted to hear more about that. Sure enough—
“The truth is, I’ve recently learned a new magic...” Celia revealed.
◇ ◇ ◇
Roughly half an hour later, Celia was back at the mansion where Miharu and the other residents were staying.
“Celia!”
Everyone waiting outside the front door rushed over at the first sight of Celia.
“I’m home, everyone,” Celia greeted them, looking a little taken aback. Everyone watched her as though they all had something they wanted to say.
“Wh-What’s wrong?”
“I heard you were back, so I explained the situation to them,” Charlotte revealed with a grin. With that, everything made sense. Celia’s face twitched with guilt.
And the reason was because she had decided to deliver Christina’s letter to Duke Arbor while being fully aware of the trap awaiting her. She had asked Charlotte to stay quiet about it to the others in the mansion.
“The time limit on my silence was until your return. Since my promise came to an end, I told everyone without keeping any secrets.”
Charlotte smiled at Celia as though to say, “You chose to walk into danger without telling anyone, so now you have to face their wrath.”
“A-Aha ha... Umm... Well...”
“Celia!” Latifa cried, latching on to Celia in a hug.
“Suzune...” Celia hugged her back tightly.
“Why didn’t you say anything to us?”
“I didn’t want anyone to worry. It was my duty as a noble of the Beltrum Kingdom to go.”
It had been decided in an agreement between the Restoration and the Beltrum Kingdom that the people of Count Claire’s family would serve as messengers between the two organizations. Duke Arbor had also demanded that Celia go to the fort alone this time.
If Celia had ignored this demand and gone with someone else, she would have been in violation of the agreement. Duke Arbor would have had the perfect excuse to launch an attack on the Restoration—and to pursue liability from whoever had helped them along the way. It was why Celia had had to go alone, without relying on anyone else’s power.
I can’t let Rio and Aishia protect me forever...
And she didn’t regret that decision. Even if she were to do it all again, she would make the same choice. Certain of this, Celia didn’t have a hint of regret in her face.
“Umm, I apologize for making you all worry. But I didn’t want to drag all of you into the mess of our kingdom once again. You’re all important to me, and I believed this was something I couldn’t rely on others for.”
Celia apologized for causing worry, then conveyed her thoughts firmly. The others seemed to understand how strong her will was and swallowed their breaths. But that didn’t mean they could just accept it in their hearts.
“Still, it wasn’t very trusting of you...”
“That’s right. It’s great that you came back safely, but...”
Sara and Alma frowned in vexation. They had probably wanted to go along with her.
“It’s okay. I’ve actually gotten a lot stronger while you weren’t looking,” Celia said cheerfully, hoping to clear away the heavy atmosphere. She clenched her fist and held her right arm up as though to flex her biceps.
Everyone gave her a dubious look.
“Aha ha...” Celia laughed awkwardly.
“Everyone, please scold Lady Celia more for making me keep quiet about everything,” Charlotte said with a sigh.
“My deepest apologies, Princess Charlotte.”
“It’s not something to apologize for. We have guests here, so let’s leave it at that. I’ll spread some half-truths later to trouble you, so be prepared for that,” Charlotte said, turning away in a huff.
“Okay.” Celia nodded with a smile.
Welcome back, Celia.
Aishia... Hi, I’m home.
Aishia chose that moment to speak while in her spirit form.
“Now, who is this lovely lady over here? She looks extremely similar to you, Lady Celia,” Charlotte said, looking at Monica standing behind Celia. Incidentally, Liselotte and Aria had also come along with them after they left Francois’s office.
“I am Celia’s mother, Monica Claire. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Monica took a step forward and pinched the hem of her dress in an elegant greeting.
“Huh?! M-Mother?! Of Celia?!” Satsuki raised her voice in shock.
“Yes, Celia’s mother.” Monica nodded cheerfully.
“Y-You look like you’re in your early twenties...”
Satsuki was seventeen, so she had thought Monica was just a little older than her.
“Oh my, how flattering. But I’m easily over twice that age.”
“Whaaat?!”
No way! She’s gotta be kidding! She looks so young—they look like sisters!
Satsuki looked between Monica and Celia with her jaw dropped.
“B-But I can see the resemblance to Celia... So her youthful appearance was inherited from her mom...” she muttered to herself.
“Pretty...” Latifa murmured in awe as she clung to Celia.
Satsuki and Latifa weren’t the only ones like that. The others were similarly wide-eyed and taken aback by how young Monica appeared.
“What a beauty,” Gouki accidentally muttered.
His wife Kayoko shot him a cold glare from where she stood beside him. “Yes, dear?”
Gouki cleared his throat awkwardly. “Aha ha...”
Celia smiled bashfully at having to introduce her mother to everyone.
“Oh my, so you were Lady Celia’s mother? I am Charlotte, Second Princess of the Galarc Kingdom. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
The first to regain their movement was Charlotte. She smiled in delight and amusement as she greeted Monica.
“Why, I’ve heard so much about you, Princess Charlotte. Thank you for treating my daughter so well all the time.”
“Not at all. Lady Celia has treated me just as well, so I consider her a close friend of equal standing.”
“Oh my, of equal standing? What an honor that is!”
As members of noble society, there was a distinct difference in status between high-ranking royalty and the daughter of a count. Using the words “equal standing” between two people of such difference was no trivial matter.
“I’m not the only one either. Everyone here considers Lady Celia a beloved friend of theirs,” Charlotte said, looking around at the others.
“Yes... I could tell from the earlier conversation that everyone treasures my daughter greatly. As a mother, I couldn’t be happier. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.”
Monica bowed her head low to the residents of the mansion. Everyone blushed in embarrassment.
“Ehe heh.”
Latifa was also one of those smiling embarrassedly. She hugged Celia even tighter, making Celia blush faintly too.
“Come to think of it, I still haven’t said this yet.”
Satsuki scratched her cheek and looked up at the blue sky awkwardly. She then looked back down at Celia with a gaze of friendship.
“Welcome home, Celia,” she said, happy for her return.
◇ ◇ ◇
Afterwards, Celia went inside the mansion and reported what happened outside to the others. The contents of her report were the same as what she’d explained to Christina and Francois, so she finished repeating everything from beginning to end in a few minutes.
Of course, everyone wholly trusted Celia, but what she said was a little hard to believe. They all seemed taken aback or bewildered, unable to comprehend immediately.
“And so, Princess Christina and His Majesty said they wanted to see my magic for themselves. They’ll be coming over here in a bit,” Celia said. She watched everyone’s reactions, then turned to address Gouki. “If possible, I’d like to ask you to spar with me.”
Gouki nodded hesitantly. As far as he could see, even as they were conversing, Celia was full of openings. It felt like he could overpower her easily.
“For now, you’ll just have to see for yourself.”
Seeing was believing. Celia wrapped things up with a wry smile, knowing it would be fastest to actually spar and show them in person.
◇ ◇ ◇
After that, Christina and Francois arrived at the mansion. The group moved to the back garden to hold their match. As everyone watched on, Celia recited the ancient flying-magic spell and wings of light grew from her back.
“Alis Luminis!”
Her body immediately lifted up against gravity, feet hovering just above the ground. Everyone was wide-eyed and speechless. They had heard the report of Celia’s learning magic that allowed her to fly, but seeing it with their own eyes was a truly divine sight.
“Amazing! You’re like an angel, Celia!”
Latifa approached Celia with sparkling eyes. She was about to throw herself at Celia at any moment.
“Ah, be careful you don’t touch the wings on my back. They’re made of thermal energy, so they’re hot to the touch,” Celia warned.
“Okay!” Latifa froze and raised her hands obediently.
“It’s beautiful! You truly are like an angel, Professor Celia!” Flora, who had come to watch things, praised Celia too.
“Thank you very much. I’ll take a test flight and show you how it works,” Celia said shyly, before beginning to fly. She rose upwards before flying freely in the sky above the mansion at a rapid speed.
“Hmm...” Francois let out a fascinated hum at the sight.
Celia continued flying for another ten or so seconds before returning to the ground and landing softly.
“And that’s how I fly. I used this magic to move around on my journey. Are there any questions?”
“This...is a completely new type of magic, isn’t it? Did you develop it yourself?” Christina asked.
“No, this isn’t a new magic, but an ancient one. I merely learned it by analyzing the spell formula,” Celia said, mixing the truth with lies. In reality, she had learned several ancient magic spells out of the blue one day—the same day she’d suddenly remembered Rio and Aishia, who had become transcendent ones. But she couldn’t say that.
“You...analyzed an ancient magic formula?” Christina asked with bated breath.
That was only natural. There were countless ancient spell formulas that couldn’t be analyzed using modern knowledge of sorcery, but they were all more advanced than modern sorcery and believed to be impossible to use. Analyzing and using one was a tremendous feat.
In modern Strahl, there were only two means for people to fly: boarding an enchanted airship, or owning a flying beast. It was easy to imagine what would happen if a third option was added.
If Celia published the formula in a thesis, her name would be remembered throughout history for the achievement. She would even be able to amass enough wealth for her family to live in luxury for generations to come.
“Yes... I spent many years in Beltrum working on it, and I finally managed to succeed just before leaving for the fort.”
Knowing that it was a little too far-fetched to have succeeded in analyzing ancient magic with such convenient timing, Celia held her breath while watching the expressions of those listening to her.
“Amazing... As expected of you, Professor.”
But Christina showed no sign of suspicion as she openly praised her with reverence in her voice. She didn’t think Celia was lying, and she believed from the bottom of her heart that Celia was capable of such a thing.
“Thank you very much...”
In addition to having learned the magic through no effort of her own, the fact she was lying to her former student who respected her so much made Celia shamefully lower her head.
“Then...would it be possible for us to learn that magic too?” Christina asked hesitantly.
The unvoiced questions that came after her words were, “Is it possible for you to teach us this magic too?” and, “Do you intend on publicizing the contract formula required to obtain the magic?” As someone in an administrative position, it was a question she had to ask.
Incidentally, when it came to newly developed spell formulas or newly analyzed ancient formulas, intellectual property rights came into effect. The details varied depending on the kingdom, but the law generally gave the rights of the spell formula to the developer or analyzer. Thus, if Celia claimed she didn’t want to publicize the formula, her decision had to be respected no matter how useful the spell was.
“Right... I can publicize the formula necessary for a contract, but I believe there are several problems that will prevent it from being used widely.”
“Problems...?”
“If I were to put it simply, the magic chooses who can use it. First, there won’t be many people compatible with the spell formula. Even with compatibility, the spell will require the ability of a considerably skilled sorcerer to succeed in forming the contract. Finally, once the magic is activated, flying itself requires a great amount of magic control...”
“So the number of people who can use it will be limited.”
Specifically speaking, it would require the same amount of essence control that non-spirit folk needed to use the difficult flying spirit art. There were humans like Rio who managed to learn it with their exceptional talent, but they were an exception.
“It consumes a lot of magic essence too, so it chooses who can use it in that way as well. The spell formula itself is also quite complex, so it will be quite troublesome just preparing the spell formula necessary to form a contract. Even with my knowledge, I would only be able to support three or four—at most ten—people in learning it.”
“In that case, can I ask that you submit your knowledge and the technique required for the contract formula?” Christina asked apologetically.
After losing their headquarters in Rodania, the current Restoration had no real usable assets. Even if Celia handed over her valuable knowledge and the techniques of the spell, she wouldn’t receive much in return right away. However—
“Of course. Please use it as one of your playing cards,” Celia agreed immediately. Even King Francois’s eyes widened at her admirable loyalty.
“Thank you very much. Although it won’t happen right away, I promise you will be compensated properly for this.”
Christina bowed deeply, expressing her gratitude to Celia.
“Please don’t worry about that! I have other magic spells I’d like to demonstrate too. Gouki, can I ask you for that sparring match now?”
“I’m ready whenever you are. Kayoko, please serve as the umpire.”
Gouki nodded warmly and accepted Celia’s sparring request.
◇ ◇ ◇
Afterwards, Celia and Gouki made their way to the back of the garden and stood facing each other, a fair distance away from Christina and the others. Celia held a wooden one-handed sword and Gouki held a wooden katana. Kayoko positioned herself between them.
“You’re really using a sword?” Gouki asked, observing Celia.
“Yes.” Celia nodded. The way she held herself was nothing like a soldier—it was clear she had never held the sword before. She could barely hold the wooden sword intended for one-handed use, and she struggled to support its center of gravity.
I can only see all the holes in her guard...
According to the report, Celia had used a powerful physical body enhancement to fight with a sword. But now that he was facing her, it didn’t seem like she was hiding her abilities on purpose. Gouki tilted his head.
Furthermore, the onlookers watching them from a distance away could also see how unreliable Celia’s sword form looked. They looked on worriedly.
“You’re sure she’ll be all right, Aria?” Liselotte asked her attendant beside her. Aria was the only one here who had seen Celia fight with a sword before, having accompanied her on her journey. Everyone’s attention focused on her for her answer.
“Yes. I believe you’ll all be astounded.” Aria nodded with a cheerful smile.
“Please allow me to use two spells before we begin. The magic is necessary for me to fight with a sword and will not directly harm you,” Celia said, seeking Gouki’s permission to use magic.
“Of course. Go ahead.” Gouki was here in order to test that magic. He had no reason to refuse.
“Then... Assumo: Gladius.”
Celia took a deep breath and recited the spell. The geometrical spell formula that immediately surrounded her was far more complex than the magic for a regular physical body enhancement.
“That’s...” Christina murmured in surprise.
“Oh?” Gouki hummed in interest, bracing his wooden katana at the ready. The air around Celia had changed as soon as she was surrounded by the spell formula.
The way she held her sword, her stance, her center of gravity, the way her muscles were at ease—it was all perfect. Even the look in her eyes and her expression were now sharp and refined. She was like a completely different person.
Standing in the place of the girl who’d seemed like she had never held a sword before was a veteran swordmaster.
“Celia...?”
Sara and Alma, who often stood on the front line of battle themselves, had also noticed that change. They were wide-eyed as they wondered if that was really their friend.
How mysterious...
The corner of Gouki’s mouth turned up in a smirk. There had been nothing but holes in Celia’s guard earlier, yet now her guard was perfect. The light of the spell formula around Celia eventually faded.
“Si vis pacem, para bellum.” Celia used additional magic; another complex spell formula lit up around her, enveloping her delicate body. Then, the magic essence flowing from her body swelled dramatically. It was proof she had used a physical body enhancement only possible through spirit arts or ancient enchanted swords.
“This is indeed something else...”
Gouki instantly understood what had happened to Celia’s body and used spirit arts to enhance his own physical body. With this, they were on equal footing.
“I’m ready,” Celia said, letting them know the match could begin.
“Give the sign quickly, Kayoko,” Gouki said to his wife without hiding his excitement.
“While the use of magic and techniques has been approved of, ensure that neither of you lose yourselves in the heat of the moment,” Kayoko warned.
“I know.”
“Right.”
Gouki and Celia replied together.
“Then...you may begin.”
At last, the match was to begin.
Both sides immediately leaped forward. They had been standing ten-odd meters away from each other, so the distance between them was closed instantly.
At the same time, they both swung their weapons. The collision of wood on wood made a deafening noise that echoed through the garden.
“Guh...”
Celia’s eyes widened faintly. Gouki’s lips were curled in a delighted smirk. But they both kept swinging their weapons without pause.
The sound of wood striking wood multiplied endlessly. They each kept their weapons moving in an attempt to land an effective hit on the other, but their opponent kept blocking them from doing so.
They stood there exchanging blows for a while, then both started running again. They would close in on each other and draw apart again in an attempt to outwit the other, using feints to read the other’s movements and catch them off guard.
It was obviously a match between two masters. No one could believe less than a minute had passed. Time seemed to flow slower due to how densely packed each moment was. Every last observer was rendered speechless.
“Just when did Professor Celia learn such swordcraft?” Christina barely managed to ask. Her question was directed towards Aria, who had traveled with Celia. Before the match, Celia had asked her to take on the role of commentator.
“The first magic she used allows her to recreate the movements of a master swordsman. Celia herself called it something akin to cheating, and I wholly agree with her,” Aria explained with a wry smile. The magic was able to replicate natural talent with swords and years of training in a single moment. Indeed, it felt exactly like foul play. However...
“Does that mean everyone can fight like the professor if they use that magic?”
“Theoretically, yes. But that magic is quite difficult to obtain in itself...”
It wasn’t a magic that could be used by anyone. Aria explained how only a very talented sorcerer could learn the spell.
“Besides, it comes with more harm than good for people with a certain level of military training,” Aria added further.
“Why is that?”
“The movements ingrained into your body over long years of training will become an obstruction to the spell. This magic exists for people who have never held a sword properly.”
In other words, it was a magic for people who were blessed with talent as sorcerers but useless as warriors. It was perfect for Celia.
“What about the second magic she used?”
“A magic that has the same effect as the physical body enhancement sorcery found on ancient enchanted swords. You can consider it a direct upgrade to the magic Augendae Corporis.”
It was a spell that allowed someone without an enchanted sword to move on par with someone who had one. They were both effects that could not be reproduced using modern magic.
Christina fell speechless once more and stared at Celia. Winged flying magic, hero imitation magic, hero cultivation magic. Celia had demonstrated these three spells in this short amount of time.
They should all be ancient magics that were impossible to decipher. And she managed to analyze not only one, but all three?
A world-renowned sorcerer could spend a lifetime analyzing such spells without any success. So how did Celia manage three at the same time? Was that even possible for Celia? Where had she even found undiscovered spell formulas in the first place?
No matter how much unconditional faith she had in Celia, even Christina was bewildered by the situation. And as for the two currently sparring...
Wow, I can’t find an opening at all...
Celia had just distanced herself from Gouki. They were evenly matched. In fact, Celia was the one resolutely attacking while Gouki skillfully thwarted her.
I only had a vague understanding of how strong people who fought with physical weapons were until now...
She distinctly understood Gouki’s strength now. Without showing it in her expression, Celia was extremely impressed.
“Shall we stop sparring here?” Gouki asked. Indeed, they had already succeeded in demonstrating Celia’s magic for everyone.
“Could we fight just a little more? I’d like to know how far I can go against you in my current state.” Celia requested the continuation of their match.
“Gladly. Did you want to use other magic too?” Gouki accepted readily. He was more than happy to spar against a strong opponent.
“Magic... No, I’d like to try fighting with only a sword.”
It was strange. She should have been a sorcerer in body and mind, yet she was holding a sword and feeling excitement as a warrior. That was what she had just noticed.
“Saving the magic fight for next time, are we? Very well, I shall look forward to that. I will fight with only this wooden blade too.”
“That being said, we shouldn’t keep the others waiting for too long. I intend on finishing things with my next move, so please keep that in mind.”
“Bwa ha ha! Sounds great. I never even dreamed of being able to banter with you in this way, Lady Celia. I accept your challenge!”
Gouki and Celia braced their weapons, ready to fight. Both sides fell silent in anticipation of the right moment to attack.
“...!”
That moment came within seconds. They both saw a chance of victory at the same time and moved.
Here he comes...!
Celia was currently able to process her surroundings as though everything was moving in slow motion. That was why she could see how Gouki was going to swing his sword and what path it would take. She made a sideways sweep with her sword to deflect Gouki’s own horizontal swing.
Just before their weapons made contact, Gouki’s wooden katana shifted trajectory just a little. He had seen Celia’s sword swing towards him from below and reacted.
The slightest hesitation was born in Celia’s sword path. She still attempted to correct her trajectory, but Gouki beat her to the punch. He had seen the hesitation in the tip of her sword and used that chance to swing his own with all his might. As a result—
“Huh?!”
Celia’s wooden sword flew through the air. She immediately retreated to retrieve it, but Gouki wasn’t about to allow that. The tip of his wooden katana pointed at her.
“I surrender.”
Celia declared her defeat, the strength draining from her body...but her expression was still bright.
That was amazing...
She was in pure awe of Gouki thanks to his victory. In the end, the match had been decided by Gouki’s combat instincts, developed from his many years of experience.
Although she had magically obtained the skill of a swordmaster, Celia still lacked the experience to make vital judgments under pressure. That’s why even though she knew how to move in her head, hesitation still showed in her movements.
That being said, it was enough to prove that Celia could fight at the level of a master.
“Dear me, I have no idea how that magic works, but our fight had my heart racing with excitement. Bravo!”
Gouki openly complimented Celia. Thus, the match between the two of them ended with Gouki’s victory.
◇ ◇ ◇
After the match, Celia, Gouki, and Kayoko returned to where the others had been watching from.
“That was amazing, Celia!” Latifa ran over and threw her arms around Celia tightly.
“Thank you.” Celia patted Latifa on the head gently as she looked around at everyone’s faces. They all had varying degrees of shock in their reactions. And rightly so—she had just shown off three powerful ancient magic spells and faced Gouki on equal footing in a sword battle. Celia still had ancient magic spells she was yet to demonstrate, but this was already unimaginable for her compared to a few days ago.
Did I go too far? Hmm...
Celia hesitated for a brief moment, but soon dismissed her worries. She had already made her decision—Rio and Aishia couldn’t fight openly anymore. She couldn’t allow them to keep protecting her. She couldn’t make them fight. She would be the one to protect herself.
That’s why going a little overboard was perfect. Hiding her strength could result in hesitation when an emergency happened—something which she had to prevent.
“What was that magic?! It was so cool! You’re amazing!” Latifa praised Celia with excitement.
“I know, right?” Celia puffed up proudly yet shyly. However...
Huh?
There was something she noticed. At times like this, it was normally Masato who made a loud fuss first. He was being oddly quiet today—or rather, he wasn’t around at all. The same went for Miharu and Aki.
Say, Aishia?
Celia called out to Aishia through telepathy.
Yes?
Do you know where Miharu and the others are?
In the castle...
Not the mansion? Did something happen?
Takahisa went missing.
“Huh?!” The shocking truth made Celia yelp out loud.
“Is something the matter, Celia?” Satsuki asked in surprise.
“Oh, no... I was just wondering where Miharu and the others went. Did something happen while I was gone?”
Celia attempted bringing up the topic awkwardly. A shadow fell across Satsuki’s face.
“Yes, in fact... Something did...”
Satsuki frowned bitterly and hesitated for a long moment before reluctantly answering with an affirmative.
“What happened...?”
“Looks like it’s our turn to do some explaining. Let’s move locations first.”
With a heavy sigh, Satsuki invited Celia back to the mansion.
◇ ◇ ◇
While Christina and the others returned to the castle with Francois, Celia relocated to a drawing room of the mansion with Satsuki, Charlotte, and Sara. She had just finished listening to the explanation of what had happened at the mansion during her absence.
“And so, it’s believed he ran from the castle this morning,” Satsuki said in summary.
“I can’t believe that happened while I was away... No wonder Miharu and the others weren’t around.”
“The three of them are at the castle with Princess Lilianna, waiting for a report from the search party.”
Satsuki had been with them earlier, but she had slipped away when she heard Celia had returned on behalf of the others.
“Have you found any clues on where Sir Takahisa was headed?”
“The hero’s facial features and hair color are unusual in the Strahl region. If he’s still in the city, he should be found within a few days,” Charlotte said, anticipating the search party’s success.
However, the physical abilities of a hero controlling a Divine Arms were superhuman. They could run fast enough to outspeed a wild beast, and they could easily jump over a ten-meter-high wall if they tried. Takahisa had probably left the castle using those abilities. They couldn’t assume he had moved within the range of a regular person.
“About that... If possible, I’d like to assist in the search,” Sara said, raising her hand.
“Lady Sara?”
“The spirit I’m contracted to, Hel, has a very sharp nose. I heard you were using dogs in the search party around the castle, so I’d like to join the search with your permission. Hel and I are able to communicate easily, so there’s a lot more information I can obtain.”
Even without relying on Hel, Sara was a werewolf herself. Her own nose was sharper than any human’s. While the distance she could smell was limited to a few meters, she was able to track someone down as long as the scent continued.
However, although she had revealed her spirit arts and contract spirit to them, the fact she was a werebeast was still secret. That’s why she volunteered using Hel as a reason.
“In that case, it would be very reassuring to have you...” Satsuki said, looking over at Charlotte. As royalty, her opinion was the most important.
“Won’t your contract spirit attract a lot of attention? Taking Hel around the city might cause unnecessary panic.”
Charlotte had seen Hel’s form before, and it had been big enough to swallow a human whole. It wasn’t hard to imagine how the people would react if she brought a giant wolf into town.
“The size of a spirit can be adjusted to an extent. The smaller end is closer to the size of a large dog, so the people in the city shouldn’t have anything to fear.”
Sara dispelled Charlotte’s concerns.
“In that case... I will explain things to father and obtain his permission. It will be evening soon, so could you join the search party tomorrow morning? I’ll assign my personal guards to you so that you can move around freely.”
Of course, the final right to decide remained with King Francois, but it was very likely he would agree. With that in mind, Charlotte gave her provisional permission. Charlotte’s guards also served as the guards of the mansion, so they were on familiar terms with Sara already.
“Just what is he doing, causing so much trouble and making everyone worry about him...?” Satsuki muttered bitterly, biting her lip. She had a lot of conflicted feelings about the current situation.
“Are Miharu and the others okay?” Celia was concerned about the mental condition of the others, who must have been shocked by Takahisa’s disappearance.
“The three have their own thoughts about what happened... I just hope they don’t feel responsible for it.” Despite Satsuki’s words, her own expression was gloomy with guilt.
“Hopefully he comes back soon. Thankfully, Lady Sara will be helping out too. Maybe he’ll even wander back when he gets hungry,” Charlotte said, trying to cheer Satsuki up in her own way.
“That would be for the best...” Satsuki finally smiled, although it was a weak one. “I just hope he didn’t wander someplace strange...” she murmured, gazing out the window with a distant look.
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